C14 Traveling with a Beauty.

As she conversed, Gu Xin'er had no choice but to follow Meng Fann with a sense of resignation. Initially trailing one another, they gradually fell into step side by side. The delicate fragrance of the woman next to him stirred something in Meng Fann, evoking memories of their childhood when they would often venture out together to gather herbs and play. But then...

With a wistful sigh, Meng Fann pushed those thoughts aside and made his way toward the base of Yanlang Mountain.

Towering greenery and a dense forest marked the area around Yanlang Mountain, which was enveloped by an expansive sea of trees.

Though Wu Town forbade anyone from ascending Yanlang Mountain, the area around its base was freely accessible. It was a favored spot among the town's youth, not only for its picturesque views but also for the chance encounters with low-grade Devil Beasts that sometimes wandered down from the mountain.

Meng Fann gazed forward, aware that today marked the peak of the snake tide on Yanlang Mountain.

The so-called snake tide was a seasonal phenomenon when the mountain's serpents became particularly agitated. If the scent of meat wafted up from the base, a swarm of snakes would surge down the slopes.

The threat posed by a Tier 1 Devil Beast was minimal, and their Demonic Cores were highly beneficial for cultivating one's Vitality. What Meng Fann prized most was the fact that after extracting the Demonic Core, he could still take the Green Snake home for a meal.

Having avoided Gu Xin'er for years to prevent her from joining his snake-hunting expeditions, Meng Fann now stood at the mountain's foot, smiling broadly at the sight of the familiar woodland before him. He declared with palpable excitement, "Today, it seems I'm in for some serious action!"

Gu Xin'er, taken aback by the smile on Meng Fann's face, asked with a hint of bewilderment, "Brother Meng Fann, you seem different somehow. What's changed?"

Meng Fann chuckled at her question and responded nonchalantly, "Maybe so!"

Continuing the conversation, Meng Fann located a clear space in the woods and pulled out a piece of cooked meat he had prepared. He set it on the ground, and the enticing aroma of the meat began to fill the air.

"Those snakes have keen noses. Just wait a moment!"

Meng Fann said, his smile revealing that this wasn't his first rodeo. Gu Xin'er, catching a glimpse of Meng Fann's rare grin, couldn't help but let a soft smile grace her cheeks.

As the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed, the forest filled with the rustle of movement. Clearly, a group of snakes had caught the scent of meat and were closing in. This prompted Gu Xin'er to step back, her small hand instinctively clutching Meng Fann's palm. Despite being a Level 5 Body Refiner, her nervousness betrayed her.

Feeling her grip, something stirred in Meng Fann's heart, and he reassured her with a confident smile, "Don't worry, I've got this!"

With those words, he sprang into action. To Meng Fann, these green snakes were usually nothing more than prey, and today was no exception.

Gu Xin'er, taken aback by his assurance, wore an expression of disbelief. She had known Meng Fann for years, yet he had never spoken to her with such conviction.

Today, Meng Fann seemed to exude an extra something—a certain masculine allure that was unmistakably his. The thought made Gu Xin'er's cheeks flush with a warm blush.

But Meng Fann was too focused on the task at hand to notice Gu Xin'er's reaction. He reached out to seize the snakes. Over ten green snakes meant a bountiful catch, and his excitement was palpable.

Swoosh!

At the sight of Meng Fann, the green snakes lunged, their bodies launching at him like swift arrows.

Devil Beasts were formidable adversaries for cultivators, boasting not only a powerful physique but also a magical force akin to Vitality. However, this was a power that a First Grade Devil Beast lacked, which is why Meng Fann felt confident engaging them.

In a fluid motion, Meng Fann's pale hand moved, his fingers poised with supreme confidence. The green snake's body found itself precisely caught between Meng Fann's hands.

With a gentle squeeze, Meng Fann snapped the green snake's head, his lips curling into a smile as he whispered to himself, "It's been a while since I've taken action, but I haven't lost my touch!"

As Meng Fann spoke, he was already in the midst of his hunt. Despite the swift movements of the dozen or so green snakes, each one ended up in his grasp. In less time than it takes an incense stick to burn, Meng Fann had effortlessly completed the task.

Once Meng Fann ceased his movements, the bodies of the green snakes lay scattered on the ground. Gu Xin'er, standing behind him, wore a smile as captivating as a blooming lotus, her hands coming together in applause as she exclaimed,

"Brother Meng Fann, you're incredible!"

A bashful smile crossed Meng Fann's face upon receiving the compliment from the lovely Gu Xin'er. He was about to respond when a series of footsteps echoed through the air, followed by voices laced with mockery and jest.

"Not too shabby, you're quite adept with your movements. Meng Fann, your snake-catching skills are certainly impressive. I was almost expecting to witness your defeat!"