Before the last trace of orange-red sunset on the horizon was swallowed by the ink-blue night curtain, Xiao Qing’s footsteps finally stepped onto the land of Qingshan Town.
This small town was like a resting point crouching at the feet of the giant beast that was the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and the air was filled with a rugged aura completely different from Wutan City.
Before even fully entering the town, a complex smell mixed with sweat, dust, the scent of medicinal herbs, and a faint smell of blood wafted toward him.
The streets were simply rammed with gravel and soil, far less smooth than those of the Xiao Family.
Various buildings stood crowded on both sides, mostly made of thick logs and heavy stone, with a rugged and practical style.
Many houses had heavily worn signs hanging outside, depicting patterns of swords, herbs, or Demonic Beast heads.
Although it was still early evening, Qingshan Town had not quieted down; instead, it appeared even more lively than during the day.
Everywhere, one could see brawny mercenaries wearing weapons, gathered in groups of three or five, talking and laughing loudly, with rugged finger-guessing games and the clamor of heavy drinking coming from the taverns.
Most of these mercenaries had dark skin and sharp eyes, and their bodies were more or less covered in scars, revealing a fierce aura from years of living on the edge of a blade.
Their gazes, which swept around like they were searching for prey, scanned everyone on the street.
Especially when they saw a young and still somewhat naive-looking new face like Xiao Qing traveling alone, they would linger for a while with scrutiny and inquiry.
Xiao Qing’s expression was calm, and he ignored the various gazes cast his way.
Xiao Qing slowed his pace, seemingly walking casually on the street, but in fact, his powerful Soul perception had already begun to spread out like an invisible spider web, keenly capturing all the surrounding information.
Xiao Qing could clearly perceive that most of these mercenaries were only at the Dou Practitioner level, and the few with slightly thicker auras were merely high-star Dou Practitioners.
With his current strength, he was enough to instantly suppress everything in Qingshan Town!
‘It seems I still need to enter the Magical Beast Mountain Range to gain experience and fight against high-level Demonic Beasts.’ Xiao Qing began to ponder in his heart; although he knew there were no very strong experts in Qingshan Town, he couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
At this time, Xiao Qing’s gaze swept over the mercenary group stations, listening to the acquisition of Materials and medicinal herbs related to Demonic Beast information, as well as some scattered intelligence.
Xiao Qing couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of anticipation for his upcoming experience in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
This would be the first real combat stage for Xiao Qing as he embarked on his path of cultivation.
In the original work, not only was there the Rank 6 Demonic Beast Amethyst Winged Lion King in this Magical Beast Mountain Range, but there also seemed to be a Rank 7 transformed Demonic Beast!
For now, Xiao Qing needed to find a place to rest and then inquire about specific intelligence regarding the Magical Beast Mountain Range over the past few months.
His gaze swept over several residences that appeared fairly orderly, and Xiao Qing stepped forward, his figure beginning to blend into the town’s streetscape, which was a mix of darkness and lantern fire, filled with wild vitality.
Xiao Qing walked into an inn called “Tianyuan Dwelling,” and the moment he entered, an odor mixed with the smell of alcohol, roasted meat, and a faint mustiness wafted toward him.
The lobby was quite lively, with several coarse wooden tables filled with rugged mercenaries who were loudly discussing their thrilling experiences hunting Demonic Beasts or some local rumors.
The fiery red lantern light shone on faces weathered by the elements.
Xiao Qing didn’t stay in the lobby but walked straight to the counter.
Behind the counter stood a slightly plump, shrewd-eyed middle-aged shopkeeper who was looking down and fiddling with an abacus.
“A first-class room, a quiet one.” Xiao Qing’s voice wasn’t loud, but it clearly pierced through the surrounding noise.
The shopkeeper looked up at the sound and sized up Xiao Qing.
The youth before him was not dressed luxuriously but looked very clean and tidy.
His face was naive, but his eyes were calm, completely different from common down-and-out adventurers or green boys out for the first time; he had an indescribable steady temperament about him.
The shopkeeper, having seen countless people, judged that this youth likely had some background, and a professional smile immediately appeared on his face.
“Alright!
You’re in luck, sir.
We happen to have the last first-class room in the Heaven wing left.
It’s quiet and elegant, guaranteed to be undisturbed!” the shopkeeper introduced enthusiastically.
“The daily room fee is five gold coins, including hot water for morning and evening meals.”