Chapter 56: Return

With a wet, tearing sound, a gaping wound suddenly appeared at the neck of the black bear before Lin Hao. Blood spurted out in torrents, instantly soaking his clothes.

“At last, it’s over…”

Staring at the slowly collapsing bear, a flicker of exhaustion flashed in Lin Hao’s eyes, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He sat cross-legged on the ground, letting his spiritual energy flow within, rapidly absorbing the ambient energy of heaven and earth to replenish his reserves.

Before long, his spiritual energy had recovered by nearly half. He exhaled a long, turbid breath, his gaze contemplative. After cleaning the bear’s innards, he performed the Fire Serpent Technique once more, casting it toward the carcass.

Crackling sounds echoed for a while; as the aroma of roasted meat spread, Lin Hao finally felt truly at ease.

His stomach grumbled audibly, eliciting a helpless smile. Pausing briefly, he used the Heaven’s Punishment dagger to quickly slice the meat. Without delay, he grabbed a piece and stuffed it into his mouth.

“To think it tastes this good!”

With the first bite, an unprecedented brightness lit up his eyes. He hurriedly snatched another piece, devouring it ravenously. Gradually, Lin Hao consumed more than half of the entire bear.

Strangely, as he ate, his body felt increasingly warm, as if a blazing current was coursing through his meridians. He sensed his strength growing as well.

“Perhaps the peculiar properties of this beast’s flesh are responsible…”

Pondering for a moment, Lin Hao’s eyes grew thoughtful. He rose and, after a brief pause, threw a punch at a stout tree nearby.

Bang!

With a thunderous crash, the tree splintered under Lin Hao’s fist, shattering effortlessly.

“Indeed, my strength has increased considerably—it doesn’t even hurt after a punch like that.”

Looking at the shattered tree, Lin Hao smiled and murmured to himself, his gaze returning to the remaining bear meat.

“This is valuable stuff; I mustn’t let it go to waste.”

Chuckling to himself, he wasted no time, devouring the rest of the bear meat. When he could eat no more, he gathered some large leaves, wrapped up what remained, intending to bring it back for Bai Li.

“This journey has yielded quite a harvest.”

On the way home, Lin Hao reflected on the day’s events. Though his waist was injured, the nourishing blood and energy from the bear meat accelerated his recovery; the bleeding had stopped, and while there was still some pain, it was nothing serious.

As for cultivation, aside from the demon core from the White Tiger, he now had the demon core from the black bear as well. These cores, from beasts at the third and fourth layers of Qi Condensation, were in some ways far more useful than spirit stones—though their true effects remained to be seen.

Lost in thought but not dawdling, Lin Hao soon returned to his residence. He changed into fresh clothes and tended to his wounds, then set off for Bai Li’s cave, carrying the bear meat.

Shortly, Lin Hao arrived at Bai Li’s cave. After a brief pause, he clasped his hands respectfully and spoke in a calm voice:

“Miss Bai, I apologize for the sudden visit. May I request an audience?”

A faint humming sound rippled through the air outside Bai Li’s cave. Then a cool, clear woman’s voice replied:

“Come in.”

Without hesitation, Lin Hao stepped inside. Bai Li’s cave was much like his own, furnished only with a meditation mat.

“So late at night—what brings you here?”

Watching Lin Hao enter, Bai Li was mildly surprised. After a brief pause, she asked him directly.

“This is fresh black bear meat I obtained today. It increases strength—I thought I’d bring some for you.”

Lin Hao wasted no time, placing the bundle of bear meat wrapped in leaves before her, smiling as he spoke.

“Oh?”

Bai Li was intrigued, her eyes contemplative as she looked at the offering. After a moment, she asked,

“A fierce beast with such a powerful body isn’t something a Qi Condensation third layer cultivator could easily overcome. How did you obtain its meat?”

“I slew it myself.”

Lin Hao didn’t elaborate. After a short pause, he replied calmly, “It was a mindless brute. Killing it was no great challenge.”

“Very well.”

Knowing Lin Hao’s reluctance to explain, Bai Li did not press further. She took the meat and began eating with a smile.

“Eat at your leisure—I’ll take my leave now.”

Watching Bai Li, Lin Hao shook his head gently, paused, then spoke mildly before turning to go. Before he could leave, Bai Li suddenly looked up and called out.

“Wait!”

“Hm?”

Lin Hao was surprised by her call and turned to look at her.

“What is it?”

Bai Li seemed to ponder for a moment, a mischievous smile appearing at the corners of her mouth as she said,

“The Azure Luo Sect will soon hold the Wild Forest Trial for the outer sect. How are your preparations?”

“The Wild Forest Trial?”

Lin Hao was taken aback. He paused, a thoughtful glimmer in his eyes, and murmured,

“If it’s the Wild Forest Trial, I suppose all the outer sect disciples will participate.”

“I’m only at the third layer of Qi Condensation—I’d rather not die in the trial.”

“As far as I know, the top ten in this trial will be rewarded with a great number of spirit stones. The first place winner will receive three supreme-grade spirit stones!”

Seeing Lin Hao’s reluctance to get involved, Bai Li shook her head with a light laugh. Her eyes glinted dangerously as she said,

“Of course, if you’re unwilling, I’ll just have to find someone else.”

“Hold on!”

Lin Hao had intended to refuse, but hearing about the spirit stone rewards, he was surprised and quickly replied with a smile,

“A trial is a trial, after all. How could I let you go alone? That place is far too dangerous—let’s go together.”

“Agreed.”

Bai Li did not hesitate, accepting at once. After a brief pause, she smiled and said,

“Go rest for now. When there’s more news, I’ll inform you right away.”

Lin Hao nodded, his gaze thoughtful, and smiled,

“Alright.”

With that, he turned and headed back to his own cave, wasting no time. Bai Li watched him leave, then waved her hand and activated the defensive array at her entrance, continuing her meal in peace.

Before long, Lin Hao had returned to his own cave.