Entering the Magical Beast Mountain Range

"How can I trust you?"

Xiao Yi Xian's pretty face was still cold, but she no longer looked quite so unapproachable.

"Hmm..." Xiao Yan shrugged and raised a hand. A scarlet flame emerged from Xiao Yi Xian's arm, turned into a fiery snake, and coiled around his wrist. "That's my show of good faith."

Xiao Yi Xian's eye twitched. When did he do that? The instant he touched my skin?

And a flame like that... Was he an alchemist?

Envy flashed through her beautiful eyes. Her greatest wish had always been to become a respected alchemist, but fate had other plans.

As Xiao Yi Xian studied Xiao Yan, a smile suddenly appeared on her face too. She raised both hands and clapped lightly in the air. Xiao Yan's expression changed. Something surged up his throat, and the next instant, he spat out a Gu Worm. It landed in Xiao Yi Xian's pale palm.

Xiao Yan's mouth twitched. He looked at the wriggling black Gu Worm, then stared at Xiao Yi Xian in disbelief.

She got me too?

That was a poison expert for you. Sneaky as hell. One careless moment and you were caught. She wielded plenty of poisons with such mastery that they were colorless and odorless. By the time you identified them, it was too late.

Even now, Xiao Yi Xian could hold a Dou Shi at bay for a while.

"Xiao Yi Xian lived up to her reputation. Your skill with poison is incredible," Xiao Yan said with a sigh.

"Likewise. Now we're even." Xiao Yi Xian laughed softly, her voice clear and sweet as a silver bell.

"Fair enough." Xiao Yan rubbed his nose.

He had come to make a friend, not an enemy.

"Are you finished? There are still patients waiting..." A knock sounded at the door of the two-story building, followed by a middle-aged man's gentle voice.

"Mr. Yao, an old friend has come to see me today, so I'm afraid I can't continue seeing patients. I'd like to take two days off." Xiao Yi Xian glanced at Xiao Yan, who was idly toying with the Storage Ring in his hand, and spoke calmly.

"Heh, that's no trouble. The Myriad Medicine Pavilion has always treated its people generously. If you need time off, Xiao Yi Xian, by all means take it..." The voice paused, then continued.

Only when the sounds outside the door had faded did Xiao Yan settle himself by the window. He watched the people below leave while cursing. Only one group remained: several men in matching clothes, led by an arrogant young man. Their faces were dark as they looked up at the window.

Xiao Yan tossed the Storage Ring in his hand. When he caught the young man's startled, vicious gaze, a smile appeared on his face.

"That Mu Li likes you?"

"Who knows? Maybe he just likes my medical skills." Resting her chin on one hand, Xiao Yi Xian studied Xiao Yan with a smile.

"If the Wolf Head Mercenary Group wants to be the top force in Qingshan Town, it needs a physician like me, someone who's built up a reputation."

"Tch. Small pond, too many big fish." Xiao Yan looked away, bored.

A mighty Dou Shi. How terrifying.

"So what are you going to do about him? He's the young master of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, and his father is a Dou Shi. Crossing him could cause you plenty of trouble," Xiao Yi Xian said with a smile.

"Then he'd better pray he doesn't cross me." Xiao Yan chuckled. "We leave for the Magical Beast Mountain Range tomorrow. I know where you marked that spot, so don't try to take me in circles..."

Xiao Yi Xian watched Xiao Yan leave, a ripple of curiosity passing through her eyes. What a strange fellow.

The next day.

Sunlight spilled into the room.

Xiao Yan slowly exhaled and sat cross-legged on the bed. A faint golden glow surrounded him, making him look like a golden statue. This was the Vajra Art Old Lord had taught him to strengthen his body.

It had ten levels, and he had only reached the first.

It was one of the trump cards that let him challenge those above his level. Even at the first level, an ordinary Dou Shi at his level could not hurt him. Perhaps only a Da Dou Shi could break through his defenses.

Four-Star Dou Shi.

He had advanced again. Why was leveling up as easy as drinking water?

Xiao Yan grumbled to himself.

Qi Fire coiled around his arm like a snake. Compared to yesterday, it had grown a little thicker and looked fiercer, gradually taking on an imposing air.

"Right, time to find Xiao Yi Xian."

Xiao Yan tidied up, changed into the black fighting clothes he had worn yesterday, and headed straight for the Myriad Medicine Pavilion.

"Over here..."

Xiao Yi Xian was already waiting. Dressed in a snow-white gown, she had removed her veil to reveal her stunning, gentle face. She rose onto her toes and waved to Xiao Yan.

"Who's that guy? How did he get Xiao Yi Xian so excited?"

"He's new. I think his name's Xiao Yan? Anyway, I heard he's pretty strong, maybe at the peak of Dou Zhe."

"You're kidding. That wet-behind-the-ears brat is stronger than the Wolf Head Mercenary Group's third-in-command?"

"..."

Smack!

"Ow..."

At the sharp sound, Xiao Yi Xian's red lips parted and she stared at Xiao Yan in astonishment. He wrapped an arm around her slender waist with a smile and murmured, "If you want me to be your shield against Mu Li, you'll have to give me something worthwhile in return."

"..." Xiao Yi Xian clenched her teeth. Then she saw Mu Li across from them, eyes red and looking ready to devour someone. She tightened her pale fists and forced herself to endure it.

Their partnership had never been entirely sincere. Both had their own schemes.

"Xiao Yi Xian, are you heading into the Magical Beast Mountain Range with someone? The Wolf Head Mercenary Group happens to be going in too. Why don't you come with us?" Mu Li suppressed his anger, walked over, and forced a smile for her.

"No, thank you, Young Master Mu Li. My... friend and I will be fine on our own." Xiao Yi Xian smiled and waved off the offer.

"I see." Mu Li's face darkened further. He gave Xiao Yi Xian a long look. "Then take care on the road."

Only after the two disappeared from sight did Mu Li finally let his anger show. "So that's why Xiao Yi Xian closed her doors yesterday. He came to see her."

"Young master, we should head out too." A burly mercenary beside him grinned lecherously and drew a finger across his throat. "Kill the man, and save the woman for you..."

"Get my second uncle. Better to play it safe. I've heard that little bastard isn't simple," Mu Li said with a cold snort.

The Magical Beast Forest.

Green trees cast shade all around. Xiao Yan's strong constitution kept him looking fresh, but Xiao Yi Xian was breathing lightly. She stopped again, put one hand on her hip, and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of the other.

She looked so delicate that it was hard not to feel protective of her.

"Want me to carry you?" Xiao Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes!"

Xiao Yi Xian had meant to refuse, but then she remembered how Xiao Yan had taken advantage of her earlier. Compared with that, carrying her on his back was nothing...

She could not help glaring at Xiao Yan, but she obediently held out both arms.