Chapter 340 The Villain Lady Arrives 169
However, under the peaceful appearance, undercurrents surged, and not everyone was willing to put aside their own desires and work together to protect the treasure. Especially those greedy thieves and quick-success explorers, their greed was like wildfire, difficult to curb.
“Humph, the Paladin’s words of justice do sound very noble.” The scarred man sneered and walked out of the shadows, his eyes flashing with cunning and ruthlessness. “But in this land where the strong prey on the weak, strength is the only way to go. We must get the treasure!”
As he finished speaking, the bandits quickly dispersed, like poisonous snakes in the night, silently approaching Tariq and his group. Although Ari and his expedition team members were unwilling, driven by interests, they could not help but move. They exchanged glances, adjusted their positions tacitly, and were ready to attack at any time.
"Tariq, don't even think about taking all the glory for yourself!" Ari's voice was full of provocation. "We were the first to discover the abnormality here. The treasure should belong to us."
"You own it?" Tariq sneered, his eyes sharp. He hugged the treasure box tightly, took a few steps back, and leaned against the ancient stone pillar of the altar. "You only see its value, but never think about the responsibility and danger behind it. If the treasure falls into your hands, it will only bring more disasters."
"Stop talking nonsense, let's fight!" The scarred man could no longer hold back, and with a flash of his body, the dagger in his hand turned into a cold light, and rushed straight towards Tariq. Tariq reacted quickly, swung his long sword, and accurately blocked the dagger, and the two immediately fell into a fierce confrontation.
The battle was about to break out, and the whole valley was once again shrouded in noise and chaos. Explorers and thieves fought in a melee, swords and daggers intertwined, and every collision was accompanied by the harsh sound of metal hitting metal. Leah and Sofia clung to each other, using their wisdom and magic to try to protect themselves from being involved in this meaningless fight.
"Liya, we can't just sit there and wait for death!" Sophia said anxiously, holding a magic crystal tightly in her hand, ready to release a protective shield at any time, "We must find a way to escape."
"Yes, we can't let the treasure fall into their hands." Leah nodded, her eyes firm, "But direct confrontation is obviously not a wise move. We need to outsmart them."
As the two were discussing countermeasures, a long horn sounded suddenly, breaking the chaos on the battlefield. The paladins quickly gathered, and under the leadership of Leonardo, they formed an indestructible line of defense, protecting Tariq and his party behind them.
"Everyone, stop fighting!" Leonardo raised his sword high, his voice resounding through the valley like thunder, "We can't kill each other here and let the real enemy reap the benefits."
His words were like a stream of fresh air, gradually calming the chaotic battlefield. Although the bandits and explorers were unwilling to give in, they had to temporarily restrain their edge in front of the majesty of the paladin.
"Lord Leonardo is right. Our fight is meaningless." Ari panted and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "But the treasure must not fall into the hands of thieves."
"Of course." The scarred man sneered. Although he compromised on the surface, his eyes flashed with a more dangerous light. "However, this does not mean that we will give up. One day, we will find an opportunity."
As the forces of all parties temporarily retreated, the valley returned to a dead silence. Tariq and his companions stood on the altar, looking at the treasure box in their hands, with mixed feelings in their hearts. They knew that this fight was far from over, and the real test might have just begun.
"We have to leave here as soon as possible." Leah whispered, her eyes swept around, as if she could see through the hidden crisis, "This place is no longer safe."
"That's right." Tariq nodded. He turned and looked at Leonardo. "Sir Paladin, thank you for your help. But we must find a safe place as soon as possible to study this treasure."
Leonardo pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I understand your concerns. But please remember that no matter where you go, the power of the church will be your backing. However, before you leave, I have a suggestion."
He walked to the altar and stared at the ancient runes, his eyes flashing with contemplation. "These runes seem to contain some kind of guidance, perhaps they can point us in the right direction. I suggest that we study them together, perhaps we can find a safer route."
Upon hearing this, Tariq and the others gathered around. They studied the runes carefully together, trying to find clues from them. As time went by, they gradually discovered that these runes were not just a decoration, but more like a complex navigation map, guiding the way to a mysterious place.
"Look here!" Leah pointed to a rune excitedly, "These lines seem to point to a valley in the north, which may be our next stop."
"Very good, then we will head north." Tariq made the decision, "But before that, we need to make some preparations."
They began to pack up and prepare to embark on a new journey. The paladins offered to escort them for a distance to ensure their safety. Led by Leonardo, the group left the valley full of disputes and headed towards the unknown north.
However, as they expected, the journey was not peaceful. The thieves and explorers did not give up the pursuit of the treasure. They followed like ghosts, looking for an opportunity to strike. But the vigilance and bravery of the paladins made their plots fail again and again.
In a fierce encounter, Tariq and his men succeeded in getting rid of the pursuers with their wisdom and courage. They hid in a dense forest and took advantage of the terrain to temporarily escape the crisis.
"This is not a solution." Tariq frowned and looked into the distance, his heart filled with worry. "We must find a more reliable way to completely get rid of these pursuers."
"I have an idea." Leah suddenly said, with wisdom flashing in her eyes, "We can use these runes to set a trap."
"Trap?" Tariq was stunned, then smiled approvingly, "Good idea, but how to do it specifically?"
Leah began to explain her plan in detail. She intended to use the power of runes to create an illusion, making the pursuers think that the treasure was in a certain direction, thus leading them into a trap. Tariq and his party would take the opportunity to take a detour and continue their journey.