Settling Matters and a Request

Standing before Angela was the same man in black who had been chasing the escapees. He had encountered Li Lin and his group by chance and had been thoroughly tricked by Angela. Now that he had reappeared, judging from their earlier conversation, it was clear that he had a deep connection with these arrogant brats. However, Dick was not angry at Angela's mocking words; he simply bowed slightly.

"What a coincidence that we'll meet again here, beautiful lady."

Are those idiots in the back your men?

Angela's tone softened; clearly, she remembered the very interesting things she had learned from the swordsman, and thus her attitude towards Dick was much better than when she faced others.

"That's right... they are..."

Dick hesitated for a moment, clearly considering whether to reveal the true identities of the people behind him, but in the end he just laughed it off.

"They are... the people I'm protecting. I hope you can forgive their rudeness just now, Miss."

"Hey, Di..."

Seeing that his ally not only didn't speak up for him but actually sided with an outsider, the impulsive nobleman was extremely dissatisfied. However, before he could utter a word, Dick's gaze silenced him. He could only obediently shut his mouth and angrily stare at the fire before him. As for the others, although they also expressed their displeasure with Dick's words, it was clear that this black-clad swordsman held considerable influence among them, so they also remained silent and held their tongues.

"In that case, I will forgive their rude behavior for now."

Angela her fan shut, a sound that made Dick instinctively grip the hilt of his sword, but he ultimately made no other move.

"By the way, miss, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"What's up?"

"Is the gentleman who was with you when we met before also here?"

As he spoke, Dick glanced at Mina, who was silent beside Angela. Since this girl was here, then perhaps the man was here as well.

"Owner?"

A cold glint appeared in Angela's eyes.

"You need to see him for something?"

"That's right... but I don't know..."

"Let me go and inquire with Master about his opinion."

With that, Angela turned and skipped towards the carriage. Mina silently watched the black-clad swordsman, then cautiously glanced at the group of nobles who, though still very dissatisfied, had fallen silent. Only then did she turn and follow Angela away. The black-clad swordsman carefully observed the girl before him, a hint of doubt creeping into his mind. He remembered that when they first met, this girl hadn't seemed so...

"Teacher!!"

Behind him came the disgruntled protest of the girl named Weijia. The black-clad swordsman turned around, looking helplessly at the group of youngsters before him. They were, after all, too young. If he hadn't intervened, the murderous intent emanating from that little girl would likely have severed their heads. Yet, they were completely oblivious to the danger, as if they were dancing blindfolded on the edge of a knife.

Why are you talking to that brat like that?! Isn't that letting her ride roughshod over us?

The girl stood up aggressively, clearly very dissatisfied with Dick's handling of the situation.

"Weijia, shut up. Every time you open your mouth, you only make things worse."

Just then, the only nobleman who seemed somewhat rational finally spoke again, but his gaze toward Dick also contained dissatisfaction and a hint of protest.

"Mr. Dick, I admit we were in the wrong first, but that lady's attitude was really..."

"What is it really?"

The black-clad swordsman coldly waved his hand.

"How many times have I told you, the outside world isn't like... You can't expect everyone to act the way you want. Not everyone will listen to you, but look at you all! I only went out to check the situation for a little while, and you've already caused such a huge mess! If I had come back any later, you might be meeting your parents with your heads by now!"

"... this..."

Dick's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the young nobles, completely extinguishing the flames of anger within them. These nobles had been so reckless precisely because Dick had their backing. After all, a high-ranking swordsman like Dick wasn't easy to find. It was only because Dick was with them that the young nobles had managed to persuade their parents not to bring so many guards on this trip. Young people, after all, dislike being restrained; having too many guards would be inconvenient. But now, they no longer thought that way.

"But, Mr. Dick..."

The girl, blushing with anger at Angela's sharp tongue, timidly raised her hand and asked hesitantly.

"These mercenaries don't seem that powerful, do they? We're all just..."

"You are merely low-ranking swordsmen."

Dick shook his head.

"While you can disregard these mercenaries, that young lady is a different story. I advise you to curb your tempers and keep a low profile when you're out in public. Remember, even though you are of noble birth, the world is never short of people who want to kill you, or who don't care about the consequences. If you don't understand this, you should pack your bags and head back to Blackwater City immediately. Don't stay outside for even a minute longer!"

