Feng Yu naturally knew of Miren Fei's stare; even though he didn't feel the heat, he didn't want to jump into that kind of fire, not until he organizes his other - affairs. Knowing full well of his inability to resist such bold women from his adventures with the Dragon Heiress, Jing Mingyun.
'I should be careful in these few months...' Feng Yu thought as he kept his head straight, the ‘southern wind’ didn't feel so good anymore.
Tao Shen's group looked at Feng Yu's party with strange looks, but none of them said anything; they had their matters to ponder.
Within the carriage, the two merchants were currently whispering amongst themselves while occasionally peeking at the group that joined their company.
"Like I said, they're quite strong. We could do even greater business if we can successfully enlist them into our Black Sand Commerce. You know how hard it is to find good enlister here in the south, were not so favorable like those darn Fox Lions which has major branches in the Margerum or Golden Dragon Empire."
The pointed beard merchant said as he stroked his beard.
The one-eyed fat merchant thought for a moment as he spoke in reply, "Hmm, your right, they've even recently opened a branch here in the Easthaven. We shouldn't let go of this chance to recruit good strong arms... so long as we can secure a monopoly over these special clothes, we'll be guaranteed to scale larger than even those Fox Lions."
As the merchants reached common ground, they inched near their carriage windows, preparing to call Feng Yu. However, right at this time, Tao Shen had a change.
As if Tao Shen recalled something, he made a curious look as he stared at Feng Yu and asked, "Oh, I just recalled, you mentioned something about traveling to the Oasis temporarily. Might I ask where your final destination is?"
The merchants made curious look, hearing those words; they looked at Feng Yu awaiting his reply.
Feng Yu was a bit spaced out because of his ‘southern influence,’ but he soon recovered as he looked at Tao Shen and replied, "Oh, that, it's no problem, my companions and I are traveling to a place known as the Weavers Enclave. I'm not quite sure where it's located as of yet, but I'm supposed to meet a friend there."
Upon hearing this, the merchants had shocked looks before they stared at each other with excitement; it seemed that their lucks hadn't run out yet.
However, Tao Shen and his men took on another bout of vigilance, while shocked by Feng Yu's statement, they knew full well that most who wanted to venture to the enclave wasn't of good intentions.
After calming his emotions, Tao Shen looked at Feng Yu and asked, "Might I ask who that person is that you're trying to meet?"
'Hmm... well now, it looks like I've found someone who knows a great deal about it. Then again, he does use threads to fight in a particular combat style, and while I have yet to see it in action, the clothes that he and his men are wearing are emanating a familiar but strange power. Judging by all of this, he might just be related to them, which means that the woman from Wuya's group—'
Feng Yu was a bit spaced out as he started to ponder things more deeply, but Tao Shen only grew more suspicious as he saw Feng Yu silent for too long.
As if he sensed his mistake, Feng Yu soon made an apologetic smile as he spoke, "Ah, forgive me, I was a bit distracted, yes the person I am seeking should be a disciple of the enclave. Her name is He Xiu."
As Tao Shen heard those words, his eyes widened, he stared at Feng Yu in silence for a short while, the merchants made puzzled looks as they didn't know the ins and outs of the enclave. However, for someone like Tao Shen, he knew a lot more, especially about the shocking events that occurred not so long ago.
His manner soon took a turn, followed by his comrades who soon after bowed in Feng Yu's directions as they spoke in unison.
"We thank the Masked One for his gracious actions!"
"The Masked One? What the hell are they saying?" The merchants whispered in confusion.
On the other hand, Feng Yu made a surprised look before smiling; he knew what they meant by using such terms and understood that they had recognized him as the felon named Crimson Mask.
"Haha, no need to thank me, we're all friends." Feng Yu said warmly as he stared at Tao Shen, who soon lifted his head and looked at him with a more friendly look.
"Indeed, we are..." Tao Shen said with a similar tone.
The scene here taking on an even better mood as the group continued soon after arriving at the last stretch, as the Oasis was now in plain sight.
