Chapter 162: Seeing Each Other Off

  "Alas!" Xia Ya sighed, walked over, and lifted Philip up from the ground with one hand, placing him in the horse carriage first. Then he looked at him: "Alright, let's talk, Mr. Philip. It's been a while since we last met, but it seems like you're having a pretty tough time now..."

  Philip's face was ashen, his expression ghastly. Suddenly overcome with grief, he let out a mournful wail:

  "I was blind back then! Today I'm being secretly plotted against by that shameless scoundrel!!"

  Originally, that day Fei Xingpu was defeated by Xia Ya on the arena, beaten to a pulp with countless broken bones. But what's worse, Xia Ya hated him so much that he cut off both his thumbs! This is equivalent to crippling him!

  This warrior, who has practiced swordsmanship, would no longer be able to grasp a weapon without his thumbs, and at least half of his skills would be discounted.

  What's even more miserable is that he was abandoned on the spot, and after being carried back by his subordinates, he originally wanted to treat his injuries first and then think about other things slowly. However, when he was carried back, others took a look at his injuries, and the situation underwent some subtle changes.

  At the beginning of the day, he was lying in bed, and a doctor came to treat his injuries. He didn't feel any changes at first, but by the second day, things were not right. Originally, there were two or three trusted subordinates by his side, but on the second day, they all disappeared. The people responsible for taking care of him had also changed several times. With severe injuries, he couldn't get out of bed and was lying in bed like a dead man. He felt something was off in his heart, but there was nothing he could do.

  Gradually, he felt that the people under him were becoming increasingly indifferent to him. In the past, when he was the leader, he had been surrounded by people who catered to his every need, but now that he was bedridden, the people under him initially came to take care of him, but later on gradually stopped paying attention to him. Fortunately, after being a leader for many years, there were still one or two old acquaintances who quietly sent him medicine.

  Philip was also a cunning and crafty person, hiding medicine to secretly take it, but intentionally pretending to be seriously injured and unable to move. The food brought by the people who sent meals became increasingly coarse, starting from the third day, they just threw a piece of dry flatbread on his bed every day, Philip endured all this too.

  It wasn't until later that he found out that during those few days when he was seriously injured, everyone discovered that he had become useless and started to have different intentions towards the people under him!

  They were originally a group of six martial artists who made a living by relying on their martial skills. With their martial skills abolished, how could they convince the public? What he didn't expect was that the first person to bare his teeth at him would be his previously trusted deputy, Savil.

  This Shavel has followed him for many years, and even his martial skills were taught by him. He can be regarded as a half-disciple, but this man had other intentions. When Philip was bedridden, his two or three confidants were already killed by Shavel leading a group of rebels.

  Xavier then intimidated and coerced Philip into handing over power at his bedside.

  It turned out that Philip was a cunning man who always left a way out when doing things, fortunately, this saved his life: he had deposited most of the Silver Python Warrior's property in a reputable large merchant association in the Imperial Capital, which accounted for 70% of the wealth accumulated by the Silver Python Warriors over the years. This sum of money was stored in that merchant association, and only Philip could withdraw it in person, while others absolutely couldn't.

  If it weren't for the sake of getting this sum of money that the Silver Viper Warrior Clan had accumulated over the years, perhaps during his illness, Savil would have killed him with a single sword.

  Philip was secretly bleeding in his heart, but he could only pretend to be weak and drag on the time with his opponent, hoping to wait until he recovered a bit. His loyal subordinates had previously given him medicine for his injuries, so he was secretly nursing himself back to health, and when necessary, he would pretend to be severely injured and unable to cope, which was also a testament to his cunning and variability, but surprisingly, he managed to deceive Shavel.

  And those who were secretly loyal to him also helped cover up some things, which barely delayed the time.

  He had finally delayed for several days, and Savile came every day to coerce him. Seeing that the other party was getting impatient, if he didn't hand over the money, he feared that the other party would lose his temper and take drastic measures. Philip finally agreed.

  Then Xavier took a group of trusted followers and escorted Philip to the Exchange Guild in the Imperial Capital, where they went to the merchant association to cash out and withdraw their assets.

