Alibuda Chronicles Volume 8: Chapter 5 The Treasure Hunter

In this position, her heaving breasts were hidden, but her two rounded buttocks swayed, appearing exceptionally white and smooth against the backdrop of the fox fur behind her. I chose a good spot, pushed aside the fox tail that was trying to obstruct me, and reached out to grab them; all ten fingers sank into the plump flesh.

"Ah, how annoying..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, look at this butt, so round, white, tender, and elastic. Ah Xue, answer your master, why do you have such a beautiful butt?"

"...I, I don't know..."

Forced into an unsightly position, Ah Xue blushed with intense shame, but in the end, she gritted her teeth and turned her flushed face away.

I wasn't stupid enough to just stare; I seized the opportunity, parted Ah Xue's white thighs, and glimpsed the fragrant valley I hadn't seen in a long time. Compared to before, there was much more pubic hair, but it wasn't prickly like human hair; instead, it was soft fox fur, and the secretions smelled like a fishy musk—not exactly fragrant, but certainly stimulating the primal desires of male creatures.

"Oh, even this place looks beautiful now, it looks like honey will flow out soon, doesn't it?"

Seemingly still protected by the sacred mantra of chastity, Ah Xue's flower path remained tightly closed, like a flower bud yet to bloom, flawlessly shut. I tried to see more clearly, using my right hand to spread the petals as far as possible, while my left hand's fingers probed upwards, teasing the cleft of the petals.

"Ah..."

With a moan, Ah Xue's cleft parted, revealing a bud, its small, tender flesh glistening with honey.

"Ah...no...Master...please stop..."

"Fool...at this point, who would be stupid enough to stop?"

To further provoke her, I changed positions, my tongue teasing Ah Xue's inner thigh.

"Ah...um..."

In an instant, Ah Xue's whole body tensed, she pressed herself against the large rock, her plump buttocks taut.

"Mmm... Ah... Ya... It's so itchy... Master..."

Determined to bring Ah Xue pleasure, I worked especially hard, carefully controlling the rhythm, my tongue movements incredibly subtle.

I absolutely couldn't bite into the flesh of the petals right away; I would only tease her by slowly licking around the flower bud, waiting until her sensations were nearing their peak before suddenly attacking that sensitive crevice with the tip of my tongue.

"Master... I... I can't take it anymore... Please don't..."

Ah Xue gasped repeatedly, lying on the large rock, her thighs spread wide, her fox tail swaying violently from side to side, resignedly twisting her snowy waist, pleading indistinctly.

"Don't what? I can't hear you?"

Having successfully aroused Ah Xue to this state, I smiled smugly, my tongue still only lingering near the base of her thighs. With such teasing, it didn't take long before her juices flowed uncontrollably.

"Ah...no...I...don't want to be here..."

Ah Xue, with her reserved nature, seemed to still want to return to the tent, but when my tongue circled from her inner thigh to the inside of her vulva and began to rub back and forth there, she was already delirious, only able to wag her tail excitedly.

"Mmm...ah..."

"Oh dear, a dog wags its tail hoping its owner will pat its head; Ah Xue, what are you trying to do by wagging your tail?"

After a slight laugh, I began to move my tongue downwards. For a moment, Ah Xue held her breath, as if waiting for the instant my tongue would lick her wet, fleshy cleft.

However, I still intended to continue teasing her, and when I was almost at the cleft, I deliberately disappointed her.

"Ah..."

With a disappointed cry, my tongue circled back to her right inner thigh, licking the indentation there.

"Ugh..."

At this point, Ah Xue finally exhaled the breath she had been holding back, shaking her beautiful lower body as if protesting against me, but she never expected that at this moment, I would actually lick her engorged clitoris with my tongue.

"Ah..."

Unexpectedly, Ah Xue, like a swan raising its head and flapping its wings, violently lifted her snow-white neck, followed by a backward arch of her body. Under the intense stimulation, her flower chamber was completely soaked, and nectar flowed continuously.

