Chapter 83: Xiao Yi Xian!
Similar to the Jia Ma Imperial Family, the Mu family, the Nalan family, the Yun Lan Sect, and other upper echelons of the Jia Ma Empire all received intelligence from Wu Tan City. While shocked, they also warned their disciples to lie low during this period. Who knew if they might offend some unknown titan?
One slap from such a being, and perhaps the entire Jia Ma Empire might cease to exist!
And while the Jia Ma Empire was in a state of high alert, Jiang Yun's group arrived at another famous landmark from Dou Po.
Qing Shan Town!
This town was the closest to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and thus also called Magical Beast Town. Along the way, Zi Yan and Qing Lin's appearances had stirred up quite a few waves.
After dealing with several waves of troublemakers, a frustrated Jiang Yun took out the black alchemist's robe from the Jia Nan Academy assessment and put it on.
On his chest was an alchemist badge. The badge was shaped like a cauldron, with three mercury-like ripples twisting slightly and ceaselessly, as if alive.
It signified a third-tier alchemist. Normally, once an alchemist tested for a higher tier, the previous badge would be recalled. The Jia Nan Academy could test up to the fifth tier, so Jiang Yun could have obtained a fifth-tier alchemist badge.
However, as someone with connections, he had kept his previous badge. And today, it proved useful.
Being one step ahead makes you a genius; being a dozen steps ahead makes others think you're testing their intelligence. At Jiang Yun's age, wearing a third-tier alchemist badge was far more intimidating than a fifth-tier one.
And indeed, since donning this robe, Jiang Yun's group hadn't encountered any more harassment. The journey had been remarkably smooth.
Due to its advantageous location, the shops along both sides of Qing Shan Town's streets were quite bustling. The stream of customers was endless. As they talked, each voice was louder than the last, coarse language constantly hanging from their lips, every third sentence inseparable from women.
They moved in groups, arms slung over each other's shoulders, spraying spittle as they walked down the street, recklessly discussing which women in town had the most flavor, which liquor was the strongest, and which Magical Beasts were the fiercest.
Zi Yan and Qing Lin frowned slightly, but having passed through several cities already, they had gained quite a bit of experience with such things. They just let it in one ear and out the other.
For mercenaries who licked blood from their blades, living with no guarantee of tomorrow, women were an eternal topic of conversation.
When they spotted Zi Yan and Qing Lin, these men's eyes lit up instantly, like hungry wolves.
"Hmph!"
Seeing this, Jiang Yun snorted coldly. His terrifying soul power whipped up a soul storm, sweeping toward the surrounding men.
"Ah—"
Pained wails rang out incessantly. Those who hadn't been affected now looked at Jiang Yun with eyes full of fear.
It was only at this moment that they realized this young, pretty-faced man was actually an alchemist—and a third-tier alchemist at that.
"Hiss—"
A chorus of sharply indrawn breaths sounded. A third-tier alchemist had come to Qing Shan Town.
At this moment, the gazes directed at Jiang Yun, besides fear, also carried hints of longing.
"Xiao Yun, let's go!"
Zi Yan was not only extremely sensitive to stares directed at herself, but also quite sharp regarding those aimed at Jiang Yun. The yearning looks cast toward Jiang Yun from all around made Zi Yan somewhat uncomfortable. She tugged at Jiang Yun's arm.
"Mm."
Jiang Yun naturally had no objections. He nodded and, pulling Zi Yan and Qing Lin along, slowly proceeded down the street.
The surrounding mercenaries, in the end, didn't have the nerve to approach, and could only watch the departing backs of the three with a mixture of fear and envy.
There were quite a few shops lining both sides of the street, and thanks to the advantageous location, business was rather booming.
Here, they upheld the principle of living off the mountain. What was sold the most was fresh, bloodied Magical Beast meat.
A Magical Beast was valuable from head to toe, and the meat was no exception. For Dou practitioners cultivating Dou Qi, it was undoubtedly a supplement. Over time and accumulation, it could imperceptibly strengthen a cultivator's physique.
The higher the rank of the Magical Beast meat, the higher its value.
Jiang Yun's gaze swept past shop after shop, quickly landing on a rather spacious medicinal ingredient store.
Myriad Medicine Hall!
Without hesitation, Jiang Yun led the two girls into this shop named Myriad Medicine Hall. At the moment, there were quite a few people inside, and the shop assistants were all extremely busy.
Jiang Yun's gaze quickly swept over the surrounding counters. After examining everything on display, he shook his head wordlessly.
That piece of Blood Lotus Essence hadn't appeared yet; it seemed the timing was off!
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps rang out, followed by a middle-aged man rushing over. Upon seeing Jiang Yun, his face showed a trace of shock, but when he spotted the alchemist badge on Jiang Yun's chest, a wild delight spread across his features.
"I am Yao Bai, the owner of Myriad Medicine Hall. I did not know the Grandmaster was arriving. For any disrespect, I beg your forgiveness!"
