Time slipped by, and before they knew it, more than half a month had passed. During that time, the group did not rashly venture into the other two dangerous locations. After all, the battle at the Red-Blue Bee Nest had been far too perilous; the slightest misstep could have left them in the bellies of magical beasts. Thus, they devoted themselves entirely to cultivation during those days, using their spare time to patrol and train in the outer reaches of the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts.
During that period, they encountered third- and fourth-level magical beasts several times. Yet these creatures no longer posed much of a threat to the group, whose strength had grown considerably, and instead became delicious meals that filled their stomachs. Day after day of tempering and training brought gradual yet significant improvements to everyone's strength.
Huohe led the way, successfully breaking through to the peak of a fifth-level warrior, just one step away from becoming a sixth-level warrior. Xifaman and Kelan Kai also performed brilliantly, both reaching the late fifth level; with a little more time to consolidate their gains, they stood a good chance of advancing smoothly to the sixth level. Shiheng, relying on his exceptional talent and tireless efforts, made tremendous progress and finally reached the peak of a fourth-level warrior-an astonishing achievement, considering that he was not yet fifteen! In addition, Nalan Ruoshui lived up to everyone's expectations and successfully advanced to a mid-fifth-level mage. Her younger sister, Nalan Jingyu, followed close behind, becoming an early-fifth-level mage, while even Kelin Xiaoman refused to fall behind, breaking through to become a mid-fourth-level mage in one go.
Seeing everyone's strength improve by leaps and bounds, Xifaman could not help remarking, "Just as I thought, fierce battles of this difficulty really are the fastest and most effective way to improve one's strength!" Everyone present was delighted and in particularly high spirits.
A cheerful, relaxed atmosphere surrounded the group. Having all grown much stronger through their life-and-death trials, each of them happily envisioned their own future.
Huohe gazed at the distant horizon over the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts, his eyes filled with certainty and anticipation for the future. He was the first to voice his thoughts. "Once I break through to become a sixth-level warrior, I'll return to my family's territory right away, inherit my title, marry a wife who suits me, and have children to carry on the bloodline of my Basik Family."
Hearing this, Xifaman could not resist teasing him with a laugh, his voice full of amusement. "You don't even know where your future wife is yet, and you're already planning to have children and carry on the family line. Aren't you thinking a little too far ahead?"
Everyone burst out laughing. Huohe's ears reddened slightly at the remark, and he instinctively turned his head, his gaze settling gently on Nalan Ruoshui beside him. In truth, during their days spent together, he had already fallen for this wind mage. Nalan Ruoshui had an air of calm serenity about her. At rest, she was gentle and demure, as quiet as a maiden, forming a graceful scene all her own without saying a word. In motion, she was nimble and lively as a darting hare, and all the more dazzling and poised when casting wind magic. Her temperament, too, had always been gentle and modest; everything about her drew him to her. But having been born into nobility, he was reserved and restrained by nature. Even with his heart full of admiration, he had never openly expressed his feelings.
When Huohe's gaze passed over her, Nalan Ruoshui's heart fluttered slightly. She instinctively lowered her eyes, concealing the faint stir of feeling in them. She, too, had grown fond of Huohe. He always remained calm and composed when trouble arose. No matter how dangerous the situation, he could stand at the forefront and shelter everyone, steadfast and reliable. He had a narrow waist, a broad back, and a tall, straight bearing, with an innate air of aristocratic composure. Yet he was always gentle and courteous toward others, putting them at ease like a spring breeze, without the slightest trace of arrogance or conceit. Such a man had long since quietly found a place in her heart. But a young woman's shyness had kept her, too, from voicing her feelings.
And so the two shared an unspoken understanding, neither breaking through the thin barrier between them. Yet Xifaman, Shiheng, Kelan Kai, and the others beside them had long since seen the hidden affection between the pair clearly. They exchanged knowing smiles; truly, those involved were blind to what onlookers could see.
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