As the group ventured deeper into the Fulong Mountain Range, the dangers continued to escalate.
Soon, the second attack arrived.
This time, it was still Ice Sparrows, but not just one, a whole flock!
The leader was the third-level ferocious beast, while the rest were first- and second-level Ice Sparrows, but their numbers were overwhelming, at least a hundred strong.
In the end, with over a dozen warriors poisoned by the cold toxin, and one even dying on the spot, they managed to kill or drive off the hundred Ice Sparrows.
The ones killed were all first- and second-level beasts, but the leader attempted to escape at the critical moment.
This time, however, it was too close to Ling Xiao.
At a mere five or six metres, Ling Xiao suddenly shot out a qi sword, piercing the Ice Sparrow’s body.
With the leader dead, the remaining Ice Sparrows scattered, finally resolving the crisis.
“Impressive, Brother Ling! What sword technique was that? So powerful, you killed an Ice Sparrow flying that fast with one strike!”
“I heard Brother Ling is only fourteen, right? That’s terrifying, killing a third-level beast at fourteen, way stronger than me.”
“Brother Ling, when you become a legendary hero, don’t forget us!”
“This kid’s got skills, definitely a tough one. He must’ve had plenty of real combat experience, otherwise, he couldn’t stay so calm facing a beast attack.”
“Probably a disciple of some sect.”
Perhaps because the Exquisite Fairy hadn’t revealed her plans to these warriors, they spared no praise for Ling Xiao.
After all, if the Ice Sparrow escaped, it might bring back more, causing even greater trouble.
That’s how it worked in the world of warriors: if you were strong enough, you earned respect.
That was the rule of this world, simple and direct.
“Fairy, this complicates things. This kid’s already won their admiration so quickly, it’ll be inconvenient to act later, won’t it?” the cold-faced warrior transmitted to the Exquisite Fairy, frowning.
“No worries, these people are fickle. They’ve benefited from me plenty, and with one word from me, they’ll side with me instantly, don’t worry,” the Exquisite Fairy replied with absolute confidence.
It was clear she’d been through this before, and now, more mature and formidable, how could she fail?
Afterwards, the Exquisite Fairy healed the injured again, then cremated the fallen warrior.
With so many ferocious beasts in the Fulong Mountain Range, burial would only lead to the body being dug up and eaten.
Cremation was the best option.
After handling these matters, the group pressed on, facing four more beast attacks.
Fortunately, these only resulted in injuries, no deaths.
Walking and stopping, they’d been at it for nearly an hour.
“Everyone, we’ve reached our destination. Set up camp, establish defensive alerts, eat, and recover. The next part is critical,” the Exquisite Fairy announced suddenly.
The warriors were exhausted; though an hour’s journey wasn’t long, the consecutive battles had taken a toll.
Hearing they could rest, many collapsed flat on the ground.
After a brief rest, they began fortifying the area, creating a small defensive stronghold.
Ling Xiao casually popped a low-grade true essence pill into his mouth.
His depleted true essence rapidly recovered, and his cultivation naturally improved slightly.
“Exquisite Fairy, since you’ve reached your destination, I’ll take my leave!” Ling Xiao said, standing up after some thought.
He said this deliberately to test if the Exquisite Fairy would keep him, which would confirm a scheme.
If she didn’t, it meant she’d given up on targeting him, and he could simply leave.
“Wait, Young Master Ling!” the Exquisite Fairy called out, and Ling Xiao sighed helplessly, realising he couldn’t avoid a confrontation.
“What? Not letting me go, Fairy?” Ling Xiao asked.
“Don’t misunderstand, Young Master Ling. I’ll be honest, we’ve discovered an ancient warrior’s cave, likely containing martial arts manuals, pills, divine weapons, or even martial soul inheritance,” the Exquisite Fairy said. “But it’s protected by formations, and we don’t want to act rashly. Since you know formations, could you lend a hand?”
“An ancient warrior’s cave?” Ling Xiao’s eyes twitched at the mention.
It was a tempting prospect for him too.
“Exactly!”
“Fairy, let’s be straightforward. I do know formations and can break most, but how will the loot be divided?” Ling Xiao asked directly.
“You’ll get thirty percent alone, and we’ll split the remaining seventy,” the Exquisite Fairy replied.
“That’s fair, but others might object,” Ling Xiao said, glancing at the surrounding warriors.
“They won’t, because without you, we’d have to brute-force the cave, possibly destroying everything inside, leaving us with nothing,” she explained. “The cave is vast, with plenty of treasures. Even if some miss out, I’ll compensate them fairly.”
“We follow the Exquisite Fairy!”
“Whatever the Fairy says goes!”
“Alright, deal!” Ling Xiao said with a smile.
He knew full well the distribution wouldn’t end up like this.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the Exquisite Fairy likely wanted his life.
But his life wasn’t so easily taken!
Whoever tried would lose more than they bargained for!
“Wonderful! With Young Master Ling’s help, the cave’s treasures are as good as ours!” the Exquisite Fairy said, relieved.
She didn’t want to fall out with Ling Xiao now, who else would open the cave?
“No flattery needed. Let’s head to the cave then. I’ve got business in Thousand Ghost Forest after this,” Ling Xiao said calmly.
“That won’t do,” the Exquisite Fairy said, glancing at the sky. “This cave is peculiar, only appearing at night for no more than half an hour. We have to wait.”
“I see, fine. You all rest, I’ll scout around,” Ling Xiao said.
He recovered quickly and didn’t want to waste time here. Fighting a few beasts would be good practice.
Plus, he might stumble upon the cave the Exquisite Fairy mentioned, grab the treasures, and leave.
