Chapter 215: The Woman on the River, the Bizarre Letter

The woman's body was covered in whip marks and wounds, her clothes were tattered, and large patches of skin were exposed to the air, frozen bright red.

The group of pursuers holding longswords said with grim expressions, "Don't let her get away, chase her!"

The two groups, one after the other, charged toward Cao Xing and his party.

Seeing this, Assam instantly drew his longsword and blocked the path in front of Cao Xing.

The others also reached for their weapons.

Renice and Elisa drew their bowstrings, ready to strike.

However, Cao Xing waved his hand and said, "Don't prepare to attack yet."

Upon receiving Cao Xing's order, the two archers stopped in place.

Meanwhile, the woman had already run up to the group.

Upon seeing the tall Assam, she fell to her knees with a 'thump'.

Grabbing Assam's calf, she pleaded with a desperate face, "Sir, please, save me…"

The woman's face was tear-stained and filled with intense fear.

Her features were quite delicate; she looked to be in her early thirties, with a hint of mature feminine allure in her eyes.

Assam's hand, gripping his longsword, hung in mid-air as he looked at Cao Xing, feeling somewhat at a loss.

"Lord… this…"

Seeing this, the woman seemed to realize that among this group, Cao Xing was the one giving the orders.

She hurriedly knelt before Cao Xing, saying tearfully, "Sir, please, save me…"

"I have been hunted by that group of vicious bandits for a long time…"

Cao Xing asked in confusion, "What's going on? Why are those militiamen chasing you?"

However, before the woman could speak, the armed militiamen had already arrived before Cao Xing and his group.

Upon seeing Cao Xing, these militiamen withdrew their killing intent and did not charge forward immediately.

They seemed to realize that the people before them were not to be trifled with.

Both sides maintained a certain distance, standing in a stalemate for a moment.

Then, one of the militiamen stepped forward and said respectfully, "My lords, we are hunting this White Banshee. We hope you can make things convenient for us."

"White Banshee?" Cao Xing asked, full of confusion.

The soldier replied, "Yes, the woman behind you. She is a transformation of a White Banshee."

"This type of monster can turn into the shape of a human female, lure strong men into unknown corners, drain their essence, and turn them into its servants."

"This monster even appears during the day."

"She has been wreaking havoc in [Waris Village] for a long time, and many strong villagers have fallen victim to her!"

Hearing this, Cao Xing looked at the woman kneeling on the ground.

She shook her head repeatedly, her eyes filled with deep fear.

The cotton coat she wore seemed to have been put on in a hurry; she wore no undergarments beneath it.

Her snow-white chest was completely exposed, and there were whip marks on her neck.

She shook her head frantically and said, "Sir, I am not some White Banshee. Do not believe them!"

"These people are not militiamen from Waris Village; they are a group of mountain bandits!"

A look of confusion returned to Cao Xing's face. "Mountain bandits?"

The woman before him nodded hurriedly. "Yes!"

"That day, a group of mountain bandits entered our village, killed all the men and children, and then captured all the women and locked us in a dungeon."

"Then, they began endless humiliation and abuse against us. All the women in the village became their tools for venting."

"We don't know how long we spent in that dungeon; many women couldn't bear the humiliation and committed suicide."

"Only I persisted until today, when the mountain bandits were changing shifts, allowing me to luckily escape."

"Sir, please save me, save those poor people locked up in Waris Village!"

Upon hearing the woman finish, the group of militiamen immediately exclaimed agitatedly, "Sir, she is lying!"

"White Banshees are best at fabricating all sorts of stories to bewitch people."

"Many men in our Waris Village were deceived by her, and those men still cannot be found to this day!"

At this moment, both sides held their own conflicting stories, and both spoke with conviction.

Even Assam, Renice, and the others were somewhat confused.

Because what they both said sounded true, and both had reasonable arguments.

Cao Xing said nothing, instead letting his gaze linger on both parties.

[Waris Village Militiaman: Eurico]

[Affiliation: Ice Crystal Kingdom]

[Level: 14 (Tier 2 Common Creature)]

[Health Points: 1782 / 1782]

[Attack Power: 217 ~ 232]

[Armor: 78 ~ 92]

[Skills: Basic Swordsmanship (Trained in the barracks, learned basic sword techniques, Attack Power +10% when using blade weapons), Consecutive Slash (Exert all strength to perform consecutive slashes on the target, each attack deals 105% damage)]

[Current Status: Neutral]

…

The militiaman's attributes looked fine.

