Fey Evolution Merchant Chapter 3113: An Ambush Begins!

“Spring, do you believe it is logical for these organizations to commit such overwhelming power just to compete for this top grade blessed land?”

Zhao Chen had reached out to Lin Yuan with the goal of bringing him to this auspicious site to claim some spoils. Initially, he was unaware that Lin Yuan intended to actually fight for control over the top grade blessed land.

During his invitation, Zhao Chen mentioned that the Zhao family had previously been involved in the discovery of a top grade blessed land, where they successfully gathered an immense cache of resources.

In his mind, Zhao Chen had already committed to the struggle for these resources, assuming the danger would be manageable. However, the current circumstances had deviated sharply from his expectations.

Regarding the Grade 6 Creator resources Spring spoke of, Lin Yuan would be capable of generating them the moment the Spirit World Barrier Turtle advanced in level.

Fortunately, Morbius was producing spirit qi crystals every second.

If he could reclaim the two shipments of spirit qi crystals he had traded to Xie Lin—provided the top grade blessed land didn't open for another fortnight—he could boost the Spirit World Barrier Turtle's power.

By then, utilizing resources from a Grade 6 Creator, Spring, Autumn, and Winter would be able to amplify their strength. This would grant them far more certainty in their bid for the top grade blessed land.

Spring reflected briefly before answering, “Young Master, I spent my time waiting for your reincarnation to manifest in that Class 1 world. It has been a long time since I walked the Sky Beyond the Clouds, so my understanding of the current landscape may be outdated. Consequently, my perspective might be flawed.

“Based on historical precedents, it is highly unusual for various sects to mobilize such formidable forces for a single top grade blessed land. Once the fighting starts, casualties are certain, and every faction usually weighs those potential losses beforehand.

“Seeing the units sent by the Faerie Institution and the Abyssal Beast Domain has made me suspicious. I suspect there is something more hidden here than just a top grade blessed land. However, this is merely a hunch.”

Spring was never one to speak with certainty on matters she could not verify.

Taking Spring’s theory into account, Lin Yuan replied gravely, “Spring, in one week, I will start supplying you with Grade 6 Creator resources. Your power, along with that of Autumn and Winter, will be bolstered then.

“The Ancient Snake Gu Palace is plotting against me. I will face them alongside Autumn and Winter. For now, you must stay in the shadows and keep your cultivation hidden. After this mission is over and you’ve been empowered by the Grade 6 Creator resources, it won't be too late to show your true hand!”

Actually, once he realized Grade 6 Creator resources could restore the trio’s power, Lin Yuan had hoped to remain low-profile for a week. He had no intentions of trading such high-level resources to outsiders yet, but the Ancient Snake Gu Palace was forcing his hand.

Spring quickly responded, “Young Master, if you require my help to coordinate the strike against the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, I am ready. If I am careful, the Abyssal Beast Domain might not notice my involvement.”

Lin Yuan shook his head firmly. “Spring, the Nightmare Beast leader just arrived in South Face City to command this loose alliance. His attention is fixed entirely on them right now. You shouldn't take that risk. The intelligence we get from the Abyssal Beast Domain is too vital.

“If the Ancient Snake Gu Palace is truly making such deep preparations, they won't dare a direct confrontation once Autumn and Winter reveal their might.”

Lin Yuan’s voice was thick with confidence in Autumn and Winter. Furthermore, to ensure the Spirit World Barrier Turtle reached the Divine Kingdom level within the week, he needed to recover the spirit qi crystals given to the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.

Spring didn't argue further. Like her master, she held total faith in their collective strength. Even if they weren't at their peak, they could still crush the Ancient Snake Gu Palace at its best. The current version of the palace, diminished and hiding from the world, stood no chance at all.

Shortly after Winter’s report reached Lin Yuan, the City Lord of South Face City, Xie Lin, arrived at the Fortune Treasure Palace in person to invite Lin Yuan to his manor for a discussion.

Since Lin Yuan was staying at the Fortune Treasure Palace, Ling Muzhuo was the first to learn of Xie Lin’s arrival. It was highly suspicious for Xie Lin to extend another invitation so soon after they had just dined together. Ling Muzhuo ignored Xie Lin’s status and led him toward Lin Yuan, though he made the City Lord wait outside while he spoke to Lin Yuan privately.

Ling Muzhuo looked at Lin Yuan with a grim expression. “Brother Lin, Xie Lin is here to bring you to the City Lord Manor. He definitely has a hidden agenda. With so many factions gathered, I’m certain the agents of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace are already in position. They are clearly moving against you.

“I advise you to turn him down. Even if you refuse, he won't dare to force the issue right now. Starting a fight in the open would only make us targets for everyone else.”

Lin Yuan could feel the genuine concern Ling Muzhuo had for his safety.

Lin Yuan smiled. “Brother Ling, things are changing fast. If the Ancient Snake Gu Palace is hunting me, that actually works in my favor! It’s the perfect chance to test their true power and perhaps wipe out a rival.”

A visible killing intent flashed across Lin Yuan’s face. Ling Muzhuo had expected him to be worried, not eager. From Lin Yuan’s tone, it was clear he didn't view the Ancient Snake Gu Palace as a threat, but as prey.

Ling Muzhuo was stunned by this level of confidence, especially since Lin Yuan was well-aware of the Palace’s reputation. Their previous talks suggested Lin Yuan knew as much about them as he did.

Since Lin Yuan showed no fear, Ling Muzhuo stopped trying to dissuade him. “Brother Lin, I promised we would be allies. If you are set on taking down the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, then I am with you. How can I assist in this strike?”

