Chapter 126: Team Hunting

“Spring, my foot,” Shi Feng slapped Luo Chen’s shoulder. “You beastly scoundrel, even if I gave you an aphrodisiac, it wouldn’t do you any good. This is called a Superpower Pill. Taking it will instantly boost your strength!”

Luo Chen was startled. “A Berserk Pill?”

“No, not exactly, but it functions similarly,” Shi Feng chuckled. “Its effect is even stronger than a typical Berserk Pill, but with far fewer side effects. It only slightly injures your vitality. Of course, don’t take it unless it’s an emergency!”

Luo Chen pushed the pill back. “No, I can’t accept this.”

If what Shi Feng said was true, this little pill would be even more valuable than a Berserk Pill. Luo Chen simply couldn’t accept that.

“Damn it, just take it! I didn’t buy it, I developed it myself, so it didn’t cost me much,” Shi Feng insisted, forcing the pill into Luo Chen’s hand. “Besides, it’s still in the experimental stage. I’m using you as a test subject, so don’t blame me if there are any side effects!”

Though Shi Feng’s words were blunt, Luo Chen understood that if the pill were truly dangerous, Shi Feng wouldn’t have handed it over to him. Shi Feng must have been worried about the impending Beast Frenzy that Joanna mentioned and wanted Luo Chen to have this pill for protection. If anything went wrong during the hunt, the Superpower Pill could help him escape.

Grateful but awkward, Luo Chen punched Shi Feng lightly and said, “Fine, I’ll be your guinea pig.”

Shi Feng finally smiled. “That’s more like it!”

Soon, Sunday arrived again. After completing his breathing exercises and breakfast at dawn, Luo Chen set out as usual. The Beast Frenzy could erupt within days or months and could last for varying lengths of time. Luo Chen couldn’t just wait for it to pass before going hunting, or he’d lose his income. Now that he had access to the paid trial grounds for practice, expenses flowed like water.

Luo Chen’s breathing exercises were faster than most. At this hour, few students were active; most were still focused on their breathing cultivation. But at the academy’s gate, Luo Chen unexpectedly saw someone.

She was dressed all in white, stunningly beautiful, impossible to ignore. That overwhelming presence—who else but Zhuo Yuqing?

Zhuo Yuqing seemed in high spirits, her smile blooming like a flower as she approached. “Good morning, Luo Chen!”

A beautiful woman greeting him first left Luo Chen no choice but to respond. “Uh, good morning, Zhuo Yuqing. You’re out so early—going to Miracle City to play?”

Zhuo Yuqing laughed. “No, I’m waiting here especially for you.”

Luo Chen was curious. “Waiting for me? What for?”

“Here’s the thing—I want to hunt together in the Forest of Fear. Is that okay?”

“Hunting with me?” Luo Chen was surprised. What was Zhuo Yuqing’s motive? Her moods were unpredictable—sometimes like a fierce bandit, sometimes as approachable as a girl next door.

“Yes, you know, although I’m decent at physical skills, I’m a rookie when it comes to hunting. Sometimes I wander the forest all day without catching a single beast. But you, Luo Chen, are experienced and can easily find monsters. With your help, we’ll definitely catch more! So, please, Luo Chen, let me join your team!”

Luo Chen felt conflicted. He was used to working alone but didn’t want to offend her. Clearing his throat, he said, “Zhuo Yuqing, you don’t seem like someone short on money. Why hunt in the Forest of Fear?”

“No, you’re wrong. I do need money, very badly. Otherwise, why would I go hunting?” Zhuo Yuqing’s words were sincere. Since gaining her freedom, she no longer wanted financial help from the Holy Martial Hall—it was always uncomfortable to accept charity. She wanted to earn her own living.

This was part of life she wanted to experience firsthand. Of course, she wasn’t interested in menial labor like carrying boxes. Not because she couldn’t endure hardship, but because she had the ability to earn money more easily. Why demean herself? Hunting was a suitable job, and she hadn’t found anything better.

There was also a less tangible reason: Zhuo Yuqing believed Luo Chen brought her good fortune. The first time they met, he saved her from an enraged beast; the second time, his words helped her negotiate with the Holy Martial Hall, securing her freedom. Calling him her lucky star wasn’t an exaggeration.

Seeing Luo Chen hesitate, Zhuo Yuqing pressed her advantage. She stepped closer and whispered, “Luo Chen, please say yes. Would you really let a girl wander blindly in the Forest of Fear? What if she runs into a fierce beast?”

Her soft, tender voice was impossible for any hot-blooded man to refuse. Even after all his mental training, Luo Chen’s heart fluttered uncontrollably, and he blurted, “Alright!”

The moment he spoke, reality hit him, and he cursed inwardly. Damn, he’d fallen for a classic beauty’s trap!

“Thank you, Luo Chen! I knew you were a good person. Don’t worry—I won’t hold you back, hehe,” Zhuo Yuqing said brightly. Now Luo Chen couldn’t back out.

But thinking it through, the Beast Frenzy could erupt at any moment. Zhuo Yuqing was strong, and hunting together meant they could watch each other’s backs.

With that in mind, Luo Chen said, “Teaming up is fine, but let me be clear, Zhuo Yuqing: I’m the team leader during the hunt. You need to follow my orders. Otherwise, this team will disband.”

“Of course, everything’s up to you, Captain. Now, let’s go!” Zhuo Yuqing said, bouncing ahead joyfully. At this moment, she was like a bird set free from its cage; the world seemed beautiful again.

Captain—hmm, that title sounded pretty good. Luo Chen felt a small surge of pride and quickly followed her footsteps.