Eternal Heavenly Emperor

Chu Hao was no longer the same as before; he had full confidence that he could defeat Luo Zixian with a single move.

But the problem was, he felt guilty!

Although it wasn't intentional and he'd only seen it by accident, the fact remained that he'd seen her chest, and in such a situation, how could he bring himself to strike at her?

So, it was best not to let Luo Zixian recognize him!

Damn, if only he hadn't cut his hair. If he had maintained the "Brother Sharp" look he had before entering the city, Luo Zixian definitely wouldn't have been able to recognize him!

Now, he could only hope that this woman had a bad memory and had completely forgotten what he looked like.

"...Junior Sister Luo, you really don't need to hire anyone else, with me, Jin Yudi here, I guarantee a safe arrival and return, and you'll save a lot of money!" As they got closer, they could hear the young man with the sword talking.

"Is the Luo Family short of a few hundred silvers?" Luo Zixian pouted her small mouth.

"I didn't mean it that way!" Jin Yudi hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Both of us are ranked among the top ten experts in the academy. Together we could sweep the entire Blackwood Forest; anyone else would simply be a hindrance!"

Because they were close by, these words made Shi Huan and the other two look uncomfortable.

Wasn't this cursing bald monks in front of a monk?

"What, you're not convinced?" Jin Yudi glanced over with a raised corner of his mouth, revealing a hint of arrogance. "You all can come at me together, and if you can withstand my ten moves, I'll admit you're a little better than dogs!"

That was a sheer insult!

All three from Shi Huan's group were trembling with anger, but they were all adults. To say they should fight a big battle over a verbal disagreement was really not worth it! And indeed, Jin Yudi was very strong!

"Jin Yudi, stop messing around!" Luo Zixian said discontentedly. She turned to the people of the caravan, "It's about time; we can set off now!"

"Yes, Seventh Miss!" The one who seemed to be the leader of the group quickly said, and with his command, the two horse-drawn carriages began to move slowly. Inside sat eleven herbalists, while Chu Hao and the other four guards could only walk—they were guards, after all.

However, Luo Zixian did not travel with them; instead, she got into one of the carriages.

"Hmph!" Jin Yudi swept his gaze over the faces of Chu Hao's group, looking quite displeased, for some unknown reason.

They tried to travel as much as they could during the day, only eating some dry food at noon while walking. Not until the sun had completely set and the moon had risen did they stop to rest.

A big bonfire was lit, and meat was barbequed on top of it. After a day of traveling, everyone was in high spirits; it was just a pity that nobody dared to drink alcohol, or the atmosphere would have been even more lively.

While eating, Chu Hao fed Flying Fire and tried to keep a low profile to avoid catching Luo Zixian's attention.

Luckily, Flying Fire was very cooperative, for once it started acting cute, few women could resist its charm.

After dinner, the herbalists naturally all went to sleep, and Chu Hao along with the other five guards were responsible for the night watch, which was their duty to fulfill.

"Night watch is a task for you guys!" While discussing the order of the night watch, Jin Yudi arrogantly said, "If real enemies come, I'll fend them off. You just need to watch!"

Such an arrogant guy!

Because he was so irresponsible and yet seemed to have a good relationship with the employer, Shi Huan's group could only suppress their anger, while Chu Hao, not wanting to disturb Luo Zixian with their commotion, also chose to remain silent.

Jin Yudi's mouth curled in disdain, feeling that it was a great dishonor to be grouped with these four mediocre individuals, let alone keep watch with them. What a joke!

After discussing, Chu Hao and the others decided that Chu Hao and Shi Huan would keep watch for the first half of the night, and Kong Pengfei and Cao Yang would take the second half. During the watch, Chu Hao discreetly fished for information from Shi Huan, trying to figure out if the other party might be a spy for the Seven Wolf Stockade.

Either Shi Huan was innocent, or his acting was Oscar-worthy because he didn't slip up in the slightest.

Yue City was less than a hundred miles from Blackwood Forest, and by noon the next day, they had entered the forest's outer area. At this point, everyone became cautious. After all, danger didn't just come from bandits and ferocious beasts; the plants here were also capable of killing, and a careless scratch from a poisonous plant could mean amputating a leg!

Upon returning to Blackwood Forest, Flying Fire couldn't help but get excited, constantly roaring loudly, but its voice was too youthful, sounding not the least bit menacing.

"Eh, you actually have a Fire Cloud Leopard?" Luo Zixian's voice came from behind, causing Chu Hao, who was clearing the path ahead, to twitch the corner of his mouth slightly. What was Flying Fire thinking, howling like that? Had it finally brought trouble?

Chu Hao raised his collar and said, "Yeah, I was lucky to come across a newborn little leopard, and it's been following me ever since!"

Luo Zixian couldn't help showing a look of envy. Although the Fire Cloud Leopard wasn't at the top level among the ferocious beasts, the stronger the beast, the harder it was to tame. A beast pet of the Middle Mahayana realm at peak level was definitely considered the strongest!

She stared at the back of Chu Hao for a while before suddenly asking, "Have we met before?"

Are women's intuitions always this sharp?

Chu Hao hurriedly shook his head and said, "That should be impossible, this is actually my first time coming to Yue City!"

