The morning sun shone brightly on the golden sand dunes. On the edge of the city, an ancient building stood silently, as if telling a thousand-year-old legend.
At this moment, a young man and woman dressed in green stood on a high point in the city, gazing at the distant horizon. Behind them, a magnificent griffin stood ready, its feathers shimmering with golden light in the morning glow.
The air around them was filled with the dryness and heat unique to the desert; an occasional breeze carried scorching sand. However, this did not dampen the young man's spirits for his upcoming journey; his face was filled with anticipation and excitement.
When the first ray of sunlight fully fell upon the griffin, it let out a deafening roar that echoed across the vast desert. Lin Feng wrapped his right arm around Qing Lin's slender waist and leaped, landing steadily on the griffin's back. As the griffin spread its wings and soared into the sky, they gradually moved away from the desert city, heading towards Green Mountain Town, a small town on the edge of the Monster Mountain Range.
Leaving only the words, "Uncle Crimson Fire, members of the mercenary group, see you another day," the young man stood spiritedly atop the griffin, while the Crimson Fire mercenary group below roared with congratulations. Gusts of sand swept by until the griffin's silhouette disappeared under the rising sun, leaving only the golden sunlight and the scorching desert heat.
…
"Whoosh…"
Its broad wings flapped powerfully in the air, the sound like a howling wind, seemingly capable of blowing away all obstacles in its path. Each flap of the wings was accompanied by a deep, powerful vibration, like an ancient beast awakening, full of power and majesty.
The sound echoed in the air, seemingly penetrating the soul, allowing one to feel the griffin's boundless power and freedom.
The majestic griffin soared high in the azure sky. Its wings, like giant sails, unfurled in the wind, each feather shimmering with dazzling light, as if woven from stars.
Lin Feng, sitting calmly atop the griffin, stood beside Qing Lin, while she clung tightly to its feathers, savoring the exhilarating speed. Looking down at the world below, mountains and rivers meandered beneath her, cities and villages scattered like stars across the land—everything seemed both small and magnificent.
The air was fresh and invigorating, making even breathing feel easier. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, bathing the griffin in a golden glow, further emphasizing its majesty and mystery.
The scene was truly breathtaking, like stepping into a dreamlike world.
"Relax, Qing Lin," Lin Feng said with a mischievous grin, "this griffin is one I bought and raised for years. It's reached the peak of a third-tier magical beast, with superb flying skills. Look at you, so naive! You'd be embarrassing your brother, a renowned alchemist." Qing Lin's face
flushed red, much to his delight. She did indeed match his expectations. "Brother always teases me, hmph, I'm never talking to you again!" With that, she turned her little face away, pretending to be angry, but her eyes kept sneaking glances at Lin Feng, the meaning obvious.
"Haha, brother was wrong, brother admits his mistake, Qinglin, please forgive brother, okay?" Lin Feng quickly raised his hands in acknowledgment, his eyes full of laughter.
"Then you have to go shopping with me three times next time, not five times." Qinglin's lips curled up, as if she had gotten her way.
"Then you have to properly practice the Millstone Soul Forging Technique I taught you, and I'll agree." Qinglin's little face immediately fell; practicing that technique gave her a terrible headache…
Time passed in the playful banter between Lin Feng and Qinglin. Occasionally, they would stop to rest or gather medicinal herbs.
They continued flying for an unknown amount of time when a deafening roar was heard. The griffin gradually slowed down, and ahead, a massive mountain range became faintly visible. At its foot, a small town gradually emerged.
"Dazzling Spiral Griffin King, land! Green Mountain Town, I'm here!" Lin Feng stood before the griffin, hands behind his back, and said calmly.
...
Under the blazing sun, the earth seemed to be baked by the scorching heat, radiating heat from within. The mercenaries of Green Mountain Town were all drenched in sweat, cursing loudly.
But today, they welcomed two rather unusual guests.
Two handsome men and beautiful women dressed in blue approached. Well, that's not quite the right word. The woman was indeed beautiful, but her figure was a bit small, like a budding flower yet to bloom. As for the handsome man, if his skin tone were slightly brighter, he could be described as having ice-like skin and jade-like bones.
There was no way around it; although the flamboyant alchemist paid great attention to his appearance, he was, after all, living in a desert city and spending long periods cultivating his physical strength in the desert. Unlike Qing Lin, whose bloodline was special, he was not blessed with a bronze complexion.
But if given another month, he'll definitely become a completely handsome man from head to toe. (Hehehe, if all else fails... hehehe)
Green Mountain Town, perhaps because it's adjacent to the Monster Mountain Range, is also known as Monster Town. The largest population in the town are naturally the mercenaries who spend their days spitting blood on the edge of a knife. The mercenaries here are better equipped than those in Stone Desert City, but their overall strength is much weaker. They walk in groups, arms clasped, talking animatedly in the streets, discussing without restraint which women in town are the most attractive, which wine is the strongest, and which monsters are the most ferocious...
Sure enough, the moment Lin Feng and Qing Lin stepped into Green Mountain Town, some reckless people came to deliver equipment to Lin Feng.
"Kid, you're quite handsome, but I wonder how you compare to that young punk from last time? Hahaha, that young punk was played with to death by this old man, I wonder if you can last a few more days, hahahaha." A burly man, roughly fifty years old, muscular and with a scar on his face, grinned viciously.
"Hahaha, Scarface, ever since you were played with by that male ape, you've become even more perverted. I think playing with that little lady next to you must be quite enjoyable. Hehehe." Another burly man chirped in response.
"If you say that again, I'll kill you, I'll kill you sooner or later."
"Hehe, who kills whom is still uncertain."
...
The two bickered for a long time without anyone stepping forward, but the mercenaries nearby started to jeer.
"Hey, hey, hey, after talking for so long, someone should at least ask for my opinion!" Lin Feng tilted his head.
These words immediately created an awkward atmosphere, with everyone turning to stare at Lin Feng...