Chapter Forty-One: Nangong Xue

“This is extremely dangerous, you know.”

The words of the old man in the gray robe instantly stirred discontent among those present.

“To slay demon apes in the depths of the Demonwood… It seems Captain Wang’s analysis was spot on,” whispered the people around. Many now looked at the thick-browed middle-aged man with even greater admiration.

At that moment, the thick-browed man was clearly enjoying the respect he’d earned. He also understood the concerns weighing on everyone’s minds. Taking a step forward, he said, “Sir, the inner region of the Demonwood is no easy place to venture into. Though the reward you offer is considerable, money is only worth anything if you live to spend it. To enter the heart of the Demonwood, we’d need to be led by someone at the Origin Realm. Only then would we dare accept this contract. But among us, there isn’t such a person. Sir, if you could find an Origin Realm expert to lead us, we’d be willing. Otherwise, we’ll have to decline.”

These words struck a chord with the crowd. Heads nodded in agreement throughout the gathering.

Surveying the restless company before him, the gray-robed elder furrowed his brow slightly and said, “Rest assured, everyone—we anticipated as much. I myself am an Origin Realm expert.” As he spoke, a unique aura belonging only to such a cultivator suddenly radiated from him, its powerful presence pressing down upon the crowd.

“Does anyone have any further concerns?”

With the old man’s display of Origin Realm power, all the commotion in the group ceased at once. Eyes grew heated, a passionate awe mingling with reverence. In a world where strength dictated everything, the powerful always commanded respect and fear.

“I never imagined he was an Origin Realm master.” A look of astonishment appeared on Ye Cheng’s face. Someone at that level could easily dominate a region. He hadn’t expected the old man in gray to be such a figure.

After a brief moment of surprise, the thick-browed man gathered himself, conferred with a few other mercenary leaders, and turned back with a respectful nod. “Since sir possesses such strength, we have no objections to you leading this expedition.”

Moments ago, many had been anxious about venturing into the perilous depths of the Demonwood, where danger lurked at every turn. Yet with the old man’s revelation, that anxiety visibly faded from their faces. With an Origin Realm expert at the helm, their safety was much more assured.

“This man is certainly shrewd. Using strength to command the scene is the quickest and most effective method.” Elder Mu’s voice echoed in Ye Cheng’s mind, carrying a note of approval. But then, his tone shifted: “However, I doubt this is solely for the silver-maned demon apes. Such beasts do attract an Origin Realm expert, but not enough to warrant such a grand mobilization.”

Ye Cheng nodded almost imperceptibly. Elder Mu’s words mirrored his own suspicions. Since the appearance of the gray-robed elder, his earlier intuition was only confirmed: “There’s far more to this than meets the eye.”

As the gathering gradually quieted, Wu Fan, the old man in gray, nodded in satisfaction. He turned toward the carriage behind him and addressed it, “Young lady, the people are assembled. We may depart.”

Following his action, all eyes finally shifted from Wu Fan to the carriage.

Under the scrutiny of so many, a slender jade arm reached out from within, lifting the curtain. Instantly, the face of a stunningly beautiful young woman was revealed to all.

She stepped gracefully from the carriage, allowing everyone to see her more clearly. Her skin was fair as snow, her slender figure accentuated by a flowing white gown of gauzy silk. Her long hair cascaded down her back, loosely gathered by a pink ribbon. Yet upon her exquisitely lovely face was the chill of distant frost.

Her appearance dazzled the gathered mercenaries, sparking a flurry of whispers. Even Captain Wang, the thick-browed man, couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a beautiful woman—though she’s a bit cold,” he added, regretful at the coolness in her gaze.

Ye Cheng, likewise, was struck by her beauty. This extraordinary girl appeared about his own age—the most beautiful he had ever seen—and the trace of aloofness she carried only added to her allure.

“So, this young woman must be…” Suddenly, Ye Cheng recalled the gray-robed elder’s earlier self-introduction as an official of Yongle City. Given how he addressed the carriage’s occupant, Ye Cheng drew a sharp breath.

“The city lord’s daughter?”

The crowd, too, after a brief moment of stupor, seemed to realize what this meant. Soon, many eyes bore complex expressions. Observing their reaction, Ye Cheng understood that the others had likewise deduced the girl’s identity.

Yongle City was renowned throughout Nanyang Prefecture, holding a place of considerable importance in the region. As the daughter of its lord, her status alone was enough to move many, even these battle-hardened mercenaries. They all understood that the girl before them, as beautiful as she was, was not someone they could approach—the power behind her was not to be trifled with.

There was no mistake. This was none other than Nangong Xue, the daughter of Yongle City’s lord.

Nangong Xue swept her cold gaze over the mercenaries who had been staring at her, offering no words. She merely nodded lightly to Wu Fan, her lips parting just enough to say, “Let’s depart in that direction.”

At her command, Wu Fan waved to the mercenaries before him. “Let’s move out. Please follow us into the heart of the Demonwood.” He immediately chose a direction, his figure flashing into the shadows of the forest, followed closely by Nangong Xue and her attendants.

The thick-browed man exchanged glances with his companions and said calmly, “Let’s go. With Yongle City’s experts leading us, I doubt the mission will be too difficult.” With a decisive wave, all the mercenaries filed in behind and sped after the vanishing figures.

Ye Cheng was among those darting through the forest. He would never have dared to venture alone into the heart of the Demonwood. His original cultivation plan hadn’t included hunting in these depths—at least not until he reached the peak of the Blood Qi Realm. Perhaps then, he might have tried.

But with an Origin Realm expert leading the way, and dozens of Blood Qi Realm fighters alongside, this was a rare opportunity to set foot in the Demonwood’s inner reaches and explore. If luck was on his side, he might even obtain the blood core of an Origin Realm beast. With these hopes, Ye Cheng dashed onward with the others.

[Author’s Note: The book is now under contract. From today, I’ll return to two chapters per day. If you have any requests for a surge in updates, please leave a message in the reviews. Though my free time to write is limited, your encouragement gives me motivation, and I’ll do my best to make time for more chapters. Also, please add to your collection, send flowers, and vote—these things matter greatly for a new book. I’m begging you!]

[Chapter 41: Nangong Xue has been updated!]