The wind howled mournfully.
Hundreds of beast soldiers from the Batu Kingdom escorted the captives, marching proudly out of the city. Not a single ambush was set, even though they walked directly through the city gates.
It was utterly preposterous!
It seemed the main city had tacitly approved of this matter.
"Mr. Chen, I didn't expect you to be from the Elton family," Liu Yue said with a smile in her eyes. "I heard our Federation is currently cooperating with the Elton family."
By the campfire, Liu Yue and Chen Yu sat together.
After leaving the main city, they had traversed several cave plane worlds. Chen Yu had memorized the entire route. They were now in a barren wilderness covered in withered grass.
The smooth progress was unexpected.
The role of those guards was to allow Chen Yu to speak with Liu Yue smoothly. Otherwise, his attempt to strike up a conversation would have been met with a more ambiguous attitude.
Only when Liu Yue initiated the conversation would Chen Yu's words carry more weight.
He had also considered that using the guards as bait might not be enough to reel Liu Yue in, but even so, his actions would leave an impression on her.
Whether good or bad.
An impression would ultimately be left.
If things developed in a positive direction, he could proceed bit by bit. If her attitude towards him soured due to his previous actions, Chen Yu could execute his backup plan.
The directional scroll!
This was the source of his confidence.
As long as the Batu Federation couldn't impose a regional magic ban, all of them could use directional scrolls to return to his Free City-State.
What did he have to fear?
Even taking a step back, the little demon had also made preparations for him.
He just hadn't anticipated that everything would go so smoothly. It was like the series of troubles he encountered when preparing to rescue Roni. Now, the situation had completely reversed.
Equipment merchant.
These four words seemed to carry too much weight in the cave worlds.
"Yes, it's quite a coincidence," Chen Yu nodded with a smile. Liu Yue also murmured softly, "It's just that, Mr. Chen, we still cannot fully confirm your identity. I hope you can cooperate with us a little. Once we get the results, I, Liu Yue, will personally apologize to you."
"It's fine."
The identity investigation wasn't a matter of deception, so Chen Yu and his companions didn't mind. He was also willing to leave a good impression on Liu Yue. After all, she might very well become his sister-in-law in the future.
For Hei Dou's sake, Chen Yu had to show her some respect.
Suddenly—
Chen Yu saw Hei Dou continuously winking at him. Knowing Hei Dou's intentions, Chen Yu glanced at him and immediately understood what he was up to.
"Commander Liu Yue, please wait a moment."
Seeing Liu Yue about to leave, Chen Yu raised his hand to stop her.
"Do you need anything else?" Liu Yue asked with a smile, showing none of the demeanor she displayed towards her subordinates or captives.
"During the investigation, we will have to stay with you, right?"
"Yes."
Liu Yue smiled and nodded, her face filled with suspicion.
"Mr. Chen, do you have some urgent official business to attend to?"
"It's not particularly urgent, but I was originally planning to head to the royal city of the Tatu Kingdom. However, this is not a critical matter, and delaying it is acceptable," Chen Yu said with a light laugh. "It's just that during this period, our safety might require Commander Liu Yue's assistance. To be frank, we are currently being hunted."
"Assassination from the Tatu Kingdom?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Yu glanced at Roni without a word. Liu Yue also nodded in understanding.
"Please rest assured. Since you have entered our territory, we can absolutely guarantee your safety. I believe no one would be so foolish as to trouble a few individuals at the Rainbow Realm."
The Rainbow Realm was already considered top-tier strength in the cave worlds.
Even with a discerning eye like the little demon's, they recognized the Rainbow Realm, which was enough to show how special the Rainbow Realm was in the cave worlds.
With several individuals at the Rainbow Realm providing protection, staying with them was much safer than Chen Yu and his group trying to sneak away in the dark.
"I am relieved to hear you say that," Chen Yu nodded with a gentle smile. "So, during this time, we will be going to the Batu Federation?"
"Yes."
Hei Dou, who had been listening intently, heard this and excitedly clenched his fists. Chen Yu glanced at him, and Hei Dou quickly composed himself.
This scene was observed by Liu Yue, who found it extremely perplexing.
What was going on?
They seemed very eager to go to the Batu Federation.
"Once your identities are verified, we will allow you to leave. At that time, even if Mr. Chen wishes to go to the Tatu Kingdom, we will arrange for someone to escort you. For now, please bear with us and accompany us." Although she was puzzled by Hei Dou's actions, Liu Yue explained meticulously.
"No trouble at all, not the slightest bit!"
Hei Dou, standing beside them, beamed like a baboon's behind, his mouth almost reaching his ears.
"Cough..." Chen Yu coughed with a focused gaze. Hei Dou quickly corrected himself, "Oh, experiencing the local customs and traditions of the Batu Federation is something we've always wanted to do. It's a good opportunity to experience it and enrich our experiences."
"Oh, then I can hire some guides for you."
"Can't you?"
Hei Dou blurted it out almost instinctively, and was met with Liu Yue's confused gaze.
"Mr. Hei, do you think I have a lot of free time? I would love to be a guide, but my daily work is quite heavy. I'm truly sorry. Everyone, my subordinates have matters to report to me, so I will not disturb you any further. We will depart again in half an hour. Please rest well."
Throughout the entire exchange, Liu Yue maintained a smile on her face.
Only after she had moved a good distance away from the campfire did she sigh with relief, rubbing her face, which felt almost frozen from smiling.
"Sister Liu Yue, are they really equipment merchants?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Liu Yue shook her head. "Judging by their age, they are all too young. Only that Mr. Chen appears a bit more mature. If they are equipment merchants, they are rather young. However, I can't guarantee they aren't the offspring of equipment merchants, and didn't they say they are from the Elton family?"
Equipment merchants held a significant status.
Regardless of whether Chen Yu was genuine or not, as long as he uttered those words, anyone in the cave worlds would have to show him due respect. No one would choose to disregard the face of an equipment merchant.
This was also why Liu Yue treated Chen Yu with such courtesy.
Being a little polite wouldn't hurt. Once the investigation results were out, it would still be time to deal with Chen Yu if he was fabricating his identity.
"I feel like that guy surnamed Chen is a bit mischievous."
The Holy Realm mage among the twins secretly glanced towards the campfire and whispered.
"What, you've fallen for him?" Liu Yue raised an eyebrow with a smile. The Holy Realm mage froze. "Ah? Sister Liu Yue, what are you thinking?"
"Isn't it what you always say, 'Men who aren't bad, women don't love them'?"
"I was talking about Lord Su Zhan~"