20

Karui glanced at Dumb with a doubtful look in his eyes, as if surprised by Dumb's ignorance, but he still explained, "The Death Mountain Range is the most terrifying place on the continent. It's very large, almost the same size as the Xibo Clan. A small part of it is in the territory of the Sky Clan, and a large part is in the Hwasin Empire. It's almost the natural boundary between the Hwasin Empire and our Suo Yu Federation. Now, if the people of the Suo Yu Federation want to go to the Hwasin Empire, they can only go through the Big Dipper Mountain Range or the territory of the Holy Holy Hall, which is not far from it. Otherwise, they will have to take a detour. Legend has it that a thousand years ago, the great first Pope and many powerful mages sealed an ancient demon god. There are all kinds of terrifying monsters living in the mountain range, and almost no one who goes in can come out. There were several large mercenary groups that went to explore, but no one came back. I'm afraid that even if we mobilize all the people in our group, we may not be able to get the top-grade magic crystal. I've seen a few similar missions in the headquarters of Red Nightmare City in the past. They are all looking for some particularly precious items, and these items come from the Death Mountain Range. It is said that the closer to the center of the mountain range, the more powerful the monsters are. The main reason why this top-grade magic crystal search mission is not the highest level, super, is mainly because it's on the edge of the Death Mountain Range. "

Xuanyue: "It sounds very interesting. The Death Mountain Range? This is the first time I've heard of it. You said that very few people can come out of the Death Mountain Range, so where did the news of top-grade magic crystals come from? I think there must be a lot of exaggeration in it. I don't believe that there are powerful monsters. " In fact, almost everyone in the Holy Hall knows the name of the Death Mountain Range, but Xuanyue's father forbade everyone to tell his daughter. No one knew Xuanyue better than him. If Xuanyue knew there was such a place, she would definitely be greatly interested in exploring it. But man proposes, God disposes. His efforts are going to be in vain.

Xuanyue ignored the speechless Karui and turned to Dumb: "I've decided. I'll take this mission to get the top-grade magic crystal. How about it? If you're afraid, you don't have to go. "

Dumb shook his head and said without the slightest hesitation, "I'll go. However, Miss, if we get a top-quality magic crystal, I hope you can give me one. Is that okay?" To him, filial piety to Goris was far more important than the fear of the Death Mountain Range.

Xuanyue said generously, "No problem. It's settled then. Let's go and accept the quest."

Carrel was dumbfounded as he watched Xuanyue and Dumb run to the quest counter to accept the quest that even the Red Nightmare Mercenary Group didn't dare to touch. Judging from their tone, it was as if they had already gotten the Magic Crystal. He hurriedly ran to the counter. "Miss Mage, you can't go there! You don't even have a single Warrior. If two Magicians go there, aren't they just going to die? "

Xuanyue had already handed her mercenary card to the staff behind the counter. "Don't worry. How can there be a high profit without danger? I won't change my mind once I've decided on something. It's precisely because we have fewer people that we're more agile. If we really can't beat the monster, we can just run. Hey, hurry up! I want to take that special quest. Hurry up and register, we're leaving. "The last sentence was said to the staff at the counter.

The staff at the counter thought he had misheard at first. Only now did he understand. His voice trembled a little as he said, "Miss Mage, are you sure?"

Xuanyue giggled and said, "Of course I'm sure. Hurry up. By the way, you have to call me the leader of Heaven's Evil Mercenary Group in the future."

Looking at the staff registering, Carrel was still making his last effort. "Miss Mage, that place is too dangerous. I think you'd better give up on the idea."

Xuanyue took the registered card from the staff and smiled at Carrel. "Uncle Carrel, you're too old. You're too old to even have the guts. Isn't it just a monster? We'll go and take a look. Dumb, let's go. "With that, she quickly ran out of the Mercenary Union.

Behind Dumb and Xuanyue, there were sounds of regret. No one would be optimistic about their mission.

Carrel had been in society for many years. Of course, he wouldn't change his stance just because Xuanyue said he was timid. He shook his head sadly. "Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers. It's a pity for the two mages! The Death Mountain Range? Is that a place people can go? "

In the shadows outside the Mercenary Union, two figures were talking in a low voice.