Chapter 295
The Oasis, Surging Undercurrents
The Oasis was a special place for those within these parts of the hellish desert of the southern lands. It is a place of refuge, meant to soothe the weary souls of the mercenaries and travelers alike that dared to roam these sands.
Peering at it from a distance, one would see a large lake that spanned a few hundred meters with trees and different structures built around it, making the entire area seem no different from a small town.
The structures were mostly of a square shape with many tents of assorted colors erected on the sandy floor, each having men and women vendors of varying skin tones from dark to light garbed in typical desert wears. Some wore more revealing clothes that wrapped core areas as others were fully clad in cloth, showing only their eyes.
Occasionally, one would notice a few non-southerners moving about with various essence beasts as mounts, wearing uniforms from smaller sects found only in the Golden Dragon Empire and the Margerum Empire. The entire town had a lively vibe as the people's voices sounded everywhere, filling with a rich atmosphere.
At this time, the wide-open entrance crowded with newcomers, some carrying a cold air as they wore black cloth with blades on their backs, riding on the backs of large dark-skinned horses. Others had a more friendly but indifferent aura; they each had shaved heads with a metallic pole on their backs garbed in loose-fitting cloth with a sash binding their waste.
A peddler who was dealing with strange desert plants looked at this group with surprise as he spoke to his companion.
"Hey look, that's a Desert Hunter Unit of the Bandit Union branch in Bandit Town, and a few core disciples of the Southern Revolution's Desert Shaolin Temple. With the grudges between both sides, I didn't think I'd see the day both would act in accordance, since when did they pay attention to the affairs in our remote region?"
The female companion made a suspicious look as they replied, "Hmm, I'm not sure, but it looks like things won't be so simple, take a look, it's not only them, but quite a few key groups are hidden in this batch of newcomers."
As the male peddler heard those words, his eyes showed a trace of surprise as he saw a few peculiar groups staring at the Desert Hunters and the Desert Shaolin. They moved behind each other in a single file, much like a well-coordinated team headed towards the Oasis's core regions.
The peddler looked at the direction they went with a trace of surprise as he spoke in a low voice, "That direction... it couldn't be. Are they here because of that rumor?"
The female companion showed a pale look as she heard those words; she knew very well what that rumor meant; she was about to say something more, but right at this time, she couldn't help but notice a few other newcomers.
The male peddler also noticed the new party, his eyes narrowed before it returned to normal as he spoke, "Thing's aren't looking good for those of the enclave, but I suppose that isn't for us to worry over."
Before she nodded in agreement, the female thought for a moment, the two now staring in silence as the new party slowly entered the Oasis.
With a gust of wind, dust went soaring about the open space as Tao Shen and Feng Yu's parties had suddenly arrived at the entrance. They slowly urged their Desert Prowlers at the sides and forefront of the carriage at their center while taking in the sights around them.
A few persons noticed their arrival, but few paid them any attention as they were all focused on the more prominent factions that had arrived.
&
nbsp; "Finally, we’re back, whew! Spending more than a month outside was beginning to take its toll," Tao Shen said with a relieved expression, his manner now a bit more open as he didn't see a need to treat Feng Yu's party like strangers.
"Hahaha, leader, you’re the same as always," The other members of his team said as they looked at him and laughed.
Tao Shen had an awkward expression as he stared at his lifelong companions and spoke, "Che! You bastards, keep embarrassing me and you'll get no pay."
As if the words were useful, the laugher stopped in an instant as everyone took on a solemn mood, looking no different from strict soldiers in the field.
The merchants in the carriage looked at them with disgust, but none of them said anything; they wanted to keep a good impression for their later attempts of discussion with Feng Yu's group.
Feng Yu looked at the scene with a smile but said nothing; neither did Lang Kuang, Leon, or Dai Lin, who seemed to be observing the tents.
Unlike them, however, Miren Fei, who silently rode her Desert Prowler from behind, smiled as she spoke, "They're livelier than I thought,"
"Hehe, indeed, Sister Fei, since were now in a new town, don't you think we should do some shopping?" Tuzi Baoli said as she inched over to Miren Fei's side.