  The next day, they went to the exchange association to withdraw their gold. In the merchant association, they obtained their property and loaded two large carts. Philip suddenly had an outburst. He had originally recovered a lot from his injuries, although his true strength would never be fully restored, but he was still able to handle several ordinary warriors. However, Saville was focused on the money and had less vigilance towards this crippled man, allowing Philip to take advantage of the situation and knock down several people before snatching another horse-drawn carriage and rushing out onto the main street.

  Although Xavier made an effort to catch up, in terms of reading,

  At this time, several of Philip's loyal subordinates desperately delayed, and after Xavier killed all of Philip's loyal subordinates, Philip had already driven far away.

  He was indeed cunning, taking advantage of the broad daylight to drive his carriage and rush out of the city gate. He had calculated that within the Imperial City, as long as he was on the main streets and near the city gates, there would be city guards patrolling, and even if Savil pursued him, he wouldn't dare to openly cause trouble and kill people. With this desperate attempt, he actually managed to escape from the Imperial City. Savil and others chased after him on horseback, but were ultimately a beat too slow, until they ran out of the Imperial City, Philip was finally caught up with.

  "It's all because of my own greed." Philip lay in the carriage, panting: "If I leave the city and lose the carriage, just drill into that small road or forest and they won't be able to find me.

  But I'm now a fugitive, my body is also crippled, and all I want to do is preserve this carriage full of wealth, so that I can support myself in the future. However, the carriage is indeed heavy and slow, and as we traveled, it left tracks on the road. The carriage was heading east, but unexpectedly, at the fork in the road to the east, they encountered Philip, who was traveling eastward, just after parting ways with Muldero and Xia Ya.

  Philip didn't recognize Dororo at first when he ambushed, but Dororo immediately rolled under the carriage. However, this time when Dororo and Hyakkimaru parted ways, he changed into a set of equipment and wore an extremely domineering sorcerer's robe!

  Although he didn't wear the badge of a magician, how could Philip not recognize this style of magician's robe? Looking at Dororo's horse again, it was a fine horse, and the saddle had several exquisite travel bags hanging from it. The saddle and whip were all high-quality goods, and in his heart, he was certain that this must be a powerful magician!

  Philip knew he was in a precarious situation, so he deliberately made friends with Duoduo. Originally, Duoduo didn't recognize Philip as the leader of the Silver Python Warrior Team, but after exchanging a few words, they suddenly saw through each other's identities and recognized each other.

  This guy is not a good seed, if it were in the past, he would have been afraid of Philip's high skill and would have run away. Now that the other party is so miserable, does Mr. Dororo still have no reason to beat the fallen dog?

  Philip's strength was greatly damaged, but he had no problem dealing with Dororo. However, since he knew that Dororo was Hyakkimaru's person, he didn't dare to lay a hand on him. He could only beg for mercy and heard that Dororo was searching for "Demon's Lips". Philip immediately vowed: he would find Demon's Lips without going through the trouble of adventuring! As long as Dororo spared his life, Philip promised to offer ten Demon's Lips.

  Duoduo was so delighted that he almost burst out laughing and his face lit up like a flower.

  They hadn't been happy for a few minutes when the pursuing soldiers arrived. After a melee, Philip fought desperately, and with Doro's help, they broke through the encirclement and crossed the fork in the road, heading west. Then they were rescued by us?" Ah Yuer Kaito couldn't help but sigh at this point, and a hint of sadness flashed across his face.

  Although he had a grudge against Philip, at this moment the other party was already in a desperate situation. Seeing his former arrogant enemy so flustered and disheveled, he couldn't help but feel that his hatred had dissipated.

  Looking at Philip, who was disheveled and covered in grime, Afreca hesitated for a moment before speaking to Xia Ya in a low voice: "Master Xia, this guy is already so wretched, it's as if heaven has punished him. Why bother finding trouble with him?" Xia Ya shook his head: "But Philip, you told my people that you knew where the Magic Kiss Fragrance was. Is that true?"

  Philip nodded and said humbly, "I dare not hide anything from the Baron." At this moment, facing Xia Ya, he was already a fallen person, and having learned of Xia Ya's identity, he did not dare to be presumptuous, and his attitude was as respectful as possible.

  "Alright, you speak up, I'll spare your life and even let you pass! Don't head east from here, follow us west instead. I see you've got a cart full of goods, so you can't go back home anyway. You're alone with no one to rely on, but as long as you have money, you can live anywhere. Follow our caravan west and if anyone chases after you, I'll help fend them off. What do you say?"

