A Mosquito's Leg

The atmosphere inside the inn was oppressive.

"Damn it! I'm so angry!" Yun Qian slammed her hand on the table, her pretty face still flushed red. "He's just a local bully, how dare he humiliate us like this!"

"Calm down," Yun Han said in a deep voice, but his expression was equally grim. "That Ma San is indeed stronger than us, and... this is Land of Chaos, not the imperial palace."

"So what do we do now?" Yun Qian, somewhat discouraged. "Do we really have to go and brave that City of Chaos ourselves?"

Qu Yutang, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up, "We still need a guide."

She calmly analyzed, "Ma San's words were harsh, but he was right about one thing. The waters of City of Chaos run deep. We're new here, and without someone familiar with the area to guide us, we'll find it difficult to move an inch, and might even invite bigger trouble."

Upon hearing this, Yun Qian and Yun Han both fell silent. They knew that what Qu Yutang said was true.

Finally, Yun Qian could only reluctantly nod. "Alright... let's find another one! This time, we must find someone honest!"

The three returned to the town, and after careful screening and inquiries, they finally found a middle-aged Grandmaster looked rather honest and unassuming, named Wang Shi.

After some haggling, the two parties finally reached an agreement on a price of three low-grade spirit stones.

"Master Wang, this is a deposit of one spirit stone." Yun Qian reluctantly handed over a low-grade spirit stone, emphasizing, "The remaining two can be paid in full once we safely arrive in City of Chaos."

"Of course, of course!" Wang Shi accepted the spirit stones, a simple and honest smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, you three, with me, Old Wang, here, I guarantee I'll get you safely to your destination!"

As Yun Qian and her group of four left Stopover Town, they were unaware that three ghostly figures had silently followed them from a distance.

It was Ma San and his two companions.

"Hehe, Old Ma, you're really something! Knowing these virgins, you'd definitely find another cheap one!"

"Of course!" Ma San's eyes flashed with a venomous glint. "Once they've gone a little further, we'll make our move! Then, not only will their spirit stones be ours, but those two girls will be ours too!"

And they didn't find it either.

Dongfang Yueming had just entered, took in everything.

He watched Yun Qian and the other two leave, then glanced at the three ill-intentioned Grandmaster, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

[Since it's offered up so readily, might as well take advantage of it.]

With a swift movement, he followed silently, like a ghost.

On the official road, Wang Shi's expression grew increasingly solemn.

"You three, hurry up!" he urged. "I have this feeling... a bit uneasy."

Upon hearing this, Yun Qian and the other two were startled and immediately activated their inner energy, quickening their pace.

However, just as they were about to pass through a dense forest, three figures filled with mockery and murderous intent descended from the sky and blocked their path!

"Wang Shi, leave these three fat sheep here!" Ma San grinned maliciously, his gaze sweeping unabashedly over the graceful figures of Yun Qian and Qu Yutang.

"Ma San?! It's you!" Wang Shi's face instantly turned extremely ugly!

"Brother! What do we do?!" Yun Qian's heart leaped into her throat!

"Don't be afraid!" Yun Han shielded his sister behind him, drew his longsword, and unleashed the aura of Grandmaster. "Master Wang, let's join forces and fight them!"

"Alright!" Wang Shi knew that there was no way to resolve this matter peacefully, and he could only grit his teeth and fight back!

The battle erupted instantly!

Although Yun Qian Bufan talented, her cultivation level was still shallow, making her unable to participate in battles at the Grandmaster level; she could only do her best to protect herself.

Wang Shi and Yun Han, under the combined attack of the three, were forced to retreat steadily and faced constant danger!

"Master Wang!" Yun Qian called out anxiously.

Wang Shi inwardly groaned, a hint of retreat flashing in his eyes.

Just then, Ma San's seductive voice rang in his ears.

"Wang Shi! Don't risk your life for these newbies! Let's join forces and take them down first! Then, we'll split the spirit stones on them 40/60! You can have one of these two girls too, how about it?!"

These words, like the whispers of the devil, sent a shiver down Wang Shi's spine!

He glanced at the anxious Yun Qian, then at Ma San and his companion whose attacks were becoming increasingly fierce, and the struggle in his eyes became more and more obvious.

Upon seeing this, Ma San was overjoyed!

Yun Qian and Yun Han, on the other hand, were completely plunged into despair!

At this critical moment!

A calm voice, seemingly coming from the heavens, resounded clearly in everyone's ears.

"Three ants dare to try and rob people on the road?"

Ma San and the others were startled and turned around abruptly!

A figure suddenly appeared, perched atop a tree not far away.

The moment Yun Qian saw that figure, her despairing eyes burst forth with unparalleled joy and brilliance!

Ma San scoffed dismissively.

[Where did this brat come from, daring to meddle in other people's business?]

He said coldly, "Kid, so young? I advise you not to court death! Unless..."

A cruel glint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

"... You are a master of Innate strength!"