HBWnovel Chapter 413 Unknown danger
Chapter 413 Unknown danger
Cao Xun's heart skipped a beat. Even after learning Lin Feng's destination, his vigilance didn't diminish. He looked Lin Feng up and down, his gaze scrutinizing him like a criminal, and asked, "Your friend? You don't look like someone from Lingyuan City. Why would your friend be gathering in Lingyuan City?" His tone was filled with suspicion and questioning.
Lin Feng smiled bitterly and answered truthfully, "To be honest, I was delayed due to some trivial matters, so my friends went to Lingyuan City first."
After hearing this, Cao Xun pondered inwardly. Although he nodded in understanding, he didn't believe Lin Feng's words in his heart. At this time, Cao Ling heard that Lin Feng was also going to Lingyuan City. A flash of surprise suddenly flashed in her eyes. Ignoring her father's attempts to stop her, she blurted out, "You're going to Lingyuan City too? What a coincidence! We're also going back to Lingyuan City."
Cao Xun's face darkened and he quickly scolded, "Ling'er, stop talking nonsense!" There was a hint of anger and worry in his voice, fearing that Cao Ling's recklessness would bring disaster to the caravan.
Seeing this, Lin Feng understood Cao Xun's suspicions and wariness of him. After a moment's thought, he said, "I've been sleeping in the open air all this way, and my rations are long gone. I'd like to buy some food and water from you for the rest of the journey." He felt that offering a trade might help Cao Xun lower his guard.
After hearing this, Cao Xun turned and winked at Cao Mo. Cao Mo understood and turned to retrieve some food and water from the caravan's supplies, offering them to Lin Feng. This time, when Lin Feng offered the Black Crystal Coin, Cao Xun didn't refuse and took it. He figured, since it was a deal, and the other party was so generous, there was no need to be too rude. This might avoid unnecessary trouble.
Lin Feng took the food and water, clasped his fists and saluted again, saying gratefully: "Thank you for your help, see you later." After that, he turned around, put on his backpack, and slowly walked towards Lingyuan City. His back looked lonely and resolute in the morning light, and the worn coarse cloth fluttered in the wind, as if telling of his vicissitudes and persistence. Cao Xun looked at Lin Feng's departing back, and the vigilance in his heart was slightly relieved until he disappeared from his sight. He knew very well that in this world, every stranger could be a potential threat or opportunity, and only by responding with caution could he ensure the safety of himself and the caravan. Cao Ling looked at the direction where Lin Feng was going, and a ripple appeared in her heart. She was curious about what kind of story this mysterious man had, and was secretly looking forward to meeting him again in Lingyuan City.
Cao Ling's eyes, as bright as stars, were full of confusion and puzzlement. She opened her red lips slightly, and her voice was crisp but a little childish: "Dad, he is also going to Lingyuan City. Why don't we go together? We can look after each other. On this desert road, one more person always means more peace of mind." She tilted her head slightly, and a few strands of hair fluttered gently in the morning breeze, as if reflecting her inner confusion.
Upon hearing this, Cao Xun's brow furrowed tightly, a deep ravine running across his forehead. His eyes were heavy and serious, carrying the wisdom and experience of a seasoned martial artist. He stared directly into Cao Ling's eyes and spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful: "Ling'er, you're too naive and inexperienced. This world is far from what you see. He keeps saying he's heading to Lingyuan City, but who can easily tell if his words are true? Perhaps his accomplices have already set a trap ahead, waiting for us to step into it, so they can catch us all in one fell swoop, rob us of our wealth and lives, and plunder our goods and resources." As he spoke, he shook his head gently, his gesture filled with helplessness and sighs at the complexities of this world.
Cao Ling was struck by thunder at her father's words, her entire body frozen in place. The light in her once lively eyes gradually dimmed, replaced by a deep sense of confusion and contemplation. She bit her lower lip subconsciously, leaving a faint tooth mark on her tender pink lips. Her brow furrowed slightly, her mind a tangled mess, constantly tangled with her father's words. In her pure and innocent world, she had never imagined that there could be so much conspiracy and calculation between people. This sudden revelation, like a surging tide, shattered her beautiful trust and expectations.
At this moment, Cao Mo approached with steady steps. His posture was slightly stooped, the years had carved a slight curve into his back, and his face was etched with the marks of weathering. He hunched slightly, his eyes filled with respect for Cao Xun and concern for the current situation. He asked softly, "Second Elder, what do you think we should do next? Should we continue along our original route, or seek an alternative route to avoid this potential danger?" His voice was hoarse and rough, as if honed by the desert sands, and every word was etched with experience and fatigue.
Cao Xun didn't answer immediately. He slowly turned his head, his gaze as sharp as a torch, fixed on the direction Lin Feng had left. A tangible light shone from his gaze, as if it could penetrate the layers of yellow sand and see through Lin Feng's heart and intentions. After a moment's silence, he slowly spoke, his tone firm and resolute, leaving no room for doubt: "We'll take a detour. This place is full of dangers. Every moment we stay increases the risk. We can't risk the lives of the entire caravan. We must make a careful decision." His hands unconsciously clenched slightly, his knuckles turning white, as if he could already sense the tension and pressure that was about to come upon him.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Cao Mo's face. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke again, "Second Elder, if we take a detour, there's a group of bandits that frequently roam around here. I've heard they're rampant in this area, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities. If we take a detour, we're likely to be attacked. It's really difficult to be caught between wolves in front and tigers behind." A hint of fear involuntarily flickered in his eyes, a deep fear of the bandits' brutal nature. After all, in this desolate desert, the bandits were one of the most terrifying creatures. They were ruthless, unscrupulous, and willing to stop at nothing for profit.
Cao Xun narrowed his eyes slightly, his eyes revealing a sense of determination and fearlessness. He said calmly: "The sand bandits are brutal, but they are just a mob after all. They only know how to rob and loot with force, and they have no strategy or organizational discipline. As long as we deal with them carefully and rely on the protection of the caravan, we can still deal with them, and it will not be difficult to escape unscathed. But the man who just left was completely different. I can clearly sense a powerful and dangerous aura emanating from him, an aura that is definitely not something ordinary people can possess. With our current strength, even if everyone in the caravan works together, we may not be his opponent. Once we clash with him, the consequences will be disastrous." His words were loud and clear, and every word seemed to hit the hearts of everyone present.