After a brief, relaxed, and cheerful conversation, the group began gathering the Clearheart Spirit Grass that gave off fresh spiritual energy, carefully digging it out of the soil. At the same time, they searched thoroughly and retrieved the magical beast cores buried deep underground, one by one.
Once all these precious treasures had been collected, they skillfully sewed sturdy, durable bundles from the hides stripped from the magical beasts they had just killed. Everyone shouldered a bulging bundle, including the girls who usually seemed frail, each carrying her own without exception.
After a long, perilous dash back, the group finally reached their original camp on the outskirts of the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts. The journey had been filled with uncertainty and life-or-death trials, and they had narrowly escaped the claws of high-ranking magical beasts several times. Fortunately, heaven had favored them: their separated companions had reunited, and everyone had reached this familiar place of safety unharmed.
At that moment, the weight hanging over everyone's heart finally lifted, and nerves stretched taut for days could at last relax a little.
But days of fierce fighting and long-distance travel had already drained all their strength. Their muscles and bones felt as though they were falling apart, and exhaustion swept through their bodies. Some did not even have the strength to speak, merely leaning against tree trunks and closing their eyes as they silently regulated their breathing; others were so utterly exhausted in body and mind that they collapsed onto the soft grass, closed their eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.
The faint sounds of people who had just survived disaster faded away in moments, leaving only the crackling of the campfire throughout the camp, which was steeped in a quiet, secure atmosphere.
Just then, a tall, straight figure slowly rose, breaking the silence completely.
It was Shiheng.
Looking at his utterly exhausted companions sleeping soundly beside him, he spoke softly but firmly. "Rest well, all of you. I'll keep watch tonight and make sure everyone stays safe."
Though the others worried that he, too, had gone without proper rest through days of fighting, they met his firm, unwavering gaze, then looked at their exhausted companions around them, and ultimately said nothing more. After all, they were on the edge of the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts. Even here on its outskirts, hidden dangers remained, and a little more vigilance meant a little more safety.
Without another word, Shiheng tightened his grip on his saber and sat quietly beside the campfire, his posture as straight as a pine. His keen eyes constantly swept the dark, dense woods around them, while faint azure Battle Qi circulated about his body. He remained alert to any danger that might appear, forming a protective barrier for his sleeping companions.
Before long, his companions' steady snores sounded through the camp. The night breeze blew gently, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees. The warm firelight illuminated Shiheng's resolute profile and warmed this little camp, which had finally found peace after its ordeals of life and death.
Early the next morning, sunlight spilled through the gaps between the leaves, forming patches of dappled light and shadow on the ground. Shiheng got up early and began preparing breakfast. He deftly cut a fresh piece of magical beast meat into thin slices and fried them in a pan until golden and crisp, releasing waves of enticing fragrance.
As time passed, the others gradually woke from their sleep. After a full night's rest, Hogg and the other companions all felt refreshed and full of energy. Catching the aroma in the air, they followed it to the dining table beside the campfire.
At the sight of the plate of steaming magical beast meat on the table, everyone's eyes lit up. They eagerly gathered around and began eating in great mouthfuls. They chatted and laughed as they enjoyed the food, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Just then, Shiheng, who had remained silent with his head down over his meal, slowly set down his chopsticks and suddenly raised his head. After sweeping his firm, piercing gaze across every face present, he spoke in a steady tone that brooked no question. "Everyone, there's something I want to tell you today-I actually possess an extremely unique and immensely powerful Berserk Secret Method! Not only does this method cause its user no actual harm or side effects, it can instead unleash terrifying combat power far beyond the ordinary in an instant, within an extremely short time! This secret method is the culmination of countless battles to the death and the profound understanding of the essence of power I developed over a long period... Now, since we all live in these turbulent times filled with endless dangers and uncertainties, I've decided to teach it to you without holding anything back, in the hope that it will give everyone another chance of survival in such a perilous environment."
Everyone present looked stunned at his words. Those who had personally witnessed Shiheng's formidable appearance while in Berserk were especially wide-eyed, staring in disbelief at this companion who usually seemed ordinary but actually concealed such abilities. After all, for a long time, they had mistakenly believed that Shiheng possessed such astounding, ferocious strength solely because he was a rare mutation of some special lineage, much like the legendary Basik Family. As long as the blood flowing through their veins was pure enough, they could transform into Divine Beast Warriors whose might shook the world, gaining peerless martial power unmatched by anyone.
Even greater waves of shock surged through Huohe's heart. He was a member of the Basik Family himself, but when his bloodline concentration had been tested as a child, it had fallen below the required standard. His inability to transform into a Divine Beast Warrior or restore the Basik Family's former glory had always been a regret deep in his heart. Yet never had he imagined that such an incredible, unheard-of secret method truly existed in this world. For a moment, he was filled with shock and deeply moved.
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