Soon, Leo’s surroundings were filled with numerous small villas nestled against the mountains and waters, each exuding a unique charm.
Observing Leo’s interest in these villas, Master Jennifer explained, “In the Falling Sunset Mountain range not far from Palm City, apart from various precious herbs, you can also find spirit herbs. Every year, many martial artists come to search for these spirit herbs. These villas are provided for their accommodation and rest.”
Leo’s interest grew stronger as he listened to her explanation. Finding the Snowspirit Flower in Falling Sunset Mountain would be a dream come true. Even if he couldn’t find the Snowspirit Flower, discovering some spirit herbs for alchemy would be worthwhile.
Master Jennifer also appeared excited and continued, “It’s said that in ancient times, the divine beast Vermilion Bird once roosted in Falling Sunset Mountain. When the Vermilion Bird took off, it left behind a tail feather that fell into the mountain. The mountain absorbed the magical energy within the feather, creating earth spirit energy that nurtured the growth of spirit herbs. These herbs attracted many animals and creatures.”
Since Leo had gained Spiritual Power, he no longer dismissed ancient myths and legends with skepticism. He adopted the approach of “believing rather than disbelieving.” After all, he was living proof that many wondrous powers and phenomena couldn’t be comprehended or understood by ordinary humans.
“Listening to you, I’m not as interested in the martial arts marketplace now,” Leo said with a smile.
“Are you thinking of going into the mountains to look for spirit herbs?” Master Jennifer inquired.
Leo nodded. “I have that thought.”
“Falling Sunset Mountain is vast. While it’s common to hear of martial artists finding spirit herbs within, the mountain is also home to fierce beasts. Entering the mountains to seek spirit herbs is not only laborious but also dangerous, with many martial artists choosing to sell the herbs they find on the marketplace. We can buy what we need from there,” Master Jennifer advised Leo against entering the mountains in search of herbs.
Leo thought her advice made sense and checked the time. It was already noon, so they decided to have lunch before discussing their plans.
After a short drive, Leo parked his car at a picturesque countryside restaurant. The restaurant had pavilions, terraces, and lush greenery, making it a delightful setting.
As Leo and Master Jennifer prepared to enter the restaurant, a large, snow-white wolf with a robust build and no stray fur on its entire body came out. It was three times the size of a regular adult wolf. The wolf’s eyes were locked onto Leo and Master Jennifer.
The sudden appearance of the massive wolf surprised Master Jennifer. Leo raised an eyebrow, saying, “It’s an Arctic Wolf.”
Following the Arctic Wolf were four individuals. Among them, a man in a white robe with the demeanor of a scholar, complete with a folding paper fan in his hand, caught their attention.
Beside this scholarly man was a slim, elderly figure. The elder was dressed in a light gray suit, with a restrained gleam in his old eyes. But the aura intermittently emanating from him made Leo uneasy.
In no time, Leo discerned the elder’s level of cultivation-Martial General!
Behind the scholarly man and the elder, two burly men with Schwarzenegger-like physiques could be seen. Master Jennifer immediately recognized that these two practiced external body tempering techniques.
From their positions, it was clear that the elder and the two burly men were there to protect the scholarly man.
The scholarly man’s gaze quickly locked onto Master Jennifer and couldn’t be diverted. His eyes practically oozed desire, almost written on his face.
“Miss, my wolf didn’t frighten you, did it?” The scholarly man revealed what he considered a gentle smile.
Master Jennifer responded briefly, “Not at all.”
“You’re not afraid. That’s good. Although my Arctic Wolf may look intimidating, it’s very friendly. You don’t need to be scared,” the scholarly man said with a beaming smile while stroking the wolf’s fur.
In the world of martial artists, having a spirit beast as a mount was equivalent to owning a luxury car in the mundane world. In the martial world, owning a beast mount signified a person’s extraordinary status.
The scholarly man was essentially flaunting his spirit beast to attract Master Jennifer’s attention. However, this well-practiced move was bound to fail today, as it was clear that Master Jennifer had no interest in the scholarly man.
“Miss, when fate allows us to meet, my name is Henry Lynd, and I’d like to be your friend.” Henry handed his paper fan to his left hand and extended his right hand toward Master Jennifer.
Master Jennifer, with her trademark cold and distant tone, replied, “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in making friends.”
This reply caught Henry off guard. A handsome young man in the martial arts world like him, the owner of an Arctic Wolf spirit beast, had hardly ever been rejected by women. It was unexpected that this beautiful girl in front of him would show no interest.
Leo couldn’t help but clear his throat, interrupting Henry’s attempts to impress Master Jennifer. “My friend, please move aside. We’d like to go in and have a meal.”
Though Henry was somewhat reluctant, he understood the importance of showing restraint. Moreover, pursuing a woman was much like fishing, except for those gold-diggers who took the bait willingly. In the case of someone as beautiful and elegant as the woman before him, he would need to demonstrate patience.
Henry patted the Arctic Wolf and stepped aside, allowing Leo and Master Jennifer to enter the restaurant. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t want to leave just yet. He gestured for his three companions, including the elderly man, to follow him back into the restaurant.
Confused, the elder named Elliot inquired, “Young Master, weren’t we supposed to head to Falling Sunset Mountain? Why are we returning to the restaurant?”
“Elliot, you felt the strength of that woman just now; she’s at least a mid-level Grand Martial Master. I’ve always wanted to practice our family’s formidable dual cultivation technique (cultivation for a man and woman together through sex), and I believe she’s the ideal candidate.”
Henry waved the folding fan and gazed with a hint of fascination in his eyes.
“Young Master, that girl’s level is indeed that of a mid-level Grand Martial Artist, but I sense something extraordinary about the young man,” Elliot, the elder, said in a deep voice.
Henry smiled and replied, “Elliot, I couldn’t sense any energy fluctuations from that young man. He’s probably just the woman’s driver, an ordinary person at most.”
An ordinary person couldn’t attract Henry’s attention. Therefore, when he greeted Master Jennifer, he completely disregarded Leo.