In the shadowy woods, two figures emerged from behind ancient trees, one on either side of Chen Ping, boxing him in and blocking his escape.
Both wore drab, regulation-style robes, with identical skull patterns embroidered on their cuffs. They looked like seasoned partners in crime.
The one on the left was tall and gaunt, with sunken eye sockets. He toyed with a dagger that glimmered green. The one on the right was stocky, with a face full of fleshy jowls, and held an unactivated talisman between his fingers.
The spiritual pressure of two second-level Qi Refiners poured out, weighing on Chen Ping's heart like a pair of boulders.
"Kid, you're in luck."
The gaunt Bandit Cultivator greedily looked over the blood-dripping bundle on Chen Ping's back, especially the tusk poking out of it. He licked his cracked lips.
"Ironhide Pig hide is tough as nails. Even the two of us would have to put in some effort if we ran into one. Never thought a first-level Qi Refining brat like you would get so lucky."
The stocky man snorted, his eyes full of contempt as he looked at Chen Ping like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
"Quit the chatter. Leave your Storage Pouch, the Demon Beast materials, and that knife. If I'm in a good mood, I might even leave your corpse intact so your pretty wife can come claim it."
Chen Ping's body trembled, as though the threat had frightened him out of his wits.
"P-please spare me, sirs!"
The color drained from the young man's face, smeared with yellowish medicinal paste. His knees gave way, and he fell with a thump into the mud and rotting leaves. Shaking, he took the heavy bundle off his back and held it high above his head, his voice choked with