"Silver Two, hurry up and report to His Eminence that Miss is going to the Death Mountain Range. I'll go with her."

"Silver One, we can stop Miss directly. We can't let her go to the Death Mountain Range! That's a forbidden area declared by the Holy Hall. "

"Hey, I know that too. But, do you think we can stop Miss? You know her temper. Have you forgotten the pain of being baptized by her Holy Light last time? Hurry up and go. Only His Eminence can stop Miss from taking the risk. I'll do my best to protect them. If His Eminence hasn't arrived by the edge of the Death Mountain Range, I'll try to stop him. "

"Okay, Silver One. I'll go first. We must protect Miss. Otherwise, we're all finished. Although Miss has a bad temper, she's still very kind-hearted! "

"Of course, I've watched Miss grow up. From the moment she was born, the director gave me this mission. I didn't even dare to believe it at that time. After all, we're nothing in the Inquisition! Hurry up and go. Time is of the essence. "

One of the two figures disappeared in a flash, while the other quietly followed behind Dumb and Xuanyue.

As Xuanyue walked, she said excitedly, "Dumb, if we complete this mission, do you think our mercenary rank will increase a lot? Who knows, we might even become a special-class mercenary. How interesting. Hehe. "She seemed to have forgotten the conflict with Dumb in the morning. Her heart was filled with anticipation for the adventure.

Just now, they had already gone to the Sorcerers Guild to retrieve the Celestial Dipper Sword. Dumb wasn't dissatisfied with Xuanyue accepting this mission. In his heart, there was only the term 'High Quality Crystal'. "Miss, I want to ask you a question."

Xuanyue was in a good mood. She said, "Go ahead."

Dumb said, "Miss, do you know what a High Quality Crystal looks like? If we don't even know what our target looks like, how are we going to find it? "

Xuanyue smiled mysteriously. She moved closer to Dumb and looked around cautiously. She whispered, "I didn't expect you to become so thoughtful. Of course, I know what it looks like. Otherwise, I wouldn't have accepted this mission. "

Dumb was stunned. He said, "You know?"

Xuanyue said proudly, "Of course. Don't forget, my dad is a cardinal of the Holy Hall. What haven't I seen? Look. " As she spoke, she extended her short magic staff to Dumb. She pointed at the transparent gem on it and whispered, "This is a High Quality Magical Crystal."

Dumb hadn't paid attention to Xuanyue's magic staff. After hearing her words, he couldn't help but take a closer look. This magic staff was only about a foot long. From the surface, there was nothing special about it. The white body of the staff was smooth and glossy. It faintly exuded a holy aura. The end of the staff was a sharp cone. At the top of the staff, there were white wings of the same material flying diagonally. They were slightly curved, forming two arcs, just like the wings of an angel. In the middle of the wings, at the top of the staff, there was a transparent gem the size of an egg. The gem seemed to be flowing with liquid. Under the reflection of the sunlight, it flickered with a faint light from time to time. Pointing at the gem in the center, Dumb said, "You're saying that this is a High Quality Magical Crystal?"

Xuan Yue nodded and said, "Yes! That's what my dad told me. He definitely wouldn't lie. Don't you believe him? "

Dumb carefully looked at the transparent gem in the center of the magic staff. He didn't see anything strange. Xuanyue explained, "High Quality Magical Crystals have a special kind of energy fluctuation. As long as I see it, I will definitely be able to recognize it. Just now, they said that we don't have any warriors. How would they know that you are a warrior? Hehe, let's go. Let's go prepare some food first, then we will set off. "

Dumb followed Xuanyue to the side of the fat boss's steamed bun shop. Xuanyue glanced at Dumb and said, "Don't you like eating steamed buns? Let's prepare some more so we can eat on the way. "As she spoke, she walked towards the steamed bun shop with her head held high. Dumb was stunned. His heart wavered slightly, but he didn't say anything and followed without saying anything.

As soon as he saw Dumb and Xuanyue arrive, the fat boss said excitedly, "Dumb, you came. I was just about to return the remaining money to you. You gave me too much yesterday. Those steamed buns of mine aren't even worth a gold coin! "

Dumb lifted the cloak on his head and said with a silly smile, "Uncle, just accept it. It's what I should give you."