"Great... Ah Xue, if I just insert it like this, you'll be soaking wet..."

Although I said this, I sighed inwardly, because even now, Ah Xue's jade gate was tightly closed. It seemed that I still couldn't break through this time. I could only continue with the old method, using the tip of my already hard penis to dip into the flowing nectar and begin to smear it on Ah Xue's tender anus, preparing for the next penetration.

After my repeated teasing, Ah Xue finally couldn't resist. She grabbed my penis from under her thighs, slightly moved her legs to adjust her position, closed her eyes, and slowly lowered her legs and buttocks. With a whoosh, the hot penis buried into her snowy buttocks.

"Ah... Master... Ah Xue... It's... Ah!"

The fleshy spear plunged in perfectly to the hilt. The beautiful little fox girl turned her head, her expression expectant, hoping I would move it, but I immediately rejected her ruthlessly.

"You are my little disciple, how can you let your master serve you? Shake your ass yourself."

"Ugh... Ah... Ah ah... Ah ah!"

Obeying my will, Ah Xue began to clumsily move her body. Half her body was lying on the large rock, the position was not very convenient, but she moved her shining and moving limbs, the spring-like up and down movements, slowly manipulating her.

The hot spear skillfully thrust in and out of her burning intestines. As I moved, I was captivated by the shapely curves of her legs and buttocks. I carefully caressed Ah Xue's two white and delicate legs. Although they were not as slender as those of the winged women, they had a different kind of plump beauty, especially her plump buttocks, firm and bouncy.

During intercourse, Ah Xue couldn't hide her shyness. Her eyes were half-open, her face flushed red. I half-forced her to sway her round, white buttocks.

Getting carried away, I cupped Ah Xue's white, fleshy buttocks, giving me a clearer view of her rosy, alluring anus as my penis was inserted and withdrawn. I made her clench her buttocks, arching her back into a kneeling position. She understood and arched her back, making her snow-white buttocks appear even smoother and rounder, whiter than ever. This way, I could freely play with her big, white buttocks.

"What a white butt! It's so beautiful, round and perky, soft and smooth. Ah Xue, even if you don't learn magic, you can still make a living with your buttocks."

"Master, Master is teasing me again. Ah... my butt... I don't want it... um..."

I held her white buttocks and inserted my penis into her anus from behind, playing with her white buttocks and white back while thrusting into her forcefully. Ah Xue cried out again.

Swaying her body, with each word she spoke, Ah Xue's face shone with a bewitching glow. Her consciousness was hazy, her tongue licking her full, soft red lips, her expression utterly lewd. Her vulva gushed forth like a tidal wave, glistening with moisture.

Suddenly, Ah Xue collapsed onto the large rock, as if unconscious. I knelt down, forcefully lifting her, raising her plump buttocks, and thrusting hard inside. Her burning hot anus was incredibly tight, the delicate walls rubbing against my penis.

After a few thrusts, Ah Xue seemed on the verge of collapse again. I simply held her slender waist tightly, my lower body pumping vigorously.

My thrusts against her firm, white buttocks, pounding against her lower abdomen and inner thighs; my throbbing member, about to ejaculate, thrust repeatedly into her tender, bright red anus.

Ah Xue could barely support herself; her delicate, white shoulders pressed against the large rock, her body swaying back and forth from my thrusts, her large breasts rubbing incessantly against the rock.

With each thrusting rhythm, Ah Xue instinctively swayed her hips, and I tried to spread her full buttocks as wide as possible with my hands, allowing my member to penetrate deeply into this beautiful little fox-girl's tight anus, feeling the temperature inside growing hotter and hotter.

Finally, at the peak of pleasure, Ah Xue's vulva gushed out a stream of hot semen, splashing onto my thighs, her intestines contracting powerfully, pressing against my waning member.

