However, this beast was incredibly tough. Even after taking a full set of Lin Xuan's Tongbei Fist strikes, it was still alive.
With a painful roar, it stumbled to its feet and tried to escape deeper into the forest.
"Hmph, you're not getting away."
Lin Xuan's figure flashed as he pursued. His fist, now glowing faintly with Yuan Power, slammed down like a falling boulder.
Falling Rock Fist!
"Bang!"
The heavy blow smashed into the bear's chest, shaking its internal organs.
The Ironback Azure Bear let out one final cry before collapsing, lifeless.
[Task: Kill the Ironback Azure Bear.
Reward: Low-Grade Universe Sack, Physique +1.
Completed. Claim reward?]
"Claim!"
A warm energy surged through Lin Xuan's body.
[Physique 8 (Mediocre) → Physique 9 (Mediocre)]
At the same time, a flash of white light appeared in his hands.
A palm-sized cyan cloth bag floated there, its surface flickering with faint silver-blue runes. The material felt mysterious and soft to the touch.
"This must be the Universe Sack," Lin Xuan said with excitement.
The space inside was shockingly vast, about the size of an entire room. It was perfect for carrying beast corpses and supplies.
Lin Xuan placed the Ironback Azure Bear's massive body into the sack, then continued hunting.
Over the next hour, he managed to hunt two wild boars, but they weren't as strong as the Ironback Azure Bear.
When he set up system tasks for them, the only reward was two Qi and Blood Pills, with no bonus to his attributes.
As the sun began to sink, Lin Xuan decided it was time to return home.
Thanks to the Universe Sack, he didn't need to drag the heavy beast carcasses by hand. To avoid suspicion, however, he still carried a wild boar on his back as a cover.
Walking through the forest, Lin Xuan reflected on today's battle.
"My strength and attack power are sufficient, but my speed is lacking. If I face a more agile demon beast, I might not even be able to land a strike."
He frowned slightly.
"Once I return, I need to learn a movement martial art to enhance my speed."
The closer he got to the Lin family territory, the more people he saw moving about in the forest.
Most were Lin family clansmen, combing through the area in search of spiritual herbs.
The back mountain was connected to a vast, unending forest.
Aside from dangerous beasts and demon beasts, there were also rare opportunities hidden here...valuable spiritual herbs.
Even an entry-level spiritual herb could greatly aid cultivation or fetch a high price if sold.
The areas closest to the Lin family had long been cleared by hunting teams, so there were almost no demon beasts nearby.
This made it a lively place where many clansmen came to try their luck.
Lin Xuan had also come here many times in the past but never had much luck.
Even today, after going deep into the forest and hunting a powerful fifth-level demon beast, he hadn't encountered a single spiritual herb.
Just as he was thinking this, a flash of movement caught his attention.
"Eh? What a beautiful figure," Lin Xuan muttered, pausing.
Up ahead, a slim, delicate figure darted through the forest like a butterfly.
Her movements were lively and graceful, almost dazzling against the backdrop of green.
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed.
"That looks like… Qingtan, Lin Dong's younger sister."
He recognized her from a distance. Although he had never spoken to her before, her appearance was unforgettable.
Qingtan was Lin Dong's adopted sister, not related by blood. She was only about thirteen or fourteen, her face still tender and youthful.
She wore a simple, light-colored dress that highlighted her snow-white skin and delicate features.
Her large black eyes shone with intelligence as she scanned the ground carefully, looking like a cute little girl out picking mushrooms.
Lin Xuan didn't call out to her. Instead, he followed quietly from a distance.
Though this area was generally safe, there was always the small chance a beast might wander close.
A young girl like Qingtan being alone in the forest was dangerous.
The First-Grade Spiritual Herb
"Wow! This is Chiyang Grass!"
Qingtan's excited voice rang out as she crouched down, digging at the dirt with her tiny white hands.
Her fingers were quickly covered in mud, but her face glowed with happiness.
In her hand, she carefully held a bright red spiritual herb.
"First-grade spiritual herb… Chiyang Grass," Lin Xuan murmured.
He couldn't help but sigh.
"As expected of the protagonist's sister....what incredible luck."
To Lin Xuan, who was already at the sixth level of Body Tempering, a first-grade herb was no longer very tempting.
But for Lin Dong, this was a treasure that could greatly boost his cultivation.
Qingtan's smile was filled with pure joy. Hugging the Chiyang Grass to her chest, she happily skipped toward home.
She had been coming to the back mountain frequently lately, hoping to find spiritual herbs to help Lin Dong, who had been training diligently. She wanted to support her brother in her own way.
Lin Xuan silently followed behind, making sure she stayed safe.
Soon, they reached the intersection of the path home.
A round, chubby boy appeared from the side, quickly approaching Qingtan with a flattering smile.
Lin Xuan recognized him as Lin Changqiang, Qingtan's loyal follower who clearly had a crush on her.
Qingtan was well-known for her beauty and lively personality. Many in the Lin family and even Qingyang Town admired her.
If she weren't still so young, marriage proposals would have already flooded the Lin family's doorstep.
As Qingtan and Lin Changqiang walked together, a group of older youths suddenly appeared, blocking the path ahead.
Lin Xuan's expression darkened.
The leader was Lin Shan, the second son of Lin Mang from the Lin family's second branch.
This troublemaker had always bullied Lin Dong and now clearly intended to target Qingtan.