Watching this middle-aged man humbling himself to the extreme the moment he arrived, the people around who recognized him couldn't help but show expressions of surprise.
Myriad Medicine Hall was one of the top powers in Qing Shan Town. As its owner, when had they ever seen him act like this? It was as if he wanted to treat Jiang Yun like his own father and enshrine him.
"I came here for only one matter!"
But even though the other had gone to such lengths, Jiang Yun still spoke in an icy tone.
And Yao Bai, instead of getting angry, spoke even more obsequiously: "If the Grandmaster has any command, even if it's a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, Yao Bai will not shirk his duty."
Glancing at him, Jiang Yun said, "You should have a physician here called Xiao Yi Xian, correct?"
Yao Bai was slightly stunned at these words, but after looking at Zi Yan and Qing Lin beside Jiang Yun, an expression of sudden understanding dawned on his face. He hastily said, "Yes, Xiao Yi Xian is a specially hired physician of our Myriad Medicine Hall. Her medical skills are superb. Over half the mercenaries in Qing Shan Town have been treated by Xiao Yi Xian."
"And she is as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Does the Grandmaster wish to..."
Yao Bai was all smiles on the surface, but his heart was bleeding. He had been coveting Xiao Yi Xian for a long time. If not for some reservations, how could Xiao Yi Xian, not even a Dou Zhe, have escaped his grasp?
He never imagined that one day a third-tier alchemist would come seeking her upon hearing of her. Xiao Yi Xian was surely lost to him now. He could only hope that, in consideration of the good treatment Myriad Medicine Hall had given her these past few years, this alchemist opposite him would offer proper compensation.
"That is none of your concern!" Sweeping a cold glance at the man, Jiang Yun spoke in a frigid tone.
"Yes!" Under Jiang Yun's sweeping gaze, Yao Bai immediately shivered and said tremulously, "I will go call Xiao Yi Xian out right away!"
He didn't have to wait long. The back hall's curtain was lifted, and the main hall immediately stirred. Even though they were wary of Jiang Yun's status, he still heard what people were saying.
"Xiao Yi Xian is out!"
"A few days ago, Xiao Yi Xian healed my arm. Qing Shan Town is truly fortunate to have Xiao Yi Xian."
"So beautiful, tsk tsk, that waist is truly slender..."
"You got a death wish? Never mind the mercenaries Xiao Yi Xian has saved, but with that alchemist lord's attitude, watch out or he might cut out your tongue!"
"Sigh— Xiao Yi Xian is flying up the branches and turning into a phoenix now, isn't she?"
"... …"
The girl before him wore a light-white dress. Her features couldn't compare to devastating beauties like Zi Yan and Medusa, and were even inferior to Qing Lin's. But her entire being exuded a fresh, ethereal aura. This unique temperament instantly elevated the woman's charm immensely.
Jiang Yun's gaze swept over Xiao Yi Xian, pausing briefly on her willow waist, bound by a green sash.
Even though he had already seen Medusa's truly serpentine waist, seeing Xiao Yi Xian's slender waist, barely the span of one's hand, a trace of amazement flickered through Jiang Yun's eyes.
The number one waist beauty of the Dou Qi Continent—truly worthy of her reputation!
"My lord, this is Xiao Yi Xian!" Yao Bai said carefully, looking at Jiang Yun.
Xiao Yi Xian also sensed Jiang Yun's gaze at this moment. She felt a bit shy, but also a hint of embarrassed anger.
Hampered by his status as an alchemist, she didn't dare act out. Like a little punching bag, she lowered her head slightly.
"I hear you know medicine?" Jiang Yun looked at Xiao Yi Xian, his tone gentle, like the friendly older brother next door, smoothing away the nervousness in Xiao Yi Xian's heart.
"A little... my lord!" Hesitating for a moment, Xiao Yi Xian still answered softly.
"You possess wood-attribute Dou Qi. Would you like to learn how to cultivate medicinal ingredients?" Jiang Yun looked at Xiao Yi Xian, his gaze warm.
This kind-hearted girl had encountered the worst constitution.
The Calamity Poison Body!
Putting aside its hidden dangers, the cultivation speed of the Calamity Poison Body and the Jade-Green Snake Triple Flower Eyes were absolutely among the top three on the continent. Even a divine-grade bloodline paled in comparison.
Ordinary people grew stronger through hard work and fortuitous encounters, but the Calamity Poison Body only needed to ingest poison to soar upwards.
However, correspondingly, the poison body also had many drawbacks. Once it erupted, it was a catastrophe to all living things, uncontrollable even by oneself, as if destined for a life of solitude. If a method to control the poison body wasn't found, it would one day fully erupt.
Then, all reason would be lost, a disaster for the continent, the target of universal condemnation.
Thus, it was no exaggeration to describe the Calamity Poison Body as turning the entire world into one's enemy. Yet even so, to certain people, the Calamity Poison Body was an extremely alluring constitution.