Cao Xing then turned his gaze toward the woman.

[Waris Village Villager: Morika]

[Affiliation: Ice Crystal Kingdom]

[Level: 7 (Tier 1 Common Creature)]

[Health Points: 286 / 352]

[Skills: None]

[Talents: None]

…

Seeing this, Cao Xing was also a bit confused.

"This woman's attributes are also fine."

"This is strange!"

However, one thing was certain: one of these two groups was definitely lying.

Proving it was simple: just go to [Waris Village] and see for himself.

Cao Xing asked, "How far is Waris Village from here?"

Upon hearing this, the woman answered first, "It's right behind that forest, only a dozen kilometers from here."

The group of militiamen's expressions changed, and they hurriedly said, "My lord! Waris Village is not there; it's in the direction across the river, more than twenty kilometers away. We chased this White Banshee for most of the day before catching up to her here."

Seeing this, the woman also hurriedly said, "My lord, they are lying. That is the location of Waris Village. They are worried about being exposed and don't want you to go over there!"

The militiamen immediately retorted, "You! I think the place you want to lead us to is a trap. Have all the men from our Waris Village been captured by you and taken there?"

Seeing them arguing endlessly.

Cao Xing frowned and said directly, "Stop arguing."

Hearing his voice, both sides stopped arguing.

For a moment, everyone was waiting for Cao Xing's judgment.

Should he believe the woman, or believe the militiamen?

Cao Xing initially wanted to open the map to check the specific location of Waris Village.

However, because unexplored locations are not recorded on the map, Cao Xing gained nothing.

He took out the map of the Gale Snowfield again, but still could not find the location of this village.

This made Cao Xing even more confused.

He pondered for a moment, then pointed at the woman and said, "You go ahead and lead the way."

"I'll decide after I go to the village to see the situation."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of both sides changed simultaneously.

The militiamen's expressions were ugly.

Because this meant that Cao Xing had chosen to believe the woman.

As for the woman, a look of joy appeared on her face, and she said excitedly, "Very well, my lord, I will take you there right now!"

After saying this, she clutched her clothes and jogged forward.

However, after she had run a few steps, she suddenly felt a gust of wind from behind.

When she realized the danger and turned around.

A large ice ball was already whistling toward her.

"Bang!"

[-2413]

A large damage number exploded, and the woman before him let out a scream!

Then, she fell directly onto the cold ice, and blood began to flow out.

Until her death, she looked at Cao Xing with an expression of disbelief.

Everyone on the scene was stunned, seemingly unaware of why Cao Xing had suddenly attacked.

However, he frowned and thought to himself, "Could I have guessed wrong?"

"But I clearly sensed an aura of decay on this woman."

Just then, a wisp of white smoke gradually rose from the woman's body.

The already dead woman gradually stood up from the ground.

The clothes on her body slipped off, revealing a fair, naked body.

Then, right before everyone's eyes, her body began to change.

Her skin rapidly shriveled, and her flesh began to rot.

Her proud chest also began to sag rapidly, as if shrinking.

Furthermore, with this change, her body rapidly grew taller, reaching a height of two and a half meters.

Like a tall, thin mummy.

A blood-filled mouth opened, sticking out a rotting tongue.

A voice like that of a vengeful spirit came forth.

"Human… why did you attack me…"

"I trusted you so much!"

"If you had agreed to my request, I would have let you experience the most ultimate pleasure in the world~"

Hearing these words and looking at the appearance of this mummy before him, Cao Xing couldn't help but feel a chill.

The others were also watching this scene with faces full of astonishment.

Assam drew his longsword and exclaimed, "It really is a monster, and a rare Banshee at that!"

Before Cao Xing, the opponent's true attributes appeared.

[White Banshee]

[Race: Evil Spirit]

[Level: 18 (Tier 2 Boss-level Creature)]

[Health Points: 6890 / 6890]

[Attack Power: 457 ~ 487]

[Armor: 89 ~ 97]

[Skills: Vengeful Spirit Claw (The White Banshee quickly pounces on the enemy, using its claws to inflict wounds. Enemies hit will suffer from a plague infection effect, losing 174 Health Points per second.), Vengeful Spirit Doppelganger (Every 1 minute, it creates 1 doppelganger with the same attributes as the White Banshee main body until the end of the battle; any White Banshee doppelganger can be treated as its main body. All doppelgangers must be killed to completely kill it.)]

