Chapter 197: Chapter 126: Demon Sword Purple Nether

Upon hearing this, the guard leader’s expression changed slightly.

He said to Shopkeeper Sun, "If the situation has changed, it’s best we don’t stay here tonight."

Shopkeeper Sun, however, was hesitant.

"I’ve only been here once or twice, so it’s not that strange that I don’t recognize everyone.

"If we miss this stop tonight, we’ll have to make camp in the wilderness... And..."

He couldn’t quite make up his mind.

Hearing this, the guard leader fell silent for a moment before finally saying, "In my opinion, we should not linger here."

Shopkeeper Sun wasn’t an unreasonable man. Seeing the guard leader’s persistence, he nodded.

"Alright then. We’ll do as you say."

He had, after all, paid a hefty sum for this guard leader, hoping he would ensure a safe journey.

Now that they’d encountered a suspicious situation, it was only natural to listen to the guard leader. What, was he supposed to listen to himself, a mere merchant?

Shopkeeper Sun had a good eye. He was shrewd and would never gamble with his own life.

The guard leader sighed in relief. He had been genuinely worried that Shopkeeper Sun wouldn’t listen to him.

He couldn’t be sure if something had truly gone wrong in the village, but Shopkeeper Sun’s words had inevitably sown suspicion in his heart.

As they say, better safe than sorry. It was best to avoid potential trouble if they could. When traveling, one could never be too careful.

Since both the Shopkeeper and the guard leader had agreed, the rest of the caravan naturally had no objections.

The group passed straight through the village without stopping for even a moment.

Once they were a good distance away, Shopkeeper Sun looked back at the village, which still appeared peaceful and serene. He suddenly felt a pang of regret.

"Looking at it now, it seems like there wasn’t a problem after all."

The guard leader’s heart sank. "You’re not thinking of going back, are you?"

"Hahaha, Boss Geng, don’t you worry. Since I promised you we wouldn’t stay in the village, I’ll definitely keep my word."

Seeing the tense expression on the guard leader’s face, Shopkeeper Sun couldn’t help but laugh.

Fang Shuwen, meanwhile, had watched the entire process with cool detachment.

’There was definitely something wrong with that village,’ he thought. ’From the moment they stepped inside, a faint, almost imperceptible aura has been hovering around the caravan.’

’This Boss Geng’s decision was correct, and Shopkeeper Sun was cooperative enough.’

’However, the two of them overlooked one question.’

’If a new group of people has suddenly appeared in a village, what is their purpose?’

’Are they posing as villagers to rob travelers?’

’Or have they come for a specific reason?’

’If it’s the former, then they could indeed get away by leaving... at least that group didn’t make a move.’

’But if it’s the latter... and they are the target... then even without staying the night, what’s fated to come will come.’

The sky quickly darkened, and Shopkeeper Sun sighed. "Looks like we’ll have to camp in the wilderness tonight. It’ll be tough on everyone."

"Bring the carriages around to form a barrier against the wind. There are blankets on them we can use to stay warm."

After giving these instructions, he set others to the task of preparing a meal.

The group was instantly abuzz with the CLANGING and CLATTERING of activity.

Shopkeeper Sun’s party was very well-prepared. They had everything they needed, so they didn’t have to worry about food or drink, even out in the open.

While out gathering firewood, Lin Fan managed to catch two large gray rabbits.

He roasted them with seasonings Shopkeeper Sun had brought, and the aroma drifted far into the night.

Everyone sat around the bonfire with their backs to the carriages, sharing dry rations and eating rabbit meat. It wasn’t so bad. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

But before they could finish eating, the sound of heavy footsteps approached.

By the time everyone heard the noise, the newcomer was already very close. Lin Fan shot his head up, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Boss Geng silently gripped his sword.

The figure arrived before them. An imposing Ascetic Monk holding a Convenient Shovel appeared in the firelight.

The moment he saw this person, Boss Geng’s pupils contracted sharply.

"The Killing Ascetic!"

The Ascetic Monk brought a single palm to his chest. "Amita..."

He never finished the "-bha." The Ascetic Monk had spotted Fang Shuwen sitting there watching him, and he forcefully choked back the final syllable. Instead, he blurted out,

"I’ll take my leave."

With that, he turned and left without a backward glance.

Boss Geng had been on high alert. The Killing Ascetic had arrived radiating killing intent, and he had prepared himself to either fight to the death or beg for mercy.

But in the end, the man had just... inexplicably left.

For a moment, beyond the lingering terror, there was mostly just utter bewilderment.

’What just happened?’

’Looking at the Killing Ascetic’s retreating back, he seemed to be in a hurry... almost as if he was fleeing in a panic.’

’Could there be a hidden master among them?’

The guard leader subconsciously glanced around at the people in their party.

’He knew all his own guards.’

’None of them could possibly be strong enough to frighten away the Killing Ascetic.’

’Could it be one of the newcomers?’

He subconsciously glanced at Lin Fan. In his mind, Lin Fan was the one with superior Martial Arts.

But he saw the same bewilderment in Lin Fan’s eyes.

Then Boss Geng looked at Fang Shuwen. A flicker of suspicion crossed his mind, but the young man was handsome and scholarly. No matter how he looked at him, he didn’t seem like someone who could scare off the Killing Ascetic.

Fang Shuwen noticed his gaze and smiled faintly.

"That monk just now, was his title the Killing Ascetic?"

"That’s right."

’I must be going mad,’ Boss Geng thought. ’This young man doesn’t even know who the Killing Ascetic is.’