Chapter 5

On the road from Yishi Village to Tianyun City, there were three carriages and over twenty people.

Two of the carriages carried goods, while one carried people, with the guards taking turns to rest inside. In front of the carriages, there were two mounted guards scouting the way.

This was the Yishi family's porcelain convoy, slowly making its way along the path.

"Uncle Huo, how big is Tianyun City? Where is the most fun place? This time, I definitely want to stay for a few more days."

Yichen had been very excited since leaving with the convoy, sitting in the carriage and asking Huo Ning non-stop.

"Tianyun City is the third largest city in our Tianluo Kingdom, with a population of nearly ten million, very prosperous; the streets are ten times wider than this road, lined with shops selling all kinds of food, drinks, toys, and daily necessities. As long as you're willing to spend gold coins, you can buy anything. It's a paradise for the rich."

Huo Ning patiently described the scenes of Tianyun City to Yichen.

Just the city lord's mansion was many times larger than Yishi Village, with troops inside and many guards at the gate.

These guards had a minimum cultivation level of Sixth Rank Battle Master, and some were even at the Supervisor level.

And those above the Commander level, who had reached the Battle General level, were not few.

It was said that City Lord Gongsun Hong was a Commander-level expert, the best in Tianyun City.

On the way, Yichen chatted a lot with Huo Ning, and the convoy only reached the official road in the evening, speeding up a bit. As it was getting dark, Huo Ning ordered a stop to set up tents for rest.

Yichen ate some dry rations and, in the evening, entered his own tent to continue practicing.

He found that since practicing the "Great Five Elements Technique," his sleep time had decreased, but his energy had become more abundant. Even practicing all night, he didn't feel tired.

As dawn approached, Yichen felt his body filled with the Five Elements energy, surging in his dantian, as if it were about to burst.

He quickly continued to practice according to the incantation, and after a moment, his dantian calmed down.

He had broken through, reaching the Eighth Rank Battle Master!

Breaking through three ranks in less than a month, even Yichen himself hadn't expected it. The cultivation technique given by Jiajia was truly incredible, almost defying the laws of nature.

At this rate, breaking through to the Supervisor or even the General level was just a matter of time.

Due to the special cultivation method of the "Great Five Elements Technique" and Yichen's innate Five Elements body, the Five Elements energy in his body was incredibly thick.

Even in intense battles, the consumption was minimal, and his endurance was long-lasting.

Therefore, martial artists of the same cultivation level could not pose a threat to Yichen. Even facing a Second Rank Supervisor, Yichen could remain invincible.

If he practiced more in stealth techniques and implemented ambushes, he could even have a chance against a Third Rank Supervisor.

For three days, the Yishi family's convoy moved steadily forward. The official road was relatively safe, and the traffic increased.

People on horseback, in carriages, and on foot came and went. Occasionally, there were vendors by the roadside, providing rest and refreshments for travelers.

In the evening, they could stay at inns, no longer needing to set up tents. Such days would last for three more days before they entered the Hundred Mile Forest.

The inn was large, and Huo Ning and the others stayed downstairs, while Yichen occupied a room upstairs by himself.

Around midnight, while Yichen was practicing, he suddenly heard a faint conversation from the next room.

The speakers were speaking in low voices, but Yichen's mental strength was already very strong. Although he wasn't deliberately eavesdropping, he could still hear clearly.

"Brother Tian Tao, are you really determined to go to the Tianluo Mountains to hunt a Fourth Rank Magic Beast? It's too dangerous."

One of them said, "Although you are a Ninth Rank Supervisor with great skills, a Fourth Rank Magic Beast is comparable to a Battle General, extremely fierce."

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Lin. I have made up my mind. I must obtain the Fourth Rank Magic Core. Only with this commission can I gather enough crystals to buy the upgrade potion to save my brother and sister." The deep voice must have been Tian Tao's.

"I understand Brother Tian Tao's difficulties. We can take on more low-level tasks. They are easier to complete and faster. Why risk your life?" Brother Lin was still trying to persuade him.

"Brother Lin, there's no need to say more. In the morning, you go to the capital. Tell Tian Qing that I will be there within a month." Tian Tao had made his decision.

"Alas... Since Brother Tian Tao is determined, I have nothing more to say. Fine, I'll accompany you tomorrow." Brother Lin sighed, since persuasion was ineffective, he decided to face it together.

"No." Tian Tao, in a hurry, spoke louder unconsciously, "Your cultivation level is too low to help me and will only be a burden. Leave at dawn."

"Don't try to provoke me. We are brothers. Even if we die together, it's better than living alone." Brother Lin was unyielding.

After a moment of silence, Tian Tao said, "Let's talk about it tomorrow. Let's get some rest."

Then there was no more talking.

Yichen, hearing this, was moved by their brotherly bond.

Clearly, Tian Tao must have encountered a very difficult situation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have, with his Ninth Rank Supervisor cultivation, gone to hunt a Fourth Rank Magic Beast, which was as strong as a Battle General.

And Lin Lei, despite his failed persuasion, decided to stay and face the danger together with his brother.

In life, one might have many friends and brothers, all saying their bonds are deep and they would risk their lives for each other.

