Chapter 11: The Wilderness
"Spirit Energy Armor, capable of withstanding a full-strength strike from an F-rank Yao Beast."
"Equipped." ×2
"A Spirit Energy Dagger—sharp enough to cut a hair blown across it, and capable of slicing straight through stone."
"Sheathed." ×2
"A strategic backpack made of nano-grade materials, highly expandable and fully stocked with supplies."
"Shouldered." ×2
"Identification documents."
"Brought them."
Su Ke nodded. "So leaving the city requires real-name registration."
"Of course," Lin Ning replied. "The situation outside the walls is extremely dangerous, with Yao Beasts everywhere. If someone goes out and never comes back, at least they'll know who died."
"More importantly, if criminals like cultists try to smuggle Yao Beasts into the city, it helps narrow down the suspects."
Su Ke frowned. "If those people really wanted to bring Yao Beasts in, would they go through the main gate?"
"I wouldn't know," Lin Ning said calmly. "Those are the regulations. We just follow them."
"But if we use our real identities, won't our families find out?"
"They aren't that idle. Only if we completely lose contact and our deaths are confirmed will our families be officially notified."
"But you two aren't exactly ordinary people."
"Oh, stop overthinking it. Alright, let's go."
The three arrived at the city gate and handed their identification to the guarding soldiers.
"I need to warn you," one of the guards said solemnly. "Although awakening a Supernatural Ability allows you to leave the city, the wilderness is extremely dangerous. One mistake could cost you your lives. Are you sure you want to go out?"
"We're sure, Uncle," Wang Zhong said firmly. "Please open the gate for us."
Seeing their determination, the guard no longer stopped them.
The soldiers opened the gate—or rather, the smaller side door next to it.
After all, the main gate was meant for armored vehicles. Opening it consumed an enormous amount of energy. There was no way it would be opened just for 3 people.
Outside the city were 3 more defensive lines, each consisting of a defensive base. If a Yao Beast siege occurred, this area would become the city's most critical line of defense.
Only after passing all 3 defensive bases did they officially enter the wilderness.
Towering trees stretched endlessly before them.
"This is my first time leaving the city," Wang Zhong said nervously. "I'm kind of anxious."
"Yeah," Su Ke agreed. "Scenes like this could only be seen in pictures before."
Lin Ning shot them a glance. "Can you two show some backbone? It's just leaving the city. Look at how scared you are."
Su Ke and Wang Zhong spoke in unison. "Then why are your legs shaking?"
Lin Ning looked down. Her legs were indeed trembling slightly. She coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem. You're both grown men. Why compare yourselves to a young girl like me?"
"Alright, stop spacing out. The areas near the city have been trampled countless times. If we want to find anything useful, we need to go deeper. Let's move."
With that, Lin Ning took the lead, carrying herself very much like a team captain.
Su Ke and Wang Zhong exchanged a glance, shrugged, and followed.
After walking for about half an hour, the paths formed by human traffic gradually disappeared. They were now fully inside the forest.
Lin Ning took out a cloth pouch and poured a handful of powder into her palm.
"I checked several guides before coming and specifically bought Beast-Repellent Powder. The scent keeps Yao Beasts away."
As she spoke, she sprinkled a generous amount over all 3 of them.
Su Ke frowned slightly. "I'm guessing this only works on Yao Beasts in a normal state. If we run into one that's starving, it probably won't care."
Wang Zhong nodded. "So from here on, we have to be extremely careful."
"Exactly," Lin Ning said. "Since this is our first time out, our main goal is to gain experience."
"There's no need to go too far. We're here to familiarize ourselves with the environment and get used to the atmosphere. Resource gathering isn't mandatory—summer break is long, and there will be plenty of opportunities later."
"If we encounter any Yao Beasts, we avoid them if possible."
"Understood," Su Ke and Wang Zhong replied.
The 3 moved forward cautiously.
At the same time, inside Yan City, at the Wang Family residence.
A subordinate was reporting to Wang Fu.
"Family Head, the Young Master, the Lin Family's Young Miss, and the Su family's child have entered the wilderness together."
Wang Fu laughed loudly. "Good! As expected of my son—he's got guts!"
"Aren't you worried they might encounter danger?"
"What's the point of worrying?" Wang Fu replied calmly. "Should I crush their will to grow stronger?"
