The Strongest Beast-Tamer (Transmigration)(GL) - Chapter 39

Just as the trio were about to set off, a small disagreement broke out. Duanmu Ya wanted to go back and check on the mercenaries’ situation. Ming Feng and Duanmu Jie were both missing, yet the girl who had suddenly fallen from the sky insisted on continuing the journey.

“It’s pointless to go. Didn’t you see how the fire ants left nothing but desolation in their wake?”

“Even so, I must go back!”

The moment Duanmu Ya saw the empty expanse behind her, a wave of sorrow hit her. They had only been out for a few days. How had things already turned into such a mess?

The woman in black let out a mocking laugh. “Sweetie, are you going back to collect their corpses yourself?”

Duanmu Ya was genuinely furious. She grabbed Yi Xian and stormed off. “Then don’t come! Even if I’m collecting bones, it’s none of your business.”

Yi Xian actually understood the reasoning. Anyone who could escape probably already had. Those who couldn’t… were likely no longer recognizable remains. “Let’s go. Maybe they’re fine.”

At first, Yi Xian had thought Duanmu Ya’s feelings for Ming Feng were romantic. But after listening to that childish explanation, she realized it was more like a bond above friendship, perhaps like a little sister relying on an older brother. There was also clearly a competitive streak with Duanmu Jie involved.

The woman in black folded her arms, her tone exasperated. “You two really don’t know what’s good for you. Instead of wasting time, wouldn’t it be better to find out who’s actually behind this?”

Thousand-Year Flame Velvet Grass?

Yi Xian silently committed the name to memory. On their way back, they passed several skeletons. Some were frozen in mid-leap, while others had collapsed on the ground, unable to rise again. Each remained in the exact posture they had died in, like lifelike, terrifying sculptures.

“Brother Ming Feng, where are you guys?”

“Xiao Ya, don’t panic. Maybe Ming Feng and Duanmu Jie were lucky enough to avoid the wave.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Of course. Let’s check where they fetched water. As long as we don’t find any corpses, it means they are still alive.” Although Yi Xian spoke confidently, her hopes were dim. She still didn’t even know where those fire ants had come from.

The two went to the place where Duanmu Jie and Ming Feng had previously drawn water. The vegetation remained untouched. There were damp, flattened marks by the river, suggesting someone had recently slipped into the water. It seemed this area hadn’t been affected by the fire ants. Yi Xian sighed in relief. “See? The heavens protect the kind-hearted. You can relax now.”

Duanmu Ya truly did feel relieved. “But where did they go?”

“Probably searching for us, just like we were for them.”

The two gathered the remains they found and buried them in a large pit. No one could identify who was who, so they simply carved a wooden plaque under the name of the mercenary group.

During the journey onward, Duanmu Ya remained quiet. Yi Xian didn’t feel any better. The attack had caught them completely unprepared. Just days ago, they had shared laughter with those people. Now, they were reduced to bones. It truly was like the saying, “You never know which will arrive first, tomorrow or misfortune.”

The peaceful days back at the Duanmu residence had given Yi Xian an illusion. Reality now gave her a resounding slap. Those who had died were people she had only met a few times and exchanged a few words with. Some she did not even know by name. But what if it had been her actual friends?

Yi Xian couldn’t even bear to imagine it.

“Hey.”

“What now?”

The woman in black was crouched on a tree branch, peeling bark and tossing it at Duanmu Ya. “What are you two dawdling for? The ones who did this are almost out of the forest. Are you not going to take revenge?”

Duanmu Ya had been fuming, ready to climb the tree and strangle her. But that statement stopped her cold. “You know where they are?”

The woman in black smirked. “Call me elder sister and I’ll tell you.”

Duanmu Ya seethed with rage, circling the tree several times as if she were about to climb it. The woman on the branch beckoned her with a curled finger. “Come up. If you can climb this tree, elder sister will tell you.”

Yi Xian rubbed her forehead, remembering Duanmu Ya’s miserable attempts at climbing. Even in desperate moments, she couldn’t manage it, let alone now. “Xiao Ya, we still need to find the others.”

Duanmu Ya grabbed a few pebbles and hurled them at the woman. The woman tried to dodge but lost her footing, tumbling straight down. She landed directly on top of that smug little fool, their faces pressed together, lips against lips.

Yi Xian, “…”

Duanmu Ya, “…”

Moments later, Duanmu Ya sprang up, clutching her mouth and glaring with wide, murderous eyes. “I’m going to kill you!”

With Nian Yunyin and Duanmu Ya now bickering constantly along the way, Yi Xian’s ears had no peace. She continued to observe the mysterious woman in black, who continued to provoke Duanmu Ya. Apparently, she was also heading to Qingshan Sect to seek an apprenticeship, so they were on the same path. That earlier life-saving move had only been a basic defensive array, not an energy shield.