Xuanyue came over and said, "Boss, I want to buy steamed buns. How much is one?"

The fat boss said, "One copper coin for two. Miss, you came with Dumb, right? You can take as much as you want. Dumb gave you a lot of money yesterday."

Xuanyue giggled and said, "I want a lot. You also know that he can eat a lot."

The fat boss laughed and said, "Take as much as you want. I will make sure you are full."

Xuanyue glanced at Dumb. After seeing the fat boss, Dumb had returned to the silly look he had when they first met. It seemed that he was still angry with her! How stingy. That kind of cold feeling was too uncomfortable. If she wanted him to be her follower, it seemed that she had to bribe him properly.

Thinking of this, Xuanyue pointed a finger at the fat boss and said, "I want a thousand steamed buns."

Dumb and the fat boss looked at Xuanyue in shock at the same time. The fat boss's legs went limp and he almost fell to the ground. He cried out, "What? A thousand steamed buns. "

Xuanyue looked at their shocked expressions and giggled. "That's right! I want a thousand, and I want them tonight. That way, even if he eats ten a day, it will be enough to eat for more than three months. "

The fat boss stuttered due to his shock. He said with a trembling voice, "But, but, a thousand, a thousand steamed buns, how are you going to carry them!?"

Xuanyue said mysteriously, "Then don't worry about it. You just need to prepare a thousand steamed buns for us. I will give you the money. Dumb, let's go and buy something else. "With that, she took out a purple coin and threw it to the boss beside her. She pulled Dumb's sleeve and left.

Dumb was also very curious. A thousand steamed buns added up to about two to three hundred jin. Although he didn't care about that bit of weight, he couldn't possibly carry a big bag of steamed buns on an adventure. However, he did not ask. He knew that even if he asked, Xuanyue might not answer him. In any case, she would know when the steamed buns were ready.

Behind them was the fat boss with a bitter smile. He muttered to himself, "A thousand steamed buns. Even if I were to risk my life, I wouldn't be able to finish them in one night!"

After leaving the steamed bun shop, Xuan Yue began her shopping spree, mainly food. She even bought a few sets of clothes for Dumby and herself. Naturally, all of these things ended up in Dumby's hands. Xuan Yue felt that everything she saw was very fresh. She didn't necessarily have to buy everything, but she definitely had to look at everything. She appeared in almost all the shops in the small town, and only ended in the evening. At this moment, Dumb's body was already covered with all sorts of items. Just as they were about to return to the steamed bun shop, they were stopped by a group of people. This was an empty street with very few people passing by.

It was a group of warriors in light armor. They were not old and looked to be in their twenties. There were more than ten of them, and they were dressed uniformly. On their chests, there were mercenary badges. Three of them even had silver mercenary badges, indicating that they were rank two mercenaries. The most eye-catching one was a female mercenary. She wore a brown leather jacket and had fiery red hair that draped over her back. She was very beautiful and had a heroic spirit between her brows. She carried a light-colored longbow on her back. The bow's body flickered with a silver metallic luster. She was clearly an archer. Her bewitching gaze turned and landed on Dumb.

Xuanyue was not surprised at all when she was blocked in front of her. She hid beside Dumb and said, "They seem to be up to no good. It's up to you."

Dumb nodded slightly and took a few steps forward. He said politely, "Excuse me, what do you want?"

The leader of the mercenaries, a rank two mercenary, took a step forward. Among the group of mercenaries, he was the only one wearing silver light armor. It was obvious that he was their leader. He smiled and said, "Mr. Mage, hello. We are members of the Moon Scar Mercenary Group. I'm the leader, Moon Scar. These are my good brothers. We have no evil intentions in blocking you. We just want to seek cooperation. "

Dumb was stunned and said, "Cooperation?"

Moon Scar nodded and said, "Yes. We saw the process of you accepting the mission at the Mercenary Union. We are also very interested in that top-grade magic crystal. I wonder if we can cooperate with your mercenary group and explore the Death Mountain Range together?"