Waves of tingling, numb, and numbing sensations traveled from my spine to my brain, and I, without restraint, ejaculated all my semen.

Ah Xue lay back, desperately clenching her snowy buttocks. In this position of union, I ejaculated wave after wave of hot semen deep into Ah Xue's beautiful buttocks…

I'm not a psychologist, nor do I know how to heal hearts. However, if the other person is a girl who genuinely trusts me, making her happy isn't a problem.

Ah Xue's emotional wounds ran deep, but she was naturally cheerful. As long as she continued to feel valued and loved, that intense inferiority complex wouldn't resurface. Grasping this principle, I quickly improved her mood, and a smile returned to her face.

The most direct way to suppress her anxiety was to have more intimate moments with her. A woman's heart is very sensitive, and the fascination I showed with her body during intercourse was the best way to affirm her. Unfortunately, Ah Xue's vagina remained tightly closed, so I could only release my desire into her plump, fleshy buttocks each time.

Fortunately, I didn't find it dirty or boring, because Ah Xue's tight and powerful anus, and her plump, white buttocks, were indeed uniquely enjoyable to play with, offering a different kind of pleasure compared to the usual beautiful women's private parts. Ah Xue, having broken free of her constraints and actively seeking intimacy, was like a blooming flower, increasingly alluring, making me often want to pounce on her and have sex on the spot.

If I wanted to increase the frequency of our intimacy, then having too many people around would become an obstacle. We didn't have many travel companions; Violet was no longer an obstacle, her presence or absence made no difference, but the presence of Uncle and Fang Qingshu was quite bothersome.

But putting that aside, traveling with these two was indeed very interesting. Through our conversations, I gained a better understanding of Fang Qingshu and realized he wasn't a bad person at all, a friend worth making.

"There's something I haven't had a chance to say before. However, regardless of one's past life, I believe that one's actions in this life are the true measure of good and evil," Fang Qingshu said sincerely. "What someone's past life was means nothing to me, and I hope you won't care."

When the Feather Clan showed their disdain because of the mystery surrounding A Xue's past life, Fang Qingshu didn't follow suit with excessive behavior. Now, he clearly stated his position.

"I greatly admire Miss Xue's courage and strong spirit. If possible, I hope to have another opportunity to spar with you in light magic, but... it's too late to say all this now."

The so-called sparring was actually teaching, which was A Xue's original wish. But now that she has officially accepted dark magic, it's impossible for her to switch back to light magic. The various anomalies that occurred during the battle that day, including the changes in the Great Sun Mirror and the Myriad Spirits Blood Pearl, were difficult to conceal, and I had many unresolved questions. So, after concealing some of the facts, I told Mao Yan'an and Fang Qingshu.

Fang Qingshu was quite surprised, especially by the fact that the Serpent Clan was able to obtain and manufacture the Colossus. He found it unbelievable and solemnly stated that he would investigate the matter.

"I will report to my master and take action. This matter does indeed sound very unusual."

"Hmm... I'm starting to admire you. You are indeed very different from those noble children. How many people in this generation of the Fang family are like you?"

"I don't think I'm that special. I just do what I should do as a human being. If we're talking about family background, isn't Sir Farrell from a prestigious family? Your father's reputation..."

"Hey, let's not talk about that. Let's change the subject." Because of the envoy, I couldn't hide my real name and identity, but talking about my family background was fine. Mentioning that freakish father was a bit unpleasant, so I took the initiative to change the subject.

Fang Qingshu chuckled, "Nobles and commoners aren't that different. When I was learning from Master Mao, I spent a long time traveling and adventuring with him as a commoner. Back then, I used many aliases."

"What aliases? Tell me all of them, let's see if they're that famous."

