Chapter 122 A Debt Forgiven

Sacker’s hand briefly touched the hilt of his curved blade before he relaxed and smiled, asking, “Then, may I ask what advice Lord Tagraedi has for us?”

“I’m someone who likes clarity in matters, it sets everyone at ease,” Wu Qingsong said. “Dining together and such, if we are to be friends in the future, there will be plenty of opportunities. But while you know who I am and what I’ve done, I know nothing about you, which seems a bit unfair, doesn’t it?”

“I see,” Sacker laughed heartily, then turned to his subordinates and commanded, “Leave us.”

The tent, once crowded, quickly emptied, leaving behind only a few of Sacker’s closer associates. As for Wu Qingsong’s side, there weren’t many to begin with, so naturally, everyone remained.

“It’s not a secret,” Sacker began. “I once partnered with Badel in business, but I’ve primarily operated in the northwest, whereas he conducted his business around here. I had no interest in his dealings, and he paid no mind to mine. Our collaboration was merely about pooling our resources to look stronger and facilitate negotiations with the lord, but our businesses operated independently, without interference. However, that man was exceedingly greedy, always aiming to use his numbers to encroach upon my share. Now that he’s gone, and his direct line has largely been dealt with by your hand, I’ve taken the opportunity to consolidate his business with mine. That explanation should clarify things for you, shouldn’t it?”

“So?” Wu Qingsong nodded, then asked further.

“I don’t involve myself in his affairs, nor can I manage them. They’re all irrelevant to me. I’m also indifferent to the whereabouts of his possessions, they were never mine to begin with. Out of sight, out of mind. In this matter, you’ve done me a favor, which I acknowledge and will surely reciprocate in the future. By the way, you might not be aware, but Esola’s iron goods sell very well from here northward, tripling the price is no challenge. If you’re interested, let’s become friends and prosper together. If not, that’s also fine. We can let bygones be bygones. If there’s anything you need in this area, feel free to ask. I’ll help wherever I can. What do you say?”

The speech was well-crafted, prompting Wu Qingsong to nod in agreement, “You speak frankly and to the point. Since you’ve put it that way, let’s consider the past resolved and the matter settled. Regarding the iron goods, no problem. I’m always keen on making new friends. Just send someone to my place for the trade. The price can be negotiated.”

Prospering together? Did that imply smuggling?

Engaging in such activities with the Silver Moon Wolf Clan was one thing but with these sand bandits? It was best avoided, as one could be betrayed without even realizing it.

They were welcome to purchase from Esola, of course, but it should remain a simple transaction. Wu Qingsong would not involve himself in what would happen on the road or destination of the goods.

Sacker clearly understood Wu Qingsong’s implications, but he wasn’t bothered. Such negotiations often involve mutual testing and flattering. If Wu Qingsong had readily agreed to collaborate on smuggling, Sacker would have been suspicious of his real intentions.

After Badel’s death, he had sent people to Esola to inquire about Wu Qingsong. Overcoming more than 500 mercenaries, including numerous leaders and deputy leaders, with just over a hundred people was no small feat. Sacker would avoid conflict with such a formidable individual unless absolutely necessary over significant interests.

“That’s settled, then?!” he exclaimed with laughter, raising his glass once more, and this time, Wu Qingsong too lifted his glass, joining him for a drink.

The conversation that followed was superficial, the kind of interaction that’s exceedingly dull yet unavoidable. After meandering around various subjects, Wu Qingsong eventually, with an air of indifference, broached his real agenda.

“Job Jerem?” Sacker furrowed his brows. “I can’t say I’ve heard of him. But no matter, give me a moment.”

He then instructed a catperson at his side, “Bring Bazil here.”

The one who entered was indeed the sand foxman, who came in shrinking back and standing not too far from the entrance.

“You blind idiot!” Sacker jested with a laugh. “Why don’t you come forward to apologize to His Excellency, the Hangman? He has questions for you. If your answers satisfy, we can consider your matter resolved. If not, I don’t even need His Excellency to intervene, I’ll kill you myself.”

This act of overstepping bounds annoyed Wu Qingsong, yet he maintained his composure, merely observing the sand foxman.

The man immediately knelt on the ground and, seizing the opportunity to show deference, crawled forward on his knees. 

“Thank you! Thank you for your magnanimity! Your kindness and generosity leave me ashamed! Rest assured, at your command, I would face any danger, endure any ordeal. If it is within my power, I would lay down my life to fulfill your request!”

His words sounded sincere, but upon closer inspection, they promised nothing.

Wu Qingsong couldn’t be bothered with such cunning deceitfulness and repeated his question once more.

“A treasure hunter? Ah, that… I truly haven’t come across any. You may not be aware, but our location is a bit far from the relics of the Batiz Kingdom. Most treasure hunters usually set out from the Nals Oasis, and their supplies are mostly sourced locally, rarely would they–”

Sakar suddenly kicked him down. “I asked if you knew this person, not for your life story.”

“Yes! Yes! I truly have a loose tongue,” the sand foxman hastily said. “I didn’t dare to say before, but in the past few months, this person has definitely not come our way.”

“Have Badel and his people ever dealt with such a person?”

“To the best of my knowledge, no,” Bazil answered cautiously.

“Then there’s only one thing to do,” Sacker said. “Your Excellency, what do you need with this fellow? If it’s inconvenient to say, that’s fine. Just tell me, do you want him alive or dead? As long as you’re sure he’s nearby, I’ll send out my men to search. I don’t mean to boast, but in this desert, my word is law. If I can’t find him, no one else will.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble you,” Wu Qingsong subtly exchanged a glance with Nina. 

Sakar’s eagerness was somewhat peculiar, but neither of them had much time to spare on this matter. At this point, seeking help from these desert bandits was indeed the quickest approach. “He should be somewhere to the northeast of Graal. As long as you can find him quickly and bring him here alive, I will be most grateful.”

“Why mention such formalities among brothers?” Sacker said. “Rest assured, I’ll send my men out first thing tomorrow morning. Within ten days, there will definitely be results.”

Wu Qingsong wasn’t holding much hope for such a boast, but to his surprise, six days later, a squad of desert bandits returned with two young treasure hunters, claiming they were found near a sand dune, heading in this direction. After a thorough interrogation, both admitted they were members of the Jerem’a adventure team.

“Where are the others?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“They entered that ruin and haven’t come out for many days now. They’re probably dead,” one of the bruised team members said somewhat despairingly.

“Ruins? Where are they? Take us there,” Wu Qingsong said. “Don’t worry, I’ll promise your safety and pay you a bonus for your troubles.”