Sky Flame Mountain Range

The Sky Flame Mountain Range lay between Yan City and several surrounding cities, stretching across more than half of Tiandu Commandery. It was the largest mountain range in Tiandu Commandery, fraught with danger. Other than groups dedicated to hunting Demonic Beasts, few people dared venture deep inside.

However, once news of the Ancient Tomb spread, people's reason was eroded by greed. From time to time, people entered the mountains, and many lost their lives to the jaws of Demonic Beasts.

Seeing that the time was about right, Lin Mu set out with Lin Dong, Qing Tan, and Ziyue.

Originally, Lin Mu had not intended to bring Qing Tan along, but she kept pestering him. He had no choice, and since he had promised her last time, he could only take her with them.

Yan City was about a day's journey from the Sky Flame Mountain Range. By the time Lin Mu and the others reached its outskirts, the sky had already grown dim, and night was approaching.

"We'll set up camp here today. Be more careful at night. Sometimes, people are more dangerous than Demonic Beasts," Lin Mu reminded them.

Here, killing people for treasure was all too common. There were likely far more people who died that way than those devoured by Demonic Beasts.

"Mm." Lin Dong and the others all nodded solemnly.

They worked together, and the tents were quickly set up. Lin Dong had Little Flame keep watch. After traveling all day, everyone was exhausted and soon fell asleep.

The night passed quietly and peacefully, with nothing happening.

Early the next morning, while the sky was still barely light, Lin Mu and the other three continued deeper into the Sky Flame Mountain Range. Not long after entering, they heard the sounds of battle.

In a small valley, the campfires had yet to go out. Several hundred figures were fighting fiercely. Amid the crisp clashes of blades came agonized screams, while a pungent stench of blood spread through the air.

"There's a fight. I'll go take a look first," Lin Dong said. After seeing Lin Mu nod, he patted Little Flame's back and immediately raced forward.

Qing Tan and Ziyue were both too inexperienced. Either Lin Mu or Lin Dong had to stay behind to protect them.

Lin Dong moved quickly. In just a few minutes, he had figured out the situation.

"Big Brother, people from the Myriad Gold Merchant Association have been ambushed by a group of bandits. The other side isn't weak; they have someone at the Greater Perfection Core Formation Realm. Should we help them?" Lin Dong asked.

"The Myriad Gold Merchant Association has helped us quite a bit too. Let's lend them a hand," Lin Mu said.

"Mm." Lin Dong nodded.

The four of them quietly approached. The people in the valley were locked in battle and did not notice them.

"Song Dao, our Myriad Gold Merchant Association has neither old grudges nor recent enmity with you. Why did you ambush us?" Xia Wanjin asked with a gloomy expression. The man fighting him was Song Dao, also at the Greater Perfection Core Formation Realm.

"You've been in this business for so many years, yet you still don't understand such a simple truth? I've had my eye on the Myriad Gold Merchant Association, this juicy piece of meat, for a long time," Song Dao sneered.

"You think you've got us cornered? We're both at the Greater Perfection Core Formation Realm. Do you think I'd be afraid of you?" Xia Wanjin said angrily.

"Haha, as long as I hold you back, do you think the people of your Myriad Gold Merchant Association can withstand my brothers?" Song Dao laughed.

If this had been Yan City, he naturally would not have been able to do anything to the Myriad Gold Merchant Association. But this was the Sky Flame Mountain Range, and Xia Wanjin had not brought many people with him.

"Xuan Su, take Zhilan and leave first. I'll hold them off," Xia Wanjin said. He knew that the Myriad Gold Merchant Association was bound to suffer a major loss today. He only hoped Xuan Su and Xia Zhilan could escape.

"Haha, a beauty like Miss Xuan Su mustn't be allowed to escape. Brothers, capture her!" Song Dao laughed arrogantly. At the same time, he slashed at Xia Wanjin, preventing him from having any chance to save Xuan Su and Xia Zhilan.

Seeing the Blade Slaughter Gang surround her, a flash of resolve crossed Xuan Su's eyes. She prepared to fight for her life, determined not to fall into their hands.

"Attack!"

Someone from the Blade Slaughter Gang sneered and gave the order. The people around them charged forward, their bodies surging with powerful Primal Energy.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

At that moment, needles condensed from Spiritual Power shot over. Those charging toward Xuan Su and Xia Zhilan screamed one after another, clutching their heads with both hands.

"It's you!"

When she saw the figure who had arrived, surprise flashed in Xuan Su's eyes, followed by delight.

"Miss Xuan Su, we meet again," Lin Mu said with a smile.

"Thank you, Young Master Lin, for saving our lives. We will certainly repay you in the future. Could Young Master Lin possibly help us get rid of Song Dao?" Xuan Su asked.

"Ah, it wasn't easy for me to play the hero and save a beauty for once. I thought you'd offer yourself to repay me," Lin Mu said with a feigned sigh.

"What kind of hero are you? You're just a lecher," Xia Zhilan muttered.

"Zhilan, don't be rude." Xuan Su frowned and glared at Xia Zhilan before looking back at Lin Mu. "Zhilan is immature. I hope Young Master Lin will not take offense."

"Well, since Miss Xuan Su has put it that way, how could I still have the nerve to blame her?" Lin Mu said with a smile.

Vast Spiritual Power surged forth, condensing into one Shadowless Needle after another.

"Go!"

With a casual wave of his hand, the Shadowless Needles flew toward the Blade Slaughter Gang. One member after another fell in response, clutching their heads and letting out miserable cries.

The battle was instantly turned around. Only Song Dao remained of the Blade Slaughter Gang; everyone else had been easily killed by Lin Mu.

"Haha, Song Dao, today our Myriad Gold Merchant Association has a powerful benefactor helping us!" Seeing this, Xia Wanjin laughed heartily. The situation in which Song Dao had forced him moments earlier was instantly reversed.

Song Dao had also heard of Lin Mu's reputation. He had originally thought it was somewhat exaggerated, but after witnessing this scene with his own eyes, only one thought remained in his heart: run.

Powerful Primal Energy surged forth. He forced Xia Wanjin back with a slash, then fled desperately.

Roar!

Song Dao had not escaped far when a fiery-red figure flashed past and knocked him to the ground. It then slammed its sharp claws into his chest, piercing straight through it.

Unwillingness filled Song Dao's eyes, but he soon lost all signs of life.

Little Flame tossed Song Dao's corpse aside and swiftly ran back to Lin Dong's side.

"Little Flame, well done!" Lin Dong said with a smile.

"Thank you, Young Master Lin. From now on, if Young Master Lin has any orders, my Myriad Gold Merchant Association will certainly carry them out," Xia Wanjin said as he walked over and clasped his fists.

"You're all injured now. You should leave as soon as possible. There are plenty of dangers in the Sky Flame Mountain Range," Lin Mu said.

"Mm." Xia Wanjin nodded. After being ambushed by Song Dao, they would be unable to continue their journey to the Ancient Tomb, but it would not affect them too greatly.

"Xuan Su, Zhilan, let's return."

"Young Master Lin is welcome to visit the Myriad Gold Merchant Association in the future. I will certainly receive you properly," Xuan Su said, an unusual feeling stirring in her heart.

"An invitation from a great beauty like Miss Xuan Su? I'll definitely come," Lin Mu said with a smile.

"Farewell!"