Chapter 34

"You're the Human Emperor now—so busy it's hard to catch a glimpse of you." Rao Ke teased Mo Duoya, who was dressed in resplendent attire.

Mo Duoya shot Rao Ke a look. "Cut it out. I've been swamped lately."

Rao Ke couldn't help but chuckle. She could clearly see that Mo Duoya had been run off her feet recently.

That said, Mo Duoya's radiant appearance only proved the saying that power is the best beauty treatment for a woman.

"By the way, when is your coronation?" Rao Ke asked casually.

"Three days from now. Stay for it before you leave," Mo Duoya said, taking Rao Ke's hand.

Rao Ke naturally agreed at once, saying she wouldn't return to Adventure Forest until after Mo Duoya's coronation.

After chatting for a while, Mo Duoya had to head back to the palace—there was so much to do right after taking the throne.

"Oh, by the way, Babaka wants to meet you. She should come by tomorrow," Mo Duoya said before leaving, adding that Babaka was an excellent wandering merchant and that Rao Ke would surely like her.

Rao Ke took note and said she'd have a good talk with her.

Once Mo Duoya left, a small orb of light floated in.

"Town Heart, is something the matter?" Rao Ke looked at the orb hovering before her.

The orb gave a haughty snort. "The Human Emperor said I can wander around as I please!"

Rao Ke's tone turned meaningful. "The Human Emperor, huh... So you've accepted Mo Duoya."

The orb suddenly turned pink. "None of your business! I'm here for that black cat!"

Rao Ke waved her fan. "It's run off somewhere."

Hearing that, the orb floated away.

The change in the orb's attitude came not only from Mo Duoya being an excellent candidate for the throne, but also from the letter sent by the one in the library. That letter had led the orb to acknowledge Mo Duoya, and in turn, Mo Duoya had gained the loyalty of the Human Empire's most powerful order—the Radiant Knights.

Rao Ke never learned what shocking news the letter contained, but the current outcome was good enough.

The next day, Rao Ke met Miss Babaka. She sported a denim outfit that looked thoroughly cool and refreshing. Having roamed every corner of the Kaqisha Continent, she had a bronzed complexion and carried herself with a sharp, capable air.

"Hello, shopkeeper. I'm Babaka, a wandering merchant," Babaka said with a brilliant smile, extending her hand.

Rao Ke took it and felt the thick calluses on her palm—clearly from wielding a blade.

"Hello, I'm Rao Ke. Nice to meet you."

Rao Ke was always happy to chat with well-mannered ladies.

They sat down, and Babaka spoke first.

"As a wandering merchant, I travel the entire Kaqisha Continent. I love hunting for wondrous goods," Babaka said with a smile. "So when the Human Emperor told me about you, Shopkeeper Rao, I was eager to make your acquaintance."

Babaka's way with words put Rao Ke in a good mood, so she decided to skip the pleasantries.

"In that case, after the coronation, I'll be heading back to Adventure Forest. Would you like to come along?" Rao Ke smiled as she extended the invitation.

Babaka blinked in surprise, then broke into another bright grin. "Of course. The pleasure is mine."

After finishing business talk, Babaka regaled Rao Ke with amusing tales from her travels. Babaka was a gifted storyteller, spinning her adventures into something so captivating that Rao Ke found herself utterly absorbed.

"Oh my, it's already this dark. I've overstayed my welcome," Babaka said, quickly rising as she checked the time.

Rao Ke stood up. "Haha, your stories are so rich, I got completely lost in them."

Babaka laughed. "Next time, I'll have even more interesting tales to share with you. My journey is still going, and there are so many more adventures waiting for me."

Rao Ke smiled in agreement. "Of course. I look forward to it."

After seeing Babaka off, Sesame Paste sauntered back in.

"Where have you been gallivanting?" Rao Ke asked, lounging in her rocking chair with a comic.

Sesame Paste hopped onto a soft chair, too lazy to argue.

"By the way, Town Heart came by looking for you this morning," Rao Ke mentioned casually.

Sesame Paste rolled his eyes. "Hmph, I was hiding from it on purpose. Do they take me for a messenger pigeon? And that Human Emperor spoils it too much."

Rao Ke smiled but said nothing.

Three days later, the day of Mo Duoya's coronation arrived.

