Chapter 98: Joseph After the Battle

The following day, a cat-eagle carried two men and a woman out of Blackwater City. Besides the beast tamer, the two 'passengers' were none other than Xu Wen, who intended to investigate the scene for any traces left by Harman, and Irene, who had taken on the role of his escort.

Xu Wen felt rather helpless about Irene’s presence. She had volunteered to come along, offering two very reasonable explanations: as a four-star Thunder Swordswoman and also a three-star Intermediate Thunder Mage, traveling with Xu Wen would be safer than him going alone; furthermore, having two people journey together to the rendezvous point would avoid many unnecessary troubles.

But for Xu Wen, Irene’s only real advantage was that she could help him shake off the guards appointed by the Hortonklin family… Compared to seasoned old guards, Irene was clearly easier to fool, which would make many things more convenient.

On the back of the cat-eagle, Xu Wen took out a small booklet his godfather had handed him before departure and began to study it intently.

Hortonklin had truly emptied his coffers for him. The booklet detailed two three-star Earth Emperor-level spells and one four-star Earth Emperor-level spell. Apart from “Ring of Fiery Flames,” which Xu Wen had already mastered, the other two spells were the three-star “Black Flame Whip” and the four-star “Golden Serpent Frenzy.”

Black Flame Whip made the arrangement of fire elements more flexible, extending from one's own flame and condensing into a black whip of fire. When mastered, it could instantly stretch to fifteen meters, and upon striking a target, it inflicted four-star-level magical damage while also possessing considerable physical attack power. As a controllable offensive spell, it was well-suited for dealing with targets at close to medium range.

By comparison, this spell was inferior to the same-level “Ring of Fiery Flames.” For Xu Wen, who possessed the “Divine Shield of Flames,” its utility was limited, but it could still quickly improve his spiritual cultivation, which was not a bad thing.

The other spell was more promising.

Golden Serpent Frenzy!

A group attack spell, highly flexible in its assault, formidable in power, and capable of targeting a wide area. For a “violent fire mage” equipped with top-tier gear, it was an excellent spell.

But with them airborne, Xu Wen could only focus on the “Black Flame Whip” for now…

Seated beside him, Irene watched as Xu Wen immersed himself in magical practice from the very start of the journey, barely speaking a word. Her initial curiosity gradually gave way to frustration.

For the first time, someone treated her as if she were invisible…

Irene said nothing either, instead practicing her thunder magic atop the cat-eagle.

The city where the Joseph family resided was not far from Blackwater City; the cat-eagle reached their destination in just three days.

“Where should we start our investigation?” After leaving the avian station, Irene followed Xu Wen down a bustling street and finally couldn’t help but speak.

Xu Wen pointed to a sign not far ahead:

“Adventurers' Guild.”

Irene understood at once: such places were hubs of information, the perfect spot to gather intel. But… she doubted any useful clues could be found there.

If there were, people from the Azure Cloud Academy would have already scoured the place!

Xu Wen, however, thought otherwise.

Even while flying on the cat-eagle, he had noticed that the city seemed recently repaired, with many places still bearing the scars of fierce battles.

It must have been related to the dark empire’s royal mages, and the recent beast tide!

…

Inside the Adventurers' Guild, nearly all of the dozen or so tables in the main hall were occupied. Many wore the distinctive garb of adventurers, lounging idly, boasting about their worn-out exploits in the Rotten Valley, and sharing recent anecdotes. A few waited at the front desk, sifting through available tasks.

In this post-war city, enthusiasm was at a low ebb.

As Xu Wen and Irene entered—a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman—they immediately drew the attention of many adventurers. In the eyes of others, the pair looked like they were made for each other!

“Hey, everyone, listen up!” A burst of lively shouting erupted behind them. As Xu Wen turned, a dark figure brushed past his shoulder, rushing into the guild hall, shouting all the while:

“Good news, good news! The east city wall needs a batch of people for ironwood logging. Two families are preparing to relocate—it’s an escort mission, good pay! If you want it, hurry up!”

Yet, despite the enticing call, no one paid him any heed.

A few adventurers, feet propped on tables, didn’t even glance at the youth in the green leather cap standing in the center of the hall, instead snorting derisively. “Another one of those petty labor jobs—if you’re not sick of them, I sure am.”

“Exactly! It’s been a month of nothing but these boring tasks. Keep this up, and I’ll turn into a porter myself!”

“…I was hoping for better jobs here. Damn it all—dead or gone, this place is turning into a ghost town. Fine, I’ll take it. Gives me an excuse to check out another city.” A few adventurers reluctantly stood up, tossed the youth a small pouch of silver coins, completed the transaction, and left the guild hall.

A sigh rose from a few in the corner.

“…Another group gone.”

“This place really is unlivable now. The Joseph family used to monopolize the entire magical beast mountain range, forbidding regular adventurers from approaching. Now, with them all dead and the territory left vacant, no one even dares to go near… What a damn mess!” one man muttered, shaking his head.

The youth in the green leather cap tugged his brim and looked around the hall:

“Anyone want the logging job?”

He called out twice, but no one responded. Crestfallen, he pulled his cap lower and prepared to leave, when suddenly an unfamiliar, youthful face appeared before him:

“I’d like to ask you something. If you know the answer, this money is yours.”

Xu Wen opened his palm, revealing twenty gold coins.

The green-capped youth’s eyes lit up, and he reached out to grab them.

With a subtle motion, Xu Wen made the coins vanish from his hand, fixing the youth with a steady gaze. “Answer my questions first.”

“All right.” The youth sized up Xu Wen and Irene, twisted his cap, and pointed to an empty spot left behind by the departing adventurers. “Let’s sit and talk.”

Xu Wen nodded, and he and Irene sat down.

“Start with the extermination of the Joseph family. Tell me everything you know.”

Immediately, several tables of adventurers gathered around in curiosity.

“Hey, young man, you don’t need to ask him—I can answer you, and I’ll only charge fifteen gold coins…” one offered.

“Hey, you! Five or six per person, and now you’re poaching my business!” the green-capped youth snapped, slapping the table.

“Heh, don’t be mad, friend. I haven’t had a decent meal in days,” the other replied, rubbing his nose.

Xu Wen didn’t mind. “I’ll hear him out first. If he’s wrong, I’ll pay you. And if you know something he doesn’t, I’ll pay extra for your information as well.”

This announcement was like a bombshell in the Adventurers' Guild hall!

Earning money just by sitting inside the guild? Where else could you find such luck?

Even some adventurers who hadn’t planned to join in hurried over to crowd around.