"The magical beasts are attacking! Hurry, let's help them!"
Hearing the sounds of battle ahead, Xiao Yi Xian quickly rushed forward in alarm.
Gu Changqing didn't stop her and followed along with Nalan Yanran.
Along the way, many Iron-Eating Mice darted past them, but none of them attacked.
When they returned, Mu Li, who was directing the mercenaries in their fight against the Iron-Eating Mice, hurriedly led a few of his men to meet them.
"Xiao Yi Xian, Miss Nalan, Young Master Gu, you're finally back. I was worried that you..."
"Quick, take cover behind the camp! We'll protect you. These Iron-Eating Mice have gone mad!"
Mu Li looked deeply concerned, instructing the mercenaries to cover Xiao Yi Xian and her companions as they retreated to the rear of the camp.
"I'll help. You all focus on protecting Xiao Yi Xian," Nalan Yanran rejected Mu Li's offer of protection. With her sword drawn, she charged into the fray, helping the mercenaries fend off the beasts.
Gu Changqing frowned. Something about the situation felt off. The Iron-Eating Mice seemed unusually aggressive, attacking everything in sight.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. After casting a long glance at Mu Li, Gu Changqing too rushed forward, joining the fight to help eliminate the beasts.
"Damn it, has that brat noticed something?" Mu Li's heart skipped a beat when he met Gu Changqing's gaze, but he quickly calmed down, remembering the plan for the night.
Blood Soul Incense could lure magical beasts to attack, but the scent of blood would mask its presence. As long as they were stained with enough blood, the crazed Iron-Eating Mice would stop attacking them.
But Gu Changqing was different. Once he returned to the camp and came into contact with the Blood Soul Incense-laden tents, no amount of blood could conceal the scent on him.
When that happened, he was as good as dead!
Swallowing his impatience, Mu Li continued commanding the mercenaries of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, assisting in the battle.
With the combined efforts of everyone, the Iron-Eating Mice were quickly eliminated, and the scent of blood began to fill the air. As the blood's stench masked the aroma of the Blood Soul Incense, the Iron-Eating Mice, now confused, squeaked a few times before retreating into the forest.
Xiao Yi Xian and Gu Changqing immediately began treating the injured.
Although the Iron-Eating Mice weren't particularly strong, their speed and sharp teeth posed significant threats. Without timely treatment, even a minor wound could prove fatal.
Under their care, the wounded mercenaries soon stabilized. Gu Changqing even took out some healing pills from his storage ring, diluted them, and distributed them to the group.
Despite this, two unlucky mercenaries had their throats bitten through. They were beyond saving.
"Sigh... Make sure they get a proper burial. When we return, I will personally provide 2,000 gold coins to each of their families, under my name," Xiao Yi Xian said somberly.
Though generous, Xiao Yi Xian knew that giving too much could also bring harm to their families.
Moreover, compensating every casualty with thousands of gold coins on each herb-gathering mission would lead to massive losses for the Clinic. Everyone who joined these missions did so knowing the risks. They wouldn't go to the Clinic demanding compensation for their families. This gesture of goodwill came directly from Xiao Yi Xian's own pocket.
Impressed by her generosity, Mu Li, the young leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, seized the moment to present himself favorably. "No need for you to cover this. The Wolf Head Mercenary Group will handle the compensation for their families."
Xiao Yi Xian didn't argue, letting Mu Li have his moment. She knew she would still provide the money later on.
Meanwhile, the mercenaries took care of the Iron-Eating Mice's bodies, extracting the magic cores within as their rightful spoils of war.
Having finished tending to the injured, Xiao Yi Xian, Gu Changqing, and the others returned to their tents to rest.
As they neared the tents, Gu Changqing's brows furrowed. A faint, almost imperceptible fragrance wafted into his nose. To an ordinary person, it might seem like nothing more than insect-repellent incense, but Gu Changqing, having survived countless years of hardship, immediately sensed something was wrong.
The scent was incredibly subtle, almost unnoticeable. Even Xiao Yi Xian, resting in the neighboring tent, hadn't picked up on it.
After all the commotion, Xiao Yi Xian and Nalan Yanran soon fell asleep, exhausted.
Gu Changqing pretended to be unaware, lying down on the bedding soaked in Blood Soul Incense, just outside Nalan Yanran's tent.
Seeing that Gu Changqing seemed completely oblivious, Mu Li, watching in the shadows, felt a surge of cruel satisfaction.
"Gu Changqing, tomorrow will be your last day."
As the first rays of dawn bathed the land in golden light, the dark night gave way to a new day.
Gu Changqing and the group resumed their journey.
The Clinic had several established herb-gathering points in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where they could efficiently collect the rare herbs they needed.
But today, something unexpected happened. No sooner had they set out than a bird-type magical beast, likely out hunting for food, swooped down from the sky, targeting Gu Changqing.
Though his strength far surpassed that of a low-level beast, Gu Changqing dodged the attack and ran towards the group of mercenaries as if seeking their help.
Under everyone's gaze, the mercenaries from the Wolf Head Mercenary Group quickly came to his aid, slaying the magical beast.
Gu Changqing expressed his heartfelt thanks and returned to his position.
The group continued their journey with laughter and casual conversation.
But not two minutes later, Gu Changqing was attacked again.
Once more, he dashed toward the Wolf Head Mercenaries, seeking their aid.
Again, they swiftly came to his rescue, eliminating the threat.
Gu Changqing offered them his sincere gratitude and returned to his place.
Then, it happened again. And again. Each time he was attacked, he ran straight to the Wolf Head Mercenaries for help.
Eventually, Gu Changqing just stayed with the mercenaries, having them protect him directly.
Mu Li's face was frozen in a stiff smile. This damn kid kept running to them for protection, even slapping the mercenaries on the back, spreading the scent of Blood Soul Incense all over them. What a cursed brat!
Yet Mu Li couldn't be sure if Gu Changqing knew what was going on, so he had no choice but to command his mercenaries to keep dealing with the magical beasts.
Slap!
"Mu Li, what are you thinking about?"
Out of nowhere, Gu Changqing appeared beside him, clapping a hand on his back as if they were the best of friends.
Startled, Mu Li jumped three feet in the air, frantically brushing off the places where Gu Changqing had touched him. "Wh-When did you get here?!" he stammered.