Chapter 56: Setaria, Take Off Your Clothes! A Spy from the Holy Order? Impossible!

Dehya understood better than anyone the meaning of shame.

Even so, she managed to live comfortably in Kawanyi, surrounded by drinking buddies and close friends.

Her mercenary group was also present, forming a robust network of camaraderie.

However, while her pride could sustain her, it could not benefit others.

When Abak made his suggestion, she didn't lose her composure. After all, dealing with people wasn't always about using fists.

Living on the edge of the desert often meant encountering numerous challenges. Cooperation and mutual support were vital in such circumstances.

At worst, she'd owe him a few favors.

As a [Flame-Mane], her favor held considerable value, and if any problems arose, she was confident in her ability to resolve them. It was just a matter of cost.

Before she could speak, Ye Xi's calm voice came from behind her.

"Then how about giving me some face?"

Abak turned to look at Ye Xi, intrigued.

At first glance, the young man before him appeared exceptionally refined.

A closer look deepened Abak's curiosity, as he realized he'd never seen Ye Xi before.

Ye Xi exuded a presence that was hard to ignore; one would surely remember meeting him. Yet, Abak's memory drew a blank.

Just as he was about to ask who Ye Xi was, Ye Xi casually pulled back his coat, revealing a gleaming gemstone inside.

"Hey! Wait a minute!"

Abak rushed forward, quickly covering Ye Xi's coat with his hands, and glanced around nervously.

After confirming no one was nearby, Abak's expression shifted into a wide, flattering grin. "Oh, my lord! There's no need for this!"

His gaze returned to the gemstone, his eyes sparkling with greed.

In a place like Kawanyi, treasures weren't entirely uncommon.

Over the years, scholars from the Holy Order and desert explorers often passed through, flaunting their discoveries from ancient ruins.

This exposure had sharpened Abak's eye for valuable gems. And this one? Its extraordinary quality was undeniable.

The gemstone's vibrant color alone made it worth millions of mora an amount equivalent to his annual salary.

Ye Xi smiled and gently tucked the gemstone into Abak's chest pocket, patting him on the shoulder. "So, Brother Guard, can we pass now?"

"Of course! Of course!"

Abak nodded eagerly, stepping aside with exaggerated politeness. "Master, please, come in! The wind and sand outside are relentless I'd never forgive myself if they harmed you!"

Dehya rolled her eyes. "Abak, you know, you'd make a perfect mercenary."

The mercenaries of the Gilded Brigade held money above all else. While they maintained some standards unlike the unscrupulous [Legacy of the God King] their love for wealth was universal.

Abak scratched his head sheepishly, laughing off her remark.

The other guard hesitated, looking uneasy. "Abak, are you sure this is okay? What if"

"Are you an idiot?"

Abak glared at him, winking furiously. "Relax! At worst, we'll get a slap on the wrist. Look at that gemstone this guy's worth more than a hundred reprimands!"

"But how do we handle the registration form?"

"Oh, leave that to me."

Abak grinned mischievously. "The child? That's his. The woman? His wife. The old man? His father-in-law."

He continued with a flourish, "A wealthy family returning to the city how heartwarming, right? How could we turn away such an esteemed master?"

The novice guard hesitated but eventually nodded, filling out the form as instructed.

Meanwhile, Abak ushered Ye Xi and his group through with exaggerated courtesy.

Ye Xi couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Abak really is something else. 

To Ye Xi, the gemstone was merely a low-value trinket. Yet it had bought them significant convenience, making the exchange worthwhile.

After passing through Kawanyi Station, a voice called out from behind.

"Master…"

The mother, child, and elderly man in their group hesitated before stepping forward.

"My lord, we can't possibly repay you for your kindness. Please, allow us to serve you! My mother and I will work as your servants!"

The elderly man added earnestly, "I still have strength left. If that's not enough, I have a granddaughter studying at the Order Academy I'll ask her for a loan to repay you!"

Even the child spoke up, "I'll work hard, too, Master!"

