Chapter 784 Beast Village's Deceitful Object (3)

For two reasons, Shen Bai could not be allowed to leave.

The Power of Space pulsed from the ring on Guo Qi’s hand, and he drew the Bronze Box into it.

He said no more and led Shen Bai deeper into the canyon.

A short while later, the two of them disappeared into the canyon.

…

Once through the canyon, Shen Bai discovered a world unto itself.

As Shen Bai reached the end, the view unfolded before him.

The village was vast, nestled in a picturesque landscape of green mountains and clear streams. It would be no exaggeration to call it a small town.

Wisps of cooking smoke curled into the air, and people could be seen from time to time leading various beasts through the streets.

“You people certainly know what you’re doing, opening passages between every Refuge to trade goods and information,” Shen Bai remarked.

On the way, he had asked many questions, including how Guo Qi had managed to get to Beast Village.

Shen Bai had learned that periodically, a Clan Leader proficient in the ways of Space would open a passage, allowing the Refuges to trade and share resources with one another.

Guo Qi nodded. “Isolation would mean the end of a Refuge. Only by staying open can we ensure our continued survival.”

The words had barely left his mouth when something happened.

A sharp whistle pierced the air.

Then, figures began to emerge from the village entrance ahead.

“The Soul Ape and the Eight-sided Turtle are dead! The villagers on watch today are dead, too! Quickly, go check it out!”

A middle-aged man took the lead, heading toward the canyon with over a hundred people.

Each person was leading a beast, and they all emanated a terrifying aura.

They had barely taken two steps when the middle-aged man abruptly stopped. His gaze fell upon Shen Bai, and he waved his hand.

At his signal, the group surrounded Shen Bai and Guo Qi.

Seeing this display, a nervous expression crossed Guo Qi’s face.

‘Normally, he wouldn’t have cared, since it would have nothing to do with him.’

‘But things were different now. The real murderer was standing right beside me.’

‘This guy was the type who would actually kill.’

‘If I provoke him and he gets upset, he might just start a massacre. If he gets carried away and kills me along with everyone else, that’d be a huge loss for me.’

The middle-aged man frowned. “You’re from Flower Village. How is it that two of you have come this year? And why isn’t this man wearing your village’s clothes?”

Seeing that Shen Bai remained silent, Guo Qi knew it was his cue to speak.

He already had his story prepared. Taking two steps forward, he cupped his fist and said, “This is Brother Bai Shen. He’s new to our trade route, and I’m in charge of showing him around.”

The middle-aged man frowned. “If you’re traders, you must have passed through the canyon. Did you encounter any outsiders on your way here?”

Guo Qi nodded. “We did. The man was from the outside world. He killed the two people guarding the canyon. He was incredibly powerful, so we didn’t dare show ourselves, afraid he’d kill us along with them.”

The middle-aged man carefully considered what Guo Qi had said. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Alright then. You two head into Beast Village. Everyone else, with me. We’ll investigate this person’s whereabouts.”

There were no obvious holes in Guo Qi’s story. Coupled with the long history of trade between Beast Village and Flower Village, the middle-aged man saw no reason to be suspicious.

Guo Qi hurriedly nodded and led Shen Bai into Beast Village.

Meanwhile, the middle-aged man led the others toward the canyon to investigate the two people Shen Bai had killed.

…

Once inside the village, Shen Bai looked around and was surprised to find it quite bustling.

The streets were teeming with pedestrians, and market stalls were set up all over.

Shen Bai narrowed his eyes. “A true paradise.”

On the surface, it certainly looked like a prosperous village.

‘It seems the trade between the Refuges has allowed each of them to flourish.’

Ever since they had entered the village, Guo Qi had been constantly shooting glances at Shen Bai, looking like he wanted to say something but couldn’t bring himself to.

Shen Bai raised an eyebrow. “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Guo Qi said cautiously, “Brother, I’ve brought you inside now. Do you think you could…?”

Shen Bai smiled. “Weren’t you here to trade? I’ll have a look around with you.”

‘Now that I’m here, I should get a feel for the situation first.’

‘And right now, using Guo Qi is the most convenient way to do it.’

‘He’s from Flower Village and regularly trades with Beast Village. I’m bound to learn more through him.’

Hearing this, Guo Qi’s fingers trembled slightly. He forced a bitter smile. “Alright, then.”

‘Things have already come to this. I don’t dare argue.’

‘If I push my luck, Shen Bai’s sword won’t be so forgiving.’

Then, Guo Qi led Shen Bai to a trading post.

Of course Beast Village had trading posts. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to trade with Flower Village.

As Guo Qi led Shen Bai inside, Shen Bai’s eyes lit up.

The reason was simple: inside this trading post, there were three Deceitful Objects on display.

A blade, a Duster, and a Jade Pendant.

The three Deceitful Objects were placed in the most conspicuous spot, emitting a cold, sinister aura.

Shen Bai stroked his chin. ‘Red Makeup was right, after all.’

‘If a single shop has three Deceitful Objects, who knows how many are in the whole of Beast Village.’

‘Looks like I’m going to hit the jackpot this time.’

But Shen Bai made no move.

The reason was simple: Guo Qi was currently speaking with the shop’s owner.

The owner was a middle-aged man, somewhat overweight, with small eyes that held a shrewd glint.

“This one, and this one. We’ll take them,” Guo Qi said, pointing at a few Wood Tokens displayed in the shop.

The owner nodded. “The prices are marked. Show me what you have to trade.”

At his words, Guo Qi swiped his middle finger across his ring.

The next moment, the Bronze Box emerged from the ring.

As Guo Qi opened the Bronze Box, Shen Bai glanced over.