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The room was dim, save for the flickering glow of a few candles casting shadows on the walls. Xiao Xun'er's gaze was steady as she regarded the shadowy figure kneeling before her, her voice cold and unwavering.
"Mr. Ling," she began, her tone brooking no argument.
Ling Ying, the figure in question, inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, his voice barely a murmur. "Miss…"
"Mr. Ling, you are to accompany Brother Shen Yuan to the Warcraft Mountain," she continued, each word falling with the weight of unbending command. "Protect him at all costs."
Ling Ying's eyes widened ever so slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across his usually calm demeanor. "But, Miss, what about your safety?" His voice held a trace of concern, an unusual display of emotion from the normally stoic bodyguard.
Xun'er dismissed his worry with a small wave of her hand, her gaze sharp and resolute. "Mr. Ling, do not concern yourself with me. I have ample ways to ensure my own protection. If anything were to happen to Brother Shen Yuan, I would not be able to forgive myself—or you," she added, her tone hardening, leaving no room for argument. "You know well the consequences if he should come to harm."
Ling Ying opened his mouth, as if to protest, but thought better of it and bowed his head instead, a single bead of sweat forming on his brow. "As the Young Miss orders," he replied, his voice barely a whisper before he disappeared, melting back into the shadows.
The sun was high in the sky as Shen Yuan entered Qingshan Town, also known as Warcraft Town, a bustling settlement nestled at the foot of the treacherous Warcraft Mountains. The town was a haven for mercenaries, drawn by the lure of wealth and the thrill of danger that came with the proximity to the wilds of the mountains.
In Qingshan, mercenaries were a constant presence, their rugged figures and battle-worn armor a common sight as they thrived in the unforgiving landscape. With businesses like medicinal halls, inns, and taverns catering to their needs, the town had transformed into a thriving center of trade, its economy built upon the perilous ventures into the mountains.
As Shen Yuan walked through the streets, the bluestone pavement underfoot a testament to the town's longstanding foundation, he wiped the sweat from his brow and allowed himself a small smile. "Finally, a touch of civilization," he muttered under his breath, his tone one of relief. He had spent weeks on the road, traveling through desolate lands and unfamiliar territories, and the isolation had begun to wear on him. Though he considered himself a solitary soul, there was a certain vitality in being surrounded by people that he had missed.
His appearance—a refined and handsome young man—quickly drew the attention of passersby. In a place dominated by hardened mercenaries, Shen Yuan's elegance was a stark contrast, and curious glances followed him as he walked. The street was lined with shops of all kinds, catering to the various needs of the mercenaries and traders passing through. Shen Yuan's gaze lingered on a large medicinal shop, "Wanyao Zhai," its sign marked with elaborate characters that promised rare herbs and alchemical ingredients.
As an alchemist, weapons and monster pelts held little interest for him, but the lure of rare medicinal ingredients was irresistible. He entered the shop, where the walls were lined with moonstones that cast a soft, daylight-like glow across the room. The shop was bustling, clerks moving with practiced efficiency to attend to the steady flow of customers. Shen Yuan moved quietly among them, his eyes scanning the rows of herbs and ingredients, though most appeared too basic for his needs. Just as he was about to leave, something caught his attention.
Beneath a glass counter, a cluster of blood-red ginseng lay on display, their vibrant color marking them as rare and potent. Intrigued, Shen Yuan approached, feigning a casual interest as he studied the roots more closely before addressing a nearby clerk.
"Do you have more blood ginseng in stock? I'd like to buy a substantial quantity," he asked, his tone polite but firm.
The clerk blinked in surprise, then glanced at the gold ring on Shen Yuan's finger, his eyes widening slightly. Putting on a deferential smile, he nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Please give me a moment to retrieve them," he replied, hurrying off to the back of the store. He returned shortly with a small wooden box and opened it to reveal a collection of ginseng roots. "We have 227 blood ginseng roots here. Would you like to purchase all of them?"
A faint smile played at the corner of Shen Yuan's lips as he nodded. "Yes, wrap them all up."
"That will be 45,600 gold coins, sir," the clerk replied, glancing at Shen Yuan with newfound respect after he produced a prestigious Mittel family gold card to pay. Recognizing the status that such a card represented, the clerk's demeanor shifted to one of utmost reverence, handling the transaction with care.
As the clerk prepared his purchase, Shen Yuan allowed his gaze to wander around the shop, feeling the weight of a few curious gazes directed his way. He was aware that his appearance—a young, wealthy alchemist with no apparent guards—would naturally attract attention in a place like this. When the clerk returned with his packed purchase, Shen Yuan retrieved his card and took the package, still mindful of the quiet attention on him.
"Is it true that most of these herbs come from the Warcraft Mountains?" Shen Yuan asked, striking up a casual conversation.
The clerk nodded. "Indeed, sir. The mountains are rich in medicinal resources, and we hire mercenary groups for protection on our expeditions. Where there are valuable herbs, magical beasts are often close by." Shen Yuan nodded in feigned interest, playing the part of an inexperienced youth eager for tales of adventure.
A sudden commotion at the shop's entrance drew his attention. "It's the Little Medical Fairy!" someone murmured nearby, a tone of reverence in their voice. "So beautiful," another whispered, admiration evident as they took in her appearance.
The crowd parted as a young woman entered, and Shen Yuan's gaze fell upon her for the first time. She wore a light, flowing white dress, simple in design yet lending her an air of ethereal beauty. A green ribbon tied around her slender waist emphasized her delicate frame, and her gentle smile was like a refreshing spring breeze. Though her features were not striking by traditional standards, there was an undeniable charm to her serene presence, a quiet grace that held the attention of everyone around her.
Shen Yuan observed her silently, captivated by the unassuming elegance with which she carried herself. There was a calmness in her demeanor, a purity that seemed untouched by the harsh realities of the world around them. The mercenaries who filled the shop looked at her with awe, a stark contrast to their usual rough demeanor.
He found himself drawn to her presence, intrigued by the aura of tranquility that surrounded her. It was as though she existed in a world of her own, untouched by the turmoil and chaos that filled the lives of those around her. For a brief moment, Shen Yuan allowed himself to wonder at her story, curious about the journey that had brought her to this place and the strength that allowed her to thrive amidst the dangers of the Warcraft Mountains.
As she moved past him, their eyes met briefly, a flicker of mutual acknowledgment passing between them. Shen Yuan inclined his head in a subtle gesture of respect, and she responded with a gentle nod, her expression calm and composed. The moment passed, and she continued on her way, disappearing into the crowd as quickly as she had appeared, leaving Shen Yuan with a lingering sense of wonder.
With his purchase complete, he left Wanyao Zhai and stepped back into the bustling streets of Qingshan, feeling as though a subtle shift had occurred within him. Though his journey into the Warcraft Mountains lay ahead, Shen Yuan found his thoughts drifting back to the serene figure of the Little Medical Fairy, her presence lingering in his mind like a quiet echo of peace amidst the coming storm.