Mo Duoya, clad in the Human Emperor's ceremonial robes and crown, walked step by step toward the throne that belonged to her.

The state chancellor stood to one side and proclaimed, "The coronation is complete!"

Seated on the throne, Mo Duoya received the kowtows of the assembled ministers.

Standing nearby, Rao Ke witnessed the ceremony, marking the moment of Mo Duoya's ascension.

After it ended, Mo Duoya returned to her private chambers, where Rao Ke and Babaka were already seated, waiting for her.

"To the successful coronation!" Babaka raised a glass of grape juice in Mo Duoya's direction.

Mo Duoya accepted the toast with a smile.

"Are you two really leaving tomorrow? Can't you stay a few more days?" Mo Duoya sounded reluctant.

As Human Emperor, Mo Duoya would now largely be confined to the capital, leaving little chance to meet Rao Ke. As for Babaka, a wandering merchant, she might not appear even once a year.

Rao Ke offered comfort. "Once the Human Empire establishes ties with Keke Shop, I'll set you up with an exclusive VIP pass. You can come visit whenever you like."

Mo Duoya naturally agreed with a smile.

She then brought up the matter of establishing a spatial teleportation array, and they finally signed a treaty under conditions similar to those with the Elf Forest.

"Alright, no need to get all sentimental. I do keep in touch with you occasionally, don't I?" Babaka clasped her hands behind her back. "I contact you more often and more than I do my own brother."

"Can't help it. I was born a free spirit," Babaka said with a wink at Mo Duoya.

They all sat down to enjoy some tea.

"By the way, who's taking over as the leader of No. 7 Wandering Town? Ailier?" Rao Ke looked at Mo Duoya.

Mo Duoya shook her head. "Ailier and Laiensi are my trusted confidants, so I'm bringing them along."

"I'm planning to hand the position to Hongci," Mo Duoya said, setting down her teacup.

Rao Ke nodded.

After tea, the head maid came to notify Mo Duoya that it was time for state affairs, so Mo Duoya rose.

Babaka and Rao Ke left together as well.

The next morning, after packing up, Rao Ke brought her employees to the capital's gate to meet Babaka.

Babaka didn't stand on ceremony, greeting everyone with a smile.

"Hello!" Babaka beamed, shaking hands with each person in turn.

Even facing Duke Peter's former subordinates and a demon, she remained unfazed, showing just how worldly she was.

"Bye!"

The group turned to see Mo Duoya standing atop the city wall, flanked by the knight commander.

Rao Ke waved.

"Bye!!"

...

Not far from Adventure Forest, in a cave, more than twenty goblins were holed up, all bearing serious wounds.

"Billy, where are you going?" An older female goblin, clutching a scrawny little goblin in her arms, looked in alarm at Billy, who was heading out of the cave.

Billy clenched his fists. "I can't keep hiding anymore. Hiding here means death anyway. Going out to look for a way might give us a sliver of hope."

"And what I don't understand is, those wretched humans ruined our homes and drove us from our land. Why should we be the ones hiding?" Billy was furious.

The other goblins remained silent. Billy said no more and strode out, shaking his fist.

A burlier goblin rose quietly and followed behind Billy. The rest watched the two figures disappear, sinking into silence.

Then, from the shadowy cave, low sobs began to echo.

Billy stood outside, determined to visit that wondrous shop called Keke Shop and pay respects to the witch shopkeeper. Maybe, just maybe, she could help them find justice.

Billy had heard Keke Shop's name by eavesdropping on other goblins.

Billy was prepared to trade anything—even his soul or flesh—to the witch if it meant help.

Having gone days without food, Billy soon felt lightheaded as he walked. The world spun, and then he collapsed to the ground.

"Beep-beep!"

Driving along, Babaka suddenly spotted a figure stumbling out from the underbrush ahead, then collapsing right in front of the vehicle.

"What the—" Babaka slammed the brakes and saw through the window that the person on the ground was a goblin.

"What's going on?" Everyone craned their necks to look.

In the end, Rao Ke ordered Phylosain to carry the goblin inside.

Despite his reluctance, Phylosain couldn't resist the others and grudgingly got out.

Eyeing the filthy, foul-smelling goblin with disdain, Phylosain conjured a cloth, wrapped the goblin in it, and brought it back to the vehicle.

The SUV started again and headed toward Keke Shop.