"Actually, nothing special, they were all names Master Mao helped me choose." Fang Qingshu laughed, "Back when I participated in the Five Heavenly Peach Conference in the Golden Flower Federation, I used the alias Fang Buqun; when I studied the zither with the Three Immortals of the East Sea, I used the alias Fang Biehe; when I studied weapon appraisal in Solancia, I used the alias Fang Sangui; and the most remarkable one was when I was composing poems with the courtesan Wen Jin at the Qiaqing Pavilion in Alibuda, my teacher insisted I use the alias Fang Shimei."

"Uh… such a rich experience, just hearing that long list of names, I can only say, Brother Fang, you are indeed despicable, insidious, wicked, and utterly devoid of conscience!"

"Ha, don't just talk about him. You yourself are a well-known figure among nations, especially after causing such a ruckus in the Southern Barbarians. Your status has only increased."

Mao Yan'an patted my chest and laughed, "Remember, you, John Farrell, are the great hero who overthrew the four major tribes of the Southern Barbarians, caused chaos and bloodshed in the Zoroastrian Church, and even dared to abduct two of the Beast Venerable's women, making him so angry that he personally came out of seclusion to kill you!"

"Don't mention it. I think I'll never set foot in the Southern Barbarians again in my life."

Thinking about it was indeed very annoying. The Beast Venerable wouldn't leave the Southern Barbarians, nor would he come out to kill me, but his disciples and followers might be a different story. If their identities were recognized, there would be no peace from then on.

Of course, if I were afraid of enemies, I wouldn't be in this business. Just counting on my fingers, how many enemies want to take my life? Just Yu Hong alone is enough to give me a headache, let alone others.

After several days of travel, we were finally about to leave the Southern Barbarians. At this time, Fang Qingshu bid us farewell.

"Everything is settled. I must hurry back to the Golden Flower Federation. I hope to meet you all again."

I need to return to the Kingdom of Alibuda to receive a new imperial decree. Our routes differ from the Golden Flower Federation's, so I must bid farewell to this super talisman. However, the presence of another person at the same time as Fang Qingshu's farewell seems strange.

"He's going home, I'm going back home, what about you?"

"Me? I'm a traveling painter, of course I'll continue to wander the world."

"I don't care if you wander the world or are buried underground. I'm asking why you're still following us? After leaving the Southern Barbarians, we don't need guides anymore. What are you doing following us?"

"Don't say that. You two are so interesting, I'm reluctant to leave you... Even if I'm not a guide, I know many things. We can travel together, look after each other along the way. I haven't been to Alibuda for many years."

If it were up to me, I could just kick Mao Yan'an away like I kicked a dead man, but Ah Xue was very reluctant to part with this elder, and he certainly had some ability. So I reluctantly agreed to let this shameless old man accompany us on our journey to Alibuda.

During the trip, I was very puzzled, wondering what new position he would be appointed to after being summoned back to the capital.

The true quality of the lamp that was presented to me, even I myself don't know. If it truly pleased His Majesty the King and he wished to reward me, it seemed unlikely that I would be promoted beyond a noble title.

I currently hold a military position, and my rank has already risen to the prestigious position of Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry, but the Aribda military is currently a position without real power. Every officer with actual authority in command of troops is already filled, so even if I achieve merit, I will not be given a formal appointment. Therefore, despite my great achievements in the two previous battles, I only received a title and rank increase, without being actually assigned troops. Instead, I was sent abroad as a special envoy to search for treasure.

But it doesn't matter. Being a high-ranking official is not my interest, especially not as an officer with a large army. There are many nobles in the capital, and even military officers have to bow before them. I have no status or real power. If I were to go to the provinces or the frontier, although I would be powerful and influential, given my background—both father and son commanding troops domestically—we would definitely be closely watched, and any slight misstep would immediately lead to impeachment.

So, I'm quite content with my current situation. As long as I can be summoned back to the capital to enjoy a life of luxury, whether I get a promotion or not doesn't matter.

"Huh? Is that really what you think?"

When I shared my prediction for the future, the uncle wielding the "heavy" sword beside me looked at me with surprise.