But for Xiao Yi Xian, if she had a choice, she likely wouldn't want this physique that everyone on the continent craved so desperately. She would surely rather remain an ordinary physician.
A physician with a kind nature, who healed the wounded and rescued the dying, yet possessing the Calamity Poison Body that made people tremble in fear at the mere mention of it. One couldn't help but sigh with regret!
However, while examining Yao Chen's ring earlier, he had already reviewed the Poison Pill method. He also had some ideas and wanted to test whether he could thoroughly eradicate the Calamity Poison Body and restore Xiao Yi Xian's original Dou Qi attribute.
Even if the price was losing this cultivation speed that others dreamed of, Jiang Yun believed Xiao Yi Xian wouldn't hesitate.
"Are you willing to teach me?!" Hearing Jiang Yun's words, Xiao Yi Xian immediately forgot her nervousness. A pair of beautiful eyes filled with joy stared unblinkingly at Jiang Yun.
"Let's go!" Nodding, Jiang Yun took Zi Yan's hand and headed for the door first.
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian, let's go. What Brother Jiang Yun promises, he will never go back on!"
Seeing Jiang Yun and Zi Yan leave, Xiao Yi Xian was a bit slow to react and stood rooted to the spot, somewhat at a loss. As Jiang Yun's caring little sister, Qing Lin stepped forward and took Xiao Yi Xian's hand, speaking in a soft, sweet voice.
Sure enough, the gentle Qing Lin instantly made Xiao Yi Xian lower her mental guard, and she allowed the other girl to pull her along as they followed Jiang Yun and Zi Yan's footsteps.
"This..."
"My lord..."
Seeing them about to leave, Yao Bai instantly panicked. I busied myself for half a day and don't even get a tip?
Frantic, he suddenly rushed toward Jiang Yun's retreating figure.
"Hmph!"
As they walked, Zi Yan abruptly turned her head back and let out a cold snort. A terrifying pressure instantly filled the entire hall.
"Urk—"
Yao Bai felt as if he'd been gripped by the throat. He stared at Zi Yan in terror, his whole body trembling, unable to make the slightest sound.
With that settled, no one else dared to step forward blindly. Jiang Yun's group of four passed through the crowd and walked out the door, no one paying any further attention to that man.
Even Xiao Yi Xian, who had spent a considerable time here, didn't find it inappropriate. Although Yao Bai had usually treated her well, she had long since discovered his ill intentions. Now, she felt no sympathy.
Walking out of Myriad Medicine Hall, Xiao Yi Xian paused slightly, for she spotted a few familiar faces.
In her line of sight, a group of people wearing clothes embroidered with a wolf's head on the chest appeared nearby. Clearly, these were members of the Wolf Head Mercenary Company.
Seeing Jiang Yun's group emerge, one middle-aged man strode forward with vigorous steps, instantly arriving at the front of the group. He clasped his hands toward Jiang Yun and said, "I did not know the Grandmaster was gracing Qing Shan Town with his presence. I am Mu She, leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Company of Qing Shan Town!"
"Mm."
Nodding blandly, Jiang Yun ignored the crowd and continued toward the distance with Zi Yan and the other two.
Faced with such disregard, a flash of savagery and venomous resentment passed through the depths of Mu She's eyes. But recalling the other's status, it vanished without a trace in an instant, and he called out loudly with a grin:
"Should the Grandmaster have spare time and visit Qing Shan Town again, Mu She will certainly sweep the couch and await your arrival!"
Seeing the man who was normally the top figure in Qing Shan Town act in such a manner, Xiao Yi Xian was slightly stunned. For the first time, she felt the status of an alchemist. Faintly, she sensed that her life was about to undergo earth-shattering changes.
"Father, isn't he just a third-tier alchemist? And he looks so young—who knows if it's real or fake. Is there any need for this?"
In the crowd, a young man in his early twenties watched Xiao Yi Xian's group, who were following step by step, a dark and sinister gleam flashing in his eyes. Seeing his own father groveling like this, and worst of all, that pretty boy hadn't shown the slightest acknowledgment—
This made Mu Li, long accustomed to being a local tyrant, feel psychologically unbalanced. He sidled up to Mu She and grumbled discontentedly.
"Slap—"
The world spun. One second, Mu Li's mind was full of unwilling resentment; the next, his head was buzzing so hard he nearly passed out on the spot.
"Unfilial wretch—"
After scolding and hitting Mu Li, Mu She nervously watched the backs of Jiang Yun's group. His heart skipped a beat, because he saw them stop in their tracks.
This is bad! he thought to himself.
"To speak wrongly is to accept punishment. I find that very reasonable. What does Commander Mu She think?"
Jiang Yun had finally spoken to Mu She, but the man now fervently wished none of it had ever happened.
"Grandmaster..."
Mu She couldn't finish his next words. His world was filled by a sea of white flame. Before the horrified eyes of the crowd, a dazzling flash of white light swept past.
After that, the figures of Jiang Yun and his companions were gone. And the Wolf Head Mercenary Company had not left a single trace behind.