Chapter 460

Chapter 460: Valley Salamander

After traversing the wind-swept Fengxi Province, they arrived at Luoyan Province, nestled between the mountains and hills. The caravan slowly moved along the winding paths through the mountainous area.

Occasionally, the wheels would bump over pebbles by the roadside, causing a faint rustling sound.

In the northern mountains, the chill of winter had yet to completely dissipate. The dark green pine needles by the roadside still held traces of snow, with droplets of water hanging from the branches and leaves.

Lolan Hill sat in the carriage, wearing a red long dress. This time, she added a fur-lined coat, making her look more adorable and fitting her age.

The weather seemed to have turned colder again. Recalling the spring rain a few days ago, she felt the temperature drop sharply.

She wasn’t sure if the people accompanying her were used to this. Even though they were here for her inspection, she still wanted to take care of them, or else they might freeze.

“Vinnie, ask those horsemen tonight how they’re doing. If it’s too cold, they can use the blankets from the cargo to wrap around their knees and bodies. If anyone gets frostbite, they should report it immediately so we can rotate them into the warm carriages.”

“Alright, Miss.” The maid nodded, jotting down the task in her notebook.

Lolan Hill thought, watching her write, she remembered having a similar little book when she was younger, noting down sentences she liked, things she didn’t want to forget, and items she desired.

Occasionally, the clear mountain air echoed with the cooing of cuckoos. They would alight on branches, causing a gentle sway that made the water droplets fall.

As the carriage crossed over several hills, a commotion came from a distant valley.

Upon receiving the order from the young lady, four riders urged their horses forward.

After turning several large bends, a chaotic scene unfolded before them.

Several carriages lay overturned by the roadside. People were running towards the distance, while some horses neighed frantically, trying to break free from their reins. A massive demonic beast was tearing apart a horse in the valley.

With each swing of its head, the poor horse was torn in two, blood and innards spilling out. On the other side of the valley, a few individuals were taking cover behind trees, shooting arrows at the beast.

Unfortunately, their efforts were futile. Though the beast had no scales, its hide was exceptionally tough.

“A Meierka salamander!?” one of the riders exclaimed.

“Do you know it?” asked his companions.

“Yes, I’ve seen similar ones in the Tixilin Mountains before, but they are rare. The strongest one I saw there was only Sequence 3, not very powerful.”

“But this one is at least four to five times larger than a regular one, and it looks like it’s at least Sequence 4.”

“What do we do? Should we go down to help?”

“But we’re just the trade caravan guards. Acting against our personal interests might not be appropriate.”

“Hey, don’t get too carried away with your roles. The young lady would probably want us to help, right?”

“Fine, let’s assume we’re the kind of exceptional guards.”

Having resolved their hesitation, they drew their swords, their blades gleaming as they leaped down the hillside, sliding swiftly towards the beast.

The ground was covered with fallen leaves and melted snow, making their descent quick. Soon, they approached the giant salamander.

Facing its towering head, they did not falter but charged ahead.

Breathing white mist, one rider kicked off a low tree trunk, leaping high and swinging his sword, which flashed brilliantly before embedding itself into the salamander’s eye.

Following closely, the others joined in. One slashed a deep gash under the salamander’s neck, while the others pierced its forearms, severing tendons.

The archers and observers hidden nearby shouted in alarm, but before they could explain, the riders had swiftly dispatched the salamander.

Impressive, incredibly strong— even elite adventurers wouldn’t be much better.

Watching their skillful movements, the others couldn’t help but admire them.

The salamander roared a few times before collapsing onto the dry leaves.

“Thank you, great saviors.”

“Thank you.”

“Wailing… alas, my carriage…”

“Truly grateful.”

These people, dressed differently and ranging in age, slowly approached after the salamander died.

“It’s nothing, just a small matter. Are you all alright?” The young riders scratched their heads, somewhat embarrassed.

“Some of us sustained minor injuries, but thanks to you arriving in time, there haven’t been any major issues besides some cargo and carriage damage.”

“That’s good.”

The riders responded, listening to the grateful words of these people, they began to wonder.

Was their swift and decisive action too perfect, making them seem less like ordinary guards?

This wouldn’t bode well. They would likely be reprimanded by Lady Mira upon returning, accused of disrupting the plans of the Sage.

Thinking of this, their joy faded, replaced by a sense of disappointment.

Then, Lagatis’ caravan slowly arrived and stopped.

—

Evening, Cold Spring Village.

Scattered houses dotted the slopes of the mountain. Between the hills was a small clearing, now occupied by tents.

“Thank you, Lagatis Guild, for your assistance. We are the Lake Guild. It’s normal you haven’t heard of us, as we only number around thirty.”

A thin, white-bearded old man spoke gratefully beside the campfire to a golden-haired young lady.

“Not at all. How are you feeling? We have medicines for external injuries,” Lolan Hill’s face was half illuminated by the firelight, half shadowed by the flickering flames.

“Thank you for your generosity, but we do have some herbal medicines for bruises. After all, we often travel, so we always carry some. No need to trouble you further.”

On the other side of the tent camp, Mira was observing the rabbit-eared riders who stood straight, trembling slightly.

“You’ve been acting a bit too confident lately.”

“No, no, Big Sister Mira.”

Mira smiled sweetly, her eyes narrowing.

“Do you want me to repeat myself?”

“Dear knight brother, you’re amazing!”

“Thank you, great adult, I have nothing to repay you with, but I can keep you company and drink tonight.”

“What’s your name, brother? I am…”

As Mira spoke, her rabbit ears swayed gently. If an outsider saw her, they would surely be captivated by her adorable appearance.

But those present were all from the rabbit-eared tribe. Some were classmates, others fellow villagers, and all had heard of her reputation, so they dared not entertain inappropriate thoughts.

The favorite of the Sage was no ordinary person.

(End of Chapter)