"What? Is that so strange? Not everyone likes being an official. Since there are ambitious people, there are also those who have no ambition. Compared to living a precarious life, I'd rather just coast along and live a peaceful life."

"That's true, but instead of that, why don't you consider continuing your current job and becoming a treasure hunter?"

Mao Yan'an said, "Treasure hunters are every man's dream. Free and unrestrained, wandering on mountain peaks, at the bottom of the ocean, and in the vast wilderness, surrounded by priceless treasures, encountering all sorts of secret manuals and rare treasures during the day, and enjoying fine wine and beautiful women at night, spending money like water. What job is more enjoyable than that? I see you're doing quite well in the Southern Barbarians. You can resign from your official post and focus on being a treasure hunter."

"Your boasting is certainly appealing, but unfortunately, it's unrealistic. What's so good about a life of constant danger and peril?" I shook my head. "I'd never be a treasure hunter, but being a treasure merchant on the side, I might consider."

Ah Xue, playing with Violet, chimed in from the side, "Master, what's the difference between these two?"

"Really? You've been with me in the Southern Barbarian Lands for so long, and you still don't understand?" Seeing her blank expression, I had to sigh and explain.

In the various kingdoms of the world today, from the civilized Great Power of the Golden Flower Federation to the Elven Kingdom of Solancia, wherever there are nobles, you can see their competitive displays of wealth and extravagance. They compare their entourages, the size of their estates, their beautiful wives and concubines, their fine horses and carriages; the nobles strive to showcase their wealth and prestige in every aspect. "

Three generations judged by food, four by clothing, five by literature." This is true for every race. Living in a wealthy environment for generations cultivates a refined and noble air that is incomparable to that of ordinary nouveau riche. These aristocratic and wealthy merchants, unable to directly display their land deeds and account books to compete in extravagance, resorted to displaying it in their every action.

This competition of ostentation, while initially met with resentment and lamentation from ordinary people, sometimes had its hidden advantages. In diplomatic settings, a monarch often used lavish displays to demonstrate power to foreign powers and subjects; if successful, this could have a deterrent effect, averting conflict.

The same applied to princes, ministers, local lords, and high-ranking military officers. Many might not appreciate luxury, but in such an environment, unless one was exceptionally wealthy like my eccentric father, needing no ostentation, failing to display power and influence could easily lead to being looked down upon, ostracized, or even rebellious from subordinates.

"Hmm, but what does that have to do with treasure merchants?"

"Silly woman, this kind of competition is actually quite boring. You display a hundred luxurious carriages, I'll display two hundred; you flaunt a thousand catties of gold, I'll flaunt two thousand catties of jewels." I said, "But when someone piles up ten thousand catties of gold like a mountain, it's no longer boasting, it's ridiculed. Everyone will laugh and say they have no taste, no intelligence."

"Oh, then what should we compete in?"

"That's right, when simply scattering gold is meaningless, when wealth is no longer enough to demonstrate status, what should we compete in?" I quoted a famous saying that treasure merchants often say, "The most precious thing in the world is the rarest."

The so-called treasure business has a broad meaning, ranging from minerals, spices, medicinal herbs, furs, works of art, and even the trade of living beings and carcasses. But generally speaking, it involves transporting things that are rare in one's own country from some undeveloped wilderness.

Generally speaking, boys have an innate yearning for dreams and adventures. Ordinary wealth is not enough to attract the attention of the powerful and wealthy, but treasures from wild and mysterious lands are top-tier luxuries for nobles who never leave their luxurious estates, used to show off to their peers.

Initially, it was some strangely shaped gemstones, gold, and silver, followed by magical herbs mainly for their aphrodisiac effects. Nobles were willing to spend lavishly on these things. Then, when quick-thinking merchants smelled this business opportunity, they transported large quantities of previously unnoticed items from the wild regions of the land back to their homeland, and this wave of trade officially began.

