The speed of a Douhuang in flight was incredibly fast. Even though there was still some distance to Stone Desert City, it meant little to cultivators of this level.
In the blink of an eye, two streaks of green light tore across the skies above Stone Desert City.
"According to Baiya's investigation, the one possessing the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils is here."
Gülüman gazed down at the city below and spoke in a low voice.
Stone Desert City appeared remarkably solid and imposing. Perhaps because it neighbored the Tagor Desert, the entire city was heavily fortified. Looking down from above, one could spot fully armed soldiers patrolling in every direction.
Following Gülüman's gaze, Lüyi's eyes settled on a certain courtyard.
The courtyard wasn't very large. A flag fluttered at its entrance, emblazoned with the bold characters "Mo Tie Mercenary Company," radiating an aura of iron and blood.
Outside the yard stood several burly men, weapons in hand, standing straight like pillars. Their sharp eyes swept back and forth over passersby.
"A rather ordinary mercenary company. Are you certain the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils are here?"
Lüyi furrowed her delicate brows. After a moment of contemplation, the image of Lin Ran's youthful and handsome face flashed in her mind, and the skepticism in her heart vanished instantly.
A youth like him had actually turned out to be a Tier Six alchemist. Then, the idea of a tiny mercenary group housing someone with the legendary Snake Pupils didn't seem that far-fetched.
"Baiya's perception cannot be wrong. Lüyi, wait here for a moment. I'll go investigate."
Gülüman gave a cold snort. Her figure flickered and turned into a streak of green light, disappearing from sight.
"Gülüman!"
Lüyi's expression tightened. This was no small matter. Though she was anxious, there was nothing more she could do and could only wait on the spot.
At the level of a Douhuang, concealing one's presence was easy. Ordinary Dou Zhe or Dou Shi couldn't possibly detect her movements. Still, Gülüman remained cautious.
The mention of a Tier Six alchemist by Lüyi had drastically altered Gülüman's attitude. Even if there was little chance of another strong cultivator appearing in a backwater like Stone Desert City, she wasn't about to take chances.
The Mo Tie Mercenary Company was well-guarded. Each of its men exuded a fierce and bloody aura—true veterans of battle. Yet, none of them noticed a shadow slipping silently into the depths of their headquarters.
"…I heard that Nalan Yanran from the Nalan Clan recently forced her father to annul an engagement. I wonder how Xiao Yanzi is doing now."
"Back then, Xiao Yanzi was such a dazzling genius. Who would've thought he'd be struck by that strange illness? If not for that, how could the number one genius of the Xiao Clan be humiliated so?"
"They've truly gone too far…"
Voices filled with indignation and resentment echoed softly within a room. Gülüman's gaze remained calm, but after sensing the aura within, her brows furrowed.
The two men inside were utterly ordinary. Neither of them was the one she was looking for. Yet, they were the strongest cultivators in the entire mercenary group.
Could Baiya have made a mistake?
Gülüman pondered silently.
It was unlikely. But the facts in front of her left little room for interpretation.
She had already swept through the roster of all registered members of the Mo Tie Mercenary Company. Not a single one bore the aura of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. It was clear the one they were looking for wasn't among them.
"Forget it. Even if we find nothing else, at least Baiya completed his partial transformation."
Gülüman sighed softly and turned to leave—when suddenly, a petite figure appeared at the courtyard gate, stepping into her line of sight.
It was a young girl, visibly youthful and innocent. Dressed in pale green robes, her small body showed hints of a maturing frame, though her appearance still bore the freshness of youth. Her adorable, delicate oval-shaped face was like that of a porcelain doll—so timid, she resembled a frightened rabbit. One glance stirred pity in the heart.
She was holding what appeared to be a letter. Standing shyly at the gate, she called out softly, "Commander, you have a letter. It bears the seal of the Xiao Clan."
"The Xiao Clan's seal?"
The door creaked open, and a young man emerged.
He wore a set of mercenary gear. His posture was tall and upright, his dark eyes carrying a mix of laziness and edge. Though he smiled warmly, there was a latent, wolfish viciousness beneath it.
Clearly, he was the kind who seemed harmless until provoked—and once provoked, would fight back tooth and nail.
"Commander Xiao Li, here's the letter."
The girl respectfully handed over the envelope. Xiao Li frowned slightly as he took it, eyes locking on the familiar crest. A nostalgic glint flashed across his gaze.
After opening it and reading the contents, his body stiffened.
The feral edge beneath his smile vanished completely, replaced by a rare expression of gentle warmth and radiant joy.
Such a drastic emotional shift left the girl somewhat stunned. Everyone in the mercenary group knew Xiao Li for his ruthless nature. How was it that today, he wore such a gentle smile?
"Hahaha! Good! This is great!"
Xiao Li laughed heartily, clutching the letter as he strode into the room. "Big Brother! It's a letter from Xiao Yanzi! It's from Xiao Yanzi!"
"What? A letter from Xiao Yanzi?!"
An astonished voice rang out, followed by a moment of silence.
Then, joyous laughter erupted from the house.
"Good, good! I knew that boy was special. He's finally overcome that strange illness!"
"Eight-Star Dou Zhe… Such rapid progress! Even faster than when he was in his prime as a child. Truly worthy of being the Xiao Clan's number one genius!"
"Brother, let's get things ready. Xiao Yanzi said he's still training in the Tagor Desert and should arrive in Stone Desert City in about a month. We should start preparing!"
"Of course! We'll give that little rascal the biggest surprise ever!"
"Hahaha!"
Laughter filled the air. Hearing her commander so gleeful, even the girl at the door couldn't help but smile faintly.
'Xiao Yanzi… that must be Commander Xiao Ding and Commander Xiao Li's younger brother…'
She murmured to herself. But just then, the light in front of her dimmed as a figure blocked her view.
A woman stood there, dressed in green. She was stunningly beautiful, with a charm that dazzled the eyes. The girl froze in awe.
Yet in the next instant, she realized something was wrong—she couldn't move a muscle.
It felt as if her entire body had been frozen solid, sealed within an invisible force.
"The aura of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils! It's the real thing!"
"To think… the one who possesses the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils turned out to be a mixed-blood servant girl. No wonder I couldn't find it anywhere inside the mercenary company!"
(End of Chapter)