The Might of Sword Opens Heaven Gate, Encountering Xiao Yi Xian

"Sword Opens Heaven Gate... I actually managed to draw this sword technique!"

A flicker of delight appeared in Xiao Tianci's eyes.

He had heard of this sword technique in his previous life.

Its power matched its name perfectly. With a single strike, it possessed the might to open the gates of heaven!

Without the slightest hesitation, Xiao Tianci accepted the technique.

Then, he casually picked up a dry branch from the ground.

At once, his entire aura changed dramatically.

An exceptionally sharp, fierce presence emerged from the dry branch.

Then Xiao Tianci swung his arm.

"Sword Opens Heaven Gate!"

An immense sword qi immediately slashed out from the dry branch.

In an instant, wild winds swept through the entire area.

The howling wind instantly extinguished the campfire.

The surrounding trees swayed wildly as well. From afar, they looked like a horde of dancing demons!

Leaves fluttered down, rustling noisily.

A streak of silver light shot forth, splitting the trees ahead in two. Even incomparably hard mountain rocks could not obstruct that sword light in the slightest.

The roars of magical beasts, which could occasionally be heard before, vanished in an instant.

Under the ravaging sword qi, every magical beast lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to move in the slightest, afraid that they would become the next target of that sword strike.

"As expected of Sword Opens Heaven Gate. Its power is truly extraordinary."

Seeing this, Xiao Tianci took a deep breath, satisfaction filling his eyes.

It could only be said that Sword Opens Heaven Gate had not disappointed him.

He even faintly felt that once his strength improved further, what Sword Opens Heaven Gate could cut would no longer be mere trees and rocks. He might even be able to split space in two!

Samadhi True Fire rose from his hand and reignited the campfire.

Only when Xiao Tianci turned his gaze toward the distant mountains did he discover a fatal problem.

The Magical Beast Mountain Range was simply too vast. Though it contained countless spiritual herbs, he had no idea where he could best search for them.

"I remember there's a small town not far from here. Since I've only just entered the Magical Beast Mountain Range, I might as well go take a look tomorrow."

The next day.

As dawn gradually broke, Xiao Tianci, who had been sitting cross-legged on the ground, slowly opened his eyes.

After briefly washing up with spring water, Xiao Tianci rode the Green Ox toward the town at an unhurried pace.

The town was called Green Mountain Town. It was the closest town to the Magical Beast Mountain Range; indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it had been built within the Magical Beast Mountain Range itself.

That was because less than a hundred meters beyond the town lay the territory of the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

Because it was close to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the most common people in this town were mercenaries who lived each day with their lives on the line.

They gathered in groups, hooking arms as they bragged loudly in the streets, openly discussing which women in town had the most flavor, where the strongest liquor could be found, and which magical beasts were the fiercest.

Though it was still early, quite a few mercenaries were already on the streets. Many appeared to be making their final preparations before setting out.

Xiao Tianci rode backward atop the unremarkable-looking Green Ox, traveling along streets paved with bluestone slabs.

Such a combination naturally attracted plenty of attention.

After all, Green Oxen like this were generally ridden by elderly people or merchants hauling goods. It was truly rare to see someone so young riding one.

However, Xiao Tianci naturally paid no attention whatsoever to the mercenaries' stares.

After taking a drink from his waterskin, he slowly began looking for a shop that sold maps.

Before he had walked far, Xiao Tianci noticed that many mercenaries had gathered a short distance ahead. The atmosphere within the crowd was extremely lively.

A series of exclamations also reached Xiao Tianci's ears.

"It's actually Xiao Yi Xian!"

"Every time I see Xiao Yi Xian, she seems even prettier than before. That waist of hers is far too slender."

"Idiot, if you want to die, don't drag me down with you! Most of the mercenaries in Green Mountain Town have been treated by Xiao Yi Xian. Be careful no one hears you, or they might cut out your tongue!"

Hearing the two men's words, Xiao Tianci could not help raising an eyebrow.

What a coincidence. He had only just entered Green Mountain Town, yet he had already encountered Xiao Yi Xian?

However, before his gaze could pass through the crowd and locate Xiao Yi Xian, one of the mercenaries ahead took the initiative to approach him.

"Friend, are you also preparing to enter the Magical Beast Mountain Range?"

The mercenary who approached Xiao Tianci was lean and wiry, but the aura around him was not to be underestimated.

"Mm." Xiao Tianci nodded. "I was just planning to head into the mountains for a look."

"Then what a coincidence." A smile appeared on the lean mercenary's face. "Xiao Yi Xian is planning to enter the mountain range today, but since it was a last-minute decision and it's still rather early, we haven't gathered enough people yet.

Friend, come with me. That way, we can look after each other once we enter the mountains, and our safety will improve greatly."

The lean mercenary spoke as though it were only natural, seemingly never considering that Xiao Tianci might refuse.

After speaking, the lean mercenary immediately turned around and headed back toward the mercenary group.

His words instantly drew the attention of many mercenaries.

Whispers immediately arose.

"This guy's riding an ox. Is he even reliable?"

"Exactly. The Magical Beast Mountain Range isn't a place for children. One unreliable teammate could get the whole group wiped out!"

"There's no helping it. This time, we're in too much of a hurry and don't have enough mercenaries. Otherwise, why would we invite such a young brat?"

Xiao Tianci paid no heed to their discussions. Instead, he looked at the mercenary's departing back and shook his head.

"Thank you for the offer, but there's no need."

Xiao Tianci's words caused everyone present to fall silent.

Then, astonished gazes turned toward Xiao Tianci.

"This guy is far too arrogant."

"Exactly. He even refused Lin Li's invitation. He truly doesn't know what's good for him."

Soon, those astonished looks turned mocking.

Yet Xiao Tianci did not even spare them a glance. His gaze shifted instead toward the woman at the center of the crowd.

The woman wore a pale white dress. Though her appearance could not be called stunningly beautiful, she was still a rare beauty.

Her face bore a faint smile, giving her a fresh and ethereal air.

This woman must be Xiao Yi Xian, Xiao Tianci thought to himself.

Xiao Yi Xian among the crowd seemed to notice Xiao Tianci's gaze as well, and she subconsciously turned her head.

Their gazes immediately met in midair.

A trace of surprise surfaced in Xiao Yi Xian's heart.

She felt that this stranger's gaze was somewhat strange, as though he knew her.

But I don't think I've met him before.

Still hesitating, Xiao Yi Xian shifted her gaze away.