After it left, the burly goblin stepped out from the shadows, watched the vehicle shrink into a dot in the distance, then turned and walked away.

Because of the extra injured passenger, Babaka drove at top speed, pulling up with a smooth stop in front of Keke Shop.

Rao Ke had Phylosain carry the goblin inside, then called for Baitang to give it a simple cleaning and bandaging.

Once they were finally back at Keke Shop, Rao Ke had Heitang show Babaka to a spare room to rest.

Rao Ke herself went to her room, changed into pajamas, and flopped onto her beloved soft, plush bed.

After a good day's rest, Rao Ke opened her eyes to find it was already dark.

She grabbed her tablet, and saw that Baitang had messaged her three hours ago, saying the goblin had woken up and wanted to meet her.

Rao Ke scanned her memory and confirmed she didn't know this goblin, then got up and headed to the medical room.

"Hello, I'm Billy," the goblin said, tense under the witch's elegant, imposing presence.

Rao Ke gave a gentle smile. "Don't be so nervous. I'm the shopkeeper here. My name is Rao Ke. I heard you have something to tell me."

Billy looked grave. "Yes. I want to tell you—Duke Peter of the Human Empire has been secretly capturing goblins for blood sacrifices. We escaped during one of the raids."

Rao Ke was taken aback. Blood sacrifices—that was something Duke Peter had never revealed to anyone. But she quickly regained her composure.

"Duke Peter is dead, and the Human Empire now has a new emperor—the former leader of No. 7 Wandering Town, Mo Duoya," Rao Ke said, summarizing the situation briefly, sensing Billy had been in hiding for a long time and wasn't up to date.

Billy froze on the spot.

Peter dead?!

Clearly, Billy needed time to process this. Rao Ke rose. "Let's leave it here for today. I'll find time tomorrow to talk more."

Rao Ke left the medical room, went to the kitchen, ordered a simple bowl of shrimp noodles, and filled her stomach.

As she ate, Babaka bounded over, brimming with excitement.

"Keke! This place is heaven! These goods could be a huge hit anywhere on the Kaqisha Continent!" Babaka's eyes were shining.

Rao Ke ordered another bowl of shrimp noodles for Babaka and had her sit down to talk.

Babaka downed nearly half a bottle of iced cola in one go, then finally calmed herself.

"Keke, can I sign a supply contract with you?" Babaka looked at Rao Ke.

Rao Ke smiled. "Of course. But items from Keke Shop can't be sold for more than three times the original price."

Rao Ke figured it was better to lay out the rules upfront to avoid trouble down the line.

Babaka nodded, leaning back in her chair. "Got it. Though I generally just enjoy hauling goods across the Kaqisha Continent and having all kinds of adventures."

"Sure. Take your time eating and think it over. I'll have Baitang draft a contract," Rao Ke said, pushing the freshly made shrimp noodles toward Babaka.

Babaka thought it over, found it reasonable, and sat down to eat alongside Rao Ke.

By the time they finished their noodles, Baitang arrived with the drafted contract.

Babaka reviewed it, found no issues, and the two signed the supply agreement on the spot.

Rao Ke lay in her rocking chair, reading a comic, then recalled the matter of the blood sacrifices. She sent a message about it to Mo Duoya.

...

The next morning, Rao Ke woke up and immediately checked her messages. Sure enough, Mo Duoya had sent a lengthy reply about the blood sacrifices.

The gist was that she'd dispatch a squad of knights to investigate Peter's estate. Once results came in, she'd contact Rao Ke. She also suggested Rao Ke ask Kalisa about it.

Rao Ke thought that made sense, so she went to ask Kalisa.

Kalisa was currently strolling around pushing a stroller with the little peacock inside. Though the peacock was still asleep, Kalisa liked to take her along for walks.

"I'm not sure either. Peter usually left this to others, and they were only in charge of capturing goblins. As for what he used them for, no one knew," Kalisa thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"But I do recall someone put him up to it. Who that was, I have no idea," Kalisa added, remembering a key detail.

Rao Ke gathered this important information, organized it, and sent it all to Mo Duoya.

With nothing else to do, she went back to the medical room to chat with Billy.

"Witch lady, could you please escort us back to the Goblin Kingdom?" Billy asked, nervously twisting the edge of his sleeve.

