Chapter 399 - 338

Carter pointed eastward, "Battle Valley, Three Rivers Region, Weizemay Manor—this name, I believe, is not unfamiliar to Mister. The wine that used to be supplied to Mister come from here. This manor has now fallen into the hands of a hypocrite, who refuses our goodwill. Should you assist us in reclaiming the manor, not only will a substantial, unprecedented fortune be credited to your account, but we also promise to give Mister an annual dividend of fifty thousand Nuobao after the grape wine goes on sale.""Is there such an easy bargain in this world?" For the first time, Slark Sata did not rush to raise the price but spoke with caution, "If it’s really so profitable, you could entirely deploy your own troops instead of coming to me."

One hundred fifty thousand Nuobao, the price was indeed too high.

So high that it was inevitable to doubt whether a great danger was concealed within.

"It’s not that we don’t want to, but we are unable; the hypocrite named Gaven has close relations with natural species, commanding several powerful Treants and dozens of Enlightened Trees. Relying solely on ground troops, they can easily be overrun, but with Mister’s assistance, it’s a different story. Your Flame Dragon’s Breath is these Awakened Plants’ fatal nemesis."

In the midst of the conversation, images projected from the gem shifted continuously, highlighting the figures of the Treants guarding around the auction one by one.

"A bunch of Treants?" The Red Dragon’s spirits lifted instantly upon hearing this.

The Treants might be strong, but their main abilities were on the ground, and they were restrained by his fire Attributes.

But he feigned modesty and said, "If you want my help, it’s not impossible, but for the manor’s annual earnings henceforth, I want two hundred thousand Nuobao."

"Impossible, you’re committing robbery," Carter immediately shook his head in refusal, "The manor’s annual earnings at most come to five hundred thousand, and there are various costs to consider. What we end up with in hand might only be two to three hundred thousand. It’s not possible for us to give all our earnings to you; fifty thousand is our bottom line."

"How come the earnings drop so much when it gets to you? Didn’t the other party auction off over two million at a single auction? Can’t you learn from him and hold an auction too?" Slark Sata gave a look that said you’re trying to fool an idiot.

"His income was so high this time, not merely due to the auction, but also because this batch of wine, for a special reason, turned into Ghost Grape Wine, the kind that cannot be replicated. Regular grape wine simply can’t sell for that kind of price," Carter explained the reason and continued, "One hundred thousand, each year one hundred thousand, that’s the highest offer I can make. If Mister is unwilling to take action, I can only return to Sambia and report back."

"Deal," Slark Sata agreed readily.

He had resolved to first get his hands on that one hundred fifty thousand Nuobao, as for the subsequent commission, it would depend on the grape vineyard’s sales performance.

If it indeed turned out as said, so be it; but if they dared to deceive him, he had ways to make them deeply regret it.

This was the confidence of a Giant Dragon.

"When the battle commences, please be careful not to harm the vineyard and the manor; they will be our property. Your main targets are those Treants," Carter explained the tactics in detail. "To facilitate Mister’s performance, we will deploy a mercenary army to attack them and draw out their main force, especially the Treants."

"Good, when do we get started?" Slark Sata was very satisfied with this arrangement.

"Soon. Mister only needs to wait. Once the action commences, someone will notify Mister," Carter assured.

"One hundred fifty thousand Nuobao, I want it delivered here first-hand after the deed, not a single Gold Coin less," the Red Dragon emphasized his reward again, "The full amount, in Gold Coins!"

"We’re not cooperating for the first time, Mister ought to trust our integrity."

"Does Sambia have any integrity to speak of?" The Red Dragon bared his teeth, displaying a terrifying smile, "As opposed to your integrity, I trust the full amount of Nuobao in Gold Coins much more."

"Rest assured, my lord, we would not undermine ourselves. We hope to maintain a long-term partnership with you, working together to ensure the stability and development of East Road."

"I doubt you’d dare."

Unbeknownst to Gaven and his companions, Sambia had already made their moves and were still wrapping up the Ghost Grape Wine Auction.

After much deliberation, they ultimately decided not to bundle the Ghost Grape Wine Auction with the day trip to Ghost Manor. Instead, it was offered as an additional perk to those merchants willing to visit Weizemay Manor.

To Gaven’s surprise, the number of people interested in Weizemay Manor was not trivial; eighty percent of them were eager to see it for themselves.

The majority were not intrigued by the ghosts but rather curious to see what kind of manor could produce wine worth millions.

This group, most of them, would retreat automatically after just standing at the gates of Weizemay Manor.

Thanks to Regina’s meticulous arrangements, the atmosphere there was not for the faint of heart.

However, they didn’t immediately leave; instead, they gathered at the entrance, taking pleasure in the misfortune—watching those merchants daring enough to step into Weizemay Manor.

"Another brave soul is about to enter. Hmm, this warrior is a Combat Profession Practitioner, a Priest, with better resistance to such matters. Therefore, this time, the stakes should be raised a bit.

Bets he can last ten minutes, please place your wagers.

Bets he’s escorted out, please place your wagers.

Bets he crawls out, please place your wagers.

Bets... oh... this round’s off, the fellow really didn’t give us a chance. You’re a Priest, after all. How could you run out before even entering the main building?"

The merchants gathered at the entrance had spontaneously started betting on the final state of those who entered the manor.

They couldn’t leave the Three Rivers Region until all the goods were accounted for and deals were done, so they had to find some entertainment for themselves here.

