Chapter 129: What's Poking Me?
Xiao Yi Xian glared at Xiao Yan fiercely, but her voice carried a tone that sounded almost like a pout. She froze for a moment, then stomped her foot angrily.
"Everyone, let's take a break here. We're close to the area where we'll be gathering herbs. After walking so far, it's time to rest for a bit."
The mercenaries, sweating profusely, were relieved to hear this. Although they weren't physically exhausted, thanks to Xiao Yan handling most of the magical beasts along the way, they were still glad to have a moment to relax.
They had spent most of their energy processing magical beast corpses, not fighting. With such easy earnings, who could complain? They eagerly found spots in the shade to rest, enjoying the break.
Once everyone had settled down, Xiao Yi Xian stole a quick glance at Xiao Yan.
"I'm going out to take a look," she said softly. Her words suggested she wanted to scout, but her slightly flushed face hinted at something else entirely.
"The Magic Beast Mountain Range is dangerous. I'll come with you," Xiao Yan said casually, flashing her a smile.
"What do you think a girl needs privacy for?" Xiao Yi Xian's cheeks turned even redder as she glared at him.
"Haha, she's playing her part well. Anyone else would really think she just needed a bathroom break," Xiao Yan thought with amusement. Out loud, he said, "Alright, just be careful."
"I know." Xiao Yi Xian nodded, then quickly turned and left.
"Let's see… is this the part where the hidden cave appears?" Xiao Yan smiled knowingly.
About the time it would take for an incense stick to burn after Xiao Yi Xian left, Xiao Yan stood and casually wandered toward the edge of the cliff.
Not long after, Mu Li and his bruised lackeys crept after him.
"Xiao Yan, I don't care how many stars you've reached as a Dou Fighter. You dared to steal my woman, and today, I'll make sure you die without a burial place," Mu Li sneered.
In his hands was a strange black metallic object. His underlings also pulled out similar weapons crude iron devices that glinted ominously.
Near the edge of the cliff, Xiao Yan scanned the ground. His gaze landed on a plant with pale white blossoms and faintly red fruit nestled within its petals.
"This herb isn't bad, but it's not worth much," he muttered to himself, crouching by the plant and waiting patiently.
Moments later, a snow white hand suddenly reached up from below the cliff. Most people would have been startled, but Xiao Yan calmly extended his own hand.
Their hands clasped.
The snow white hand tried to pull away, but Xiao Yan grinned mischievously and tightened his grip.
"Ah!" A startled cry echoed.
With a swift tug, Xiao Yan pulled the owner of the hand upward.
A flash of white later, Xiao Yi Xian landed directly in his arms.
"What are you doing?" Xiao Yi Xian exclaimed, flustered, her wide eyes staring at him like a frightened deer.
"Nothing. I was just worried because you were gone for so long," Xiao Yan replied, feigning innocence.
"You scared me!" Xiao Yi Xian sighed, clutching her chest. She glared at him but didn't push away.
"What were you doing down there?" Xiao Yan asked curiously.
"I I was picking herbs," Xiao Yi Xian stammered, her tone a little too forced.
"Oh, not checking out a cave?" Xiao Yan teased, raising an eyebrow.
"What cave?" Xiao Yi Xian froze, her expression shifting.
"There's a cave down there, isn't there?" Xiao Yan continued, smiling slyly. "Don't tell me you weren't planning to invite your knight in shining armor to explore it with you?"
"You… What are you talking about?" Xiao Yi Xian's face turned pale, her fists clenching slightly.
"I'm just someone who fell for the girl in the white dress," Xiao Yan said with a grin.
"I don't know about any cave. Let's head back," Xiao Yi Xian said quickly, turning to leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to check out the treasures inside?" Xiao Yan's words made her pause mid step.
"I don't care much for treasures, but exploring with a beauty is another story. Shall we?"
Xiao Yi Xian hesitated, her expression conflicted. Having someone as strong as Xiao Yan by her side would undoubtedly make things safer.
Moments later, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian descended the cliff together, Xiao Yan holding her close by the waist.
Feeling the warmth of her body and the faint floral scent emanating from her, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel distracted.
"Hey! What's poking me?" Xiao Yi Xian snapped, her eyes narrowing.
"You probably don't want to know," Xiao Yan replied with a sly smile.
Her face turned bright red as understanding dawned on her. "You're shameless!"
She tried to wriggle away, but Xiao Yan held her firmly. With his strength, he easily carried her to the cave entrance.
"Can you let go now?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, her tone icy despite the blush still lingering on her cheeks.
"Just a little longer," Xiao Yan teased.
"Go to hell!" Unable to hold back, Xiao Yi Xian kicked at him, only for Xiao Yan to pin her hands gently against the cave wall.
"Apologize," Xiao Yan said, locking eyes with her.
"Hmph," Xiao Yi Xian turned her head stubbornly.
"If you don't say sorry, I'll kiss you." His face inched closer, his breath warm against her cheek.
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry!" Xiao Yi Xian panicked, blurting out the words.
Xiao Yan sighed, feigning disappointment as he released her hands.
"You're insufferable!" she muttered, but her retort was cut off by a foul wind blowing from deeper in the cave.
"It's a Rock Python," she whispered, her eyes widening as she spotted the triangular red eyes of the serpent slithering toward them.
Seeing Xiao Yan nearby, however, she relaxed slightly.
"It's just a first tier magical beast. That shouldn't be a problem for you, right?" she began, but before she could finish, Xiao Yan disappeared.
"Bang!"
A loud crack echoed as Xiao Yan smashed the python against the wall, then casually tossed its limp body over the cliff.
"That was… fast," Xiao Yi Xian murmured, stunned.
The pair ventured further into the cave, using a small torch for light. Before long, they encountered a massive stone door.
"Let me see if I can figure out how to open it," Xiao Yi Xian said, studying the door.
"No need," Xiao Yan said, pulling her gently back.
"You're not going to "
Before she could finish, Xiao Yan punched the door.
"Crack!"
The stone shattered instantly, crumbling to the ground.
Xiao Yi Xian stared at the scene, her mouth agape.
(End of Chapter)
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