Chapter 3: Murder (Part 2)

“Bring out your caravan leader! Don’t provoke me…”
Guo Shieru approached the Eagle Demon and asked, “Which caravan are you from?”
Someone replied, “We’ve already gone to call the caravan leader. We’re from the Zhu Family Merchant Company!”
Guo Shieru said, “Zhu Family Merchant Company?” The name sounded familiar, and he quickly remembered someone. He asked, “Are you from the Zhu Family Merchant Company? Then… there’s someone you should know—Sorcerer Zhu Dachang. He’s from your company, right?”
At that moment, several people rushed in from outside. One of them shouted, “Who’s challenging us?”
Guo Shieru immediately saw that Zhu Dachang was among them, along with three other martial sorcerers, and a fat man panting behind them. He was puzzled—how hadn’t he noticed so many fat people before?
“Zhu Dachang! Uncle Zhu!”
Zhu Dachang looked up and asked in surprise, “Guo Shieru? Hey, Brother Guo! What are you doing here?” He stepped forward but soon noticed the tense atmosphere among the caravan members. Frowning, he said, “What are you doing? Brother Guo is an inner disciple of the Northern Sorcerer Sect…”
Someone shouted, “He killed one of our men!”
Zhu Dachang’s heart sank. Realizing things were bad, he quickly asked, “What happened?”
The fat man rushed up to Zhu Dachang, gasping for breath. The long run had left him exhausted. He said, “Wha… what… happened? Murder? Who… who killed someone?”
Zhu Dachang replied, “Uncle, I’m not sure either. It seems someone was killed…” He was conflicted because he knew Guo Shieru’s identity and status. They were just a family-run caravan with no advantage against an inner disciple of the Northern Sorcerer Sect. Moreover, he knew very well that Guo Shieru was especially difficult to provoke—he had seen how powerful the kid was in Qin Guang City.
The fat man was a low-level sorcerer and could be considered a professional, but his potential stopped at that level, which was why he served as a caravan leader in the family merchant company. He asked quietly, “Who is that kid?” He needed to understand the other party’s background before making a decision. Having traveled trade routes for decades, his problem-solving skills were far beyond ordinary people’s.
Zhu Dachang recounted what he knew, and the fat man immediately broke into sweat. The other party’s status and identity were beyond their reach—they wouldn’t even dare offend them even if the family’s leaders were here. He ordered without hesitation, “Put down your weapons! Disperse!”

Although the people in the caravan didn’t understand, the Fat Man’s orders were effective, and the gathered crowd dispersed quickly. The Fat Man called a few people over and began to inquire about the situation.

Guo Shier and Eagle Demon stood firmly, showing no signs of impatience. Monier returned to the long table and continued eating her instant noodles, occasionally glancing at the caravan. If she sensed anything amiss, she would act without hesitation. She resolved in her heart that if there was another fight, she would kill everyone in the caravan to prevent her beloved from getting upset.

The Fat Man quickly understood the situation and cursed his subordinates for being stupid. He stepped forward and said, “I’m Zhu Xu from Zhu’s Merchant Company, a junior spellcaster.” Though he was only a junior spellcaster among professionals, he was still stronger than ordinary people, so the Fat Man proudly declared his profession.

Eagle Demon nodded and said, “I’m an inner disciple of the North Talisman Gate, a senior talisman martial artist—Eagle Demon.”

The Fat Man, Zhu Xu,’s legs turned weak, and he almost sat down. Immediately after, Guo Shier spoke up, “Guo Shier, an inner disciple of the North Talisman Gate, a senior talisman caster.”

Now even Zhu Dachang could no longer stand firm. It was impossible for these people to be lying. He never expected that in less than a year, Guo Shier would have risen to master level—it was simply too bizarre.

Kumu, seeing this, grew annoyed. He snorted but said nothing. His attitude was clear—he utterly disdained the North Talisman Gate.

Monier felt relieved upon seeing the terrified looks on the caravan members’ faces. She giggled and continued eating, knowing there would be no more fighting.

Zhu Juan laughed and said, “The lower continents are just that—lower. Having a master is already something amazing, haha.” His tone was full of disdain. He indeed had every right to look down on others.

The three talisman martial artists beside Zhu Xu had initially been eager to challenge Eagle Demon and Guo Shier. But after the two revealed their identities and professions, they were all terrified, their faces turning pale. They secretly thanked fate that they hadn’t acted impulsively, otherwise, they wouldn’t even know how they’d die. Advanced professionals killing others hardly faced any punishment, especially when it came to those who offended them—no one would care at all.

“Haha, so you’re inner disciples of the North Talisman Gate… Haha… Nice to meet you… It was our fault for the conflict just now…” Zhu Xu immediately apologized. No one found it strange, as it was the guard who started it first, so it was only natural he died. If Guo Shier and the others weren’t professional experts, it might have been them who would have suffered.

