Gazing at the almost ruined courtyard below, Little Healer Immortal finally recovered from her shock after a long moment. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with a bit of wonder as she stared at the youth carrying a heavy ruler. Gently stroking the feathers of the Blue Eagle, she then steered it, slowly circling and landing in the courtyard. With a light leap off the eagle’s back, Little Healer Immortal approached Xiao Yan. Looking towards where Mu She had flown, she softly asked, “How is he?”
“At least severely injured.” Smiling slightly, Xiao Yan suddenly coughed violently, pressing his hand tightly over his mouth. After a moment, blood appeared in his palm.
“Are you alright?” Seeing Xiao Yan’s pale face, Little Healer Immortal quickly patted his back, asking with concern.
“No major issues, just exhausted,” he shrugged nonchalantly. Then, he waved his hand towards the dusty corner. A gust of wind swept away the dust, revealing a pile of rubble. Xiao Yan gazed at the body twitching under the debris, his dark eyes showing no emotion. Coughing lightly again, he slowly dragged his heavy ruler, coming to the side of the debris. With a loud bang, the ruler smashed away a piece of stone, revealing Mu She, whose face was ashen and who looked extremely haggard.
“Sorry, you lost.”
Mu She, whose legs were now broken, had a terrifyingly pale face, and his breathing was becoming fainter and fainter. Clearly, he was on the brink of death. “Little brat, I underestimated you!” A weak voice came from Mu She’s lips, filled with unmitigated malice despite its low volume.
Xiao Yan smiled lightly but did not respond, his gaze remaining indifferent, showing no pity for Mu She’s current state.
“Boy, if I ever get the chance, I’ll make you wish you were dead!” Understanding that Xiao Yan would not show any sympathy, Mu She’s words were devoid of pleading, instead filled with a sinister intent.
“I think you won’t have that chance,” Xiao Yan said coldly, bending down to search Mu She. After a while, he returned empty-handed and tilted his head, asking, “Where is the Xuan rank Dou Technique you got from the stone box?”
“Heh, interested in it? Too bad, if I die, you’ll never get it.” Struggling to lift his head, a sinister smile spread across Mu She’s face. Seeing Xiao Yan’s actions, he seemed to think he had something to bargain with.
Nodding slightly, Xiao Yan straightened up, shrugging helplessly. After a moment of silence, he suddenly smiled, “In that case… you can go to hell.”
As soon as he spoke, Xiao Yan’s face turned grim, and he brought the heavy ruler down hard on Mu She’s chest.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s swift action, Mu She’s eyes flashed with horror and fear. He hadn’t expected Xiao Yan to be willing to give up the allure of the Xuan rank Dou Technique.
“Spare me, I’ll tell you where the Xuan rank Dou Technique is hidden. We can wipe the slate clean of our past grievances!”
Under the shadow of death, Mu She shouted hoarsely.
“No need. Compared to the Xuan rank Dou Technique, I dislike being remembered by some venomous, cold-blooded creatures more.” Grinning coldly, Xiao Yan mercilessly smashed the ruler onto Mu She’s chest with all his might.
With a muffled thud, Mu She’s eyes bulged, and his body sank deeply. A mouthful of blood mixed with fragments of his organs spewed from his mouth. His eyes fixed on the young man before him, filled with venom, Mu She finally collapsed, his life rapidly fading away.
Looking at the cold corpse curled in the rubble, Xiao Yan closed his eyes and exhaled, then turned and walked towards Little Healer Immortal not far away.
“Let’s go, Mu She is dead. The Wolf Head Mercenary Corps no longer has a leader. The group will disband, just like the monkeys dispersing when the tree falls…”
Reaching Little Healer Immortal, Xiao Yan’s face showed a hint of fatigue, and he said softly.
“Alright.” Nodding softly, Little Healer Immortal scanned the surroundings. The remaining mercenaries, having lost their will to fight with Mu She’s death, fled in all directions, pale and frightened, as if they feared Xiao Yan would hunt them down.
Sighing, Little Healer Immortal saw that all past grudges had dissipated with Mu She’s death. Pouting her rosy lips, she murmured, “It’s time to leave…”
Turning around, Little Healer Immortal carefully helped Xiao Yan onto the Blue Eagle’s back, then leaped up herself. With a wave of her hand, the Blue Eagle let out a screech and slowly soared into the sky, circling once before flying swiftly away, disappearing into the blue sky.
