Chapter 118: The Whistle

No mosquito bites were found on the griffin’s body; instead, there were numerous patches of scorched skin—scorched by Yun Qing’s swatting with the electric mosquito swatter. She was currently sitting with her eyes closed, regulating her breath.

Although Yun Qing was eager to gain experience outside, she was not alone here and had to consider everyone’s situation. No one would reveal their internal energy on this carriage, so the mosquitoes, unable to feed, might leave after some time.

With this in mind, she activated the “Universe Qi Circulation” technique and meditated for recuperation. Only then did she realize that she had exerted her inner strength too forcefully and consumed the Qi replenishing pill too quickly; her meridians were aching. After such a fierce battle, it was best to rest for a while.

...

Amid the toxic black mist, the caravan from Rizhao Town, accompanied by the merchants and guards, had split into two groups. While fending off mosquitoes, everyone kept close to their own teams to avoid falling behind.

However, the poisonous mist was dense and hallucinogenic.

As they fought, they could hear others battling nearby, groping their way forward to locate the mosquitoes’ breeding nest.

As time dragged on, the mosquitoes attacking them increased in number. The group grew increasingly cautious, even Wei Yi, who constantly used fireball spells against the mosquitoes, began conserving his spiritual power.

Gradually, the mere sound of others fighting and the sight of teammates’ shadows reassured them they hadn’t fallen behind.

After an indefinite duration, their inner strength and physical stamina waned, forcing them to consume pills for support.

After even longer, a merchant guard rubbed his eyes and ears in horror, realizing the surrounding battle noises were illusions created by the mosquitoes, and the dense black shadows were not people but formations of the black mist.

Leader Jing’s cultivation had reached the late Qi Refining stage. Despite the endless swarm of mosquitoes, his spiritual power was limited. Fortunately, everyone had a strong body cultivation background, so even lacking spiritual power, they were unafraid to confront the elite mosquitoes in close combat.

Yet, Jing gradually noticed the guards becoming increasingly scattered.

No matter how many times he called out for everyone to regroup, there was no response. They fought individually, drifting further apart, moving in all directions.

As for Wei Yi and Fang Rui, their significantly higher cultivation levels meant the mist and mosquitoes hindered them less. Leader Jing hadn’t seen them for a long time.

He wasn’t worried about them. Their cultivation surpassed his, and their advanced supplies over recent days impressed even the discerning caravan leader, indicating formidable backing.

Amid the grueling battle, Jing tried to stay close to the caravan members. He managed to pull some back from confusion, but his strength was insufficient to watch over everyone. One by one, members strayed farther away, beyond his reach.

Shouting proved ineffective. In desperation, he blew his whistle, hoping it would bring the disoriented members back to their senses.

...

After a full cycle, Yun Qing opened her eyes. Her dantian was filled with energy, and her meridians felt much better. Xiao Jingzi and Old Li also awoke from their meditation.

Outside, silence reigned; the leader had not returned.

Old Li said, “Rest here; I’ll inspect the carriage for any issues or hazards.”

Yun Qing’s eyes brightened. “I’ll go with you—to watch out for each other.”

Recalling Yun Qing’s method of dealing with mosquitoes, Old Li nodded. “Good idea.”

Although no mosquitoes were attacking the carriage, Yun Qing stood at the door with her swatter, primarily to prevent any from entering while not missing any chance to gain experience.

Old Li and Xiao Jingzi worked together to unlock the two safety latches inside.

As the carriage door opened, a faint whistle drifted in. The griffin, previously resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them wide upon hearing the call. It stepped one hoof into the door gap, which then swung open fully, and like a flying sword, the griffin dashed out.

Yun Qing, holding the mosquito swatter, was inadvertently dragged out by it.

Concerned not to hurt her, the griffin didn’t shove her aside but gently bumped her with its head and tossed her up. Spinning through the air, she found herself involuntarily riding on the griffin’s back. By the time she realized what was happening, the griffin was already racing toward the inn’s entrance.

Mosquitoes were attacking the inn. The griffin’s reckless charge caused some damage to the building. The courtyard gate was wide open as the griffin carried Yun Qing out.

Previously, the mosquitoes had quieted down once everyone entered the carriage, unable to breach its defenses. Suddenly, seeing the open door and the figure of a person and beast rushing out, most mosquitoes swarmed after them, while some attacked the open gate.

Too many mosquitoes had arrived, forcing Old Li to close the door and take cover.

Yun Qing guessed the whistle came from the leader, and Old Li suspected trouble on that side.

Using the internal communication device, Old Li informed the other six caravan teams of the recent developments.

They guessed the leader needed rescue and organized teams to disembark, awaiting instructions.

By the time everyone got off, the leader’s mount and Yun Qing had vanished without a trace. The leader’s whistle was silent, and Old Li’s communication talisman failed to send a message. They could only take turns resting while fending off mosquitoes and other threats.

The griffin ran swiftly, but the mutated elite mosquitoes flew faster. The dense swarm quickly caught up to the griffin and Yun Qing.

Eager for experience, Yun Qing felt her scalp tingling at the sight of so many large mosquitoes. She turned around, raising the swatter to fight.

She intended to use the swatter’s sticky function but found it unnecessary. The mosquitoes collided with it willingly, often in swarms.

Critical hit -100;
Battle experience +28;
Critical hit -200;
Battle experience +62;
...

Her clothing offered some protection, so the mosquitoes couldn’t break through immediately. She guarded her face and hands with inner energy, so the mosquitoes had no choice but to attack the griffin instead.

Yun Qing pressed the swatter against the griffin’s body. Without using the adhesive function, the mosquitoes didn’t flee. The swatting sounds rang out continuously, accompanied by a stream of experience and silver coin notifications.

Critical hit -100;
Battle experience +26;
Critical hit -200;
Battle experience +64;
Obtained: Silver Coin *1;
Obtained: Silver Coin *1;
Obtained: Poison Needle *1;
...

After clearing the mosquitoes on the left, she moved to the right, then the rear, then the front. The griffin became Yun Qing’s living mosquito magnet.

The mosquitoes seemed endless. While the ones behind hadn’t been killed off, others from the roadside continued to rise, pursuing the griffin and Yun Qing.

The griffin handled running and navigation; Yun Qing was overwhelmed swatting mosquitoes.

Within minutes, her inner energy was depleted. She swallowed a Qi replenishing pill and kept fighting.

The griffin accelerated again, managing to widen the gap with the mosquitoes behind. Only after she cleared the mosquitoes on the griffin’s back could she glance around to see where they had reached.

Under the bright moonlight, Rizhao’s grass swayed with the wind. The griffin had already carried her out of town, galloping across a vast grassland.

Mosquitoes swirled around. The recent wave had given her half the experience needed to level up; another wave might push her to level 38.

...

1 second memory aid for 114 Chinese characters: