Xiahou Aotian said calmly:
"Miss, there is no need to be alarmed. I was merely making a joke. Out here in these desolate mountains, it is rare to find someone for company, so my words were somewhat frivolous. I hope you will not take offense."
Using a damp dead branch, he stirred the charcoal fire and sent sparks flying. "Come warm yourself by the fire. Do not catch a chill."
Only then did the pretty woman relax. She thanked him politely and sat down beside the charcoal fire.
The heavy rain continued to pour. Layer upon layer of dark clouds blotted out the light, making the day seem like night.
After shivering by the fire for a while, the woman's complexion gradually turned rosy.
Xiahou Aotian glanced at the basket. It contained only ordinary medicinal herbs—some for treating bruises and injuries, some for colds, and some for clearing phlegm and moistening the lungs.
An S-rank instance dungeon, and it only had ordinary herbs? Were there no heavenly treasures at all? Xiahou Aotian grumbled inwardly in disappointment.
"Are you a herbalist from a nearby village, miss?" Xiahou Aotian took the initiative to strike up a conversation. "In these wild mountains, even if there are no bandits, there are wild beasts. How could they let a woman like you enter the mountains alone to gather herbs?"
The woman sighed. "My father went into the mountains to gather herbs a few days ago and broke his leg in a fall. There are still two younger siblings at home to support, so I had no choice but to come into the mountains to gather herbs and earn a little silver."
Xiahou Aotian asked again, "Does your family have any wealthy relatives?"
The woman shook her head.
Xiahou Aotian gave an "oh," pondered for a