"Some metals and stones were unexpectedly discovered to have casting value, triggering a new technological revolution and creating a new batch of capitalists. New weapons and magical implements were quickly applied to the battlefield, bringing even greater business opportunities and indirectly creating a thriving market for talent in weapon and magical implement forging."

I said, "Of course, there were also those who excavated ancient battlefield ruins, found lost divine weapons from history, and resold them to become rich, enough to last seven generations."

People who want to rise to the top in one step exist in every era. To be able to possess a divine weapon or a magical artifact with supernatural abilities right from the start can truly save thirty years of struggle. For nobles who lack real skills but have to take up military positions to inherit titles, this is the most advantageous talisman.

Those who chase after various treasure rumors, trying to pan for gold in the sand, are generally called treasure hunters. Among them, merchants who do not engage in adventure or travel themselves but simply buy and sell in the treasure market for profit are called treasure merchants, while those who actually go on adventures and excavate are given the title of hunters.

The so-called undeveloped wilderness is fraught with danger. For example, in Jili, inhabited by beastmen, ordinary humans are instantly killed upon entering, at best only able to sell their wares in other areas of the Southern Barbarian lands. Only those with true strength and superior martial arts can emerge unscathed and obtain treasures from Jili.

Among these treasures are often the body parts of exotic beasts, such as the Dragon's Soul and Phoenix Blood Soul. Without the strength to fight these colossal beasts, one would be crushed upon even getting close—how could one possibly acquire such treasures?

In the currently recorded rankings of treasures, the most valuable are either extremely dangerous or elusive, not obtainable through simple trade. They are rare and highly sought after, requiring meticulous attention and extraordinary skills from treasure hunters to pursue them for countless hours. Of course, the wealth gained from a single transaction is unimaginable, which is why some of the world's wealthiest individuals make a living as treasure hunters.

"Wow...it feels so romantic!" Ah Xue exclaimed happily. "Master, let's go treasure hunting again! This time, let's go back to Alibuda to search for treasure, okay?"

Mao Yan'an nodded and said, "Young people should have some ambition! The future in this line of work is bright, you know? Before he became famous, the Martial Venerable of Ten Thousand Beasts worked as a treasure hunter for a while. I heard that even the Black Dragon King founded the Black Dragon Society after discovering a great treasure of pirates. Several very famous archmages have spent time searching for treasure to hone their skills."

I knew that. Several large-scale magic academies require students to undergo similar training after graduation, for a year, and submit a treasure of C grade or higher as proof of graduation. However, most students are unwilling to risk finding treasures and instead work to earn money to buy them from the treasure market.

"I don't know that kind of ability, nor do I have strong martial arts skills. I'd definitely die if I became a treasure hunter," I shook my head and said.

"Get this straight, the reason we were able to escape Jili alive this time was because the protective talisman next to us was strong enough, and also because of your stone hat, Uncle. It wasn't our real skill. Don't let victory go to your head."

"Others can say that, but I can't agree with you saying it." Mao Yan'an said, "Although the Beast Master and the Black Dragon King are both remarkable figures, the most legendary treasure hunter in the history of the last five hundred years is someone else entirely."

"Oh? Who is so arrogant?"

"It's your... grandfather, Lant Farrell."

If Uncle hadn't mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten. My grandfather traveled the world in his youth, practicing martial arts, and did work as a treasure hunter for a while.

My freak father practices family martial arts and is ranked among the five strongest in the world today. As his father, Grandpa Lant's martial arts are naturally astonishing. What's even more impressive is that he was born in the right era. At that time, there were few masters on the world. With the advantage of lacking competitors of the same level, he was recognized as invincible for twenty years.

