Where there is water, animals will surely come to drink; where there are animals, there is food. This was the very reason Zhong Shenxiu suggested heading toward the riverbank.

Zhong Shenxiu’s luck held; as soon as he reached the river, he spotted a first-tier aquatic magical beast—a Striped Serpent—writhing as it swam toward the shore.

This particular Striped Serpent measured over three meters long, its entire body adorned with remarkably beautiful patterns, and its pale yellow eyes seemed to perpetually swivel with keen vigilance.

The moment Zhong Shenxiu noticed it, the Striped Serpent noticed the two of them as well. It instantly ceased its movement, floating motionlessly on the water's surface like a curved branch.

The reason the Striped Serpent remained fixated on Zhong Shenxiu and his companion was that it was wrestling with a decision—whether to flee or to attack. The serpent was deeply conflicted; these two creatures before it looked plump and tender, seemingly quite appetizing. Yet, it worried that the pair might be formidable opponents, fearing the trouble it would face if it couldn't win a fight.

The law of survival for magical beasts is simple: either you hunt, or you become the hunted!

Although the Striped Serpent lacked overwhelming strength, it possessed an uncommon cunning. The moment it sensed a situation turning unfavorable, it would absolutely bolt—make a run for it! (Even though the Striped Serpent had no feet! Yo-ho-ho~ [A lame joke] Ugh!!)

While Zhong Shenxiu was observing the serpent, the creature had already made up its mind. It judged these two to appear soft and weak, likely possessing little true power. Since it hadn't eaten well for several meals, it decided to use them as a quick bite!

With that thought, streams of water arrows shot from the Striped Serpent's mouth, yet its body remained perfectly still, maintaining what it perceived to be a safe distance.

But was that distance truly safe? Against someone like Zhong Shenxiu, would such a distance have any effect at all?

Only an absolute fool would believe so! For a terrifying individual like Zhong Shenxiu, the safest distance is never to be seen by him, never to be detected by him, and most crucially, never to let him take notice of you!

The water arrows shot toward Zhong Shenxiu with speed, yet he showed no intention of dodging. However, just as the arrows were about to touch his body, they were suddenly dispersed by an invisible wave of energy.

If he hadn't worried about soaking his clothes, Zhong Shenxiu would have simply let the water arrows strike him; with his current Iron Cloth Body realm, he wouldn't have sustained the slightest injury!

Just as the Striped Serpent realized things were going badly and considered bolting, Zhong Shenxiu executed a Finger Flick Divine Skill. A beam of compressed energy instantly shot into the serpent's mouth, piercing right through its body.

Pity the poor little snake, it wasn't even granted a chance to resist before it was finished. Even more pitiable, in mere moments, it became someone else's meal.

Zhong Shenxiu glanced sideways at Robin, who was clearly enjoying her food, and mused: Aren't women supposed to be afraid of things like this? How come Robin shows absolutely no sign of it?

Perhaps because they hadn't eaten meat in so long, both enjoyed the meal thoroughly. In the blink of an eye, the roasted serpent meat was entirely consumed between the two of them.

After eating, the pair continued on their journey.

It must be said, having the Swift Eagle as an excellent radar, the speed at which Zhong Shenxiu and his companion traveled increased significantly. This was because, with the Eagle’s aid, Zhong Shenxiu could select the optimal route forward.

Time slipped by, and twenty days vanished in a flash. Zhong Shenxiu was finally nearing the edge of this Magical Beast Forest. If his projections were correct, in another four or five days, they should be able to see "Gulu City."

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

In the same Magical Beast Forest.

"Monica, you know, when I first heard my name was on the list for this expedition, I couldn't sleep properly for three whole days! I never imagined I’d get to train alongside the N.1 of our entire school. Oh my god, I keep wondering if I'm dreaming..." a girl dressed as a mage whispered to the other mage beside her.

"Adela, you've said that more than ten times; I could write it down from memory by now," Monica replied, sounding somewhat exasperated.

"Aren't you excited at all? This is your first time training with Sherrill too, isn't it? Don't you want to witness his dazzling strength firsthand..." Adela retorted defensively.

"Stop right there. I'm not a giddy fool like you! How old are you? Remember, you're not even an adult yet!" Monica sharply rebuked her starry-eyed friend once again.

This friend of hers had become Sherrill's devoted fan ever since witnessing his power in the school's 'Power Ranking Tournament.' The three letters 'S-H-E-R-R-I-L-L' were almost all she mentioned day in and day out; Monica felt like her ears were wearing thin from hearing it.

"So what if I'm fourteen? Fourteen knows everything! Don't you have a crush on anyone?" Adela leaned in mischievously, bumping against Monica's side. "Hey, tell me, do you? I swear I won't tell a soul!"

"Which of your promises have you ever kept? I bet you'll tell the entire school within an hour," Monica retorted, rolling her eyes at Adela, who was practically clinging to her.

"So you really do have someone?" Adela's eyes lit up with the specific brilliance reserved only for discovering sensational gossip.

"Have my foot! Get away from me, I'm afraid people will think I know you," Monica said, making a show of creating distance from Adela.

"Everyone, don't let your guard down! Although we easily dealt with those small magical beasts just now, we absolutely cannot relax! Remember, you are here for training, not for a sightseeing tour!" Sherrill's voice carried from the front of the group.

This party consisted of students from the 'Dublai Magic and Martial Arts Academy,' who were currently on an expedition here. There were seven people in total: three mages and four swordsmen. Because Sherrill possessed considerable strength, was an upperclassman, and had multiple expedition experiences, the school had appointed him as the team leader for this training mission, guiding the younger students through the wilderness.

"Training here is so dull. It's all just minor magical beasts; it's not the least bit challenging. If you ask me, training in the 'Forest of No Return' would be much more exciting," Gelatin remarked while fiddling with the longsword in his hand.

"You? You wouldn't even have any ashes left if you went to the 'Forest of No Return'!" Riss shot back.

"I'm already an 'Advanced Swordsman'!" Gelatin boasted proudly.

"'Advanced Swordsman' means nothing!"

"Yeah, Advanced Swordsman means nothing, unlike some people who are still just 'Trainee Swordsmen' right now."

"Don't get cocky, I'll surpass you sooner or later!" Riss grumbled, walking off to the side.

The group advanced slowly like this when suddenly, a rhythmic 'thump-thump' sound echoed from the distance, growing closer.