421: Green Tea Flavored Priestess

Therese sat back down and took a deep look at Shang Wan Ning. "How did you know that was fluorescent mineral dust?"

"My father taught me," Shang Wan Ning said, lowering her head to stir the stew. "He studied many minerals."

"What about the Light spell? A first-tier Little Priestess couldn't cast such a refined Light spell."

Shang Wan Ning looked up, her eyes curving into crescents. "Perhaps I'm just more talented?"

Therese stared at her for a long while, then suddenly smiled too. "Meet me at the usual spot tomorrow morning. Mike won't let this go; he's had his eye on me for a long time."

"Because of the prey?"

"Not just that." Therese's voice turned cold. "He wants more than just revenge. These young nobles love nothing more than watching people like us beg for mercy."

Shang Wan Ning nodded thoughtfully.

The night grew deeper, and the noise inside the "Shumu" Tavern subsided slightly. After finishing their simple dinner, Shang Wan Ning and Therese rose and walked toward the tavern owner, who was busy behind the counter.

"Uncle, thank you for your help earlier." Therese said sincerely, handing over a few silver coins for the drinks and a tip.

The tavern owner, a middle-aged man named Barton with a simple face but shrewd eyes, waved his hand. He only accepted the money for the drinks and pushed the tip back.

"No need to be polite, little Therese. I just can't stand those bullies who throw their weight around."

"That brat Mike has been spoiled rotten by his brother-in-law, Viscount Morris, and he's acting increasingly arrogant. You two should be careful recently; he's the type to hold a grudge."

He paused, looking at Therese with the concern of an elder. "Your father did me a favor back in the day. As long as I, Barton, am still here in Chisong Town, I can't just stand by and watch you get bullied so badly."

"Thank you, Uncle Barton." Therese thanked him again. She didn't say much else, but she firmly kept this favor in her heart.

Shang Wan Ning also wore a grateful smile, saying softly, "Thank you, Uncle Tavern Owner, you really are a good person."

The innocent Little Priestess persona she played had not a single flaw.

Leaving the tavern, the cold night breeze refreshed both of them.

"Uncle Barton is a peak third-tier warrior; he received help from my father in his early years," Therese explained briefly, addressing Shang Wan Ning's potential confusion. "Mike wouldn't dare make a move inside the tavern, but once we're outside, it's hard to say."

Shang Wan Ning nodded. "That mine… Young Master Mike seems exceptionally concerned about it? He even brought a document specifically—was he showing off?" Her voice lifted slightly with a childish confusion, as if she truly found his actions childish and ridiculous.

Therese sneered. "Showing off is a pretext; intimidation is the real goal. He wants me to know he has me by the throat. I discovered a small patch of rare 'Moonlight Moss' near the mine, which is a key material for crafting special arrows and an important source of income for me. Mike sealing the mine is meant to force me to submit."

"I see." Shang Wan Ning realized, then frowned slightly, her clear eyes filled with pure confusion.

"But it's just an abandoned old mine. Is it worth Viscount Morris specifically issuing a document to seal it? Young Master Mike would go to such lengths just to target you?"

This sounded like she was standing up for Therese, but in reality, it pointed out the key contradiction.

Using official documents to seal a public area just to make things difficult for a Half-Elf adventurer—the cost and the motive simply didn't match.

Therese paused, a sharp glint flashing in her emerald eyes. She had been consumed by anger and the pressure of survival and hadn't thought deeply about it, but now she was awakened by this "unintentional remark" from Nicole.

"You're right," Therese mused.

"Viscount Morris is not a foolish man; he wouldn't let Mike run wild to this extent. Unless there is something hidden in that mine worth them going to such great lengths?"

The two exchanged a look, their eyes filled with inquiry.

This mine was clearly not simple.

...

The next morning, Therese was already waiting at the usual spot, the Half-Elf's slender figure standing straight.

She nodded at Shang Wan Ning, her gaze lingering on her face for a moment, as if scrutinizing something.

"I accepted an E-rank quest today to clear out a goblin nest," Therese said, turning to lead the way.

"It's in the hills south of town. Goblins aren't powerful, but they're troublesome in large numbers."

Shang Wan Ning followed with small steps, her wooden staff tapping lightly on the ground. "Goblins? I've only read about them in travelogues; I've never seen a real one."

"Stay close to me later," Therese said, turning her head. "Goblin nests are usually very narrow. Your Light spell will be very useful in the dark environment."

The two passed through the increasingly bustling streets.

Early-rising vendors were setting out their goods, and the scent of toasted bread drifted through the air. A few early-bird adventurers saw them and immediately huddled together to whisper.

"Did you hear? Young Master Mike took a tumble at the Shumu Tavern yesterday."

"That Half-Elf and her Little Priestess? Young Master Mike definitely won't let this go."

"A whole squad of guards arrived at the mine this morning, saying they needed to ensure safety and temporarily sealed the entrance."

Shang Wan Ning lowered her head slightly, looking timid, but she heard these discussions clearly in her heart.

It seemed Viscount Morris's actions were faster than she had anticipated.

Therese had clearly heard those words too, and her lips curled coldly. "Sealing the mine? It's just trying to cover up the truth."

The goblin nest was located in a hilly area south of Chisong Town. It was originally a small quarry, but after it was abandoned, it was occupied by goblins.

The quest required clearing the nest and retrieving items stolen by the goblins from farmers.

Therese stopped at the cave entrance and took the longbow off her back. "I'll handle the main attack, and you provide support from the rear. Goblins fear light; your Light spell will be very effective."

Shang Wan Ning nodded obediently, her hands tightly gripping the wooden staff.

The cave was dark and damp, filled with a stench of rot. They had walked less than ten meters inside when rustling sounds came from ahead, accompanied by sharp squeaks.

A few small green-skinned creatures darted out from the shadows, brandishing crude wooden clubs and stones, pouncing with bared fangs and brandished claws.

Therese nimbly nocked an arrow and drew her bow with fluid, natural movements. The arrow left the string, accurately piercing a goblin's throat.

Shang Wan Ning raised her wooden staff at the right moment, and a faint but pure light shone from the tip, illuminating the area ahead.

The goblins were blinded by the strong light and couldn't open their eyes; they raised their hands to shield themselves, emitting terrified screeches.

Therese seized the opportunity and fired two more arrows in succession, taking out the other two goblins.

"Good coordination," Therese said, casting an approving look at Shang Wan Ning as she continued to advance.

Shang Wan Ning followed closely behind her, maintaining the Light spell at a moderate brightness. Her expression was a perfect mix of tension and focus, with not a single flaw for anyone to detect.