Magic Beast Mountain Range Day (Part 1)

Early morning, Lin Tian completed his morning cultivation as usual. He wore a brand-new magic robe, predominantly deep red with exquisite golden flame patterns embroidered along the edges, shimmering with a mysterious light under the sun's rays. The robe's material was light yet tough, fluttering slightly as Lin Tian walked.

Lin Tian headed to Laun's estate. Stepping inside, he saw a massive fire-attribute Saint Domain phoenix standing proudly. The phoenix was wreathed in dazzling flames, its feathers like rubies, radiant and brilliant, each one seemingly brimming with boundless energy. Its eyes blazed like two burning fires, exuding an aura of majesty and mystery.

Laun smiled and introduced it to Lin Tian: "Lin Tian, this is my magic beast companion, the Saint Domain Fire Phoenix—Fire Phoenix."

Lin Tian's eyes were filled with awe and reverence. He respectfully bowed to Fire Phoenix. Fire Phoenix gave a slight nod in return.

Afterward, the two rode Fire Phoenix, flying toward the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Mid-flight, Laun turned to Lin Tian and asked, "Lin Tian, how much do you know about the Magic Beast Mountain Range?"

Lin Tian frowned slightly, recalling descriptions he had read in books, and replied methodically, "Teacher, the Magic Beast Mountain Range has a long history. It is said to have existed since the continent's birth. Magic beasts are widely distributed there, ranging from low-level first-rank beasts to powerful Saint Domain ones. The edges of the range mostly have first- and second-rank common beasts; the deeper you go, the higher the rank. But the most dangerous thing in the Magic Beast Mountain Range has always been people—those hidden bandits who often ambush those entering the range, killing for treasure with extremely cruel methods."

Laun listened and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "Good, it seems you've put in the effort. However, the Magic Beast Mountain Range is far more complex than you imagine. The terrain is intricate, with not only dense forests but also steep peaks, deep ravines, and mysterious caves. Moreover, some magic beasts are adept at concealing their aura; even with strong spiritual power, you might not detect them in advance. During this training, I will only step in when your life is truly in danger. Otherwise, I won't interfere. You must remember this."

Lin Tian's expression was resolute as he said seriously, "Teacher, I understand. I will rely on my own abilities to face the challenges."

Soon, they arrived at the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Laun pointed to the sky and said, "Lin Tian, I'll watch you from above. Go in on your own. Remember, stay alert at all times."

Lin Tian took a deep breath and stepped onto this mysterious and dangerous land. As soon as he entered the Magic Beast Mountain Range, he felt a rich natural aura rushing toward him, mixed with the scents of soil, grass, and trees. Towering trees blocked out the sky, sunlight only filtering through layers of leaves to cast dappled shadows. The ground was thick with fallen leaves, each step producing a crunching sound. Dense shrubs and tangled branches severely limited his vision.

Lin Tian couldn't help but envy Lin Lei's wind magic; if he had wind magic, he could easily scout his surroundings. With no other choice, he expanded his spiritual power to its maximum, carefully sensing for any danger around him.

Just then, a faint rustling sound came from the shrubs on his right. Lin Tian's heart tightened, and he instantly became alert. He spun around quickly to see a Fire Fox charging at him, its eyes gleaming with ferocity. The fox's fiery fur glowed faintly in the dim light, its tail swinging like a burning torch.

The Fire Fox lunged at Lin Tian like a red bolt of lightning. Lin Tian reacted swiftly, casting a Fireball without hesitation. With a light wave of his magic staff, a fireball appeared instantly before the fox, carrying scorching heat as it roared toward it. The fox couldn't dodge in time and was struck by the fireball, its body engulfed in blazing flames. It let out a pained howl, thrashed on the ground a few times, and then went still.

Lin Tian continued onward, encountering a few other magic beasts along the way. He ignored those that didn't attack him and kept moving. Watching from above, Laun felt gratified and nodded inwardly: "This child isn't one to kill indiscriminately."

As dusk fell, Lin Tian found a spot to rest. Since this area was mostly home to third- and fourth-rank magic beasts, he cast a Fireball to roast a Snow Hare he had hunted that afternoon for dinner. Thanks to his experience controlling Fireball temperature while forging weapons, the Snow Hare soon gave off an appetizing aroma. Just as Lin Tian was about to sprinkle on some seasoning, he suddenly sensed a strong dangerous presence. He set down the hare and warily scanned his surroundings. A Sixth-Grade Wind Gold-Spotted Leopard slowly emerged from behind a large tree. The leopard was sleek and agile, its fur a unique silver-gray dotted with black spots like stars twinkling in the night sky. Its eyes were like emerald gems, cold and sharp. The leopard moved at incredible speed, vanishing from Lin Tian's sight in an instant.

Lin Tian's heart tightened, and he quickly cast a Flame Shield to protect himself. At that moment, the leopard attacked from the side, charging at Lin Tian like a gust of wind. Lin Tian felt a strong gale rush toward him and swiftly sidestepped to dodge.

Knowing he couldn't stay on the defensive, Lin Tian immediately cast magic, sending fireballs streaking toward the leopard. The leopard dodged nimbly, easily evading the fireballs. Then it accelerated again, circling Lin Tian rapidly, searching for an opening.

Lin Tian focused, maintaining his Flame Shield while thinking of a countermeasure. He knew he had to seize the gap in the leopard's attacks to deliver a fatal blow. Just as the leopard pounced again, Lin Tian seized the moment and unleashed Chain Fire Arrow. Under his control, the fire arrows shot swiftly toward the leopard, sealing off its escape routes and forcing it to dodge in one direction. At the same time, he waved his staff and released a Fire Meteor toward the predicted spot.

Sure enough, the dodging leopard collided head-on with the Fire Meteor. Struck by the immense force, it let out a piercing scream. Its body was consumed by flames, and after rolling a few times on the ground, it lay still.

Lin Tian looked at the fallen leopard, breathing heavily. He then took a dagger from his Storage Ring to dissect it. After extracting the Magic Crystal Core, he awkwardly realized that the leopard's most valuable pelt had been charred to a crisp by the direct hit from the Fire Meteor, completely useless. Lin Tian had no choice but to cut off the leopard's limbs and store them in his ring. Straightening his slightly disheveled magic robe, he worried that the commotion and the scent of blood might attract other magic beasts. He quickly left the area, found a new spot, and resumed his interrupted barbecue feast.