Wraith Disguise (Exclusive disguise technique of the White Wraith, can perfectly imitate a creature's aura and appearance, and cannot be easily seen through.)

Servant Conversion (Living beings whose essence is drained by the White Wraith will be converted into servants, inheriting 50% of the White Wraith's attributes.)

[Talent: Wraith Body (Physical damage taken is reduced by 30%, and it can move rapidly.)]

(Description: An existence that died with intense resentment. They constantly create more clones. Warning! The longer you fight the White Wraith, the slimmer your chances of survival.)

Seeing the system notification, a thoughtful look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

"A Wraith that can create clones?"

"Looking at the system description, they continue to create more clones as the battle progresses. Each clone is equivalent to the main body; they are indeed quite troublesome."

At this moment, that desiccated corpse stepped onto the cold snow, its long tongue swaying in the air, emitting a seductive sound.

"Human… come with me quickly. I can make you feel that ultimate pleasure forever, hee hee hee~"

"I can also create many clones for you to play with. Whatever style you want, I have it~"

At this moment.

Assam had already raised the [King's Warblade] high, just about to slash down.

But Cao Xing said, "Assam, wait a moment."

After speaking, he took out a wide scythe from his backpack.

"Try this."

That's right, this weapon was exactly the [Soul Eater Scythe], which could deal an additional 50% damage to evil spirit creatures.

This was also a whim Cao Xing had after seeing its [Evil Spirit Body] talent.

Thus, Assam took it.

At this moment, a white mist emanated from the White Wraith.

Then, beside it, an identical desiccated corpse appeared.

The two desiccated corpses were preparing to charge toward Assam!

But they saw the scythe in his hand, which was nearly 1.5 meters long and exuded a faint black aura.

A trace of fear suddenly appeared in the White Wraith's hollow gaze.

"What… what kind of weapon is this…"

"Why do I feel a dangerous aura from it?"

Assam didn't say much. The Frost Wolf beneath him carried him in an instant charge, arriving in front of one of the White Wraiths.

Then, the huge scythe slashed through the opponent's body.

"Shhh-la!"

[ – 5784 ]

A terrifying damage value appeared!

"Ah!!!"

The White Wraith let out a miserable scream.

Seeing this scene, a look of pleasant surprise appeared on Cao Xing's face.

"Good, good, good. It's exactly as I expected."

"This kind of scythe can deal extremely terrifying damage to spirit entities!"

The White Wraith was slashed once. A long bloodstain appeared on its body, and it trembled violently, appearing to be in extreme pain.

Before it could react.

Assam had already swung a second time.

"Swish!"

[ – 5683 ]

At this moment, this clone of the White Wraith turned into ashes on the spot.

And the remaining main body of the White Wraith finally realized the gravity of the situation.

It just wanted to run away, but how could its speed outrun a level 30 boss-tier Assam?

As Assam chased after it, two slashes fell with a swish.

The White Wraith's HP hit zero, and a trail of white smoke quickly rushed out from its body.

Then, it turned into ashes on the spot.

A system notification appeared.

[Your territory member: Assam killed a White Wraith Lv18, Tier 2 Boss-tier creature. Experience gained: 0]

[Combat personnel gained experience: 270]

From the beginning of the battle to the end, it took less than twenty seconds in total.

Assam had slain this Tier 2 boss.

At the same time, Cao Xing also saw some materials dropped on the ground after the White Wraith died.

Just as he was about to have Assam pick up the items on the ground, a second system notification appeared.

[Survivor, please note! Because you made the correct choice and helped someone who truly needed help.]

[Trial of the Five Knightly Virtues: Generosity Trial progress updated.]

[Current progress: 1 / 5]

Cao Xing was stunned for a moment.

"Uh… this works too?"

"So this is what the quest meant by 'helping someone who truly needs help'?"

He was a bit confused…

However, no matter what, this pointed out a path.

This [Generosity Trial] wasn't that complicated; it just required making the right choices.

"Very good. In this way, I just need to interact more with those natives to quickly complete the Generosity Trial."

"Then, find a level 40 boss monster for Assam to duel, and the Five Knightly Virtues will be completely finished."

