Hunting in the Forest

As dawn gradually broke, it was as though a pair of gentle hands had slowly drawn back the curtain of night from the forest, and the light steadily brightened.

Everyone efficiently packed up their satchels and continued along the edge of the forest.

They moved slowly along the winding path, their eyes constantly searching their surroundings and overlooking no corner where Precious Medicinal Materials might grow.

Gulu and several other Hunting Dogs ran merrily ahead of the group, their ears held high as they vigilantly watched for movement around them. From time to time, they sniffed the ground, scouting the way for everyone.

"Today, we'll continue along the edge and see if we can find more Precious Medicinal Materials." Liu Qing looked ahead, confidence shining in his eyes, his voice steady and powerful.

"Alright, Dad. We'll definitely be extra careful," Liu Feng replied firmly, his gaze full of enthusiasm and focus for this new journey.

Along the way, they stopped and went, refusing to overlook any corner that might conceal treasure.

Their luck was truly good that day, and their harvest was abundant.

Ginseng, Hemostasis Grass, Purple Leaf Grass, Silver Star Flowers, and other Precious Medicinal Materials were gathered into their bags.

Every medicinal herb had its own unique value. They either nourished the body or had remarkable effects in stopping bleeding and treating injuries.

Sunlight streamed through gaps in the dense leaves, scattering flecks of light and shadow over them as if draping them in golden gauze.

The forest was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees. The cheerful songs of Birds intertwined with the chirping of insects, composing a beautiful natural melody that left them Refreshed.

While gathering herbs, they also hunted several small Soul Beasts.

These gains not only greatly enriched the family's medicinal supplements, but also provided strong support for Liu Feng's growth.

The sun gradually slanted westward, dyeing the horizon orange-red as the forest grew dim.

Liu Bai looked up at the sky and said, "It's getting late. We should head back."

"Everyone has performed exceptionally well these past two days." A Relieved Smile appeared on Liu Qing's face. "We found quite a few Precious Medicinal Materials and hunted several Soul Beasts. This herb-gathering trip has been quite successful."

Everyone nodded and began walking toward the forest exit according to the direction they remembered.

Although they had reaped a full harvest that day, two consecutive days of travel had left everyone somewhat exhausted.

Liu Feng walked in the middle of the group. Though his body was tired, his heart was filled with satisfaction.

By the time they returned to the village, night had completely blanketed the land.

At the village entrance, everyone said goodbye and returned to their respective homes. Looking at the heavy Medicine Basket in his hands, Liu Feng's heart brimmed with hope for the future.

"Xiao Feng, you worked hard these past two days." Liu Qing gently patted Liu Feng on the shoulder and smiled.

Liu Feng quickly shook his head. "It wasn't hard. I learned so much today."

Liu Bai also walked over and affectionately patted Liu Feng's head. "Get some good rest. Keep working hard tomorrow."

Liu Feng obediently nodded.

In the night, Liu Feng returned home and lay on his bed, his mind continually replaying every detail of the forest trip.

With those wonderful memories, he gradually drifted into a sweet dream.

Meanwhile, Liu Qing and Liu Bai were still busy in the courtyard.

They carefully sorted and arranged that day's harvest one by one, satisfied smiles filling their faces.

"Xiao Feng performed very well today," Liu Qing said quietly.

Liu Bai Slightly Nodded. "Yes, he really has grown up."

Moonlight Like Water spilled across the courtyard, while Blue Silver Grass swayed gently in the night breeze, as if silently blessing Liu Feng's growth.

Second Day Early Morning, warm sunlight filtered through the window and softly fell into the room.

Liu Feng rubbed his sleepy eyes and sat up from bed.

He stretched lazily and discovered that his father, Liu Qing, was already gone.

A note had been left on the table. It read: "Xiao Feng, I've gone to the Prosperous Dragon Town Pharmacy and will return tonight. Eat properly with Grandpa."

Liu Feng put down the note and went to the Kitchen, where he saw Grandpa Liu Bai busy before the stove, preparing breakfast.

A steaming pot of porridge was cooking, and Strands of fragrance permeated the entire Kitchen.

The porridge contained medicinal herbs gathered yesterday, all of them nourishing ingredients.

These medicinal herbs had been carefully selected. Not only could they replenish the exhaustion of the day, but they could also strengthen the body's resistance.