“Miss Nian, how did you know a stalk of Thousand-Year Flame Velvet Grass attracted those fire ants? And how convenient, that you were just nearby.”

“It really was just coincidence. Fate, perhaps.” Nian Yunyin snatched half a piece of rock sugar cake from Duanmu Ya’s hand, giving Yi Xian a sly smile. “It’s simple. I had a little helper that caught the scent of the grass.”

In her palm was a squirming red-haired worm. Duanmu Ya shrieked and lunged toward it, but Nian Yunyin quickly hid the bug and let Duanmu Ya tumble into her arms. “Younger Sister Xiao Ya, are you throwing yourself at me?”

Duanmu Ya was no longer seething. She didn’t even mind the teasing tone and stared eagerly. “I didn’t get a good look. Let me see it again, just once.”

Nian Yunyin touched her swollen cheek. “Ow, my face suddenly stings. Did I get disfigured?”

Without a word, Duanmu Ya pulled a porcelain bottle from her storage pouch. “Silken Skin Elixir. One bottle and your whole body will be as smooth and pure as a white lotus blooming from the mud.”

Yi Xian struggled not to laugh.

Nian Yunyin held her face, shaking her head. “That takes too long to work. I feel awful right now. Give me something to apply directly.”

Duanmu Ya produced another item like a magician. “Skin Cream. Apply twice a day. You should be fine in two days.”

Nian Yunyin opened the box and sniffed the floral scent. “Didn’t expect Younger Sister Xiao Ya to have such treasures. But when I fell from that tree, I hurt my arm. I can’t lift it. I wouldn’t want to waste your kind intentions.”

Duanmu Ya blinked and smiled sweetly. “No worries. I’ll apply it for you.” She scooped a dab of the cream and began gently massaging it onto Nian Yunyin’s face with five nimble fingers. “Does that feel good?”

Nian Yunyin stared straight at her, smiling. “Very.”

Duanmu Ya became even more careful with her movements. Yi Xian watched her scheming eyes darting around and knew she was up to something. Sure enough, Duanmu Ya said, “Sister Nian, can I borrow that little creature you showed us? Just for a bit?”

Nian Yunyin hesitated. “Borrow it?”

Duanmu Ya spoke cautiously. “Just for a short while. I’ll return it quickly. I swear by my identity as an alchemist.”

Surprisingly, Nian Yunyin agreed without fuss. She tossed the red worm over and sat back to watch Duanmu Ya examine it from all angles.

After fiddling with it for a while, Duanmu Ya dragged Yi Xian aside and whispered, “Yi Xian, let me borrow Lord Yin Bao too.”

“What is that?”

Duanmu Ya explained, “It’s a treasure that can sniff out Fire Lingling Grass. I’ve heard of it but never seen it. But this little thing can help us find that stalk.”

“Thousand-Year Flame Velvet Grass?”

Duanmu Ya nodded rapidly. “If we find it, we’ll know who’s behind this. I want Lord Yin Bao to bring me that deadly plant.”

Yi Xian understood. Everything that had happened was because someone brought that cursed plant. “Have you thought about the payment Lord Yin Bao will want?”

At that, Duanmu Ya looked troubled.

Fortunately, with Yi Xian’s help in negotiations, she quickly reached an agreement with Lord Yin Bao. When it came to pilfering rare treasures, this was Lord Yin Bao’s specialty.

While the two were plotting, Nian Yunyin casually chimed in. “Why not bring me along? I can help you get revenge without those people ever noticing. You know whoever’s guarding the Thousand-Year Flame Velvet Grass must have a whole team of protectors.”

Yi Xian remained unsure about Nian Yunyin. Something about her felt too strange. Perhaps saving them the first time had been coincidence, but this?

As if reading Yi Xian’s thoughts, Nian Yunyin responded openly. “I’m traveling alone to Qingshan Sect. I’m bound to face unknown dangers. I want to rely on you both to reach the destination safely. Naturally, I’ll offer help in return. Otherwise, what if you abandon me midway?”

That struck a chord with Duanmu Ya. Back in the Beast Tribe Territory, she had been terrified Yi Xian might ditch her. So she had gone all out to prove her usefulness, hoping Yi Xian wouldn’t leave her behind. She could understand Nian Yunyin’s worry. “It’s not up to me. Yi Xian decides.”

Yi Xian felt this situation wasn’t as simple as Nian Yunyin claimed, but for now, she could find no fault. “If that’s the case, let’s discuss our plan first. Once we find Ming Feng and the others, we can travel together. More numbers mean more safety.”

Duanmu Ya had no objection. Even if Yi Xian told her to die right now, she probably wouldn’t question it. Nian Yunyin naturally had no complaints either. Her goal was simple. She wanted to join their journey.

