Chapter 53: Wind Spirit Herb
Ssshh!
The sound of many footsteps broke the silence of the forest in the Monster Beast Mountain Range.
Xiao Yan walked slowly among the large group of nearly a hundred people, surrounded by mercenaries who kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings, constantly scanning the shadowy spots between the trees. Their hands tightly gripped the weapons at their waists, always ready to deal with any sudden situation.
As veterans who had spent many years in the Monster Beast Mountain Range, although this was their first time working together, they maintained basic coordination. Their glances exchanged signals that conveyed danger or safety.
However, Xiao Yan was the exception.
Because Xiao Yan had strong soul perception, areas that his eyes couldn't see could still be detected by his soul sense.
But constantly using his soul perception consumed too much energy, so Xiao Yan reduced the range of his detection to a five-meter radius around himself, checking intermittently.
This allowed him to ensure his own safety without depleting his soul energy too much.
After all, he was with the group, and if something were to happen, it would be the unlucky ones at the outskirts who would get into trouble first.
The life or death of the other mercenaries had nothing to do with him. They weren't his friends.
If it weren't for the inconvenience, Xiao Yan would have liked to sneak closer to Xiao Yixian. First, he could walk beside a beautiful girl—who would want to be squeezed in with a bunch of smelly mercenaries?
Second, Xiao Yixian was at the core of the group, receiving the most protection. Her side wasn't surrounded by regular mercenaries forming a random team but by the tightly organized Wolf Head Mercenary Group.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan turned his head to glance back at the heavily guarded Wan Yao Zhai herb-gathering team. His gaze casually swept over the group, finally landing on the white-dressed woman, who was surrounded as if by a constellation.
At that moment, Xiao Yixian slightly straightened her body, gently wiping the sweat from her forehead. She looked slightly out of breath, and combined with her delicate face and petite frame, she looked quite endearing.
Seeing this, many mercenaries who had been secretly eyeing Xiao Yixian could not help but wish they were carrying her toward their destination.
Of course, this was all in their minds. Xiao Yixian would never let them take advantage like that.
While everyone's gaze was focused on Xiao Yixian, a rather handsome young man walked out from the nearby guard team with a smile. He lowered his head and said something to Xiao Yixian, who looked a little tired.
After a brief conversation, Xiao Yixian smiled and shook her head before continuing to walk ahead.
Rejected by Xiao Yixian, the young man showed no signs of anger. He smiled lightly, waved his hand, and shouted:
"Wolf Head's men, pay attention! We're about to enter the Monster Beast Mountain Range, don't screw up now!"
"Yes, Young Team Leader!"
Hearing the young man's shout, the surrounding mercenaries immediately responded in unison. Their synchronized voices made everyone turn to look, even Xiao Yixian, who glanced back over her shoulder.
Xiao Yan coldly withdrew his gaze.
Did they think shouting like this was impressive? Were they not worried about attracting magical beasts? Foolish!
Quite satisfied with the reaction, the young man smiled slightly, quickened his pace, and walked side by side with Xiao Yixian, protecting her with great enthusiasm.
"Damn, he thinks just because his father is the leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, he can win Xiao Yixian's heart?"
Seeing the young man chatting up Xiao Yixian, a mercenary beside Xiao Yan muttered sourly.
Just as the words left the mercenary's mouth, Xiao Yan's steps paused slightly.
Then, his soul perception expanded, rippling out like waves in water.
"Speaking of magical beasts, here they come!"
After detecting the magical beasts approaching quietly, Xiao Yan shook his head in resignation.
The young team leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group was truly a natural-born fool.
However, Xiao Yan didn't plan to warn the surrounding mercenaries in advance unless the magical beasts attacked. He wouldn't make a move unless the beasts showed up.
After all, compared to the magical beasts, the Wolf Head mercenaries were the ones to truly be wary of.
Whoosh!
In the next moment, a sound of wind cutting through the air echoed, and a shadow flew out like lightning.
"Watch out!"
A few of the mercenaries with sharp eyes immediately noticed the magical beast's attack and shouted loudly.
But there were also some careless fools among the group.
Almost at the same time, a scream rang out.
It was a mercenary, who had just advanced to Two-Star Dou Shi, on the edge of the group. His chest had been slashed with three deep claw marks that reached his bones, and blood flowed steadily from the wounds, causing his face to pale.
Having successfully struck, the shadow quickly darted into the forest, disappearing from sight.
"What was that?"
Many people didn't see what happened and asked in panic.
A Windwolf?
Xiao Yan had already detected the magical beasts earlier, but he also felt quite puzzled.
The Windwolf was a pack animal, yet only three were out here?
Just a moment ago, Xiao Yan had expanded his soul perception to its maximum range, but he only detected three Windwolves, one Fire Leopard, and one Serpent-tail Leopard.
Windwolves usually traveled in packs, at least twenty strong, and they possessed considerable intelligence, working well together as a team.
Yet here, only three were present? Moreover, they dared to attack a group of over a hundred people—it was indeed baffling.
"It seems like Windwolves!"
After a brief silence, someone finally shouted.
"Close ranks, keep your eyes peeled!"
An experienced mercenary shouted, his voice firm.
Upon hearing this, the mercenaries drew their weapons, crouched low, and began scanning the surroundings warily.
But after a long wait, the Windwolves didn't attack again.
A moment later, just when everyone's guard was starting to slacken, three shadows quickly pounced once more.
Two of the shadows leaped out first, drawing the attention of those nearby.
The other shadow appeared from the opposite direction and immediately knocked one mercenary's head off.
Afterward, they relied on their speed, quickly fleeing and disappearing back into the forest.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan's heart stirred.
This creature was indeed smart!
As for why they appeared here, Xiao Yan had figured that out as well.
To the northwest, about two hundred meters away, under a massive tree, there was a blue-colored herb.
It was Wind Spirit Herb, used to make second to fourth-grade pills. When fully matured, it could help wind attribute magical beasts at the edge of a breakthrough to successfully advance.
(END CHAPTER)
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