The daytime hunt was quite successful. However, the hunters in Jixing Village, including Xiao Xu, hesitated to make a decision and planned to send several men out of the mountains early the next morning with the game. Some of the prey was too large to eat completely and would spoil quickly. Therefore, they needed to be brought out of the mountains as soon as possible so that the game could be preserved once they reached the village.
But it would be a big mistake to think that the day's hunt was over. The night is when larger prey, such as wild boar, are most active.
During the day, Zhang Guodong displayed his prowess, actually hunting two large prey. But as night fell, Zhang Guodong was about to rest when the mysterious Zhao Qiang pulled him out of bed.
They looked on with a puzzled expression. The others perked up, clearly not planning on sleeping.
After Zhao Qiang explained, Zhang Guodong understood. Nighttime was when the big guys were most active; it was dangerous, but also offered more opportunities.
Zhang Guodong thought about it and agreed.
Often, news reports in cities show herds of wild boars coming down from the mountains at night to wreak havoc on the crops in villages. But during the day, they are far less common.
Seeing everyone's determined expressions, determined not to give up until they achieved their goal, Zhang Guodong sighed helplessly. It seemed he had really provoked them. Well, the more they hunted, the more comfortable he'd be with his share.
Clearly, the Shuiliangou area will not be peaceful from 7 pm to 9 pm.
The hunt in Jixing Village lasted for a week. During that week, the hunt yielded more than usual. The biggest contributor to this success was Zhang Guodong.
Initially, no one had high hopes for Zhang Guodong; he was treated as a novice. But his repeated outstanding performances won everyone over. Zhang Guodong's marksmanship was absolutely top-notch.
Of the thirteen large game animals caught, seven were hunted by Zhang Guodong. As for the smaller game, Zhang Guodong only fired his gun at the beginning; he stopped later.
We can't always be the ones to shine; this is a way of giving opportunities to others.
As a result, Zhang Guodong was ultimately allocated three large game animals and several smaller game animals, including the live brooder, the large male wild boar, and a half-grown wild goat.
The live brood and the large wild boar had already been sent back, but when Zhang Guodong returned, he only brought back this half-grown wild sheep and some small game.
Speaking of which, out of the thirteen large prey animals, this gray wild goat was also hunted by Zhang Guodong. It was the only wild goat, but a treasure among treasures, impossible to divide, and ultimately belonged to Zhang Guodong.
However, judging from the smug looks on Zhao Qiang and the others' faces, it was clear that while wild boar meat was indeed a fine game, it couldn't compare to wild goat meat. Zhang Guodong chuckled but accepted without hesitation.
But no one knew that Zhang Guodong's mischief went beyond that. With limited ammunition, Zhang Guodong couldn't possibly eliminate every prey he encountered. But that didn't stop him from relocating into the world of mountains and rivers—a temporary solution.
For example, there are not just one group of wild rabbits, but four or five, totaling forty or fifty. Various pheasants also exist in even larger groups, numbering in the dozens. There are now more than ten blue sheep in different groups within the mountain and river world, roughly equal in number of males and females. Wild boars, these guys are considered troublemakers, but Zhang Guodong, for the sake of a good meal, didn't let them go, moving ten of them in, almost none of them in the same place.
And so on. Zhang Guodong's gains are actually far greater than everyone else's combined, and this is all part of his long-term plan.
After a day's journey, Zhang Guodong and his group finally returned to Jixing Village.
The week-long hunt had left everyone quite tanned, but they were all in high spirits.
Peach Blossom Spring.
After rushing back from afar, Zhang Guodong took a shower and then didn't want to move.
Under the parasol, I squinted and savored the camellia from Taoyuan. I hadn't been back for a week, but I hadn't expected the jade ivy around me to have grown so much. Its amazing temperature-regulating effect had almost reached the edge of the yard. In another month, the jade ivy would probably cover the yard and half of the field of Taoyuan Xiaozhu.
Thanks to the effects of a medicinal pill, the leg injury of that brooding creature had long since healed. Zhang Guodong had moved it into the Mountain and River World as soon as he returned, but unexpectedly, this time he'd struck gold. The brooding creature he'd encountered before was incredibly affectionate with another creature like itself. They were clearly a male and female pair!
After finishing his tea, Zhang Guodong straightened his clothes, stood up, and walked into the house. Actually, there was no need to straighten his clothes; Zhang Guodong was only wearing a vest, shorts, and slippers.
Most of the time, only one person is in this courtyard: Xuan Qingban, who is always in meditation. As for Li Yun and Qingzhu, with Zhang Guodong gone, they're having even more fun.
