The Hundred Thousand Thunders Caravan

The portly merchant naturally dared not refuse Li Lin's request, nor could he refuse. Of course, he had no reason to refuse either. Although, logically speaking, these distinguished guests did not need to travel with the caravan, Pikachu, having traveled extensively for many years, knew that there were things he shouldn't ask about. In any case, it was none of his business. Whatever these guests wanted to do, he would let them be.

So, after making some preparations, a caravan of not-too-small size set off.

Perhaps to seize this rare opportunity, the Hundred Thousand Thunders Caravan had poured Pikachu's heart and soul into it. Twenty-five fully armed mercenaries protected the caravan, consisting of five wagons, as they left the City of a Thousand Towers and headed south. Old Pikachu's plan was to first exchange the specialties of the City of a Thousand Towers for specialties from other places, then profit from the price difference, and finally acquire rare or hard-to-find items. Since he had earned a considerable amount of gold coins these past few days, he had plenty of working capital and wasn't worried about losses.

Besides the three carriages used for hauling goods, Pikachu, his family, and Li Lin each occupied the remaining two luxurious carriages. Unlike those specifically designed for cargo, their carriages were magnificent, spacious, and comfortable, with eight well-trained, fat horses ensuring a smooth and effortless ride on the road. In the market, such a carriage would be worth a fortune. However, Old Pikachu didn't spend a single penny; after all, these were "gifts" given to Li Lin by those high-ranking figures.

"I feel like I'm sitting in a horse-drawn Cadillac."

Swirling the red wine in her glass, Angela gazed at the excessively spacious carriage. Clearly, although civilizations differed across eras, the aristocracy's taste for pleasure remained largely unchanged. The soft, comfortable sofas could comfortably seat three or four people side-by-side, and could even be used as beds at night. The skillful craftsmanship of the half-dwarves and half-elf bowsmiths minimized the noise of the carriage's movement, making it as smooth as a small boat gently swaying on a lake.

"It would be even more like it if it had a TV and a refrigerator."

Li Lin flipped through the luxurious and beautiful spellbook in his hand, preparing his spells while responding to Angela's words.

"Perhaps I can try to create a magical item with similar functions... It shouldn't be difficult."

"Actually, it's quite nice as it is now."

Angela smiled slightly and placed the cup aside, while Fina immediately began chanting an incantation with a sigh. As she chanted, a thin layer of ice formed in the cup, making it even more refreshing and delicious. Clearly, although she hadn't been in this world for very long, Angela had already learned how to use magic to enjoy her life. Li Lin didn't mind at all; after all, it also helped to boost Fina's spellcasting power—a win-win situation.

"But Master, I still don't understand why you insist on traveling with that fatso. Wouldn't it be better if we set off on our own?"

"That's more convenient."

After silently reciting the incantation and preparing a spell, Li Lin answered.

"After all, large caravans have a significant deterrent effect on bandits and outlaws. If we're traveling alone, who knows how many fools will try to harm us before we reach our next destination. Bedbugs aren't a real threat, but they're annoying enough to cause headaches. Besides, a caravan represents more than just its merchant guild. Multinational caravans like this usually have powerful backers, so even if we enter a city, we won't be bothered by anyone. In short, having such a caravan as cover will make the journey much easier. And we can't reveal our identities yet, so this is the only way for now."

"I wonder if that fatso will betray us."

Angela still wore an innocent smile, but there was no hint of amusement in her icy eyes.

"After all, humans are driven by greed, and there's also this pack of watchdogs around."

Angela stretched out the fan she was holding in her right hand and pointed at the mercenaries outside the window.

"They can't be trusted either."

Perhaps it was because there was no "food" among the mercenaries that met Angela's criteria that she was so dissatisfied.

That's not something we need to worry about.

Li Lin raised his eyebrows slightly.

"They just need to play their roles well, that's enough."

These mercenaries were hired by Old Pikachu at a high price. They had no criminal record, were reputable, and trustworthy. Perhaps due to the stubbornness of Northlands, or perhaps because of his deep pockets, Old Pikachu didn't choose the cheaper mercenary groups from other regions, even though mercenaries are generally trustworthy. But for a businessman like Old Pikachu who travels all over the country, choosing locals is always more reassuring.

