Niara's words held a kernel of truth, as just beyond the forest where they had routed the Goblins, the village of Timberlake sprawled among hills and rice fields. The healer's intel painted a picture of a community predominantly engaged in logging and farming, with a handful venturing into monster hunting.
In Timberlake, the mercenary scene played out as a cutthroat competition. Popularity wielded undue influence over rookies, with established figures acting as arbitrary overlords in the ruthless game. Failure to execute tasks flawlessly resulted in punitive debts, intensifying the unforgiving dynamics.
After a prolonged period of silence and ambiguity, the Hunter Association found its footing in the village. While this organization had a presence in different regions, its purpose remained consistent: marshaling forces to combat roaming monsters, including the formidable Mystical Beasts and the elusive Yaomo.
Despite the Huanmin Empire boasting an average Gate 3 battalion, it proved insufficient for the task at hand. Inter-sect conflicts exacerbated the empire's vulnerabilities, creating a precarious situation of potential disintegration. The emperor grappled with mounting complexities, unable to singularly address the escalating problems.
The path they traversed diverged from the towering trees, now winding through picturesque rice fields and hills. The Ardiwa mountain loomed in the backdrop, enhancing the scenic panorama. Amidst the journey, people toiled in the fields, merchants taking respite by the wayside.
Renxian, captivated by this change in surroundings, found himself enthralled upon reaching Timberlake village. Unlike the desolation of Kiwano, this village pulsated with life, painted in vibrant hues by the bustling activities of its residents.
In the symphony of vendors vying for attention, Renxian discerned the unmistakable resonance of iron clashing — a weapon shop, precisely what he sought. Yet, duty beckoned, and this time, he had to accompany the healer for a report.
Their presence, however, stirred a subtle unease among the villagers. Eyes turned towards them with cautious glances, sensing an unfamiliar aura, an eerie resonance. Meagu, with her distinctive silver hair and ethereal allure, became an unwitting focal point, drawing both fascination and wariness.
"Are they the Hunter Association?"
"I don't know, who is that woman?"
"She looks like she's not human."
"Why are they with Niara? Where's her group?"
As the citizens whispered around them, Meagu's lips curved into a wide smile. "Ah, looks like we're famous here," she observed, her crimson irises sweeping in various directions. "I might be able to have some fun for a while."
Sanxiu, who heard this, could only snort with a flat expression. "What a temptress!"
Meagu chuckled then looked back, still with a seductive expression. "Look who is desirous."
"No," the dark-haired male turned his head to the side, averting both eyes from the Fox Demon. "Why would I be? It's your nature, I won't blame it for that."
"Oh, now you seem like it," she then slowed her footsteps, being right next to Renxian without the man anticipating it, Meagu then hugged his hand. "Does this make you feel better?"
Walking beside Renxian, Siuxa felt a tinge of discomfort with Meagu's actions but concealed it, eyes downcast as they followed Niara. An unexplained tightness in her chest hinted at an underlying unease, a feeling she couldn't quite decipher.
[Name: Siuxa
Bond: 30℅
Trust: 45%
Sex Interest: 5%]
[It seems like your relationship with Siuxa is going downhill.]
A shift in Sanxiu's focus turned toward the black-haired woman, tied up and seemingly avoiding him. Recognition struck as he acknowledged their sparse communication, a reminder of the unfulfilled promise to aid her in cultivation, a commitment momentarily overlooked.
[You should talk to her.]
"I know," Renxian affirmed, redirecting his attention forward. "I have to." Determination filled his gaze as he refocused on Siuxa. He harbored a commitment not to let down the first woman who had become his companion.
Renxian chose not to linger on that possibility, for now, the destination drawing his attention. Before them stood a substantial house with a sign proclaiming Hunter Association. A crowd gathered outside and engaged in conversation until their attention shifted to Renxian and his companions, sparking curiosity in their eyes.
Upon entering, the bustling atmosphere hushed into silence. Numerous eyes bore down on them, laden with an indiscernible prejudice. The crowd displayed a mix of thick steel armor and supple leather, each set telling its own story in this enigmatic assembly of hunters.
"There you are, Niara," the hefty man with a dense beard, seated at the reception desk, interjected. Rising to his feet, his burly figure and hardened muscles were on full display. "Where are the others?" he inquired, breaking the tension in the air.