Right now, Qin Lina, Ya Ya, Er Qing, and Er Hei are by the pool (no one knows that Da Hei and Da Qing have been replaced by Er Hei and Er Qing), with a few lounge chairs set up. They're supervising the pumping of water, chattering about what swimsuits to buy and what swimming styles to use. The swimming pool is built, but the water is very inconvenient; currently, it can only be pumped from the stream, not from the well.
"Who is it?" Xuan Qingban's voice came out as soon as Zhang Guodong lifted the curtain. It was still that cool voice.
"Senior Sister, it's me. I need to discuss something with you!"
He seemed to hesitate for a moment.
"Come in!"
Upon entering, they naturally went into Xuan Qinghui's room. Qingzhu and Li Yun were usually inseparable, partly to avoid disturbing Xuan Qinghui's cultivation.
Upon entering the cubicle, Zhang Guodong saw Yan Qingbo sitting cross-legged, not getting up.
"The small spirit-gathering array has been completed, and you can take it back at any time!" Xuan Qingban said coldly.
Zhang Guodong was taken aback. He then remembered that he had entrusted Xuan Qingji with building a small spirit-gathering array. But upon returning, he hadn't sensed any increase in spiritual energy concentration. So Xuan Qingji hadn't used it yet?
"Senior Sister, now that it's built, why not use it?" Zhang Guodong said with a smile.
Taken aback, Xuan Qingban clearly hadn't considered this question, then frowned slightly and said, "This was built with your materials, how can it be done without your permission?"
"Senior Sister, you're too kind. This was originally built for our Peach Blossom Abode. Gathering more spiritual energy will help everyone's cultivation improve faster!" Zhang Guodong felt very pleased. This girl is too proud and too cold, but she's very principled. "Master, this small spirit-gathering array... place it wherever is suitable for Female Armor!" "Alright!" Xuan Qingban seemed surprised by Zhang Guodong's generosity, hesitated slightly, and then nodded in agreement. Currently, it only has thirty times the spiritual energy; if the complex principles of this small spirit-gathering array are applied, the spiritual energy can reach a hundred times. A hundred times the spiritual energy will allow her cultivation to improve even faster.
Even after a period of diligent training, she is still at the initial stage of level 33 and it will take her a long time to break through to level 34.
With this second spirit-gathering array, the cultivation speed can be increased and the time can be greatly shortened.
Seeing that Xuan Qinghui had agreed to the matter, Zhang Guodong was not in a hurry to leave.
"Is there anything else?"
return
“Yes, Senior Sister, the village hunt went smoothly this time, but there was an unexpected event. I felt it wouldn’t be right not to discuss it with you, Senior Sister. In the mountains, I encountered three plant cultivators whose cultivation levels were similar to yours. They didn’t come from Fengdu City to this outside world. Instead, they came through a seal,” Zhang Guodong said seriously.
The appearance of another passage is a very serious matter! Zhang Guodong took it seriously, feeling it was also very important. Sure enough, Xuan Qingban stood up abruptly. Her beautiful figure stirred something in Zhang Guodong's heart. But he only glanced at her before realizing what was happening. This woman was no longer someone he could control.
Her expression was grave. Clearly, the news Zhang Guodong brought back was extremely important. The previous reports about Xingmu Old Monster and Lei Xuan had alerted her to the dangers lurking beneath her, and she had spoken with the other elders and senior disciples, urging them to be extremely cautious. Although Zhang Guodong didn't know what they had discussed, it was obvious that Xuan Qinghui was cultivating much more diligently.
This time, Zhang Guodong actually encountered three plant cultivators above level 30? This immediately made Xuan Qingbo feel even more pressured. The top experts, all above level 50, might not even look at these little guys. But those of similar level put pressure on them imminently.
"Why would they let you leave?" Xuan Qing took a few steps but stopped, puzzled.
Knowing she would ask this, Zhang Guodong smiled inwardly, gave a snort, and calmly and "sincerely" said, "There were three people. One of them had the highest cultivation level, said to be level thirty-three. The other two were a senior brother and sister, and although their cultivation levels were slightly lower than the opponent's, the difference was only slight. The two of them fought the opponent together, and I happened to witness it. In the end, the level thirty-three expert escaped, but the senior brother and sister didn't harm me and even made a deal. However, I didn't know whether to accept this deal, so I asked my senior sister for her opinion!"
"Oh? What kind of deal?" So that's what happened. Xuan Qingjun was slightly surprised. The other party had actually let Zhang Guodong go. This did make her think a little too highly of Zhang Guodong.
It's important to understand that the plant cultivation industry is a dog-eat-dog world, and fierce competition is commonplace.
However, two plant cultivators above level 30 actually made a deal with a low-level plant cultivator of level 18?! If we consider the most likely scenario, it would be that Zhang Guodong would unconditionally obey the other party.
