Chapter 51 Clues

Looking at the village engulfed in flames, Lin Xing was still simmering with anger, but he had already calmed down. In Lin Xing's eyes, everything about Bage Country had become so despicable and cruel. He had long been filled with the desire to slaughter them all!

Lin Xing would have no qualms about wiping out their entire imperial clan! But he currently lacked the capability. At most, Lin Xing could only assassinate some high-ranking officials of Bage Country, but that would be largely pointless.

The entire nation, its people, were all cast from the same mold—kill one, and another would take their place. Assassination was merely a band-aid solution! The best approach would be—to exterminate them all! Lin Xing had this idea, but he lacked the power to carry it out!

Besides, Lin Xing was currently alone, without even a single capable subordinate, let alone leading an army to wage war against them! To exterminate them, he would inevitably have to resort to war! But even if Lin Xing had the strength, he couldn't directly wipe them out now.

It was true that Bage Country lay to the southeast of the Huaxia Empire, and Huaxia certainly had the power to annihilate it—provided the Eight-headed Snake didn't act as their enforcer! But even so, Huaxia wouldn't casually deploy its army! Firstly, Bage Country hadn't provoked Huaxia! They still didn't dare to act recklessly on Huaxia's soil! Even if they destroyed a village now, the Huaxia Empire wouldn't send troops because it wouldn't be worth the cost!

Even if Bage Country committed a grave provocation, the Huaxia Empire would still consider whether sending troops was worthwhile. After all, Bage Country was just a small place, not directly bordering the Huaxia Empire. Wiping them out would bring the Huaxia Empire little benefit, while deploying troops would result in significant losses! The Huaxia Empire saw no value in that tiny piece of land.

Ignoring those intangible losses, if other countries took advantage of Huaxia's deployment to attack, the losses would outweigh any gains! So, although Lin Xing really wanted to annihilate this country now, it wasn't practical.

But even though he couldn't do anything to them now, Bage Country was later destroyed by Lin Xing. That's a story for another time!

Unable to deal with the entire country, Lin Xing had no intention of letting the Divine Wind Sect off. Destroying the Divine Wind Sect would be equivalent to cutting off Bage Country's hands, so they wouldn't be able to cause as much trouble.

The Divine Wind Sect had already been added to Lin Xing's must-kill list.

The village massacre seemed to have occurred just yesterday. The perpetrators likely hadn't gone far, and since they were carrying children, their group would be more conspicuous and easier to find. His options now were to either kill them or follow them back to their lair and wipe them out!

But something Lin Xing hadn't considered was: would they really be so weak? Could the Divine Wind Sect truly lack any experts?

Lin Xing picked up his pace, following the traces left behind! Unfortunately, Lin Xing was a step too late. While tracking those traces, the perpetrators had the audacity to take the main road! With people coming and going on the main road, the traces they left behind were quickly obscured.

Lin Xing couldn't help but feel dejected. He hadn't expected them to dare travel on the main road! Roughly estimating their journey, he realized he was already several days behind them due to tracking from behind, and now he had lost their trail. According to their route, they were heading southeast—toward their Bage Country!

Without hesitation, Lin Xing headed straight southeast! During this time, Lin Xing sent a letter back to the old man, briefly explaining the situation and asking him to keep an eye out. Lin Xing was worried that Bage Country might become so brazen as to commit crimes in Huaxia. This was a warning and a clue! Otherwise, if such an incident occurred later, this clue would be crucial. They would know it was done by people from Bage Country.

A day later, Sida City.

Sida City was a small border town of a principality, not far from Bage Country.

A dusty young man entered the busiest tavern in the city.

"Server, bring me a few dishes," the young man said, ordering several of the tavern's specialties. While waiting for the food, he slowly drank his wine.

This dusty young man was none other than Lin Xing. After a day of tracking, he had gained nothing. Passing through Sida City, he stopped to eat. Firstly, he was indeed hungry. Although with his current strength, he could go without food for eight to ten days without any issue, eating was still one of life's simple pleasures! Even if he wasn't hungry, Lin Xing enjoyed eating at mealtimes.

Secondly, Lin Xing currently had no leads or clues. The best place to find clues was—busy places like taverns and restaurants! These places were frequented daily by people from all over or those passing through! They were the best sources of information. Because they traveled around, they heard or saw more than those who stayed in the city.

Lin Xing sat alone in a corner, pouring his own wine, seemingly indifferent to his surroundings!

But Lin Xing had already focused his energy into his ears, listening to every movement in the entire tavern! At this moment, no sound—whether loud or whispered—escaped Lin Xing's ears!

Lin Xing used a small technique to equalize the volume of all sounds, whether loud or soft. This way, he wouldn't be disturbed by someone suddenly shouting loudly, nor would he miss any information!

However, even as Lin Xing was about to finish his meal, he still hadn't heard any news on this matter. He couldn't help but feel disappointed. Just as he was about to withdraw his focus, he suddenly heard something that seemed related!

The speakers were a group of people who looked like merchants. From their conversation, it seemed they had encountered such a group on the road, and it appeared they were escorting something.

Lin Xing was overjoyed. He was about to call the server to settle the bill so he could go over and inquire. But at that moment, Lin Xing heard a series of "thud, thud" footsteps!

The footsteps ascended step by step with a steady rhythm. Everyone couldn't help but stop their conversations, their eyes fixed on the staircase entrance!

Lin Xing also felt strange. He sensed two people coming up, but their strength wasn't impressive. One seemed to be at the level of a Great Sword Master. But it was clear they were intentionally revealing themselves!

As the footsteps drew closer, the two finally appeared. At a glance, everyone immediately averted their eyes and resumed their previous topics, but their faces showed expressions of disdain and fear.

A glint of satisfaction flashed in Lin Xing's eyes, and he thought inwardly: Just when I was searching high and low without success, they come to me without any effort. They've delivered themselves right to my doorstep.

It turned out the two young men who came up were one tall and thin, and the other somewhat short but with a gloomy appearance! Judging by their attire and the samurai swords on their backs, Lin Xing confirmed they were from Bage Country! But he wasn't sure if these two were from the Divine Wind Sect.

However, their conversation made Lin Xing ecstatic!

"Captain, you said the Chief Guardian personally ordered us to escort those people. Who are they? Aren't they just some kidnapped children? Does it really require an entire squad to escort them?" the gloomy young man said to the taller one.

"Shut up! Is that something you or I should know? We just need to carry out the orders from the Grand Elder. Don't ask about things you shouldn't know! And this place is crowded and full of gossip—watch what you say!" the tall, thin young man scolded.

"Yes, Captain," the gloomy young man admitted his mistake, but a fierce glint flashed in his lowered eyes! Since his head was bowed, the tall, thin young man sitting opposite him didn't notice this fleeting, fierce glare!!

After that, the two stopped talking and focused on their meal!