In the afternoon, Manager Wan from the morning, along with several other people, arrived at the residence of the drunkard located on the Forget Worry Grassland.
After disembarking from the vehicle, several tall Contract Beasts carried wine jars. On either side of the group, two individuals wore uniform attire, with a small sleeve badge on their chests bearing the character "御" (Imperial).
It was presumed they were hired Beast Tamers from the Beast Tamer Association.
Ever since entering the Forget Worry Grassland, Manager Wan had been looking around cautiously, his expression wary, as if there were something fearsome nearby.
Lu Fei, hearing the commotion outside the door, walked out, wondering if the drunkard had returned.
Upon looking outside, he saw it was the winery manager from the morning.
"So soon?" Lu Fei frowned slightly, surprised. The speed was almost comparable to takeout.
Seeing Lu Fei emerge, Manager Wan composed his flustered expression and walked forward with a smile.
"Esteemed guest, we have delivered your wine!"
"Your location is truly hidden; it was so hard to find. The vehicle circled a few times before locating it."
Lu Fei understood their implication and chuckled.
"Thank you for your hard work, Manager Wan. Once the wine cellar is built, we won't treat you friends poorly."
Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately's eyes lit up, and they gained renewed vigor.
"Did you hear that? Get moving!"
Manager Wan shouted, and all the workers, their morale boosted, began to bustle about.
The drunkard's dwelling, though simple with only two rooms, was quite spacious. After all, Contract Beasts frequently came and went, and a larger area was more convenient.
The workers building the wine cellar summoned their respective Contract Beasts.
Judging by their forms, it was clear these Contract Beasts were professionals in this line of work. For instance, the [Twin Diamond Mole] was an expert at digging holes.
And the [Mighty Monkey], with its large build and immense strength, was the obvious choice for moving things.
With the help of the [Twin Diamond Mole], they first excavated a very deep and wide pit, using bamboo as scaffolding to hold the wine jars. A staircase was built below the pit for access.
Once the bottom layer was completed, a new bamboo structure was erected, with wine racks mirroring the design of the lower level.
It had to be said, the work efficiency of Contract Beasts was frighteningly high. By dusk, this brand-new wine cellar was completed.
"Mr. Lu, your wine cellar is ready!"
Manager Wan called out towards the house. During their conversation, he had learned that this esteemed guest's surname was Lu, making "Mr. Lu" the minimum required honorific.
Lu Fei emerged from the house and looked at the wine cellar, which had cost two million异币 to build, feeling quite satisfied.
Stepping inside the cellar, rows upon rows of wine jars were neatly arranged, exuding a rich aroma. Even Lu Fei, who knew nothing about wine, felt like appreciating the cellar for a good while.
He was now very curious about what expression the drunkard, who was addicted to alcohol, would have upon seeing this scene…
"Um... Mr. Lu, the wine cellar is built now. What do you think..."
Manager Wan rubbed his fingers together, looking expectant.
Lu Fei didn't play coy. He wasn't short of a tip now. Matters that could be resolved with money were not considered problems at all. He directly handed over the prepared red envelopes to them. The recipients accepted the envelopes, overjoyed.
A moment later, Manager Wan bid farewell.
"Mr. Lu, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave?"
Lu Fei nodded.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Manager Wan and the others hurried to the entrance, as if eager to be on their way. Suddenly, he stopped, turned back, and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Lu, are you living here alone?"
Lu Fei responded with a hum.
Manager Wan let out a sigh. "There's something I've been thinking about for a long time, and I feel I should remind you. I don't know if you're already aware."
Lu Fei paused slightly.
"What is it?"
Manager Wan swallowed.
"I heard that the Forget Worry Grassland hasn't been very peaceful recently. It's said a formidable character has arrived on the grassland, killing many wild Contract Beasts. If it only took their lives, it would be one thing, but that creature only drinks blood and doesn't eat the meat!"
Lu Fei was shocked. He hadn't known about this at all…
A thought flashed through his mind.
"Damn it, could that old fellow have left because he already knew about this creature's existence?" Lu Fei couldn't help but recall why the drunkard hadn't returned home for nearly a month.
Manager Wan continued.
"What's more troublesome is that several hired Beast Tamers discovered the creature's footprints. If it were a large creature, it would be easier to capture. However, judging by the footprints, its size is at most about one meter. If we were to discover its whereabouts, it would be incredibly difficult!"
He glanced around, feeling a chill run down his spine.
"That creature prefers to appear at night. Why don't you go hide in town for now? Perhaps that creature will be caught after some time."
Lu Fei stood stunned for a moment, suppressing the fear in his heart.
"Thank you for the reminder, Manager Wan. I understand."
Seeing his confident demeanor, Manager Wan said no more, bid farewell, and quickly left.
"Brother Ji, what do you think?"
Lu Fei's voice carried a hint of trepidation.
Brother Ji, shrinking behind his beloved disciple, trembled.
"It's too late to leave now. Let's just go back first thing tomorrow morning."
After a moment of silence, Lu Fei nodded in agreement.
Brother Ji added.
"I'll go call the brothers right away to stand guard tonight!"
It shivered.
It muttered.
"I've lived here for so long and never felt anything. Now that I know, I'm really a little scared."
Iron Head娃 let out a "Wei!" and, carrying its timid master on its back, walked towards the door.
As night fell, the weather turned slightly cool.
The few wild Contract Beasts outside the courtyard, having spent some time with Brother Ji, had been captivated by its unique charisma. Therefore, they obediently agreed to guard the night.
Inside the house, Lu Fei and Brother Ji spent the night nervously.
Fortunately, nothing happened throughout the entire night. It was all safe and sound!
Lu Fei walked out of the house, stretched, and muttered.
"Where did that shopkeeper get such gossip? It's making me look bad."
Brother Ji followed closely behind.
"Disciple, the opponent your master found for you is scared and didn't come. We'll fight another day!"
Iron Head娃 shouted upwards.
"Wei!"
Afterward, they bid farewell to the sparring partners they had worked with over the past month. Lu Fei had to return to the academy; the next day was the day of the advancement assessment.
Without their help, Iron Head娃's progress would not have been so rapid. Although Lu Fei had not yet officially contracted Iron Head娃, their bond had deepened considerably during this month of companionship.
As such, Lu Fei immediately initiated a test.
"Iron Head娃, have you considered becoming my Contract Beast?" Lu Fei said playfully.
"Swoosh!"
The broken sword was drawn.
After Lu Fei and the others left, coincidentally, a drunken middle-aged man returned, staggering with a swagger.
Behind him, several Contract Beasts followed.
One of the Contract Beasts carried the corpse of another Contract Beast on its shoulder.
Its form was not long, approximately one meter in length.