A clearing on the island.
A bonfire burned quietly. A string of demigod meat was skewered on a stick, and the flames kept licking at it.
After it had roasted for a while, an enticing, rich aroma gradually began to spread.
Countless rustling sounds drew nearer. It seemed that a great many creatures had been drawn by the smell and were heading this way.
Before long, pairs of eyes like will-o'-the-wisps appeared all around, eager to try their luck.
But at that moment, Chen Shouyi's mind was elsewhere.
"Pop!"
Fat dripped into the bonfire, bursting into a cluster of dazzling sparks.
Chen Shouyi's body jerked slightly, as if startled awake. He swept a cold gaze around, snatched up a handful of pebbles, and hurled them at the beasts lurking nearby.
Whoosh...
With his strength now, even a casual throw sent the stones flying like bullets.
After a chorus of shrieks, the beasts around him fled without a trace.
Chen Shouyi picked up the stick and took a hard bite of the half-cooked demigod meat, not even bothering to worry about the heat.
At a time like this, he couldn't afford to be stingy with demigod meat. He had to stay in peak condition at all times, ready for any danger that might come.
The night passed peacefully.
The next day, a drop of dew landed on his face. He opened his eyes slightly, only to realize with a start that another day had passed.
Chen Shouyi went to the seaside again.
The sky was thick with dark clouds, and the waves surged toward the beach, giving the whole scene the feeling of a storm about to break.
He was about to run through the Thirty-Six Forms of Hardening and loosen up his body.
Suddenly, he sensed countless Faith Lines snapping