The black-clad swordsman's stern tone caused the young nobles to tremble slightly. Although Dick's status wasn't particularly high, as the personal bodyguard of a powerful figure, he wielded considerable prestige and influence. These young men and women, though of noble birth, had no right to act arrogantly in his presence.

"Never mind."

Watching the young nobles calm down and begin to reflect on their actions, Dick sighed helplessly.

"Remember, don't cause any more trouble. If you weren't so stubborn, things wouldn't have gotten to this point. I have important things to do; you guys get ready and go rest."

Clearly, these nobles had no other choice.

Inside the carriage, Li Lin frowned after listening to Angela's report.

"Does that swordsman in black want to discuss something with me?"

"That's right, Master."

Angela.

"I believe it's related to that broken stone from before... What do you think?"

Angela's reasoning was understandable, given that it was their only contact with the black-clad swordsman, and considering the characteristics of the stone itself, this possibility was quite high. Moreover, judging from Angela's words, this black-clad swordsman clearly had an ambiguous relationship with the nobles.

"Never mind."

Li Lin shook his head and casually tapped the cover of the Eternal Library.

"We should focus on our business and not bother with these trivial matters. After all, even if we had time to waste, we wouldn't want to spend it on nobles."

In the end, Li Lin declined the black-clad swordsman's invitation and didn't cause trouble for the fat merchant, which finally allowed him to get a good night's sleep. After resting for a night, the group continued their journey. For some reason, the two carriages followed the caravan at a distance, seemingly intending to travel alongside them. Angela considered several times taking care of the pursuers, killing their horses, or dismantling their wheels to hinder these arrogant and annoying fellows. However, Li Lin stopped her. He could tell that Angela didn't really intend to kill the group. Li Lin only wanted to have some fun. However, at this stage, provoking the nobles was not a worthwhile endeavor. If the black-clad swordsman weren't around, Li Lin wouldn't mind letting Angela "relax." But not now. Clearly, the black-clad swordsman possessed far greater observation and judgment than they had anticipated. He wouldn't be like those foolish nobles, simply dismissing it as bad luck. Moreover, such a confrontation would inevitably lead to even more chaos. Li Lin disliked chaos; in his view, even chaos could only be conscious chaos within a framework of order.

Everything has its order.

Li Lin opened the spellbook and began reading the records of Nia's travels across the continent.

Even destruction is the same.

However, the matter is clearly not over yet.

On the afternoon of the third day, Li Lin was finally cornered by the black-clad swordsman.

"I think you understand what I mean."

Li Lin's expression darkened slightly upon seeing the black-clad swordsman.

"I have no intention of getting involved in anything related to the nobility."

"Of course I understand what you mean, sir."

Although the black-clad swordsman maintained a respectful tone, it carried a hint of persistence, as if he wouldn't give up until he achieved his goal.

"However, what I'm carrying is also very important, and we urgently need your help."

You don't even know who I am.

Li Lin couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

"How can you be so sure that I can help you?"

"Because you are very familiar with the Caseli Magic Core."

The black-clad swordsman spoke frankly.

"We need your help, your knowledge."

It was indeed related to that stone.

Li Lin guessed that such a troublesome thing, even if brought back, would probably only become an even bigger problem.

What happened?

With a mix of curiosity and a desire to watch the drama unfold, Li Lin finally asked the question.

However, the black-clad swordsman did not answer the question immediately. He hesitated, looked around, and then shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that person's name unless you agree to help me."

"Alright then."

Li Lin shrugged.

"Actually, I was just asking out of curiosity, but hearing you say that only strengthens my resolve. I'm sorry, I won't help you. Go find someone else."

We will provide you with sufficient compensation.

The black-clad swordsman did not give up.

"Moreover, you will be granted an extremely high status and honor, if you..."

"I hope you can look around me; I don't lack any of these things."

Li Lin gestured, indicating that the black-clad swordsman should look at the surrounding caravans.

"I'm sorry, your offer is not appealing to me at all."

Then, he answered sincerely.

You should go find someone else.