However, compared to his martial arts skills, Grandpa Lant's reputation for womanizing is even more legendary. Known as "the best horse in the world," Grandpa Lant's adventurous life was incredibly colorful. He had affairs with every beautiful woman he encountered on his journeys, lasting anywhere from one night to several. His romantic entanglements were so numerous that, more than a decade into his career, he began to wake up each night filled with regret, because the somewhat familiar young woman beside him had a one-night stand with his mother years

before. In proportion to his decadent sex life, it is said that the treasures and wealth Grandpa Lant acquired would make any royal family today envious. However, the patriarchs of the Farrell family never seemed to care much for their descendants; Grandpa Lant's fortune was squandered during his adventures; priceless treasures were often casually given away to the women whose virginity he had taken.

After finding over a dozen pirate treasures, the Black Dragon King became wealthy enough to establish his own regime. If Grandpa Lant were so inclined, he could probably create a small to medium-sized country, and I'd be a prince today. But, my family is really…

"Let's not talk about such trivial matters. Let's face the facts. We don't have any peerless martial artists or grand mages. What strength do we have to compete with them?"

"You're not good enough, I'm not good enough, but little Xue is! I think she has a real talent for magic. With proper training, she'll definitely amount to something." Mao Yan'an said, "Let's form a treasure-hunting trio. With my wit and experience, your luck and shamelessness, plus little Xue's magic, we're sure to make a fortune."

"Hey, uncle, why is wit and experience yours, but luck and shamelessness mine?"

I argued, but I couldn't help but consider the possibility of using Xue as the main fighting force. After all, dark magic emphasizes offense and destructive power. If Xue were to train properly and achieve some results, she would indeed be a very reliable talisman.

In the great battle against the Colossus, the Black Hole Mirror even absorbed a sorcerer like Natasha. If it could be used as a finishing move, its power would be astonishing. I wonder if the appearance of the Black Hole Mirror was merely a coincidence or an effect caused by Ah Xue? Another question is, after the black hole disappeared that day, the Great Sun Mirror was never seen again. Where did this ancient artifact go?

Without answers for now, I turned my attention to how to teach Ah Xue to practice dark magic. My own abilities are insufficient, and I can't send her to a magic academy in some kingdom to study under a master. Fortunately, the Blood Nightmare Chronicles contain some information. If we find a medium-sized town, buy some introductory books, a staff, and tools, she should be able to learn a few basic spells on her own.

We walked slowly along the mountain path, when suddenly we encountered a thick fog, making it impossible to see east or west and difficult to proceed.

"Ah, so this is it... It's about time."

Mao Yan'an seemed to recognize the place. Finally, with his guidance and the light of the violet flame, we entered a town before noon. The mountain road was rugged and fraught with danger. I didn't want to risk going forward before the fog cleared. Ah Xue and Mao Yan'an found an inn to rest, while I went to a shop to replenish my supplies.

The town wasn't large. The shops catering to travelers had a decent selection: bows and arrows, daggers, blankets, copper pots, and kettles—all quite complete. They also had dried meat and wheat flour. However, there was nothing I wanted to buy for Ah Xue.

Although the textbooks said that the heavens, out of fear of magicians' power, placed special restrictions on living beings, causing spells to be removed from a magician's mind after each cast and requiring them to memorize them again before using them again, skilled magicians of level five and above could use magic through the resonance of their inner magic, and could even create their own spells without being bound by rigid, fixed forms.

If Ah Xue's magic were fully unleashed, she would reach the seventh level. Her spells would only require following basic principles to be freely composed. Unfortunately, her mind is currently empty; she possesses immense magical power but doesn't understand the rules of its use. Therefore, I have to teach her like a novice child learning magic, buying her an introductory spellbook and starting from scratch.

The town isn't far from the Southern Barbarians, but information is scarce, and books on magic are rare. The shops don't sell any decent-looking wands either. After frowning and selecting a few spellbooks, I realized a fact: my resources were running low.