However, to be honest, Xuan Qingban was already surprised by Zhang Guodong. The terrifying increase in his plant cultivation level was one reason. How much time had passed since he left the plant cultivation world and arrived in the outside world? Zhang Guodong had actually quietly advanced to level eighteen—that speed was simply terrifying!
Xuan Qinghui then thought of Li Yun.
She personally planted the soul within Li Yun, guiding her into the ranks of plant cultivators. But this girl is terrifyingly powerful; she's already reached the mid-stage of level eleven!
This was quite a stretch. Xuan Qingji was greatly shocked, yet she couldn't help but want to ask the two of them for their advice. However, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.
This was another surprise. Just how many secrets did this man hold? Xuan Qingban's clear eyes seemed to see right through Zhang Guodong.
Zhang Guodong nodded slightly. He vaguely recounted Liu Meigui and Bai Yin's requests, including their compensation. He only withheld the information that this was likely the first place outside the city to imitate their system.
"Oh? It's these two?" Xuan Qinghui asked in surprise.
"Does Senior Sister perhaps know them? That would be wonderful. Should we accept this deal?" Zhang Guodong asked in surprise.
It's best to understand. He was genuinely worried about letting a wolf into the house. Although Xuan Qingzhi's cultivation level wasn't lower than theirs, it wasn't far behind. This is good.
"You decide for yourself. These two are from a small sect in Black Cloud City. They are among the best of the younger generation and have a good reputation. They have no enmity with my Qingxuan Sect. If possible, it's best to maintain good relations." Xuan Qing gave a brief evaluation of the two, but left the decision to Zhang Guodong.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Guodong made his decision. Since they weren't enemies, he could try to become friends. Having more strength meant having more ability to protect himself.
Having made up his mind, Zhang Guodong patted his storage bag, and suddenly five hundred low-grade crystals appeared on the bed.
Xuan Qingban looked at him with a puzzled expression, her gaze as clear as still water, but Zhang Guodong dared not meet her eyes. It seemed that every part of Xuan Qingban was captivating to Zhang Guodong.
“Among us now, Senior Sister, you have the highest cultivation level. With more and more plant cultivators entering the world, the safety of Peach Blossom Abode mainly depends on you, Senior Sister. So the higher your cultivation level, the safer we are! This amount of crystals isn't much, but it's enough to ensure that you can reach level 34 in a short time!” Zhang Guodong said with a pained expression.
That sounds very plausible. Five hundred low-grade crystals can only raise one level, up to level thirty-four, which shows that the higher the level of plant cultivation, the more spiritual energy is required.
After saying that, Zhang Guodong turned and left.
Xuan Qinghui wanted to ask Zhang Guodong where he got so many crystals, but he didn't get the chance. Zhang Guodong was also worried about this. After all, he had taken out nearly a thousand low-grade crystals.
For someone who has just started cultivating online, thousands of low-grade crystals are a huge fortune!
Zhang Guodong walked into the courtyard, a smile playing on his lips. His spiritual energy enveloped the house. Xuan Qingsuo hesitated for a moment before putting away the five hundred low-grade crystals. After thinking for a moment, he took out two more, preparing to cultivate. Only then did Zhang Guodong withdraw his surveillance.
It seems difficult for him to increase his power. Perhaps it would be better to let Xuanqingji raise his cultivation level higher. Currently, with the presence of the minor gods and the Xuanqing Cauldron, he can proceed with ease.
It's a helpless situation, to say the least.
During the week he spent hunting in the mountains, he would spend several hours each evening practicing his boxing in Peach Blossom Spring. He seemed to feel signs of a breakthrough in his strength, but something seemed to be holding him back. He would falter at crucial moments.
Fortunately, the progress was noticeable, and Zhang Guodong did not lose confidence.
Three nights later, while Zhang Guodong was practicing his boxing in Taoyuan, his body suddenly began to crackle and expand. His expression brightened with joy. He stopped practicing.
Finally, a breakthrough! A massive surge of spiritual energy flowed into his flesh and blood, continuing to transform his body, and his power rapidly increased.
**Power level 20!**
Having experienced the newly acquired power, Zhang Guodong was confident he could successfully execute the Hundred Blades Seal three times!
Having not left for three days, Zhang Guodong glanced at Li Yun, who was still in meditation, and then left the Peach Blossom Spring Space alone. Seeing that he was planning to cultivate, Li Yun, instead of playing around, also asked to enter the Peach Blossom Spring Space.
Ya Ya went home and was taken care of by Zhao Laoliu, which freed up Li Yun and the others.
After leaving the Peach Blossom Spring space, Zhang Guodong first washed his body. With each breakthrough, his body would expel some foreign matter to varying degrees.
If you don't wash it, it'll probably choke you.
