Qingshan Town was the settlement closest to the Mythical Beast Mountain Range within the Jia Ma Empire.
It was also the first major distribution centre for the countless materials brought out of the mountain range.
The broad street running from east to west appeared surprisingly new and clean. Probably because it was frequently repaired, the bluestones paving the road had regular edges and smooth surfaces.
At first glance, this small town with its modest population appeared even more prosperous and lively than Wutan City.
Groups of mercenaries walked along the streets with their arms thrown over one another's shoulders, laughing loudly and occasionally spitting by the roadside.
One group enthusiastically discussed the figures and temperaments of the women they had encountered, while another argued over who had killed the most vicious magical beast during their latest expedition.
Beautiful women, strong wine, loyal brothers, and dangerous magical beasts...
There were only a few topics in the world of mercenaries, yet they could speak about them endlessly with astonishing enthusiasm.
Outside the entrance of the town, Xiao Feng paused and looked at the lively streets ahead.
"So this is Qingshan Town."
Just as he was about to step forward, Kisara suddenly caught his arm with both hands. Her soft body pressed lightly against his side as she rested her head against his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Xiao Feng asked helplessly.
Kisara raised her head and looked at him with a mischievous smile, "What? Am I not allowed to hold my boyfriend's arm?"
Xiao Feng looked at her but didn't refute her. He now really considered her his girlfriend.
Ever since Kisara had kissed Xiao Feng before they left the Black Bullet world, her attitude toward him had become considerably bolder.
Previously, she would occasionally tease him before becoming embarrassed by her own words. Now, however, she acted as though clinging to him was the most natural thing in the world.
She even deliberately tightened her arms around his and glanced toward the nearby mercenaries.
Several men had been secretly staring at her ever since they arrived.
Kisara's long black hair, elegant features, slender waist, and confident bearing were far too conspicuous among the rough mercenaries of Qingshan Town.
Her dark highschool dress also made her look extremely unique in this world which was in Ancient Era.
Seeing her openly cling to Xiao Feng, the mercenaries could only withdraw their gazes with regret.
Xiao Feng glanced at her, "You're doing this deliberately."
"Of course." Kisara admitted it without the slightest hesitation.
"What? Do you dislike it?"
"No, I like it. I like it very much."
Xiao Feng smiled faintly.
Kisara turned her face away, but the pleased curve at the corner of her lips completely betrayed her pleasent mood.
The two entered Qingshan Town together.
A man dressed in white robes and an exceptionally beautiful black-haired woman walked side by side through the crowded street.
There was a strange sense of stagnation and oppression surrounding Xiao Feng. Although he had restrained his aura, experienced mercenaries subconsciously moved out of his path.
Kisara noticed their reactions and smiled faintly. She continued holding his arm as she looked around the unfamiliar town with interest.
"Mercenaries can be seen everywhere," Xiao Feng observed. "They make up at least seventy percent of Qingshan Town's population, and that doesn't include the mercenary groups currently inside the mountain range."
His gaze swept across the crowd.
Numerous Dou Zhe could be found among the mercenaries, while one or two seven-star or eight-star Dou Shi occasionally appeared.
The quality of the cultivators and their average strength were more than one level higher than those of Wutan City.
Moreover, the environment was completely different from the chaotic earthen settlement Xiao Feng had imagined.
Although the entire town was filled with mercenaries willing to risk their lives, and most of them were vigorous young people accustomed to solving problems through violence, Xiao Feng did not witness many serious fights along the way.
At most, two groups would exchange harsh words before threatening to gather their companions and settle the matter later.
Kisara also noticed it, "I expected this place to be far more chaotic."
"The power structure is complicated," Xiao Feng explained. "No one knows who might be standing behind an apparently insignificant mercenary."
"So they exchange insults to preserve their pride but avoid fighting unless absolutely necessary."
Kisara nodded thoughtfully, "That sounds remarkably similar to politics."
"Except mercenaries carry their weapons openly."
"Politicians are more dangerous precisely because they don't."
Xiao Feng glanced at her, "You sound as though you're speaking from experience."
"I grew up in the Tendou family. What do you think?"
Xiao Feng could not argue with that.
He looked toward the shops lining both sides of the street and released his soul perception.
Due to the town's proximity to the Mythical Beast Mountain Range, the merchandise inside the stores was extraordinarily diverse. Counters of various sizes were packed with medicinal herbs, magical beast materials, weapons, armour, and miscellaneous treasures.
Several stores were even holding public auctions for freshly obtained materials. Dense crowds gathered outside their entrances, completely blocking the view inside.
Kisara followed his gaze, "Did you discover something useful?"
"A few things, but nothing particularly rare."
"Then why are we here?"
"I need to purchase several medicinal ingredients."
Kisara's eyes narrowed playfully, "Medicine? Are you hiding some illness from me?"
Xiao Feng looked at her expressionlessly, "Do I look ill?"
"No, but as your girlfriend, it is my responsibility to show concern."
Kisara smiled and hugged his arm more tightly.
Xiao Feng didn't argue with the unreasonable women. He found a random passerby and asked about the current month and year.
According to the information he received, one and half a year had passed since his departure.
This meant there was still a considerable amount of time before the two-year deadline.
The discovery surprised him slightly, though it was not entirely unexpected. Different worlds did not necessarily possess identical flows of time.
After confirming the date, Xiao Feng adjusted his plans and continued searching through the town.
Before long, he stopped in front of a large store.
"Wan Yao Zhai."
Xiao Feng looked at the sign above the entrance.
He had found his target.
Since he was already here, he might as well prepare the materials needed for the Blood Lotus Pill.
Although he didn't want to take the opportunity of Xiao Yan, he intended to devour the Qinglian Earth Heart Flame rather than refine it gradually like Xiao Yan or use it to undergo an evolutionary transformation like Queen Medusa, in order to break through Dou Zong.
As for what happens to Xiao Yan, Xiao Feng intended to leave a seed fire brought from the system which would mature quickly.
It will be enough to upgrade Fen Jue for Xiao Yan.
He will also compensate Xiao Yan with an extra Strange Fire later.
As for why do it in such roundabout way. That's because Qinglian Earth Heart fire cost more than it's seed fire in the system.
Rather than buying a Qinglian Earth Heart fire from the system, it's better to absorb the one in the real world then leave a seed fire for Xiao Yan.
But directly devouring a Strange Fire(Heavenly Flame) is very dangerous. The backlash produced would naturally be far more violent than gradual refining.
As for allowing Medusa to use it for her evolution first and absorbing it afterward...
Forget it.
The probability of her surviving that method was far too low.
It would be better for Xiao Feng to use such precious energy himself.
Wasn't it merely a matter of evolution?
He has access to all the treasures and Alchemy knowledge through the system; he can give her eighteen sets of elixir combinations to purify her bloodline.
....