Chapter 105: The Champion Fighter’s Thanks and Trade

Chapter 105: The Champion Fighter's Thanks and Trade

Qinong whispered, "To catch a King Salmon, you need to use a Snow Demon's tongue…"

Hearing this, Cao Xing was inwardly shocked.

Holy crap!

He had just killed a Snow Demon last night and even harvested its tongue!

Now this old man was actually telling him that he could use a Snow Demon's tongue to catch a legendary weapon!

One could imagine how shocked Cao Xing was at this moment.

But Cao Xing didn't show it, silently committing this piece of information to memory.

Qinong added, "However, a Snow Demon's tongue doesn't guarantee a King Salmon. There's a chance you might reel in some strange creatures instead."

"And the stronger the Snow Demon the tongue comes from, the higher the chance of catching a King Salmon."

Cao Xing nodded in realization.

It seemed that the single Snow Demon tongue in his backpack wasn't much. Other powerful figures must have tried this before, yet failed to catch a King Salmon.

Therefore, he needed more Snow Demon tongues to increase his chances of success.

At this moment, Liu Muxue, who was standing aside, reminded him, "Ah Xing… Elisa…"

Hearing this name, Cao Xing also suddenly remembered why they were here.

Dammit, he was here to find someone. Why was he chatting with Qinong about fishing!

Thus, Cao Xing asked again, "Lord Qinong, we are here looking for a little girl named Elisa. She has been missing for several days, and her family is extremely worried."

"Do you happen to know of any clues?"

Perhaps because the man's attitude had shifted from cold indifference to unfamiliar curiosity.

This time, Qinong nodded quite directly.

"Two days ago, I did see a little girl near Snowfall Lake."

"However, she didn't talk to me much, and I'm not sure if she's the one you're looking for."

Hearing this, Cao Xing turned to look at Liu Muxue, and both of their eyes lit up with joy.

In this freezing, desolate place like Snowfall Lake, almost no humans ever came.

This little girl was highly likely to be Elisa!

Cao Xing asked, "Lord Qinong, did you see where she went?"

Qinong nodded and pointed to a forest by the lakeshore.

"That little girl eventually entered that forest and never came back out."

Cao Xing nodded, and with a serious expression, said, "Lord Qinong, I am a lord of the nearby territory, named Cao Xing. Thank you very much for your information!"

Qinong also straightened his back, clenching his right fist in a salute. "Qinong Dutra, just a retired old geezer. Thank you for the bait as well."

Cao Xing nodded and was about to lead his group away.

Qinong then spoke up, "Wait a moment, Lord Cao Xing. Do you have any more of this bait?"

A thoughtful look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes, and he nodded. "I do, but not much is left."

Qinong pondered for a moment, then said, "How about this: give me the rest of the bait. You go look for the little girl, and I will fish here."

"When you return, we will split the salmon we catch sixty-forty."

"Forty for me, sixty for you."

Hearing this, Cao Xing was taken aback.

Thinking about it, this deal didn't seem like a loss for him.

So, Cao Xing readily agreed, "Deal."

He handed the remaining 6 pieces of [Special Pet Food] in his backpack to Qinong.

As for whether the old man would take his things and go back on his word, Cao Xing wasn't too worried.

After all, for a powerhouse of Qinong's level, there was no need to ruin his reputation over such minor things.

Besides, the man had shared an invaluable piece of information. Even if he gave him all the pet food, it would still be a bargain.

[Due to your gift: Qinong Dutra's favorability toward you has increased. Attitude changed to: Friendly.]

Cao Xing was delighted; his favorability had increased again.

Building a good relationship with such a powerful native was indeed an excellent outcome.

Qinong resumed his fishing stance.

Meanwhile, Cao Xing led his group toward the forest the old man had pointed out.

Thump! Thump, thump!

Dabai ran wildly, carrying Cao Xing and Liu Muxue.

After speeding along the lake's surface for a few kilometers,

they finally reached the outskirts of the forest.

Growing here was a forest of unnamed, lush trees, though they were heavily covered in thick snow.

The snow on the ground was deep, and there were tracks of various animals all around. They should be able to find clues about Elisa through these tracks.

Cao Xing immediately ordered, "Search the area. Focus on looking for human footprints."

His subordinates obeyed the order and began to fan out in all directions.

Only the cold and aloof Hilda remained behind Cao Xing, seemingly too proud to engage in such tasks.

Cao Xing frowned slightly.

He really had a bit of a headache dealing with this kind of recruited creature who selectively obeyed orders.

Fortunately, Hilda was still willing to execute other commands.

This was related to Hilda's current loyalty and her proud personality.

As the queen of her clan, she possessed her own pride.

"Forget it, I'll find a way to raise her loyalty in the future."

Shaking his head, Cao Xing sat on the Mammoth's back and advanced into the forest.

Along the way, whenever he spotted a bird's nest in a tree, he would have Dabai extend his trunk to scoop out the eggs.