Myria, who was nested within Miren Fei's bosom, had a curious look in her eyes as she spoke, "Shopping?"
Miren Fei, hearing Tuzi Baoli's words, had an exciting look; she thought for a moment looking at her current desert-style dress noticing that it was a bit too plain and simple.
'Maybe If I get some more exciting clothing... then...' When Miren Fei's thoughts reached here, her eyes inadvertently swept towards Feng Yu's direction before looking away.
Tuzi Baoli was a sharp woman, especially as her blood was that of rabbits, known for their passionate nature. She made a sly smile as she thought to herself, 'Well now, I didn't notice this before, it looks like my friend here has the hots for the young master. Hehe, this is so fun, maybe I should help out.'
As if she made up her mind, Tuzi Baoli tapped the dazed Miren Fei's shoulder and spoke in a whispering tone, "Sister Fei, you're in love with the young master, aren't you?"
Miren Fei was shocked by Tuzi Baoli's words, her face turned crimson as she trembled a bit, she looked up at her wanting to fiercely deny it, but as she saw the look in Tuzi Baoli's eyes, she could only bit her lips and nod in reply.
Tuzi Baoli giggled at this as she spoke, "Hehe, that's great, tell you what, I know a trick that's guaranteed to help."
Miren Fei looked at her with eyes filled with expectation; Tuzi Baoli prepared to speak again, but at this time, Tira, who was holding onto Tiana, came over and asked, "Hmm, you girls have been yapping away in quiet for too long; what's got you both so excited?"
Tiana looked at the scene curiously but said nothing; it seemed she was trying to analyze the situation.
Myria took this chance to speak, “These girls are thinking of shopping for lovers.”
Miren Fei blushed a bit, as even Tuzi Baoli had a slightly embarrassed look, she didn’t think Myria would say it like that out of the blue.
Still, Miren Fei knew that Tira had already known her little secret, she didn't show shyness. Hearing Myria’s words, Tira could already infer the ins and outs; a fond smile came on her face as she spoke.
"Ho, so that's it, haha, I've wanted to do something about this since our time in the east, but it looks like it had slipped my mind. Ladies, there is more than one way to the heart of a man; after we settle down, I'll show you the unique trick about shopping."
Tuzi Baoli smiled as it seemed that Tira was on the same page as her; Miren Fei looked at the two before nodding; she had her own ideas as well; she spoke with a slightly reddish face, "Fine, I'll join you both later."
Following her confirmation, the girls then started to chat about other things while looking around at the scene.
Lang Kuang looked in the direction of Tuzi Baoli and the other girls as he frowned while thinking, ‘Hmm, those girls... what are they up to?’
After his time with Baoli, he knew that women weren't as they seem; after maturing to a certain extent, they'll lose the innocence of their younger years, even the once innocent childhood friend could even transform into another breed.
Lang Kuang narrowed his eyes, feeling a dark intent as he saw them whispering while glancing at different parts of the town.
Dai Lin paid no heed to any of this, nor did Toram or Leon; the trio carried a cold air as they inspected the people.
Toram frowned as he inched closer to them and spoke, "There's something strange about the vibe here, it seems lively on the surface, but I can smell that something's cooking up underneath it."
When Toram said this, his eyes locked onto a few persons that were smiling while walking, but as they moved by Feng Yu's and Tao Shen's group, their eyes emanated a cold radiance as they stared fixedly onto the members of Tao Shen's party.
Looking at them closely, one would notice that they each wore a red cloth around their waists, with their torso bare, filled with many different markings, a few totem necklaces were even hanging around their chests.
Tao Shen and his company also looked at them with sharp looks, but as if they were only passing by, the strange party moved along before fading into the crowd behind them.
Tao Shen had a dark look on his face as he pondered, 'For even a group like them to appear here, could it be that the recent rumor was true? Crap, if it’s like this, then this won't be such a simple Grand Exchange.'
While Tao Shen had his own thoughts on the matter, the two merchants who sat within the carriage also noted the change; they looked at each other with a similar look in their eyes but said nothing.