"By then, I'll be able to get that complete legendary weapon!"

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on the corner of Cao Xing's mouth.

At the same time, Assam picked up the items dropped by the White Wraith and handed them to Cao Xing.

"Lord, please take a look."

Cao Xing nodded and took them.

[Obtained: Wraith Crystal (Purple) * 6]

[Obtained: Medium Spirit Book * 1]

[Obtained: Intermediate Heart of Strength * 1]

[Obtained: Intermediate Elemental Crystal * 2]

[Obtained: Morrica's Letter]

"Oh? A new material dropped?"

Cao Xing checked the attributes of the new material.

[Wraith Crystal (Purple): A crystal with intense resentment, it is an advanced material for some kind of evil alchemy.]

(Note: The Wraith Crystal continuously releases resentment. Placing it on the ground and sprinkling Evil Spirit Dust around it can attract more evil spirits or wraiths in areas with extremely heavy resentment.)

Seeing the note on the material, Cao Xing was instantly amused.

"Huh? This thing, combined with Evil Spirit Dust, can attract more evil spirits?"

You know, last time in the [Ascalon Underground Palace], Cao Xing obtained a large amount of Evil Spirit Dust from killing those Soul Eaters.

Thoughts instantly became active in Cao Xing's mind.

Obviously, this thing could have unexpected effects at certain times.

When bored, Cao Xing could even use this thing to summon a few wraiths to kill.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing put all these things into his backpack.

At the same time.

The militiamen also saw the scene of Assam slaying the White Wraith in a few strikes.

They gratefully bowed to Cao Xing one after another.

"Many thanks, my lord, for helping us eliminate the White Wraith."

"You possess powerful strength and extraordinary judgment."

"We represent all of Waris Village and thank you for your assistance."

[Because you helped slay the White Wraith, Waris Village faction favorability has increased. Current favorability: Friendly.]

Seeing the system notification, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's mouth.

Building good relationships with these villages had quite a few benefits.

For example, at Hoge Village, he could now recruit a batch of workers for free every week, and there were discounts when purchasing supplies in the village.

He could visit this [Waris Village] if he had the chance.

Cao Xing smiled and said, "You're welcome. As a lord, slaying these wraiths that plague the region is something we should do."

Seeing that Cao Xing was so easy to talk to, smiles appeared on the faces of the few militiamen before him.

"You are truly a kind and powerful lord."

"If you have the chance, please come to Waris Village as a guest. We welcome your arrival at any time."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing replied, "Sure, sure. If I have the chance, I will pay a visit to Waris Village."

After some polite exchanges.

The two parties parted ways.

Then, Cao Xing led his people and continued toward the location of the [Witch Forest].

On the way, Cao Xing took out the item that dropped from the White Wraith and checked it.

[Morrica's Letter: Special Item]

[Click to read.]

Cao Xing clicked to read it.

(PS: Since this piece of information is quite important and readers on QQ Reading can't see it, I won't put it in the comment section.)

[First Fragment]

Father, I hope the gods bless my sister and you.

Please read carefully now, because what I have to say is very important.

As soon as you see this letter, please go to Merlind City immediately, find Baron Ortega, and tell him that Waris Village has been occupied by that group of mountain bandits from the Borealis Mountain Range!

[Second Fragment]

All the militiamen in the village have been killed. Now this village has fallen into their hands.

They seem to be conducting some kind of evil sacrificial ritual, grabbing villagers every day to perform cruel sacrifices, all while chanting about some Mountain God.

This morning, my sister was grabbed by them. I listened to her screams but was powerless to help.

I know it will be my turn soon…

[Third Fragment]

Father, they don't seem to have summoned the Mountain God, but rather some evil existences.

At night, I heard the screams of those mountain bandits and the sound of monsters swallowing food.

God! Many mountain bandits have been eaten; they screamed so miserably!

[Fourth Fragment]

That evil existence has broken into the underground dungeon; many villagers have died amidst screams!

I heard the monster's footsteps; they were so heavy.

Just like when you took me to the cliffside when I was a child and threw stones down.

The footsteps are approaching my cage; it has arrived…

After reading the description in the letter, Cao Xing's pupils instantly constricted.

Then, staring in the direction the militiamen had left, a sinister look instantly flashed in his eyes.

He had originally thought he had made the right choice.

But now it seemed that this group of militiamen were not good people either!