Chapter 2484: Chapter 2474: Chu Meng

“Of course, we wouldn’t sell out our own people. We didn’t see anything that happened today.”

Zhu Ying walked up with a smile, her right hand still holding Chu Meng. However, the valiant female mercenary from the battlefield was nowhere to be found, only a blush on her face, not daring to look Long Yan in the eye.

Long Yan didn’t take it to heart, just pondering that maybe it was because Chu Meng had shouted at him earlier and perhaps felt a bit embarrassed.

The sky was already getting a bit light, and there was still some time to rest. Chu Lu didn’t leave any night watch personnel, after all, the Demon Wolves killed by Long Yan’s ice crystals surrounded them. The bloody smell might attract wild animals, but seeing the scene before them, not even beasts would dare to approach.

Being a cultivator, Long Yan hadn’t reached the state of Grain Avoidance yet, but he didn’t mind not resting for one day. However, the other four were mercenaries, having gone through a fierce battle, so Long Yan simply took on the role of the night watchman.

“Why aren’t you resting?”

Ever since Chu Meng saw Long Yan’s profile under the moonlight, her heart had been racing. However, having never experienced romantic feelings, she didn’t quite understand her own reaction, attributing it to admiration for the Strong One.

Having gone through a fight, her body was extremely exhausted, but whenever she closed her eyes, the image of Long Yan under the moonlight appeared, making her heart race uncontrollably. Feeling increasingly restless, she decided not to sleep, but upon stepping out of the tent, saw the very person she was thinking about leaning against a tree, lost in thought.

Chu Meng didn’t make a sound, but as she got close to Long Yan, his words startled her. She had never interacted with a cultivator and didn’t know True Qi could sense such things. Since Long Yan had already noticed her, she boldly sat down next to him.

“You’re telling me, why aren’t you resting? That… those moves must have been exhausting.”

Unfamiliar with cultivators, Chu Meng could only search through her mind for words, trying to vaguely express her thoughts.

Long Yan smiled gently; Chu Meng’s tone had softened considerably, like an ordinary girl’s gentleness. This female mercenary indeed had a tender side.

Seeing Long Yan smile, Chu Meng’s face turned beet red. She clenched her teeth to stifle the urge to kick him, speaking through gritted teeth.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing, just thought you were very cute.”

Long Yan’s words made the girl’s already red cheeks flush even more.

“You… What nonsense are you saying?”

Chu Yao didn’t realize the hint of coquettishness in her voice. However, with one being a blockhead and the other unaware of her own feelings, this was merely a minor episode.

“But why would a girl like you choose to be a mercenary?”

Long Yan had previously visited the Mercenary Guild. Zhu Ying and Chu Lu seemed like a pair, but female mercenaries were rare. After all, women naturally lacked the physical strength of men, especially in a rough, knife-edge career like mercenary work. Few girls would enjoy such a life.

Long Yan’s question clearly surprised Chu Meng. Her pretty face then smiled; obviously, Long Yan wasn’t the first to ask her this. Burying her lovely face between her knees, Chu Meng’s clear voice came through.

“In this small town, poverty is a crime. Without money, no one pities you. Unless a girl has some family wealth, she’ll either marry off or have no other way to live. Many families even sell their daughters after they’re born.”

Long Yan listened patiently without interrupting Chu Meng. These situations were all too common; it’s rare for girls to be raised here. This small town isn’t wealthy, being in such a complex area. Many businesses doing trade here signify being on the frontline against the Demon Clan’s threats.

This has similarities to foreign or barbarian tribes’ invasions. In ancient times, merchants rarely traversed borders. War fortunes were lucrative, but once the border was breached, they faced plunder and massacre, explaining why many border towns are so impoverished.

In this mercenary town, boys older than sixteen can become mercenaries to support their families. However, if a girl isn’t married off, the whole family might starve since most other industries aren’t developed.

“I was lucky not to be sold, but that might be the worst news for my whole family. My father was a mercenary too, but he never returned from a mission. Could I really let my family starve to death?”

Chu Meng spoke with a casual tone, but Long Yan sensitively perceived the sorrow in her voice. She then turned to look at Long Yan.

“Is it the same for girls outside?”

Long Yan paused, unsure what to say, his expression a tangled mess of emotions. He nodded reluctantly.

“Yes, it’s like this everywhere.”

Feeling a headache, Long Yan, looking into Chu Meng’s hopeful eyes, had to lie a little, hoping to give her some comfort.

“Pfft.”

Seeing Long Yan’s conflicted expression, Chu Meng couldn’t help but laugh. This Long Yan couldn’t hide anything, everything was written on his face, yet he tried to deceive her.

“Look at your conflicted face; even if I wanted to fool myself, it wouldn’t work.”

Chu Meng reached out and poked Long Yan’s cheek; the move was rather flirtatious. Long Yan sighed helplessly, unsure what else to say.

Sliding her position slightly closer to Long Yan, the two were practically leaning against each other, feeling the masculine aura emanating from Long Yan. Chu Meng’s face flushed red.

Gently resting her head on Long Yan’s shoulder, Long Yan shivered. He hadn’t flinched at the Pack of Wolves, yet was startled by this little girl with less strength leaning on him.

The two sat in silent company for who knows how long, Long Yan’s shoulder growing numb. Chu Lu came out of the tent stretching, having slept soundly after the intense battle.

“Morning… hmm?”

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Chu Lu saw Chu Meng asleep on Long Yan’s shoulder. Long Yan, though closing his eyes, had a wry smile. Surely there’s a big misunderstanding now.

Chu Lu’s mouth dropped so wide an egg could fit, backing into the tent. A loud voice soon sent nearby birds scattering.

“Wife, come quickly and see!”