Chapter 016: Threats

The shaman priest let out a soft “Oh” and said, “I didn’t expect you to notice even this. It seems I underestimated you, little guy.”
Du Fan sneered inwardly. You not only underestimated me—you think I, Master Du Fan, can’t see through your pathetic affection? Those two old men clearly have a fiery relationship. Though I don’t know who’s active and who’s passive, just looking at Stuart’s resentful gaze tells me it’s pure jealousy! Fortunately, as a man with wide experience—and with Nicholas and Alfred as examples—I wouldn’t be disgusted by you two otherwise.
The shaman priest naturally had no idea where Du Fan’s thoughts were wandering. Otherwise, who knows if he would have smacked Du Fan to death on the spot.
He stared at Du Fan for a moment before suddenly smiling oddly and saying, “Little guy, it seems your subordinates really care about comforting you. We’ve been marching day and night for these three days and nearly got caught up. If I’m not mistaken, it must be the Northern Legion that’s involved. I never thought someone like you could draw so many forces. If it weren’t for my magic diverting them elsewhere, we wouldn’t be able to rest properly right now!”
Du Fan was slightly surprised. He didn’t expect this shaman priest to have time for such things.
However, thanks to his mysterious connection with Chenchen, the Northern Legion hadn’t truly lost track of them. Still, being separated by a few days wasn’t impossible.
What worried Du Fan the most was that with him absent and Chenchen’s strength not yet restored, those guys from the Holy Church could cause serious trouble if they had ulterior motives. But then again, most of them had seen Chenchen’s strength. If they really dared to think ill of her, they’d probably have to be more cautious for now.
It would be best if he could return soon, but if not, he needed to find a way to send messages back. Otherwise, when he returned to the capital, he’d find a mess to deal with, which would be troublesome.
After thinking this through, Du Fan inwardly groaned in frustration. He’d been captured by this shaman priest for no reason, ruining countless of his plans. If possible, he truly wished to tear this guy to pieces. But right now, he couldn’t show such emotions on his face.

Du Fan was most familiar with that kind of skill—sweet words masking sharp intentions and hidden threats. He smiled lightly and said, “Those fools, if they really were capable, I wouldn’t be caught by you now. Since everyone is here already, what’s the point of them searching?”
The shaman priest gave Du Fan a strange look and said, “You seem quite perceptive.”
Du Fan snorted, “What’s there to be perceptive about? These northern mountains are all your barbarian territory. Even if the entire Northern Legion came here to search for me, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Instead of clinging to such slim hopes, it’s better to do something practical…”
“However, I do have one concern…” Du Fan’s expression suddenly became extremely odd. “Respected Shaman Priest… I know I’m passable-looking, but I really don’t have any money. I’m not sure why you’ve captured me. To rob me of my wealth? My beauty? Or to get both?”
The shaman priest was momentarily stunned. If his mask were removed, one could probably see his exasperated expression. Finally, he snorted coldly and said in his peculiar tone, “Kid, don’t think just because I’m not killing you now means I won’t kill you in the future… If it weren’t for the fact that you’re still somewhat useful, you’d already be dead many times over.”
Du Fan sneered, “Kill me? All you want are my Space Tear Slash and my Word Spirit. It would be strange if you didn’t try to get those before killing me!”
A hint of amusement flashed in the shaman priest’s eyes as he stared at Du Fan. “Kid… it seems you understand quite well… So what are you going to do? Will you tell me those things on your own, or will you wait until I return to the tribe before torturing you into confession?”
Du Fan glanced at the shaman priest with disdain and said, “Since you can recognize those two techniques, you must also know their power! Teaching such things to you casually? That’s simply ridiculous…”

To his surprise, the shaman priest sneered and said, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t tell me. I’ll give you another chance when I return. If you still refuse to speak by then, then I’m sorry… I suppose you know… among your Rolandians’ magic, there’s a necromantic spell that can extract someone’s soul, right? Let me tell you—what magic can do, witchcraft can do as well. If you really stay silent, at most I’ll extract your soul and question you thoroughly.”

