TL : Anna Yildiz
PR : Adrian Katastofi
Zhang Ping spent a whole morning extracting the iron balls from the dough. In the afternoon, he became familiar with various materials, mostly derived from exotic beasts and variant plants in Renzhu City.
Take the Red Refining Snake for instance. Originally, it was a harmless red chain snake, lacking any venom. But after transforming into an exotic beast, it gained venomous properties. Its fangs became toxic, spitting fire poison, and its scales became dusted with ash. Enhancing its defensive power and releasing heat, leaving burn marks wherever it passed.
Zhang Ping was interested in learning about these materials instead of dismissing them outright. He paid more attention to this subject than he ever did to mathematics and physics in his past life.
As Chou Qiang taught, he casually mentioned methods for dealing with exotic beasts while collecting materials. Those experiences were precious lessons. Over the next two days, Zhang Ping devoted himself to studying.
On the eve of the 22nd, the mysterious figure arranged to meet him in the small park behind the beef brisket noodle shop. Before heading there, Zhang Ping intended to scope out the area and familiarize himself with the environment. Since he graduated from Renzhu Ability Academy, he hasn’t visited the orphanage in three years, and he doesn’t know if anything has changed there.
After confirming that Chou Qiang had fallen asleep, Zhang Ping sneaked out of Iron Soul using the cover of night and his assassin’s ring. Nearby, a Celestial Fox disguised as a muscular man stared blankly at the shop sign.
Unaware of Zhang Ping’s departure, the Celestial Fox idly stared at the shop, unable to fulfill its task. Suspicion, suspicion. How could a fox not be skeptical? ‘Luo Shiyu’ never let go of her suspicions regarding Zhang Ping. She believed that if Zhang Ping truly was a suspect, he wouldn’t be the primary leader. Therefore, she assigned her subordinates to monitor Zhang Ping closely, hoping to discover resistance forces amongst humans. However, Zhang Ping behaved normally during the day and appeared invisible at night due to his Night Walking ability and assassin’s ring. Her subordinates, despite remembering their mission, constantly overlooked crucial information due to distractions. Tonight would be their last attempt to observe Zhang Ping. If they didn’t discover anything, they would abandon monitoring him. …
Arriving without incident, Zhang Ping reached the small park after ten minutes. Compared to his memories, the park had drastically changed. Previously flat land now featured multiple trees, creating a forest-like atmosphere. Something felt off. Clutching the hidden dagger in his sleeve, Zhang Ping felt as though someone was watching him from the tree line. Just then, a flash of red light caught his eye from the right. Instinctively adjusting his stance, he spotted a mouse roughly the size of a housecat cautiously emerging from behind a tree. An exotic beast! Upon seeing the rodent, Zhang Ping immediately identified it.
[Identify successful]
Exotic Beast: Armored Poison-Tailed Rat
Species: Armored Mouse
Potential: ⭐⭐
Life Span: 50
Rank: Junior Exotic Beast
Level: 5
Abilities:
Venomous Spike Tail: The tail contains poison
Hard Armored Fur: Similar to armor, fur provides increased defense but decreases agility
Fortunately, it was only a junior exotic beast. Two levels apart, there was still a difference, but it wasn’t enormous. Relaxing slightly, Zhang Ping recognized that even a junior exotic beast shouldn’t be taken lightly. According to his identification results, the rat’s tail contained poison. Due to insufficient experience, Zhang Ping didn’t bring antivenom while venturing outside. Normally, all venoms from exotic beasts acted swiftly. Without universal antivenom on hand, a bite basically guaranteed death. Carefulness was paramount. However, there was no need for excessive fear. Much like encountering a venomous snake, avoiding a bite was sufficient.
Focusing his gaze on the armored poison-tailed rat, Zhang Ping noticed it cautiously circling him, searching for weaknesses. Exotic beasts weren’t stupid; tactics effective against common animals held limited use against exotic beasts. They probed victims warily, attacking strongly built opponents and retreating when faced with weaker ones. Maintaining composure, Zhang Ping mentally reviewed strategies for combating small exotic beasts. Deciding to attack preemptively, he lunged at the rat with lightning speed. Standing nearly upright, he thrust his dagger towards the rat’s exposed underside, striking its vital point. However, the rat’s defense proved unexpectedly robust. Though wounded, it rolled into a ball and spun away, evading lethal damage. The dagger barely grazed its armored fur, dissipating most of the force. Realizing his error, Zhang Ping retreated, maintaining distance from the rat’s thrashing tail. The rat ceased hostilities, saving its energy.
