The words, "This man is obviously suspicious," left the steward deeply conflicted. If someone was clearly suspicious and they did nothing, the consequences would be hard to explain.
The two men before him looked at him eagerly. In the end, the steward gritted his teeth. "Listen carefully, you two. You must be cautious. If this pursuit startles the snake in the grass and causes some accident, your own heads won't be safe."
"Yes!" The two clasped their hands and accepted the order.
With the steward's decree, the two swiftly slipped away in secret.
Before long, a bird mount carrying two people also set off, traveling alongside from far away. They did not dare approach the target and startle the snake in the grass. The moment they received a signal, they were to rush over and provide support.
Meanwhile, the tall man and the skinny man continued sneaking through the mountains and forests, keeping a distant watch on the peddler's back.
After leaving the mountains, the peddler stopped. He set down his load, sat on the carrying pole to rest, removed his bamboo hat to fan himself, and occasionally raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
The rest was merely a pretense. He had to stop and catch his breath, had to put on a show, while also taking the chance to observe his surroundings.
He knew very well that people nearby were watching the activity around that village. His entering and leaving the village should have drawn attention as well.
By identity, he was actually one of Misty Pavilion's people too. Because the missions he often carried out were special, he had to play every role convincingly.
After resting for a short while, the peddler rose again, hoisted his load onto his shoulder, and continued along the