Nian Yunyin proposed a plan. It was an eye for an eye.
They would use the enemy’s own tricks against them.

After hearing her idea, Yi Xian gave her a few more scrutinizing glances. “It’s workable, but Lord Yin Bao seems unable to break through the Light Spirit Barrier. That’s a big problem.”

Back in the Beast Tribe Territory, Lord Yin Bao had been king of the mice. One shout and thousands of little mice would come running. But once they entered the human world, things changed. The territory was different. Not only did it lose its mouse army, but it also encountered several mutated spirit rats that nearly ended it. It had been in low spirits ever since.

Yi Xian didn’t know how to help. She had only learned about the issue five months later.

“Since it’s your spiritual companion, it must have some special ability,” Nian Yunyin said.

We haven’t signed a contract yet, Yi Xian thought. Maybe the bond formed after it bit me three times. After thinking hard, she came up with something. “There’s one thing, but I don’t know if it will work.”

Lord Yin Bao, who had been eavesdropping, drooped its ears sadly.

Duanmu Ya fed it a spirit fruit and gently patted its head. “You are the bravest and cleverest little mouse I’ve ever seen. Go on. Don’t be scared.”

Yi Xian remembered the first time she met Lord Yin Bao. The situation had been so strange that she could not tell whether she had dreamed of the butterfly or the butterfly had dreamed of her. At the time, she thought she had met Lord Yin Bao while everyone else was asleep. But when she woke up, she realized she alone had been trapped in a dream. Later, when she had settled down in Guata City, Lord Yin Bao reappeared, and the same thing happened again.

Yi Xian suspected that Lord Yin Bao likely had the ability to draw others into dreams.

Lord Yin Bao seemed to understand her concern. It scratched its head, thumped its tiny chest, and declared, “Leave it to me.”

Yi Xian looked worried. “Be careful. Stay safe above all.”

Lord Yin Bao, carrying the fiery red worm, dove into a tree hollow, leaving behind a trail of marks. The three of them followed these markings and soon found the culprit responsible for their misery.

A group of people were marching ahead. Guards stood alert all around them, and there was even a beast mount traveling alongside.

“That outfit looks familiar,” someone muttered.

“You insisted on having a walking beast instead of walking yourself,” Yi Xian reminded her. “This person’s style is a lot like yours. Duanmu Ya, do you recognize them?”

Duanmu Ya squinted for a long while. When the person turned, she finally recognized them and gasped. “No way. How could it be her?”

Duanmu Ya had become famous at seventeen. Of course, she was not the only third-rank alchemist on the Jiuxi Continent. There was another, one year older than her, also a third-rank alchemist. But because Duanmu Ya was younger, she took all the attention. The other alchemist, though highly talented, was always overshadowed. In time, resentment had taken root.

Her name was Xie Jingqiu.

The Xie family in the Silver Moon Empire and the Duanmu family in the Sunlight Nation were equally powerful. In both family status and alchemical rank, they were well matched. When Duanmu Ya had gone quiet for three years, one might have expected Xie Jingqiu to rise above her. Yet, for some unknown reason, Xie Jingqiu had also stagnated, still stuck at the third rank.

The real break in their relationship had come during an alchemists’ competition. There, Xie Jingqiu had lost to Duanmu Ya in public. From that point on, they had been like fire and water. Whenever they met, conflict followed.

After hearing Duanmu Ya explain all this, Yi Xian felt a headache coming on. With how easily Duanmu Ya attracted grudges, she could already tell trouble lay ahead.

Duanmu Ya concluded, “Looks like she wants me dead.”

Nian Yunyin patted her on the head. “Don’t worry, Xiao Ya. Elder Sister Nian will protect you. Now that we know who the enemy is, it’s easy. If not the first time, then the second. If not the second, then the third or fourth. We’ll kill her eventually.”

Yi Xian lifted her gaze to Nian Yunyin. The woman was all smiles as she spoke, but beneath that smile lay a chilling coldness.

By nightfall, everything was quiet. The enemy group had set up camp nearby, flames flickering around them. The fact that they dared light a fire in such a place meant they had something to rely on.

Yi Xian heard Lord Yin Bao’s call. “We got it. Let’s go.”

Nian Yunyin reached for Yi Xian but quickly pulled her hand back. “Summon your little pet. Let me take a look.”

Yi Xian didn’t know what she was up to. But right now, they were all in the same boat. If it capsized, everyone would drown. So she summoned Lord Yin Bao. It darted out of the ground and handed her the item. Nian Yunyin opened the box, and a surge of fire spirit energy burst out. She shut it at once, bit her finger, and used her bl00d to draw a complex diagram on the lid.

When it was complete, she said, “There was a remnant trace of spiritual intent from the Xie family inside. I sealed it with an array. They won’t be able to track it for now. Once we reach a safe place, we can remove it entirely.”

