Chapter 136: Xiao Yan Encounters the Mysterious Xiao Yi Xian
Since Qingshan Town only had one major apothecary, Xiao Yan had no choice but to buy his herbs from Wan Yao Zhai, including the ones Yao Chen had requested. After securing a place to rest, Yao Chen immediately began refining pills, preparing various elixirs for their upcoming journey into the Magical Beast Mountain Range Qi Recovery Pills and others. Whether he refined anything beyond those, only Yao Chen himself knew.
The next morning, as Xiao Yan stepped out of his room, he suddenly felt as if something was missing from his mind. It was as though he had lost his memory of the past few days he could recall leaving the forest and arriving at Qingshan Town, but everything in between was a complete blur. Even when he questioned Yao Chen about it, the old man looked just as confused, his face pale as he claimed ignorance of what had happened.
As Xiao Yan exited Qingshan Town, he happened to see its most revered figure Xiao Yi Xian. She was tending to wounded mercenaries, her presence ethereal and otherworldly. Instantly intrigued, Xiao Yan felt an urge to approach her only to be sent flying with a single slap from behind. The culprit? Mu She, Qingshan Town's number two figure.
The real number one was, of course, Xiao Yi Xian. Mu She wouldn't dare to cross her especially with a certain powerful individual backing her. Playing the role of a loyal subordinate was his safest bet.
Though reluctant, Xiao Yan decided not to stir up trouble. He chose to endure the humiliation and successfully joined Wan Yao Zhai's herbal gathering expedition into the Magical Beast Mountain Range. His primary motivation? Xiao Yi Xian was also part of this group. Her beauty alone was enough to draw him in.
Of course, another reason was his desire to reach the harvesting area for Yellow Lotus Essence his true goal was to find the rarer Blood Lotus Essence. That was an ingredient he absolutely had to obtain.
Getting into the team was effortless. With a mere trace of Yao Chen's soul power, he exuded an aura equivalent to a Two Star Dou Practitioner, and none of these mercenaries could see through it.
Everyone cast curious glances at Xiao Yan. Being a Two Star Dou Practitioner at just fifteen or sixteen was unheard of in Qingshan Town. Even Xiao Yi Xian herself gave him an intrigued look. Was it possible for a genius of this level to appear in such a small town?
However, Mu She, the leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, noticed something unsettling the way Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yi Xian. Something about it didn't sit right with him. Concerned for her safety, he decided to personally lead the expedition.
Deep within the silent forest, the group moved cautiously, their eyes sweeping the darkened shadows beneath the trees, ever vigilant. Hands clutched weapons at their waists, ready to respond to any sudden threats.
Observing the mercenaries' discipline, Xiao Yan quickly picked up valuable survival skills. These were life saving techniques ones he needed to learn before they ventured deeper into the mountain range.
The seasoned mercenaries, veterans of countless expeditions, had developed an unspoken understanding. With just a glance, they could signal danger or safety without uttering a word.
For Xiao Yan, however, traveling with the massive black ruler on his back made the journey far more grueling. Each step pressed his feet deep into the soft earth, and after covering only a short distance, he was already breathing heavily.
His gaze drifted to the herbalists under heavy guard, particularly the figure dressed in white Xiao Yi Xian. Her delicate frame moved gracefully, her gentle breathing accentuating her refined beauty. As she wiped sweat from her brow, the sight was enough to make anyone feel protective of her.
Xiao Yan felt incredibly lucky. He had barely left Wu Tan City, yet he had already encountered a beauty nearly on par with Xun'er.
However, despite Xiao Yi Xian's captivating presence, the mercenaries acted as if they saw nothing. They averted their gazes, treating her as though she were an untouchable force.
"Listen up, men! We're about to enter the Magical Beast Mountain Range. The Wolf Head Mercenary Group won't tolerate any mistakes especially when it comes to protecting Xiao Yi Xian!" Mu She's commanding voice rang out from the front of the group.
"Yes, Captain!"
The chorus of disciplined voices echoed in unison.
Xiao Yan's curiosity toward Xiao Yi Xian deepened. How had this delicate looking girl gained such influence in Qingshan Town?
This wasn't the kind of authority a simple physician could command there had to be more to her. She was shrouded in mystery.
Once inside the mountain range, the journey was anything but peaceful. Barely past the outer perimeter, they were already ambushed by small groups of magical beasts.
Though Xiao Yan had initially hoped to make a name for himself, the mercenary group was far too strong. With Mu She leading them, getting injured in the outer region of the mountain range was nearly impossible.
"Everyone, we're approaching the harvesting area. Let's take a break you've all been walking for quite some time," Xiao Yi Xian's gentle voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tense silence.
Immediately, the group came to a halt. No formal command was needed everyone simply obeyed. They all nodded toward Xiao Yi Xian, their expressions blank and unreadable, like cold, lifeless statues.
Around a dozen mercenaries spread out, keeping watch, while the rest sat down to recover their energy.
Xiao Yan let out a deep breath and discreetly swallowed a Qi Recovery Pill that Yao Chen had prepared for him. Within moments, his depleted strength was replenished, restoring him to peak condition well, as much as a Nine Star Dou Qi stage "waste" could be.
Nearby, he overheard the murmurs of the mercenaries. Curious, he turned to one of them. "Brother, who exactly is Xiao Yi Xian? Why does it feel like everyone is afraid of her…?"
The mercenary visibly paled, fear flashing across his face. "I I'm too low ranking to answer that. If you really want to know, ask around in Qingshan Town… secretly."
Xiao Yan's expression stiffened. Just who was she that people were this afraid to even talk about her? She seemed so gentle, yet… was she actually a hidden expert?
Baffled, Xiao Yan stood up and decided to take care of some… personal matters. He spotted a small grove nearby and headed toward it.
However, as he walked into the woods, he quickly realized the truth behind the saying: "In a big forest, you'll find all kinds of birds."
Because right there, in the shadows, were two burly mercenaries holding each other, whispering sweet nothings, and even lifting each other up like a couple in love.
Silently pretending he saw nothing, Xiao Yan continued deeper into the grove, only to find himself standing at the edge of a steep cliff.
And there, standing at the precipice, was Xiao Yi Xian.
Hiding within the trees, Xiao Yan watched her. The wind played with the hem of her white dress as she stood on the edge of the cliff, seamlessly blending into the breathtaking scenery.
…
(End of Chapter)
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