Xiao Fan felt that the possibility he had found the wrong place was very small. As for someone getting there ahead of him in such a short time, that seemed even less likely.
The cave entrance was extremely well hidden. Even with a fragmentary map in hand, it had taken him a long time to find it, not to mention anyone else.
In the end, he concluded that there might have been other things inside the cave before, which had disappeared for some reason.
The opportunity that belonged to him was that cultivation technique. Since he had grown suspicious of that technique and refused to cultivate it, that lingering sense of loss had never faded.
The more Xiao Fan thought about it, the more convinced he became. Fearing that lingering too long might attract attention, he decided to leave first and think about it later.
After coming out this time, he had unintentionally wandered near the Spiritual Herb Fields. Seeing the area covered in spiritual herbs, his eyes lit up instantly.
“This place is actually full of spiritual herbs. Although at first glance they’re all unranked, there might be some rare ones hidden among them.”
At this moment, Xiao Fan was no longer the polite college student he once was. He didn’t care whether the land had an owner.
Since he had come across it, it was only right that it should serve him. With that thought, he prepared to go in and gather some spiritual herbs.
In his mind, he wondered, Could it be that the feeling that hasn’t faded is connected to this place? Is my opportunity in this herb field?
Suddenly, he seemed to step on something. The surrounding spiritual energy began to fluctuate violently, spreading outward like ripples on water. His heart jolted in alarm.
“Damn it, how is there a formation here?”
He had never expected that this remote mountain herb field would be protected by a formation. He immediately decided it was better to leave first.
However, the moment the formation was triggered, it alerted Xu Peng not far away.
Without caring about the details, Xu Peng crushed a communication jade talisman and rushed over to check the situation.
That was how Xu Peng and Xiao Fan ran into each other. Both were stunned for a moment.
Xiao Fan did not recognize Xu Peng, but Xu Peng recognized him. After all, Xiao Fan carried the title of number one in Qingfeng City. Even though the word “waste” was unpleasant to say twice, he was indeed famous.
Seeing that the newcomer was only at the 6th stage Qi Refining Realm, Xiao Fan did not take him seriously. He did not want unnecessary trouble. Before Xu Peng could fully react, Xiao Fan swiftly leapt into the water and disappeared.
“How did that waste end up here?”
Prejudice in a person’s heart was like a towering mountain.
Xiao Fan was no longer a waste, yet Xu Peng still called him one. Xu Peng’s mind was in a mess. He never would have imagined encountering Xiao Fan in the Chen Family’s Spiritual Herb Fields, and in such a sneaky manner at that.
He could not understand it. No matter what, Xiao Fan was still the young master of the Xiao Family. It couldn’t be that he had come for these spiritual herbs, could it?
Their main task here was to guard against demonic beasts. This was clearly owned land. Almost no one would be foolish enough to come steal spiritual herbs.
Could it be revenge for the humiliation from Second Miss?
“What’s going on?”
While Xu Peng’s thoughts were in turmoil, Chen Ping had already arrived and asked.
Chen Ping was no longer his usual easygoing self. The aura he exuded made Xu Peng’s scalp tingle. Xu Peng hurriedly bowed and recounted everything.
“You’re saying you saw the Xiao Family boy coming out of the Spiritual Herb Fields, and the moment he saw you, he jumped into the water and escaped?” Chen Ping asked thoughtfully.
“Yes,” Xu Peng replied quickly.
Chen Ping then entered the herb garden for a brief inspection. Finding nothing unusual, he came out, repaired the formation, and said to Xu Peng, “You’ve done well this time. The Chen Family will reward you. Continue guarding the area.”
“It is my duty,” Xu Peng responded hastily with another bow.
Chen Ping nodded and left without another word.
Watching Chen Ping’s departing figure, Xu Peng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He had not expected Chen Ping to be a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. A true big shot had been right by his side.
Fortunately, he had always treated him respectfully. The thought alone made his heart pound with lingering fear.
…
When Hai Dali woke up, he felt refreshed and full of energy. Glancing at the sky, he saw it was already early dawn. He muttered, “I actually slept that long.”
He remembered that when he went to sleep, it had still been broad daylight. Now it was already the next morning.
He guessed it might have something to do with the Thousand-Year Earth Yellow Essence, but since he felt no discomfort and instead felt invigorated, he did not dwell on it.
He then looked at the little mouse. It was still sleeping in the same spot as yesterday, even in the exact same posture. He could not help but feel a bit worried.
“It’s been almost a full day and night. Nothing’s wrong, right?”
Then he remembered that he could refine medicinal power using cultivation techniques, but the little mouse could not. Perhaps sleeping was its way of refining the medicinal effects. With that thought, he felt reassured.
After covering the little mouse slightly for concealment, he headed out to relieve Xu Peng.
“I didn’t expect that after transmigrating, I’d still have to show up for work on time. What a life of toil,” Hai Dali joked to himself as he walked. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
A few days ago, he had hoped every day to see the little mouse again and catch it, so he had some motivation for his shifts.
Now that he had not only caught the little mouse but also successfully subdued it, he wondered how he would get through his duty hours.
“I’ve been here so long and haven’t even seen a single demonic beast. Hopefully I can go back soon.”
Thinking of life in the Chen Residence, Hai Dali felt a pang of nostalgia. Although he rarely went out there and was practically a shut-in of the cultivation world, just having Qingzhi there was enough to make him miss it.
“Morning,” Hai Dali greeted as he arrived to relieve Xu Peng.
“Morning,” Xu Peng replied casually. He was already used to Hai Dali’s strange way of greeting.
Xu Peng felt that Hai Dali seemed slightly different today, but he did not think much of it. Leaning closer, he lowered his voice and said, “Guess who I saw last night?”
Hai Dali looked confused and instinctively asked, “Who did you see? Don’t tell me you ran into some great beauty?”
Ignoring Hai Dali’s teasing, Xu Peng said, “Last night, the formation in the Spiritual Herb Fields was triggered. I reported it immediately. When I came to check, I happened to see that waste from the Xiao Family coming out of the fields.”
He stared at Hai Dali after finishing. He knew Hai Dali had a grudge against Xiao Fan and wanted to see his reaction.
“Who? Xiao Fan?” Hai Dali confirmed.
“Who else could it be? Does the Xiao Family have a second waste?” Xu Peng replied irritably.
“Why would he come here?” Hai Dali asked, feigning confusion.
But inwardly, he was thinking that Xiao Fan had returned so quickly. Fortunately, he had found the Thousand-Year Earth Yellow Essence early in the morning. Otherwise, Xiao Fan would have obtained it.
He did not believe that if he could find that cave, Xiao Fan would fail to do so.
When dealing with a Chosen One, one could never rely on luck. If he had hesitated even a little or delayed a single day, he would have completely missed out on the Thousand-Year Earth Yellow Essence.
“You’re asking me? Who would I ask?” Xu Peng replied impatiently.
Seeing Hai Dali’s calm reaction, Xu Peng felt a bit disappointed. He had expected Hai Dali to grit his teeth in anger at the mention of Xiao Fan. After all, he had nearly been beaten to death by him. Xu Peng had hoped for some entertainment.
He hesitated for a moment, wanting to mention Chen Ping’s matter, but worried that Chen Ping might find out and be displeased. In the end, he simply said goodbye to Hai Dali and left.
Hai Dali thought Xu Peng had wanted to ask about his grudge with Xiao Fan but felt awkward bringing it up, so he did not pay it any mind.