Enter the forest ten miles
Frost withers the red leaves, thinning a thousand woods, but a few pines and cypresses stand proud on the ridge.
Unopened plum blossoms release a subtle fragrance, cozy short days, the season of late autumn, chrysanthemums are withered, lotus has withered, and camellias are thriving.
The scenery before him was like a picturesque heavenly realm, but Zhang Chen wasn't in the mood to appreciate it. At this time, Zhang Chen was carrying a Luoyang Shovel on his shoulder, with a large basket on his back, walking with Wang Wu along the mountain path.
"I have to say, your skill in making traps is becoming more exquisite; your hunting skills have already surpassed mine." Wang Wu, walking ahead, spoke first.
Zhang Chen possesses various wilderness survival knowledge from his previous life, along with advanced hunting trap techniques. Naturally, he's unmatched by anyone in this world. Grateful for Wang Wu's kindness, he imparted the trap-making knowledge he learned in his past life without reservation, not keeping any secrets from Wang Wu.
Upon hearing Wang Wu's words, Zhang Chen grinned foolishly, "It's only because you've taught me well, Uncle."
"The little bit of skill I have is barely making ends meet, avoiding hunger. You've surpassed expectations, outdoing even me in trap-making. I genuinely have no idea what you have inside that little brain of yours, thinking up such ingenious traps." Wang Wu's voice was full of emotion.
Zhang Chen looked at Wang Wu's back and replied with a smile, "Uncle Wang's skills are beyond comparison for me; you are truly too modest."
"By the way, Landlord Li seems to be increasing the rent this year. You'd better prepare in advance; don't lack the rent." Wang Wu, walking in front, seemed to remember something suddenly, speaking hurriedly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen furrowed his brow: "Increasing the rent again? Last year it was already raised to three taels of silver; if this continues, how will we survive? Though the forest is his, the creatures within are not part of his Li Family; they are truly overbearing!"
Zhang Chen's voice was filled with dissatisfaction.
"The situation is stronger than people, what else can we do but endure?" Wang Wu's voice was filled with rage and indignation.
The two parted ways in the mountains, each heading to their own hunting grounds. Zhang Chen had a productive day, catching three wild chickens and a deer. He decided to cook the chicken in the mountains, and after eating his fill, he returned to the Mysterious cave entrance: "Maybe I don't need to dig too large of an opening, as long as I can crawl through it."
Looking at the cave he had excavated, Zhang Chen began contemplating a more labor-saving approach to digging. However, after a moment's thought, he shook his head dismissing it: "If some fierce snakes or insects rush out from inside, I won't even have time to react. Or if something fierce from outside blocks the path, I'll be eating."
He may not have claustrophobia, but considering the remote wilderness, should some beast emerge, he would be unable to turn back, and face being eaten.
Digging out a complete passage is trouble, but it's safe.
"Safety is crucial." Zhang Chen pondered briefly, descending with the basket along the rope, continuing to excavate the deep, mysterious tunnel he uncovered the day before.
As Zhang Chen dug, a substantial amount of experience points were collected.
[Experience Points +7]
[Experience Points +9]
[Experience Points +5]
[Experience Points +20]
[Experience Points +7]
[Experience Points +35]
[Experience Points +50]
...
Zhang Chen worked diligently digging, staying in the mountains instead of returning at noon, and directly roasted a wild chicken for eating as he needed to do physical labor and digging consumed significant energy; his appetite began increasing.
While roasting the wild chicken, Zhang Chen was also grinding iron beads, considering materials for making slingshot strings.
"Finding suitable materials in this world to make slingshot strings is not easy. It's best to use tendons from fierce beasts, soaked in special potions, certainly meeting the slingshot's needs. But hunting tigers and bears is nearly impossible; my small frame isn't enough for those beasts' paws to swipe at."
After eating the chicken, Zhang Chen rested briefly before continuing digging.
The tunnel Zhang Chen dug wasn't wide, just one meter square, which made it easier to turn around and swing a dagger.
But as Zhang Chen dug, he suddenly sensed something strange, as the cave ahead had a hint of frost. The frost adhered to the cave, even turning the soil to frozen ground, making digging exceptionally difficult for Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen touched the frost, a hint of surprise in his eyes: "This shouldn't be, it's the height of summer now, how can there be frozen soil?"
Looking at the frost-covered frozen soil on the wall, Zhang Chen's swing of the Luoyang Shovel paused, a touch of caution in his eyes, uncertain whether to dig further.
Frozen soil in June is unusual, full of oddity, how could he not be cautious.
However, looking at the dark, underground cave flickering with the red glow of experience points, Zhang Chen glanced at his Golden Finger Interface:
[Name: Zhang Chen]
[Skill (Tier 2): Light of the True God (0/5000)]
[Points: 300]
How to level up without digging up the Golden Finger?
How to escape the Fox Spirit without digging?
Without confronting the unknown cave mystery, he will still face that damn Fox Spirit later. Now with massive experience points before him, he had no reason to give up.
"Dig more!" Zhang Chen touched the frozen soil momentarily, then continued to dig.
But the frozen soil was hard, slowing down the digging, especially substantially draining his energy.
Moreover, the frozen soil was like ice, sending chills through his body, making Zhang Chen's body begin to stiffen, his fingers becoming unresponsive. Half an hour later, Zhang Chen had to crawl out from the cave, basking in the warm sun, the chill gradually dispersing.