Chapter 178 - 167: Spring Outing in Progress

Chapter 178: Chapter 167: Spring Outing in Progress

After dealing with a Sharp Claw Lynx, the group of four didn’t press onward. Instead, they began to explore the forest laterally.

As for the "highly effective medicinal wine" Jiang Hongtao had mentioned, Li Heng politely declined.

The reason was simple. Li Heng had taken a Top-Grade Wolf Blood Pill before, and he still remembered every detail of the process. If it hadn’t been for the Ice Jiao Lake Dungeon, he probably would have used up all the toilet paper in his room.

’I don’t even have a girlfriend yet, so what’s the point of taking that medicinal wine now? Do I want to torture myself?’

Besides, his progress in the Ancient Dust Continent Dungeon was saved at a critical point. Li Heng figured that if he went back in, he’d probably have to face that debt he owed the Snow Feather Tower, not to mention the crisis of Hua Lingyan’s identity being exposed.

’Going to the Snow Feather Tower to "relax" would probably be impossible.’

So Li Heng gave a firm refusal and changed the subject, suggesting they explore the nearby forest and hunt some of the local Soul Beasts to see if they could get any loot.

’Li Heng’s plan was simple: kill some Tier Two Soul Beasts and earn Soul Qi Points. He only had 16,000 Soul Qi Points, after all. Forget using them freely—just a few more trips into a Dungeon and they’d all be gone.’

’This is a rare chance to farm Tier Two Soul Beasts with a team, and I don’t want to miss it.’

It took killing over a dozen Tier One Soul Beasts to get the same benefit as killing a single Tier Two Soul Beast. For that reason, as long as his teammates could handle them, Li Heng stayed out of the fights against Tier One Soul Beasts.

At the same time, the other three seemed to notice how Li Heng was "looking out for them," and as they explored the forest, they gradually developed an unspoken understanding.

When one or two Tier One Soul Beasts appeared, Bai Shasha, Bao Yaoyao, and Jiang Hongtao would decide amongst themselves who would engage. When three to five appeared, the three of them would team up to take them on.

And if more than five Tier One Soul Beasts showed up, Li Heng would join the hunt for safety’s sake.

Furthermore, adhering to the principle of safety first, whenever a Tier Two Soul Beast appeared, Li Heng would serve as the main damage dealer. The other three, working together, could handle one Tier Two Soul Beast.

Initially, Jiang Hongtao had been a little worried. After all, a Tier Two Soul Beast was nothing like a Tier One. If a real fight broke out, the risk of injury—or worse—would increase dramatically.

If they were careless, a scratch to a vital area would be no joke. Their strategy, therefore, was for the two young women to handle close-quarters combat while Jiang Hongtao provided ranged support.

But gradually, the three of them abandoned the idea of fighting Tier Two Soul Beasts altogether.

There was only one reason: Li Heng was just too much of a monster!

On one occasion, when three Tier Two Middle-Grade Soul Beasts appeared in the forest, Li Heng charged forward without hesitation and engaged all three of them.

His Swordsmanship was uncanny and swift. When the bright, silver butterflies appeared, the other three were captivated, their eyes glued to the fight. Li Heng fought with effortless grace; not only was he in complete control, but the silver butterflies were a breathtaking sight.

"I originally thought Li Heng was just pretty badass, but this is... a bit much..."

This was the first time Jiang Hongtao had seen Li Heng in action. When he first saw the three Tier Two Soul Beasts, he had been ready to retreat and avoid a fight, but he noticed that the others beside him showed no fear at all.

’Especially Li Heng... Am I imagining things? When those three Tier Two Soul Beasts appeared, it was like he was looking at a gourmet meal. Was that a hint of... joy on his face?’

This made Jiang Hongtao question everything he knew.

’Since when were three ferocious, living Tier Two Soul Beasts considered so... worthless?’

’He wasn’t just unafraid; he was overjoyed...’

How could Li Heng not be happy?

’According to the system information, these three Tier Two Soul Beasts will provide around 700 Soul Qi Points. An opportunity like this can’t be missed!’

’The main thing is that their stats aren’t as high as the blessed Blood Wolves, and none of them are poisonous.’

’Back in the Divine-Grade Dungeon, taking on three blessed Blood Wolves at once wasn’t even that hard for me anymore. So these three Tier Two Soul Beasts really are just a free meal.’

Jiang Hongtao watched, stunned. He knew Soul Warriors could fight Tier Two Soul Beasts, but for a Soul Warrior to weave so easily between three of them was just outrageous.

The two young women were more composed. The flat-chested loli said nothing, simply lowering her head in thought, while Bao Yaoyao never took her eyes off Li Heng, her own gaze glinting with a brilliant light.

A few minutes later, Li Heng ended the battle. The three Soul Beasts collapsed to the ground, never to rise again.

Just as Bai Shasha had done, Li Heng removed the Soul Beasts’ legs and had Bao Yaoyao store them.

"Is your Space Stone big enough?" Li Heng asked casually.

Bao Yaoyao pursed her lips into a smile. "Don’t worry! I have two medium-sized Space Stones. One is specifically for food and water."

After hearing that, Li Heng never again asked Bao Yaoyao if she had enough food. You should never underestimate a foodie’s reserves.

Just then, Li Heng noticed Jiang Hongtao staring intently at the Soul Beast corpses, his eyes glinting. He instantly understood what he was thinking and said, "Um... go ahead!"

"Alright! Boss, you’re rock solid!"

And so, after another round of work from Jiang Hongtao, the four of them slowly resumed their exploration.

However, after witnessing Li Heng’s one-on-three fight, the team’s perceived "safety" seemed to have been greatly amplified.

But the four of them maintained their cautious attitude while exploring and didn’t get too careless.

After a while, the group reached a clearing where the trees thinned out and decided to take a break.

Li Heng had a way to start a fire, so Jiang Hongtao gathered some firewood. Once the campfire was lit, they started to barbecue.

Along the way, Bao Yaoyao had mentioned more than once that Li Heng’s barbecue was incredibly delicious, even better than what you could get from a takeout joint!

Li Heng was happy to oblige. With the Fire Army Flint, it took almost no effort at all. He just needed to add some seasoning and roast the meat over a rack. So, as soon as the campfire was going, Li Heng naturally took over.

After a taste, they had to agree it was delicious. Bai Shasha nodded lightly as she ate, while Jiang Hongtao was a bit more direct.

"Boss, you’ve got some serious skill! You should open a barbecue stall at school sometime. I’d even work as your helper!"

Jiang Hongtao was obviously joking, but Bao Yaoyao thought it was a brilliant idea. She nodded eagerly in agreement, declaring she would definitely be a customer every single day.

Li Heng just laughed and changed the subject.

But as they chatted, Jiang Hongtao casually said something that instantly silenced the entire group.

"Hey, Li Heng, what’s your type when it comes to girls?"

The moment Jiang Hongtao finished speaking, it was as if the Soul Beast legs in the young women’s hands had suddenly lost all their flavor. Both of them put their food down.

Li Heng, who had been chatting away normally, was stopped in his tracks by the question. He froze.