Muli: "???"
Xu Qi's words stunned him.
This person actually... dared to talk to him like that?
What audacity!
However, because Little Fairy Doctor was present, he did not make a scene. Instead, he smiled slightly, but he firmly remembered Xu Qi's appearance in his heart, his eyes dark and deep.
...
The journey that followed wasn't very long. After an hour's drive, the herb-gathering team finally arrived safely at their destination—a rather secluded basin.
The basin is covered with all kinds of medicinal herbs, and the air is filled with a refreshing medicinal fragrance. Taking a breath of it will make you feel relaxed, magical and refreshed.
"Everyone, please set up camp here as you see fit, but be careful not to damage the herbs," Little Fairy Doctor's gentle voice rang out.
The surrounding mercenaries immediately began to cheer loudly and work enthusiastically.
Just one sentence was enough to make so many people cheer for her; it has to be said that Little Fairy Doctor has a really strong appeal to these people.
Xu Qi joined the others in setting up tents around the basin, while also keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings to prevent being ambushed by monsters.
As Xu Qi was setting up the tent, Mu Li walked over and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Your name is Xu Qi, right?"
Xu Qi looked up at him, his expression indifferent: "What brings you here, Young Commander Mu Li?"
His reaction made Mu Li's lips twitch slightly, and a strange anger rose in his heart.
Aside from Little Fairy Doctor, this was the first time Mu Li had been ignored like this.
Even Little Fairy Doctor would show him some politeness because of his status as the young leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group.
But this arrogant guy in front of him dared to ignore him like that.
"You're not from Qingshan Town, are you? But I still advise you, no matter how arrogant you are outside, once you come to Qingshan Town, you'd better abide by our rules." Mu Li warned coldly.
"I don't quite understand what you mean by rules," Xu Qi said, feigning ignorance.
Mu Li no longer concealed his intentions, and said with a gloomy face, "Stay away from Little Fairy Doctor. She will be my woman sooner or later. Don't even think about making a move on her, or I'll make sure you never leave this mountain range!"
Xu Qi glanced at him, his eyes filled with contempt and disdain: "I'm paid by Wan Yao Zhai to protect the herb-gathering team. Little Fairy Doctor is also a member of the herb-gathering team, and I have a responsibility to protect her. As for you, Young Commander Mu Li, you are not qualified to order me around."
Strictly speaking, Xu Qi and Mu Li were both mercenaries hired by the herb-gathering team, and there was no superior-subordinate relationship between them.
Not only Xu Qi, but all other mercenaries outside the Wolf Head Mercenary Group were in the same boat, directly obeying the orders of Wan Yao Zhai.
However, due to the power of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, which is one of the three major mercenary groups in Green Mountain Town, no one dares to oppose them.
In addition, many people could see that Mu Li had ulterior motives towards Little Fairy Doctor, but they only dared to say it behind her back. On the surface, these scattered mercenaries would never dare to oppose the Wolf Head Mercenary Group.
"Your professional ethics are commendable... then keep it up."
Muli smiled coldly and turned to leave.
Xu Qi couldn't be bothered with someone like him.
Of course, if he insists on making a fool of himself, Xu Qi wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson on behalf of his father.
...
The herb-gathering team needs to stay in the basin for a few days to focus on collecting herbs.
Gathering herbs is the job of the Wan Yao Zhai herb-gathering team; ordinary mercenaries cannot do this kind of work.
After all, most mercenaries are rough men who are clumsy and lack knowledge about herbs. Asking them to help pick herbs will only make things worse.
But there are exceptions.
"Is this the 'Moon Goddess Flower'?"
Xu Qi came to Little Fairy Doctor's side and watched her carefully dig up a moon-white flower with a small shovel.
"You know him?" Little Fairy Doctor asked, somewhat surprised.
Xu Qi nodded: "I guess so. I know a little about herbs too."
When he acquired the [Heart of Alchemy] skill and became a first-grade alchemist, the system also thoughtfully provided him with a complete set of knowledge and theories about basic herbs.
Therefore, Xu Qi is quite familiar with some common medicinal herbs.
"The moonflower is used to calm the nerves and aid sleep. It can be used to treat symptoms such as insomnia, mental confusion, and tension. Am I right?"
Now, Little Fairy Doctor was even more surprised. She looked up at him, a hint of astonishment flashing in her eyes.
"You really understand?"
She originally thought that Xu Qi was just pretending to know what he didn't, trying to put on an act in front of her.
Unexpectedly, he actually revealed the effects of the Moon Goddess Flower.
Generally speaking, most mercenaries frequently come into contact with herbs like white clover and hemostatic leaves, which are used to stop bleeding and treat external injuries, so it's not surprising that they know the effects of these herbs.
However, few people come into contact with the Moon Goddess Flower, let alone know its effects.
And Xu Qi actually knew about the effects of the Moon Goddess Flower?!
"This should be the Soul-Returning Grass, which can be used to heal damaged soul power."
"These should be Hedyotis diffusa, Spatholobus suberectus, Scutellaria barbata, and Eclipta prostrata respectively..."
Xu Qi named the medicinal herbs around Little Fairy Doctor one by one.
With each word she uttered, Little Fairy Doctor's surprise increased.
By the end, she was completely convinced that he truly knew about herbs, and a glint of excitement shone in her eyes: "Since you also know about herbs, why don't you come over and help?"
For Little Fairy Doctor, meeting a partner who also understands medicinal herbs is a very exciting thing.
In addition, Xu Qi had saved her earlier, which made her feel quite favorably toward him.
Xu Qi smiled and said, "It would be great if I could be of help."
So he also gained the privilege of digging for medicinal herbs with Little Fairy Doctor.
This left everyone else completely dumbfounded.
How could a mere young boy be able to dig for medicinal herbs with Little Fairy Doctor?
Moreover, the two were chatting and laughing from time to time, and seemed very happy.
This made them incredibly envious and jealous.
What a rare opportunity it is to be able to chat and laugh with Fairy Doctor up close!
"Tsk tsk tsk, someone's going to have a problem with this." Several people were making sarcastic remarks.
They were referring to Muli, of course.
The latter had also noticed Xu Qi and Little Fairy Doctor earlier, who were chatting and laughing happily.
Mu Li was so angry that his face contorted and he gritted his teeth.
Especially Xiao Yixian's heartfelt smile, like the spring sunshine, warm and beautiful.
But that smile only made Mu Li's heart harden even more.
Because Little Fairy Doctor had never shown him such a happy smile before!
And now, she's smiling so happily at some random young man who just appeared out of nowhere!
"Xu Qi... I'll remember you!"
"Since you're so eager to die, then this young commander will grant your wish!"
If looks could kill, Xu Qi would have been torn to pieces by now.
...