BTTH : Wandering Soul

Moments after he knocked, the door creaked open, revealing a beautiful girl whose breathtaking smile lit up her delicate face. It was a rare sight reserved only for Xiao Yan, and knowing this, he couldn't help but smile back.

"What is it, Xiao Yan ge-ge?" she asked, noticing his expression. Her soft voice carried a hint of curiosity.

However, as soon as she spoke, Xiao Yan's smile faded, replaced by a serious, resolute look. His eyes glimmered with determination as he replied, "I need your help, Xun Er."

Her brows furrowed slightly at his tone, sensing the weight of his words. She knew that once Xiao Yan made up his mind, nothing could dissuade him. Still, she asked hesitantly, "What's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan began, "With everything that's happening... I can't keep living like this. I need to take action, to grow stronger. I've decided to leave the clan for a while. I've already spoken to Father about it."

Xun Er's expression tightened slightly, her reluctance evident, but she remained silent as he continued.

"But I know him," Xiao Yan added after a pause, his tone steady. "He'll send someone to follow me. I need you to convince him otherwise, to assure him that I'll be fine on my own. He listens to you, Xun Er. Will you do this for me?"

Xun Er stared at him, her emotions flickering between concern and understanding. She knew the kind of resolve he carried and how deeply this mattered to him. Finally, she gave a small nod, her voice quiet but firm. "If this is what you've decided, Xiao Yan ge-ge... I'll speak to him. But promise me one thing—stay safe."

He nodded and reluctantly left her room. That night his father visited him to give a few things. A low-grade storage ring was one of them. It was given by xun er. Though he was aware of her extraordinary lineage, Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel at the magnificence of her background. After all even if it was low-grade storage ring, it could be sold for ten thousands of gold coins. Other than the ring there were few one tier healing pills as well as medicinal ingredients. He had also included a dou qi method as well as a technique. 

With a heavy heart and words weighed down by worry, he simply said a few things before leaving, unable to hide his deep concern for his son's safety. The next day Xiao Yan started his journey before sunrise. Most of his things were inside the ring, so his journey was relatively easy one.

Instead of going through Qingshan town, which was located near Magic Beast Mountain Range, Xiao Yan decided to go to Magic Beast Mountain Range from Wu tan city directly. It took him nearly a day to reach the foot of the mountains. Unlike Qingshan town, it wasn't bustling with mercenaries or shops, but one could see few inns, and very few shops. Instead of a town it was akin to a small village.

Xiao Yan observed the shops and quickly realized that those were only branches from the main Wu tan city or Qingshan town. It showed that this place didn't have any overlord, or maybe he only took commission, but it was unlikely because people were prideful.

Putting aside his thoughts he sought an inn. It was shabby, but livable. The next morning he started toward the mountains. Compared to Qingshan town there were very few mercenaries. Xiao Yan stopped to observe them. His strength wasn't sufficient to venture in the mountains alone, so he decided to join mercenary group.

In the permanent band, having members who could trust each other, was obvious advantage. But most mercenaries weren't affliated to any group due to various reasons, and for them temporary group was the way to go. Xiao Yan observed as two groups were hiring mercenaries. One was being checked thoroughly for strength requirements and the other was relatively easy going. One could tell their overall strength from coordination and such at a glance and it was clear that the latter was no match for the former. 

Despite that Xiao Yan decided to join the one with relatively easy going one. Because he couldn't pass the strength condition. He went towards the group and told them that he wants to join. He had hidden his face and was wearing black robe. The man in charge didn't drag the conversation and just gave him a token and told him to wait for the recruitment to end.

After a few breaths of time almost 30 people were recruited, so the man in charge directed everyone's attention to a nearby bulky guy. Apparently the bulky guy was the leader. So he started giving instructions. After that he reconstructed the band to place members according to their strengths. It was like people having defense at front and back and so on. 

Soon they departed towards the mountains.