Before long, they had harvested Bird Egg *17 and Feather *57.

Behind him, Liu Muxue couldn't help but chuckle. She had already grown accustomed to Cao Xing's style of leaving absolutely nothing behind.

A few minutes later, the knight Assam came over to report, "Lord, human footprints have been found not far ahead. They seem to lead deeper into the forest."

Hearing this, Cao Xing's eyes lit up.

He called out, "Everyone, come back!"

Hearing Cao Xing's voice, his subordinates gathered once more.

Then, the group arrived at the spot where Assam had discovered the footprints.

Following the footprints, they began to make their way deeper into the forest.

Winding through the forest for about two kilometers, Cao Xing suddenly noticed that the footprints in the vicinity had multiplied.

In addition to human footprints, hoofprints of cattle had also appeared.

Cao Xing's eyes lit up instantly. "Did this little girl actually find the legendary Cloud Yak?"

According to the villager Danny, the Cloud Yak was an extremely rare creature of incredible value.

If Cao Xing could capture a couple of Cloud Yaks to take back this time, he would strike it rich!

With excitement in his heart, Cao Xing continued to follow the tracks.

But after advancing about three hundred meters, the clues went cold again.

There were only chaotic hoofprints here, looking disorganized as if the creatures had been startled by something.

The snow on the nearby trees had shaken loose and collapsed, making the search even more difficult.

Seeing this, the archer Renice immediately activated her [Eye of the Hunt] skill.

After this skill was made permanent by [Eternal Power], Renice could maintain it at all times, making it an excellent tool for finding clues.

At this moment, her hawk-like gaze swept across the surroundings once more.

Before long, she locked onto an area to the northwest.

"Lord, I sense the aura of a group of creatures over there."

Hearing this, Cao Xing nodded and immediately led his team toward that forested area.

Just then, Renice suddenly gave a warning.

"Someone is there."

Everyone instantly became alert.

And Cao Xing also saw, standing beside a giant tree ahead, a figure wrapped in a white wool coat, wearing wool gloves and a hat.

She looked like a little lamb, her pure white attire blending seamlessly with the snowy landscape.

Meanwhile, Cao Xing scanned her information.

[Hoge Village Villager: Elisa Lv.5]

[Affiliation: Ice Crystal Kingdom]

[Tier: Tier 1 Common Creature]

[HP: 240/240]

[Skills: None]

[Talents: None]

…

"It's her."

Cao Xing felt greatly reassured. He hadn't expected that Elisa had actually managed to survive alone in this freezing wilderness for so many days.

He directly led his people over.

However, upon seeing Cao Xing and the others approaching, the figure quickly emerged from behind the giant tree shelter.

She raised both hands above her head, repeatedly gesturing for Cao Xing and his group not to come over.

Cao Xing thought for a moment and called out, "Halt."

The team stopped. The figure opposite seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, then carefully approached Cao Xing.

At the same time, Cao Xing also got a clear look at her face.

It was a fair, slightly chubby little face with delicate features, styled with two ponytails.

Most prominent were her eyes, which were as bright as blue sapphires, with long eyelashes fluttering continuously. Her entire being exuded a youthful and lively aura.

Just as Danny had said, her skin was exceptionally fine, looking as clean as a smooth pebble.

At this moment, the little girl, Elisa, looked at Cao Xing's group not with fear, but with curiosity.

Before she could speak, Cao Xing said directly, "Elisa, I was commissioned by your father, Mel, to come here and find you."

"You haven't returned for several days, and he has been worried sick."

Hearing this, a trace of guilt flashed in Elisa's eyes, but then she pouted. "Oh, dear! I already told Father not to come looking for me!"

"By the Moon Goddess! He actually went and hired powerful warriors like you to run all the way to Snowfall Lake."

She seemed to remember something and asked tentatively, "Um… excuse me, how many crowns did my father pay to hire you?"

Cao Xing shook his head. "No, we didn't take any of his crowns."

Hearing this, Elisa let out a sigh of relief, revealing her little canine teeth as she smiled. "Well, you're actually a really nice person then."

Cao Xing couldn't help but chuckle.

Old Mel hadn't paid any money, but he had essentially sold himself to Cao Xing.

Beside him, Liu Muxue also said softly, "Hello, Elisa."

Elisa noticed Liu Muxue behind Cao Xing and instantly gasped in amazement.

"By the Moon Goddess! What am I seeing? A woman with the beauty of a goddess!"

"Are you perhaps Her Highness the Princess from the Ice Crystal Kingdom?"

With starry eyes, she looked at Liu Muxue with great excitement.

A smile appeared on Liu Muxue's lips, and she slowly shook her head. "Elisa, I am not a princess of the Ice Crystal Kingdom. We are lords of the nearby territory."

"Now, come back to Hoge Village with us. Your father is still waiting for you."

…