BXBX NOVEL Chapter 193: Blood Shadow Canyon
Enzo pointed to the particular line on the papyrus.
In response, Occam elucidated, "Acquiring intelligence is not merely a matter of wealth. Certain information requires a specific standing and the fulfillment of certain conditions."
Enzo nodded, indicating his understanding.
He then inquired, "What recompense is due for the information regarding Rodney?"
Occam chuckled softly, replying, "This is a complimentary gift."
Complimentary?
Enzo narrowed his eyes slightly.
He found it difficult to believe that such generosity existed. Often, what is offered for free can carry the steepest price, likely resulting in a heavier toll in the future.
Occam, sensing Enzo's unease, clarified, "Consider this an investment."
He continued, "You possess remarkable talent and lead a formidable, creative tribe. We have every reason to believe that you can elevate your tribe to unprecedented heights, potentially even ruling the entire Barren Peninsula.
At that juncture, I hope the Deer Hunters Organization can continue to collaborate with you. The information regarding Rodney is a gesture of goodwill from our organization."
"Moreover, we have another piece of news to share."
"In Blood Shadow Canyon, there exists a concealed space where powerful, unknown entities once clashed, leaving behind precious inheritances. You might wish to test your luck there."
Enzo had ample reason to believe that the Deer Hunters Organization possessed far greater knowledge than he had initially surmised.
The papyrus sheets also mentioned Blood Shadow Canyon.
It was here that Rodney acquired the mysterious beast skin inscribed with the thunder patterns.
Clearly, a visit to Blood Shadow Canyon was inevitable.
After exchanging intelligence, Enzo deftly shifted the conversation to Mrs. Grace, inquiring, "Why did you choose to reveal our presence to others, Mrs. Grace, yet caution us as well?"
At his words, both Occam and Grace chuckled.
Grace elaborated, "Someone approached the Deer Hunters Organization seeking information about your whereabouts. According to our rules, once a task is accepted, we must provide accurate intelligence. Hence, we conveyed the necessary details.
As for the timing of that revelation, that is at our discretion. The accuracy of the intelligence is our concern alone. Whether they can locate you is beyond my purview."
Enzo could not help but chuckle at her reasoning.
It was actually such a simple reason.
Fine. It seemed quite reasonable.Thus, Enzo chose not to probe further into the matter. After receiving the information he sought, he and Norma departed from Mrs. Grace's residence.
Yet, a sense of vigilance towards the Deer Hunters Organization began to take root within him.
An unsettling notion of dismantling the organization even emerged.
Occam's forthright acknowledgment of Enzo's identity during their first encounter appeared to showcase the immense power of the Deer Hunters Organization, but it also felt like a veiled threat.
After all, the Crimson Star Tribe could not simply vanish.
Should the Deer Hunters Organization decide to send a few individuals, it would be more than sufficient to annihilate the Crimson Star Tribe.
Such an outcome was unacceptable to Enzo.
Norma detected Enzo's unusual emotions and spoke up, "It is only natural. Whether they are nobles or powerful factions, they reside high above. They pay little heed to the feelings of common folk, and the only way to teach them respect is to become stronger than they are.
In due time, those great powers will behave like a tamed wild dog, wagging their tails in welcome."
As she spoke, Norma's indignation was evident.
Clearly, she had faced similar experiences in the past.
After finishing her thought, Norma inquired, "So, shall we proceed to Blood Shadow Canyon?"
Enzo nodded.
He affirmed that this was indeed their next course of action.
Without hesitation, the pair departed, not even returning to their lodgings, and set off directly for Blood Shadow Canyon.
The path to Blood Shadow Canyon was straightforward, requiring only to follow a stream flowing from Crimson Lake. Along the way, they encountered many others heading in the same direction, creating an atmosphere that was somewhat lively.
Yet, liveliness can often herald trouble.
Shortly after Enzo and Norma left the Crimson Lake Gathering Place, a group emerged to obstruct those intending to reach Blood Shadow Canyon, announcing, "Everyone halt! The Ice Moon Royal Family has temporarily assumed control of Blood Shadow Canyon!"
This proclamation sparked a flurry of discussion among the crowd.
"How could the Ice Moon Royal Family appear here?"
"Weren't they engaged in battle with the Solar Dynasty? Why venture into this chaotic realm? Doesn't the Ice Moon Royal Family fear attracting trouble?"
"I've heard that the Ice Moon Royal Family suffered a devastating defeat on the front lines."
"..."
The air buzzed with various opinions regarding the Ice Moon Royal Family, but those blocking the way paid them no heed.
At that moment, a discontented voice emerged from the crowd.
A familiar figure to Enzo, the elder Leiden, who had attended the peculiar auction the previous night.