But in a real crisis, how many would actually risk their lives for their friends and brothers?

If he could have such a friend, it would be a great fortune.

If he could help them in some way, perhaps he could help them through this crisis.

His thoughts in disarray, Yichen couldn't continue practicing. He opened the door and stood in front of the next room.

He had the impulse to knock, but felt it was too abrupt. After all, it was late at night, and not only had he eavesdropped, but he was also about to disturb them, which seemed too abrupt.

Just as Yichen was hesitating, the door creaked open.

"Friend at the door, please come in." The one who opened the door was a tall, middle-aged, muscular man with a square face and a kind expression. He smiled at Yichen and said, "I spoke too loudly and disturbed you. Please bear with me."

"No, no." Yichen stuck out his tongue, feeling a bit awkward, and entered to introduce himself, "I'm Yichen. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

He briefly explained that he was traveling to Tianyun City with the convoy.

"Welcome, welcome. I'm Tian Tao." He pointed to the chair by the bed and said, "Please sit. This is Brother Lin Lei."

"Sorry, I overheard your conversation." Yichen spoke directly, "I don't know what level of potion Brother Tian needs, but perhaps I can help."

"This..." Tian Tao was a bit embarrassed, thought for a moment, and then said, "Since Brother Yichen has heard, I won't hide it. I need a Fourth Rank potion to reach the General level. Do you have a Fourth Rank potion? But I can't afford it."

"Wait, little brother. We can't gather five thousand crystals. Can we exchange the potion for a commission? We are part of a mercenary group, as long as it's not a Fourth Rank Magic Core." Lin Lei jumped up from the chair.

"I still need some herbs. If I can find two Sandtang fruits and three Bittermango grasses, I can refine a Fourth Rank potion." Yichen spoke the truth.

"Are you a Mid-Level Alchemist?" Both asked simultaneously.

"I'm not, but I have a way. As long as I can find the missing herbs, I guarantee to give Brother Tian a Fourth Rank potion within five days."

Yichen didn't dare to mention the ancient treasure, the Sun and Moon Pot, but he really wanted to help Tian Tao. Even if it was just to make friends with these two brothers who were so loyal to each other, it would be worth it.

Inside the Sun and Moon Pot, there were some spiritual herbs given by Jiajia, including some of the ingredients needed for the Fourth Rank potion.

The potion could be made using a Fourth Rank Magic Core or Fourth Rank spiritual herbs as the main ingredients, supplemented by other herbs.

"Little brother Yichen, we are strangers. Why do you want to help me?"

Tian Tao said, "You should know that a Fourth Rank potion can only be refined by a Mid-Level Alchemist and can fetch over ten thousand crystals. Thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept such a valuable gift."

"Brother Tian, I know you and Brother Lin are deeply bonded, but that's not the only reason I want to help. First, you need to quickly find the Bittermango grass and Sandtang fruits. After refining the potion, I need you to agree to one thing."

Yichen felt he needed to explain to avoid making Tian Tao feel burdened.

I help you, and you help me; that's fair.

"What is it?" Indeed, hearing there was a condition, Tian Tao felt more at ease.

"I want to join your mercenary group and do tasks with you, to gain experience."

Yichen knew his cultivation was low and he lacked experience. If he joined Tian Tao, it would be like having a free bodyguard, not only safe and reliable but also a chance to learn a lot.

As for the potion, as long as it was below the Seventh Rank, with the right herbs, the Sun and Moon Pot could refine it with a 100% success rate, with no loss.

A Fourth Rank potion was a piece of cake. The herbs he needed, like Purple Leaf Grass, were still plentiful from what Jiajia had given him, and they weren't rare treasures.

So, this deal was a win-win. It achieved his goal, did a good deed, and earned gratitude.

"This..." Tian Tao looked at Lin Lei and then said with a bitter smile, "Little brother, to be honest, our mercenary group only has two people, and we don't even have a name. We used to work for others, but this time, the situation is special, and we don't want to involve others, so we took the task ourselves. Even if you join us, there will only be three of us. What do you think?"

"Three is fine. We can expand later. As long as you agree." Yichen was persistent and wouldn't give up easily.

"Do you know where to find Bittermango grass and Sandtang fruits?"

"In the Hundred Mile Forest. Collecting Bittermango grass is easy; I've done such a task before. Sandtang fruits might be harder to find. They are said to have water-repelling properties and are high-grade among mid-level herbs." Lin Lei answered first.

"I heard from a senior that he once collected a few in the depths of the Hundred Mile Forest near the Tianluo Mountains. It's the end of autumn, the season when Sandtang fruits ripen. I'll go look for them tomorrow."

Lin Lei was much thinner than Tian Tao, under thirty years old, and looked more agile. Compared to the taciturn Tian Tao, he was more flexible.

Tian Tao thought for a moment and said, "If you don't mind, you are welcome to join. We three will be equals. Tomorrow, Brother Lin and I will set out. After finding the herbs, we'll go to Tianyun City to find you."

The depths of the Hundred Mile Forest were filled with magic beasts and dangers, and Tian Tao didn't want Yichen to take the risk.

"No, I want to go with you to collect the herbs. That's one of the conditions." Yichen was persistent, and finally, Tian Tao gave in.