The Priest who had entered barely five minutes ago came out pale as a ghost, his lips quivering as he spoke: "It’s not that I’m cowardly, it’s that the setup inside is too devilish. There are all sorts of things resembling ghosts that lead you to imagine.

And there’s this eerie music that starts following you the moment you step into the manor. I wasn’t scared by the Awakened Broom, but that damned music got me... and who knows what else is hidden behind those doors."

"So what you’re saying is, you didn’t actually see any ghosts?"

"None at all. I have purified more than a dozen real ghosts, traversed haunted tombs, Ghost Castles, and walked out of them alone. I swear, none of them were as sinister and terrifying as this place. It’s clear someone deliberately created it to scare people, targeting human fears precisely. Ghosts scaring people isn’t the worst; it’s humans scaring humans that’s truly dreadful. If you don’t believe me, go in and try it for yourselves."

"I wasn’t interested in this place initially, but after what you’ve said, I’m intrigued. I must go in and see for myself; otherwise, it would be embarrassing not to be able to answer when someone asks what the legendary Ghost Manor, Weizemay, is like."

"That’s true. Mr. Gaven has already promised, hasn’t he? Nothing in the manor will actually harm us; at most, it’ll just give us a scare. Since there’s no danger to our lives, why not enter together and take a look?"

"Yes, yes, yes, with more people, there’s nothing to be afraid of. With so many of us, we could almost fill half the manor. Even if there really are ghosts and goblins, they wouldn’t have a chance to scare anyone."

"Count me in if we’re going in together."

"Me too."

Under a chorus of discussions, the merchants treated Weizemay Manor as a haunted house adventure. Quickly, they had gathered a group of more than twenty and marched boldly into Weizemay Manor.

Just one step inside was a completely different world.

Outside it was scorching summer heat, with the sun blazing high.

Inside, however, a cool breeze wafted gently, and the weather was overcast.

It felt like countless chilly little hands were lightly scratching over everyone’s bodies.

Squeak!

The sound of nails scraping against glass didn’t come from beside one’s ear but seemed to rise directly from the bottom of one’s heart, causing goosebumps to spring up instantly.

A faint trace of music began to play near everyone’s ears, involuntarily making people quiet down to listen, trying to discern what instrument was being played. They couldn’t identify the instrument, but within the sound, they could make out faint wails and sobs.

The composure of many crumbled instantly.

This atmosphere, this music, who needs ghosts?

No need, it could scare a sane person insane.

A few of the recently emboldened courage was shattered. In soft voices, they said, "I think that’s enough for me. I’ve been to Ghost Manor and it sure lives up to its name. The rest of the exploration is up to you guys. I’ll wait for you outside."

"Hey, hey... don’t go. We agreed to enter and leave together. How can you back out just after stepping in? That won’t do."

"We have so many people, what are you afraid of? We agreed to do this together. You can’t give up halfway."

"We’re in this together for better or worse. Today we enter and leave as one."

"Thanks, I thank your entire family. Can we add one more thing, though—let’s spend money together."

"No need to thank me, but that’s not going to happen since I have more money than you, haha..."

"Together, together, it’s just music meant to scare us. Just plug your ears and that’ll do it."

"How about we sing a song? If we all sing together we won’t be scared."

"What song should we sing?"

"What else but the Adventurer’s Song?"

"Alright, the Adventurer’s Song it is."

The remaining merchants, who hadn’t given up yet, wouldn’t allow these few to just walk away. Some coaxed deliberately while others simply grabbed an arm or hugged a waist.

Dragging them along, they headed deeper into Weizemay Manor.

When they started to sing loudly together, it truly had a good effect on bolstering courage. The eerie music that wafted through the manor was completely drowned out.

The people found that, without the music, the terrifying atmosphere of the place dropped several notches immediately.

And surprisingly, it felt quite nice, at least it was pleasantly cool.

"Have you felt it?"

"Felt what?"

"A gaze, as if someone’s been watching us all along."

"So it’s not just me! Ever since we entered the manor, I’ve felt like someone is lurking in the shadows, watching us."

"Yes, that chilling gaze. I think whoever is staring at us is not a normal person."

"Don’t let your imagination run wild. Isn’t it normal to feel watched? I bet those sons of guns outside the manor have opened betting on us, definitely keeping an eye on our every move."

"Right, Mr. Dame, didn’t you win that Ghost Eye Blindfold at the auction? If not now, then when? Don’t tell me you didn’t bring it."

"Cough cough... I brought it, but using it now would just make me uncomfortable, wouldn’t it? What if I see something I shouldn’t? What am I supposed to do then? Run away alone and leave you all behind? Would you let me go? Instead of that, it’s better not to wear it. Better for us all to be blind. After all, they can’t really hurt us, they just want to scare us."

"Mr. Dame makes a lot of sense. Sometimes it’s bliss to be blind and deaf."

"If it’s not used, what’s the point of the Ghost Eye Blindfold?"

"Obviously, it’s for when you’re facing a truly malevolent ghost. A person who can see is definitely going to run faster than a bunch of blind folks, haha..." Google seaʀᴄh No(ᴠ)ᴇlFire.nᴇt

"Mr. Dame, you really have a way with jokes..."

"凸(艹皿艹)... Is that tree moving? I remember that branch was facing the entrance of the manor, but now it’s turned inward?"

"Which tree? Are you talking about the middle courtyard’s black heather? What’s there to fuss about? Isn’t it the symbol of Weizemay Manor? The heather ’Heather Leaf Knocking on the Window’ refers to it, right? I saw it at the auction before, and it should be a Treant by now, moving is perfectly normal...holy shit..."