Chapter 053: The City Lord's Invitation

The Lord of Shak City? The two exchanged wary glances, realizing that despite their caution, someone had still managed to spot their weakness.

The middle-aged man, seeing their dark expressions, began trembling all over, terrified that a moment's displeasure might send him to meet his maker.

“How did you spot us?” Shen Duo asked coldly, signaling Benyi to tighten its grip. The man's back was wracked with pain, bones creaking ominously.

He hurriedly begged for mercy, crying, “Sir, it was your phantom beast.”

Shen Duo glanced at Benyi, then at the disheveled man on the ground, inwardly startled. Benyi was a nine-star holy phantom beast, its individual strength comparable to a seven or eight-star spiritual phantom master. Those weaker than it couldn't discern its true form, yet this man had spotted something unusual at a glance.

Yu Sha sent a telepathic message to Shen Duo: “Xiao Duo, some phantom artifacts are quite remarkable. Feng Jun has an artifact that hides his strength, so it stands to reason there are artifacts that reveal strength. This man’s outward appearance suggests he’s a nine-star phantom master, but he can see through Benyi—he must be carrying such an artifact!”

Feng Jun had thought of the same. They’d come to Shak City merely for a rest, not to stir up trouble. If the city lord learned their true strength, things wouldn’t be so simple. His handsome face hardened, and spiritual energy gathered in his palm, forming a glowing orb that he was about to hurl at the middle-aged man.

The man paled, nearly collapsing, but managed to retain a shred of reason and shouted, “Please, spare me! I’ve already sent word of your presence to the city lord’s manor. The city lord knows about you and will surely send someone to receive you soon.”

Ordinary spies always carried communication stones, ready to report any anomaly to prevent loss of intelligence. With their information already sent to the city lord’s manor, there was no point in silencing him now. If the city lord learned of it, it would only make things worse for them. Now, meeting the lord seemed inevitable. Should he truly wish to plot against them, the worst outcome would be a fierce battle.

Feng Jun lowered his hand, giving the man a cold snort.

Shen Duo signaled Benyi to release its grip. The middle-aged man, as if granted amnesty, lay gasping on the ground, too frightened to show any disrespect.

Sure enough, before long, two riders arrived atop unicorn steeds. One was a young man in a deep blue phantom master’s robe, a shining triangular star badge on his left chest signifying his status as a grand phantom master. The other was an elderly man with graying temples, his square face lined with wrinkles.

The youth in blue spoke, “Dirk, are these the two you sent word about?”

The middle-aged man nodded despite his injuries.

The elderly man scanned the area, his eyes flashing as he saw Benyi. He quickly dismounted and bowed. “Greetings, honored guests. I am Zoey, and this is the second son of the city lord’s manor, Kang Cheng. May I know your esteemed names?”

Polite and respectful, the old man glanced meaningfully at the immobile youth beside him.

Though reluctant, the young man dismounted and bowed.

“Shen Duo, and this is my elder brother Shen Jun. We are merely passing through Shak City. May I ask why you have come?” Shen Duo’s tone was measured and dignified, instantly winning Zoey’s favor.

“My apologies for disturbing you. We are compelled by necessity. The city lord is facing difficulties and has had to resort to these extraordinary measures. Here is the city lord’s invitation; we ask you to kindly honor it with your presence.” Zoey produced a gilded envelope from his storage pouch and offered it.

Shen Duo merely regarded them, not taking the invitation. Kang Cheng, seeing her lack of response, was about to curse, but Zoey restrained him.

“Forgive my abruptness. We truly do not wish to impede your journey. We simply hope you will visit the city lord’s manor on the date specified; there are no further demands. As the city lord’s honored guests, all your expenses in Shak City will be covered by him, as a sign of respect.” Zoey’s words grew even more deferential, offering a tempting incentive.

At this, Shen Duo’s lips curved into a sly smile. She finally accepted the invitation. “Since the city lord is so sincere, we shall accept.”

Courtesy before force; Zoey’s words were as generous as could be. If they didn’t accept, violence might well ensue. She was not one to ignore such practicalities.

Zoey breathed a quiet sigh of relief. If Shen Duo and Feng Jun had not accepted, he would have had to resort to force. Yet, he could not gauge their strength and was uneasy.

Shen Duo had no desire for further conversation and departed with Feng Jun. Zoey, seeing this, kicked Dirk on the ground. “Go on, follow them.”

Dirk, barely able to stand, hurried after Shen Duo and Feng Jun.

Once they were out of earshot, Kang Cheng grumbled, “Just two ordinary people, why go to such trouble? If they refuse, we should just drag them to the city lord’s manor!”

Zoey sighed. “You think I don’t want to? You don’t realize, the silver wolf beside that girl is a holy phantom beast. Even your father might not be able to subdue them. If we can gain their help, so much the better. If not, they must not leave Shak City!” A ruthless glint flashed in the old man’s eyes.

Hearing his teacher’s words, Kang Cheng dared not argue further, but his heart burned with challenge. Raised in Shak City, he had become a five-star grand phantom master at eighteen—a prodigy. He would not allow anyone to challenge his talent!

Shen Duo had already noticed Dirk trailing them, but merely smiled, not bothering to stop him. Since the city lord had his eye on them, it was only natural to send someone to follow. With Dirk along, she could spend as she pleased, couldn’t she?

Yusha, perched on Shen Duo’s shoulder, shivered seeing her smile, silently praying for those behind.

Feng Jun was taciturn, an iceberg by nature—except for the occasional word to Shen Duo, he remained silent, showing emotion only in the thrill of battle.

Within half a day, the two had toured every shop in Shak City, stocking up on food, buying clothes for Feng Jun, watching matches at the dueling hall, and acquiring two items at auction. By day’s end, they had spent tens of thousands of gold.

Dirk, forced to pay for it all, was in agony. He dreaded the moment the city lord saw the bills, his legs trembling, wishing he could just die.

Feng Jun’s expression was impassive, but he spared no expense. Shen Duo watched his shopping spree, utterly speechless, finally understanding how he had ended up penniless. He never asked the price, never bargained, simply paid whatever was asked. Anyone seeing such a gullible customer would surely take advantage!