When three armored vehicles returned to Outpost No. 03 in grand fashion, dragging the carcass of a Horned Forest Python more than twenty meters long and carrying a full load of Gale Wolf materials (they had gone back and hunted down the pack that had escaped before), the entire outpost erupted.
The heavy alloy gates slowly swung open. The soldiers and warriors behind them stared at the python's carcass, which was like a small train, especially the distinctive black horn on its forehead. They all drew sharp breaths, then burst into thunderous cheers and chatter.
"My God! It's that Horned Forest Python! They really killed it!"
"An Intermediate War General! It's been in the Western Swamp for years. How many squads have suffered at its hands?"
"And so many Gale Wolves! Look at that fur—they're the elite of the pack!"
"Look at the roof! It's the 'Tiger King'! His armor's covered in dents. He must have been through a fierce battle!"
Exclamations of astonishment and admiring gazes shone like spotlights on the Wind-Breaking Squad and the dark-golden Tiger King atop the vehicle. At that moment, no one saw them as "tourists" relying on their family connections anymore. They were true ace hunters, worthy of respect!
Commander Wang Feng hurried over as soon as he heard the news. He stared at the enormous python carcass, froze for a moment, then broke into an unprecedentedly radiant smile and slapped his thigh. "Excellent! Beautifully done! Hahahaha!"
He stepped forward and gave Wang Deshui a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Deshui, excellent command! You've all worked hard!" Then he looked toward Aunt Zhang and nodded in greeting. At last, his gaze settled on Lin Mo and Wang Keke as they leaped down from the roof, his approval practically spilling from his eyes.
He ruffled Wang Keke's hair. "Good girl! You've made our Wang family proud!" Then he crouched down and patted Lin Mo's armored shoulder without a care—the armor felt cold and hard. "You're a good Mimi! No, I mean Tiger King! Hahaha! You really are a lucky star! A tremendously lucky star!"
Lucky star? Hmm, that's a much better title than 'Mimi'! This king is finding Uncle Thirteen more and more agreeable!
Wang Feng excitedly addressed everyone crowding around them. "Tonight, the cafeteria's serving unlimited food! Bring out our best aged liquor! Get all this wolf meat and snake meat ready! Outpost No. 03 is having a huge barbecue tonight! We're celebrating the elimination of two major threats! A toast to our heroic Wind-Breaking Squad, and to our little lucky stars, Keke and the Tiger King!"
"Roar—!!" The cheers that rang through the outpost were even louder than before, nearly shaking the walls down.
Night fell, and a huge bonfire blazed in the open space at the center of the outpost. The aroma of barbecue mingled with the scent of liquor, filling the air and driving away the wilderness chill and the smell of blood. Massive chunks of wolf meat and skewers of python meat sizzled on specially made grills. Fat dripped into the flames, sending up bursts of fire.
The members of the Wind-Breaking Squad became the undisputed stars of the evening. Warriors from other squads surrounded them, offering drinks, praising them, and asking for details about the hunt.
"Captain Wang, how'd you lure that thing out? That was incredible!"
"Brother Zhang Yong, I heard your drone played a huge part!"
"Brother Tao, Brother Hai, it's a shame that shot missed the Wolf King, but you did a great job keeping it pinned down afterward!"
"Brother Li Kai, it can't have been easy to withstand that mental attack!"
But even more gazes focused on the heart of the gathering beside the bonfire.
A group of female warriors gathered around Wang Keke, chattering as they asked about the techniques Spirit Readers used to control flying daggers and what it felt like to fight.
Aunt Zhang sat with Wang Feng and several veteran captains, sipping their drinks and speaking in low voices as they analyzed the hunt's successes and shortcomings.
As for Lin Mo, he had claimed the most comfortable and spacious spot beside the bonfire. His plate was piled high with the finest cuts: Wolf King tenderloin, grilled to perfection with a crisp exterior and tender center, and python gallbladder, a potent tonic. Several buckets of clean water had been set beside him especially.
Warriors kept coming over with drinks, their faces filled with awe and curiosity.
"Tiger King, a toast to you! Thanks for clearing those two routes. We'll feel much safer heading out now!"
"Tiger King, try this—grilled python tendon. It's wonderfully chewy!"
"You're amazing, Tiger King! That armor looks so cool. It suits you perfectly!"
Not bad, not bad. These humans know how to show respect! They know who the real hero is! This gallbladder... tastes a little bitter, but it's packed with energy! Fantastic!
Though Lin Mo couldn't drink, he never turned down the grilled meat offered to him. Now and then, he responded with a low rumble or a flick of his tail, doing his part to be gracious. He enjoyed being surrounded and admired. It was far better than the mortifying sensation of being stared at by a crowd when he had been filmed in the city.
Wang Feng came over with a glass of liquor and sat beside Lin Mo. He looked at the lively scene, a satisfied smile on his face, and spoke in a low voice. "Tiger King, you've done me and the outpost a huge favor this time! The Gale Wolf pack and the Horned Forest Python were the two nearest and most dangerous threats to us. Now that they're gone, the safety of our outer patrols can improve by at least thirty percent! That's a lot of pressure off our shoulders!"
He patted Lin Mo's armor, his voice sincere. "You really are a lucky star! Keke bringing you here was a stroke of luck for Outpost No. 03!"
Lucky star? Heh, naturally! But this king isn't here to be a mascot. I'm here to eat meat! I bet Uncle Thirteen won't object if I suggest hunting deeper in the wilderness next time, right?
The bonfire crackled, and laughter and cheerful voices carried far across the wilderness beneath the night sky. This victory and celebration had not only greatly boosted the morale of Outpost No. 03, but had also firmly established Lin Mo and the Wind-Breaking Squad's standing there.
The name "Lucky Tiger King" spread through Outpost No. 03, and even farther afield, accompanied by the aroma of barbecue and stories of victory. As Lin Mo enjoyed the praise and delicious food, he felt the power he had gained from devouring the python surge through him, and looked forward to the next hunt with even greater anticipation.
The celebration's nice, but it's only an appetizer. The real feast is waiting for this king in the more dangerous depths of the wilderness!
Before you continue