By this point, Dai Lin, who heard Toram's words, had a look of understanding as he spoke with a mental message, 'You might just be right; it looks like we'll need to observe the proceedings for a while longer.'
Toram nodded as he said nothing more but kept his vigilance up; Lang Kuang also heard Toram's words; he gave him a look and spoke with him through mental messaging.
After saying his piece to Toram, Dai Lin quickly neared Feng Yu's side with his mount as he spoke with a mental message.
'Young Master, I have reasons to believe that the Weavers Enclave is experiencing quite a predicament at this time. We must act with caution...’
Feng Yu glanced at Dai Lin before shifting his eyes to the stern-looking face of Tao Shen as he replied with his mind, ‘I know, let's see how things play out for now. Tell the others to not act recklessly during our stay here as you guys still haven't found proper means of isolating your identities. For now, I'll solve everything that pops up with my current alias.’
Dai Lin looked at Feng Yu deeply before making a slight bow as he replied with another mental message, ‘As you wish.’
After Dai Lin went to address everyone, Feng Yu looked around with keen eyes; he noticed that they had arrived at the entire Oasis's core area. The lakeside was right behind a collection of larger buildings from different powers and factions reigned in the south, most of which belonged to small groups. Curiously though, there was an even more notable building titled the House of Weavers.
At this time, Tao Shen had finally recovered to his normal state; he looked at the building before them before turning to Feng Yu as he spoke, "We've finally arrived. Sir Benefactor, we would like to provide a temporary resting place for you in our main auction house. After settling our business with our esteemed merchants, we'll be sure to guide you to the enclave."
When Feng Yu heard this, he thought for a moment before he looked at him and replied, "Sure, lead the way, and please... call me, Crimson Mask."
Tao Shen smiled as he heard Feng Yu's words; he peered at the red eyes that stared at him from the openings on the mask as if trying to peek at his expression. However, he didn't say anything more as he soon guided their group towards the large building entrance. However, as the merchants listened to the name, th
ey both showed looks of shock as the look which they gave Feng Yu became different in entirety.
Chapter 296
House of Weavers, Good and Bad News
The Crimson Mask, who in the south didn't hear of this name? It might not be extremely famous or even worthy of the strongest forces, but for most practitioners, small factions, key parties, and a certain family from Easthaven. It is no different from the menacing devil who ruined one of the most important events across the south.
In fact, there were wanted posters littered about a few areas with sizeable rewards being offered by the Cui Family, seeking to capture him dead or alive.
Gulp! The two merchants swallowed their spits as their foreheads started to run with sweat; they knew full well that such a dangerous character wouldn't have an easy time in the south, even more so when he can boldly proclaim his name as if he didn't care about getting recognized.
"That... do we.... do we still try to seek the strength of someone like this?" The skinny merchant with a sharp beard whispered to the fat merchant.
The fat merchant thought for a moment before he gazed out of the carriage window at Feng Yu and whisperingly replied, "Though he's already made friends with those of the enclave. It wouldn't do them any good to reject our offer, especially since it would seem that the rumor was true. For even the Burning Totem Palace of the Black Dunes to show up here in such a hostile manner shows that things won't end quite easily. Any smart man would know which choice to make..."
When the fat merchant spoke those words, his eyes flashed as he recalled the previous group that showed hostility to Tao Shen's party.
The skinny merchant nodded in agreement when he heard about the Burning Totem Palace's members, but as he thought for a bit, he showed a pensive look as he asked, "Huh, wait, you said that those rumors were true, then do you mean that..."
The fat merchant smiled as he replied, cutting off his words, "Correct, it would appear that the Enclave's Master had truly gone missing."
The skinny merchant had to flash eyes as he spoke, "Interesting, then if it's true, it would be favorable for us, and a lot of parties. I can see why those of the Burning Totem Palace would show up here. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if that bunch from Bandit Town shows up; they have just as much hatred with the enclave as those other Black Dune felons. Huhu... with this much seething chaos, these fellows can't reject our proposal, especially if we use the identity of that Crimson Mask as leverage."
Dual Sword God: Book 7: The Crimson Devil of the Redlands Page 8