Chapter 185: The Monster of the Thousand Year Cold Valley

A Martial Ancestor's strength is indeed formidable.

Jiang Baihe gave a faint smile with a gloomy gaze,

But everyone knows that within the Thousand Year Cold Valley, the winds howl wildly.

Even if a Martial Ancestor takes action, they cannot avoid being disturbed by the fierce winds, causing deviation.

The implication is that one cannot clear suspicion just because Gu Han has the strength of a Martial Ancestor and yet missed with a strike.

With Jiang Baihe taking the lead, the crowd's anger flared up again.

Gu Han narrowed his eyes.

He and this Jiang Baihe are strangers; this fellow is targeting him in every way—do they really think he's a soft persimmon?

Alright, everyone, just give my Iron Blood Mercenary Group some face.

However, at that moment, Xiao Qing suddenly stepped forward, clasped his fists toward the crowd led by Jiang Baihe, and said in a low voice,

My Iron Blood Mercenary Group is willing to vouch for Little Brother Gu; his previous action definitely had a reason.

Moreover, all medical expenses for the injured will be covered by my Iron Blood Mercenary Group.

Jiang Baihe heard this and immediately let out a cold laugh,

Since Brother Xiao has said this much, I will trust Brother Xiao this time.

This matter was originally a case of each side holding its own opinion.

If it's just arguing, nobody has proof to show the other side is wrong.

Rather than wasting time here, we should do something productive.

Thinking this, Jiang Baihe immediately flicked his sleeve and left.

The members of the White Crane Mercenary Group who had followed him over gave Gu Han a cold glance, then quickly left with Jiang Baihe.

The Iron Blood Mercenary Group enjoys a notable reputation in Cold Valley Town.

With Xiao Qing vouching for them and providing endorsement,

Although the others still felt dissatisfied, they said nothing more.

They merely gave Xiao Qing some face, then each went their separate ways.

After everyone had left, Xiao Qing gave Gu Han an apologetic smile,

"That Jiang Baihe just now is at odds with our Iron Blood Mercenary Group."

"Perhaps he noticed that we know each other, so he deliberately sought trouble for you."

Gu Han then suddenly understood; no wonder Jiang Baihe targeted him so.

"Second Uncle Xiao, there's no need to be so distant; if you hadn't spoken up just now, without Jiang Baihe, that bunch of fellows wouldn't have easily believed me."

Xiao Qing looked at Gu Han, wanting to speak but hesitating; after a long while, he still said in a low voice,

"Little Brother Gu, could you actually be a Martial Ancestor?"

Such a young Martial Ancestor—his future is surely limitless!

Gu Han smiled lightly and said calmly,

"Second Uncle Xiao, I merely look young."

Having just exchanged blows, even if Gu Han denies it, Xiao Qing might not believe him.

Therefore Gu Han simply did not deny his strength.

Instead, he deliberately used his age as a disguise.

The strength of a Martial Ancestor varies greatly; as long as Gu Han does not reveal his trump card, even if others harbor ill intentions, it will be to no avail.

After confirming Gu Han's strength, Xiao Qing seemed somewhat pleased.

"The interior of the Thousand Year Cold Valley is fraught with danger; Little Brother Gu, why not continue traveling with us? My Iron Blood Mercenary Group will certainly not mistreat you—what do you say?"

"Second Uncle Xiao, to be frank, I and my brother entered the Thousand Year Cold Valley solely to seek ice-attributed heavenly treasures."

Gu Han said tentatively,

"If we truly find heavenly treasures, I worry that the two sides might turn against each other."

Xiao Qing was silent for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh.

"Little Brother Gu's concern is not without reason, but for our Iron Blood Mercenary Group, it is unnecessary worry."

"Our Iron Blood Mercenary Group values nothing more than reputation!"

"As long as it was agreed upon beforehand, no matter what heavenly treasure, we will not glance at it a second time."

"If it were not so, we would not have such a good reputation in Cold Valley Town."

As for the reputation of the Iron Blood Mercenary Group, Gu Han has already witnessed it.

But regarding another sentence Xiao Qing said, he remained noncommittal.

Besides those who can bond with their lives, like his brother Gu Chen,

others have not turned against them—simply because the profits are not tempting enough.

If they truly encountered a heavenly treasure capable of letting a Martial Ancestor break through to Martial Sovereign, he would not believe Xiao Qing would not turn on them!

But after thinking it over, Gu Han still accepted Xiao Qing's invitation,

"In that case, I and my elder brother will act together with Second Uncle Xiao."

"However, let's agree beforehand: if we encounter ice-attributed heavenly treasures, they must belong to me, while the things you seek and any other heavenly treasures shall belong to you."

This request is actually somewhat excessive for the Iron Blood Mercenary Group.

In the Thousand Year Cold Valley, if heavenly treasures are encountered, the greatest likelihood is that they are ice-attributed heavenly treasures.

By saying that, Gu Han effectively claimed most heavenly treasures for himself.

But Xiao Qing didn't mind at all, and laughed heartily,

"Good, it's settled by a single word!"

Their mission this time, just the reward alone is extremely generous.

Even operating inside the Thousand Year Cold Valley, Xiao Qing dare not guarantee the safety of the entire mercenary group.

The strength Gu Han just displayed, in Xiao Qing's eyes, is roughly early Martial Ancestor.

Gu Chen, who acts together with Gu Han, presumably has strength similar to his.

The combat power of two Martial Ancestors could greatly increase the Iron Blood Mercenary Group's survival rate in the Thousand Year Cold Valley.

By comparison, some heavenly materials and earthly treasures are not that important.

Heavenly materials and earthly treasures can be obtained anytime.

But if life is gone, it's truly gone.

Under the alchemist's aid, the wounded's injuries were promptly contained.

After Xiao Qing paid the alchemist the healing fee as promised, he asked,

"May I now ask the wounded about the Thousand Year Cold Valley?"

The alchemist nodded,

"As long as you don't touch on anything that might provoke him, it's fine."

Only then did Xiao Qing approach the wounded, first asking a few minor questions.

This wounded person obviously knows the Iron Blood Mercenary Group.

Also knows that Xiao Qing paid his healing expenses.

He patiently answered all of Xiao Qing's questions.

After the wounded relaxed some of his vigilance, Xiao Qing suddenly shifted the conversation and asked,

"Have you encountered any monsters inside the Thousand Year Cold Valley?"

Upon hearing that, the wounded's pupils contracted sharply, his body trembling like a sieve.

"Team Leader Xiao... how do you know?"

Xiao Qing silently thought, "As expected."

"To be frank, members of my Iron Blood Mercenary Group have also encountered that mysterious monster before."

"But no one has ever seen the monster's true form before being slaughtered to near annihilation!"

"This time we entered the Thousand Year Cold Valley's interior not only to accept the mission but also to prepare to hunt down that monster!"

He would previously believe Gu Han's words, partly because of the Iron Blood Mercenary Group's past experiences.

Otherwise, Xiao Qing could not possibly guarantee safety for so many people over a mere acquaintance.

"I... I also don't know exactly what provoked that monster."

When the wounded mentioned the monster, he began to sweat profusely and his face turned pale.

He suppressed his inner fear and said,

"I only remember that after we entered an area dotted with tombstones, we encountered that monster."

"Since then, that monster has been relentlessly hunting us!"

"If I hadn't fled quickly, I would probably already be dead at that monster's hands."