Chapter 86 A New Pursuit

When Shuo entered the rundown, filthy house with Phoebe and Candice, he was surprised to find that the interior was remarkably clean and tidy, even boasting some luxurious decorations. It turned out the squalor was only skin-deep; inside, the house was of a much higher standard.

As they stepped in, Candice slammed the door shut with a loud clang, sword in hand, blocking the exit.

“Candice, you don’t have to be so cautious. My dear uncle here knows nothing of martial skills or magic—he won’t escape this time,” Phoebe remarked, her mask already removed to reveal her stunning face. She sat down with an air of indifference, her cold gaze fixed on an open door to another room.

Shuo glanced around, using his magic to survey the surroundings. Finding no suspicious figures nearby, he poured himself a cup of warm tea and drank greedily.

Grover, looking dejected and defeated, emerged from the open room. He let out a bitter laugh and looked at Phoebe, saying, “My dear niece, I never expected you to be hiding your strength all along. Has Caro been captured by you already?”

Phoebe paused, then looked at Grover in surprise and shook her head. “No, I only just discovered this place.”

“If you let Caro go, I’ll give you everything you want—including my life.” Facing his end, Grover seemed resigned, ready to give up everything.

“I’m sorry, Caro isn’t in my hands. If I’m not mistaken, Grandfather Andrew must have sent someone. Your mistress was likely taken away by his people—her fate is not mine to decide,” Phoebe replied, her eyes chilling as she fixed her gaze on Grover. “Was it you who killed my father?”

“That’s right. I poisoned him to death. Since you already know, there’s nothing left to hide. What else do you want to know?” Grover answered, numb and rigid.

Shuo could feel the anger surging within Phoebe as she took a deep breath and slowly stood up. Looking at Shuo and Candice, she said, “I’d like a moment alone with my dear uncle. Bryan, could you wait for me outside with Candice?”

Nodding, Shuo set down his teacup and left with Candice, stopping at the end of the alley.

“Hey, may I ask you something?” Candice stood across from Shuo, sizing him up with evident curiosity before finally speaking.

Shuo, lost in thought about Duke’s identity, looked up in puzzlement at her question.

Candice was tall for a woman, her skin tanned a deep bronze from years in the sun, her figure athletic and upright. Her ample chest threatened to burst from her clothes, and her strong, shapely legs radiated power—like a spirited, untamed mare.

“What is it?” Shuo didn’t particularly like Candice, but he didn’t dislike her either.

“How were you able to anticipate the assassins’ attacks so precisely, as if you could see every one of them?” Candice’s eyes sparkled with keen interest.

“There’s a magic called ‘Eye of the Sky’—I’m sure you’ve heard of it. My method is similar, though there are some differences. I can’t go into detail,” Shuo replied coolly, glancing at her.

“Your method is so subtle that even those two archmages didn’t notice anything. It’s truly remarkable. Could you teach it to us? If our mercenary group had it, our success rate would soar. We’d be willing to pay handsomely for it.

I’ve heard you’re also a merchant—name your price, however high. We can offer other forms of compensation too, as long as it’s within our means,” Candice said, her gaze sincere and intent.

Shuo shook his head firmly. “I’m sorry, but some things are not for sale, Miss Candice.”

“Then would you consider joining our Warfire Mercenary Group? As vice-captain, I can recruit you directly. With your abilities, you’d make a huge impact.” Candice wasn’t discouraged by his refusal; instead, she extended another invitation.

“Sorry, I don’t have such plans for now,” Shuo politely declined again.

“All right. But if you ever change your mind, remember Warfire. You’ll always be welcome,” Candice promised earnestly.

At that moment, Phoebe emerged from the house, her expression cold. Seeing Candice and Shuo, her face softened slightly as she asked, “What were you two talking about?”

“Oh, nothing. By the way, Phoebe, what happened to Grover?” Candice asked, a bit awkwardly.

“He took his own life. I got the answers I needed. We can leave now,” Phoebe replied, her expression odd as she looked at Candice.

“I suppose there’s nothing left for me to do here. May I take my leave?” Shuo interjected as the two women spoke.

Phoebe fixed her bright eyes on Shuo, studying him for a moment before turning to Candice. “Candice, two members of your Warfire group managed to escape. Go find them, and check if anyone survived in our abandoned courtyard.”

Candice shot Phoebe and Shuo a knowing, playful smile, nodded, and strode away.

“Bryan, would you walk with me for a while?” Phoebe’s cheeks flushed at Candice’s suggestive look, but when Candice finally vanished, she composed herself, gazing at Shuo with anticipation.

“All right. Where do you want to go?” Shuo asked after a brief thought.

“Let’s stroll toward the southern district. I don’t think the Buster Trading Company poses any threat to me now.”

Shuo said nothing more, accompanying the beautiful Phoebe as they walked slowly along a filthy street. Some impoverished passersby looked at their fine clothes with envy.

“In this world, merchants like us have little status. Even if we earn a few coins, we’re not much different from the commoners,” Phoebe said softly, her voice tinged with melancholy.

“Miss Phoebe, you don’t see the envy and jealousy in their eyes as they look at you. To them, your life is a dream—what more could you want?”

She laughed quietly, a touch of self-mockery in her sigh. “Yesterday, we almost died. Such a life, full of unknown dangers, is beyond their imagination. Perhaps they worry about survival, but we worry about our lives. Who should envy whom?”

She suddenly stopped, her gaze settling on Shuo’s face. “Bryan, with your abilities, if you set your mind to it, you’ll go far. I once hoped you’d help me run the trading company, but now I realize it’s too small for you. You need a broader stage. Have you thought about what kind of future you want?”

Shuo was momentarily stunned. He thought of his own identity—a former slave, now just a student at Babylon Magic and Martial Academy. Even if he graduated quickly, he’d still have little to his name. That wasn’t the life he wanted, though he hadn’t formed a clear plan yet.

“Power and prestige—that’s what you should pursue. No matter how wealthy, a merchant is still a pawn to be slaughtered at will. Only those with illustrious status and influence can command everything, even life and death. You should be one of them!” Phoebe’s eyes shone with fervor, her voice mesmerizing.

Something stirred within Shuo; he’d thought of these things before, but never so clearly. Since fate had given him a second chance, why not live without restraint? If he had the strength, why not strive for more? Under Phoebe’s spell, the restless ambition in his heart began to blaze and harden.

After a moment, he took a deep breath and nodded seriously. “I understand what you mean, but my opportunity hasn’t arrived yet.”

A radiant smile bloomed on Phoebe’s face, as if she’d been waiting for this answer. “You’re wrong. Opportunity is always present. The fastest way to gain power and status is to earn military merit in war. The Empire is never at peace—the borderlands are in constant conflict with neighboring states, and I expect a major war soon. You should get involved. As a good friend, I’m willing to help you in any way I can.”

“I appreciate your kindness, but I want to earn everything with my own hands,” Shuo replied firmly. “Miss Phoebe, I’ll need you to prepare some grain for me. I’ll come to the Buster Trading Company in a few days to collect it. I think we’ll have many opportunities to work together in the future.”

“Very well. I’ve said all I needed to say. There’s no need for you to keep wandering with me. I believe you’ll soon make a name for yourself in the Empire. When that happens, don’t forget your friend!” Phoebe said, winking playfully.

“Your words today have inspired me greatly—I’ll always remember them. Goodbye, Miss Phoebe. And don’t forget my grain!” Shuo replied with a laugh, abruptly changing direction and heading north.

When Shuo was far off, Phoebe pouted in mock annoyance, grumbling in a voice only she could hear, “That infuriating man—he only remembers his grain!”