Chapter 63: The Petty Man of Influence

Han Shuo knew exactly what three thousand gold coins meant; it was indeed enough to buy many lives. So even though he realized he had been inexplicably drawn into serious trouble, once Phoebe named that sky-high price, all the anger in his heart was instantly shattered by the prospect of gold.

“Don’t be too quick to celebrate. Things have come this far—I don’t think I need to spell it out for you. I’m sure you’ve already guessed that the one who hired ‘Shadow Remnants’ to kill me is none other than my esteemed Uncle Grover. My uncle is wealthy and powerful, with many skilled experts at his side who could end your life before you even realize it. What’s more, after today’s incident, my uncle will certainly inform ‘Shadow Remnants’ that you were the one who killed those three assassins. That assassin organization is infamous for its vengefulness. I imagine you’ll have no shortage of trouble ahead,” Phoebe warned Han Shuo, seeing the satisfied smile on his face.

“Heh, that has nothing to do with me. Once I leave the Buster Trading House, I’ll make sure to hide myself carefully. Whether it’s ‘Shadow Remnants’ or your uncle, I doubt they’ll be able to find me. Killing me won’t be so easy,” Han Shuo replied. He had considered all this when he agreed to the task. After leaving the Buster Trading House, he would immediately vanish, hand the gold coins over to Fanny, and then request a leave of absence. Using the teleportation array hidden in his space ring, he would go to the Cemetery of Death to cultivate for a while, thus avoiding all of Phoebe’s entanglements.

“I see. Since you’ve already made arrangements, I feel relieved. The reason I shifted all the blame onto you is because I don’t want to reveal my abilities too soon. Otherwise, if even stronger assassins from ‘Shadow Remnants’ come after me, even my swordmaster skills might not be enough,” Phoebe said.

Han Shuo nodded with a smile. “I understand. Since you’re paying me to take the fall, I have no complaints. As for your Buster Trading House’s internal affairs, I have no interest whatsoever. If there’s nothing else, could you help me tally up the goods? I’ll take my leave as soon as I’ve received the gold.”

“Fine. Fabian, take out the items in his pouch and count them,” Phoebe ordered.

Now composed, Fabian walked over to the thirteen pouches Han Shuo had produced, taking out and tallying all the various goods inside. At last, he respectfully said to Phoebe, “Miss, these things should be worth four thousand gold coins.”

“Added to the three thousand I promised you, that makes seven thousand gold coins. Are you satisfied?” Phoebe asked coldly, glancing at Han Shuo.

“No problem. I believe we’ll have other opportunities to work together in the future. It’s just that the Buster Trading House doesn’t seem very safe—could we do business somewhere else next time?”

Phoebe frowned slightly at Han Shuo’s suggestion, then nodded. “The staff here are all Uncle’s trusted men—I dare not stay here any longer. For him to make a move inside the trading house shows his growing audacity. He’s probably bought off the others as well.

Fabian, help me find a new residence. We’ll move out today. The trading house is no longer safe. I’ll speak with the other elders as soon as possible—once I can prove my commercial abilities and win their support, we can drive the old man out.”

“Don’t worry, Miss. I’ve already anticipated this and found you a new place before your return. The new residence is on North Street, right next to Babylon Academy of Magic and Martial Arts. Many nobles and people of influence in the Empire live there. No matter how rampant ‘Shadow Remnants’ are, they’ll think twice before acting there.”

“Excellent. We’ll move today. Once the old man is ousted, I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely!” Phoebe nodded with satisfaction and smiled at Fabian.

“To serve you is my honor!” Fabian replied with heartfelt gratitude, bowing deeply. He then handed Han Shuo a card. “This is our new address. If you have more business, you can find me there. You’ve saved my life twice—I’ll always give you the fairest price. Now, give me your crystal card and I’ll transfer the seven thousand gold coins to your account.”

Once the transfer was completed and Han Shuo confirmed the amount, he smiled and nodded his satisfaction. “In that case, I’ll take my leave. If I have more business, I’ll be sure to find you. Farewell, both of you!”

“Be careful out there—watch that you’re not being followed,” Phoebe said, still cold-faced, but offering a final word of caution as Han Shuo departed.

After Han Shuo left the room, Phoebe muttered angrily in a low voice, “What is the background of this mercenary little man? He grabbed my hand and embraced me, yet all he thinks about is his gold coins—he didn’t even apologize! Damn him!”

“Uh… Miss, you never mentioned it either. I thought you didn’t care,” Fabian stammered, seeing Phoebe’s sudden change in expression after Han Shuo’s departure.

“Hmph! As a lady educated in noble etiquette, how could I be the first to bring up such a thing? That fellow has nothing but money in his eyes. Not only does he feel no shame, he even acts as if I owe him. Utterly infuriating!” Phoebe complained, gritting her teeth before taking a deep breath and asking, “By the way, this person is extremely odd. Where did he come from?”

Fabian shook his head ruefully. “I really don’t know. I only met him by chance in the Dark Forest. I offered two hundred gold coins and he saved me from a Forest Troll. After he traded the troll’s belongings with me, I gave him our trading house’s address. As for his background, I know nothing.”

“I see. If he comes to you for business again, let me know. I’ll handle it myself,” Phoebe instructed, frowning and biting her lip lightly.

“Yes, Miss,” Fabian agreed earnestly.

After leaving Phoebe, Han Shuo remained fully on guard, ready for any retaliation Grover might attempt. But perhaps because the three ‘Shadow Remnants’ assassins had died so suddenly, Grover had no time to make new arrangements. On his way out, Han Shuo encountered no resistance at all—not even the guards who had been everywhere earlier were anywhere to be seen.

However, as Han Shuo reached the main doors of the Buster Trading House, the two doormen he had berated earlier seemed to be waiting for him. As soon as he appeared, they blocked the entrance, one of them glaring furiously and demanding, “What did you say when you went in just now?”

“I said you two are nothing but blind, useless dogs. What of it?” Knowing these two belonged to Grover’s faction and that beating them would not harm his relationship with Fabian or Phoebe, Han Shuo showed no restraint and continued to curse them with confidence.

“Looking for death!” they shouted, immediately swinging their fists at Han Shuo.

With a cold chuckle, Han Shuo darted forward before their punches could land, pressing his hands to their chests. The “Arcane Frost Flame Technique” activated, and two faint auras—one violet, one red—sank into their bodies.

With a hearty laugh, Han Shuo strode quickly away from the Buster Trading House before they could react. The violet and crimson magic would not kill them, but it would leave them writhing in pain for quite some time.

After leaving the trading house, Han Shuo’s extraordinary senses alerted him to the feeling of being followed. Heightening his vigilance, he wove through streets and alleys, constantly changing direction and always seeking out the most crowded places.

Only after some time had passed, when he was certain no one was tailing him, did he enter a clothing shop, purchase a new outfit, and then hire a carriage to set off toward Babylon Academy of Magic and Martial Arts.