Chapter 97: The Fishman Tribe

Old Blindeye looked troubled, scratching the fin on his head and stroking the long whiskers by his mouth. After a long moment, the old fish-man shook his head. "Lady Laila, it's not that I'm unwilling to help—it's just that this matter concerns my people... what happened back then..."

Twenty years ago, the Banyan Grassland had been the homeland of the fish-man tribe. At that time, Lava Fort was nowhere near its current scale, and the fish-men lived across the broad waters of the Banyan Grassland, coexisting peacefully with the other intelligent races, leading a quiet, unworldly existence. That peaceful life continued until the current Fish-Man King, "Yuka," ascended to power. For reasons unknown, this fish-man chieftain gradually grew irascible and violent, brimming with aggression. Under Yuka's influence, the fish-men around him likewise became bloodthirsty. After attacking a human merchant caravan and reaping lavish "spoils," their violent behavior spiraled completely out of control. People began to speak of "fish-men" with a shudder, gradually staying away from the Banyan Grassland—a place once so peaceful and beautiful.

"But not everyone agreed with Yuka's philosophy," Old Blindeye said, squinting as he always did, speaking slowly. "Back then, a few companions and I agreed to leave that brutal, utterly inhuman tribe together. So in the early hours of that morning, we fled..."

It was the first time Laila had heard the inside story. Her expression was intent, and she couldn't help asking, "But why did my father only encounter you alone?"

Old Blindeye lowered his head. "Captain Quinn must not have told you—including me, he saw five fish-men in total. Only I came out whole. The others..."

At that point, everyone had already guessed what had happened back then. A somber silence fell over the room. Laila furrowed her brows slightly, as if remembering something, and looked at Old Blindeye. "All these years, you've never once set foot outside the gates of Lava Fort—because of this?"

"Yes." Old Blindeye nodded, letting out a long sigh.

For Lu Kuan, being able to learn the game's backstory was quite satisfying and immersive. But that wasn't his purpose here.

"Still, what does any of this have to do with the matters at Clearwater Village?" Lu Kuan asked, puzzled.

"Of course it does," Old Blindeye said, glancing at Lu Kuan. "That vial of blood you brought—whatever animal it came from—was definitely from a bite inflicted by Yuka's pet. Judging by the condition, the victim won't last more than three days."

Hearing this, Lu Kuan's eyes brightened immediately, and he pressed on. "Then is there an antidote for this poison?"

By now, Old Blindeye had set aside his burden and answered directly. "It can be cured. Just add the juice of fishmint grass to an ordinary life potion. But this grass only grows on the Lake Heart Island in the Banyan Plains."

Lu Kuan frowned. "Lake Heart Island... is it guarded by monsters, or watched over by your fish-man tribe?"

"Neither. The fishmint grass just grows there, and there are no monsters around it at all," Old Blindeye said.

"That simple?" Lu Kuan was skeptical. After going through such a big detour, this quest surely couldn't be that easy to complete.

"Of course not," Old Blindeye said, turning his massive head toward Lu Kuan with a meaningful smile. "Because this fishmint grass can only be picked by a fish-man."

...

On the street, Laila strode ahead like the wind, while Lu Kuan lagged behind, walking and mulling over the information Old Blindeye had disclosed. He hadn't expected such a twisted tale from twenty years ago. Old Blindeye had agreed to accompany Lu Kuan to pick the fishmint grass, on the condition that Lu Kuan guarantee he would find an opportunity to kill Yuka and free the fish-man tribe of the Banyan Grassland from the rule of that terrifying fish-man lord. Lu Kuan had agreed without hesitation—for a quest like this, Tauber would surely be the one to deliver the killing blow. A free advantage like that was not to be passed up.

"Alright, I'm heading back to the barracks," Laila said as they reached the intersection. She stopped, turned around, pulled a beautifully patterned cloth bundle from her waist, and tossed it to Lu Kuan. "Return this to Aunt Mitchell, and give her my regards."

"Much obliged~" Lu Kuan caught the bundle and replied with a grin.

Laila studied Lu Kuan for a few moments, then said, "I don't know why, but every time I see that expression on your face, I'm reminded of those sly foxes. Are you always scheming against others?"

That was a cap Lu Kuan dared not wear. He quickly shook his head in denial. Laila curled her adorable little lips in disdain, then turned and left with her subordinates. Lu Kuan watched Laila's graceful yet valiant retreating figure, reluctant to look away. That figure, those curves, that firm skin only constant exercise could give... ah, what a pity she had such a fiery temper.

Just as Lu Kuan was savoring the sight, a pleasant system notification sounded in his ear, catching him somewhat by surprise.

"Congratulations! You have completed the quest 'Laila's Favor' (Difficulty: C), 100% completion. Rewards enhanced."
"You have received 300 XP. Laila's affinity toward you +50."

The system notification was clear as day. Lu Kuan hadn't even realized he'd picked up the quest earlier. The Golden Trial come to think of it hadn't given any substantial rewards, so this was a happy accident that lent the whole trial some value. "Maybe I ought to thank Moonlit Meteor for this?" Lu Kuan thought cheerfully.

He pulled his gaze away and opened the cloth bundle in his hands. Scissors, threads of every color, a wooden ruler... the bundle held an entire set of sewing tools. Even the most inconspicuous steel needle among them bore a purple item description.

"Lost Rune-Sealing Sewing Needle (Relic-grade material, quest item)
Sewing
Durability: 33%
Requirements: Sewing skill level 7, Formation knowledge level 7
Effect: User's Sewing skill proficiency +50, overall success rate of crafted items +1%."

Extravagant. Utterly extravagant! Lu Kuan's eyes gleamed as he stared at the little sewing needle, almost drooling. If this thing went to the auction house, it would easily fetch 1,000 gold coins. What a shame—it was only a quest item. Lu Kuan composed himself, packed the things away, and headed straight to Mitchell's tailor shop.

Seeing Lu Kuan pull out her sewing kit, Mitchell said with a smile, "Thank you, adventurer. Did you have a pleasant time with my niece?"

"Great, just great," Lu Kuan said with a smile that didn't quite reach his heart.

Mitchell gave him a knowing look, took a large, thick piece of black cloth from the box on the table, and said to Lu Kuan, "The materials you brought—I've already processed them into fabric. The backpack won't take long to make. Go downstairs and wait a bit."

Lu Kuan nodded and went down to the ground floor. While waiting below, came messages from Qing Yi and his two companions, plus Dai Guang. The four of them had already met up and formed a party, busy as bees in Clearwater Village. Since the village had opened, a series of storyline events revolved around Lu Kuan's quest—finding herbs to ease the saber-toothed tiger's wounds, scouting for suspicious activity in the surrounding waters, slaying the rampaging water monsters, and so on. In the end, they would trade the results for rewards while also raising their reputation with Tauber.