"Haha... Little brother, you're really something, actually able to withstand an attack from the Scorpion-Tail Demon Wolf! That beast is one of the fiercest among first-tier magical beasts, almost unrivaled at the same level."
"Young as he is, a fighter like him is truly terrifying."
The surrounding mercenaries occasionally cheered for Xiao Se.
Just a moment ago, the herb-gathering team was ambushed by a Scorpion-Tail Demon Wolf. This beast, known for its speed, strength, and poisonous tail, had already stung and poisoned several mercenaries, leaving them unconscious. Luckily, Xiao Se had stepped in just in time, drawing his magic sword and sending the wolf flying, thus saving the poisoned mercenaries from further harm.
Xiao Se smiled casually at the cheers from the mercenaries, showing no sign of arrogance. He silently followed the herb-gathering team toward their destination.
To him, the Scorpion-Tail Demon Wolf would have been easily slain in one strike, had it not been for the demon sword suppressing most of his dou qi . But using only his limited energy, physical strength, and the sword's sharpness, he managed to fend off the wolf. This, too, was part of his training.
"Everyone, there's still a distance to go before we reach the herb-gathering point. Let's take a short break," a gentle voice suddenly broke the calm of the team.
Hearing this, the group paused their steps, turned to look at the girl with a gentle smile, and nodded in agreement.
After a brief discussion, about ten people were assigned to keep watch while the others rested, recovering their energy.
Xiao Se, who had only fought once, had barely consumed any of his battle energy. After fully recovering, he told one of the mercenaries that he needed to relieve himself and then quietly left the group, entering the nearby woods.
He began to explore the cliffs nearby, also keeping an eye out for any useful herbs.
After pushing through the woods, Xiao Se finally found a steep cliff. Below, a lush green forest spread out, beautiful and serene.
Standing on the edge, he ignored the white-blossomed plant with crimson fruits growing nearby. Peering down, he saw nothing unusual at first glance. He then asked inwardly, "Long Kui, is there a cave at the bottom of this cliff? Help me check."
"Yes, brother," Long Kui's voice echoed in his mind. A moment later, she replied, "Brother, there does seem to be a cave down there."
Hearing this, Xiao Se felt a surge of excitement. It seemed following the herb-gathering team was the right choice. He lightly touched his ring, and a bundle of thick rope appeared in his hand.
After securing the rope around a tree trunk as thick as a leg, Xiao Se tugged it tightly to ensure it was secure. He then lightly tapped his foot on the ground and swiftly descended the cliff.
Not long after Xiao Se started his descent, a graceful figure dressed in pale green emerged from the dark woods.
The figure slowly approached the edge of the cliff. She glanced at the pale white flower with crimson fruits and then at the rope tied to the nearby tree. The girl murmured softly, "He didn't pick the White Orchid Fruit worth thousands of gold coins, but instead climbed down the cliff. Does he not know its value, or is there something down below?"
A gentle breeze blew, scattering the clouds, and the warm sunlight illuminated the ethereal beauty of the girl's face. It was none other than the Little Fairy Doctor.
Meanwhile, guided by Long Kui, Xiao Se finally reached the vicinity of the cave.
As he gazed at the dark cave entrance before him, a sudden sense of danger caused the hair on his body to stand on end. His heart skipped a beat as he heard a faint sound of something cutting through the air, and a dark shadow shot toward him.
"A rock snake." Under the sunlight, Xiao Se recognized the creature attacking him. He quickly raised his free hand, summoning a ball of blue-white flames, and struck the rock snake with it.
The flames collided with the snake, producing a series of crackling sounds. Under the intense heat of the beast fire, the snake struggled briefly before turning into a grilled serpent, plummeting into the bottomless ravine below.
With the snake dealt with, Xiao Se sighed in relief but remained cautious. After ensuring that the cave was safe, he loosened the rope and used his foot to leverage against the cliff, leaping into the cave.
Just as his feet touched the ground, Long Kui's sweet voice echoed in his mind again, "Brother, it looks like someone's climbing down your rope."
"Someone?" Xiao Se frowned, preparing to burn the rope with his beast fire. But then he saw a familiar pale green figure descending from above, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. "It's the Little Fairy Doctor?"
"Brother, should I take care of her?" This time, it was Hong Kui who spoke, after having remained silent for a while.
Xiao Se shook his head, "No need. She's not a match for me, and she's a kind girl. There's no reason to kill her."
He turned his attention back to the cave, approaching the stone door. After some fumbling, he found a switch, and the door opened, revealing three chests sitting on a stone platform. Next to them, a skeleton sat on a chair.
Without hesitation, Xiao Se walked over to the skeleton and retrieved a remnant map of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame hidden within its hand. He also found a key on the skeleton, which he used to open the second and third chests, storing the flight skill "Eagle Wings" and the combat skill "Lion's Roar" into his ring.
With that done, he hurried out of the cave to check on the Little Fairy Doctor.
What greeted him was a rather amusing sight.
The Little Fairy Doctor was struggling, clinging to the rope with no foothold, her legs flailing helplessly in the air. Her pale green dress was hiked up, exposing her white undergarments.
Seeing this, Xiao Se couldn't help but wonder why the girls of the Dou Qi Continent seemed to dislike wearing pants. Xun'er didn't, Xiao Yu didn't, and now, not even the Little Fairy Doctor.
"Ah!" With a scream, the Little Fairy Doctor lost her grip, and her body plummeted toward the ravine.
Xiao Se shook his head helplessly, leaped down, and caught the Little Fairy Doctor by her slender waist. With his left hand, he grabbed the rope.
The Little Fairy Doctor, as if clutching a lifeline, wrapped her arms tightly around Xiao Se's neck, too scared to open her eyes.
The two hung in mid-air in an intimate position.
"Hey... it's alright now, you can open your eyes," Xiao Se gently shook her, reminding her with a soft voice.
The Little Fairy Doctor slowly opened her eyes, her pale face blushing as she looked at Xiao Se holding her. "Th-thank you..."
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