Early in the morning, Lin Tian completed his usual morning training. He wore a brand-new mage robe, predominantly deep red, with exquisite golden flame patterns embroidered along its edges that shimmered mysteriously under the sunlight. The robe was light yet durable, fluttering slightly as he walked.
Lin Tian headed to Laun's manor. Upon entering, he saw a massive Saint Domain fire phoenix standing proudly. Brilliant flames burned all around its body, while its feathers gleamed like dazzling rubies, each one seemingly containing endless power. Its eyes were like two blazing fires, radiating majesty and mystery.
Laun smiled as he introduced it to Lin Tian. "Lin Tian, this is my magical beast companion, the Saint Domain Fire Phoenix—Fire Phoenix."
Lin Tian's eyes were filled with amazement and reverence as he respectfully bowed to Fire Phoenix. Fire Phoenix nodded slightly in response.
Afterward, the two rode Fire Phoenix toward the Magic Beast Mountain Range. During the 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 as he recalled the descriptions he had read in books, then replied in an orderly manner, "Teacher, the Magic Beast Mountain Range has a long history. It is said to have existed since the birth of the continent. Magical beasts of all kinds live within it, ranging from low-level first-grade magical beasts to powerful Saint Domain magical beasts. The outskirts are mostly inhabited by ordinary first- and second-grade magical beasts, while the deeper one goes, the higher the grades of the magical beasts become. But the most dangerous thing in the Magic Beast Mountain Range has always been people. Those raiders hiding in the shadows often ambush those who enter the mountains, murdering them for their treasures with exceptionally cruel methods."
Laun nodded in satisfaction after hearing this. "Not bad. It seems you have put in quite a bit of effort. However, the Magic Beast Mountain Range is far more complicated than you imagine. Its terrain is intricate and varied. There are not only dense forests, but also steep peaks, deep valleys, and mysterious caves. Some magical beasts are also skilled at concealing their presence. Even if your spiritual power is strong, you may not detect them in advance. During this training, I will only act when your life is truly in danger. I will not interfere otherwise. You must remember that."
Lin Tian's expression was resolute as he answered seriously, "Teacher, I understand. I will rely on my own abilities to face these challenges."
Before long, they arrived at the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Laun pointed toward the sky and said, "Lin Tian, I will watch you from above. Go in by yourself. Remember, remain vigilant 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, a rich natural scent washed over him, mixed with the smells of earth, grass, and trees. Towering trees blocked out the sky, and sunlight could only filter through layers upon layers of leaves, casting mottled shadows. The ground was covered in thick fallen leaves, which crunched beneath every step. Shrubs crowded the surroundings, their branches tangled together and severely obstructing his view.
Lin Tian could not help envying Lin Lei's wind magic. If he had wind magic as well, he could easily scout the area around him. Helpless, he could only spread his spiritual power to its limit and carefully sense the dangers nearby.
Just then, a faint rustling came from the bushes to his right. Lin Tian's heart tightened, and he instantly became alert. He turned around swiftly and saw a Fire Fox launching a surprise attack, its eyes flashing with vicious light. The fiery fur covering its body glimmered faintly in the dim light, while its tail swayed from side to side like a burning torch.
The Fire Fox pounced at Lin Tian like a red bolt of lightning. Lin Tian reacted quickly and immediately cast an instant Fireball. With a light wave of his magic staff, a fireball appeared before the Fire Fox and howled toward it with scorching heat. Unable to dodge in time, the Fire Fox was struck by the fireball. Blazing flames engulfed its body, and it let out a pained howl before struggling on the ground a few times and falling still.
Lin Tian continued onward and encountered several other magical beasts along the way. He ignored those that did not attack him and continued on his journey. Laun watched everything from the sky and nodded inwardly in satisfaction. This child is not bloodthirsty.
Before he knew it, night had fallen. Lin Tian found a place to rest. Since this region was frequented by mostly third- and fourth-grade magical beasts, he cast a Fireball to roast a Snow Hare he had hunted that afternoon for dinner. Thanks to his control over the temperature of Fireball, honed while forging weapons, the Snow Hare soon began to give off a delicious aroma. Lin Tian was just about to sprinkle on some seasonings when he suddenly sensed an intense aura of danger. He set down the Snow Hare and warily looked around. A Sixth-Grade Wind Gold-Spotted Leopard slowly emerged from behind a large tree. Its body was sleek and agile, its fur a unique silver-gray dotted with black spots like stars glittering in the night sky. Its eyes resembled emerald gems, gleaming with cold, sharp light. The Gold-Spotted Leopard was incredibly fast and vanished from Lin Tian's sight in the blink of an eye.
Lin Tian's heart sank, and he hurriedly cast Flame Shield around himself. At that moment, the Gold-Spotted Leopard attacked from the side, rushing toward him like a gale. Lin Tian felt a fierce wind strike his face and swiftly twisted aside to evade it.
Lin Tian knew he could not remain on the defensive. He immediately cast spell after spell, sending fireballs flying toward the Gold-Spotted Leopard. The Gold-Spotted Leopard leaped nimbly, easily avoiding the fireballs. Then, it accelerated again and raced around Lin Tian, attempting to find an opening in his defense.
Lin Tian focused his mind, maintaining the Flame Shield while considering how to respond. He knew that he had to seize the gap in the Gold-Spotted Leopard's attacks and deliver a fatal blow. The moment it pounced at him again, Lin Tian seized the opportunity and unleashed Chain Fire Arrow. Under his control, the Fire Arrows shot rapidly toward the Gold-Spotted Leopard, sealing off its room to evade and forcing it to dodge in only one direction. At the same time, he swung his magic staff and released a Fire Meteor toward the path he had left open.
Sure enough, the dodging Gold-Spotted Leopard crashed straight into it. Struck by the tremendous force, it let out a miserable scream. Flames swallowed its body, and after rolling across the ground a few times, it stopped moving.
Lin Tian looked at the fallen Gold-Spotted Leopard, breathing heavily. He then took a dagger from his Storage Ring and butchered the Gold-Spotted Leopard. After removing its Magic Crystal Core, Lin Tian awkwardly discovered that, because it had been struck head-on by the Fire Meteor, its most valuable fur had already been burned into charcoal and was utterly worthless. He could only remove its limbs and place them into his Storage Ring. After straightening his somewhat disheveled mage robe, Lin Tian worried that the earlier commotion and the scent of blood might attract other magical beasts. He quickly left the area, found a new location, and continued his unfinished barbecue feast.
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