Celebration Banquet and the Name of the Lucky General

When three armored vehicles dragged the corpse of the twenty-meter-long Horned Forest Python, along with a full load of Gale Wolf materials (having gone back to hunt the pack that initially fled), back to Outpost No. 03 in a grand procession, the entire outpost erupted.

The heavy alloy gates slowly creaked open. The soldiers and martial artists behind the gates stared at the python corpse, which resembled a small train, and especially at the iconic pitch-black horn on its forehead. They all gasped in shock, followed by an explosion of thunderous cheers and heated discussions.

"My god! It's that Horned Forest Python! They actually took it down!"

"That's a mid-level War General! It's been entrenched in the Western Swamp for years; how many squads have suffered at its hands!"

"And look at all those Gale Wolves! Look at that fur—those are the elites of the pack!"

"Look at the top of the vehicle! It's the Tiger King! His armor is covered in dents; he must have been through a brutal battle!"

Exclamations and gazes of reverence hit the Wind-Breaking Squad and the dark-gold Tiger King atop the vehicle like spotlights. In this moment, no one viewed them as "tourists" relying on family connections anymore, but as true, respectable ace hunters!

Commander Wang Feng, having heard the news, strode over. He froze for a moment upon seeing the massive python corpse, then a smile brighter than ever bloomed on his face as he slapped his thigh hard: "Good! Well done! Hahahaha!"

He stepped forward and gave Wang Deshui a heavy pat on the shoulder: "Deshui, excellent command! You brothers have worked hard!" He then looked at Aunt Zhang and nodded in acknowledgment. Finally, his gaze fell upon Lin Mo and Wang Keke as they leaped down from the vehicle, the admiration in his eyes nearly overflowing.

He ruffled Wang Keke's hair vigorously: "Good girl! You didn't embarrass our Wang Family!" He then crouched down and, without a hint of hesitation, patted Lin Mo's armored shoulder (the texture was cold and hard): "Good boy, Mimi! No, wait, Tiger King! Hahaha! You really are a lucky charm! A massive lucky charm!"

Lucky charm? Hmph, that title is much better than 'Mimi'! I'm starting to like you more and more, Uncle Thirteen!

Wang Feng excitedly announced to everyone gathering around: "The cafeteria will have unlimited supplies tonight! Bring out our best stored wine! Get all this wolf meat and snake meat processed! Tonight, Outpost No. 03 is having a barbecue carnival! We're celebrating the elimination of two major threats! Let's toast to our heroic Wind-Breaking Squad, and to our little lucky stars, Keke and the Tiger King!"

"ROAR--!!" The cheers inside the outpost grew even more fervent than before, the sound waves nearly threatening to topple the walls.

As night fell, a massive bonfire was lit in the open space at the center of the outpost. The aroma of roasted meat mingled with the scent of wine, filling the air and dispelling the chill and bloodlust of the wilderness. Huge chunks of wolf meat and python skewers sizzled on custom-made grills, grease dripping into the fire and causing bursts of flames to erupt.

The members of the Wind-Breaking Squad became the absolute center of attention, surrounded by martial artists from other squads who were offering drinks, paying compliments, and inquiring about the details of the hunt.

"Captain Wang, how did you lure that thing out? That was incredible!"

"Brother Zhang Yong, I heard your drone played a huge role!"

"Brother Tao, Brother Hai, it's a pity that shot didn't hit the Wolf King, but the suppression afterward was spot on!"

"Brother Li Kai, holding your ground against that mental shock wasn't easy!"

However, even more eyes were focused on the core area beside the bonfire.

Wang Keke was surrounded by a group of female martial artists, chattering away as they asked about the techniques of a Spirit Reader controlling Flying Daggers and what it felt like during combat.

Aunt Zhang sat with Wang Feng and several veteran captains, sipping wine and talking quietly as they analyzed the experience and shortcomings of this hunt.

As for Lin Mo, he occupied the most comfortable and spacious spot by the bonfire. The plate in front of him was piled high with the most premium cuts of Wolf King loin and python gallbladder (a potent tonic), roasted to a perfect crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with several buckets of fresh water prepared specifically for him nearby.

Martial artists kept walking over with wine glasses, filled with awe and curiosity.

"Lord Tiger King, I toast you! Thank you for clearing those two routes; we can go out with much more peace of mind now!"

"Tiger King, try this—roasted python tendon, it's got a great chew!"

"You're amazing, Tiger King! That armor looks so cool; it suits you perfectly!"

Hmm, not bad, not bad. These humans are quite sensible! They know who the real hero is! This snake gallbladder... it tastes a bit bitter, but the energy is incredible! Refreshing!

Although Lin Mo couldn't drink alcohol, he didn't refuse any of the roasted meat offered to him, occasionally responding with a low rumble or a flick of his tail, which was more than enough to show his appreciation. He enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded and admired; it was infinitely better than the "social death" he felt when being gawked at back in the city.

Wang Feng walked over with a wine glass and sat down next to Lin Mo. Looking at the lively scene, he wore a gratified smile and said 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 closest and most dangerous threats to us. With them gone, the safety coefficient of our outer patrols will increase by at least thirty percent! The pressure is so much lighter now!"

He patted Lin Mo's armor, his tone sincere: "You really are a lucky star! Keke bringing you here was truly the good fortune of our Outpost No. 03!"

Lucky star? Heh, obviously! But I'm not here to be a mascot; I'm here to eat! It seems Uncle Thirteen won't object if I suggest hunting in deeper areas in the future, right?

The bonfire crackled, and laughter carried far into the night sky of the wilderness. This victory and celebration not only greatly boosted the morale of Outpost No. 03 but also firmly cemented the status of Lin Mo and the Wind-Breaking Squad here.

The reputation of the "Lucky Charm" Tiger King, accompanied by the aroma of barbecue and tales of victory, officially spread throughout Outpost No. 03 and even further afield. As for Lin Mo, while enjoying the praise and the gourmet food, he felt the surging power within his body from devouring the python, and he looked forward to the next hunt with even greater anticipation.

The carnival is nice, but it's just an appetizer. The real feast is still waiting for me in the deeper, more dangerous wilderness!