According to Old Pikachu's plan, they would head south, passing through the famous Golden Road, entering the border of Lalia, and then begin commercial trade. Afterwards, they would travel to Grey Valley, the largest port city, to transfer to merchant ships bound for the southern country of Kudel. After all, relations between the two countries were currently tense due to border mineral resources, and any incident could easily trigger war. For merchants who valued life above all else, venturing across the border at this time was far too risky. Traveling by sea would be much easier. Of course, besides being safer, this route also reflected the fat merchant's attempt to curry favor with Li Lin and his companions. The route he chose offered many scenic and beautiful views to prevent boredom. This kind of petty trick meant little to Li Lin, but since he wasn't in a hurry, he let the other party have his way.

As Li Lin said, a caravan of considerable size could indeed deter those with ill intentions in the vicinity. Within half a day, Angela had sensed four or five bandit gangs lurking nearby, but ultimately they all abandoned the idea and did not target the caravan. After all, a caravan that could afford to hire more than twenty experienced adventurers was definitely not an easy target. They were just doing this to make a living, not for any beliefs, democracy, or freedom; it wasn't worth risking their lives.

So, the journey was quite harmonious. Angela's desire to kill was not satisfied at all, which made her very helpless. In the end, she could only chat with the two sisters to pass the time. Although she also wanted to kill time with Li Lin in another way, it was daytime after all, and in front of everyone. Li Lin was not open-minded enough to do so in front of others.

After a long day of travel, the caravan finally stopped as the sun was about to set. The mercenaries quickly began setting up camp, while the fat merchant, after exchanging a few polite greetings with Li Lin and the others, went to the back to check his goods. He seemed quite dedicated; if he had this much exercise every day, his obesity problem would surely be alleviated.

At this moment, Li Lin and the others, who had been traveling by carriage all day, were finally able to get off and rest.

It must be said that the moment they stepped off the carriage, they attracted everyone's attention. Angela dazzlingly beautiful, her innocent and adorable appearance enough to tempt anyone's soul. Nia, having removed her cloak and revealed her true face, naturally became the focus of everyone's attention as well. Even the twin sisters accompanying them were somewhat stunned by their almost identical beauty. When the four ladies appeared in the glow of the setting sun, everyone—from the apprentice calculating bills to the mercenaries cleaning up the camp—was speechless, staring at the scene before them in a daze. Many of them had heard rumors about the Golden Leaf Mage, but none could have imagined that she would be such a beautiful young woman. If it weren't for the incomparably magnificent crystal staff, probably no one would have been able to connect this captivatingly beautiful girl with the cloaked mage.

When Li Lin appeared, an uncontrollable flame of jealousy ignited within everyone. Angela, who had already noticed the rude stares, deliberately ran to Li Lin's side and affectionately tugged at his sleeve. Nia, whether out of defiance, curiosity, or amusement, also took Li Lin's arm from the other side. Add to that the two beauties standing behind him, their expressions awkward yet respectful, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Li Lin was the epitome of a "winner in life." After all, each of these four women possessed a beauty that would be enough to bring lifelong happiness, and now Li Lin had all four by his side. Their envy likely surpassed even murderous intent.

Of course, envy and jealousy are one thing, but no one was foolish enough to try and cause trouble. The way these four ladies treated Li Lin shows that any attempt to attack would only end in a crushing defeat.

Soon, with the help of these quick-witted mercenaries, a small camp quickly took shape. The supply wagons were placed in the center, guarded by the mercenaries. Li Lin and Pikachu's wagons had already been unloaded and became temporary mobile shelters. Further out were the mercenaries' rest areas, where they gathered in twos and threes, intentionally or unintentionally surrounding the entire camp, ready to respond to any attack from any direction or under any circumstances.

Just as darkness enveloped the earth, the moon replaced the sun as it ruled the sky, and all things were about to fall asleep, the mercenary on night watch suddenly let out a short whistle. Soon, several mercenaries who had been dozing off immediately perked up, gripped their weapons, and nervously watched the road in front of them.

"Looks like we have company now."

Li Lin looked up from the pile of books, glanced out the window intentionally or unintentionally, and said casually.

Just then, two carriages came galloping over from a distance.