Chapter 004: The Deal

Hearing only that cough, Du Fan and the others acted as if they hadn’t heard anything at all, continuing with their own tasks.
The leader of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group was quite famous in the north. When had he ever been treated like this? He wanted to leave in anger right away.
But then he remembered that when his group entered the northern ice plains, there had been many people, yet now only four remained, and all their equipment and supplies were left in their camp.
Although returning to the camp to gather supplies would still give them a chance to leave the northern ice plains, at that moment, even if given ten thousand times the courage, he wouldn’t dare go back there. But by following these people, there might still be a glimmer of hope.
Moreover, the leader’s gaze toward Du Fan contained not only fear and reverence but also a hint of greed.
Seeing that Du Fan and the others were about to leave, the leader, disregarding his pride, took a deep breath and said, “Esteemed gentlemen, I… Kasimir, the leader of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group, thank you for saving my life.”
Hearing this, Du Fan paused, suddenly smiled, and turned to Feray, saying, “Feray, did you hear anything just now?” He even winked.
Feray was smart too. Seeing Du Fan wink, he immediately understood and said, “Well… I really didn’t hear anything. I wonder if your colleagues heard something?”
The remaining Temple Knights knew exactly what was going on. They exchanged glances and laughed, saying, “We didn’t hear anything. We heard nothing at all.”
Du Fan nodded and smiled again. With his own problems unresolved, why would he care about someone who had wanted to drag him down with them just moments ago?
But Kasimir, as if expecting this reaction, struggled to take a few steps forward and blocked their path, saying, “Gentlemen, what happened earlier was indeed our fault. But you too weren’t hurt, right? I’m here to apologize to you. In these northern ice plains, meeting each other is fate. Since we’ve met, can’t you even spare me a few words?”

It was fine as long as Casimir didn’t bring up this matter, but once he did, Du Fan remembered his magic scrolls and holy water that had disappeared for no reason, and his heart truly ached. Filled with rage, he forced a smile and pointed at Casimir, saying, “This person… Casimir, right? Since you think we haven’t suffered any loss, does that mean you’re willing to compensate me for those dozens of magic scrolls I threw away just now? I’m a reasonable person. Although I bought these magic scrolls at a high price, I won’t demand an exorbitant amount. You claim to be the leader of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group—surely you’ve seen the world and know the value of these magic scrolls. I won’t make things difficult for you. Consider them the cheapest ones. Compensate me immediately at their value, and I’ll pretend we’ve suffered no loss. Then, not only can you say whatever you want, but you can even say hundreds of things without issue.”

Casimir was stunned again and couldn’t help but force a bitter smile. Even at the lowest price, those dozens of magic scrolls were worth at least one million gold coins. Given the Snow Fox Mercenary Group’s financial situation, they really couldn’t afford to pay such a sum.

On the other hand, if they had the money, why would the Snow Fox Mercenary Group risk coming to this northern ice plain to make money? Moreover, this leader, Casimir, was a man obsessed with gambling. Before coming here, he already carried a mountain of gambling debts. So, not to mention now, even if he were forced to leave this ice plain to pay that one million gold coins, he probably couldn’t afford it no matter what.

Seeing his expression, Du Fan grunted and said, “Can’t afford it, huh? If you can’t pay, get lost. Stop talking nonsense about fate bringing us together. If our fate is so strong that you want me to die with you at any time, then let’s not even consider this meeting.”

With that, Du Fan waved his hand slightly.

Instantly, the few Temple Knights behind him grunted as well, slightly drawing their knightly swords, with their combat auras beginning to burn.

“Wait… wait a moment… please wait…” Casimir waved his hands frantically. Afraid that Du Fan would really order them to kill him, he stepped back while saying, “Although… although I can’t pay you one million gold coins right now, I can exchange it for something else…”

Du Fan responded with an “Oh” and waved his hand to signal the Temple Knights to stop. Then he asked, “What do you have?”

A hint of pain crossed Casimir’s face, but after hesitating for a moment, he began searching in his arms. After a while, he pulled out a small leather bag and hesitantly handed it to Du Fan. Du Fan sneered and signaled a Templar knight to take it. Upon opening it, he saw a small bag filled with colorful magic stones—likely the spoils of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group’s latest expedition in the northern ice fields. Du Fan already had experience dealing in magic stones. He glanced at the bag, tossed it into his storage ring, and then said, “These magic stones are worth at most five hundred thousand gold coins—not even enough to cover a fraction of what I have. You don’t expect to get something in return for such a small price, do you?” “N-no, of course not…” Casimir hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Besides these magic stones, I have other items that could serve as bargaining chips.” Du Fan sized him up carefully but couldn’t see anything else of value on him. Still, he grunted, “Speak quickly—get to the point.” Casimir nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes… Honorable sir, I think… this must be your first time in the northern ice fields, right?” Du Fan nodded slightly. Seeing his nod, Casimir continued, “Well, although you all are highly skilled in martial arts, you probably don’t know much about this northern ice field. But as the leader of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group, I’ve been here dozens of times. I may not know everything in this area, but I do have a general idea of what’s where. So, if I share all the information I know, it should be worth… several hundred thousand gold coins, right?” Seeing Casimir’s pleading expression, Du Fan felt a stir in his heart. Although he had a map and Nicholas the mage to assist him, to be honest, they really knew nothing about the northern ice field. After all, aside from mercenaries who made a living on the edge of danger, who else would come to such a place willingly? Noticing Du Fan’s expression, Casimir realized he had somewhat impressed him, but he dared not take further action. He could only keep smiling sheepishly and say, “Um… I think… this honorable sir might be a little interested in my suggestion.”

As he spoke, he kept rubbing his hands. Such a burly man from the north, yet full of fawning smiles and vulgar gestures—Du Fan felt disgusted. But he knew well that if he could extract some useful information from this guy, his journey would be much easier.

At that moment, Du Fan turned to look at Ferre. Seeing Ferre nod slightly, Du Fan realized Ferre was also quite interested in this so-called information from Casimir.

Du Fan snorted and said, “Go on… so… what are your conditions?”

Casimir was delighted and said, “Honorable sir, actually… I wouldn’t dare ask for any other conditions. As you can see, our mercenary group of dozens is now down to just the four of us. If you ignore us, we’re doomed. So, how about this: no matter where you go, we’ll act as your guides for free. All we ask is… that when you return, you take us out of these northern ice fields as well.”

Under these circumstances, Casimir’s request seemed reasonable. But Du Fan knew that no matter what, he couldn’t take this group with him. He shook his head and said, “That’s impossible. Give me another condition.”

The members of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group showed signs of disappointment, but Casimir gritted his teeth and said, “How about this? I’ll tell you everything I know, but you must promise me to let us stay in your camp for one night, and then escort us back to our original camp tomorrow so we can pack our belongings. As for what happens after that, we’ll handle it on our own.”

Du Fan frowned and thought for a moment. Casimir’s second condition was acceptable. Although he had no trust in someone like him at all, in his own camp, if Casimir had any other plans, he could simply kill him on the spot. Still, the detailed information about the northern ice fields was valuable.

After weighing the pros and cons, Du Fan came to a clear decision. He nodded and said, “Alright, let’s go with that. Take your companions and come with us.”

Without even looking at Casimir’s expression, Du Fan turned and walked away.

A hint of joy appeared on Casimir’s face. He lowered his head and made a few gestures behind him, and the remaining three followed clumsily.