There was one more thing Ye Jun gained after advancing to the Qi Condensation Realm. It was the ability to collect Attribute orbs without actually touching them.
In the Body Strengthening Realm, he had to step on them or touch them in some way to collect them. Now, he could spread an invisible sense around him, similar to how Soul Sense worked, though on a much smaller scale.
His sense could cover three metres around him, collecting any Attribute orbs dropped within that range. That was a pleasant surprise and a helpful one.
’At least I won’t be a clown jumping around now.’
Currently, he was sitting on a boulder behind a rotten tree, its smell warding off dangers for him. He had been consistently fighting for over an hour, and the sun threatened to burn through the tree to reach him.
Ye Jun sat with his eyes closed, circulating his Qi through his meridians and pathways according to the Pulse Searching Method. He needed to recover his stamina and Qi.
As seconds trickled by, his breathing remained even, following a set pattern that subtly affected the surroundings. But it was so minimal that nobody could notice it.
All of a sudden, his eyes snapped open as he turned to his right, his Blood Awareness skill informing him of a person not far away. He unsheathed his dagger and crept toward that presence.
Unnoticed. Soundless. Like a shadow, he moved forward and soon stopped before dense bushes. Ducking underneath, he looked past them and spotted a man, a giant man, sitting with his back facing him.
Ye Jun was tall, easily standing above six feet, but this man seemed much taller than him. His back was broad, like a mountain capable of defending against anything. He wore dark grey robes that seemed too small for his size, not to mention badly worn.
’A participant? He’s alone... and powerful.’
Ye Jun found it incredible. The man felt like a major threat even to him, and judging from his appearance, he didn’t belong to any major force.
’What is he doing?’
Curious, Ye Jun climbed a tree to get a better view. The man was actually cooking something, and to Ye Jun’s surprise, there was no smoke, not even an aroma escaping.
His curiosity about this strange man got the better of him, so he jumped down and walked toward him. The man turned, raising a bushy eyebrow.
"Quiet man."
Ye Jun walked forward, studying him carefully. The man gave him a strange feeling, though he couldn’t explain why.
’What is he?’
The man grabbed his Space Bag and asked, "Came to steal this?"
"I did come to steal," Ye Jun nodded, pointing toward the fire. "But your food."
The man regarded him for a moment before laughing loudly.
"Food is free. Always share. Best way."
He took out a roasted fish and handed it to Ye Jun.
"Take it. Food is best eaten shared."
"You’re not from here, are you?" Ye Jun asked, accepting the fish. ’It’s not poisoned.’
"I come from Jah Nesar," the man replied while eating eagerly. "Never thought you lowlanders would have such good food."
"Never heard of it," Ye Jun admitted, guessing it was far away. "What’s your name?"
"Muahahah! Even if I tell you, lowlanders cannot speak it," the man laughed. "Just Mountain. Call me that."
"Mountain, huh." Ye Jun smiled. "Suits you."
"Indeed. My homeland also on a mountain. Large stone mountains," Mountain laughed again.
"You’re one strange fellow," Ye Jun shook his head.
"You lowlanders are strange bunch."
Ye Jun simply smiled and tasted the fish. His eyes lit up in surprise.
"It’s good. Delicious, actually."
The taste reminded him of his boss.
’A shitty man, but a good cook. Damn, I miss his cooking.’
"I’m surprised," Mountain said. "Lowlanders don’t like our seasoning."
"Only idiots wouldn’t like this," Ye Jun shrugged.
"Muahahah!" Mountain laughed again. "I’m pleased."
As Ye Jun finished the fish in his hand, Mountain handed him another. Ye Jun still wondered how the man had made a fire without releasing smoke.
’He made it underground... does that help?’
He sensed an approaching presence and prepared for a fight. But when he saw the figure emerging from the bushes, he relaxed.
Meihui had returned.
She froze upon seeing the scene before her, which made Ye Jun realise she wasn’t using her Soul Sense. He waved at her.
"Come here."
"She with you?" Mountain asked.
Meihui stiffened, but Ye Jun chuckled instead.
"He’s a man."
Mountain blinked his large eyes in surprise, then looked back at Meihui.
"You lowlanders are crazy bunch. Never seen such feminine man."
Meihui’s lips twitched as she opened her mouth to retort, but Ye Jun waved his hand. She harrumphed and looked away, which made Mountain stare at her oddly.
"It is what it is," Ye Jun said. "Give him one fish. I’m sure he’ll like it."
"Is good, then," Mountain said, tossing two fish toward him.
"Thanks. I hope to see you later," Ye Jun smiled. "Can’t get enough of this food."
"I respect those who respect food," Mountain laughed. "Will meet you again for sure."
"We need to hurry," Meihui interrupted their conversation.
Ye Jun nodded and bid farewell to the man, who continued enjoying his feast. Then he withdrew and followed Meihui as she began speaking while moving.
"Your acquaintance?" she asked.
"Nope. First time meeting him," Ye Jun replied, handing her a fish. "Try it. It’s pretty good."
"And you trusted him?" Meihui raised an eyebrow. "Why do I find that so surprising?"
"I trust my instincts," Ye Jun said calmly. "I trusted you based on those instincts, and you’ve seen the results. I got the same feeling from him."
He tossed aside the bones and added, "And he cooks well. That’s enough reason for me."
"You’re weird," Meihui shook her head. "In any case, we need to hurry. There really is a treasure there, and everyone has already gathered. Ye Chen is also there."
Ye Jun’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent as he grinned.
"We have an audience prepared for his burial then."