Yi Xian sighed in relief. “How did you know there was a tracking mark on it?”

“Easy,” Nian Yunyin replied. “A thousand-year-old fire spirit treasure like this was surely meant for the Qingshan Sect. If they had just kept it hidden, maybe it would’ve been fine. But they made the mistake of drawing fire ants. Since they showed no mercy, we’ll show none either.”

Neither Yi Xian nor Duanmu Ya objected. After all, this very thing had caused several deaths. Ming Feng and Duanmu Jie were still missing.

“Let’s move.”

“Yes. Otherwise, we won’t get away in time.”

Yi Xian ran with Lord Yin Bao, Duanmu Ya close behind, and Nian Yunyin covering the rear. They ran all night until the cries of phantom beasts and scattered fighting faded into silence.

“Can it really attract sixth-rank phantom beasts?”

“Yes.”

Duanmu Ya took a long moment before asking, “If they survive, do you think they’ll blame this on me?”

Nian Yunyin said, “Don’t worry, Xiao Ya. They don’t know you’re alive yet. Even if they reach Qingshan Sect, they won’t have proof it was you.”

But the grudge was set.

Everyone knew this truth. Someone always threw the first stone.

They traveled day and night, encountering two or three low-level phantom beasts along the way. Each was handled with skill and care. They narrowly avoided danger again and again.

The only regret was not encountering Duanmu Jie or Ming Feng. But they were drawing ever closer to Qingshan Sect.

One day, Yi Xian took out the Thousand-Year Flame Velvet Grass they had stolen from Xie Jingqiu. The array Nian Yunyin had drawn with her bl00d still lay on it. “Here. You two decide what to do with it.”

Duanmu Ya’s eyes lit up, clearly tempted. But she pushed it back. “Lord Yin Bao did most of the work. We couldn’t have gotten it without it. Yi Xian, it should be yours.”

Before Yi Xian could refuse, Nian Yunyin took the box with a playful smile. “We’ve been traveling together for over ten days. If you’re still testing each other like this, that’s just poor form. In my opinion, this doesn’t belong to Miss Yi. It suits Xiao Ya better.”

Yi Xian had indeed wanted to test her. That grass had cost several lives. They were mercenaries brought by Ming Feng.
Each one had been a living person. Though she had learned among the elves that treasures often outweighed human lives, she didn’t want someone willing to kill for a treasure to stay by her side.

Such a person could not be tested.

Duanmu Ya shook her head. “You two take it. You both did the most. I didn’t do anything except get revenge. I’m already satisfied.”

Nian Yunyin said, “There’s no need to decline. The reason this grass attracts fire ants is because it occasionally emits fire spirit energy. Though the ants are low-level, they use treasures like this to evolve. But this grass also holds wood spirit energy. Such a rare mix is almost unheard of. For someone with both fire and wood roots like Xiao Ya, it’s perfect. For a light spirit beastmaster like Miss Yi, it’s useless.”

Yi Xian didn’t mind. Her cultivation only required sunlight. No other energy was purer than the brilliant light she drew from it. Truly, no one here was better suited than Duanmu Ya. “If she uses it, is there a chance her wood root might recover?”

Duanmu Ya’s eyes flickered with hope.

Nian Yunyin instinctively tightened her grip on the box. “I don’t know.”

Duanmu Ya looked disappointed, then laughed. “Yi Xian, it doesn’t matter if my wood root returns. I still have my fire root. Don’t worry about me.”

This world is vast, Yi Xian thought. There must be a way. But it will take time. The three of them dropped the subject. Yi Xian also made sure to ask about any residual consciousness from the Xie family, and whether the treasure had any side effects after being absorbed.

Once Nian Yunyin used a secret method to erase the lingering intent, they found a quiet cave. Nian Yunyin set up not one but two arrays, layered together, ensuring Duanmu Ya could absorb the spirit grass without interruption. Then she and Yi Xian stayed outside to guard her.

Without Duanmu Ya around to keep things lively, Yi Xian and Nian Yunyin could sit in silence for an entire day without exchanging a word.

Yi Xian meditated. Her little pony napped lazily. Most of the time, Nian Yunyin sat drawing strange diagrams in the dirt with a stick. One time, after Yi Xian finished her meditation, she studied the markings and found them puzzling. She had once met a mechanical engineer obsessed with ancient designs who acted in the same way, constantly drawing strange and mystical symbols.

“Are you an array master?”

Nian Yunyin neither nodded nor shook her head. “You always need a way to protect yourself. Don’t you agree?”

Yi Xian thought that was true. Just like her. Even with only a dagger, she would carve out a bloody path to survive. Thankfully, she had more than just a dagger. “I believe you can become a divine-level array master.”

Nian Yunyin smiled. “And you’re not bad either. A light spirit offensive beastmaster.”