The dense forest lay deep and secluded.
Fine shards of sunlight filtered through the lush branches and leaves onto the ground carpeted with grass and fallen foliage, cutting the shadows of one man and two pets into countless fragments.
Though Chen Yuan was more relaxed on this trip into the mountains, he had made far more thorough preparations than last time.
He had specifically brought along the heavy-duty hiking pack he had bought in college, with a sleeping pad strapped to the outside and warm clothing packed inside. Dressed like this, he looked less like a Forest Ranger and more like a hiker.
Though it was midsummer, the average temperature in the Qinling Mountains was only 22 degrees Celsius, thanks to its geographical and ecological environment.
Thus, before the Spiritual Tide, the greatest concern when crossing the Qinling Mountains was not encountering wild animals, but hypothermia.
But Chen Yuan had come fully prepared. Moreover, after becoming a Beast Tamer, his physical fitness had improved greatly, allowing him to face harsh environments with ease.
However, considering that Chen Yuan was entering the mountains alone, Song Guohao had planned to have Zhang Hao accompany him, so the two could look out for each other.
After giving it some thought, Chen Yuan chose to refuse.
He was a child of the mountains himself, and his understanding of them was no less than Zhang Hao's. He was merely less familiar with specific forest patrol routes.
And after the Spiritual Tide, the overwhelming majority of dangers in the mountains came from Extraordinary Creatures.
With Spark and Cola accompanying him, Chen Yuan was not worried about that. On the contrary, if Zhang Hao came along, Chen Yuan would have to spend more effort ensuring his safety.
Entering the mountains alone, Chen Yuan only needed to look