Chapter Forty: Aerial Combat: Wings of the Eagle

Xiao Yan picked up the key and inserted it into the lock of the first stone box. It did not open, so he tried the other two, turning the key gently.

With a crisp "click," the lock on the stone box gave way.

Xiao Yan’s eyes sharpened instantly. He turned his head slightly, signaling the Little Fairy Doctor to step back.

Understanding the gesture, the Little Fairy Doctor retreated a few paces, her gaze fixed intently on the stone box, her face a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, struck the lid of the box with his palm, and applied a bit of force. The lid flew open.

A faint glow emanated from within. Xiao Yan glanced at the Little Fairy Doctor’s expression and said softly, "Why are you looking at me like that? One only has one life; it never hurts to be cautious."

The Little Fairy Doctor rolled her eyes at him and retorted, "If I were to abandon you in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, you would undoubtedly survive, and thrive at that. It might even be the magical beasts who end up suffering."

Xiao Yan shrugged, a confident smile playing on his lips. "That’s exactly what I was thinking."

The Little Fairy Doctor gave him a speechless look before stepping forward to peer into the box.

Upon seeing the contents, she froze. Her eyes widened, and a look of pleasant surprise washed over her face. She carefully reached in and retrieved a colorful scroll.

Xiao Yan looked at her, then at the scroll in her hands, and asked curiously, "What is it that has you so pleased?"

"This is a poison manual," she said excitedly. "It records how to concoct various poisons."

Xiao Yan looked at the scroll, noting the words "Seven-Colored Poison Scripture" written on its surface.

Clutching the scroll tightly as if afraid Xiao Yan might snatch it away, she said, "You can't take this from me. It's useless to you."

"Besides, due to my natural affinity, I cannot become an alchemist, so I must rely on this to improve my strength." As she spoke, a touch of melancholy crossed her features.

Seeing her expression, Xiao Yan replied, "One shouldn't be too greedy, and besides, I already spend a great deal of energy just trying to master my current fighting techniques. I truly have no time to spare for this poison manual."

Hearing this, the Little Fairy Doctor looked at him with gratitude, a slight glimmer in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

Xiao Yan smiled and shifted the subject. "However, you can put away whatever you're holding."

"Although I am quite interested in treasures, I promised to split them equally, and I certainly wouldn't hoard them for myself."

Embarrassed, the Little Fairy Doctor put away the powder she had been holding. "I... I was just afraid you might..."

Xiao Yan shook his head, cutting her off. "Let’s open the second one."

The Little Fairy Doctor discarded the powder and pouted. Xiao Yan picked up the key again and inserted it into the lock of the second stone box.

Once opened, he found another scroll inside. He pulled out the black scroll and examined it carefully. As he read the contents, his eyes lit up.

He noticed the inscription: "Mysterious Tier Advanced, Flight Technique: Wings of the Eagle."

Xiao Yan was startled and blurted out, "It’s actually the rarest type of technique—a flight technique!"

The Little Fairy Doctor, standing nearby, looked puzzled. "A flight technique? What is that?"

It was clear that this was the first time she had ever heard of such a thing. Her confusion spoke volumes about just how rare these techniques were.

Xiao Yan looked at her and explained, "A flight technique, as the name suggests, is a technique that allows one to possess the ability to fly."

"On the Dou Qi Continent, one generally must reach the level of a Dou Wang before they can use their own Dou Qi to fly. However, a flight technique allows a fighter who has not yet reached the Dou Wang level to achieve flight."

Upon hearing his explanation, the Little Fairy Doctor’s eyes went wide. "A flight technique that allows a fighter to fly? That is truly miraculous."

Xiao Yan gripped the black scroll and looked at her. "This scroll is very useful to me. If I want to improve my strength, a flight technique is essential."

The Little Fairy Doctor nodded. "I understand. This scroll is yours; you certainly need it more than I do."

Xiao Yan put the scroll away and said, "To each their own. There’s one last box; let’s finish this and head back early."

Xiao Yan reached for the key, ready to open the final box. However, before he could insert the key into the lock, he heard a faint sound from the entrance of the stone chamber.

Though the sound was soft, it was exceptionally clear in the silence of the room. Xiao Yan stopped his movements, his gaze instantly turning vigilant. "Someone is coming," he whispered.

The Little Fairy Doctor was taken aback, a look of confusion on her face. "Someone?"

She frowned, speaking with conviction. "That’s impossible. Only I know about this place. No one comes here on a regular basis; how could someone have found it so suddenly?"

Xiao Yan’s expression was grave as he stared toward the entrance. "I didn't mishear. And judging by the sound of the footsteps, there are quite a few of them."

Having said this, he looked at the Little Fairy Doctor beside him, his eyes filled with a hint of scrutiny.

Seeing his expression, the Little Fairy Doctor’s face darkened, and she said anxiously, "You don't think I called them here, do you?"

"If I wanted to harm you, why would I have waited until now? We’ve been through so much on this journey; if I wanted to act, I would have done so long ago."

Seeing her earnest expression, which did not seem feigned, Xiao Yan’s suspicions eased slightly. He nodded briefly without a word, instead turning his attention back to the entrance. He leaned forward slightly, his Dou Qi circulating within him, ready to face any danger.

Seeing that Xiao Yan no longer suspected her, the Little Fairy Doctor breathed a sigh of relief. Biting her lip, a flicker of anxiety and unease flashed in her eyes. She whispered, "What do we do? If they are enemies, the two of us may not be a match for them. Although this place is hidden, I don't know if it can withstand their attack."

Xiao Yan did not answer immediately, instead quickly contemplating a strategy. Now was not the time to panic; he had to remain calm. After a moment, he said, "Don't panic yet. Let's find a more hidden spot to watch their movements. If they are just passing through, that would be for the best."

"If they are here for what’s in the boxes, we will figure something out."

The Little Fairy Doctor nodded. "Alright, I'll follow your lead."

A short while later...

Xiao Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor saw the person who had entered—it was Mu Li!