Standing a meter away, Zhang Xiao gasped for air, sweat pouring down his brow. Mostly exhausted from the initial assault, he conserved stamina during subsequent dodges. Indeed, actual battles demanded greater energy reserves than rehearsals. Recalling specialized courses at Renzhu Ability Academy, Zhang Xiao adjusted his grip on the dagger and posture, switching to a boxing style favored for battling small exotic creatures. Confident in his superior speed, he provoked the rat, forcing it to react hastily. Anticipating the rat’s countermove, he sidestepped the incoming tail swipe and aimed for its vulnerable belly again. Unfortunately, the rat moved quicker than anticipated, twisting its tail to stab his protruding forearm. Wincing, Zhang Xiao jerked his arm free. Blood trickled from the minor wound, but he suppressed panic. Encountering a venomous opponent necessitated caution. Still, he refused to admit defeat.
Determined, he charged at the rat again, feinting a lunge towards its tail base. Simultaneously, he shifted his angle to approach the rat diagonally from its left. Surprisingly, the rat fell for his ruse, attempting to impale him on its tail spine. Swiftly changing direction, Zhang Xiao targeted the rat’s wide-open stomach, delivering a decisive blow. Yet, the blow merely dented the rat’s armored plates, failing to penetrate. Frustrated, Zhang Xiao backed off, catching his breath. At this pace, he might exhaust himself before killing the rat. Perhaps focusing on the rat’s head would yield better results. Conversely, his adversary regrouped, poised for another offensive. Seething with rage, the rat launched itself at Zhang Xiao, spinning its barbed tail in deadly arcs.
Instinctively, Zhang Xiao parried the attacks with his dagger, dancing around the rat’s whirlwind strikes. Gradually closing the distance, he seized an opportunity, slicing into the rat’s neck. Bright red blood splattered everywhere, followed by eerie silence. Gasping, Zhang Xiao surveyed his surroundings, relieved to find no immediate danger. Retreating a few steps, he released a pent-up sigh. The outcome wasn’t surprising given the darkness and his Night Walking ability. Moreover, the rat’s vulnerability facilitated victory. Nevertheless, its appearance in the park puzzled him, especially considering his stealth measures. Hours later, two women dressed in green military garb investigated the scene. One questioned, “Thoughtful Sister, do you think your old friend is human or an exotic beast?” Neither woman acknowledged Zhang Xiao’s presence. “I hope he’s human,” the other responded. Organizations confirmed the presence of exotic beasts masquerading as citizens, yet they knew few identities. Each entry into the city posed severe risks for agents. Hoping to establish contact with Zhang Xiao, they interacted cautiously, ready to assume responsibility for any accidents. “If my command symbol breaks, detonate the black chamber,” one reminded the other. After examining the corpse, they vanished into the night. …
On the seventh day, Zhang Ping rose early. Today, he attempted the Harmony Forging Technique again. Over the past two days, he persisted with morning rituals involving the Contract Stone, shifting his forging method to harmony. Admittedly, his energy expenditure surpassed his previous efforts, but witnessing progress encouraged him to focus solely on harmony practices. Consuming the Contract Stone, he prepared materials for forging, guided by Chou Qiang. Halfway through, Zhang Ping felt a sudden surge of warmth in his abdomen, involuntarily drawing a breath. To his astonishment, flames escaped the furnace, sucked into his nostrils like water, filling his chest and abdomen. Immediately, his spirits lifted, and his previously clumsy movements smoothened. Had he unlocked a new talent? Distracted by the transformation, Zhang Ping neglected the forging until Chou Qiang urged him to add fuel to raise the furnace temperature. Quickly recovering, Zhang Ping concentrated on his remaining tasks.
