After a day of struggle, Lu Fei could finally lie down to sleep. As he turned over in bed, he heard his bones crackle.
He used to often go into the deep mountains alone to camp and observe wild animals, but that was all done on foot. Today was different; not only did his body have to endure torture, but his mind also had to withstand immense pressure.
Yet, despite being exhausted both physically and mentally, an unprecedented sense of fulfillment surged through Lu Fei's heart. Perhaps only this feeling of progressing and growing alongside his contracted beast was the most real.
This was a world of beast tamers. Even with his profound knowledge of animal research, it was still only applicable to ordinary animals. There was an essential difference between contracted beasts and animals.
Lu Fei was also clear about his current situation. Although there were no major disturbances for now, organizations like the Hunters, or the powerful extraterrestrial creatures yet to appear, were all potential threats. A single mistake could cost him his life.
"Huu..." Lu Fei sighed, "I still need to quickly improve my strength."
Unknowingly, he drifted off to sleep amidst a vague anxiety.
The next day, dawn was breaking.
The sound of chopping echoed from outside the window.
Lu Fei was woken up. He threw on a jacket and walked out of the room, stretching and yawning listlessly.
As expected, Ironhead was already training with its beloved broken sword.
Last night, after returning to the room, Lu Fei had urgently summoned the愣头蛇 (Lèng Tóu Shé). Under the temptation of a large amount of delicious food, the愣头蛇 compromised. With its "Divine Healing" ability, Ironhead was resurrected on the spot!
Becoming energetic once again, even its hand injury healed, it immediately became like it had drunk chicken blood. It leaped up from the bed, pointing its sword towards the door.
It declared that it would train for another three hundred rounds until it couldn't stand up anymore, but Lu Fei had already had enough. Finally, after Brother Chicken's earnest persuasion, Ironhead reluctantly agreed to rest for one night and fight again tomorrow.
But this fellow couldn't stay still. And so, early in the morning, it was causing a ruckus in the courtyard.
Brother Chicken rubbed its eyes and walked up to Lu Fei, "Old Lu, what training are you guys doing today?"
Lu Fei opened his mouth, "Ironhead's current physical strength is too low. With its mere flesh and blood, it can't possibly withstand confrontation with hard objects like metal or rocks. Yesterday, Drunkard suggested tempering Ironhead's physical strength. The contracted beast skill 'Hardening' is very suitable for Ironhead."
"'Hardening'?" Brother Chicken frowned, its tone filled with curiosity. "What does this skill do?"
"I've read the description of this skill. It says it can temporarily enhance a certain part of the body, making its hardness comparable to steel," Lu Fei said, then looked at Brother Chicken and suggested, "Brother Chicken, why don't you also train and harden your beak? This way, your combat power can also be greatly increased!"
Brother Chicken's eyes flickered, "Any part can be hardened?"
"I suppose so," Lu Fei replied.
Brother Chicken's gaze widened.
"Let's go, let's go! Let's train now!"
Brother Chicken tugged Lu Fei towards the outside of the courtyard, "Disciple! Hurry up and follow!" Brother Chicken called out.
"Wei!"
Ironhead shouldered its broken sword and followed.
Lu Fei was utterly bewildered.
...
The group once again arrived on the Carefree Grassland. Today, Drunkard did not come. He left a note on the table, saying he would be out for a few days. During his absence, [Dual-Blade Mantis] would accompany them for training.
The green figure held two claws like great swords at its chest, its eyes sharp, its build imposing, and its presence majestic.
Opposite it stood Ironhead and Brother Chicken respectively.
This was originally a special training session exclusively for Ironhead, but for some reason, Brother Chicken displayed unprecedented enthusiasm, its eagerness no less than that of its cheap disciple.
[Dual-Blade Mantis] appeared extremely confident. Its Hardening skill had already reached a state of perfection. To train these two rookies before it was simply overkill.
[Dual-Blade Mantis] raised both arms, and immediately, a dazzling metallic luster emanated from them. It lowered its arms, and with a strike, a long gash appeared on the previously flat ground.
"Break!!"
[Dual-Blade Mantis] let out a vigorous roar.
Brother Chicken picked its ear, "Are you done yet? Are you going to teach or not?"
About half an hour later...
[Dual-Blade Mantis] had finished flexing its muscles. It was confident that its earlier display had deeply impressed the two rookies in front of it.
However, what it didn't know was that while it was showing off its skill proficiency, Ironhead's eyes were fixed on it, paying attention to every movement and every move it released, including all the preparations before activation.
"Break, break, break!"
[Dual-Blade Mantis] shouted a few times.
Brother Chicken's expression changed. "Seriously? You haven't even started teaching yet! How am I supposed to learn!"
From [Dual-Blade Mantis]'s earlier shouts, Brother Chicken had translated, "I've already demonstrated. You can start self-learning now."
Compared to its master's frustration, the disciple appeared exceptionally calm. Ironhead bowed towards [Dual-Blade Mantis], a gesture of courtesy from a swordsman.
[Dual-Blade Mantis] turned around stylishly, thinking to itself, "Little rookies, let me play with you for a bit first."
After [Dual-Blade Mantis] left, Ironhead spread its hands, feeling a force slowly gather in its palms. Gradually, a high-intensity pressure permeated Ironhead's palms. The force grew stronger and stronger, forming a dark luster.
Sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle!!!
The dark luster instantly spread across Ironhead's palms!
Ironhead raised its arm and slapped a large rock.
The sound was like a thunderous bell.
Hardening!!!
This scene instantly stunned Brother Chicken and Lu Fei into disbelief.
It learned it just like that????
[Dual-Blade Mantis] turned back in shock!
What is this...?
Its eyes widened. How was this possible? When did it learn it? Just by watching it once???
Impossible! This is absolutely impossible!
Ironhead gazed at its own palms, overjoyed.
However, it showed no intention of stopping. Its fists clenched, its eyes closed tightly, feeling the power flow through its entire body!
Slowly, a dark metallic luster began to circulate throughout Ironhead's body!
"Bang bang bang!"
Sounds of metallic cracking echoed.
Ironhead's body began to darken at a visible rate. Its originally white skin turned dark black, making it look like a black person.
This!!!
[Dual-Blade Mantis] was dumbfounded, its eyes about to pop out!
This is full-body hardening! Full-body hardening that it itself had not mastered!
Impossible! [Dual-Blade Mantis] lost its reason, raised its arm, and activated [Hardening]!
It swung its blade at Ironhead!