C20 Enter the Mountain

Three hours later, Chen Wu opened his eyes and exhaled a long, murky breath. He exclaimed with excitement, "Excellent! With Berserk, Blood Rain's strength should increase by about ten percent. Add to that the boost from Wind Wings and the Middle-grade Secret Arts of The Prison of Land Light, handling a Grade 3 Demonic Beast will be a breeze!"

Despite being a newcomer at the Primary Grade of a Grade 1 Demonic Pet Master, Chen Wu was already eyeing the prospect of taking on Bronze Grade 5 and even Grade 6 Demonic Beasts in Green-mount Town!

Chen Wu was well aware that his sudden rise from obscurity to a Demonic Pet Master, coupled with his defeat of a renowned Demonic Pet Master, would not go unnoticed. But what of it? His ambition was never to engage in petty squabbles with the small-town gentry who couldn't see beyond their own limited experiences. To truly grow stronger, one must expand their horizons. Only with a vast sea can a fish leap high!

Chen Wu's next objective was to secure one of the five coveted free spots at the Primary Demonic Pet Academy offered annually in Green-mount Town. He had long set his sights on Flame City, the largest metropolis within a thousand miles, which Green-mount Town fell under. It was in Flame City that he hoped to meet the influential figure who had supported him all these years—a friend of his father's, as revealed by the Servant many years ago. This benefactor's assistance had shielded Chen Wu, allowing him to live without trouble for many years.

Chen Wu yearned for the opportunity to meet this person. "The message was clear: if I could become a Demonic Pet Master on my own within a month, I would earn the chance to meet him."

With determination, Chen Wu clenched his fists. He had met the challenge; now, he just had to wait for his Servant to return, and then he could journey to Flame City to meet his father's friend.

Now that the issue with Hu Wang had been resolved, the immediate priority was to officially certify his status as a Demonic Pet Master and locate Uncle Chen Guang.

When it came down to it, finding Uncle Chen was clearly the priority. Had it not been for Uncle Chen distracting the Blood Wolf, Chen Wu might have ended up as prey. Uncle Hu had been nothing but kind to him throughout his life, treating him as if he were his own family. It was Uncle Hu who had taken Chen Wu hunting in the mountains, teaching him to identify medicinal herbs, evade wild animals, and master the skills needed to survive in the wilderness.

Chen Wu was determined to find him, alive or dead.

The following morning, Chen Wu eagerly received his fifth-day sign-in reward.

[Ding! On the fifth day of sign-in, you have earned the reward: Intermediate Profound Turtle Shell!]

[Intermediate Profound Turtle Shell: Crafted from the shell of a Profound Turtle Demonic Beast, this armor is incredibly tough, capable of withstanding damage from anything up to Bronze Grade 5. It significantly enhances the defense of a Demonic Pet Master!]

This was a decent piece of defensive gear. A Demonic Pet Master's essentials were simply armor, suitable weapons, and various Middle-grade Secret Arts to bolster both themselves and their demonic pets. After all, a Demonic Pet Master's role wasn't to fight but to command their demonic pets in battle.

Besides, the system was likely to only offer beginner gear. Divine-level equipment was out of the question!

As long as it was useful, that was all that mattered. With that mindset, Chen Wu came to terms with it.

"By the way, System, when can I access the System Trading Store?"

"Host, the Super God System Trading Store will open after the seven-day sign-in period ends. You will need to accumulate Exchange Points to make purchases."

Yun Su nodded in understanding, his spirits lifted by the promising outlook ahead.

Regarding the Beauty Cultivation Pill, Chen Wu felt awkward. He considered himself quite handsome and exuded a strong masculine presence. He worried that taking the pill might diminish his masculinity.

After some thought, he decided to set it aside for the time being.

After donning his Inner Armor, Chen Wu joined the village's Hunting Team and announced his intention to venture into the mountains in search of Chen Guang.

"That's fantastic! With Chen Zi by our side, we won't have to fear running into Demonic Beasts!"

The men were visibly thrilled. The presence of a Demonic Pet Master provided a formidable shield. They could handle common predators like wolves and tigers, and even escape unscathed from encounters with larger wild animals such as bison and wild boars. However, a single Demonic Beast could spell doom for them all due to its heightened senses, formidable attack power, and a level of strength far surpassing that of ordinary beasts. Even a Grade 1 snake-like Demonic Beast could potentially end all their lives!

This very fear had kept them from venturing deep into the woods beyond the northern edge of Phoenix Nest Mountain.

But with Chen Wu's protection, the situation was entirely different!

Chen Wu's Blood Rain had demonstrated its battle prowess for all to see. Hu Wang's Grade 3 Blood Wolf and Venomous Thorn Vine had fallen to the Grade 2 Iron-feather Eagle's talons. With such ease on their side, it seemed all they needed to do was show the way!

"I'm in!"

"Count me in too!"

The twenty-plus men from the Hunting Team eagerly volunteered.

However, they were quickly checked by the elder Chen Yong: "What's this fuss about, you brutes? Does the village not need guarding? Should trouble arise, we'll need someone to send word. Big Sea, Big Bull... just the seven of you will accompany me. That place is no picnic, and if things go south, we could all end up perishing there!"

The men wavered, as the fear of death was a powerful deterrent.

Eventually, aside from the few named by Chen Yong, the rest returned to their duties.

Chen Yong, second in authority only to Wang Guang in the Hunting Team, might not have matched Wang Guang's hunting prowess, but his decades of experience were not to be underestimated. Plus, he knew the terrain like the back of his hand.

And so, the group set out toward Phoenix Nest Mountain.

Chen Wu also called forth Blood Rain, tasking it with aerial surveillance to detect any disturbances at the first sign.

As they watched the Giant Eagle soar majestically above, the men's respect for Chen Wu deepened, and their speech became tinged with reverence.

Chen Wu was acutely aware of the situation but found himself without recourse, choosing instead to remain silent.

The village uncles, who had always looked after him, were no longer walking the same path as Chen Wu. They would continue to reside in the quaint Chen Village, hunting to sustain themselves, while Chen Wu's future held limitless potential.

The party consisted of individuals well-acquainted with the mountain, having familiarized themselves with the periphery of Phoenix Nest Mountain over generations. Although they dared not venture too deeply into the mountain, they were well-versed in its general pathways.

They swiftly reached the dense woods on the northern side of Phoenix Nest Mountain. Throughout their journey, they encountered numerous deer, wild boars, and other potential prey, all of which Chen Wu chose to disregard. The others, not wanting to delay and aware of the Blood Rain and the presence of the Demonic Beast above, did not object. The wildlife scattered at their approach, facilitating their smooth progress deep into the northern forest.

The trees here were even more towering and lush, their arrangement meticulous. The dense foliage dimmed the light, instilling fear in the hearts of the men who had never ventured more than five kilometers into Phoenix Nest Mountain. They cast anxious glances around, wary of any sudden appearance of a fierce beast.

Suddenly, Blood Rain emitted a warning cry.

"Everyone, be alert! There's a bear-type Demonic Beast ahead!"

Chen Wu promptly gestured for the hunters to fall back.