I wasn't exactly wealthy to begin with. All the spoils from the conquest of Martinles Fortress were taken by my sister, the Dragon Girl, to fund the army; half of the money I embezzled in Nalivia was taken by Ah Wu, and the rest was almost entirely spent on various expenses in the Southern Barbarians over the past year.

Most of the treasures I bought early on were worthless fakes; consider them tuition fees. Later, although I acquired some decent items, I sent them all back to Alibuda to get His Majesty to lift my exile. Now, I've finally been summoned back to report for duty, but I'm almost penniless.

(Damn it, this can't go on; I need to find a way to make money...)

This place isn't far from the southern barbarian borders, and there are still some medicinal herbs and minerals not produced elsewhere. If I buy some at low prices, I might make a profit.

Just then, the shopkeeper told me some bad news: this fog is a famous local specialty; once it forms, it doesn't dissipate quickly. However, there's a Fog Valley village not far away, a place often visited by treasure merchants. I might as well visit it sometime; perhaps I can find what I need.

With this information, I went back to find my two companions. As I entered the inn, I passed several men. They carried swords and moved with agility, clearly skilled in martial arts. Their clothing didn't suggest they were locals; three of them wore robes symbolizing their divine status, with the emblem of the Temple of Light emblazoned on their shoulders—apprentice priests recognized by the Cihang Jingdian.

Somewhat bewildered, I entered the inn, and before I could even utter a word, Ah Xue and the uncle told me something strange.

"Nephew, nephew!"

"Uncle, don't call me that. Who's your nephew?"

"Don't worry about such a small matter. Xue and I just heard something quite interesting." Mao Yan'an pointed to the departing group and said, "I didn't realize those guys looked so respectable, yet they were discussing such despicable things. You really can't judge a book by its cover."

"Yeah, well said. Like that guy, he looks so handsome, but he not only peeps at girls bathing and draws erotic pictures as souvenirs; he also abandons his friends and runs away in times of crisis, and even knows how to fake death with blood streaming from all seven orifices. I often think that you really can't judge a book by its cover."

"Nephew, according to the sacred records of the Cihang Jingdian, those who constantly seek opportunities to satirize others in life will have their tongues pulled out in hell after death."

"Don't you know I don't believe in cults?"

Even with the sharpest weapon in the world, I don't think I could tattoo through this old man's thick skin. There's no need for much verbal sparring. After a few short exchanges, I asked about what the group had been talking about.

Xue's explanation wasn't very clear, but I could roughly understand it. Not far from here is a small village that experiences disturbances every now and then, supposedly caused by a malevolent spirit that is difficult to exorcise. They've been trying to hire a powerful mage to exorcise it. The group we just met heard this and plans to go there, feigning help with the exorcism, demanding exorbitant fees. If they fail, they'll take the money and run.

"Using the Cihang Jingdian (慈航静殿) name to exorcise ghosts would probably be quite convincing. There used to be mines there, inhabited by dwarves, whose crafted items are quite valuable. The mined ores might contain precious metals; a robbery could make them a fortune."

"You're right. However, those three people dressed in the robes of the Light God's Palace claimed to be from the Jingnian Chan Society."

"Jingnian Chan Society?"

Mao Yan'an and A Xue didn't hear clearly, only that the three apprentice priests were telling their companions that their Jingnian Chan Society was planning a major expansion in recent years, and the more funding the better. They said that if they could achieve this feat today, it would greatly benefit their future upgrades.

"The Pure Mind Chan Society? What's that? Uncle, have you heard of it?"

Mao Yan'an shook his head, indicating that he, like me, had never heard of this organization, which sounded like

a sister organization to the "Cihang Jingdian." However, why would a disciple of the Palace of Light join another sect? This was quite puzzling. Moreover, the phrase "Great Ambitions" sounded suspiciously like it was related to some conspiracy. If Fang Qingshu were still alive, perhaps the answer would be clear.

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Alibuda Chronicles Volume 8: Chapter 5 The Treasure Hunter

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