Regina fixed her gaze intently upon Aiden, her fists clenched tightly, anticipation for an explanation coursing through her.

  Had it been any other man uttering such words, she would likely have promptly seized her axe - lance, and with a single, swift stroke, severed his head, ensuring that the fallen head witnessed its own nether regions.

  "The circumstances here are rather peculiar. It would be advisable for us not to part ways. Otherwise, in the event of unforeseen situations, we may not be able to render assistance to one another."

  Mutual assistance? More like you're worried I won't be able to safeguard you in a timely manner. So, you're fearful of death after all.

  Regina felt a curious blend of exasperation and amusement within her heart. Nevertheless, she refrained from objecting to Aiden's statement, for it was indeed logical.

  "I shall keep watch outside. You may rest."

  Logical as it was, Regina still harbored an aversion to the idea of sharing a dwelling with a man.

  "I have set up concealed mines in the vicinity. There is no need for a night - watch. As a vital combatant, you should rest adequately. I would not wish for you to squander your energy on futile endeavors."

  This was an argument she found impossible to refute.

  Observing Regina's hesitant demeanor, Aiden chuckled good - humoredly.

  "At present, we both find ourselves in a perilous situation. Preserving our lives takes precedence. This tent is spacious, and I shall respect your personal privacy. Additionally, although you are quite comely and alluring, I am a man of principles. Thus, put aside any extraneous thoughts."

  With that, Aiden stepped directly into the tent.

  He spoke nothing but the truth, having no intention of taking advantage. In such a precarious situation, one must do everything within their power to enhance the margin of safety.

  Regina, however, was momentarily taken aback.

  Upon closer inspection, an unnatural flush could be detected on her countenance, though it was somewhat subdued against her tawny complexion.

  In all her years, this was the first occasion someone had complimented her on her beauty and allure.

  No woman could resist the affirmation and praise of her appearance, and even the tomboyish Regina was no exception.

  In fact, due to her unique upbringing, she was more sensitive than the average woman.

  After standing there for a few minutes, Regina ultimately decided to enter the tent.

  In truth, Regina was aware that her young master harbored no ill intentions. Her unease stemmed primarily from her long - standing habit of traveling and living alone.

  Suddenly sharing a space with the opposite sex naturally engendered a sense of resistance and discomfort.

  Upon entering the tent, she beheld that two beds had been neatly arranged within the spacious interior. Not only were they separated by a distance of two meters, but a curtain had been hung in the middle for a simple partition.

  "You may wash up inside while I go outside. Signal me when you are done."

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  Upon seeing Regina enter, Aiden hoisted a large bathtub and made his way out.

  He was decisive, composed, and free - spirited, devoid of any hesitation or indecision.

  A subtle ripple of emotion stirred within Regina.

  Over the course of their acquaintance, her guard against Aiden had gradually dissipated, and her fondness for him had been steadily increasing.

  Though nominally in a master - servant relationship, their bond was more akin to that of companions.

  They shared meals from the same pot, unburdened by excessive formality. Aiden respected her words and actions, and carried himself without any airs.

  These were experiences Regina had never encountered before.

  Almost involuntarily, Regina peeked through a crack in the door. Amid the gentle patter of water, a glistening, muscular back could be faintly discerned within the bathtub.

  A soft cough startled Regina, who had been engrossed in her observation. Blushing profusely, she quickly withdrew from the door.

  Aiden cast a subtle glance towards the tent, shaking his head with a smile.

  Due to his cultivation of the Divine Origin Qi, his spiritual perception was extraordinary, and Regina's subtle actions had not escaped his notice.

  Had he not alerted her, she might have overstepped the bounds.

  After his bath, Aiden inspected the situation of the concealed and mysterious mines in the vicinity.

  These armaments had been procured through various channels at his expense.

  Only when Regina signaled did Aiden re - enter the tent.

  To his surprise, he found that the curtain separating the two beds had vanished.

  "Being in a perilous location, a partition may impede our response to emergencies. Hence, I removed it."

  After uttering these words, Regina, looking somewhat sheepish, lowered her head, slipped into her bed, and turned her back.

  What she said seemed plausible, yet there appeared to be more to it than met the eye.

  Aiden smiled, comprehendingly, slipped into his own bed, and extinguished the lamp.

  The night passed without incident, yet the relationship between the two seemed to have unconsciously grown closer.

  After a peaceful night, the following day, the two resumed their exploration within the mist.

  However, their efforts yielded no results.

  By the third day, Regina had begun to exhibit signs of restlessness.

  Even the composed Aiden furrowed his brows slightly.

  Extended exposure to such a oppressive environment could indeed have a profound impact on one's mental state.

  Noise and commotion were tolerable, but silence and eeriness were not.

  In the vast expanse of white mist, one never knew when something might suddenly emerge. Maintaining a heightened state of alertness under such circumstances imposed a significant burden on a person.

  Aiden resolved to conduct the search for two more days. Regardless of the outcome, they would depart from this place.

  However, on the fourth day, they finally made a new discovery.

  "What is this?"

  The two halted their steps as they beheld the massive stump of a fallen tree before them.

  "This cross - section appears to have been cut."

  Running her hand over the smooth and even surface, Regina's tone was solemn and resolute.

  The diameter of the entire cross - section was nearly two meters. This stout, withered tree seemed to have been severed in half by some unknown force.

  As they continued their journey, they encountered an increasing number of such fallen trees along the way.

  Not only trees, but even rocks had been split in two, all bearing the same smooth cross - sections.

  A sense of unease began to well up within Aiden's heart.

  Just then, a faint rustling sound emanated from ahead.

  Was that the sound of flowing water?

  The two exchanged glances, simultaneously confirming one thing.

  There was a water source ahead!

  As they advanced, the sound of flowing water grew louder.

  Sure enough, after more than ten minutes, a surging river came into view before them.

  The water was crystal - clear, the current swift, and the depth was visible to the naked eye. There was no need to fear any hidden creatures leaping out to startle them.

  Regrettably, due to the presence of the white mist, the upstream, downstream, and the opposite bank remained veiled in an endless expanse of obscurity.

  "It is noon. Let us rest here momentarily."

  After ascertaining the water quality to be satisfactory with an instrument, Regina picked up a water bucket, bent down, and scooped water from the river, preparing to boil it for cooking.

  Suddenly, a deathly chill shot up their spines, and both felt their pores stand on end.

  One boasted extraordinary spiritual perception, while the other was rich in experience.

  Both sensed the approaching crisis.

  "Watch out!"

  With a thunderous shout, Aiden delivered a swift kick to Regina's hip. Utilizing this force, their figures instantly distanced themselves.

  At that precise moment, a terrifying air - blade rent the river apart, hurtling between them!

  The safety rope connecting them was severed in an instant.

  On the ground, a deep gully was left in its wake.