A Mosquito

Regarding the next tube of extract Su Ze was to absorb, Liu Wen Yin offered him two suggestions: the Giant Forest Cockroach extract and the Immortal Salamander extract.

Afterward, Su Ze specifically looked into it. Both of these Exotic Beasts were Tier 2 S-grade, existing at the very top of the Tier 2 Exotic Beast hierarchy, possessing formidable combat power.

Giant Forest Cockroaches generally lived in the densely vegetated, vast forests of plains regions. If Su Ze wanted to obtain their extract, he would have to purchase it through the channels of Evolution Technology.

Immortal Salamanders, on the other hand, appeared in various mountains and forests. Some people had even spotted Immortal Salamanders deep within the Black Rock Mountain Range, so there was still hope of obtaining their extract through hunting.

However, these S-grade Exotic Beasts were already rare and extremely uncommon. Su Ze figured his luck wouldn't be that good, so he decided to give Aunt Yun a heads-up in advance, just in case.

After entering the mountains, Su Ze clearly felt everyone in the team become more cautious. No one spoke loudly anymore; everyone was keeping a sharp lookout, vigilant for any potential dangers around them.

Although the mountains before them were towering and vast, they thankfully weren't steep, and the path up was relatively gentle.

After about an hour of climbing, they finally encountered the first Tier 2 Exotic Beast of their journey.

"Quick, look, a mosquito!" someone in the team exclaimed.

A mosquito? The quantifier is 'head'?

You insisted on herding cattle instead of studying, and now look at you, a fish that slipped through the net of nine-year compulsory education... Su Ze thought to himself.

However, when Su Ze's gaze shifted to the mosquito in the air, which was as large as a sow, he was immediately stunned.

It really was a mosquito!

"Tier 2 C-grade, Blood Spear Mosquito!"

Judging by its giant, spear-like proboscis, one could understand the origin of its name. If this mosquito were to bite you, it would probably leave a transparent hole right through you.

The Pupal stage Hunters in the team quickly drew together, while a few in the Cocoon Breaking Stage looked grim, preparing to act.

Just then, Aunt Yun, who had been guarding Liu Wen Yin's side, suddenly moved. She shot out like a rocket, instantly appearing beside the Blood Spear Mosquito and slapping at it as if an ordinary person swatting a fly.

Su Ze, however, noticed arcs of electricity flashing between Aunt Yun's palms. That slap landed on the Blood Spear Mosquito, directly knocking it out of the air.

The Blood Spear Mosquito's body continuously flashed with electricity, crackling audibly. It twitched on the ground for two seconds before going still.

"Holy crap! Aunt Yun is so strong!"

I shall henceforth refer to her as the Human Electric Mosquito Swatter.

"Aunt Yun absorbed the Deep Sea Electric Eel extract and gained a passive skill. She can imbue her attacks with electricity," Liu Wen Yin explained softly to Su Ze.

"Amazing, amazing. The moment she attacked, it was like a lightning special effect. If she had a little hammer too, it would be even cooler," Su Ze praised repeatedly.

"Why do you think a woman wielding a hammer as a weapon would be cool?"

"Well, lightning and hammers are a perfect match."

"Really?" Liu Wen Yin mused, "I'll ask Aunt Yun to try it out later."

Aunt Yun landed beside the Blood Spear Mosquito's corpse. First, she extracted the essence, then she detached the mosquito's massive proboscis, which was good material with some value.

After packing up the spoils of war, Aunt Yun returned to Liu Wen Yin's side. Su Ze could clearly feel a shift in the team's atmosphere; everyone looked at Aunt Yun with even more respect and a hint of fear.

This Blood Spear Mosquito was merely the first Tier 2 Exotic Beast they had encountered on this trip. The team had six Evolvers in the Cocoon Breaking Stage, fully capable of dealing with it. But Aunt Yun had struck first, instantly killing the Blood Spear Mosquito with lightning-fast methods. Her purpose was to intimidate and establish her authority!

She was demonstrating her Butterfly Transformation stage strength to the team, deterring anyone with ill intentions from harboring any inappropriate thoughts.

At dusk, Su Ze and his group arrived at the mountainside.

"We'll set up camp here for today," Aunt Yun announced.

Naturally, no one else in the team had any objections. They were paid by the day and would gladly drag things out for a couple more days.

Besides, night was indeed not suitable for traveling. Many Exotic Beasts were nocturnal, and night was their feeding time. Coupled with poor visibility at night, the danger of traveling after dark far exceeded that of daytime.

In fact, it wasn't completely dark yet, and they could have continued forward. But any further, and they might encounter Tier 3 Exotic Beasts.

Therefore, camping on the mountainside for a night and crossing the summit area during the day tomorrow was the safest choice.

Everyone lit campfires and ate their respective dinners.

Some had brought their own food, while others roasted Exotic Beast meat over the fire. Su Ze also grilled two frog legs for his dinner.

As they ate, they chatted in small groups. Even the taciturn Li Gao Jie had people actively striking up conversations with him. Only Su Ze was left ignored.

Su Ze wasn't surprised. Throughout the journey today, all the escorts had participated in battles to varying degrees, except for Su Ze, who had slacked off the entire time, only focusing on chatting with the beautiful women. It was only natural that everyone was unhappy with him.

Behind his back, some called him a gigolo, said he was living off women, and that he was a sycophant.

But so what?

They say a conversation with a wise person is better than ten years of studying. Today, he had chatted with Liu Wen Yin the whole way, and his gains were immense, deepening his understanding and insights into Evolution.

For the sake of knowledge, what was wrong with being a gigolo for a while?

Besides, could the affairs of scholars be called sycophancy?

Su Ze picked up a fragrant, roasted frog leg and handed it to Liu Wen Yin. "Sis, try this, it's delicious!"

After dinner, everyone began preparing to rest. Apart from those on night watch, everyone else found a place to sleep. Some leaned against trees, some climbed into trees to sleep, and others laid directly on the ground with a few leaves spread out.

Only Liu Wen Yin set up a small tent.

Aunt Yun stood guard outside the tent, never leaving her post.

Su Ze lay just outside the tent entrance, knowing he was absolutely safe sleeping there.

As usual, he swallowed two Body Strengthening Pills, closed his eyes, and felt the warmth radiating from the campfire nearby.

Having stayed up all night and walked a mountain path all day, Su Ze was quite weary and soon drifted off to sleep.

He slept soundly this time. Despite camping outdoors, it was the most peaceful sleep he'd had since his transmigration. He had finally left the Mu Kingdom and escaped the Zhao Family's sphere of influence.

He slept until the middle of the night, though he didn't know the exact time, when Su Ze was suddenly awakened by a majestic beast's roar.

Su Ze scrambled to his feet. The others in the group, all seasoned Hunters, also shook off their sleepiness and became alert.

"Attack!"

Aunt Yun's expression was grave as she whispered, reminding everyone to prepare for battle.

She seemed to know something, certain that a great battle was about to begin.

Liu Wenjin also emerged from her tent, and everyone formed a protective circle around her.

Aunt Yun scanned their surroundings, seemingly searching for the enemy's position.

"It's over!"

Someone exclaimed, pointing towards the forest in the darkness. Pairs of glowing eyes gradually approached from there. Above, below, from all directions, they were everywhere!

"Is this... a Beast Tide?"

PS: Please give me more free reads!

The second update will be at 6 PM.