Under Gu Changqing's intimidation, Hai Bodong had no choice but to surrender the other half of themap and all potential routes where Heavenly Flame might be found.
Gu Changqing instructed Hai Bodong to wait for him in the Imperial Capital while he himself set off for Shimo City with Shi Hu Liu, having just returned from the City Lord's Mansion.
Shimo City is where Qing Lin is located and also where Xiao Yan's two older brothers established the Mo Tie Mercenary Group. The city is quite small, and a Dou Grandmaster can dominate it. It is a minor city in the desert, about ten days' journey from Mo City.
Instead of hurrying, Gu Changqing rode on the Little Purple Crystal Wing Lion King, dressed in red robes, with the charming Shi Hu Liu, taking a leisurely journey toward Shimo City.
Along the way, Gu Changqing took the opportunity to enjoy the open-air Lion's Roar. Since the Little Purple Crystal Wing Lion King is female, Gu Changqing set up an illusion array to ensure that the occasional passerby in the desert couldn't see what was happening inside. He and Shi Hu Liu engaged in numerous exhilarating sessions of Lion's Roar.
Under the vast, sunny sky and amidst the boundless desert, Shi Hu Liu and Gu Changqing practiced on the back of a purple lion with wings. However, Gu Changqing's strength was so overwhelming that Shi Hu Liu, despite her best efforts, couldn't keep up and eventually had to beg for mercy.
"Rest for two days first, and in a few days, I'll find you a companion," Gu Changqing said as he spread a blanket on the back of the Little Purple Crystal Wing Lion King for Shi Hu Liu to rest on. Meanwhile, he was contemplating whether to recruit Xue Lan from the Mo Tie Mercenary Group.
After all, he was now a primordial divine demon, albeit the weakest. Not just any woman could withstand him, and Shi Hu Liu alone couldn't handle his demands. Plus, having just discovered his new appetite for "meat," he was feeling particularly indulgent.
Gu Changqing wasn't planning to suppress his desires. Most people restrain their desires to avoid burdening themselves or because they haven't met someone who fulfills their highest expectations. But Gu Changqing had transcended that; understanding the Dao of Love was part of his cultivation. Having many women around him wasn't a burden but a form of practice.
He could fulfill his desires while continuing his cultivation. As a primordial divine demon, his body excreted substances that could advance the life level of beings. Spending time with him and engaging deeply would eventually help even ordinary people ascend to a higher state. He had no concern about his companions falling behind.
Clang, clang!
Bang, crack!
"Not good, Xue Lan has been injured! We need to fight while retreating!"
"Damn Yellow Sand Scorpions, they're hiding too well!"
"Kill these Yellow Sand Scorpions quickly and escort Xue Lan back first!"
The sounds of battle echoed through the desert as a group of over ten people fought against several first-grade magical beasts, Yellow Sand Scorpions, while protecting a tall, curvaceous woman.
These dozen or so people clearly weren't very strong, mostly Fighters at five or six stars, and even some at three or four stars.
Though Yellow Sand Scorpions are only first-grade magical beasts, they release a special nerve toxin. While not immediately fatal, the toxin causes severe pain and spasms, rendering victims unable to fight effectively.
Xue Lan, the injured woman, was in excruciating pain, her face drained of color. Even though a teammate was supporting her, she writhed and convulsed with agony.
"Don't mind me; just kill these Yellow Sand Scorpions first!" Xue Lan managed to say through gritted teeth before the pain overwhelmed her, causing her to scream in torment.
"Ah!"
At that moment, another teammate was bitten and began rolling on the ground in pain.
"Quick! Save him!"
With some team members needing to rescue their injured comrades, their numbers dwindled in the battle against the Yellow Sand Scorpions, making their situation increasingly precarious.
"Retreat and fight as you go; we're in trouble today. If we're not careful, we might lose several people here!" A slightly stronger team member urged, buying time for Xue Lan and the injured to escape.
Just then, a purple lion with wings emerged slowly from the desert, carrying one person lying down and another standing.
To their surprise, the person lying down appeared to be a stunning beauty who seemed to be deeply asleep, exhausted from the efforts of the standing individual.
The standing figure was tall and handsome but had an air of utter shamelessness.
"Friend, please help us! The Mo Tie Mercenary Group will be very grateful!" The stronger team member urgently pleaded with Gu Changqing, noting his distinguished aura and the impressive lion, hoping for assistance.
"Oh? If I help, there will be a fee," Gu Changqing said with a mocking smile, his gaze fixed on the people below.
"We'll offer a thousand gold coins if you help," the strong team member quickly responded.
"Haha, do I look like someone in need of money?" Gu Changqing chuckled.
"This is outrageous; damn Yellow Sand Scorpions!" The strong team member nearly got bitten by a scorpion due to the distraction.
"Friend, we all work in the Tagore Desert. If you help us today, the Mo Tie Mercenary Group will assist you in the future with anything you need!" another practical team member called out while fighting off the Yellow Sand Scorpions.
"Ha, I'm not just working in the Tagore Desert. I travel the world to collect all kinds of beauties. If your Mo Tie Mercenary Group can offer me a satisfactory woman, I'll help you," Gu Changqing said, openly displaying his interest in beautiful women.
"Ah! Help me!" Another mercenary was bitten by a hidden Yellow Sand Scorpion and collapsed in pain.
In the ensuing chaos, the Mo Tie Mercenary Group struggled to save their comrade while suffering more injuries. Gu Changqing, meanwhile, merely smiled and urged the Little Purple Crystal Wing Lion King to continue.
"Wait!" At that moment, a delicate voice called out from the crowd.