Merchant From Earth in the Magical World-Chapter 432 - 365 - Trace_2

Metallic feet stomped on the ground as twelve battle golems turned right in unison, forming a straight line.

Then, led by the battle golem numbered 001, the entire group marched in orderly steps towards the open doors of the mechanical storeroom.

As they moved, automatic doors on both sides of the storeroom opened, and mechanical arms extended from within to install modules onto the bodies of the battle golems.

The alchemical golems, which had originally resembled dried-up corpses, notably grew stronger after being equipped with magic-powered Composite Armor shells. Additionally, various magical modules were also fitted into their designated slots.

By the time the battle alchemical golems emerged from the mechanical storeroom, their appearance had completely transformed.

They lined up neatly.

A group of research-oriented alchemical robots, under the direction of the Chui Chui secondary computation core, performed the final pre-deployment checks on this batch of battle alchemical golems.

This was their first mission as their master’s protectors, and they could not afford any mistakes.

The intelligence cores of the battle alchemical golems were carefully selected and matched from the vast database of alchemical robots. All possessed rudimentary intelligence and a relatively high learning capability, as well as a certain natural talent for combat.

After a self-check, a second check, and a third check, Chui Chui unlocked their permissions, and all functions of the twelve war alchemical golems were fully activated.

After a period of adapting to their new bodies, a group of alchemical robots delivered twelve sets of black leather coats and twelve Tang Swords.

***

Yan Xing and his group made a transfer before finally landing within the borders of a small country in Northern Europe. Stepping off the plane, they were immediately greeted by a biting cold wind that sought to burrow into their necks, and the sight of endless snow-capped mountains in the distance.

There weren’t many people inside the airport, and the environment was somewhat crude, not even comparable to some of the train stations in their home country.

Feng Tingyue, having arrived in a hurry, hadn’t had time to prepare warmer clothes. She clutched her collar and hunched her shoulders, her voice trembling as she said to Yan Xing, "The company has arranged for personnel to wait for us outside the airport, and they have clothes ready for us in the car. It’s too cold here; let’s hurry."

Yan Xing and Tong Yitong, due to their unique constitutions, could feel the cold, but the temperature wasn’t severe enough to cause them discomfort.

Yan Xing patted Feng Tingyue on the shoulder and said, "When the cold wind blows, stand tall, and you won’t feel it as much. Let’s go find the car that’s picking us up."

Tong Yitong, however, looked comfortable. "Ice and snow," she said, "I feel as if I’m in my element. If someone wants to shoot a live-action version of Frozen here, I could be their special effects artist."

Yan Xing replied with interest, "That’s a good idea. But if we were to film something, it should be one of our own mythical stories. You could be the special effects artist for the legend of the flooded Jinshan Temple."

Tong Yitong had made the remark offhandedly, not expecting Yan Xing to take it seriously. She hurried after Yan Xing, who was walking ahead, and asked, "Really? Can we film it? I absolutely love the White Serpent Lady..."

"We’ll consider it, consider it..."

Listening to their conversation, Feng Tingyue felt they didn’t seem like they were here for a dangerous mission at all, but more like actual tourists.

At that moment, she suddenly realized... she wasn’t cold anymore!

The wind still blew around her, but her body was enveloped in a warm current, preventing any chill from penetrating.

It must have been something Yan Xing did when he patted my shoulder, she thought.

Seeing Yan Xing and Tong Yitong about to walk out of the airport exit, Feng Tingyue hurried after them.

Renlun Investment Bank indeed had "incredible abilities," managing to arrange professional personnel for pickup in such a short timeframe.

The car was a silver business vehicle.

After Yan Xing, Tong Yitong, and Feng Tingyue settled into the car, it started up and drove away from the airport.

Inside the vehicle, besides the driver, another person sat in the passenger seat.

After he and Feng Tingyue confirmed each other’s identities, he handed her a tablet computer. "This mission is very urgent, so we could only gather this information," he said. "You all seem to have been dispatched on short notice, not even having time to change clothes. There are down jackets in the back seat; put them on first. Once we get to where you’re staying, we’ll help you buy more clothes."

