In the pitch-black stone chamber, over a dozen figures slowly emerged from the darkness outside, blocking the stone door tightly. A figure walked out from behind and was illuminated by the moonlight stone, revealing his face—Mu Li, the young leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps. His eyes first swept over the piles of glittering gold coins inside the stone chamber. Greed flashed in his eyes as he licked his lips and glanced at the opened stone box. He smiled and said, “Sorry to disturb you.”
Tightening his grip on the key, Xiao Yan’s expression turned grim. Glancing at Little Healer Immortal, who had her eyebrows furrowed, he coldly said to Mu Li, “You were following us?”
“Not exactly following. A few days ago, I received information that Little Healer Immortal had found this treasure cave, but I didn’t know its exact location… so…” Mu Li shrugged with a smile.
“How did you get the information? I only mentioned it to my assistant Riffi. Did you bribe her?” Little Healer Immortal’s pretty face first showed a hint of confusion, followed by a surge of anger.
“Ha, that woman is quite foolish. With just a little sweet talk, she spilled everything,” Mu Li smiled without denying the accusation.
“You scoundrel!” Little Healer Immortal, with her brows furrowed, scolded him.
“Sorry, these things are too important for our Wolf Head Mercenary Corps. If we obtain them, we can easily swallow up all the forces in Qing Shan Town and then have the qualifications and strength to expand outward. My ambitions are not confined to this small town,” Mu Li said calmly.
“Hand over the items, Little Healer Immortal. You should know how I feel about you. If you follow me, once I take control of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps, I will never mistreat you!” Mu Li’s gaze was filled with deep emotion as he softened his tone.
“Follow you? Even talking to you now makes me feel sick!” Little Healer Immortal’s rosy lips curled in derision, and her voice was biting. It seemed that Mu Li’s action of bribing her companion had truly infuriated her.
Mu Li laughed, a chill flashing in his eyes. He said softly, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll keep you by my side by force.”
Turning his gaze to Xiao Yan, who was silent, Mu Li smiled and said, “I told you to join the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps before, but you refused. Now, even if you want to, it’s too late.”
“A mercenary corps without even a Great Fighter dares to be so arrogant?” Xiao Yan felt his nose and sneered, shaking his head.
“At least killing you would be very easy,” Mu Li smiled, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
“Hand over the items, and I’ll leave your body intact.” Mu Li crossed his arms, glaring at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan’s mouth twitched, his eyes scanning the rank badges on the chests of the mercenaries blocking the stone door. These mercenaries were around the four to five-star level, and Mu Li himself was at the six-star level.
Calculating the opposing forces, Xiao Yan’s heart sank. At most, he could handle a four-star Fighter, but if he took out his black heavy sword, he might hold off a six-star Fighter for a while. But with more than ten strong mercenaries blocking the door, if surrounded, Xiao Yan would likely be killed.
“Teacher?” Xiao Yan called in his mind, but there was no response. He could only shake his head bitterly. It seemed impossible to get the Elder Pharmacist to help.
Mu Li, with his arms crossed, stood in the middle of the stone door, watching Xiao Yan’s rapidly changing expression with amusement. Suddenly, he felt a sense of pleasure, like a cat playing with a mouse.
“Although you’re talented, your wings are still soft. Honestly, I’m quite afraid of your future revenge, so to prevent this, you must die here today!” Mu Li tapped his arm, smiling. From a young age, his father had warned him: if he ever offended anyone, he must eliminate them completely, leaving no chance for retaliation.
Xiao Yan glared at Mu Li, his eyes narrowing. For years, he had been the one bullying others, and he had never faced such a situation where he was about to be cornered.
“You’re right. If I get out, I’ll make sure the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps is in chaos,” Xiao Yan said with a cold smirk.
“I admire your courage to show hostility to me in this situation, but it only strengthens my resolve to keep you here permanently,” Mu Li smiled, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Xiao Yan raised his eyes, his own eyes gleaming with a similar deadly aura.
As Xiao Yan thought about how to break out, his hand behind his back suddenly moved, something being slipped into his palm. His eyes narrowed, and he subtly clenched his hand, glancing at Little Healer Immortal next to him.
“This is the sleeping powder from before,” Little Healer Immortal’s red lips moved slightly, her voice barely audible.
Xiao Yan nodded, quickly scanning the walls of the stone chamber. He noticed the three moonlight stones emitting a faint glow and had an idea.
