C9 It Was a Tragedy of Love and Death.

Xu Jun glanced at the corpse on the ground with a look of surprise. "Huh, why's there a dead person here? Hey, buddy, is this your friend?"

He approached, feigning calm but with a mocking glint in his eye. "Got a partner? If you're alone, let's team up. It's dangerous out here, and you're young. I've got wilderness survival skills; I can keep you safe."

His eyes sparkled at the sight of the weapon in Zhao Dong's hand.

To Xu Jun, the young man before him looked delicate and easy to push around.

Once he got close, he planned to plunder his gear.

That knife looked particularly useful in these wilds.

"Die."

But before he could get close, Zhao Dong unleashed his wood control ability.

A jagged piece of wood hurtled towards Xu Jun.

"What the—"

Xu Jun was sent flying, and by the time he regained his bearings, Zhao Dong was upon him, long blade raised and coming down fast.

Xu Jun tried to block with his leg, but it was cleaved through as if it were tofu.

"Ah!"

Xu Jun's scream echoed as he was split in two.

"Ah..."

The sight sent the handsome young man fleeing in terror, but he hadn't gone far when a python, appearing from nowhere, coiled around him and swallowed him whole.

The Level 4 Flower Python boasted formidable attack power and an insatiable appetite, capable of devouring an adult in a single gulp.

Defeating this snake would yield a Spirit Replenishing Fruit.

Spotted like petals, with a triangular tongue and massive fangs that glinted coldly, the python fixed its gaze on Zhao Dong.

Zhao Dong's heart raced. Killing this snake would grant him a Spirit Fruit, which could swiftly restore his mental energy.

Despite his desire for the fruit, Zhao Dong wasn't eager to confront such a fearsome creature.

But it was too late to run.

He couldn't expose his back.

"Right, I can use fire!"

Fire was the bane of vicious beasts.

With that thought, flames erupted from Zhao Dong's palm. A fiery dragon swirled before him.

The Flower-Petal Python, having just consumed a man, showed no signs of leaving.

It loathed the flames yet continued to slither around, seeking an opening to strike.

"Quite audacious."

Zhao Dong saw the python lunging for him.

As the python closed in, Zhao Dong swiftly backed away.

Passing a colossal tree, he seized the moment and his blade sliced through the air.

"Crack!"

The tree toppled towards the python's midsection.

The aim was slightly off, but no matter—Zhao Dong's wood control nudged the tree just so, and with a resounding crash, it pinned the python.

The serpent's body was crushed flat.

In agony, the python still writhed, lifting its head to strike at Zhao Dong.

Its maw was vast, reeking of decay.

Seizing the moment, Zhao Dong directed a sharp branch to pierce the python's open mouth.

"Thud!"

The python was impaled, its head lolling as its body went limp, sprawling motionless on the ground.

As the python's pupils faded, Zhao Dong exhaled in relief, proud of his own resourcefulness.

Particularly with his wood control skill, Zhao Dong realized he had an exceptional advantage in this forest.

Yet, exerting control over such a massive tree had drained a significant amount of his mental energy.

There was no time to dwell on it, as a white light soared and merged into his mind.

Killing a Level 4 Flower Python had earned him 50 energy points.

Considering that a Level 4 Vicious Beast yielded 50 energy points, leveling up appeared to be a challenge, increasingly so as he progressed.

His eyes scanned the area.

Beside the snake's head, Zhao Dong spotted a glowing orb containing what looked like a red fruit.

Activating the Attribute Display, information materialized before him.

Spirit Fruit: Non-toxic. Consumption significantly replenishes spiritual energy and enhances strength.

"Jackpot."

Ecstasy washed over Zhao Dong's face as he swiftly picked up the Spirit Fruit.

It resembled a perfectly ripe apple, though it was completely spherical.

Feeling his spiritual energy depleted, he bit into the fruit without a second thought.

Crunchy and juicy, it was surprisingly tasty, reminiscent of citrus.

With each sweet sip, a powerful essence surged through him.

This was spiritual energy, quickly revitalizing his entire body and noticeably boosting his strength.

"My spiritual energy is rapidly restoring."

Overjoyed, Zhao Dong spared a glance at the python carcass. Disinclined to eat snake meat, he opted to leave it behind.

Moving on, he noticed the sky darkening unexpectedly, hinting at nightfall.

He resolved to head back to the small boat.

On his way, Zhao Dong reflected on the recent fight.

"Lucky for my wood control ability. Shame the branch I found wasn't ideal."

Resolved, he planned to craft several wooden spears upon his return.

An idea struck him. "I could actually make a proper spear."

He recalled a storyline involving a toolmaker.

In the story, someone crafted the first spear and ultimately became a toolmaker.

The spear was rudimentary, just a sharp triangular iron head affixed to a wooden pole, but it was effective.

With this inspiration, Zhao Dong set his sights on spear-making.

Approaching the boat, a pungent stench wafted over.

Something was near.

He focused and confronted a wolf-like vicious beast over two meters long, with numerous tails, sturdy limbs, and grey-brown fur. It bared its sharp teeth, glaring menacingly at Zhao Dong.

The Attribute Display revealed the wolf's traits.

Wolf: Level 1. Possessing razor-sharp teeth, it's incredibly fast and bloodthirsty. When facing tough prey, it calls for its pack to attack in unison.

After reviewing the data, Zhao Dong smirked. It was merely Level 1.

But the prospect of it summoning its kin was a concern.

Confident in his abilities, Zhao Dong knew an onslaught would still pose a challenge.

He had to act swiftly and decisively!

What a coincidence!

The wolf had the same idea, swiftly moving to take down Zhao Dong.

"Wuwuwu!!"

The wolf charged forward with a low growl, its massive body leaping through the air, aiming to bite Zhao Dong.

It was incredibly fast.

In that instant.

Zhao Dong realized his lack of combat experience, even though he was clearly quicker.

All he could do was dodge on instinct, his blade slicing through the air.

A glint of light, and the blade descended. In the grasp of the Hammer of Industry, the wolf had no time to react before a deep gash was torn open in its forelimb.