"Guodong, you're out!" Just as he stepped down the stairs, he saw Qingzhu sitting listlessly in the yard. Upon seeing Zhang Guodong, her eyes lit up and she jumped up.
Her eyes darted around. Zhang Guodong's heart tightened. Had this girl gotten into some trouble?
My understanding of her only comes when she gets into trouble. That's when Qingzhu is like this.
"What trouble have you gotten into this time?" Zhang Guodong asked directly.
Qingzhu pulled Zhang Guodong aside. Zhang Guodong's hands were warm and soft; this girl's little hands were quite soft. Qingzhu didn't seem to care about appearances and didn't realize that she was holding Zhang Guodong's hand tightly.
"Guodong, this is terrible! Senior Sister is definitely going to punish me. Can you give me some advice? I'll give you twenty crystals!" Qingzhu said anxiously, her voice trembling with pain. To Zhang Guodong's amusement and surprise, this girl was actually resorting to crystals to put out the fire? You know, getting crystals out of her was no easy feat.
Qingzhu had already taken quite a few crystals from him. Yet, she was so angry over just one crystal that she was jumping up and down in a rage. Speaking of this, Zhang Guodong asked her once, and the little black figure hadn't appeared during the week he'd been in the mountains.
He took out twenty low-grade crystals. Seeing Qingzhu's pained expression, Zhang Guodong took them without hesitation and put them away.
"You're really not being polite, are you?" Qingzhu said with a hint of regret.
"Twenty yuan isn't much, but I'd like to hear what's going on. If possible, I'll help you!" Zhang Guodong said jokingly.
Qingzhu bit her lip. She leaned closer and whispered something in Zhang Guodong's ear. Zhang Guodong's expression gradually turned serious.
"Go back to your room and cultivate first. I'll handle this!"
A hundred times the spiritual energy. Even on Earth, this would be a rare cultivation environment. Seeing that Zhang Guodong had taken it on, Qingzhu cheered and went back inside.
Zhang Guodong frowned, glancing at his neighbor not far away. It was as if he could see right through the house, as if he could see Qin Lina.
How could Qingzhu be so careless? Qin Lina actually saw something she shouldn't have!
He had previously warned Li Yun never to use her plant cultivator powers in front of mortals. In his view, Li Yun was the most likely to cause this problem. Unexpectedly, it was Qingzhu who did it.
“Alright, let’s talk about it. If Qin Lina is also interested in the transplant, it would be good to have another one of our own. If she’s just curious, then please ask Xuan Qingbo to find a way to erase this part of her memory!” Zhang Guodong made up his mind and walked towards Qin Lina’s courtyard.
Qin Lina has been living a very difficult and anxious life since yesterday, and hasn't had a good rest. She really couldn't believe that Qingzhu, who was by her side, actually possessed such abilities!
A plant vine easily bound Big Black (actually, it was Second Black). And that plant vine actually grew from Green Bamboo's palm!
After being discovered, Qingzhu ran away in a panic.
Startled, Qin Lina returned to her room, wondering if she was hallucinating. But when she pinched herself, it hurt terribly. It was real!
Then she became extremely uneasy. She had discovered her secret. Or perhaps their secret. Qin Lina wondered if Zhang Guodong and his group also had the ability to do so? Would they silence her?
In the movie, such a big secret is revealed. The other party might very well kill her to silence her. Qin Lina's mind raced with thoughts, but she didn't leave the cabin.
Footsteps came from the courtyard, making Qin Lina jump up like a rabbit. She became even more nervous, and her face turned a little pale.
They're here! They're here!
"Is Lina here? This is Zhang Guodong." Zhang Guodong announced his presence as usual. After all, it was a single woman's room, and he couldn't just barge in.
"Come in, come in!" Qin Lina called out in a flustered manner.
Zhang Guodong entered Qin Lina's room. A delicate fragrance wafted from it; it truly was a young woman's boudoir. This was his second time entering!
Qin Lina's expression was off; she stared blankly at Zhang Guodong, seemingly at a loss for what to do.
Zhang Guodong sighed. It seemed she knew why she was there. That was better; he might as well get straight to the point.
"Are you here to kill me?" Qin Lina asked pitifully.
Zhang Guodong was taken aback, then asked, both amused and exasperated, "Why would I kill you?"
"I've discovered Qingzhu's secret. She's no ordinary person. To keep it a secret, she had to kill me. I know your world is very mysterious. Ordinary people can't know this!" Qin Lina's words were much more fluent. However, her imagination was also quite sharp. This delighted Zhang Guodong.
"So what if I am? Who said I was going to kill you?" Zhang Guodong smiled. "I'm here to talk to you about something else important!"
As he spoke, Zhang Guodong's smile vanished.
Huh? Qin Lina was momentarily confused. They weren't here to kill her?
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