Chapter 28: Azure Scales

Shimo City.

It was not far from Mo City.

Chen Xiao, while mentally reviewing the areas where he had been lacking during his recent sparring session, utilized his Purple Cloud Wings to speed along. It took him less than two hours to reach his destination.

Compared to Mo City, Shimo City was smaller, resembling a town built upon a desert oasis. Looking down from high above, one could take in the entire view at a single glance.

Seeing this, Chen Xiao could not help but feel a sense of relief.

Since the city was small, his search would undoubtedly be easier. Otherwise, with such limited information, finding that girl amidst the vast sea of people would not have been a simple task.

Descending from the sky to a secluded spot outside the city, Chen Xiao smoothed out his robes and hair, which had been ruffled by the scorching winds, and then quickened his pace into Shimo City.

Upon stepping into the city, Chen Xiao immediately noticed that the atmosphere in Shimo City was somewhat similar to that of Qingshan Town. It was estimated that eight or nine out of every ten people active here were mercenaries. The sheer number of mercenary groups, ranging in size, and the signs hanging outside their various small courtyards were enough to make one’s head spin.

"Little brother, are you looking to join a mercenary group? My Storm Mercenary Group is currently recruiting, and our benefits are definitely among the top in all of Shimo City."

Just as Chen Xiao was observing both sides of the street, a shifty-eyed mercenary spotted the lone newcomer and immediately approached him to inquire.

Chen Xiao glanced at the man's attire. It was the typical garb of a mercenary, but the robes were so worn they were practically shiny; it didn't look like a place with particularly good benefits.

Chen Xiao did not challenge him, nor did he give a direct answer.

Instead, he asked, "How long has the Storm Mercenary Group been established in Shimo City?"

"Heh, you asked the right person. Although our group is a bit small in scale, that’s just a matter of bad luck. In terms of how long we've been around, there are few in all of Shimo City that started earlier than us. If you count carefully, it’s been over ten years now."

Thinking that Chen Xiao was interested, the mercenary answered quite readily. This was no secret, and it was the only thing the Storm Mercenary Group could truly boast about.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly and finally stated his purpose.

"I am looking for a girl named Qinglin. She is around ten years old, with a timid and self-effacing personality. She is all alone, with no relatives. Do you know her?"

As a newcomer, Chen Xiao knew that his knowledge of Shimo City could not compare to that of a mercenary who had been knocking about here for years.

Therefore, having this man approach him saved Chen Xiao a lot of trouble.

Given the scale of Shimo City, if the man had been active here for so long, the probability of him knowing Qinglin was quite high.

"Tch, so you’re just here to look for someone."

Realizing that Chen Xiao had no intention of joining a mercenary group, the man instantly lost interest. His attitude shifted completely; he didn't even call him "little brother" anymore.

With a dismissive wave, he prepared to leave, showing no desire to answer any further questions.

Chen Xiao didn't mind. Smiling, he took a small pouch containing one hundred gold coins from his storage ring.

He had once taken on mercenary missions in Qingshan Town, and one hundred gold coins was equivalent to a day's earnings for a high-level Dou Zhe mercenary.

He figured the difference in Shimo City couldn't be that great.

"Help me find her, and this is yours."

"Oh my, so it’s a bounty mission! Little brother, you should have said so earlier! I’ll take you to see the girl Qinglin right now!"

Tobacco builds bridges, alcohol paves the road, beauty provides pleasure, and wealth clears away disasters; be generous with gifts, and the back door swings open!

The truths applicable on Blue Star remained valid on the Dou Qi Continent.

Seeing the pouch of gold coins in Chen Xiao’s hand, the mercenary’s expression did an immediate turnaround, and he smiled with extreme obsequiousness.

He gestured with his hand, taking the lead to guide the way.

Finding someone was worth as much as a day of blood, sweat, and toil—such a good deal was impossible to refuse.

"Are you close with Qinglin?" Chen Xiao asked, following behind the mercenary.

