Faced with the relentless assault of D-grade beasts, the three warriors nearly lost their resolve. After all, the disparity in strength was overwhelming; these D-grade monsters were simply too many for them to confront simultaneously. Their gear paled in comparison to that of the X Legion, leaving the mercenaries at a severe disadvantage.
Prepared to sacrifice themselves, the trio never imagined that, at this critical juncture, a formidable young warrior would suddenly appear.
To these mercenaries, Xiao Feng's arrival was like the intervention of an angel—so much so that even the innocent and beautiful young woman was momentarily entranced.
Observing the three mercenaries' bewildered expressions, Xiao Feng couldn't help but chide them: "Who exactly are you? Just a handful of you daring to roam these boundless mountains? Judging by your combat prowess, you can barely handle monsters below D-grade. When you truly face a C-grade beast, you'll regret ever setting foot in the Alps."
Having spoken, the pure and lovely girl stepped forward, casting a wary glance at the massive white wolf king. Bowing politely to Xiao Feng, she said, "Thank you, brave hero, for your timely aid. I am eternally grateful."
Xiao Feng was momentarily stunned. There was something about her features that stirred memories of Aiwei, though this girl was clearly younger. Thinking of Aiwei, his eyes welled with tears that churned beneath his eyelids.
The innocent girl looked up and noticed Xiao Feng's near tears. Curiously, she asked, "Why are you crying?"
Xiao Feng twitched and replied, "Seeing you reminds me of an older sister I once had. You bear a striking resemblance to her."
"Oh, really? Then I must meet this sister of yours, to see exactly how we resemble one another," the girl said, her tone light and somewhat pleased. But Xiao Feng's next words cast a shadow over the moment.
His expression hardened: "She has passed away."
The girl was taken aback, then awkwardly murmured, "I'm sorry."
"It's all right. By the way, what's your name?"
Brushing back her hair, she answered, "I'm Rain. It's a pleasure to meet you. And you are?"
"My name is Xiao Feng. The pleasure is mine. But you all have been terribly careless. Look at how heavy your losses are—so many comrades lost in vain."
Rain glanced at the fallen mercenaries and forced a bitter smile. "Our mercenary group has witnessed such scenes countless times. Death is inevitable. Perhaps leaving this wretched world sooner is a kind of release."
Frowning, Xiao Feng asked, "Does your mercenary group have no gifted ones among you? If one or two gifted warriors led your hunts, you wouldn't suffer such grievous losses."
Curious, Rain looked at Xiao Feng. "Brother Xiao Feng, you must understand, gifted ones are strictly regulated. We once had two in our group, but they were captured by the Alliance's gifted authorities, and their fate remains unknown. Now, we have none."
"I see. No wonder your losses are so severe. What are your plans now?"
Rain surveyed the bodies of mercenaries and the fallen leopard. "After retrieving the magic crystals from the leopard, we plan to return to camp. Although I know it's rude—these crystals were won by you—we desperately need them to trade for Alliance credits and replenish supplies. Otherwise, we won't last much longer."
Xiao Feng nodded. "All the crystals are yours. I have no use for them."
"These are all D-grade crystals. Are you sure you don't want them?"
He smiled faintly. "No, I insist you take them."
"Who exactly are you? Alone in these mountains, with such a fearsome beast, effortlessly slaying D-grade monsters? I truly wonder what brings you here."
Xiao Feng furrowed his brow. "Do you know why I'm here? I'm avenging Aiwei, who looks much like you. I'm searching for someone, but have lost the trail and now scour these mountains in vain."
"What kind of person are you looking for? Perhaps we can help," Rain earnestly offered, grateful for her life saved by Xiao Feng.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Feng confided, "I'm hunting the leader of the Evil Dragon Cult—the Black Dragon. I heard their headquarters lie somewhere in these mountains, but its exact location eludes me."
Before Rain could respond, two warriors nearby exchanged grave looks and lightly tapped her shoulder. "Miss, some matters are better left untouched."
Rain knew their meaning and frowned. "Don't forget who saved your lives just now. If we can provide Xiao Feng with any information about the Evil Dragon Cult, it's the least we can do."
"Miss, you must understand, if we provoke the Evil Dragon Cult, our mercenary group could be annihilated at any moment."
"I know. Leave me out of it. If you're scared, you can leave now. It's a shame you have such strong bodies but often do things that make me despise you," Rain snapped, then turned back to Xiao Feng. "Brother Xiao Feng, to be frank, our mercenaries have made their livelihood hunting in these mountains since the Great Purge. We live at the mountain's edge and know its terrain well. Meeting us today is as much your fortune as ours. To repay your life-saving grace, I will personally guide you there."
Xiao Feng was taken aback, then chuckled softly. "Very well. As long as you can lead me near the Evil Dragon Cult's headquarters, I'll handle the rest myself. No need to trouble you further."
Gazing at Xiao Feng's arrogant yet determined expression, Rain felt a strange new emotion—a longing to remain by this young man's side.