Chapter 88

Feng Yan and Chen Hao arrived at the Dwarves' dwelling, and the Dwarves eagerly asked about the Li Guo army; after answering each question, the Dwarves finally breathed a sigh of relief.

By then it was evening; the setting sun cast its light on the golden maple leaves, perhaps because summer was ending, some of the leaves began to turn red.

Feng Yan and Chen Hao stared at the sun; they still felt some worry, for although the enemy's strength wasn't particularly strong, their numbers gave an overwhelming advantage. Though this time the two had tricked those soldiers with a bit of cleverness, what about next time? No one can guarantee such luck every time, so their immediate goal became clear: to quickly raise a fighting force.

Thanks to the participation of the two Adventurers, the Dwarves' morale rose; even Zhang Xiaobo's departure went unnoticed. In their view, the prophecy had begun to take effect, their god had returned, and the Adventurers too had begun to fight for their freedom.

As the sun set, the dry heat in the air faded; the evening breeze brushed their faces, and everyone showed a pleased smile. They didn't want to spoil this rare atmosphere, so they cooled off, enjoying the tranquility before the war.

The Dwarf Clan Leader was puzzled—why had the entire army withdrawn outright? Could it be the fame of the Adventurers? No, that's impossible; at the outbreak of war they couldn't be frightened by mere reputation, otherwise what would they be doing on the battlefield? Holding these doubts, the clan leader couldn't help stepping forward and asking, "I have some questions; I'd like you two to answer."

"Go on," Chen Hao said, smiling at the clan leader's doubtful expression, and replied.

"Exactly, how did you two repel that great army?" the clan leader pressed.

"Repel?" Chen Hao and Feng Yan glanced at each other, then laughed loudly and continued, "We didn't lift a finger at all—we just used a few tricks. They wouldn't work elsewhere, but in this country they're absolutely the best method."

"What method?" the clan leader guessed a few possibilities, and to confirm the answer he kept asking.

Chen Hao said: "When we first arrived in Li Guo, the guards stopped us demanding a toll—or a fee—ordinary people would give just a copper coin or a silver piece, but we tossed a gold brick; it fell to the ground, and they fought over it, giving me an idea."

"You mean paving the way with money?" the clan leader ventured.

"Exactly, we later used a gold brick at the inn as well—supposedly that brick could buy a month's stay there, with the best private room and meals. When we later came to the Wanggong, we used the same method to humiliate the Prince. So I thought, if this country measures status by money, or put plainly, wealth makes you the big boss, then my idea works!" Chen Hao explained to the clan leader, also telling him that the plan had been set even before they arrived here.

"I see, but our strength now is simply no match for their army!" the clan leader said anxiously.

Chen Hao chuckled, saying, "Haven't you forgotten there's still another organization?"

"Wait!" Feng Yan hurriedly interjected, "Do you mean……?"

Chen Hao nodded, indicating his meaning.

Feng Yan's expression turned grave as he continued: "I'm not saying it won't work; it certainly is a method, but what you've thought of, they'll think of too—and I've heard something!"

"What is it?" Chen Hao asked, listening to Feng Yan while analyzing the situation.

"The King seems to have gone mad after getting hold of the Treasure Chest we took out of the cave earlier!" Feng Yan said.

"Mad, huh—for us that's both good news and bad," Chen Hao replied thoughtfully.

Night fell, stars hung in the sky, and Feng Yan told the Dwarf Clan Leader, "Alright, let your people rest first; tonight we still have some matters to attend to."

After saying that, the two lifted their heads, wondering where Zhang Xiaobo was.

"Sigh, those two always get their hands on awesome weapons—when will it be my turn to shine?" Zhang Xiaobo sighed, then walked slowly; he left Li Guo, under the night's cover lay down in a patch of grass, and gazed at the night sky.

The stars twinkled; Zhang Xiaobo gazed at the sky, his eyelids growing heavier, until he finally closed his eyes.

The Prince was baffled; he didn't understand why the troops he'd sent out returned so quickly, but what annoyed him even more was that these good-for-nothings were completely useless—yet he also knew he was short-handed, so he could only endure it.

Yang Xin had obtained that arrow, but he hadn't tested it; he merely fitted the arrow in, then took it out again, repeating the process over and over without knowing its significance—each time he placed the arrow in the crossbow, he had to aim.

