C14 Goodbye Fellow Countrymen!

The journey ahead seemed endless. What was usually a short walk felt like miles today.

The giant bear's pace slowed, its consciousness muddled by the searing pain of the Dragon Flame. Its roars diminished to a faint whisper.

Exhausted, it collapsed on the rocky mountainside, its breaths coming out in rapid gasps. With a reluctant gaze at the raging river nearby, it closed its eyes for the last time.

"Hehe, Black Treasure, well done!" Zhang Xing said, giving a thumbs-up.

"It's just a bit bigger and stronger, nothing special!" Little Black Dragon scoffed, circling above.

"Let's dig in!" Zhang Xing declared, and with a thought, the giant bear and Little Black Dragon were transported to Divine Dragon Island.

They seasoned the Devil Bear meat with spices and salt, and after a thorough roast, they feasted.

Throughout the meal, Little Black Dragon drooled incessantly, eyes locked on Zhang Xing's every move.

Post-roast, Little Black Dragon's eating habits were beyond words—adorable was all Zhang Xing could say.

This windfall not only promised safety for Timber Village's hunters but also boosted Little Black Dragon's level.

Though no demonic crystal formed in the Devil Bear's brain, Zhang Xing couldn't fathom why and chose not to dwell on it.

They each gained 80 experience points. Little Black Dragon ascended to Third Rank, now at 39/500 points. Zhang Xing's Advanced Warrior experience stood at 112/500, and his Intermediate Magic at 80/100.

Little Black Dragon now measured between 150 and 160 centimeters, likely to hit three meters post-transformation.

Still, he retained a childlike demeanor, and it seemed he wouldn't outgrow it until after his fifth year.

With the recent upgrade, Little Black Dragon's Dragon Breath Magic Talent had evolved from fire to a formidable acid solution.

For lesser creatures like the Demonic Wolf, a single spray of acid from the Small Black Dragon could completely dissolve them.

The Devil Bear would run as far away as possible. It wouldn't dare to let out even a half-roar in the presence of the Small Black Dragon.

Zhang Xing returned to the village and informed Village Head Grandpa that the villagers were now free to hunt in the mountains. He also inquired about the location of the Holy Roland Academy of Magic and Martial Arts.

The following day, everyone in Timber Village gathered at the village entrance to bid farewell to Zhang Xing.

"Zhang Xing, one day you'll be a renowned mage across the continent. Just don't forget us!"

"If life outside doesn't treat you well, come back to Timber Village!"

"You promised, Zhang Xing. You're going to build me a bigger orchard!"

"Take care on your journey, Zhang Xing, and stay safe."

"Don't worry, my uncles, aunts, grandpas, and grandmas, I could never forget you."

The villagers continued to wave as Zhang Xing frequently looked back, his heart heavy with reluctance to leave. But, bolstered by his ambitions and his grandfather's dying wish, his gaze hardened and he strode forward with determination.

The villagers watched as Zhang Xing's figure slowly vanished from sight, remaining there, gazing into the distance long after he had disappeared.

At the back of the crowd, Old Man Lee's heart ached. He had no children of his own, and the joy he had felt in Zhang Xing's company these past few days was something truly special.

Turning around, he instinctively reached into his pocket and felt several hard objects. Pulling them out, he was taken aback.

"Gold coins, twelve of them!"

Who else but Zhang Xing could have silently slipped these coins into Old Man Lee's pocket?

Tears welled up in Old Man Lee's eyes in an instant.

Similarly, the pockets of those fellow countrymen who had assisted Zhang Xing now contained a few extra gold coins.