Chapter 223
Chapter 223: Invitation
“Long time no see!” Han Shuo stood outside the door and greeted Odysseus’ group with a half smile.
All six of them cheered when they saw Han Shuo appear, their faces brimming with genuine joy. Odysseus and Gordon even barrelled towards Han Shuo to hug him.
“It really is you! What are you doing here?” The touchy feely Gordon looked at Han Shuo with surprise after he let go.
“Heh heh, come on in. It’s not as frightening as you think, it’s very safe here!” Han Shuo moved aside and gestured for them to come inside.
The six had been rather apprehensive about this place before they’d confirmed that Han Shuo was inside. After hearing his words, they stopped dithering and strode in, making for the center of the yard.
Odysseus’ crew was made of three warriors, two mages, and one archer. Odysseus was a senior swordsman; Gordon and Angelo, journeyman swordsmen; Aphrodite, a water adept mage; Bard, a thunder journeyman mage; and Nia, a female elven archer.
After their last foray into the Dark Forest, not only had they gained incredible treasures, but their strength had reached new heights. From their badges, Han Shuo could tell that Gordon had advanced to senior swordsman, and Bard to adept mage.
“Bryan, this place is Valley of Sunshine’s famous cursed shop. I’ve heard people mention the legends of this place the last time we were here. There’s a warning that no one should enter this shop. How come you’re living here?” Gordon was a straight shooter, completely unable to hide his thoughts. He looked around the yard when he entered the shop and asked Han Shuo as soon as he’d sat down.
“Legends aren’t necessarily real, and those curses could be manmade as well. We’ve been here for so long and haven’t run into any danger.” Han Shuo didn’t explain the blood water demons to them.
Restraining the anger in his heart, Laureton sucked in a few deep breaths and turned his head to Harris, “Bury these brothers well. I’m going to find out who did this and rip him apart!”
Harris didn’t say much as he nodded his head painfully, then started directing the mercenaries who were converging on all sides. They lifted the bodies carefully and started cleaning up the premises.
“Come with me.” Laureton had a black face and snorted softly, walking towards the largest building.
It was obvious that the three had chanced upon the aftermath of an ambush on the Cairo mercenary band. They took a close look around but discovered no traces of any enemies, and so had no idea what was going on.
When Laureton entered his own house, he waved his hands randomly around to indicate for them to find a stone stool. He spoke with a darkened face, “The enemy wants to kill me. The room that exploded was where I usually take care of the daily matters of the Cairo mercenary band. I usually go there at noon.”
“However, I was delayed by some matters today. When I was ten meters from the building entrance, I felt a strong magical pulse radiate outwards, with the explosion happening immediately. It looks like a magical device was set up beforehand, otherwise, it wouldn’t have exploded so timely. I almost died inside.”
“There are certainly those who belong to other factions in your mercenary band. This wouldn’t have happened otherwise. In addition, when I was fighting Florida in front of the gates to the Valley of Sunshine last time, the Rainbow Sickles shouldn’t have gotten there so quickly to save Florida. I started suspecting something then, and today, it seems like my suspicions were warranted.” Han Shuo thought for a moment and responded.
“That’s for certain. If I can arrange my men to infiltrate other factions, then the others can certainly do so as well. It was just too dangerous this time, I almost died. I wonder which faction did this.” Laureton growled with a darkened face.
Seeing that Laureton had his own thoughts, Han Shuo said no more. Although Laureton seemed all brawns and no brain, his mind was actually quite calculative. No wonder he could replace the previous Rainbow Sickle mercenary band to be the most powerful in the valley.
“Florida’s grandfather, Ferguson, the light grand magus of the Church of Light has arrived. Florida has also been transferred to another place and I can’t find an appropriate time to make a move against him. I’ve come to find you this time to figure out where Florida has been moved to.”
“Since you have men in the Rainbow Sickles, I think you might know this info. If I don’t know where Florida is, then I have no way to find the most appropriate timing to strike. I’ll need you to tell me where he is.” Han Shuo thought for a moment and told Laureton.
“I already know what happened last night, but since that sly old fox Ferguson has arrived, I think it’d be rather unrealistic to assassinate him now. After your attacks last night, Florida is certainly even more well protected now. Even if you know where Florida currently is, you won’t have the chance to make a move!” Laureton’s expression had completely returned to normal now.
Han Shuo understood Laureton’s words, but now that his three yin demons had formed and he had an earth elite zombie at his beck and call, Han Shuo had full reason to believe that he would still have a chance to succeed after he knew where Florida was, no matter how heavily guarded he was.
“I understand everything you’ve said, but I still hope you can tell me where Florida is.” Han Shuo laughed confidently.
It was obvious that Laureton felt that Han Shuo was overreaching himself. Although he understood Han Shuo’s strength was uncommon, he felt that even if Han Shuo leveraged the power of the Cairo mercenary band, he still wouldn’t have much of a chance to kill Florida.
“Alright, I’ll keep an eye out and send someone to notify you if I have news of Florida.” Laureton’s voice had grown cold as an impatient expression began to appear on his face.
Han Shuo knew there wasn’t much to discuss beyond that and nodded, leaving with Trunks and Gilbert.
“What the hell! We’re doing him a favor and his attitude is so vicious!” Gilbert started complaining loudly as soon as they’d left Cairo mercenary band’s territory.
“If you were almost blown to pieces, I think your attitude would be worse than his. It looks like Laureton was truly frightened today.” Trunks looked at Gilbert and smiled.
“Mm, Laureton was indeed in a bad mood today. I wonder if he’ll be unable to control himself and make a move shortly.” Han Shuo chuckled and paused. “It looks like chaos is growing in the Valley of Sunshine. I think we should change our plans. I’ve got a better idea now.”