"Junior Sister Luo, come here for a moment!" On the other side, Jin Yudi suddenly called out. He actually didn't have any matter; he just didn't like seeing Luo Zixian talking to a young man.

Luo Zixian merely felt that Chu Hao's silhouette seemed vaguely familiar and would never have guessed that he was the man who had glimpsed the spring scenery at her chest. She nodded and walked over to Jin Yudi.

Chu Hao let out a sigh of relief, feeling as though cold sweat was about to break out.

Another day passed, and they had ventured deep into Blackwood Forest. Upon reaching the location for collecting herbs, the Herbalists started their work, while Chu Hao's group of five and Luo Zixian split up, each responsible for protecting several Herbalists.

They occasionally faced sneak attacks from ferocious beasts, which Chu Hao easily killed, providing nourishment for himself and Flying Fire. However, not all sides were as lucky. The Herbalist under Cao Yang's protection encountered a Fourth Tier Middle Mahayana realm beast that nearly bit a Herbalist to death.

Regardless, when the seven-day period for collecting herbs came to an end, it was time to return home.

At that moment, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that as long as they got back to Yue City, the mission would be successfully concluded.

However, Chu Hao became extra vigilant.

Seven Wolf Stockade often chose this time to rob, as they could obtain both goods and silver! From now until they left the forest, it was when Seven Wolf Stockade might launch their ambush.

Luo Zixian, on the other hand, was thrilled. This was her first time leading her family's herb-collecting team. If it ended successfully, it was clearly an affirmation of her capabilities and would add quite a few points in her favor!

——The Luo Family was one of the Nine Great Nobles of Yue City, with countless family members. Although she had distinguished herself, she still faced fierce competition. She had to achieve results to gain more support from her family.

Just then, trouble arose.

"Robbery! Robbery!" A weird laugh sounded as thirteen bandits from various directions leaped out, wearing purple headbands that marked them as members of Seven Wolf Stockade. They surrounded the two horse carts, obviously lying in wait like hunters waiting for their prey.

There must be a traitor among us!

Chu Hao thought to himself, but who could it be? Luo Zixian was naturally impossible, Jin Yudi was from Poplar Academy of Yue City, also impossible, which left only Shi Huan, Kong Pengfei, or Cao Yang as the likely suspects.

Luo Zixian and Jin Yudi also considered this possibility and immediately showed fury, their gazes sweeping across the faces of Chu Hao's four, unsure which of them was the informant for the bandits, or if all four were involved!

"Good job, Cao Yang!" a bandit applauded, "We'll credit you with the lead this time!"

Cao Yang's face turned pale as he quickly waved his hands, "You're talking nonsense!" He turned around hastily and said, "It's not me! Really, it's not me!"

"The bandits have admitted it already, and you still want to argue?" Kong Pengfei fumed, immediately drawing out two axes and slashing forward.

"It really isn't me!" Cao Yang didn't dare to fight back, only trying to dodge continuously.

"Damn!" Jin Yudi's eyes burst with killing intent as he furiously drew his sword.

Whoosh!

A spray of blood bloomed, and Cao Yang had already taken a sword slash to his left arm. With sword drawn, he gasped heavily for air.

"Hmph, showing your true colors now, eh?" Jin Yudi sneered. If he wasn't guilty, why would he draw his weapon in response?

Cao Yang was both angry and shocked; had he not drawn his sword just now, he would already be dead by Jin Yudi's hand. Even if his innocence was later proven, what use would it be? He couldn't come back from the dead!

"Die!" Jin Yudi attacked with his sword once again, and this time Kong Pengfei backed away.

Cao Yang had no choice but to defend himself. Jin Yudi's strikes were fierce, and if Cao Yang didn't give his all, it would mean seeking death!

Clink, clink, clink, the dance of the sword forced Cao Yang to retreat continually. His strength was far inferior to Jin Yudi's, with each clash of their blades causing him unspeakable agony. Defeat was just a few breaths away.

"You audacious scoundrel, how dare you plot in my presence, die!" Jin Yudi's right hand vibrated, his sword sending out eighteen blossoms of light, thrusting towards Cao Yang's throat, lower abdomen, and between his legs. Any one of these hits would almost certainly finish Cao Yang.

Desperately trying to block, Cao Yang knew he was significantly outmatched by Jin Yudi, barely able to intercept seven strikes. But the remaining eleven were unstoppable as they aimed for his vitals. In his resentment, he could only roar in anger, resigning himself to his fate.

But when he closed his eyes, he didn't feel the expected sharp pain and involuntarily reopened them.

Jin Yudi's sword had been blocked!

It was Chu Hao!

He too had drawn his sword, placing it precisely upon the tip of Jin Yudi's.

Hiss!

Cao Yang involuntarily inhaled sharply. To hit the tip of a sword in full speed was already an incredibly difficult feat, and given how slim the tip was, stopping a sword using that small point of contact was even more challenging!

Not just him, everyone was stunned, gaping open-mouthed, unable to utter a sound.

Jin Yudi was shocked at first but then declared, "So you are a collaborator with the bandits too! Fine, fine, fine, I, Jin Yudi, can handle you all by myself!"

"Idiot!" Chu Hao retorted with a sneer, his gaze shifting to Kong Pengfei, and said with a smile, "The real traitor must be someone else. Big Brother Kong, don't you agree?"