Chapter 602

According to Lord Han, those who awaken the 【Ghost Spirit Root】 see their martial strength increase while their诡境 strength decreases.

Conversely, their诡境 strength increases while their martial strength decreases.

The two are in opposition.

However, in Fang Yue's case, he has received no such feedback so far.

Since the 【Yin Cha】 has already verified it, this claim will likely be confirmed too.

But there is another possibility…

Fang Yue mused that countless years had passed since the first-generation 【Ghost Spirit Root】 appeared; perhaps later generations had studied and optimized it.

Perhaps by his generation, the 【Ghost Spirit Root】 had been upgraded to a Plus version, with none of these side effects.

Or perhaps what was passed down were only the Native versions.

His own, awakened as a player, might be an independent version.

Lord, times have changed, versions are different—how can you generalize like this!

Of course, all this is still just Fang Yue's speculation; the exact changes will become clear once his诡境 or martial realm advances one level.

He returned Yang Hongxia to the Official Road and followed the caravan's direction.

Halfway there, Fang Yue and she saw Hai Guanjia anxiously riding toward them with a group of men.

When Hai Guanjia saw the young mistress was still alive, he burst into tears, galloped over, and blamed himself for failing to protect her, causing her distress.

The young mistress had now calmed down, her emotions stable; she merely thanked Fang Yue again for risking his life to save her.

Hai Guanjia immediately promised that upon returning to 【Chunuan City】, he would prepare a generous gift to thank Fang Yue.

Would Fang Yue refuse a gift? Of course not—he wanted as much as possible!

He accepted it calmly, and amid polite exchanges, he was treated as the caravan's most important person, more important than the goods being transported.

"Young Mistress, I examined the Night Thief's head—it was a petty thief outside the 【Thief List】. Who would have thought he'd dare such boldness, and even possess a 【Liehong Horse】? This matter…"

"No need to elaborate. I have a rough idea of which families are behind this. Once we return, I'll order a full investigation—I'll uncover the masterminds!"

"Yes, Young Mistress, you've been frightened. When we return to 【Chunuan City】, report this to the old Regimental Commander—he will surely stand up for you."

"Those who did this—I'll make certain rivals of our Great Yang Caravan suffer real pain!"

The young mistress's eyes gleamed with cold light.

Her martial strength might not be formidable, but to meet Great Yang Caravan's standards and rise above her many siblings to become the heir, she had certainly mastered and perfected certain methods.

She paused, glancing toward Fang Yue's carriage.

"Also, we survived this ordeal thanks entirely to Night Lord. I wish to deploy all resources at my disposal to retain Night Lord as our honored Guest."

"An excellent idea—I share that thought. I had already admired Night Lord greatly, but after this battle, I realize I underestimated his strength. Such a powerful cultivator joining us is a stroke of fortune—if we don't seize it, the opportunity vanishes. Our Great Yang Caravan has long lacked a Supreme Guest to hold one corner of the realm. Night Lord is perfect for it."

The young mistress's eyes lit up.

"You think the same, Hai Guanjia? Perfect—when we return to 【Chunuan City】, let's speak to Father together!"

Both secretly thrilled, they discussed Fang Yue and planned to talk to him the next time he emerged from the carriage, to gauge his thoughts.

As far as they knew, Fang Yue was new to 【Chunuan City】, with no acquaintances there; joining Great Yang Caravan would give him some protection.

Fang Yue's strength was indeed formidable, but 【Chunuan City】 had people stronger than him.

Relying solely on brute strength to charge through 【Chunuan City】 would only lead to a bloody nose.

Some matters, some tacit rules, some forbidden taboos, some special traps—if no one warned you or guided you in, you wouldn't even know how you died in 【Chunuan City】.

Explaining these pros and cons clearly to Fang Yue, they believed he would make a rational judgment and decision.

Just as they thought this, Fang Yue suddenly emerged from the carriage.

Before either could approach, Fang Yue mounted his beloved 【Liehong Horse】 and rode far away.

They froze, then their faces changed, hearts sinking.

"This—this this this—why has Night Lord left the caravan?!"

"I don't know. Did we do something wrong? Offend Night Lord?"

Both grew anxious; without Fang Yue in the caravan, their sense of safety plummeted by dozens of levels—the wilderness suddenly brimmed with danger again.

When the others saw Fang Yue leave, they too were stunned, gathering around, whispering, faces filled with worry.

They had just enjoyed Fang Yue's solid arms, his reliable protection—and now he was gone.

Who could bear it?

It was like enjoying a trial period, planning a long-term contract for mutual benefit—then being told the company was recalling the product and wouldn't renew.

Everyone grew anxious; many proposed going after Fang Yue.

But the wilderness was dangerous; venturing out recklessly would bring more trouble.

Before they could reach a decision, dust rose in the distance—Fang Yue rode back alone.

"N-Night Lord?!"

Everyone cried out in relief.

Fang Yue, returning, paused, then asked with surprise:

"Why are you all gathered? Did you find the Night Thief or some诡异?"

"Uh…"

They exchanged glances and shook their heads.

How did it feel like Night Captain was actually hoping for enemies…

The young mistress quickly asked what Fang Yue had been doing.

Fang Yue then explained.

He had used the 【Liehong Horse】's high mobility to expand the caravan's vigilance range.

In short—he rode in circles around the caravan, moving when it moved, returning when it stopped, all to find and kill诡异 or Night Thieves—he had gone completely mad.

But this act, seen by the eldest miss and Hai Guanjia and the entire caravan, instantly moved everyone to tears.

"Master Ye, you, you you you, you're such a good person!"

Fang Yue:???

When did this become an insult?

The words from the others, however, sounded much more pleasant.

"Master Ye, watch your health—when you return, I'll cook you a bowl of noodles!"

"Master Ye, I've never met a powerful cultivator so down-to-earth as you—you're too kind to us!"

"I knew Master Ye wouldn't abandon us!"

Someone crossed their arms, as if they'd long suspected Master Ye had no intention of leaving the team, and proudly puffed out their chest toward their companions.

"Indeed?" Just as I thought!

"Of course!"

Another person affirmed the same.

Without realizing it, some in the caravan had already become Fang Yue's diehard fans…

(End of Chapter)