  Philip had already steeled himself for the worst, but who would want to die if there was even a glimmer of hope? Suddenly, a lifeline appeared before him, and his eyes flickered as he stared at Xia Ya with a complex expression that shifted like the weather.

  "After all, the person in front of him was the one who had ruined his own life! His current downfall could be said to be a result of Xia Ya's actions. If he still had his former abilities, no one would dare to rebel against him. But at this moment, on the verge of death, Xia Ya had saved his life again. 'Thank you, Baron.' Philip rolled out of the carriage and fell into the dust, while Xia Ya stood still, only coldly staring at him: 'Don't thank me, it's a fair trade. You provide the magic kiss, and I'll ensure your safety. It's a very fair deal. However, if you continue to do evil, I'll kill you with just a flick of my finger.' Philip smiled bitterly: 'Baron Xia Ya, after going through all this, I've come to realize many things. If it weren't for my past wicked deeds and teachings, the people around me wouldn't have turned against me like this. Moreover, I'm now half-crippled, where's the ability to do evil again?'"

  Xia Ya nodded: "Get up, I've saved your life! Philip got up and didn't wait for Xia Ya to ask questions. He took the initiative to say: "The magic kiss of the fragrant taro, originally only produced in the eastern border of the empire, in the chaotic territory of the elves' domain. However, I know that there is another place on this continent where magic kiss fragrant taro also exists!"

  "Where did it start?" Xia Ya's eyes sparkled as he stared at Fei Xingpu, while Ma Duo's eyes were also fixed on him.

  "Wildfire Plain! The Zakku Tribe!"

  Xia Ya's eyes moved at the sound.

  He grew up in the Wildfire Plains, how could he not know about the Zaku tribe?

  The Zakh people tribe is one of the other races in Wildfire Plains besides dwarves and gnomes.

  However, the Zakus are human after all, albeit a group of uncivilized savages. Their nature and customs differ from those of the Byzantine Empire and the Odin people. These unenlightened people live in tribes and reside deep within the eastern part of the Wildfire Plains.

  To the east of the Wildfire Plains lies a dense and savage jungle, through which one can reach the Zakhu tribe's settlement in a secret forest. Although the Zakhu people are uncivilized, they are still human after all. The dwarves and gnomes do not interact with humans, but the Zakhu tribe has many connections to the civilized world. The Zakhu tribe produces some rare goods that are highly prized in the civilized world.

  For example, the tobacco produced by the Zakus is a favorite among the nobles. It's said that these tobaccos are made from young girls in Zakus who rub the tobacco leaves on their smooth thighs to produce the rolls - not only does the tobacco have a rich flavor, but thinking about the process adds a few more romantic feelings to it.

  There is also a gold mine near the Zakku Upper People tribe, which produces a lot of gold. The local jungle is home to many magical beasts. The Zakku Upper People are brave and skilled in battle, especially when walking in the jungle, they are as swift as flying, and their movements are unpredictable. They are also good at driving wild animals and using various poisonous substances. Therefore, even though there is a gold mine near the tribe, people from the civilized world have not dared to invade for a long time and can only go to trade with the Zakku Upper People.

  Fortunately, the Zaku people do not dislike humans like the dwarf tribe does. They are willing to trade with human merchant caravans using their specialty products such as tobacco, golden spices, and magical beast skins and cores in exchange for goods from the human world. It is said that among the Zaku tribes, the most popular goods from the human civilization are liquor! The Zaku people do not cultivate grains or brew alcohol, especially enjoying the rich and flavorful wines brewed by humans. Silks, utensils, and ironware are also extremely popular in the Zaku tribes.