Hearing that it was not a robbery, Xuanyue quickly ran over and stood in front of Dumb. She said, "You want to cooperate with us? What do you want in return? "

Moon Mark smiled faintly and said, "Miss Mage, you can see that we are just a group of youngsters. We heard what you said in the Union. We aren't doing this for money, we are only doing this to explore. Only a place like the Death Mountain Range is worthy of our visit. If there are a lot of top-grade magic crystals, I hope you can share some with us. That will be enough. After all, you are the ones who accepted the mission. If it wasn't for you, Miss, we really wouldn't have the courage. "

Xuanyue blinked her big eyes. She thought that since Carey said that the Death Mountain Range was very dangerous, it seemed that he was not lying. If she could go with this group of people, the possibility of success would be much higher. Moreover, the more people, the livelier it would be. They were all young people. She nodded and said, "Alright, you can go. However, you have to listen to me on the way. You can't make decisions on your own."

The red-haired girl walked to Moon Scar's side and said, "How can we do that? There are only two of you and so many of us. We are not from the same mercenary group, so why should we listen to you?"

Xuanyue snorted and said, "I don't care, you have to listen to me. Don't forget, I am a mage, a light mage. Moreover, only I can distinguish top-grade magic crystals. "

Moon Scar was stunned, and a trace of joy flashed in his eyes. The preciousness of a light mage did not lie in how strong their attack power was. The most important thing was that they could use recovery spells and support spells for the people in the group. This way, they could avoid a lot of casualties. Moon Scar nodded and said, "In that case, we agree. Little sister, who asked you to be so talkative. "

The red-haired girl snorted and said, "Listening to her voice, I'm afraid she is not as old as me. I won't accept it unless she can defeat me. "

When had Xuanyue ever feared a challenge? She snorted coldly and said, "You won't accept it? Alright! Then I will accept your challenge. So what if I am not as old as you? Does older people have better skills? " As she spoke, she lifted her cloak. When the mercenaries saw Xuan Yue's peerless beauty, a few of them cried out in surprise. The red-haired girl's beauty was immediately overshadowed by Xuan Yue's.

Dumb put his things aside and lowered his head. Xuanyue said, "Miss, let me do it." Even if Dumb was stupid, he knew that an archer was a mage's nightmare. Since he had promised the Cardinal, he could not let Xuanyue get hurt again.

Xuanyue did not appreciate it. She looked at the red-haired girl with disdain and said, "No need. I can deal with her myself." After that, she raised the magic staff in her hand.

Moon Scar also wanted to see how this teenage girl could be certified as an advanced mage, so he nodded to his sister and said in a low voice, "Don't hurt her."

The red-haired girl nodded noncommittally and took out her longbow. Like magic, a long silver arrow was already on the bow. The rest of the mercenaries retreated more than ten steps to give them space. The red-haired girl pulled the bow to a full moon and said, "Little girl, don't say that I'm bullying you. My Wind Extinguishing Arrow has the property of breaking magic. Remember my name, I am Yue Ji. " As soon as she finished speaking, the silver arrow shot out like a bolt of lightning, crossing the distance of less than 30 steps and shooting towards Xuanyue. Yue Ji's archery was already somewhat famous in the mercenary world. It could no longer be described as accurate. The purpose of this arrow was just to shoot off a piece of Xuanyue's clothes and embarrass the girl in front of her who was prettier than her.

At such a close distance, it was unfair for a mage to compete with an archer. Mages needed time to chant, but this sudden arrow didn't give Xuanyue any time.

Xuanyue pushed away Dumb, who was about to make a move, and waved the magic staff in her hand. At the moment when the silver arrow was about to hit her, a strong light suddenly appeared. When everyone regained their vision, they found that Yue Ji's body had been completely covered by a layer of light. Except for Dumb, no one could see what was going on.

Even if Dumb saw it, he couldn't understand it. Just now, when the silver arrow reached in front of Xuanyue, she seemed to say a word in a low voice, and her whole body was suddenly covered by a brilliance. The silver arrow that was said to have the property of breaking magic was immediately blocked by the light, unable to advance an inch. Xuanyue also took this opportunity to cast a low-level spell, covering Yue Ji. What surprised Dumb the most was that no matter if it was defense or attack, he didn't see Xuanyue chanting a spell.

Xuanyue said proudly, "Who said that archers must be the nemesis of mages? How about it? Do you want to continue? " A faint light flowed in front of her, setting off her beautiful face. She looked like a fairy that had descended from the heavens. All the members of the Moon Scar Mercenary Group were stunned.