"Thank you so much," Feng Tingyue said as she took the tablet. She didn’t forget to thank their contact from the cooperative unit before asking, "How should we address you two? Have you noticed anything strange or unusual happening around here?"

The driver was quite talkative. "My name is Lao Guan," he said, "and in the passenger seat is Little Li. You can just call us that. It’s a very large private estate. We’ve only been here three days. We just scouted the perimeter and nearly got lost. The tablet contains the footage we took. The security there is extremely tight; personnel openly carry real firearms, and drones patrol the skies. We nearly got discovered several times. We shouldn’t ask about your mission, but you must be careful."

Feng Tingyue turned to Yan Xing, seated behind her, and said, "Our manpower here is really limited. If Director Yan is willing to wait for two days, we can call in an operations team."

Yan Xing handed the clothes beside him to Tong Yitong and Feng Tingyue. As he put his own on, he asked, "First, tell me about the situation there."

Seeing that Yan Xing was still insistent, Feng Tingyue brought up a video on the tablet and said, "Although the internal structure of the Witches’ Aid Society is conservative, much of their information is public. For example, they have research collaborations on medieval history with many prestigious universities. The current leader of the Witches’ Aid Society is Baron Max. The Max Family has very significant influence throughout Europe and belongs to a hidden echelon of society not constrained by national governments. This private estate is just one of the Max Family’s many properties worldwide. It has existed since the thirteenth century."

As he listened to Feng Tingyue’s introduction, Yan Xing flipped through the videos and photos on the tablet.

This vast estate included mountains, rivers, and lakes, with most of the area covered by forests.

The heart of the estate was a luxurious manor built on a mountainside. It boasted a large indoor swimming pool, a golf course, a cable railway leading directly to a mountaintop ski resort, and a small private airport.

The security system was also very robust. Drones conducted round-the-clock patrols of the airspace above the estate, and security staff were equipped with military vehicles, snowmobiles, and helicopters.

They were truly, extraordinarily wealthy and influential.

For Lao Guan and Little Li to have captured so many close-up videos and photos, they must have done more than just casually wander around the outskirts.

After reviewing all the materials, Yan Xing said, "No need to go anywhere else. Head straight for Max Manor."

Lao Guan frowned as he drove, glancing in the rearview mirror at Yan Xing, who was seated at the very back.

Little Li turned around and said, "This is against regulations... and there are only three of you, without any weapons..."

Yan Xing said, "You can drop us off at the entrance to this private estate and then leave."

At this point, Lao Guan spoke up, "Young man... our orders are to ensure your safety at all costs.

"Until you leave this place, we won’t leave.

"But our manpower is too limited, and... none of us are combat professionals.

"We should wait for backup; it won’t take too long."

Yan Xing said, "I have backup, and I don’t like to repeat myself. If you’re not going, let me out here."

Hearing Yan Xing mention backup, Lao Guan immediately scanned the surroundings of the car for any sign of being followed.

Feng Tingyue, with a serious expression, looked at Yan Xing and then said to Lao Guan, "Go to Max Manor. No matter what’s inside, we’ll accompany Director Yan to the end.

"I believe the orders you received were also very clear."

Lao Guan saw no suspicious vehicles on the road ahead or behind them. He glanced at Yan Xing in the rearview mirror, then at Little Li in the passenger seat. The two partners exchanged a silent, understanding look.

Then Lao Guan said, "One of our orders is to fully cooperate with Director Yan’s actions. Since Director Yan says to go to Max Manor now, we’re going to Max Manor now."

The vehicle made a U-turn in the middle of the road and drove off in the new direction.

Feng Tingyue couldn’t help but ask Yan Xing, "Director Yan, where is this backup you mentioned? How do we contact them?"

Yan Xing closed his eyes again and said softly, "When we get there, you’ll see them."