Chapter 101: Viscount Lawrence and Deceptive Tactics
The next morning, at dawn.
After preparing everything, Lin Ye entrusted Tang Yuan to Blood Rose for safekeeping. Following his meeting with the Barbaric Bear Soul-Hunting Team, the group headed together to the Martial Soul Branch Hall of Eternal Night City.
"Is everyone ready?"
Upon arriving at the branch hall, Hu Liena had already gathered the soul masters she had brought from the Martial Soul Main Hall. Seeing Lin Ye and the others approach, she asked, her expression calm.
"Don't worry! We've been ready for a while now. No problem at all," Lin Ye replied confidently.
"Good. Then you should set out for Linxing Town now. We'll follow closely behind. Once you reach the town, go straight to the exit leading to the Eternal Night Forest. They'll be waiting for you there," Hu Liena instructed with a nod.
"Understood!"
---
As per their previously discussed plan, Lin Ye and the Barbaric Bear Soul-Hunting Team departed Eternal Night City, traveling in two carriages. After about an hour on the road, they arrived at their destination: Linxing Town.
"We're here!"
Upon arrival, the group disembarked from the carriages, paid the fare, and gazed at the bustling town ahead. Together, they made their way into the settlement.
Linxing Town was one of the many towns established around the Eternal Night Forest.
Initially, it was merely a marketplace and trading hub created by enterprising merchants seeking profits. Over time, as more businessmen set up various industries, the area grew increasingly prosperous.
Now, despite being called a "town," its level of prosperity rivaled that of a small city, such as Notting City—though it lacked towering ornamental buildings.
However, things had changed recently. Due to rumors of evil soul masters appearing in the Eternal Night Forest, the influx of soul masters had drastically decreased, leading to a noticeable decline in the town's liveliness.
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"Lin Ye, are they waiting for us at the other end of the town gate?"
Walking through the relatively desolate streets of Linxing Town, He Feng glanced at the sparse shops around him before directing the question at Lin Ye.
"Yes. According to the intel we received, our 'employer' should be at the town gate leading to the Eternal Night Forest," Lin Ye replied while striding forward.
"Oh, by the way, everyone's supplies are ready, right?" Lin Ye suddenly asked, as though remembering something important.
"All ready!"
The group adjusted the packs on their backs and responded in unison.
Although Shi Yue had a storage soul device, its limited capacity of eight cubic meters couldn't hold everything they needed. To prepare for any unexpected situations, everyone carried their own gear. Their packs were stocked with essentials like dried food, filled waterskins, flint, and other survival items—necessities for entering the Eternal Night Forest.
---
For the Barbaric Bear Soul-Hunting Team, however, these supplies had two additional purposes.
One was to mislead the evil soul masters into believing they were ordinary hunters.
The other was precautionary—if a battle between the Martial Soul Hall and the evil soul masters caused a soul beast riot in the forest, these supplies could sustain them until the chaos subsided.
After navigating Linxing Town's quieter streets, Lin Ye and the group finally approached the gate leading to the Eternal Night Forest.
From a distance, Lin Ye spotted a group of people waiting by the gate. Several carriages stood parked nearby. Among the group, two individuals were dressed in luxurious attire, while the rest were armored, wielding swords and resembling knights—likely the nobles' retainers.
But Lin Ye knew better. Just like them, these people were putting on a show.
---
"Hey! Over here!"
Before Lin Ye's group could reach the gate, one of the nobles waved enthusiastically, calling out to them.
Lin Ye glanced back at Shi Yue and the others, signaling them silently. The group quickened their pace, closing the distance.
"Ah, are you the Barbaric Bear Soul-Hunting Team?"
The man, a middle-aged noble with golden hair and an affable smile, stepped forward to greet them.
"Yes, we are. And you must be Viscount Lawrence?" Shi Yue, as the team leader, stepped forward to respond.
"Indeed, I am Viscount Lawrence," the man confirmed with a courteous bow. "And this is my daughter, Eveleigh. I've hired your team to help her hunt a suitable soul beast. She has recently advanced to the Great Soul Master realm and requires a top-quality soul ring."
Lawrence gestured toward a tall, cold-looking girl with long black hair dressed in a fine gown.
However, Eveleigh's reaction to the introduction was detached, her expression unreadable.
"Ahem, my apologies. My daughter is not one for conversation," Lawrence said with an awkward chuckle, his smile somewhat forced.
"No worries. Nobles tend to have their quirks. We understand," Shi Yue replied with a hearty laugh, waving it off nonchalantly.
"Ha-ha, thank you for understanding." Lawrence's smile grew warmer. He then pointed to the armored knights behind him. "These are my guards, assigned by my family to ensure my safety. They're trained soldiers and not particularly sociable, so I'll spare you the introductions."
---
As Lawrence spoke, Lin Ye covertly observed the group.
Although their appearances differed vastly from the individuals he'd encountered before—and even their numbers were slightly off—something about Lawrence's tone struck a chord of familiarity.
It was the same as the noble who had previously been in contact with Blood Bat.
And Eveleigh—her stifling aura was unmistakable.
This was the group of evil soul masters he'd encountered last time. There was no doubt in his mind.
Although martial souls could alter appearances, builds, and even voices, they couldn't disguise behaviors, mannerisms, or intrinsic temperament.
---
While Lin Ye confirmed his suspicions internally, Lawrence concluded his discussion with Shi Yue and summoned five rented carriages for the journey ahead.
"Alright, since we've clarified the plan, let's get moving. These carriages are ready for us. Feel free to pick one. Along the way, consider the areas in the Eternal Night Forest where suitable soul beasts might be found for my daughter," Lawrence instructed, his tone light yet deliberate.
"Understood. Let's go!" Shi Yue replied with a grin, boarding a carriage with He Feng and Luo An. Lin Ye followed suit, entering another carriage with Xie Lin and Su Ying.
---
As Lin Ye settled into his seat, he glanced out the window.
Outside, Lawrence wore a peculiar smile, one that hinted at something sinister. He and Eveleigh entered a separate carriage, while the knights, moving with an unnatural stiffness, boarded the remaining vehicles.
"Move out!" Lawrence commanded.
At his signal, the convoy of five carriages began rolling forward, heading straight toward the Eternal Night Forest.
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