Not long after Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal left, the news of Mu She’s death spread like wildfire through the entire Green Mountain Town. Everyone was shocked, especially when they learned that the one who killed Mu She was the same young man who had been chased deep into the Magic Beast Mountains days ago. The astonishment turned to terror.
A young man, seemingly under twenty, had managed to kill all three of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps’ leaders. This harsh reality made many feel ashamed.
The death of Mu She also marked the disbandment of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps. Without a leader, this once dominant force in Green Mountain Town gradually fell into disrepute, all because of a single young man.
Of course, the fate of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps held no significance for Xiao Yan. Green Mountain Town was merely the starting point of his journey. Perhaps, in the future, when he finished his rigorous training, he would occasionally think of the small town nestled beneath the Magic Beast Mountains, where he experienced his first deadly pursuit.
After leaving Green Mountain Town, Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal did not rush to cross the Magic Beast Mountains. Instead, guided by Little Healer Immortal, they arrived at a place abundant in energy.
Xiao Yan was familiar with this place; it was the basin full of medicinal herbs where he had accompanied a herbalist team. This time, led by Little Healer Immortal, they flew directly to the depths of the basin from high above.
Landing slowly in the heart of the basin, the thick energy in the air made Xiao Yan take a deep, joyful breath, immediately invigorating his spirits.
“What do you think? Is this place good? This little valley is completely isolated, and the dense fog overhead makes it very hidden. If Xiaolan hadn’t stumbled upon it, I doubt I would have discovered such a wondrous place,” Little Healer Immortal said with a hint of pride, seeing Xiao Yan’s astonished expression.
“Indeed, it’s great.” Nodding in agreement, Xiao Yan scanned the valley filled with a light mist of energy. To his delight, he found that various rare medicinal herbs grew within the valley, their fragrances mingling with the mist, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
“Let’s stay here for a while? I need to prepare some herbs for my Seven Colored Poison Scripture, and this place has everything I need…” Turning to look at Xiao Yan, Little Healer Immortal suggested.
“No problem,” Xiao Yan readily agreed. Such a perfect place for cultivation was not easy to come by, and he planned to become a Dou Shi here.
Although the valley was isolated, relying on the Blue Eagle and his own skills, he wasn’t worried about escaping if needed.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s agreement, Little Healer Immortal nodded cheerfully, whistling to the Blue Eagle, allowing it to fly freely. She then led Xiao Yan to a corner of the valley, pointing to a small grass hut. “I built this before. We can stay here during our time here.”
“Hehe, though it’s a grass hut, it’s quite enjoyable to live with a beauty,” Xiao Yan grinned, glancing at the hut and then at Little Healer Immortal’s flawless profile.
Blushing, Little Healer Immortal gave him a playful glare and waved her small fist, saying, “Don’t think just because I’m weaker, you can do whatever you want.”
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dare to mess with someone who could poison me without me knowing,” Xiao Yan chuckled.
“Hmph,” pouting, Little Healer Immortal waved goodbye, “I’m going to gather herbs. Feel free to explore around.”
With that, she turned and walked towards the distant medicinal plants. Xiao Yan watched her leave, then headed in the opposite direction, murmuring, “Teacher, is this place okay?”
“Strange topography, it’s rare to find so many precious herbs growing together in such abundance. And the energy here is very pure, perfect for your cultivation. I think after a month or two here, you should be able to become a true Dou Shi,” Elder Pharmacist’s voice echoed from the ring.
“A Dou Shi, huh?” Pausing, Xiao Yan looked up at the misty sky above the valley, “It’s been half a year since I left, and the three-year agreement is less than a year away.”
“Yes, try to speed things up. Your training in the Magic Beast Mountains is almost done. Your next stop is the Tagor Desert. It will be even tougher and more dangerous there,” Elder Pharmacist’s laughter carried a hint of amusement.
Shaking his head, Xiao Yan sighed, “Have I not suffered enough already?”
“Hehe, focus on your cultivation. The Tagor Desert is dangerous, but the snake women there are unique. Maybe you’ll get lucky and acquire a snake woman as a slave. Hehe…”
Rolling his eyes, Xiao Yan ignored the disrespectful Elder Pharmacist and continued to explore the valley. For the next period, he would cultivate here in peace, until he became a true Dou Shi!
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