Re-entry

One day.

In Yangping Mountain.

With a splat, a white grub, plump and about a finger's length, with a single black horn on its head, was crushed by a black cloth boot, splattering a large amount of green juice.

"Damn tree worms, they're so disgusting. This juice won't wash off. I'll have to get a new pair of shoes when I get back."

Zhang Ding looked at the green slime clinging to his shoes and couldn't help but curse.

"Brother Lin, don't underestimate these worms on the mountain. If you get bitten, you won't be able to get out of bed for two or three days."

Lin Sheng, behind him, nodded, glancing at the now unrecognizable flat body of the worm. His attention was more focused on several figures in plain clothes and headscarves in the distance.

From their attire, it was clear these people were not from their Beast Hunter Hall.

"Those people are here to hunt, not part of our Beast Hunter Hall. Don't worry about them."

Following Lin Sheng's gaze, Zhang Ding also looked over and explained casually.

"Yangping Mountain is quite vast, with many wild beasts, including quite a few valuable exotic beasts. Our Town Mountain Tower can't possibly control it all. So, Yangping Mountain is open to outsiders, but they need to pay a fee, and hand over thirty percent of their harvest."

"I see." Lin Sheng understood. However, compared to Zhang Ding, his thoughts went deeper.

Yangping Mountain was indeed a rare treasure trove.

Its exotic beast resources were abundant, and Town Mountain Tower's status as the foremost power in Lin'an County was greatly tied to this mountain.

Lin Sheng absolutely did not believe that such a treasure trove wouldn't attract covetous eyes. The Pavilion Master Ouyang of Town Mountain Tower was a master of the Blood Circulation realm, and even he might not be able to completely monopolize Yangping Mountain.

They still had to give up some benefits. After all, Lin'an County City wasn't just home to Town Mountain Tower; masters of the Blood Circulation realm weren't exclusive to them either.

Therefore, opening it to outsiders was likely a concession made by Town Mountain Tower.

It was probable that many of these people entering the mountain to hunt were backed by the major powers in the city.

"Brother Lin, the Tusk Mountain Boar we're going after this time is a big one. Be careful when the time comes."

At this moment, Zhang Ding suddenly spoke up to remind him.

"Yeah, that Tusk Mountain Boar is incredibly strong. In a direct confrontation, even Captain Wang might not be able to match its strength. Plus, its hide is so thick that even with swords, most people can't cut through it."

An old hunter behind them chimed in, his face involuntarily showing a hint of solemnity.

"But luckily, these beasts are very stupid and their bulky bodies make them very inflexible. As long as we set up traps in advance and are careful, there shouldn't be any major problems."

As if afraid of scaring Lin Sheng, Zhang Ding added with a smile.

"I understand, Brother Zhang. I'll be careful."

Lin Sheng nodded solemnly to Zhang Ding's reminder.

Regarding the Tusk Mountain Boar, the Hundred Beasts Scroll naturally had relevant records.

When he received the mission, he specifically looked up the information on the Tusk Mountain Boar and had a certain understanding of it. It was indeed not comparable to the likes of the horned badger.

"I wonder what grade of beast the Tusk Mountain Boar is. I imagine it's at least the upper echelon of the common grade."

Lin Sheng speculated in his mind.

He had never seen a beast of the upper common grade before and wondered what kind of integration effect it would have. The more he thought about it, the more he looked forward to it.

The benefits of the Beast Hunter Hall, besides high returns, were the opportunity to encounter various exotic beasts that were rarely seen. For him, this was the most important aspect.

Seeing that the atmosphere behind him had become somewhat silent, Zhang Ding, perhaps to liven things up, said to the group.

"Brothers, don't let the risk of this mission deter you. I heard from Captain Wang that a wealthy individual in the county wants a pair of tusks from a Tusk Mountain Boar to forge a pair of weapons. As long as we complete this mission, each person in our ninth team will receive a Blood Nourishing Pill as a reward, plus two taels of silver each."

"Blood Nourishing Pill!?"

Hearing Zhang Ding's words, the people behind him were clearly surprised, but soon their faces lit up with joy. It was evident that the Blood Nourishing Pill held significant appeal for them.

The name Blood Nourishing Pill sounded like a pill that replenished Blood Essence.

Seeing their expressions change, Lin Sheng understood that the Blood Nourishing Pill seemed somewhat unusual.

As if sensing Lin Sheng's lack of knowledge, Zhang Ding explained as he cleared the path ahead.

"Brother Lin, this Blood Nourishing Pill is a good thing. Unlike the common blood tonics on the market, this pill is refined from the blood of true Spirit Beasts. Although the content of Spirit Beast blood is extremely diluted, its effects are not comparable to ordinary pills."

"For martial artists who haven't yet entered the Body Tempering realm, one pill can save two months of cultivation time and has many benefits for condensing Blood Essence. Even for martial artists who have already entered the Body Tempering realm, although the effect will be greatly reduced, it can still strengthen their Blood Essence. Even if you don't use it yourself, you can sell it for a good price."

"It can actually shorten cultivation time!?"

Hearing Zhang Ding's words, Lin Sheng's face showed surprise.

If the effect of this Blood Nourishing Pill was indeed as described, then it could truly be considered extraordinary.

It was just a pity that its effect was greatly reduced for martial artists who had already entered the Body Tempering realm.

However, for hunters who had not yet entered the Body Tempering realm, this pill was indeed a significant temptation.

After all, in a place like the Beast Hunter Hall, entering Body Tempering earlier meant having an extra layer of self-preservation. Moreover, both their status and salary would significantly improve compared to before.

In this regard, the effect of this pill could not be underestimated.

Lin Sheng thought to himself, no wonder Spirit Beasts were so valuable.

If pills like the Blood Nourishing Pill could be made from Spirit Beast blood that had been diluted countless times, then how potent would pills made from undiluted blood be?

With nothing else to do, Lin Sheng decided to ask the question that had been on his mind.

"Brother Zhang, I wonder if there are any pills above the Blood Nourishing Pill?"

"Of course there are. Pills refined from Spirit Beast blood. The Blood Nourishing Pill is just the lowest grade. Above it is the Blood Cultivating Pill," Zhang Ding replied without looking back, chopping through branches blocking their path with the woodcutting knife in his hand.

"The effect of the Blood Cultivating Pill is much stronger than the Blood Nourishing Pill. It greatly benefits Body Tempering martial artists, not only accelerating and shortening the cultivation progress of the Body Tempering realm, but it even has a trace of effect in strengthening one's foundation. Although it's not as good as the Blood Condensing Pill, it's still a rather precious treasure pill."

As he said this, a hint of longing appeared on Zhang Ding's face.

"It would be great if I could get my hands on a Blood Cultivating Pill. Perhaps I, Zhang, might have a chance to break through to the Muscle Forging realm."