Gathering Herbs

After seeing the middle-aged man in bright and clean clothes, the ugly expressions on the faces of everyone from the Myriad Medicine Pavilion unconsciously returned to normal, and they could not help straightening their backs. Yet when they looked at Lin Feng, there was still a trace of awe in their eyes. After all, Advanced Dou Shi were not common in this tiny Green Mountain Town, especially one as young as Lin Feng. He could be said to possess the bearing of a Dou Emperor.

"Hehe, Pavilion Master Yao is quite generous. I'll accept this kindness." Lin Feng chuckled calmly before changing the subject. "But I wonder what Pavilion Master Yao thinks of my earlier proposal?"

"Hahaha, the Myriad Medicine Pavilion naturally accepts Lord Lin Feng's suggestion with pleasure." The Myriad Medicine Pavilion's master's expression changed swiftly before he immediately resumed smiling.

Lin Feng saw it all clearly with his powerful Soul Force, but he paid it no mind. He was merely a One-star Dou Shi. Even without using Dou Qi, Lin Feng could destroy him with his bare body alone, so there was nothing to fear. However, Lin Feng glanced at the chilly man completely covered by a cloak, and his expression shifted as a trace of interest rose in his heart. There's a good show coming!

"Since that is the case, I shall accompany Lord Lin Feng as well. I only hope that should danger arise, my lord can lend us a hand. The reward will certainly not be lacking." Pavilion Master Yao inclined his head toward Lin Feng, then turned to the many hired mercenaries. "The payment for this mission remains unchanged. Please proceed without concern."

"Yes..." Seeing that the two sides had not come into conflict and hearing Pavilion Master Yao's words, the mercenaries first heaved a sigh of relief, then answered in wild delight.

That was only natural. If a conflict had broken out, the Myriad Medicine Pavilion would surely have been swallowed up before Lin Feng's overwhelming strength. Green Mountain Town might even have been unified afterward. Then, not only would treating injuries and illnesses become a problem for them, but a single careless mistake could send them to Yellow Spring. Who would not be on edge?

With Lin Feng accompanying them, however, their safety greatly increased. Magical beasts were far more alert than humans. Upon sensing Lin Feng's strength, they would naturally keep their distance. This trip could practically be called earning money while lying down. It was not only the hired mercenaries who realized this. Some mercenaries who had not joined the employment despite meeting its requirements could not help showing regret. Watching five hundred gold coins slip away was a devastating blow to mercenaries who risked their lives to earn every coin.

Sunlight streamed through the uneven treetops and fell upon the entrance to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, forming mottled patches of light and shadow.

The mountain range rose and fell in winding stretches, like a giant dragon sleeping here. Dense forests surrounded it in layer after layer, their trees tall, straight, and lush, brimming with vitality. They seemed to block out the blazing sun completely, leaving behind an unexpected coolness.

The mercenaries moved cautiously, not daring to relax in the slightest.

The air carried a faint scent of grass and wood, occasionally mixed with the rank smell of magical beasts. A breeze rustled the leaves, as though they were whispering the forest's secrets. Yet no one dared make the slightest sound. Even the powerful Lin Feng remained vigilant, his gaze repeatedly sweeping over the surroundings. Roars occasionally sounded from afar, filling everyone with dread.

Near the entrance to the mountain range, they followed the route the Myriad Medicine Pavilion often used to gather herbs. As the group gradually ventured deeper, they began to see traces left by magical beasts from time to time, and everyone became even more alert.

As they continued onward, they occasionally encountered magical beasts of various shapes. Some lay hidden in the grass, while others strolled leisurely through the woods. The experienced mercenaries were not overly wary of these mild-tempered magical beasts. So long as they did not disturb them, there was no need to worry.

After going several kilometers deeper along the herb-gathering route, the gathering party led everyone onward in a lateral direction. After traveling for roughly another three hours, Lin Feng glanced at Qing Lin, who was breathing softly beside him, and signaled to He Meng.

That fellow knew how to handle things. He quickly walked up to the master of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, pulled him aside, and said something while occasionally glancing at Lin Feng. Once he saw Lin Feng nod, Pavilion Master Yao coughed to draw everyone's attention.

"Cough. Everyone, you must be tired after traveling so far, and there is still some distance to the herb-gathering site. Why don't we set up camp here and send people to scout the surroundings, ensuring nothing goes wrong?"

As soon as Pavilion Master Yao finished speaking, a slower-witted mercenary prepared to object.

Fortunately, his sharp-witted companion immediately covered his mouth and gestured for him to look at Lin Feng—or rather, Qing Lin, who was softly panting beside Lin Feng. The man instantly broke out in cold sweat. He hurriedly thanked his friend and even promised to treat him to a good time at some Eighteen Touches establishment after they returned. The moment those words came out, both men wore lecherous expressions.

While everyone stopped to rest, Qing Lin informed Lin Feng before walking toward the only girl in the group, a girl in white. At first, she looked hesitant, but soon the two could be heard whispering to each other. Lin Feng could only say that this was a secret that could not be told. (P.S. The Original Work never stated when Xiao Yi Xian became a physician, so for the sake of the plot, she will be treated as one here!)

Strands of cold wind brushed past Lin Feng's temples and stirred his thoughts. As he gazed at the Magical Beast Mountain Range, his eyes grew somewhat unfocused. This time, I must obtain the treasures in that cave, especially the Flying Dou Technique and the Fragmented Map of Exotic Flames. One is something I currently need, while the other is necessary for my long-term plans. But... Lin Feng's gaze shifted toward the two little figures whispering together. Their occasional delicate laughter made him hesitate.

He knew his own advantages well. He had thoroughly read the Original Work, giving him foresight regarding the plot. Coupled with decent talent and fairly good alchemy skills, that was how he had achieved the level of a Seven-star Great Dou Shi and was on the verge of becoming a Fourth-grade Alchemist at such a young age.

Yet his greatest disadvantage was equally obvious. For instance, as he watched the smiling Xiao Yi Xian, if he had Yao Chen's guidance, or possessed the Flame Mantra and the Poison Pill Method, he would definitely take Xiao Yi Xian under his wing.

After looking once more at the two girls chatting and laughing, Lin Feng's eyes gradually became resolute. So be it. At worst, he could secretly seize the Flame Mantra and the Poison Pill Method while Yao Chen was weak. Besides, without more profound alchemy techniques and pill formulas... his achievements might end at Dou Zun, or perhaps he might even stop at Dou Zong. He would first seize whatever was within reach, then consider the rest.

After resting for a while, the group finally arrived at the basin where the herbs grew before the sun set. At this moment, everyone visibly breathed a sigh of relief. As mercenaries who had roamed the Magical Beast Mountain Range for years, they knew just how dangerous it was once night fell.