The Little Fairy Doctor's pale face showed signs of panic. She first glanced at Mu Li in fear, then shifted her purple eyes to Gu Fei, surprise and anxiety flickering within them.
[Xiao Yixian is panicked, emotional value +100]
She stood there, bewildered by the sudden appearance of two individuals. Xiao Yixian didn't know what to do. However, Gu Fei seemed more dependable. Looking at him helplessly, she hoped he could provide some explanation.
Why had these two people suddenly appeared behind her?
"Little Fairy Doctor, I noticed this man sneaking up behind you," Gu Fei explained calmly. "I was concerned he might have bad intentions, so I followed him."
Gu Fei showed no sign of guilt, for he had done nothing wrong. Instead, he skillfully shifted the suspicion toward Mu Li.
[Mu Li is angered, emotional value +10]
Mu Li, who was about to defend himself, glared at Gu Fei in shock and fury. However, he dared not confront Gu Fei directly.
As the young leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, Mu Li wasn't foolish. He had already suspected that this alchemist was no ordinary person, especially given the subtle hints during Boss Yao's selection process. Mu Li had spent years as a mercenary, and his instincts for danger were well-honed.
If Gu Fei had been following him the entire time, there was no way Mu Li wouldn't have noticed. This indicated that Gu Fei was either incredibly powerful or possessed some exceptional ability to conceal his presence. As a result, Mu Li could only glare at him angrily without making a move.
Xiao Yixian, trusting Gu Fei, felt relieved. How could such a skilled alchemist deceive her?
[Xiao Yixian is grateful, emotional value +100]
Her gratitude towards Gu Fei grew, and she became even more wary of Mu Li. Why had he followed her so suddenly? Could it be that her secret was discovered?
Shaking her head, Xiao Yixian reassured herself that her secret was too well-hidden for anyone, let alone Mu Li, to uncover. Nevertheless, she couldn't let the matter rest.
"Mu Li, why are you following me?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the oppressive atmosphere of the dense forest. Sunlight barely pierced the canopy, casting eerie shadows over Mu Li's face as he let out a sinister chuckle.
"Haha, let's not beat around the bush. I believe there's a treasure hidden here," Mu Li said slowly, dropping the pretense now that he had been called out.
Xiao Yixian was visibly shaken, her expression betraying shock and confusion.
"I only shared that information with Li Fei…" she muttered, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her purple eyes darkened with the sting of betrayal. "Did you bribe her?"
Even someone as gentle as Xiao Yixian had her limits. Li Fei wasn't just her assistant, she was a close friend—someone she had confided in. And yet, the secret she had shared only with Li Fei had somehow reached Mu Li. Who else could have told him?
Mu Li let out a few more sinister laughs and nodded in confirmation. He took pleasure in watching the shock and anger of those betrayed by their closest friends.
Xiao Yixian's emotions were turbulent, and with her strength lying outside of combat, Mu Li saw no need to fear her. He turned his attention to Gu Fei instead.
"Sir, why not join forces with my Wolf Head Mercenary Group to search for the treasure? We can split it fifty-fifty," Mu Li proposed, grinning.
He eyed Gu Fei's calm expression, confident that the offer was too good to pass up. It was rare for Mu Li to be so generous, and in most situations, he would have taken everything for himself. The fact that he was offering half was indeed a rare opportunity.
Mu Li arrogantly cleaned his ears and asked again, "So, what do you say?"
Gu Fei, appearing thoughtful, pretended to be tempted. Mu Li's grin widened unconsciously.
[Mu Li is proud, emotional value +10]
Raising an eyebrow, Gu Fei thought to himself, This is clearly a trap. He didn't believe for a second that Mu Li was genuinely generous. Most likely, Mu Li intended to kill him once the treasure was found and keep everything for himself.
Seeing Mu Li's confidence, Gu Fei acted as if he was about to agree—only to change his expression at the last second. His voice turned cold.
"Do you really think you're worthy of cooperating with me?" Gu Fei replied.
[Mu Li is enraged, emotional value +10]
"What did you say?" Mu Li growled, his body tense with anger. His bones cracked ominously as he moved.
Xiao Yixian watched Gu Fei closely, her emotions conflicted.
[Xiao Yixian is moved, emotional value +80]
[Xiao Yixian is becoming dependent, emotional value +80]
Mu Li's patience wore thin. Realizing that Gu Fei wouldn't cooperate, he dropped the facade completely, his tone turning menacing.
"If you won't cooperate, don't try to stop me…" Mu Li's eyes darkened with malice as he looked at Xiao Yixian.
But before he could continue, Gu Fei spoke firmly, cutting him off.
"Xiao Yixian is my friend. I won't let you harm her!" Gu Fei declared.
[Xiao Yixian is moved, emotional value +80]
Mu Li was stunned. Did this man not fear death? Or was he merely pretending?
Deciding to end the charade, Mu Li sneered, a cruel smile forming on his lips. "Don't blame me for what happens next. Even if you have powerful backers, if you disappear in the Monster Mountain Range, no one will suspect the Wolf Head Mercenary Group."
Malice radiated from Mu Li as he prepared to strike.
Gu Fei, however, remained calm. He had already sensed more than a dozen mercenaries lurking in the forest, waiting to attack. But he wasn't concerned, his strength far surpassed anyone in this small Qingshan Town, let alone the entire Gama Empire.
The Little Fairy Doctor stood behind him, feeling protected by Gu Fei's towering presence. She couldn't help but feel a sense of security as she looked up at him.
Meanwhile, Mu Li's sinister plan was unfolding in the shadows.