Chapter 161 Encountering an Acquaintance on the Road

Beyond Valen City lay a desolate wilderness. In the center of a rugged slope strewn with rocks, Han Shuo gently set Lisa down.

With the “Skyborne Martial Art,” scaling the city walls—standing about ten meters high—was no obstacle for Han Shuo. Valen City was now plunged into chaos; soldiers of the Gryphon Legion, seemingly drugged with stimulant, scoured the streets relentlessly in pursuit of suspects. As a direct participant, Han Shuo found himself chased by a cavalry squad. For Lisa’s sake, it was only natural to retreat outside the city and hide temporarily.

Suddenly, Lisa, whom Han Shuo had just placed on the ground, wrapped her arms tightly around his back. Her exceptionally well-developed figure pressed against him, the softness and firmness unmistakably clear to Han Shuo.

Throughout their journey, Han Shuo had carried Lisa on his back. But amid the danger and constant evasion, his attention had never wandered elsewhere. Now, safely away from harm, Lisa’s sudden embrace from behind stirred an unusual feeling within him.

“Do you like it?” Lisa whispered shyly in his ear, her cherry lips close, her chest pressed warmly against his back.

Han Shuo took a deep breath, turned to face her, and gently eased her away with a smile. “We’re safe for now. Once we’re out of Valen City, the Gryphon Legion will find it nearly impossible to capture us. You can relax.”

Lisa pouted, then suddenly threw her arms around him again, gripping his waist tightly. Softly, she said, “Now I’m nothing. All my loved ones are gone. What am I supposed to do from now on?”

Patting her shoulder reassuringly, Han Shuo said, “Don’t worry. Lawrence will take care of you. When he heard what happened, he rushed here from the imperial capital. He truly cares about you.”

“When I was young, I played with cousin Lawrence all the time. Even then, he cared for me deeply. Over the years, he’s treated me like a brother. I’m very grateful to him.” Hearing Han Shuo mention Lawrence, Lisa spoke sweetly, then suddenly gasped, her expression filled with concern. “Oh no, Lawrence didn’t leave with us. Could he be in danger?”

“Don’t worry. Lawrence isn’t an ordinary man. If he couldn’t get through a little danger, all these years would have been for nothing.” As the third prince, Lawrence was raised by an ambitious mother and had the favor of the emperor himself, supported by skilled aides. Leaving safely should pose no problem.

“By the way, you haven’t answered me yet—how can you fly?” Han Shuo’s comforting words clearly eased Lisa’s mind. She exhaled deeply, then fixed her bright eyes on him.

“Well, it’s a bit hard to explain. I can only tell you that what I use isn’t the levitation spell that only mages can wield. It’s more like a unique martial art that allows flight.” Whether to Emily or Lisa, the “Skyborne Martial Art” was difficult to explain or comprehend, so Han Shuo had no choice but to evade the question like this.

A group of a dozen or so suddenly appeared in the distance, slowly heading toward Valen City. Han Shuo glanced over and, seeing they wore no Gryphon Legion armor, paid them no mind and continued talking with Lisa.

Han Shuo and Lisa stayed on the rocky slope they had passed through earlier. As the group drew near, a soft voice suddenly called out from within: “Eh? Brian, what are you doing here?”

Han Shuo was momentarily stunned before looking closely at the group. To his surprise, he recognized Candice—a well-built figure carrying a broad sword. She wore a tight, thin swordsman’s outfit, seemingly impervious to the cold winter.

Seeing Han Shuo, Candice signaled to a few mercenaries behind her and strode over with vigor. Upon reaching him, she gave him a quick glance, furrowed her brow, and said, “In this freezing weather, you’re not sneaking away to this rocky slope for a tryst with this little lady, are you?”

“Mind your own business!” Lisa shot a glare at Candice, clearly displeased with her tone, and snapped sharply.

Han Shuo gently extricated himself from Lisa’s embrace, then looked beyond Candice to the mercenary group behind her. There were six men in total, five of whom were spread out, surrounding a graceful woman veiled with a thin gauze, seemingly protecting her.

Han Shuo’s gaze returned to Candice. He understood she had likely taken on a mission to protect the veiled lady. Smiling lightly, he said, “Long time no see, Candice. You’ve probably accepted another assignment and are in the middle of it, right?”

Candice nodded openly and laughed cheerfully. “Yep, life’s tough for me. Meanwhile, here you are, carefree and even sneaking off for a tryst in this freezing weather!”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. We’re here because of some business, nothing more,” Han Shuo explained with a wry smile.

“That’s exactly what it is! Who cares about your business?” Lisa pouted again, reverting to her feisty schoolgirl demeanor, glaring at Candice like a feisty little hen.

“Alright, alright, no need to argue!” Han Shuo chuckled, lightly patting Lisa to hush her.

“This little lady is quite something, haha. Brian, how’s it going with Phoebe now?” Candice glanced at Lisa with amusement before turning to Han Shuo.

“Same as always. I’m doing business with her. She’s just taken over the guild and is busy as ever,” Han Shuo replied casually, then asked, “Are you heading to Valen City this time?”

Candice nodded. “Yes, we were hired to escort Miss Belinda to Valen City. Once she finishes her business there, we’ll ensure she gets back safely.”

Having shared life-and-death experiences with Han Shuo before, Candice trusted him deeply and spoke openly about her mission.

Han Shuo pondered for a moment, then warned, “Valen City has been unsettled lately. The Gryphon Legion commander Bobby Askey’s two sons have caused turmoil—one has been missing for months, and the elder, Clark, was killed just days ago. The commander is furious, and the city is on edge. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I suggest your employer avoid entering the city now.”

“Thanks for the advice. I’ll mention it to my employer, but whether she listens isn’t up to me,” Candice said, her face troubled. Her frown showed how seriously she took the news.

But as a mercenary, once she accepted a contract, she had to see it through regardless of danger or change, lest she face penalties.

Han Shuo nodded, about to say more, when his brows suddenly knit. He spun around sharply, looking toward the direction from which Candice’s group had come. After hesitating, he asked, “Have you encountered any danger along the way?”

Candice was briefly taken aback, then recalled Han Shuo’s extraordinary abilities. Her expression hardened as she replied swiftly, “We did face some dangers, but they were easily handled. Why do you ask? Did you notice something?”

“Since you arrived, another group has been trailing behind you. I initially thought they were unrelated, just another party heading into Valen City. But just now, a gust of wind carried the sound of the name ‘Belinda.’ If I’m not mistaken, this group maintaining some distance behind you must be connected to your employer, Belinda,” Han Shuo explained, frowning.

If anyone else had said this, Candice would not have believed it. The distance was great, and even she had seen no sign of the other group. That Han Shuo could sense a trailing party and even hear their conversation carried on the wind was nothing short of miraculous.

Perhaps only a grand wind mage could achieve such a feat, but Han Shuo was nowhere near that level.

Yet, having witnessed Han Shuo’s miraculous talents firsthand, Candice accepted his words without doubt. Batting her long eyelashes thoughtfully, she asked, “Where are they? How many? What kind of strength do they possess?”