After a while, Moon Scar was the first to react. Walking to his sister's side, he looked at the bewildered Yue Ji and said to Xuan Yue, "Miss Mage, your strength has greatly exceeded our expectations. For this trip to the Death Mountain Range, I have decided that the Moon Scar Mercenary Group will listen to your orders."

Xuanyue nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's good. You guys go back first. Tomorrow morning, we'll meet at the west gate. Don't be late. Don't be late. Dumb, let's go. "

On the way back to the steamed bun shop, Dumb couldn't help but ask, "Miss Xuanyue, what method did you use to block that arrow?" Dumb asked himself. If he wanted to break that ghostly arrow, he could only block it with his Tiangang Sword based on his intuition. Whether or not he could block it was still a problem. As for using magic, he didn't even dare to think about it.

Xuanyue pouted and said, "You're finally willing to take the initiative to talk to me? That's my secret, I can't tell you. "

Dumb hit a snag and didn't say anything else.

When the two returned to the steamed bun shop, they were shocked by the scene in front of them. The table was filled with steamed buns, and the fat boss was sweating profusely as he took out a few steamers. Dumb quickly ran over to help.

Putting down the steamers, the fat boss panted and said, "Alright, this should be enough for a thousand steamed buns, no more, no less. This is the result of me asking the neighbors for help, and we've been busy for the whole afternoon! What I want to know the most now is how you're going to take it away. This is close to a hundred and fifty kilograms. "

Xuanyue giggled and said, "Then just wait and see, I'll let you experience it." She closed the shop door, stretched out her white and tender hand, and reached into her collar to grab a necklace. The necklace was silvery-white in color and didn't flicker. It looked extremely ordinary, but at the end of the necklace, there was a red gemstone pendant that constantly flickered with a faint red light. At this time, the sky was already dark, and almost all the commoners had gone home to eat. In order to make these one thousand steamed buns, the fat boss purposely closed for a day.

Xuanyue closed her big eyes and murmured, "With the phoenix's blood as a guide, open the gate of time and space." As she chanted, the red necklace suddenly shone brightly, and a mass of red light enveloped Xuanyue's body. She suddenly opened her eyes and whispered, "Collect —"

The steamed buns on the table seemed to have heard the summons. They flew up one after another and rushed toward Xuanyue. What surprised Dumb and the fat boss was that as soon as the steamed buns came into contact with the red light on Xuanyue's body, they immediately disappeared. Xuanyue was like a bottomless pit, and in a short time, she had collected all the steamed buns on the table.

The fat boss opened his mouth wide and said in a daze, "This, this is the power of magic? It's amazing, it's really amazing. "

After collecting the steamed buns, Xuanyue didn't stop. She also took away all the things that she had bought during the day. When she was about to collect Dumb's own bag, she was grabbed by Dumb and wouldn't let go. There were Owen's ashes in it!

The red light on Xuanyue's body converged, and she said angrily, "I don't want yours. Why are you holding it so tightly? It's so cumbersome to hold it! Let me put it in the phoenix's blood, then it'll be easier. "

Dumb said in a daze, "No, this bag is very important to me. I must carry it with me to be at ease. Miss Xuanyue, it turns out that your magic is so powerful! "

Xuanyue pouted and said, "You're so stingy. Is my magic very powerful? My dad is really powerful. When I reach the level of a Great Mage in the future, I can open my own space bag, and it won't be so troublesome to use the phoenix's blood. Your steamed buns have been put in my necklace. When you want to eat them, remember to ask me. "

Although Dumb had learned some alchemy from Goris, everything in front of him was beyond the scope of his understanding. How could he know that the most precious thing on Xuanyue was this phoenix's blood necklace. It was definitely too unfair to use it to hold steamed buns. That was the treasure that Pope gave to Xuanyue, and it was one of the few artifacts in the Holy Holy Hall. If it weren't for the phoenix's blood as an amulet for Xuanyue, how could Cardinal Xuan Ye be so relieved to let his daughter come out?

Xuanyue murmured, "One copper coin for two steamed buns. One hundred copper coins is two hundred steamed buns. Five hundred copper coins is one thousand steamed buns. Then the purple crystal coins I gave you should be enough, right?"