Jeht sighed, moved by their desperation. Life in the desert was harsh, and mora was a rarity.

The barren landscape left little room for trade, and even the wealthiest desert communities struggled to make ends meet. In such conditions, Ye Xi's assistance was invaluable but also impossible to repay.

Candace and Dehya, watching the scene unfold, were equally speechless.

"All right."

Ye Xi glanced at Candace before nodding. "Follow me back to the city. I'll make arrangements for you there."

Relieved, Candace let out a sigh. Without Ye Xi's intervention, the group would have been forced back into the storm a certain death sentence.

Dehya smirked. "This master… well, he's my man."

"What?!"

Candace is mismatched eyes widened in shock. "Dehya, are you serious?"

Scratching her head, Dehya chuckled. "To be precise, he's my master. I'll protect him for the rest of my life simple as that."

The little girl beside them looked up, her face full of admiration. "Is Big Sister Dehya getting married?"

Ruffling the girl's hair, Dehya laughed. "Maybe when you grow up, Kalima."

Candace, still stunned, turned to Ye Xi. "Master Ye Xi, I'm Candace, Guardian of Aru Village. Thank you for helping my people."

Ye Xi nodded politely. "Your assistance would mean a great deal to me, Miss Candace."

"What can I do for you?"

"In a few days, Sumeru City will face major upheaval. I'll need your support during that time."

Though puzzled, Candace nodded. "If it's just a few days, I'll stay and help."

As they continued their journey, Ye Xi summoned two towering relic guards from his portable space.

The group froze in shock.

"Monsters!"

Candace instinctively raised her shield, eyes sharp.

Dehya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Relax. It's just my master's transportation."

"Eh!?"

Candace is face was full of disbelief.

In the desert, dealing with relic guards was no easy task.

Unexpectedly, such a formidable monster was nothing more than a tool for Ye Xi!

Candace felt a bit reassured when she saw Jeht skillfully leap onto the palm of one of the ruin guards.

After a brief explanation, everyone settled on the palms of the ruin guards.

The little girl, Kalima, exclaimed excitedly, calling it "amazing."

During the journey, Ye Xi learned why the mother and daughter were heading to the city.

The mother intended to send her daughter to an orphanage, hoping Kalima could receive an education there.

If Kalima couldn't get accepted, the mother was prepared to stay in the city and work to support her daughter's studies.

"My lord! Kalima can work as a maid and study at the same time!"

Seeing the little girl's serious expression, Ye Xi nodded but said nothing.

However, he noticed Dehya is slightly disappointed expression.

He remembered that Dehya had always used her hard-earned money to support the orphanage.

She also helped smuggle children from the desert into the city so they could access education.

She must have been thinking about those things at this moment.

"I plan to subsidize the orphanage so both Kalima and her mother can stay there," Ye Xi said suddenly.

"Eh!?"

Everyone was taken aback by his words.

"My lord, are you serious?"

Dehya looked at Ye Xi with sparkling eyes, full of emotion. "But we just spent such a precious gem earlier..."

Before she could finish, Ye Xi interrupted. "In my eyes, the people of the desert and the rainforest are equal."

"Dehya, the purpose of the wall is not to block but to protect. Isn't that so?"

This statement struck a chord with Dehya.

The anti-sand wall had always been viewed as a barrier to keep out the wind and sand.

However, it didn't just block the desert; it also isolated its people.

This was why Dehya used her hard-earned money to support the orphanage and help desert children sneak into the city.

She never wanted the wall to symbolize "blocking" but rather "protection."

Ye Xi's words resonated deeply with her, and her cheeks flushed red.

How does Ye Xi understand me so well? she thought, her heart racing. So handsome! 

Candace, observing the interaction, smiled warmly.

Seeing Dehya is reaction and hearing Ye Xi's words about equality, she was confident of his character.

"Thank you, sir!"

The mother and daughter were overwhelmed with gratitude, choking back tears.

Jeht leaned on Ye Xi's shoulder, her face filled with happiness.

His words had touched her heart as well.

She realized that no matter how many people surrounded Ye Xi, he would never neglect her because of her desert heritage.