"Not really. Little brother, you might not know this, but over a decade ago, a group in Shimo City was attacked by Snake-People. More than half were killed or wounded. It was a tragic day, and it left a deep impression on all of us. Qinglin was born as a result of that attack; she carries the blood of both humans and Snake-People. After she was born, everyone thought she wouldn't survive past the age of two, but fate was merciful, and she luckily survived. She broke the norm, and because of that, many mercenaries who have lived in Shimo City for a long time know who Qinglin is."

Chen Xiao nodded silently.

He was aware of Qinglin's background. This girl he had yet to meet had faced a childhood far more arduous than his own.

As one with the blood of both humans and Snake-People, she had to endure the strange and judgmental looks of others from a young age. This was the fundamental reason for Qinglin's naturally timid disposition.

"If I may ask, little brother, what is your relationship to Qinglin?"

"I am her distant cousin. I only recently learned of her existence, so I came to take her away."

The mercenary didn't harbor much suspicion toward this small lie. If there were no real connection, how could he know her name without having met her?

Nodding in realization, the mercenary chuckled, "It looks like the girl Qinglin has finally reached the end of her hardships. All these years, she’s been struggling to survive in the city on her own. She’s suffered quite a bit. She’s young and not very strong, so she can’t do heavy labor; she can only run errands for various mercenary groups, serving tea and water. Even then, she’s often looked down upon. The measly income she makes is barely enough to fill her stomach every day. Though we feel sorry for her, we ourselves don’t even know if we’ll survive until tomorrow, so we can’t really help her."

The mercenary chattered all the way, turning left and right, and it took several minutes before he stopped in front of a dilapidated little shack.

Through the slightly ajar wooden door, one could see a girl inside, wearing an oversized gray robe. She was short of stature and buried in the task of washing clothes; though she was young, her movements were very deft.

On the wooden table behind her sat a small bowl containing two steamed buns that were clearly already hard.

"Life has forced her to become more skilled at these things than most adults."

The mercenary sighed softly, though it was hard to tell if it was genuine pity or just a performance for Chen Xiao.

Chen Xiao handed the pouch of gold coins to the mercenary.

The man took it immediately, beaming with joy, and headed back the way he came without a hint of hesitation.

Chen Xiao didn't pay him any mind. He stood outside the door for a long moment before stepping forward to knock gently.

"Please wait a moment~"

The girl inside responded with a soft voice. She quickly stood up, wiped the water from her hands, and then came over to open the door fully.

Seeing Chen Xiao standing at the entrance, a flicker of surprise flashed in the girl's eyes. This unfamiliar young master was much younger and far better-looking than the mercenaries who usually hired her.

However, being timid by nature, she didn't dare to stare for long. Accustomed to others speaking first, she lowered her gaze slightly and waited for Chen Xiao to speak.

Chen Xiao organized his words and said, "I am here on the edge of the desert for training, and I need someone to help me with daily chores. Just now, I saw you washing clothes outside, and you were very focused and diligent, which gave me an idea. However, I will be stationed in Mo City from now on. Would you be willing to come with me?"

Chen Xiao had prepared himself to answer the girl's questions, and he was also mentally prepared for the possibility that if she refused, he would have to travel back and forth between Mo City and Shimo City in the future.

However, to his absolute surprise, the girl's question was much simpler.

He saw her carefully lift her head and ask timidly: "If Qinglin goes to Mo City to work for you, will I be able to eat my fill?"

Chen Xiao was stunned for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on his face, and he nodded firmly.

"Yes, absolutely!"

And not only that. As you grow, you will not yield to the wind, you will not yield to the rain, you will not yield to the winter snows, you will not yield to the scorching summer; you will become a top-tier powerhouse that ninety-nine percent of the world will look up to!

Chen Xiao added silently in his heart.

The girl, however, did not know his thoughts. Having received the answer she most longed for, she nodded her little head repeatedly.

"Then Qinglin is willing to follow you, young master."