“Stay close to me!” Xiao Yan ordered in a low, serious voice.
“Okay.” Little Healer Immortal nodded obediently, placing all her hopes on Xiao Yan.
“Do it! Kill that boy, but don’t hurt Little Healer Immortal. She’s my future wife!” Mu Li barked, waving his hand.
“Yes!” The mercenaries behind him immediately split into groups, five of them charging at Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal.
Seeing that the five mercenaries were still blocking the door, Xiao Yan frowned. Their caution made things difficult.
“Bang!” Xiao Yan threw a small bag of powder into the air, which exploded, spreading the powder throughout the chamber.
“Hold your breaths! Block the door, don’t let them through! Ma Si, attack them!” Mu Li’s face changed, and he shouted orders.
The mercenaries quickly calmed down, drawing their weapons and charging at Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal.
Xiao Yan pulled Little Healer Immortal, retreating swiftly. His hand reached out, grabbing the moonlight stone from the wall and stuffing it into his storage ring. The light in the chamber dimmed. Quickly, he retrieved the other two moonlight stones, and the chamber plunged into darkness.
In the sudden darkness, Xiao Yan pulled Little Healer Immortal and charged towards the door.
“Don’t panic! Get your flints ready! Don’t move! Remember, anyone who comes near the door, kill them!” Mu Li’s face darkened, but he shouted orders to calm the mercenaries.
The mercenaries stabilized, and some with flints began to light them. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past, and a powerful hand slammed into their chests, knocking several of them to the ground.
“He’s coming! Stop him!” One of the attacked mercenaries shouted.
Mu Li’s face darkened again. He stepped back, blocking the door, and said, “Stop him!”
A burst of powerful energy shot out, almost blowing away the mercenaries. Taking advantage of the moment, Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal slipped out, already moving towards the exit.
“Little Commander, they’re coming after you!” The mercenaries yelled to Mu Li.
Mu Li’s eyes narrowed, and he spread his legs, blocking the narrow passage. Green energy swirled around his fists, turning them wooden-like. “Let’s see how a two-star Fighter like you can push me back!”
With a cold laugh, Mu Li tossed a night pearl forward, illuminating the area. Two shadows leaped over, and in the dim light, Mu Li saw the deadly intent on the boy’s face.
“Back off!” Mu Li’s fists, glowing green, slammed towards Xiao Yan.
“Xuan Ji Dou Qi: Mu Zhi Ying Hua!” Xiao Yan’s face stung from the incoming energy. He gritted his teeth, gripping his giant black sword. He roared, and the sword flew out, sliding into his storage ring.
Xiao Yan’s speed skyrocketed, and his qi surged through his meridians. For the first time, he unleashed his full power, his veins bulging, and immense energy gathered in his fists.
Sensing the surging qi, Xiao Yan’s face twisted with a fierce battle intent. He glared at the approaching Mu Li, his qi flowing through his techniques.
“Eight Extremes Collapse!” Xiao Yan’s mental shout made his sleeves tighten. The soft fabric became as hard as steel. His fists, brimming with energy, struck out.
“Bang!” The two fists collided, creating a thunderous boom in the narrow passage.
Mu Li’s face paled, surprised by Xiao Yan’s sudden boost in power. “I’ll stop him! Kill him! No matter the cost!” Mu Li roared, his voice filled with cold fury.
Xiao Yan’s current strength startled Mu Li. He couldn’t believe that this boy, so young, could match a six-star Fighter. If left alive, the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps would suffer a devastating blow.
Thinking of the future, Mu Li’s heart surged with killing intent. Hearing his order, Xiao Yan’s lips curled in a cold, mocking smile. “Explode!”
“Bang!” A muffled sound erupted from within Mu Li, and he spat out blood, his body swaying.
“Go!” Xiao Yan resisted the urge to kill Mu Li and grabbed Little Healer Immortal, rushing out of the cave.
As Xiao Yan fled, the mercenaries rushed out, seeing Mu Li pale and bloodied. They were shocked; their six-star commander had been defeated by a boy?
“Idiots, go after them! Kill them! Signal the ambush above to intercept them!” Mu Li, spitting more blood, roared in rage.
“Yes!” The mercenaries snapped out of their shock and rushed after Xiao Yan.
Supporting himself against the wall, Mu Li exhaled heavily, his eyes flashing with malice. He pounded the rock, growling, “Little bastard, don’t let me catch you, or I’ll make you beg for death!”
