Chapter 6: First Encounter with Xiao Yan

"Humans are always like this, unwilling to pay the price but eager to take by force. There's no such easy thing in this world!"

The Lion King leaped out of the cave, leaving destruction in its wake, mocking Yun Yun.

Yun Yun, aware of her wrongdoings, remained silent. Cultivation was about battling against heaven and earth. She raised her hand, forming a small azure tornado by her side.

"Arrogant!"

The Lion King snorted, and a purple light shot from its mouth—the same move that had sealed Yun Yun's cultivation.

"Whoa! Starting with a big move already?" Chen Mo muttered, watching from below. Fights usually began with smaller attacks, followed by a taunt and then the big move. This was off-script.

Chen Mo couldn't afford to think much. This fight wouldn't last long, and he had to act quickly.

Gathering most of his Dou Qi in his legs, he dashed out of the forest.

Following the path he had previously scouted, he soon saw the massive cave entrance.

Most of the beast guards had been dealt with by Yun Yun, but two third-tier magical beasts remained. Third-tier beasts were equivalent to high-level Dou Shi warriors, and Chen Mo wasn't their match.

After a brief contemplation, he used the Concealment Technique and tore a strip of cloth from his pants to tie around his feet, using the terrain to reach the top of the cave.

Jumping down, he landed lightly and darted into the cave.

"Ding, discovered Purple Crystal Fragment. Spend 1 luck point to peep."

"Only 1 point?" Chen Mo was surprised.

"Host can also collect it manually. However, items peeped by the system can be directly stored in the system space."

In other words, only items peeped by the system could be stored in it. Personal items, including Chen Mo's belongings, couldn't be stored unless peeped.

Damn! Even though it cost very little, it felt like a scam to Chen Mo.

As he walked through the cave adorned with beautiful purple crystals, he felt a bit at ease as there were no other magical beasts inside, given it was the Lion King's domain.

His ease was short-lived. As he entered one of the forked paths, the system's alert made his scalp tingle.

"Ding, discovered weakened Nine-Star Dou Zun soul body. Spend 190,000 luck points to peep."

"Ding, discovered Seven-Star Dou Zhe. Spend 270 luck points to peep."

"Note: Peeping a being with lower cultivation will result in an exchange."

Chen Mo stopped immediately, but someone had already noticed him.

"Be careful, something's coming in."

"Another person?"

"Not sure, the aura is weak."

"Could it be her people?"

"Possibly. That girl avoided the beasts' search after being sealed, clearly with help. She even came today, killing the guards..."

Xiao Yan withdrew his hand from the companion purple crystal source.

"Who's there? Come out!"

Damn, he's here already? My speed wasn't enough? It's like he was waiting at the entrance. Chen Mo thought bitterly and stepped out.

Handsome, though slightly youthful, his shirtless body displayed strong muscles, adding a mature look.

"So handsome," Xiao Yan thought before slapping himself, "What am I thinking?"

Chen Mo also sized up the legendary protagonist. Clad in black robes, with a heavy black ruler on his back, Chen Mo's gaze lingered on the ancient ring on Xiao Yan's right hand.

"Yao Lao is in that ring?"

Chen Mo's stare made Xiao Yan uneasy, feeling like his secrets were exposed.

"Who are you?" Xiao Yan asked, displeased.

"Chen Mo." Despite Xiao Yan's tone, Chen Mo remained calm. This guy isn't that handsome. How does he attract so many beauties?

Is it the protagonist aura?

"Chen Mo? Never heard of you."

Xiao Yan frowned, gripping his black ruler, ready to strike if Chen Mo caused trouble.

"It doesn't matter if you haven't heard of me. What matters is I know you," Chen Mo said, adding mentally, for now. "I'm not your enemy. I have no interest in the companion purple crystal source or the young Purple Crystal Winged Lion King. I only want the Purple Spirit Crystal."

"Why should I trust you?" Though unclear about what Chen Mo meant, recognizing the companion purple crystal source alarmed Xiao Yan.

"Why? Heh." Chen Mo chuckled, cloaking himself in the Hell God's power.

"You're just a Dou Shi," Xiao Yan scoffed.

"No, no." Chen Mo shook a finger. "I know you have a powerful soul supporting you, hidden in that ring."

Xiao Yan's left hand flinched. That's his biggest secret. "Who are you, really?"

"Chen Mo."

"I mean, your identity."

"I'm from Zhongzhou." Chen Mo, feeling his intimidation was effective, gave a vague answer.

"Teacher?" Xiao Yan, sensing it was beyond him, sought advice.

"Zhongzhou? If he can see me at a glance, even among the eight ancient clans, few can. Is he from there?" Yao Lao's voice carried anger.

"Teacher?" Xiao Yan was shocked by Yao Lao's anger. Who could provoke such a reaction?

"His Dou Qi makes my soul feel a hint of danger. Though just a bit, it's unsettling," Yao Lao said, then shifted, "Accept his terms for now."