Mute draped over the woman, grief not fully dissipated as she tentatively spoke, "I'm the one left, M-Master Giond." Fear trembled in her voice, a discernible vulnerability in the face of loss.
Giond, without uttering a word, broke into a broad smile as he approached the woman who remained fixated on the ground. His large hand brushed her cheek before lifting Niara's head, redirecting her gaze toward him. A blind eye, marred by a cut that traced from his left eyelid to his eyebrow, revealed the rugged tales etched onto Giond's face.
"Oh, such a disappointment," Giond sneered, pulling Niara's face closer as she resisted.
"But debts, my dear, those don't slip one's memory, do they?" His words carried a sinister edge, a reminder of lingering obligations. "If you can't compensate, you know you'll have to settle it with your body."
Flustered and shocked, the man found himself unexpectedly challenged as Renxian seized his hand. The intense gaze fixed upon him compelled an immediate release of his grip on Niara, a realization dawning that he was not dealing with a normal confrontation.
"Oh, we've got what you're after," Renxian's demeanor swiftly shifted from serious to relaxed, sporting a friendly expression that left Giond perplexed. "Goblin remnants," he casually revealed, introducing the unexpected commodity that disrupted the tense atmosphere.
Renxian nonchalantly deposited a modest bamboo backpack beside Giond, its contents catching the candlelight — Goblin's Gems. These stones, formed from the hardened hearts of slain Goblins, held value for alchemists seeking potent ingredients and artisans crafting unique jewelry.
Giond, now fixated on recalling the man who dared to intervene, recognized the unparalleled strength that rendered even him powerless. It dawned on him — this cultivator without a sect was unmistakably Sanxiu.
"You... you're that Rogue Cultivator!" he exclaimed, realization mixing with a hint of apprehension.
However, he then added, still in doubt. "But it must be a mistake to have Sanxiu with anyone else."
"Yes, you're mistaken. I'm not the one you're referring to," Renxian chuckled and tugged on Niara's hand, making the woman flinch. "We're just wanderers who happened to see Niara alone in the forest."
"If your business is over, let us leave."
Niara who didn't know what to do took the time to bow, giving a greeting before Renxian and the three women exited the Hunter Association, causing Giond to squint both eyes. There was something wrong with them, and he couldn't let his mark flee so easily.
After a thorough search, they stumbled upon an inn quite removed from the village's commotion. This secluded area, rarely traversed, exuded an eerie quietness. The inn, their only refuge, appeared unimpressive — a structure fashioned from weathered wood. The room within was modest, accommodating only two individuals.
Meagu embraced Renxian from behind, wearing a cheerful and imploring expression. "I will stay with Sanxiu!" she spoke, prompting a shocked exclamation from the man.
"Do not decide on your own!" he protested.
"I'll be with Niara in room one," Siuxa's voice expressed disappointment. "We still have things to organize."
As Niara and Siuxa passed them, both casting glances at Renxian, they departed, leaving the two of them behind. Renxian turned around and queried, "What is it that you want?"
With a wide smile, Meagu placed a key in the man's hand. "You take care of the rest. I need to venture out," she declared before stepping out of the space, leaving the man bewildered.
"What? Where are you going?"
"To hunt something," she replied, her intent shrouded in secret as she no longer exists in Renxian's sight.
Sanxiu sighed, familiar with Meagu's unpredictable nature. Climbing the stairs, he made his way to his chamber. Without dwelling too much on the recent incident, he entered a room that, though not overly immense, featured a bed designed for two.
"Why did things get so complicated?" Renxian wondered inwardly as he placed the bamboo backpack beside the nightstand. The unexpected turn of events left him contemplating the intricacies of the situation.
[This is inevitable. They all have hearts.]
Seated on the edge of the bed, Renxian let his hair down, his face downward as he wondered about it. "Perhaps Sanxiu was right all along—traveling alone might indeed be simpler."
[You need to talk to Siuxa and find out what she is concerned about.]
Suddenly the sound of knocking on the door was heard from outside, making Renxian who was still in contemplation start to step closer. The unexpected figure was now in front of Sanxiu, with a blushed face and still looking down, letting her blond hair cascade without trouble. It was Niara!
"Can I talk with you?"