Chapter 233: Chapter 233

"Do you see that massive foundation over there? The Divine Flame Empire originally planned to build a city here. If there were a city at this location, it could complement White Stone City, effectively trapping the Sandpeople."

"Unfortunately, when they tried to build a city here, the Sandpeople reacted as if they were mad, repelling them with all their might. If they had persisted, it would have triggered a decisive battle between the Divine Flame Empire and the Quicksand Empire. I have to admit, we cannot match them in open field combat, hence the empire had to abandon this place."

"Later, the Sandpeople deployed a patrol team here, fearing the empire might secretly rebuild. Nowadays, this patrol’s strength and numbers have significantly reduced, probably down to a hundred or so people."

Du You nodded slightly, for he had come to understand Aelius’s identity during their journey.

Apparently, he truly was of noble birth, albeit without a noble title. His family was minor nobility in a small local city who had set their sights on earning a title.

His family, at this point, was on the brink of extinction. If Aelius didn’t earn a title soon, he would be stripped of his noble status, which was their last link to nobility.

Having been educated in noble customs since childhood, and given his long-standing plans to make his mark in White Stone City, Aelius had an impressive wealth of knowledge about many aspects of the city.

It was a pity. Had these two not targeted him, Du You would have liked to have a good chat and befriend Aelius.

As for Morry’s identity, Du You was not certain. However, he observed Morry always deferred to Aelius, without behaving like his servant, suggesting that they might have known each other for quite some time.

Indeed, understanding such peculiar dialects from remote places would be impossible unless they’d met a long time ago. They were speaking so openly only because they thought nobody else understood their language.

Little did they know about the terrifying translation capabilities of my control panel.

Du You didn’t know if others had encountered such things. However, if he shared his own experiences, surely it would cause quite a stir.

Aelius pointed ahead and said, "It’s because of this foundation that the valley entrance was divided into three paths. Look, these are the three paths. Let’s follow our plan."

"I understand, we’ll run when it’s time," Morry whispered.

Aelius said irritably, "We’re not running! We’ll let him run ahead first, then you follow me straight back via the largest route in the middle. Once we hear any commotion, we’ll charge in as quickly as possible. Understand? Don’t make any noise, or else we will genuinely have to run."

Aelius suddenly pointed to the sky and said, "You must be careful. I know you have a flying Summoned Beast, but you must never use it. There are two Sand Sculptures usually patrolling the air, and even Griffins. It’s very dangerous."

Du You nodded, but he was simultaneously considering what he should do next.

Seeing they were about to reach the designated location, a spark of excitement flashed in Aelius’s eyes. If this mission goes well, his title would be secured. He could then return to his hometown and continue his life of nobility.

"We’re here, are you ready?"

Du You suddenly said, "Wait a moment, a moment, I’m nervous. I need to go to the bathroom, wait for me."

"Quickly, quickly! How could you be such a nuisance at this crucial moment?" Aelius said disdainfully. Wasn’t Du You acting sincerely enough now that they were about to execute their plan?

"It’s alright, I’m just a bit nervous. Wait for me for five minutes." With that, Du You ran towards the back.

Although Aelius was impatient, they needed Du You. Without him, Aelius would have to go himself. He was not strong in long-range combat; without an archer to assist him, how was he supposed to combat the Griffins?

What they didn’t know was that Du You had headed to the exact area they had planned to retreat to.

"Humph, luckily, I had discovered your plan earlier. Let’s see who ends up outsmarting whom."

Du You moved to the back and waved, casting several Mucus Swamps, turning a big patch of the ground in front of him into mucus.

As night had fallen, it was pitch black. In these conditions, it was impossible to see the indistinct Mucus Swamp. By the time it could be seen, he would definitely have stepped into it already.

After thinking it through, considering it unsafe, Du You retreated a certain distance. With a wave, he planted a number of Ice-fire Explosions underground.

In just a moment, Du You had planted several dozen landmines. "Hopefully, when we come back, not only will these two bastards die here, but also all those Sandpeople."

Du You also wanted to exploit these two. He was unsure what Aelius had planned, but was sure he had some aces up his sleeve.

Less than five minutes later, Du You returned seemingly in a rush.

"Really now, why did you take so long to return? We’ve been ready, let’s start."

Aelius could hardly wait. Thus, without any hesitation, Du You followed them and ran forward. Those two turned out to be running slower and slower, and getting further apart. Du You didn’t say anything because he also wanted to spread out. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱

Suddenly, Aelius signaled Morry with his eyes as they were already very close to the inside. The two of them stopped, then quietly turned around and ran back.

In this place, if one didn’t pay close attention to others, it would be challenging to trace their movements. At this moment, Du You saw the two turning away and also silently headed towards the path on the left.

However, he didn’t make any sound. Instead, he quietly hid on the roadside, waiting silently.

"Taste the flavor of my landmines," Du You whispered softly.

Sure enough, not long after, an explosion was heard from a distance. Du You laughed; he recognized it as the sound of his Ice-fire Explosion. Although the sound wasn’t very loud, it was very noticeable against the night’s quietness. He wondered who stepped on the landmine first.

Presumably, Aelius must have figured something out by now. He wondered if Aelius was cursing him.

Du You held his breath and fully concentrated as chaotic noises began to emanate from ahead. Peering through the gaps between the trees, he observed groups of figures charging out of the valley. Among them was a presence that made Du You’s heart palpitate.

Only a Tier 2 existence could give him such a feeling. Aelius had to know about this, but he didn’t tell him.