  "I do know that place," said Natsu, narrowing his eyes. "But how did you know there was a Magic Kiss in that place?" Philip replied slowly, "Many years ago, when I was still with the Silver Dragon Warrior Team, my brother and I used to work as mercenaries for some large merchant teams to earn some money. One time, we followed a merchant team to the Wildfire Plains and even entered the territory of the Zakku Upper People's tribe. The Magic Kiss is something I saw with my own eyes in that tribe! At that time, the merchant team that went to trade said they had obtained this plant in the chief's room of the Zakku Upper People's tribe, and were extremely surprised. Later, I heard from the Zakku Upper People that there was such a plant in that forest, and it seemed that the number was not small either." Philip described the characteristics of the Magic Kiss to Natsu, who looked at Dororo and nodded slightly, indicating that what Philip said was true. Natsu sighed, "Alright, I'll trust you this time." He turned his head to look at Dororo, "You're lucky! Haha, if you went alone to the east, we all thought you were dead for sure, but if there's really something in the Wildfire Plains... haha! That would be my territory! If it's really there, I'll find it for you! The Zakku Upper People's tribe I haven't been to, but the forest nearby I have run through, just didn't dare approach the tribe's territory. It's not too far away, just a bit hard to find. As long as we know the way, it won't be difficult."

  Duoduo was overjoyed in his heart, this way he could get to Mo Xiang without risking his life, how could he not be happy? One's life is one's own, who would be willing to throw it away for nothing?

  Philip, the original arch-nemesis, has now joined Xia Ya's team. Xia Ya allocated two horses to pull Philip's carriage, which was heavily loaded with several large trunks, making it creak and groan as it moved, filled with unknown amounts of wealth accumulated by the Silver Python Warrior over the years.

  Xia Yan thought to himself that he was recently short of money, and looking at Philip's large amount of wealth, he couldn't help but have some fleeting thoughts: since they were already enemies, why not take advantage of this good opportunity to swindle him?

  Philip was completely unaware, probably thinking that this Lord Shaya, with his illustrious reputation as a noble and high-ranking official, would not bother himself with such "small change".

  But little did he know, Xia Ya's red eyes had already circled his carriage countless times.

  Luckily Xia Ya wasn't so unbearable after all, just thinking about it is enough.

  It seems that today things are really going one by one, and when night falls, we arrive at a small town to stay overnight. As soon as we enter the town, we hear the sound of rolling wheels on the main road behind us.

  As he turned to look back, a light carriage came into view, pulled by four high-quality horses that were approaching at incredible speed. The person in the carriage was waving enthusiastically and seemed somewhat familiar. As they drew closer, the coachman's voice could be heard shouting from afar: "Hey, up ahead! Is that Lord Shaya? Please wait for a moment!"

  That hoarse voice with a hint of laziness was familiar to Xia Ya, and she narrowed her eyes to take a look, only to be stunned.

  Luo Di!!!

  That Minas family's chauffeur! That little duke!!

  That carriage was light and pulled by four good horses, and in an instant it caught up to the front. Roddy's face was covered with dust, his hair was gray, and he looked like he had been rushing for a long time. However, when he arrived at the front, his expression changed.

  Originally, when I first saw this young gentleman, he had a big beard on his face. Today, I took another look and found that the thick beard on his face and chin was gone! He originally belonged to the elegant and handsome type, but before, he insisted on keeping a large mustache and goatee, which was somewhat incongruous. Now that he has restored his original appearance, he is actually a handsome young man with a heroic air about him!

  Roddy jumped off the horse and ran quickly towards Xia Ya, who dismounted and stood beside his horse, looking at Roddy with a hint of a smile: "Young master, what's the hurry? If you've come to take back the mansion, I'll gladly return it to you!"

  Haha! Baron-sama! Rody walked up to him and bowed solemnly, causing Shaya to be somewhat perplexed: "Eh? You're the future Duke-sama, why are you bowing to me?"

  "After that you'll know, Nalrod winked at Shaya and then pointed to the carriage behind him: "I didn't think you'd be leaving so soon. These things take a bit of time to pack up, luckily we still made it in time. Baron Shaya, this carriage full of stuff is just a small token, please do accept it!"

  Give gifts?

  Xia Ya was really stunned.

  "Ah...” The turtle-browed man opened his eyes and smiled, rubbing his hands together: "How can we be so presumptuous?" His mouth said this, but his eyes kept darting towards the carriage: I wonder what kind of good things the Duke's family has sent as gifts? Hmm, hopefully they're all those shiny gold things with people's faces on them...

  Luobian was so clever that he guessed three points of the other's meaning by looking at Xia Ya's expression. He winked at Xia Ya, who understood and walked to one side with Luodi. Only then did Luodi say in a low voice: "There is a box of purple gold coins on the carriage! The value is about 40,000 gold coins, and there are also four barrels of good wine. I'll explain first, the gold is not my gift, but the wine is what I personally found."