Ye Xi nodded to himself, satisfied.

Aside from him, everyone here was from the desert. By saying the right things, he had effortlessly won their admiration.

He turned to the elderly man traveling with them. "Sir, may I ask about your situation?"

The old man sighed. "My lord, my granddaughter's name is Setaria. She works at the Holy Order Academy and is said to be close to the sage.

"However, recently, for some unknown reason, she's cut off contact with us.

"Perhaps... she no longer wants to be associated with the desert…"

The old man's tone was filled with disappointment. His sole purpose in visiting the city was to check on Setaria is well-being.

Ye Xi was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected this old man to be Setaria is grandfather.

Setaria was an important figure connected to the great sage Azar.

Whether it was the Dream Samsara Project during the Flower God's Birthday Festival or the divine canned knowledge, she was likely privy to all of it.

But this raised a new challenge:

How should I make use of these people? 

As Ye Xi pondered, Sumeru City appeared on the horizon.

After a day full of events, they finally arrived home.

As soon as Ye Xi entered the courtyard, he heard lively voices coming from inside.

"I heard something! Is the master back?"

"I haven't seen the master for two days! I want a hug!"

The voices belonged to Ayexia and Dunyarzad.

Ye Xi opened the door and saw the two of them happily running to greet him.

After a few comforting words, Dunyarzad remarked:

"Master, while you were away, a scholar from the Order Academy came by."

"She said she wanted to take on a commission… a marriage proposal with a large sum of money."

"Her name is… Setaria."

These words left everyone frozen.

"Sister Setaria?"

Little Kalima was surprised. Although she didn't fully understand what "a marriage proposal with a large sum of money" meant, she recognized Setaria is name.

The old man, on the other hand, stood paralyzed on the spot.

Setaria was a well-known figure in Aru Village.

Only Ye Xi seemed intrigued, a faint smile forming on his lips.

I was just thinking about how to use the resources we have now to devise a plan, and this gift fell right into my lap. 

While everyone remained silent, Dunyarzad and Ayexia exchanged nervous glances.

Ayexia then approached Ye Xi and whispered:

"Master, Setaria is close to the great sage. I find this situation suspicious."

"Azar clearly doesn't like you, master. I think Setaria might have other motives."

Ye Xi patted Ayexia's head, admiring her insight.

As expected of a scholar who prides herself on being as intelligent as He Bantu. Her perception is truly remarkable. 

"I need all of your help," Ye Xi said.

Hearing this, everyone perked up.

"Sir, just tell us what you need!"

"If my words can help, count on me, master."

"Speak!"

Ye Xi gave some general instructions to everyone...

---

That night, a solitary figure appeared at the gate of the Ye family compound.

She sighed, glancing back toward the forest behind her.

A few figures hiding among the trees gestured for her to knock on the door.

Setaria lowered her head.

She never imagined that, as the assistant to the great sage, she would be sent on such a degrading mission.

Her goal was to sell her body, gather intelligence for the Academy, uncover the whereabouts of the Kingdom of Khaenri'ah is legacy, and unlock the secret of the Khaenrins who obtained the Eyes of God.

That's right.

She had worked tirelessly at the Academy, but at the most critical moment, she was treated like a mere pawn.

Even so, she couldn't refuse.

If she did, she would lose everything she had achieved.

All the effort she had poured into her studies at the Academy would be for nothing.

Faced with such overwhelming threats, she had no choice but to comply.

Looking at the people in the forest, who signaled for her to knock on the door, she sighed and obeyed.

*Knock, knock.*

After a moment, the door opened slightly, and Ayexia peeked out.

"Miss Setaria, you're here!"

"Come in, my master is already back!"

Those words made Setaria is heart sink.

When she had come before, she had been relieved to hear Ye Xi wasn't home.

But now, with Ye Xi present, there was no escaping her fate.

Setaria entered the compound with heavy steps, following Ayexia into the room.

As soon as she entered, she heard a firm voice:

"Setaria, take off your clothes!"

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