Strongest Scammer: Scamming The World, One Death At A Time
Chapter 294: Observing From A Distance

Chapter 294: Observing From A Distance

It took Han Yu a while before he finally managed to find the place that was supposed to contain the mines.

’Man, all these mountains look the same.’ Han Yu complained internally.

But after a couple hours of walking, he finally managed to find it. Not because he saw anyone, but rather the carriage tracks that were on the ground.

"They should be nearby..." Han Yu muttered. _{f .r e\ewebnov(e)(l).c om}

He looked for a vantage point to observe from and soon found a suitable place .

Han Yu crouched low in the undergrowth, his robes muted with dust and forest pollen, as he observed the scene from a ridge just three kilometers away. Before him lay the rugged southern foothills of the Ending Spine Mountains—an uneven wall of jagged stone, thick vegetation, and snaking cliffs that concealed secrets in their shadow.

Nestled between two of the hills was a relatively flat stretch of land, where several caravans stood waiting, their massive wheels sunk slightly into the gravel. Tens of figures moved about, some shouting commands, others unloading supplies or inspecting formation flags staked into the ground.

Han Yu narrowed his eyes, studying the groups carefully.

Murong Clan robes. He recognized them instantly—their distinct swirling cloud pattern trimmed with crimson. There were also other cultivators mixed in, likely mercenaries or hired hands from unaffiliated clans.

He didn’t sense any Twin Leaf Peak Sect disciples here yet.

Still cloaked by stealth techniques he had picked up from the rats and a minor concealment talisman, Han Yu didn’t dare get any closer. His spiritual sense had already pinged against something—the faint hum of formation arrays.

"They’ve shielded the entire inner path," he murmured under his breath.

Indeed, while he could see the caravan area, the narrow path that led deeper between the mountains—presumably to the hidden mine—was obscured entirely. A shimmering veil of energy made it impossible to pierce through with his spirit sense.

He clicked his tongue quietly. The formation wasn’t just defensive—it was a concealment and isolation ward, the kind that would trigger alarms the moment anyone tried to breach or bypass it without a proper token.

"This mine must be deeper in," he mused. "And very well hidden."

He remained still for half an hour, simply observing. From behind a large boulder, he could hear snippets of conversation carried by the wind.

"—just one more caravan left. Then the stock gets moved."

"Is it the one from the sect?"

"Yeah. Should’ve been here by now."

"Hmph, they’re taking the long road. Probably scared of drawing attention."

Han Yu’s eyes gleamed with understanding. ’So that caravan is the one Murong Xie sent...’

It made sense. The disciples couldn’t take the shortcut through the wilds like he had—not with an entire caravan in tow. They’d have to follow the winding main roads, stopping at check posts and avoiding suspicious movements.

Which meant...

He had arrived earlier than them.

That gave him a temporary advantage.

’Though why are they waiting for that carriage exactly? Are they supposed to bring something?’ Han Yu wondered.

He knew that it was an official escort mission, but he was a fool to believe that they were really bringing something. It was probably just some nominal items to not rouse suspicion.

’Was the letter Rong Jun had supposed to be sent here?’ Han Yu wondered.

He thought about the area they were killed in and realize it was hundred kilometers from here. Not exactly close.

’They probably intended to hand it off to some informant and then let him bring it here. But my interfering foiled that plan.’ Han Yu understood.

Han Yu thought to himself and realized that Murong Xie was probably impatient and anxious. He probably suspected that the letter was found and information would be uncovered. He couldn’t risk sending another letter, so sent the people here directly.

’Considering the fact that they have so many carts here... They probably intend to transport the Spirit stones. Hmm... Does he need them transported back to him?’ He wondered. ’It must not be all of them though. These many passing through the sect would easily get caught. He probably only needs a small amount that can be transported nearby, then just shifted into spatial storage pouches and brought into the sect covertly.’ He figured out.

Having thought that, he quietly slid back into the woods, circling the outer hills to check for alternate vantage points. He tested slope after slope—but the peaks here were sharp, near-vertical in places, with brittle stone and mossy surfaces that made climbing without notice impossible.

Even if he tried to use spirit techniques, he’d trigger something—either from the formation array or from the watchers embedded around the perimeter.

’Tch. They planned this well. No easy way in unless you’re invited.’

Still, he didn’t feel the trip was wasted. He now had confirmation of how the area was protected, who was involved, and what stage the operation was at. If he timed things correctly, he might even be able to slip in when the final caravan arrived—during the moment of chaos when they began moving the shipment.

But that was a risk. Too many unknowns.

Instead, Han Yu decided to wait a little longer.

He retreated deeper into the foliage, climbing into a hollow tree with a view of the caravan site. He slipped a minor Qi-veiling talisman onto his wrist and remained motionless, almost like a corpse hidden in the trunk. From here, he could monitor everything without risk.

Hours passed.

A few bored Murong guards grumbled about delays. Others mentioned they would only proceed once "Master Xie’s people" arrived.

Han Yu smirked under his breath.

’So even they’re waiting on Murong Xie’s team. Good. That gives me a narrow window to act once they all start moving together.’

His eyes gleamed as he leaned back against the bark of the tree, arms folded.

’Now, let’s see how this little mining venture plays out... and just how much I can harvest from the shadows.’

While he didn’t have a way in yet, he knew he’d figure one out eventually. If not, he could always blow the whistle and spoil it for everyone.