  Xia Ya didn't care about wine anymore after hearing this!

  40,000 gold coins!!!

  The turtle's eyes have almost turned into copper coins!

  However, he coughed and forced a smile: "This... how can I be so presumptuous? You're giving me a house and money..."

  Luobian was taken aback for a moment, then said: "As for the matter of that mansion, I'm not clear about it. If Father wants to give it to you, he must have his reasons. However, this money, you must accept it! The Minas family doesn't owe anyone favors! Hmm? Owe anyone favors?

  Xia Ya's husband, Luo Di, leaned in close to Xia Ya's ear and whispered with a smile: "My sister, the crown prince's consort, was saved by your own hands! This kindness, our Minas family cannot not repay!" As soon as he said this, Xia Ya suddenly felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head! Her face changed color, and she hastily retreated a step back, whispering: "Do you know that I know?"

  "This sounds a bit strange, but Rody understood it at once and smiled slightly: 'We know you know, don't worry, only my father and I know. The Emperor and my sister are clear about it.'"

  He patted Xiaya's shoulder and smiled, "Don't worry, we won't leak this out. We also understand the reason why you pretended to be stupid. However, the person you saved is a daughter of our Minas family, so this kindness must be repaid!"

  Roddy smiled and said, "Also, I heard that you didn't repair the house because you were short of money. Don't worry, I've already instructed my people to take care of it for you. I'll cover the maintenance costs so you don't have to rush back and forth." Xia Ya smiled awkwardly and raised his hand: "Then thank you very much. To be honest, I'm really short on cash right now, so I won't be polite about your gifts - I'll just accept them!"

  Luobian let out a sigh of relief and smiled: "Good, you've accepted, now I can rest assured. In the future, I'll still need to ask for your help often."

  Xia Yaqi said: "You are the future duke, I am just a baron, what do I have to do with you?" Roddy shook his head: "Father doesn't let me say it now, so you'll naturally know later."

  Just as Rody was about to bid farewell, he suddenly turned his head and looked at Xia Ya with a strange expression.

  "Before I came, I heard you had already taken Mr. Kavishir as your teacher?"

  Xia Ya glared at him "How did you find out so quickly? Do you know everything?"

  "Ah... actually, I also studied under Mr. Kavishir as a teacher back then, but the teacher taught me for a few years and later I quit."

  "Why? Why didn't you continue learning from him?" Xia Ya asked curiously.

  Luobian furrowed his brow and forced a bitter smile, saying "Although my family is a ducal house, from a young age, my father's guidance was strict. After I turned 18, I had official duties, and all expenses were borne by myself!! Although Teacher Kavishir is erudite, the annual filial piety money is really too excessive! This brother of mine can't afford it either!!"

  Xia Ya listened and immediately felt a sense of solidarity, nodding repeatedly, feeling deeply moved. He stomped his foot and said: "Exactly! That old scoundrel is really not a good thing, using his disciples to make money! Before I left the Imperial Capital, I gave him 10,000 gold coins!"

  As they spoke, the two men hugged each other, tears streaming down their faces, and shouted in unison: "Long live understanding!"

  At this moment, the two of them cherished each other, sighed together for a while, and then compiled a few sentences of Caviezel together. Finally, they looked at each other and burst out laughing, suddenly feeling much closer.

  Xia Ya was delighted for the first time someone scolded Kavihr with him, and he found Ruo You even more pleasing to his eyes.

  Roddy finally said a few words and really bid farewell, turned around and left, untied a horse from the carriage and rode on it. As a military aristocrat, he was skilled in riding, and even without a saddle or reins, he didn't mind at all. On the horse, he smiled at Xia Ya: "Take care on your way, we'll have another chance to meet soon!"

  Having said that, the little duke turned his horse's head and went away, running a few steps before throwing back a sentence from afar:

  "Xia Ya, don't forget that there are people in the Imperial City who are thinking of you day and night!!"

  This last sentence was thrown out, and Xia Ya originally had a face of emotion, suddenly stiffened his face, opened his mouth and stared at the back of the young duke, after a long time, he suddenly shook violently.

  "Damn it! I thought he was a good guy! Turns out he's also a son of a bitch! Screw you! Don't bother remembering me, get lost! Next time we meet, I'll punch you down with one hit!"