The fat boss was completely shocked by the "magic" just now. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Enough, enough. I'll find more for you."

Xuanyue smiled and said, "Seeing that you're working so hard, you don't have to find more. I'm not as stingy as some people. Let's go, I'm tired. I want to find a place to sleep. "After that, she took the lead and walked out of the shop.

After Dumb and the fat boss reluctantly said goodbye, he chased after her. Xuanyue did not go far and slowly strolled in front. He hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Miss, where are we going now?"

Xuanyue said, "I've already seen it. Come with me."

Originally, Dumb thought that Xuanyue would definitely find a luxurious hotel to stay in. After all, she was the daughter of a cardinal and was used to living in luxury. To his surprise, Xuanyue only brought him to an ordinary hotel not far from the west gate. Although it was not gorgeous, it was very clean. As soon as Dumb entered the door, he felt a sense of comfort.

Xuanyue saw the doubts in Dumb's heart and said, "We don't have much money on hand now. It's a long way from here to the Death Mountain Range, so we have to be frugal. If it weren't for the lack of money, I wouldn't have gone to the Sorcerers Guild to take the test. Is it that rare to be a mage? Let's go eat something first. I'm hungry. "

After getting two rooms, Xuanyue and Dumb casually ate something. Xuanyue's appetite was very small, less than a third of Dumb's. After eating, she did not say anything and went back to her room to rest.

Dumb used his monthly salary as a mage to pay for the meal and went to the room next to Xuanyue's. After closing the door, he took off his bag and the Heaven Dipper Sword. His body felt lighter. He let out a long breath and sat on the chair in a daze. The powerful self-healing ability of the Living True Qi had almost unblocked the meridians in his arm. Keith's water healing spell was very powerful and did not even leave a scar. Now, as long as he did not use too much force, it would not hurt anymore.

Although he had only been in the small city for two days, so many things had happened. Dumb felt as if he was living in a dream. He did not know what to feel about Xuanyue. Last night's sweet sleep and this morning's deep hurt were deeply etched in his heart. A sense of exhaustion invaded Dumby's body. Only then did Dumby realize that he should start cultivating. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he urged the Living True Qi that had just reached the fifth level to get rid of all distracting thoughts. After a while, he entered a state of oblivion.

In the room next to Dumb's, Xuanyue tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She was very sleepy, but every time she closed her eyes, she would think of what had happened in the past two days. She could not fall asleep no matter what. Xuanyue sat up and angrily snorted. "It's all that stinky Dumb's fault. He always comes to provoke me. Hmph, I can't sleep well. See how I'll deal with him in the future." Speaking up to here, she suddenly remembered the feeling of waking up in Dumb's arms in the morning. It was a wonderful feeling of comfort. It had been a long time since she had slept so well. The sense of security in Dumb's arms was really wonderful. If only she could make Dumb into a bed. Thinking of this, Xuanyue's face couldn't help but turn red. Lying back on the bed, the strong drowsiness gradually overcame her imagination. Xuanyue finally fell asleep.

It was already late at night. Dumb let out a long breath. The white light emitted from his body gradually faded. Forty-nine cycles of cultivation made him feel full of energy. It seemed that the blood loss from yesterday morning had been replenished. The liquid Living True Qi in his body seemed to have increased a little. The feeling of fullness in his Dantian made his whole body full of strength.

Looking at the sky outside, it seemed that there was still some time before dawn. Reaching the fifth realm was indeed different. In the past, it would take at least dawn to complete 49 circulations. But now, it seemed that the time needed to complete it had been shortened by quite a bit. It seemed that his cultivation had reached a whole new level.

The night was very dark. Dumb didn't know how long it would be before dawn. In the dark room, even with his eyesight, he could only see a few meters. Sleep? But he just finished meditating, but he didn't feel sleepy at all. Meditation? After seeing Xuanyue's magic yesterday, Dumb lost confidence in his Flame Magic and Fireball Magic. He couldn't even think of meditating.

Suddenly, Dumb thought of the Hell King's Sword tied to his chest. His whole body trembled. That's right! My Living True Qi has reached the fifth level. I can already start practicing the Nine Underworld Formulas.