Du Fan couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. This shaman priest… was truly… ruthless…

But even if the other party really used such tactics, he wasn’t afraid. After all, those two moves were invented by that little demon Chenchen. If it weren’t for the shaman priest naming them, he probably wouldn’t have known what they were either…

It seemed that as long as he didn’t obtain those two moves from him, the shaman priest would never give up. Du Fan couldn’t help but pray in his heart, “Chenchen, Chenchen! I know you’re extremely powerful. Please recover quickly and save me! Otherwise, your little master Du Fan is doomed!”

Perhaps seeing through Du Fan’s thoughts, the shaman priest sighed softly and said, “I won’t press you now. I’m sure you can figure out how serious this is on your own. But I can tell you that these two moves are closely related to our barbarian tribe, and I must obtain them at all costs. Well, let’s not talk about this today. I know you Rolandians can’t stand cold food, so I had some dinner prepared as compensation, shall we say?”

Du Fan glanced at the stew over the campfire. Knowing that the other party wouldn’t resort to despicable tactics like poisoning under these circumstances, his mind flashed with ideas.

Du Fan laughed heartily, didn’t hesitate, and started eating the stew greedily. After finishing, he smiled at the shaman priest and said, “I’m full. Well, thank you very much for your hospitality. Considering how kind you are to me, I’ll think it over carefully. Maybe if you offer me some satisfactory benefits, I’ll obediently tell you the essence of those two moves. Right?”

The shaman priest nodded in satisfaction and said, “Kid, I like people who know when to act wisely. If you’re willing to tell me those two techniques, I’ll definitely pay whatever price is reasonable. I may not know much about the Rolandians, but I do understand the principle of fair exchange. So don’t hold back.”
The two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.
Du Fan cleared his throat and said, “Since we’ve reached an agreement, let’s introduce ourselves first. My name is Du Fan, and I belong to the Green Family. You might not know the Green Family, but the Northern Legion surely has heard of it. So… hehe…”
As he spoke, Du Fan showed a mocking smile.
The shaman priest was well aware of the battles from six years ago. He was slightly surprised to find that the person he had captured was indeed from the Green Family. He stared at Du Fan in astonishment and said, “By saying this, aren’t you afraid of death? You should know that compared to the Rolandians, it’s you people from the Green Family we despise even more.”
Du Fan sneered and said, “I’m also aware that among the Rolandians, it’s us from the Northern Legion that you fear the most… I’m telling you this just to make one thing clear: if we’re going to do business, it must be fair. Killing me after stealing my techniques isn’t a good idea. Although I can’t take revenge, it wouldn’t be hard for the Northern Legion to kill a few hundred or even a few thousand barbarians to accompany me in death.”
As he spoke, Du Fan’s expression changed again. “See, even as a prisoner, I’m threatening you, the respected shaman priest. Isn’t that quite interesting?”
The shaman priest remained calm. He gave Du Fan a deep look and suddenly said, “Since you’re from the Green Family, even as a prisoner, you deserve respect. You should know that we admire the strong, and the people of the Green Family are the only ones among the Rolandians worthy of our admiration. Sir Du Fan, please listen carefully. My name is Ringtone. From now on, you may call me by my name—it’s your right. At the same time, I’ll arrange for you to be treated as a guest of honor. From this moment onward, you’re no longer my prisoner but our most esteemed guest. How does that sound?”
Du Fan smiled and said, “Then I, Du Fan, thank you. In that case, I can move around this camp freely, right? I’ve been stuck in that prison cart these past few days, and it’s been quite stuffy.”

Ringtone smiled and said, “That’s only natural. Lord Du Fan can do as he pleases. I’ll give orders right away. But for your safety, I’ll have Stuart protect you closely…”
Du Fan waved his hand and said, “No need, no need… There’s no need for close protection. If you’re worried, just have someone follow me… As for eating and sleeping, I’m still used to being alone. I don’t have any particular interest in sleeping with an old man…”
Ringtone smiled faintly and said, “Then, as you wish… Lord Du Fan… Please…”
As she spoke, Ringtone did something unknown—some barbarian quickly came out from outside the tent, went to Ringtone’s side, heard a few words, and then left with a strange expression on his face.