C19 Beast Core

The outer reaches of Raven's Pass were shrouded in a perpetual fog, blanketing a mountain forest known as the cloud forest. Towering ancient woods and pervasive mists obscured visibility, making it difficult for even the average person to see beyond ten meters during the day.

Chill breezes swept through the forest, and despite the blazing sun, anyone within would still feel a biting cold.

The previous night, Chu Lin and Yang Hu had ventured into the mountains, cautiously moving forward in fear of being pursued by Heaven's Edge. They spent the latter half of the night resting in a secluded cave. Now, at midday, they had finally traversed the cloud forest.

"So this is Raven's Pass, the hallowed training ground revered by the outer court disciples," Yang Hu exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he brandished a steel blade. Though he had been raised in Redband, not far from the pass, he had never before stepped foot in this place, only hearing whispers and legends about it since childhood.

"What a serene place," Chu Lin remarked, a sense of clarity washing over him as he emerged from the dense fog, taking in several deep breaths.

"Tiger, stay vigilant. The true perils lurk within these mountains," Chu Lin cautioned, eyeing the crisscrossed weeds that resembled scythes. Accustomed to the harsh realities of human nature from a young age, he was acutely aware that the greatest threats in Raven's Pass might not be the feral monsters, but rather the greed of mankind.

Outside these woods, deceit was rampant, yet there were still semblances of law and order. Inside Raven's Pass, however, it was a stark world of survival of the fittest, where murder and robbery were all too common.

"I understand," Yang Hu acknowledged, his expression turning grave.

The pair continued along a narrow path until, about fifteen minutes later, they came upon a babbling brook.

"Panacea!" Chu Lin's eyes were drawn to a softly glowing plant.

Beside the stream grew an unusual six-leafed plant, its roots emitting a gentle blue glow.

"This is actually a first-level panacea, Bluestem. If we sell it to the Vault of Wonders, we could earn two hundred gold coins—enough to buy a beast core. Chu, hold on a moment; I'll go fetch it," Yang Hu said, unable to contain his excitement as he made his way toward the stream's edge.

"Tiger, be careful!" Chu Lin suddenly exclaimed in alarm.

Yang Hu halted his steps, which were just about to carry him to the stream's edge.

A green water arrow shot out from the stream, narrowly missing Yang Hu by a few inches.

As soon as the water arrow hit the ground, it instantly scorched the vegetation.

Yang Hu, shaken, stumbled backward several steps. He looked at the charred plants with a mix of fear and relief, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"It's an Emerald Viper, a second-level feral monster," Chu Lin said, his gaze fixed on the spot from which the water arrow had been fired. He continued in a calm tone, "Emerald Vipers usually lurk in dark, damp places. Bluestem shares similar properties, making it an excellent supplement for them."

The rank of a feral monster is an indication of its power. Typically, as a feral monster's strength reaches a certain threshold, additional markings appear on its beast core. The beast core of an Emerald Viper is distinguished by two such markings.

"What should we do? The Emerald Viper may only possess second-level strength, but its highly corrosive venom is difficult to guard against. Even an ordinary fifth-level Body Tempering practitioner would struggle to kill it outright. Perhaps we should forgo the Bluestem," Yang Hu said, glancing regretfully at the herb. But before he could finish, Chu Lin charged from his side towards the Emerald Viper's hiding spot.

"Chu, wait up, I'm coming to help you!" Yang Hu brandished his steel blade and advanced a few steps. He was eager to assist Chu Lin, but when several spurts of venom came his way, he was forced to dodge frantically, unable to lend any aid.

Meanwhile, Chu Lin deftly evaded the venomous assaults and made his way to the Bluestem. A green shadow nearby suddenly leaped into action.

"Trying to flee?" The Emerald Viper was quick, but Chu Lin was quicker. As the viper sprang into the air, Chu Lin's longsword swung down on the creature.

The Emerald Viper was cleaved into two halves.

With a single strike, Chu Lin had slain the Emerald Viper!

"Chu Lin is unbelievably strong," Yang Hu marveled, well aware of Chu Lin's prowess but still astounded by the display of strength. He couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

The venom of the Emerald Viper is certainly dangerous, but it's limited in quantity. If you're quick enough to make it feel threatened, you can easily deceive the viper into expending all its venom. Once it's out of venom, it has no choice but to flee," Chu Lin remarked casually. He removed some Bluestem and used his longsword to work on the snake's body for a bit. Shortly after, he extracted a green bead with two stripes and tossed it to Yang Hu.

"This is a second-level beast core!" Yang Hu caught the bead, his face lighting up with excitement. He immediately offered the beast core back to Chu Lin, insisting earnestly, "Chu, you're the one who killed the Emerald Viper. The beast core rightfully belongs to you. I can't accept it."

"If I'm giving you the bead, then you should keep it," Chu Lin said with a glare, letting out an annoyed huff. Having spent several months together in the outer court and jointly defeating Lyi Laomu, Chu Lin had come to regard Yang Hu as a true brother and had no patience for formalities between them.

"Thanks, Chu," Yang Hu said, visibly moved. He expressed his gratitude to Chu Lin and then carefully pocketed the Emerald Viper's beast core.

Just then, a gust of wind heralded the arrival of three figures before Chu Lin and Yang Hu.

The leader, a young man, was dressed extravagantly. Behind him stood a man larger than Yang Hu and a strikingly beautiful woman in a purple dress.

They halted five meters from Chu Lin, their eyes scanning the servant disciple attire of Chu Lin and Yang Hu with evident disdain.

Chu Lin's brow furrowed slightly; he genuinely loathed their arrogant and condescending demeanor, as if they were somehow above everyone else.

Without acknowledging the trio, Chu Lin gave Yang Hu a knowing look, signaling his intention to walk away.

The group opposite Chu Lin frowned, clearly displeased with his response. The burly man in particular barked, "Don't walk away!"

"Do you need something from us?" Chu Lin turned, meeting their gaze with a calm and detached expression.

The burly man's eyes flashed with anger as he berated them once more, "Hasn't your supervisor taught you to show respect and bow to outer court disciples?"