Wang Tingwan hadn't come out to see him in a long time; Yang Xin also knew this, after all he'd essentially deceived her, so he didn't dare disturb her.

Yang Xin felt a pang of guilt—perhaps the first time he'd ever felt this way—how pathetic! Yet this pity brought him no sympathy at all.

Maybe he's just a worthless person! Of course, the present Yang Xin no longer dwells on such thoughts.

His goal was now crystal clear—to defeat Feng Yan.

With that aim in mind, Yang Xin once again loaded the arrow into the crossbow and took aim at the target ahead.

The arrow hit the bullseye, piercing straight through the target; the arrowhead had gone clean through, while the shaft protruded halfway out the other side.

"Such power!" Yang Xin exclaimed, mouth agape, eyes wide open.

Then Yang Xin walked over, laboriously pulled the arrow out, carefully set it aside, and at the same time pondered how to deal with Feng Yan.

Since returning from that encounter, two days and a night have passed.

Wang Tingwan never stepped out of her room. She wondered whether her actions were right or wrong—an answer she could never obtain; since the matter itself was already nonexistent, why beg for a result?

In the end, will they never meet again?

Wang Tingwan lifted her head; the flame of the red candle flickered slightly, shedding light around her, her brows furrowed tightly as she pondered the question that had no answer.

Over the past few days, Yang Xin had not come to disturb her; she herself had not gone out, she remained in the room, pondering this problem.

She — is she a despicable person?

Under others' persuasion, she and Yang Xin ended up together; at that time they were happy, right? Why? The moment she saw Feng Yan, she felt guilty.

At that time, Feng Yan walked past her side; she sensed his inner disappointment, but in the end he could not break free from Yang Xin's grasp.

She did not know what happened afterward; she only knew that later Yang Xin took out that slip of paper, which was precisely the note Feng Yan had written to Yang Xin.

Yang Xin handed the note to her, and she read it word by word.

Yang Xin felt a bit sad inside, but looking at the person before him, he felt it was still worthwhile.

She recalled that situation; now Yang Xin is no longer friends with Feng Yan — they are enemies, yet they saved her in the cave.

And she, the Adventurer's Book in her hand, was also used because of Feng Yan.

They are mutually hostile, or perhaps they are secretly competing.

"These two guys — were they friends before, or have they always been like this?" Wang Tingwan muttered to herself, her eyes full of doubt.

"Ah-choo, who's talking about me?" Feng Yan sneezed, then continued speaking, he raised his head and gazed at the night.

"Looks like there are no stars tonight." Feng Yan raised his head, looked at the sky; thick dark clouds covered the stars, also blocking the light.

Feng Yan walked slowly along the lakeside; the night breeze blew past, brushing his hair, he narrowed his eyes, enjoying the evening wind.

Feng Yan spread his arms, embracing the night.

"Um… can I keep you company for a while?" a voice interrupted Feng Yan's enjoyment of the night's tranquility.

Feng Yan opened his eyes and looked at the girl before him; her face no longer showed panic or anxiety, but was filled with happiness.

"I, spending time with the Adventurer elders, have been very happy," Wang You said happily.

Feng Yan also laughed; he and Wang You slowly walked along the lakeside, Wang You's face was flushed, she always wore a smile, Feng Yan had never seen her like this.

They continued walking along the lakeside, talking and laughing all the way, then they gazed at the lake surface to see if the carp had come from the heavens, accompanied by the croaking of frogs in the summer night, and they arrived in front of a wooden hut.

Feng Yan felt curious — how could there be a wooden hut here? He pushed the door, only to find it bolted from inside; he could only knock.

Dong dong dong.

A knocking sound came, the person inside opened the door, Feng Yan stared and saw that it was actually a woman!

"Who is it? I shouldn't have any acquaintances here." Lin Xiyan rubbed her eyes, opened the big door and complained.

"You you you... how could you be here?" Feng Yan was stunned by the sight before him, stammering as he asked the woman in front of him.

"Hey, playing games isn't just for you guys, right?" Lin Xiyan replied, putting on a difficult look.

"That's right." Feng Yan replied, and his speech returned to normal.

Lin Xiyan looked at Feng Yan, then her gaze fell on Wang You, and she asked concernedly: "How have you been lately?"

"Not bad, I've gained some people's feelings." Wang You replied.