No matter what, we've won the fight.

This senior brother, though somewhat lacking in brains, wasn't lacking in skill; repeating only two moves, he practiced them until they became second nature, perfectly mastered, literally beating Huangfu Yi to the point of vomiting blood.

Though there were no severe injuries like severed limbs or internal organ ruptures with bleeding, the repeated heavy hits from the Palm Strength, combined with forcibly executing the Eighteen Layers of Gang Fist, made Huangfu Yi feel muscle tears and fractured bones across his body, bleeding profusely. He'd probably need to rest for quite a few days to recover; in the short term, he couldn't forcefully execute Gang Fist again.

After panting on the ground for a while and using Breathing Control to replenish his Qi, Huangfu Yi turned the Sky Soaring Treasure Sword over and over, examining it in his hand.

It was then that he noticed that although the sword blade was as bright as silver, when stained with blood, the sword spine faintly showed fish scale-like patterns densely packed upon it. Thus, during the fight amongst the Scorpion Monsters, when he used the sword blade to split and chop at the scorpion tails, the scorpion venom permeated into these fine lines.

However, he didn't expect the scorpion venom to be so swift and deadly, activating upon blood contact, causing massive bleeding; even such formidable Core Formation Cultivators succumbed to the venom in the blink of an eye.

Yet, Huangfu Yi found it odd, not understanding why he remained unharmed. Though he hadn't been stung by the Scorpion Monsters, he had certainly eaten quite a few small scorpions. Could it be that the smaller ones were less toxic? Or had he previously consumed too many monsters, neutralizing the toxicity...?

For a moment, Huangfu Yi couldn't make sense of it; after all, the dead could not be revived, and killing them was already done, so there was no point in dwelling on it.

So, after rummaging for a bit, Huangfu Yi found a string of Storage Jade Pendants, which included a set of three Harmony Jade Pendants, presumably issued by the Mystic Sect to their disciples, holding all their necessities within.

Huangfu Yi blew a Dao Breath at it, but it showed no reaction, clearly encrypted with arithmetic, inaccessible to outsiders. Thus, he left it with the dismembered body of that senior brother, wrapped it in a green robe, and buried it under a locust tree.

Fortunately, all was not lost; recalling that this senior brother had previously thrown a money pouch to buy a sword, he picked it up from the bushes. Inside was a pile of knife-like silver ingots, strung together through circular hilts with a red rope; counting them, there were as many as twenty-four, weighing over two pounds. One side depicted a talisman, the other inscribed with the nine seal characters 'Nine Heavens Xuan Nu Grand Heavenly Venerable', indicating it was Mystic Sect's dedicated currency.

Unfortunately, there were no Elixir Pills or food to be found, and Huangfu Yi had to endure excruciating pain as he set off. He needed to leave this troublesome place promptly, staying vigilant against his junior sister returning to backstab him for revenge, threatening his life and seizing his sword.

Luckily, after killing two Great Demons in advance, he encountered no more evil demons along the way, eventually escaping the deep forest. Following a small path amidst trees, he found a village surrounded by large trees.

Such an outsider as Huangfu Yi, carrying a sword with a body covered in blood, immediately drew attention upon entering the village. He was quickly surrounded at the village entrance by the village chief and several Qi Refining men, armed with knives and swords.

"May I know from where you come and to where you are going?"

Now in excruciating pain across his whole body, Huangfu Yi didn't want any conflict with the villagers. He cupped his fists and said,

"I am Bai Yi, a Ranger from Genzhou. The day before yesterday, employed by the Weiyuan Escort Agency, I accompanied the Jiangzhou Pei Family caravan up the mountain, only to be attacked by demons midway. I barely escaped with my life, lost my way, and mistakenly entered your land. I only seek to exchange for some medicine to treat my injuries and some food to sate my hunger."

The villagers initially listened with half belief, but upon seeing Huangfu Yi take out two silver coins, their demeanor immediately changed. They sheathed their knives and swords. The village chief beamed with joy, warmly approaching and saying,

"Ah, so it's Young Hero Bai. I know the Pei Family, they've visited years ago, though not recently through our Yuqian Village. Come, come, to my house for a wash."

Seeing the villagers disperse, seemingly without pretense, Huangfu Yi breathed a sigh of relief and handed over the silver coins.

"Thank you, elder..."

"It's nothing, nothing. Out in the world, everyone has their difficulties. The coarse tea and simple meal are of little value, one coin is enough."

The village chief indeed took only one silver coin, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and tucked it tightly into his bosom, smiling brightly as if he had gained a huge benefit. The surrounding villagers also appeared envious, clearly wanting the silver but not daring to snatch the opportunity from the chief.

Huangfu Yi was indeed a bit surprised, having braced himself to reveal his wealth, ready for these mountain dwellers to mob and rob him.

To his surprise, despite their eyes staring at the silver coins, they refrained from robbing him and were quite earnest, taking only one coin and providing him with external medicine for wounds, hot bread and water, and clean clothes, showing no intent to harm. It was vastly different from the image the Immortal Palace often propagates of mountain goblins, who descend from mountains on a whim, commit murder and robbery, kidnap women, and abduct children...

After Huangfu Yi washed up, bandaged his external wounds, and ate steamed bread and tea, he chatted with the village chief.

This place is called Yuqian Village, named for the elm forest in front of the village, with no other unique products. Nearby is the Hidden Immortal Sect's Mountain Gate, but it has been closed for years, with no sightings of immortals for a long time.

Villages like Yuqian Village, nestled within the mountains, are quite common throughout Qianzhou. The villagers or mountain folk are mostly descendants or kin of Mystic Sect cultivators. Lacking Immortal Fate or natural talent, they didn't manage to enter the mountain sects, and given the unrest outside, they were taken to be cared for at the mountain's feet, ensuring no demons dared cause disturbance.

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