Billy knew he was being presumptuous, but without Rao Ke's help, a ragtag group of the old and wounded stood no chance of making it back on their own.

Rao Ke put on a thoughtful expression. "I can. But I'd like to meet your king. Is there any way?"

Billy paused for a moment. "If you can get us back to the Goblin Kingdom, I guarantee we can arrange an audience for you."

"Deal!" Rao Ke smirked, then told Billy to rest and contact the other hidden goblins later.

After resting, Billy set off for the cave, loaded with bread, milk, and clothes from Rao Ke.

Back in the cave, the atmosphere had grown even more bleak and silent after the burly goblin brought news of Billy being taken by the demon.

Shapa, the elderly female goblin, had been racked with regret ever since she heard that news—if only she'd stopped Billy, maybe things would be different.

Now, hearing what sounded like Billy's voice echoing in, she felt dazed, wondering if she was imagining things.

But the voice grew louder, more real, and then Billy burst in, carrying a large bundle.

"Billy!"

Shapa shot to her feet, stunned to see Billy in clean clothes with neatly bandaged wounds.

"No time to explain. Eat something first," Billy said, handing out the food and clothes.

The goblins stared at the delicious-looking food and the soft, clean garments, momentarily wondering if they'd fainted from hunger and were dreaming.

Then they frantically shoved the food into their mouths, relishing the satisfaction of sweet bread sliding down their throats.

Standing nearby, Billy related the current state of the Human Empire with excitement.

When they heard that Duke Peter was dead, all the goblins' eyes lit up.

They swarmed around Billy, chattering all at once.

"Stop! Listen—I've asked the witch for help," Billy said, his head spinning.

He put a quick halt to the noise and explained the situation.

The goblins fell silent. Billy understood their concerns, but he didn't want to give up this chance—and he didn't want them to either. So he explained it piece by piece, patiently.

"So unless we rely on this witch to get back to the Goblin Kingdom, we'll die in this cave. On our own, we can never make it home," Billy said, looking at them earnestly.

The oldest goblin stepped forward and asked Billy, "And what does this witch want in return?"

Billy nodded and relayed Rao Ke's request.

The old goblin sat silent for a moment, then nodded. "If we can get back, I'll go and seek an audience with Lord Mengdeli."

A witch with conditions was far more acceptable than one offering help with none.

The goblins followed Billy to the gates of Keke Shop.

Baitang was there waiting, as Rao Ke had arranged.

As soon as the goblins arrived, Baitang moved to stand before them.

Startled, they huddled behind the burly goblin, staring warily at Baitang.

Billy quickly explained, "This is the golem, Baitang. It bandaged my wounds."

Baitang's faceplate displayed a friendly smile. "Please come with me. The shopkeeper has arranged rooms for you in No. 7 Wandering Town. You can rest there; I'll accompany you."

Billy's explanation, combined with Baitang's friendliness, finally put the goblins a bit at ease.

"Let's go," Billy said, bravely taking the lead. The others exchanged glances, then silently fell in behind him.

Up in the small second-floor garden, Rao Ke watched Baitang lead the goblins toward No. 7 Wandering Town, swaying lazily in her rocking chair.

Rao Ke's reasons for helping Billy were twofold: partly compassion, and partly the desire to expand her business into the Goblin Kingdom and establish a spatial teleportation array there.

She lay back, closed her eyes, and assessed the situation, then opened the system panel.

[Host: Rao Ke

Gender: Female

Age: 25

Physique: Average

Occupation: Silver Merchant

Bloodline: Witch

Level: Lv3 (Inactive)

Assets: Four-story villa and shop (Congratulations on entering the comfortable life! Keep pushing—an even brighter tomorrow awaits!)

Mission: Upgrade mission: Upgrade to Lv4]

Rao Ke glanced at it, then switched to the mission panel. No new upgrade mission had appeared yet.

She then checked the collection mission and saw it was nearly half complete.

[Collection Mission: Establish teleportation connections with the major races of the Kaqisha Continent

Progress: (4/7)

Details: Main races include (Beastmen, Humans, Elves, Witches, Dragons, Dwarves, Goblins)]

Rao Ke sensed this mission would only get harder from here, so she needed to plan ahead.

She closed the system panel and gazed up at the clear blue sky, lying back in her soft rocking chair. A sudden pang of longing for Xu Ruozhen struck her.

"I will come back to you..."