Treasure hunting

"Xiao Yi Xian, where did you go? If you hadn't come back soon, I would have sent people out to look for you."

When they returned to camp, Mu Li eagerly approached Xiao Yi Xian, showing great concern for her.

"Nothing much. I just found a medicinal herb and spent some time gathering it," Xiao Yi Xian said casually, her tone flat.

Just then, Xiao Yan slowly emerged behind her, making Mu Li's expression shift slightly. "And who might this young fellow be?"

"Oh, he's one of the mercenary guards. We happened to run into each other." Having said that, Xiao Yi Xian addressed Mu Li. "Young Master Mu Li, the group should have rested enough by now. It's getting late, so we should hurry on and make camp at our destination."

The young man named Mu Li nodded and stepped aside to let Xiao Yi Xian pass.

But when Xiao Yan approached, he suddenly extended an arm, blocking his path.

"You're that two-star Dou Zhe from earlier, aren't you? No, you should be a four-star Dou Zhe. You're very talented, possessing such strength at your age. Would you be interested in joining our Wolf Head Mercenary Group?

"After all, here in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, a lone man's strength is always limited. If we huddle together for warmth, our chances of survival will be that much greater.

"And our Wolf Head Mercenary Group offers excellent benefits to outstanding members. What do you think? Care to consider it?"

Mu Li smiled, appearing thoroughly amiable.

"Thanks, Young Master Mu Li, but I'm too used to roaming free. I prefer coming and going alone, so I won't get involved with your affairs."

Xiao Yan refused without a second thought. What a joke. I'd have to be out of my mind to join a group whose leader is merely a Dou Shi.

Mu Li wasn't angry at Xiao Yan's refusal. He smiled again. "It's perfectly understandable if you haven't made up your mind yet. But if you ever change your mind, our Wolf Head Mercenary Group will always welcome you."

Xiao Yan slipped around Mu Li and headed toward the camp.

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating back, Mu Li showed little change in expression. Only a trace of icy malice flashed in his eyes. Those who accomplished great things had to keep their joy and anger off their faces.

The mercenaries set off again and, under Xiao Yi Xian's guidance, soon arrived at a basin.

Flowers bloomed everywhere, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was exceptionally rich. Among the flowers were all kinds of rare medicinal herbs.

Unfortunately, Xiao Yan knew nothing about medicinal herbs and could only sense that these plants were somewhat unusual.

"Let's make camp here. Be careful not to damage the medicinal herbs."

Xiao Yi Xian gently wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead and spoke softly.

Her words gave the mercenaries a tremendous boost. Everyone immediately began setting up camp, and white tents rose one after another within the basin.

Xiao Yan stood at the basin's entrance, gazing into the distance. From this point onward, the spiritual energy grew noticeably denser.

That also meant this was the boundary between the outskirts and the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Perhaps what he sought lay farther inside.

However, Xiao Yan didn't recklessly venture deeper. Once he entered the depths, the creatures he encountered might no longer be merely first-tier magical beasts. He needed to prepare thoroughly beforehand.

And most importantly, he still hadn't obtained the treasures in that cave.

Once the tents were set up, the mercenaries lit fires and began cooking. Soon, the aroma of food drifted throughout the camp.

Although Xiao Yan was the youngest, his easygoing nature and considerable strength soon allowed him to mingle with the mercenaries, chatting about anything and everything.

Aside from boasting about their past experiences and the things they had seen, these men talked most often about women.

They even "thoughtfully" told Xiao Yan how to size women up.

For example, women with large hips were good at bearing children, while women with moles in certain places had stronger desires.

Fortunately, Xiao Yan had already lived two lives. A few dirty jokes weren't enough to embarrass him.

When night fell, the mercenaries entered their tents to rest, leaving only a small number to take turns keeping watch.

Xiao Yan volunteered for the first watch, occasionally keeping an eye on Xiao Yi Xian's tent.

As soon as she makes a move, I'll follow her.

However, Xiao Yi Xian was in no hurry to act. Even after Xiao Yan's shift ended, she remained in her tent.

As the night deepened, even the mercenaries on watch began to grow drowsy.

After determining where the mercenaries were stationed, Xiao Yi Xian nimbly slipped past all their lines of sight, sneaking out of her tent and heading into the distance.

Xiao Yan followed closely behind. His movements were faster and lighter, making him even harder for the other mercenaries to spot.

Just like that, the two raced toward the cave, one behind the other.

Xiao Yan was brimming with excitement. A person's first treasure hunt was always especially thrilling.

Soon, they reached the cliff again. This time, Xiao Yi Xian had come fully prepared. She lit two torches and took out two sturdy leather cords.

"Take these. You're a grown man, so you lead the way."

Xiao Yan accepted the torch but not the leather cord. "Sure. If you're not afraid I'll pocket everything myself, I'll go first."

"You!"

Xiao Yan's words left Xiao Yi Xian speechless. She had intended to have him go ahead and clear away any dangers along the route.

But this fellow seemed to have guessed her intentions. More importantly, he could use his movement skills to leap down, treating the jutting rocks as steps. If she descended using a rope made from the leather cords, who knew how long it would take?

By then, Xiao Yan might have taken everything inside. Wouldn't she be left wanting to cry but unable to shed a tear?

"Fine, then we'll go down together!"

At Xiao Yi Xian's words, Xiao Yan spread his arms. "Come on. I'll hold you and jump down."

Seeing the sly look on Xiao Yan's face, Xiao Yi Xian was deeply reluctant. But if she refused, he really might keep the entire treasure for himself.

"I'm warning you, keep your hands to yourself, or I'll poison you to death!"

Along with Xiao Yi Xian's threat, a fragrant breeze washed over him, followed by her soft body pressing against his.

Judging from her movements, however, she was tense all over, and one hand was already clutching a packet of green powder.

Xiao Yan had noticed all of this long ago, but he didn't expose her. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her slender, willow-like waist.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. This waist really is exquisite."

His remark left Xiao Yi Xian both embarrassed and annoyed. "Will you hurry up and go!"

"Sorry, sorry. With a beauty in my arms, I couldn't quite keep my feelings in check for a moment."

Then Xiao Yan tightened his grip, holding Xiao Yi Xian closer and pressing her body firmly against his before beginning to leap

downward.

The jutting rocks were spaced very unevenly. Some were large enough for two people to stand side by side, while others had room for only a single foot.

Yet none of them posed a challenge to Xiao Yan now. Even with Xiao Yi Xian in his arms, he could land steadily on every rock.

They continued leaping downward like this. After descending more than a dozen ledges and passing through a concealing patch of shrubs, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian landed safely in a clearing before the cave entrance.