Based on the information given by Major Yu Mei, the Red Beard Bandits had a long history spanning about 40 to 50 years, since its leader—Red Beard himself—was a very cunning man who escaped several attacks and accumulated a lot of wealth at the same time. After Red Beard grew older, he probably wanted to spend his old age in peace and secretly hid all his accumulated wealth. He then sought help from a wealthy merchant group and transformed himself into a mercenary group.
“Dawn Academy is closest to Silver Province, so it’s not surprising that you were able to get this kind of information.” Lilith did not find it too surprising that Xiao Lin knew all that.
“There are plenty of thieves and robbers in Silver Province and repeated prohibition did nothing to stop them. The wealth they accumulated is not a small amount either, but few people dare to plot against them. Do you know why?” Lilith asked.
“Because of the balance. Local gangsters are above the law, and even though colonial academies like ours maintain local law and order, there will always be situations that force you to turn a blind eye.”
Lilith nodded and said, “Yes. It’s because of that balance alright, but it’s pointless. Don’t you think the world is a lot less fun because of that?”
The corner of Xiao Lin’s mouth twitched slightly.
Lilith sighed dispiritedly. “I have no interest in colonial rule or anything, and especially not the kind of sick perverted fetishes you guys have. I just want to fight with more and more strong individuals. I want to feel what it’s like to experience the power of Epic- or even Legend-rank!”
Xiao Lin was dumbfounded for a moment. Lilith’s interest was purely in the pursuit of a higher level of strength. Of course, the vast majority of humans came to the New World because they craved for power, but the strength they had was nothing more than a means to end. Lilith was different though. Her pursuits were pure and she did everything simply for the sake of strength.
“What about you?” Lilith asked casually, “What’s your reason for coming to the New World?”
Xiao Lin fell silent again. He initially opened his mouth to say that it was to colonize a foreign land, but that was the academy’s goal, not his. Speaking of that, few people had the chance to regret things when they were forced to enroll in the academy at the beginning.
It went without saying that everyone sought profits. After truly realizing the infinite opportunities in the new world, few would want to return to Earth and continue to live an ordinary life.
Xiao Lin sighed because he realized that he was probably one of those people.
“I knew it. Sick pervert!” Lilith probably misunderstood something.
“Look, this is a misunderstanding. I don’t have that kind of sick fetish…”
After coming out of the valley, Xiao Lin and Lilith brought the three prisoners and continued their journey. Under Xiao Lin’s suggestion, the prisoners were temporarily allowed to live, but they were asked to lead the way and the destination was Silverlight Lake.
Panic came over the three people when they heard the name Silverlight Lake. It was the place where Red Beard first made his fortune and was regarded as a former den of theirs. Of course, as their influence continued to expand, they had long since moved from Silverlight Lake into the more prosperous city zone.
Silverlight Lake gradually began to fall into disrepair as Red Beard’s old residence. Hardly any adults lived there except for a few elderly folk and children that were left behind. However, those old people living in Silverlight Lake were basically close to him but not technically his family. Instead, they comprised distant relatives. Even so, it would be very embarrassing for Red Beard if someone really did seize control of his hometown.
Those three people were hesitant, probably because they thought that Xiao Lin and Lilith wanted revenge. Even if they survived there, they knew that they could not possibly survive at Red Beard’s hands later on. Under the threat of Lilith’s glowing scythe however, they were left with no other choice. Either they led the way or let themselves be killed.
The distance to Silverlight Lake was about two days’ worth of journeying. They chose to go off the beaten track as much as possible along the way, just so they could avoid potentially encountering any other people. Fortunately, the area was full of towering mountains and precipitous ridges. Few people would be encountered in such dangerous terrain and remote environs.
“People have long since guessed that boundless riches were hidden in Silverlight Lake. People have attempted to steal before, but it was unfortunate that they did not find anything. Not to mention how full of old people and children the place is. It’s hard for anyone to imagine that there will be treasures in such an undefended place. As time passed, no one went there to look for it anymore.”
As Lilith mentioned that, she also reminded Xiao Lin not to get his hopes up. Silverlight Lake’s treasures were not an unfounded rumor in Silver Province, but rather public knowledge.
“It’s fine. This is just a little detour. ”
Xiao Lin had other thoughts. It would not be wise for them to show up just like that in Gold City. Someone in Dawn Academy seemed determined to kill him and Lilith in Wildfire Town. He did not believe that the dean would make such a decision, but no matter who it was, there were undoubtedly some very powerful individuals.
If the group got angry after finding out that their intentions have not been realized, Xiao Lin had no idea what they would do. Add that to the fact that the enemy was somewhere in the shadows, Xiao Lin felt that it was a very bad sign. It was better to disappear for some time, perhaps to try and get a clearer picture of the uncertain situation.
Ibeiya’s attitude seemed to be uncertain. She seemed unwilling to follow them at first and even offered to part ways there. Her secrets seemed impossible to unravel, but she had little to do with Xiao Lin and the others anyway. Although they were a little worried about her safety in a solo journey, Xiao Lin and Lilith would have no reason to stop her if she really decided to leave.
However, Ibeiya’s decision lasted for less than two hours. Xiao Lin and Lilith were speechless to find her following right behind them as they were rushing to the destination.
“I changed my mind. Red Beard’s men speak the local dialect, which none of you understand at all. If I’m not around, you might not even get into Silverlight Lake!”
Ibeiya gave a rather far-fetched reason to justify her return. Xiao Lin naturally did not believe it, but it was good that Ibeiya helped them a little along the way. At the very least, she showed no sign of hostility toward them and seemed rather trustworthy.
For the supplies and water sources, they obtained a lot of jerky on their prisoners in addition to bringing some from the mines in the valley. The prisoners could imagine their fate, and made a bit of trouble when leading the way. They tried to escape several times without success, and when they tried to lead Xiao Lin in the wrong direction, Ibeiya immediately exposed that.
“So, you actually did know the way to Silverlight Lake, didn’t you?” Xiao Lin looked speechlessly at Ibeiya.
“I don’t know. How would I know.”
“Your smile is a dead giveaway that you’re lying. You know what, forget it…”