Xiao Yan and Little Healer Immortal continued to rush out, Xiao Yan’s fist dripping with blood. Since learning the hidden power of Eight Extremes Collapse, this was the first time he used it in combat. The effect was unexpectedly good, but the confrontation with Mu Li also left him injured.
“Mu Li’s cunning means there are more Wolf Head Mercenaries waiting above,” Little Healer Immortal gasped, warning Xiao Yan.
“We need to climb the cliff to escape into the forest, or we’ll be dead,” Xiao Yan said grimly.
“After we go out, don’t climb. If they cut the rope, we’ll fall to our deaths,” Xiao Yan said, frowning.
Biting her lip, Little Healer Immortal decided, “I can take us out.”
Xiao Yan’s heart stirred, and he nodded. Little Healer Immortal pulled out a bamboo flute, blew into it, and a strange sound echoed through the cliffside tunnel.
“What are you doing?” Xiao Yan asked, intrigued.
“Calling my partner. A one-star Blue Eagle,” Little Healer Immortal smiled mischievously.
“A flying beast?” Xiao Yan was surprised.
When Little Healer Immortal nodded, joy spread across Xiao Yan’s face. This was their salvation.
“Pity, the last stone box remains unopened,” Little Healer Immortal said, a bit regretful.
“Forget it. We’ll come back for it later,” Xiao Yan said, his face cold. “Heh, I was worried about a tedious cultivation, but he’s brought me some fun. Alright, Wolf Head Mercenary Corps, I’ll make you pay during my stay in the Beast Mountains!”
They ran through the dark tunnel, the moonlight growing brighter. Suddenly, they saw the sky, stars, and the large silver moon. At the cliff, Xiao Yan saw many figures patrolling with torches.
“Sure enough, he kept a backup,” Xiao Yan cursed, pressing his ear to the ground. “The pursuers are coming. Where’s your flying beast?”
Little Healer Immortal scanned the sky and blew the flute again, sending another wave of sound.
“Screech!” A sharp cry pierced the night, and in the moonlight, Xiao Yan saw a blue eagle flying towards them.
When the eagle arrived, Little Healer Immortal breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s go.”
Nodding, Xiao Yan turned, seeing the figures in the cave. Smiling coldly, he wrapped his arm around Little Healer Immortal’s waist and jumped onto the blue eagle.
“Xiao Lan, hurry!” Little Healer Immortal urged the eagle, who flapped its wings and took off.
“Shoot it down!” The mercenaries shouted, and arrows rained down, but the eagle, with a strong gust of wind, knocked them aside.
Holding onto the eagle, Xiao Yan relaxed, feeling the wind. Little Healer Immortal, with her hair blown, gently stroked the eagle, saying, “We’re safe now.”
Xiao Yan sighed, his body slumping, exhausted from the intense fight. He looked down at the rapidly retreating trees, his heart pounding. He had never flown so high.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Xiao Yan turned to Little Healer Immortal, asking, “Where are we going?”
Brushing her hair, Little Healer Immortal said, “Back to the herb-gathering team.”
“Going back? What if Mu Li goes there too?” Xiao Yan asked, surprised.
“Once back, he won’t dare do anything,” Little Healer Immortal smiled. “And in Qing Shan Town, no one will dare to harm me. The power of the Medicine Hall is no less than the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps, and the leaders of the other two mercenary corps owe me favors.”
“Alright, then go your way,” Xiao Yan nodded, understanding her influence.
“And you?” Little Healer Immortal asked, smiling.
“I won’t go back. I don’t have your reputation, and Mu Li will try to kill me,” Xiao Yan said, clutching the eagle’s feathers. “I can’t return to Qing Shan Town. I’ll train in the Beast Mountains and then… I’ll settle accounts with the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps.”
“Be careful, the leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps is a two-star Fighter,” Little Healer Immortal warned seriously.
“Don’t worry, I’ve seen Fighters before,” Xiao Yan waved dismissively. “I’ll be fine.”
Little Healer Immortal nodded, and the eagle flew towards the mountains. The ride was quiet, both relishing the thrill of their escape.
“Good job, kid. You managed to escape with minimal cost, impressing me,” the Elder Pharmacist’s satisfied voice echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind.
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, “I thought you were gone.”
“Ha, a bit of danger is good for growth. How did it feel to be free?” the Elder Pharmacist chuckled.