Leiden, leaning on his cane, inquired, "What if I insist on entering?"
The obstructing individual sneered, "Old man, should you disregard my warning, I would not hesitate to hasten your demise."
Leiden merely chuckled.
He raised his cane with a subtle motion. In an instant, the obstructing figure felt an invisible force restraining him, as the cane, though appearing slow, precisely pierced his throat.
Then Leiden withdrew the cane, he regarded the others cowering in fear and asked, "Will anyone else attempt to stop me?"
Silence ensued.
The onlookers erupted in mocking laughter, "The Ice Moon Royal Family has truly lost their minds to encroach upon Crimson Lake's territory."
Many voiced their agreement.
Yet, Enzo harbored reservations.
To him, those blocking the way did not seem to represent the Ice Moon Royal Family.
Typically, the Ice Moon Royal Family dispatched the Shadow Corps for such matters.
And they had never shown a fervent interest in territorial disputes.
Compared to the Solar Dynasty, the Ice Moon Royal Family exuded a sense of tranquility.
This line of reasoning led Enzo to suspect that these individuals might be impostors, perhaps aiming to frame the Ice Moon Royal Family or with some ulterior motive. Regardless of the truth, one fact remained clear—trouble had arisen in Blood Shadow Canyon.
This coincidence piqued Enzo's vigilance.
The mysterious beast skin obtained by Rodney was traced back to Blood Shadow Canyon, and the message left by the soul seed's owner at the auction had urged a visit to Blood Shadow Canyon. Now, with such upheaval occurring there…
Such conspicuous marks undoubtedly indicate deliberate design behind them.
Norma, too, sensed this and turned to Enzo, who, after a moment's contemplation, chose to delve deeper into Blood Shadow Canyon.
However, after taking only a few steps, he halted once more.
The elder named Leiden approached with a smile and inquired, "Were you the purchaser of last night's clandestine message?"
Enzo calmly responded, "Is there something you need?"
Leiden shook his head slightly and asked, "Are you also from the Barren Peninsula?"
Enzo nodded, affirming, "Indeed."
Leiden then remarked, "I, too, hail from the Barren Peninsula."
He continued, "In fact, prior to participating in that auction, I had already heard whispers of certain tidings. Many years ago, a legend circulated regarding Blood Shadow Canyon. It was said that it was not a natural formation but rather cleaved by a great being wielding a colossal axe."
"That great being originated from the Barren Peninsula."
"And after carving Blood Shadow Canyon, he left behind his inheritance, awaiting a specific moment when that sacred place would unveil itself, granting the members of the Barren Peninsula access to treasures and supernatural artifacts."
"Where did this information originate?" Enzo inquired.
"By hearsay." Leiden replied, smiling as he added, "As fellow members of the Barren Peninsula, allow me to offer you this counsel: upon entering Blood Shadow Canyon, restrain your inner thirst for bloodshed."
"Of course, there's no need for my reminder."
Leiden then turned to Norma, his aged visage lined with deep wrinkles, exuding a sinister aura despite his smile. He continued, "Ms. Norma, I presume you've traversed Blood Shadow Canyon in years past?"
But Norma's response left him momentarily astounded.
Norma shook her head and replied, "No."
Upon hearing this, Leiden immediately retorted, "That's impossible. I distinctly remember—"
However, he halted mid-sentence and swiftly departed.
Norma, perplexed, inquired, "What just happened with him?"
Enzo also found it baffling and quipped, "Perhaps he simply misremembered."
Yet, this reasoning seemed rather implausible.
The formidable supernatural beings not only wield supernatural powers but also experience a significant enhancement in physical and mental faculties, including memory; instances of memory confusion are exceedingly rare.
After Leiden's departure, Enzo and Norma continued their exploration.
Before long, they arrived at the entrance of the canyon.
Blood Shadow Canyon was extraordinarily deep, featuring numerous interconnected caves, rendering its terrain exceedingly complex and home to a multitude of formidable supernatural creatures.
Consequently, a small Gathering Place had formed at the canyon's entrance.
Several traveling merchants had set up stalls to purchase supernatural materials or sell potions for healing wounds, while others sought partners for exploration.
Yet, the majority opted for solitary ventures.
After all, those who dwelled near Crimson Lake rarely placed their trust in others.
Even among partners, suspicion lingered.
As Enzo and Norma stepped into the Blood Shadow Canyon Gathering Place, a voice approached them, inquiring, "Would you be interested in teaming up to explore the canyon? I've discovered a nest of armored golden-haired mice—there are at least a hundred!
If we can dispatch those rodents, we could reap a substantial bounty of golden Kafen!"