C8 Qing Xu!

After Mr. Ma and his irritating crew departed around noon, Chen Hao finally left his home.

He didn't return until nightfall, carrying several bags.

The contents of these bags had set him back a whopping 180,000 yuan.

For the subsequent two days, Chen Hao didn't step foot outside his door.

Advancing to a Spirit Warrior was already a lengthy process, and with the added pressure of external forces during his forced breakthrough, he couldn't afford any distractions.

It wasn't until two days later, in the dead of night, that he rose from the couch, shaking off a layer of black medicinal residue.

With a casual punch, the air whistled around his fist.

"At last, I've taken the first step!" As a Spirit Warrior, one has nine levels to conquer. The first level not only bolsters one's physique, enhances the senses, and quickens reflexes, but also significantly increases strength.

Now, he could effortlessly shatter the world weightlifting champion's record with one hand.

And should he ascend to a Spirit Master, he could withstand the impact of small caliber firearms with his bare body.

"Recently, animal mutations have been reported nationwide. Experts suggest these are nature's warnings. Environmental pollution could disrupt the ecological balance..."

He realized that the first phase of the spiritual energy revival was nearing its end.

Soon, more Spirit Warriors would emerge, and he needed to accelerate his own pace!

The following morning, after checking the date, Chen Hao rushed out the door, only to encounter Jiang Shi, who was lingering at the entrance.

"Shishi?"

"Call me teacher!" Jiang Shi blushed upon seeing Chen Hao but quickly composed herself. "Chen Hao, the school has issued a notice to suspend classes for a week. I came to inform you personally."

"Heh, couldn't you have just called? Was it necessary to come all the way here?" Chen Hao moved a bit closer, teasing her, "Are you sure you're here just to tell me about the school closure, or could there be another reason?"

"Get over yourself! I—I'm leaving. Take care and heal up at home, and make sure you come to class on time."

But Chen Hao caught her hand with a low chuckle, "My injury is already healed. If you don't believe me... you can verify it with your own body."

As he spoke, Jiang Shi found herself enveloped in his embrace.

"What are you doing?!" Jiang Shi felt as if she were melting.

This wasn't her first time seeking solace in Chen Hao's arms. A few months earlier, at a school function, they had danced together, and she had 'accidentally' tumbled into his embrace.

But this time, Chen Hao's assertiveness and dominance nearly made her heart leap out of her chest.

"Guess what I'm about to do?" Chen Hao teased, gently lifting her chin and savoring her bashful and delicate demeanor.

"I don't care what you're up to!" Jiang Shi, not entirely swept away by his charm, managed to wriggle free from Chen Hao's grasp and handed him the items she was carrying. "These are for your nutrition. Make sure you eat them on time. I'm leaving now. I'll come back to see you tomorrow."

"Why not just stay the night? You have to come back tomorrow anyway. It would save the trouble," Chen Hao joked, prompting Jiang Shi to beat a hasty retreat once more.

Chen Hao had no intention of actually having her stay the night, as he had an important task ahead of him.

Arriving in the outskirts of Irethhone, Chen Hao stepped off the bus and followed the route he remembered from his past life, making his way along a rocky path toward the mountains.

During the early period when spiritual energy began to resurge, it wasn't just animals that mutated; plants were also significantly affected.

In his past life, an Aetherfruit had emerged in the secluded mountain village of Thalshara.

Reportedly, a Taoist priest had discovered the Aetherfruit and, years later, became one of the formidable figures in that harsh world.

The reason was the Aetherfruit's ability to help Spirit Warriors establish a strong foundation.

Chen Hao had missed the opportunity in his previous life, which left him as nothing more than mediocre, eventually dying as expendable fodder in a battle among powerful factions.

This time around, he was determined not to miss his chance.

Wearing a travel hat, Chen Hao had reached Thalshara, but he soon slowed his pace.