“Good, I guess,” Xiao Yan said, touching his nose.
“Want to get back at them?” the Elder Pharmacist’s voice was sly.
“Have I ever let anyone get away? That bastard wants me dead, so I won’t let him live in peace,” Xiao Yan said, his eyes cold.
“Good. That girl said the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps’ leader is a two-star Fighter, so you need to become a Fighter soon,” the Elder Pharmacist said.
“Of course, I’ll train in the Beast Mountains, no matter how hard the training,” Xiao Yan said, shrugging.
“Great, I’ll make sure you become a Fighter with no side effects,” the Elder Pharmacist laughed, pleased by Xiao Yan’s determination.
The eagle landed on a mountain top. “This is where the herb-gathering team is. I’ll leave you here. Leave when it’s light, okay?” Little Healer Immortal smiled.
“Sure,” Xiao Yan nodded, thanking her. “Until next time, though it might be a long wait.”
“Alright,” Little Healer Immortal nodded, hesitating before giving Xiao Yan a small bag of medicine powder. “These aren’t very potent, but they’ll protect you.”
Xiao Yan accepted the warm powder, touched. He and Little Healer Immortal had met by chance, and he had even taken half of her treasure. Though he saved her, he knew any man would do the same in such a situation.
Smiling, Xiao Yan nodded, waving goodbye and walking into the dark forest. “See you. Next time, I’ll destroy that lousy mercenary corps.”
“Ha, I’ll be waiting,” Little Healer Immortal winked.
Watching Xiao Yan disappear, Little Healer Immortal turned to the camp below, her eyes cold. “Mu Li, you’d better watch out. A woman’s grudge is much deeper than you think.”
Jumping back onto the eagle, she descended to the camp. The first rays of dawn illuminated the white tents. Waking up, Little Healer Immortal heard the commotion and familiar, nauseating voice. Her lips curled in a cold smile, and she lazily got dressed and walked out.
Outside, seven or eight mercenaries stood guard. Seeing Little Healer Immortal, they bowed.
“Ha, Mu Li, why are you barging into my tent so early?” Little Healer Immortal smiled, turning to Mu Li, whose face was sour.
“Nothing, just wanted to get you moving. Time’s not on our side,” Mu Li’s eyes scanned behind her, noticing Xiao Yan’s absence.
Nodding, Little Healer Immortal dismissed the mercenaries and faced Mu Li. “Mu Li, a good plan, but the mantis caught the cicada, and the oriole was behind, indeed.”
“Unfortunately, the mantis was too cunning,” Mu Li’s smile was icy. “I know I can’t touch you here, but I want Xiao Yan. Hand him over, and I won’t trouble you.”
“He’s gone,” Little Healer Immortal shrugged, smiling.
“Gone?” Mu Li’s face darkened.
“Did you think he’d be stupid enough to return to the camp?” Little Healer Immortal mocked, looking at the mercenaries. “As long as they’re here, you won’t dare to touch me.”
“Bastard!” Mu Li cursed, taking a deep breath. “Entering the Beast Mountains, he’ll die faster.”
Ignoring him, Little Healer Immortal’s lips curved, her eyes mocking. “Miss Little Healer, the herbs are almost ready. Should we head back?”
“Okay, let’s go,” Little Healer Immortal nodded, her eyes scanning the camp. “Gentlemen, the Wolf Head Mercenary Corps has had an accident. Will you take their place as close guards?”
The mercenaries eagerly agreed, rushing over.
Watching the mercenaries, Mu Li’s lips twitched. He knew Little Healer Immortal was guarding against him.
After organizing the guards, Little Healer Immortal turned to Mu Li. “Mu Li, Xiao Yan had a message for you. ‘He’ll be back.'”
Mu Li’s eyes narrowed, and he exhaled deeply, his eyes filled with killing intent. “Fine, if he survives the Beast Mountains, I’ll wait for him to come back for revenge!”
Mu Li stormed off, followed by his men. Watching him go, Little Healer Immortal’s smile faded, her eyes cold. She brushed her hair and looked at the mountain peak, where, in the morning light, Xiao Yan’s silhouette stood.
On the mountaintop, Xiao Yan watched the departing mercenaries, his hands clenching. “Bastard, I’ll remember this. Next time, I’ll make you pay double!”
Breathing in the fresh morning air, Xiao Yan turned, carrying his black sword, and walked into the dense forest. The true harsh training was about to begin.
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