In the entire courtyard, only three people were still eating, standing out sharply; they acted as if no one else was around. Zhu Dachang asked, “Brother Guo, who are they?” He already knew the killer was a woman, terrifyingly skilled.
Guo Shier said, “They are my elders.” He didn’t want to introduce his master to them and knew his master wouldn’t care about them either.
Zhu Xu said, “Should we go greet them?”
Guo Shier shook his head. “No need.”
Zhu Dachang wore a wry smile. He didn’t realize that Guo Shier wasn’t introducing them out of kindness—those people looked down on them anyway, and even if introduced, there would be no kind words. He asked, “Brother Guo, where are you going?”
Guo Shier replied, “We’re returning to the North Talisman Gate.”
Zhu Xu said cautiously, “We’re also going to the North Talisman Gate. Hehe, shall we go together?” He made a tentative invitation. With two masters traveling together, their safety would be ensured. He had been worried these days because his subordinates were too weak, and the journey ahead would be tough.
Guo Shier said, “You’re moving too slowly. We need to hurry back.”
Zhu Xu couldn’t hide his disappointment and said nothing more. He told Zhu Dachang, “Dachang, keep talking with Brother Guo. I’ll go take care of some matters related to the caravan.” Someone had died in the caravan, and he had to deal with it. Zhu Dachang nodded and said, “Uncle, go ahead and take care of it.”
Zhu Dachang sighed and said, “Brother Guo, I’m truly sorry this time. I didn’t expect my subordinates to be so rude.”
Guo Shier shook his head, thinking, “Actually, I didn’t intend to kill anyone.” He said, “Uncle Zhu, what are you transporting? Why such tension?”
Zhu Dachang stammered, “It’s nothing, just… ordinary goods, hehe.”
Seeing his insincere manner, Guo Shier smiled slightly and said, “Alright, that’s it. Maybe we’ll meet again someday.” He disliked such evasive behavior and had no interest in their caravan’s goods; he had just asked casually.
Zhu Dachang nodded and turned to leave. Soon, the caravan prepared to set off, packing up their horses and luggage. Neither Zhu Xu nor Zhu Dachang came to say goodbye; they left the town directly.
The inn owner was heartbroken. The caravan was supposed to stay another day, but now they were checking out and leaving. Looking at the empty courtyard, he smiled bitterly but didn’t dare complain.
Guo Shier returned to Monier’s side and sat down, saying, “They’ve left.”

Kumu said calmly, “Just now… outside the courtyard, there were two master-level professionals hiding… they were part of a caravan.”
Guo Shier was stunned and said, “How is that possible? Such a small caravan… uh, I get it now.” He immediately realized that the caravan must be carrying something very important. Shaking his head, he said, “It has nothing to do with us.”
Zhu Juan said with a smile, “I thought they would charge in.”
Guo Shier said, “Those two masters might be protecting them secretly. The people in the caravan probably don’t even know that two masters are following them.”
Eagle Demon nodded. “That’s likely. Otherwise, Zhu Xu wouldn’t be so unsure of himself.”
Monier pushed the copper bowl aside and said, “Baby, how do you know them?”
Guo Shier replied, “When I was in Qinguang City before, I once asked Zhu Dachang to make talisman armor. Hehe, that’s how I got to know them.”
Kumu said, “A talisman master without combat skills is nothing.”
…
After staying in the small town for a day, the five of them set off again.
Monier flew for a while before saying, “Let’s not rush. It’s not easy to come to a new place. Let’s take a walk. The scenery around here is nice.”
Kumu didn’t care. Zhu Juan was against it; he preferred flying as walking was too tiring. Guo Shier also wanted to fly because flying was faster than walking. He was eager to return to the Northern Talisman Gate, but since his master’s wife wanted to walk, he didn’t want to oppose her. He said, “Okay, let’s walk for a while before flying. That way, we won’t get tired.”
The five of them followed the trade route. Monier seemed very happy. The road was uneven and clearly not maintained, with not a single person in sight. Guo Shier knew that only caravans would take such long-distance routes; ordinary travelers wouldn’t dare to travel alone.
The five of them walked slowly along the road. Monier held Guo Shier’s hand and sighed, “We’re always busy with our own things. It’s been a long time since we last took a walk like this.”
Guo Shier smiled and said, “Next time I have time, I’ll accompany my master’s wife for a walk.”
Monier smiled and said, “Good. Our baby is really well-behaved.” At that moment, there was no trace of the ferocity she showed when killing earlier. She was like an ordinary mother, doting on her child.
Guo Shier had never experienced family affection in his previous two lives, and even in this life, he hadn’t received any care from his parents. But at this moment, he deeply felt Monier’s love—a unconditional and selfless care that warmed his heart. Master Luo Jie had also given him a similar feeling, though not as intense or direct.
Suddenly, a faint noise came from afar.

Withered Wood stopped in his tracks and pricked up his ears. After a moment, he said, “Someone is fighting!”
Zhu Juan, who was out of breath from walking, exclaimed happily, “Let’s go watch!”
Guo Shier looked speechlessly at this fat uncle who seemed to enjoy chaos.
Monier, in a good mood, frowned upon hearing this and said, “There’s no peace anywhere! Fine, let’s go see which scoundrel is disturbing us.” She was a bit annoyed.