Lin Yuan looked at him solemnly. Seeing Ling Muzhuo's resolve, he spoke seriously. “Brother Ling, I despise the methods of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, and they clearly have designs on me. My fight with them is an act of self-defense; even other sects would find it justified.

“Fortune Treasure Palace has a reputation for being neutral and friendly with all sides. It wouldn't be right for your organization to be dragged into a blood feud with the Ancient Snake Gu Palace. Since I’ve decided to face them, I am certain I can win.

“You don't need to come to the manor with me. If you truly wish to help, do your best to jam all communications coming out of the City Lord Manor once I enter with Xie Lin. I will handle everything else.”

Lin Yuan was sure he could handle the Palace, but he worried they might have formed a secret pact with other major powers. He didn't want any third parties interfering to save the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.

Ling Muzhuo thumped his chest in agreement.

“My primary goal in South Face City is the top grade blessed land, so I have plenty of experts with me. Even if a Snake Lord tries to break the seal, I will ensure no news leaks out.

“However, surrounding the City Lord Manor will eventually draw the eyes of other factions. I won't be able to keep the area dark for long before others come to investigate the disturbance. I can probably give you half a day at most.”

“Regardless of whether Xie Lin is a puppet for the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, he is still the official City Lord appointed by the Honor Absent Palace and a member of their Parliament. If this goes public, people will use it as an excuse to bring the Honor Absent Palace’s wrath down on you.

“The Honor Absent Palace is a massive coalition. Any group in the East Universe that defies their laws faces the combined might of those member factions. Most ignore the rules in private, but you cannot be seen breaking them openly.

“Brother Lin, please be careful. I don't want you to become a pariah who can't find a foothold in the East Universe.”

Lin Yuan thought it over. “Half a day is plenty. The battle won't last that long anyway.”

He drained his cup of Three Treasures Tea in one gulp and stood up. “Brother Ling, let’s not keep City Lord Xie waiting any longer. Take me to him! I want to see exactly what kind of trap the Ancient Snake Gu Palace has set for me.”

Inside the VIP chambers of the Fortune Treasure Palace…

Xie Lin was fuming at Ling Muzhuo. He had only invited Lin Yuan, yet Ling Muzhuo had forced his way into the meeting. Xie Lin feared any complications that might ruin the Snake Lord’s scheme.

He finally relaxed when he saw Ling Muzhuo leading Lin Yuan into the room.

Xie Lin had never felt Autumn’s full power personally, so he wasn't sure of the guard's level. He only knew from Jia Mingda that Autumn possessed an incredible aura. But regardless of how strong he was, he couldn't possibly outmatch a Snake Lord, could he?

In his heart, Xie Lin looked down on Lin Yuan. His only real concern was keeping the matter quiet so it wouldn't alert the other factions in South Face City.

On that specific point, both Xie Lin and Lin Yuan were in total agreement.

“City Lord Xie, I’ve brought Brother Lin to you. He is my guest, so see that he is treated well. Make sure he is back at Fortune Treasure Palace by nightfall; I’ve prepared a feast in his honor.”

Xie Lin gave a hollow laugh. “I view Young Master Lin as a very distinguished guest. If I didn't, I wouldn't have come here myself. However, whether he returns tonight is up to him. Are you suggesting I should force him to leave if he wishes to stay?”

With a polite gesture, Xie Lin signaled for Lin Yuan to follow him.

Noticing Autumn walking behind Lin Yuan, Xie Lin couldn't help but ask, “Young Master Lin, are you really heading to the manor with just a single servant again?”

Lin Yuan gave him a knowing look. “Why? Does City Lord Xie think I need a larger escort? Is your manor dangerous? Even if it were, isn't the safety of a guest your responsibility? Surely you don't expect my people to do your guards' jobs for them?”

Xie Lin missed the biting sarcasm. To him, Lin Yuan was just a pampered, naive youth from a powerful background who had only lived a few decades. He was convinced his plans against Lin Yuan were a total secret.

It was perfect that Lin Yuan only brought one bodyguard. It would allow the two Snake Lords to end the matter instantly without any accidents.

Xie Lin’s biggest fear was that Lin Yuan would become suspicious and bring a small army, which would make a mess of things.

“How could that be? The City Lord Manor is the most secure location in all of South Face City. There is no danger there. I simply invited you to show my appreciation for the massive trades we've conducted.

“This dinner is a chance to get to know you better and show my thanks. I hope that even after you leave our city, we can continue to do business together.”

Lin Yuan’s expression remained neutral, but Ling Muzhuo could hardly stomach Xie Lin’s hypocrisy and let out a sharp snort. If Xie Lin had been playing this game with anyone else, that person would have already vanished.

Now that Ling Muzhuo knew Xie Lin’s true colors, he understood why Fortune Treasure Palace had struggled so much in South Face City lately. Before the final audit, he was annoyed, but now that he saw the full picture, he wanted nothing more than to strike Xie Lin down right there.

Lin Yuan didn't react to the City Lord’s words. Like a high-born Young Master out for a casual walk, he followed Xie Lin toward the manor with Autumn trailing silently behind.

As they moved through the streets, Xie Lin used several techniques to hide their path, explaining his actions to Lin Yuan as they went.

“Young Master Lin, you’ve built a very powerful alliance here in the city. As the City Lord, if I am seen with you openly, other groups might think we’ve joined forces. That would make us both targets.

“I assume that wouldn't help your goals. It would only make your path to the top grade blessed land more difficult. It's better for everyone if we avoid unnecessary attention.”