"Send a few people to protect them in secret. When they return, pretend we know nothing."
"Yes."
At the Lin Family residence, the situation was much the same.
Lin Yu rubbed his forehead helplessly. "This daughter of mine has been restless since she was young. She's been talking about adventures her whole life."
"She only behaves a bit better outside to save my face."
"Forget it. Send 2 people to protect them in secret. Let them be."
At the Mayor's Office.
A burly man in military uniform, with a long scar across his face, downed the wine in his glass and slammed it onto the table, laughing loudly.
"Hahaha! Good! Those youngsters have spirit!"
"Humanity needs more brave young people like them. When I get back, I'll tell my recruits about this."
"A bunch of kids who haven't even graduated high school dare to go out, while my recruits' hands turn soft as cotton when they have to kill a rabbit!"
Across from him, an elegant middle-aged man in a Mao suit calmly took a sip of tea.
"Old Gao, courage must be tempered slowly. Which battle-hardened soldier didn't start as a youngster who had never seen blood?"
"Besides, those kids clearly went out behind their parents' backs. If you spread this and their families find out, wouldn't it cause trouble?"
"Just pretend you don't know."
Old Gao crossed his arms and thought for a moment.
"You're right."
"Still, wilderness combat is a course only taught starting in university. High school students at most mess around in training grounds."
"Kids their age venturing into the wilderness… that's never happened here before."
"I should give them some kind of reward."
With that, he stood up.
"Where are you going?" the man asked.
Old Gao turned back with a grin.
"I'm going to add a little excitement to next year's College Entrance Examination."
Meanwhile, the 3 in the wilderness had no idea their "secret" operation had already been noticed by so many people.
They were currently staring intently at a single blade of grass.
"That's it," Lin Ning said quietly. "Comparing it with the data, that should be Lingyuan Grass."
"What's that?" Su Ke asked.
"You slacker," Lin Ning said exasperatedly. "Lingyuan Grass is a very precious Heaven-and-Earth Treasure."
"The low-grade and intermediate Spirit Energy Potions we usually drink are made from diluted Lingyuan Grass juice mixed with other herbs."
"A single Lingyuan Grass is several times more effective than a Spirit Energy Potion."
"It's usually F-rank, though very few mutants can reach E-rank. Judging by its size, this one has just started growing and is still in its growth phase."
"It's perfect for someone at Stage One, Level 3 to break through to Level 4. Once fully mature, it can even be used to break through to Level 10."
Su Ke's eyes widened. "That's incredible."
"Exactly," Wang Zhong said. "Since you haven't broken through to Level 4 yet, harvesting this grass for you is perfect."
"I was thinking the same," Lin Ning said.
Su Ke scratched his head. "Hehe… it feels a bit embarrassing taking something so precious."
"What's there to be embarrassed about?" Wang Zhong replied. "Once you break through to Level 4 and gain a new Beast Transformation Hero, it'll benefit us too."
"Don't start dreaming yet," Lin Ning said coldly. "Let's deal with the problem in front of us first."
Hearing this, all 3 turned their gaze to the wolf beside the Lingyuan Grass.
"A Thirst Wolf," Lin Ning said. "Judging by its size and appearance, it should be an F-rank mid-tier Mutated Beast."
"These usually live in packs, but this one looks old. It was probably driven out and happened to find this Lingyuan Grass, so it's guarding it until it matures."
"This won't be easy," Wang Zhong said grimly. "An F-rank mid-tier corresponds to Stage One, Levels 4 to 6 for humans."
"Judging by it, it's probably at the peak of Level 6. It wants this grass to break through."
"Even if it's old and frail," Su Ke said softly, "it's still not something we can handle head-on."
Lin Ning nodded. "That's why we need a plan."
"For now, let's retreat."
Dear Readers,
I have an important favor to ask of you today. If you've been enjoying the story, please consider switching to Patreon to support me directly.
By joining, you will instantly unlock 20 chapters and gain access to a total of 50 to 55 chapters every month.
To be honest with you, I am currently in deep financial trouble, and your support would mean the world to me during this difficult time. Furthermore, if I can get more members, I plan to add even more new fanfics by the end of this week!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon so I can continue creating content for you.
Thank you for your help
patreon.com/anish_44