mijobooks Chapter 156 Alan
Chapter 156 Alan
Chapter 158 Alan
The crisp sound of bells jingled, the horses' hooves pounded the ground with a steady thud, and the iron-plated wheels rolled over the loess sand, leaving behind long, winding tracks.
A caravan, braving the increasingly biting autumn wind, traveled from east to west across the desolate wilderness.
Tall draft horses and sturdy mules silently pulled the cart, while human warriors clad in worn chainmail accompanied them vigilantly.
Mark sat in the lead carriage, gazing into the distance as if he could see through the endless wilderness to the rolling hills.
He ultimately couldn't resist the temptation. After a fierce internal struggle, he took all his possessions and once again embarked on the journey to the dragon's lair.
Now in his fifties, he had always thought that his greatest wish was simply to live out his life peacefully.
However, when the opportunity to choose was truly presented to him, he realized that he was not content with mediocrity.
He wanted far more than the ordinary caravan members. Earning a few hundred or a thousand gold coins by reselling a few weapons sounded good, but it was far from satisfying his appetite.
How could someone who could build their own caravan from nothing not be greedy?
If the dragon can keep its promise, it means it is also a tradeable entity. In that case, why limit the trade to weapons?
The vast wilderness holds inexhaustible wealth, but limited by their resources, these small caravans can only scavenge a few scraps.
If he could gain the support of that red dragon and rely on its powerful strength, he would surely be able to create a massive merchant guild that could cover the entire wilderness.
Even better, if I were outstanding enough to gain the favor of that red dragon and be transformed into a dragonborn with a long lifespan—
Whenever Mark thought of this, he couldn't help but feel excited. His somewhat aged body seemed to be rejuvenated, his heart pounding and his blood surging uncontrollably.
This is undoubtedly an opportunity—an opportunity to gain greater power, more wealth, and a longer life.
Although the price might be selling one's soul to the dragon, countless ordinary lives in this world want to sell their souls to the devil but can never find a way.
I must seize this opportunity to successfully let the blood of the red dragon flow into my veins, and then use this to create a dragon family that will last for thousands of years!
Just as he was letting his imagination run wild and a surge of ambition welled up in his chest, the caravan suddenly stopped, and a strange voice came from outside.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, are you traveling merchants in the wilderness? Could you give me a ride? I am willing to pay a certain fee."
The sound was as clear and crisp as a flowing stream, seemingly carrying a soothing power that made the members of the caravan involuntarily stop in their tracks.
Mark, also curious, lifted the thick carriage curtain and peered out.
A young woman was standing under a tree not far to the side. She was wearing a plain beige top, a light leather armor over it, brown trousers, and her shoes were speckled with mud.
What's most striking is her long, golden hair that resembles waves of wheat, her blue eyes as calm as a still lake, and her fair, oval face adorned with a smile that instantly wins people's hearts.
However, this was a desolate wilderness, and the sudden appearance of such a person made Mark involuntarily wary.
He did not respond to the other person's request for a ride, but instead asked cautiously.
"Hello, stranger. Where are you from? Why are you here? There doesn't seem to be a town nearby."
The woman smiled slightly upon hearing this, showing no anger at Mark's wariness, and spoke in a gentle voice.
"I am a solitary bard, traveling far and wide to gather material in order to create more exciting stories."
Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually quite capable. Take me with you! Besides paying for your meals, I can also keep watch and act as your bodyguard.
The gentle voice, like a flowing spring, made Mark realize that it was a bard; no wonder the voice was so beautiful.
At the same time, the warmth in his voice made him involuntarily lower his guard.
But perhaps because of the kindness that still remained in his heart, he did not immediately agree.
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. Our destination is not to return to town, but to go to the territory of a dragon for a dangerous deal."
The risks during this period are extremely high. No one can say for sure whether that capricious monster will suddenly burn us to ashes.
"You should go back the way we came. We can give you some food and water, or sell you an old horse. It's a smart guide and can help you—"
However, Mark's good intentions were destined to be in vain. The moment she heard "heading to the dragon's territory," the woman's eyes lit up, and all her attention was drawn to that sentence, making her unable to hear anything else.
"Trading in the dragon's territory? Fantastic! This is the kind of exciting adventure I've been searching for. Please take me with you no matter what—"
The bard's voice seemed to possess a magical power, making one want to believe it.
That's what Mark thought anyway. After a conversation, before he knew it, he had somehow already agreed to the woman's request.
Watching the other person riding a dark blue mule, excitedly weaving through the caravan, Mark couldn't help but offer some words of advice.
"When you see that evil dragon, remember what I said: don't say anything, don't do anything, try your best to minimize your presence and don't attract its attention."
And another thing! You'd better dress up ugly and make yourself look even more slovenly, and from now on, you'd better not take a bath.
I've heard that the Red Dragon loves to eat young women. Although I've never seen it with my own eyes, I still want to be on the safe side. Mark kept babbling on and on. He couldn't explain why, but he just felt a fondness for this woman who had suddenly appeared and couldn't help but talk more.
Fortunately, the other party did not show any impatience, and always had a gentle smile on their face, listening quietly.
After a while, Mark felt his lips were getting dry, so he stopped talking, took a sip from his water bottle, and then belatedly asked a question.
"Oh, right! I still don't know your name. My name is Mark, and I'm currently a wilderness merchant, starting from Blackthorn City—"
The woman nodded and answered in a soft voice.
"You can call me Alan, a wandering bard."
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