Several simple yet refreshing side dishes were also laid out on the table, along with a dish made from Soul Beast Meat. It looked like Armor Snake.

Armor Snake meat was tender and fresh. After Grandpa's careful cooking, it tasted excellent, carrying both the delicious flavor of Wild Beast meat and the warmth of home-cooked food.

"Morning, Grandpa." Liu Feng smiled and greeted him.

Liu Bai glanced back at him, a kind smile Bloomed on his face. "Xiao Feng, you're up? Go Wash Up. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Liu Feng nodded, quickly washed up, and returned to sit at the dining table.

Liu Bai placed a bowl of hot porridge In Front Of him, then sat down as well.

"Grandpa, I have an idea I want to discuss with you," Liu Feng said seriously as he drank his porridge.

Liu Bai raised his brow slightly, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Oh? What idea? Let me hear it."

Liu Feng put down his bowl, his expression serious. "Yesterday, we gathered quite a bit of Wild Ginseng in the forest. Although it wasn't very old, its Medicinal Effect was still quite good."

"I was thinking, could we take the Blue Silver Grass Ginseng created by your and Dad's Soul Skills, together with the Wild Ginseng gathered from the forest, and plant them all together deep in the forest?"

Interest flashed through Liu Bai's eyes as he listened. "Go on."

Seeing this, Liu Feng continued, "We could choose a relatively safe place and plant the Ginseng there. To keep Wild Beasts from eating it, we could set some traps or scatter the Ginseng across different locations."

"If this succeeds, the Medicinal Effect of our Forest Ginseng will be much better than if we grow it in the fields."

Liu Bai pondered for a moment, then nodded. "That's quite an interesting idea. But the depths of the forest are full of danger. Growing Ginseng there won't be easy."

Liu Feng smiled. "Grandpa, I know it'll be difficult, but I think it's worth trying."

"We can start with a small-scale planting and slowly gain experience. Besides, if it works, our family's supply of Forest Ginseng won't have to rely entirely on the one- or two-year-old Ginseng produced in the fields."

After hearing him out, Liu Bai fell silent for a while before slowly saying, "Xiao Feng, your idea is very creative, but growing medicinal herbs isn't so simple."

"We need to consider many factors, such as the soil, climate, and water source. Besides, the environment deep in the forest is complicated, and there are many Wild Beasts. We also need a way to protect these medicinal herbs."

Liu Feng continued, "Even if we can't grow them on a large scale, it would still be good to plant a small portion for our own use. Didn't you say before that my medicinal supplements don't have much effect on me anymore?"

Liu Bai stroked his beard, his eyes full of approval. "Xiao Feng, you've grown up. You're beginning to have ideas of your own. This plan is a little risky, but it is indeed feasible."

Seeing Grandpa support his plan, Liu Feng felt a surge of excitement. "Then when do we start?"

Liu Bai smiled. "Don't rush. We need to make a proper plan first. To begin with, we need to choose a suitable place—one with an environment suitable for Ginseng to grow, while also being relatively safe."

"Secondly, we need to prepare some tools and materials, such as fences and traps."

Liu Feng hurriedly nodded. "Grandpa, you're right. We can first find a place near the edge of the forest to try it out. Once we have experience, we can slowly expand deeper into the forest."

"There's another issue: how do we prevent others from gathering it?" Liu Bai raised a question.

"Hmm, that problem..." Liu Feng frowned and thought for a moment. "The main concern would be Hunters or Herb Gatherers from the nearby villages. There probably aren't many people who go deep into the forest."

"How about joining forces with them and trying it first? You and Dad are both Soul Masters, and you're also the Village Chief. People like Uncle Li are ordinary people, so they probably won't refuse."

Liu Bai approvingly patted Liu Feng on the shoulder. "Good. It's settled, then. After breakfast, we'll go to the forest and take a look, then choose a suitable place first."

"Then, when your father returns, we'll have him contact some people."

That evening, when Liu Qing returned home, Liu Bai told him about the plan they had discussed during the day to plant Forest Ginseng.

After thinking it over, Liu Qing found the plan feasible. He decided that they would split up the next day: he would go to the surrounding villages to contact people, while his father and son would first find a place near the forest to attempt planting, scouting the way for the Subsequent Plans.