Chapter 391: Chapter 221: Captive Rearing an Exotic Beast (2)

Seeing the giant python instantly suppressed after its failed sneak attack, Cheng Zongyang said, "Just cripple it. Don’t kill it."

The Mole Beast snorted twice, then grabbed the dazed python and began slamming it against the ground again. Only when the giant python was on the brink of death, its tail hanging limp and unable to curl, did Cheng Zongyang pull it into the Wilderness World.

"Wait here," Cheng Zongyang said, then entered the Wilderness World.

The giant python, taking up more than half the floor of the hut, naturally startled Luo Dingran and the others.

Cheng Zongyang waved his hand to show that everything was fine, then appraised it.

The results showed it was just a One-Star Level Exotic Beast. This was within Cheng Zongyang’s expectations. No ordinary creature would actively seek death after sensing the Mole Beast’s aura.

But he had kept it alive to see if it could be raised in captivity, allowing Zhang Jinquan to make good use of it.

He immediately dragged it toward the Medicine Hall.

When Zhang Jinquan learned of Cheng Zongyang’s idea, he laughed. "That’s not a bad idea. We can draw its blood for long-term use. As long as it’s properly suppressed, we won’t have to worry about it escaping."

Cheng Zongyang nodded. "You can try using the Geomagnetic Stone. If that doesn’t work, just tie it up with something."

"Sure, leave it to me," Zhang Jinquan said with a laugh.

Cheng Zongyang wasn’t worried. With Zhang Jinquan’s strength, suppressing this One-Star Level Exotic Beast wouldn’t be a problem. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

As he left, he took ten more Red Blood Pills.

He couldn’t help it. The Mole Beast was just too incredible. Whether it was finding the treasure or actively protecting its master just now, it deserved a generous reward!

Back outside, Cheng Zongyang gave the Red Blood Pills to the Mole Beast. Seeing them, the creature let out a couple of squeaks, took the pills, and began to eat.

Cheng Zongyang looked around and said, "Let’s go. First, we need to find the way back."

’My original plan was to spend a few days in the mountains, then a few days back home. But now that I’ve found the Huangfu Family’s treasure, I’ll just go back to give a few instructions before returning to the mountains for a longer stay.’

He returned to the surface through the tunnel in the cave and retrieved the Geomagnetic Stone.

The Mole Beast obediently followed behind Cheng Zongyang, periodically tossing a soybean-sized Red Blood Pill into its mouth and chewing it with an air of sophistication. Cheng Zongyang found the sight quite amusing.

The pill was a normal size for a person, but for the Mole Beast, it was probably just big enough to get stuck in its teeth. It was like a human eating a single mung bean with great relish.

But the Mole Beast didn’t seem to mind at all. It was hard to tell whether it liked the taste or the effects of the Elixir.

Cheng Zongyang was already lost, so he just followed the Mole Beast. Relying on the creature’s sense of smell, they made their way back to the small waterfall without incident.

He checked on the people in the cave and, seeing no issues, left again. Before entering the village, however, he re-entered the Wilderness World’s Preservation Warehouse to gather some things to take back with him.

His item list had generated quite a few new things. Combined with the Medicinal Materials and fruits brought back by the Collection Hunting Team, there was plenty to take.

「Inside the Preservation Warehouse.」

Cheng Zongyang selected a number of crops from the Wilderness World.

For example: Seven-Star Fruit, which could enhance immunity; White Moon Mushroom, which could replenish blood and boost vitality; aromatic oil grass, which could enhance flavor and fragrance; and several types of nutrient-rich wild vegetables.

There were over a dozen types in total, all of which could be cultivated with a special nutrient solution.

Lastly, he took a dozen or so black-striped spotted fish fry from the fish farm. They could replenish blood, boost vitality, and strengthen one’s Physique. They were freshwater fish, so they could be raised in the village.

He didn’t take any of the cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, or ducks. He had generated a large number of them when his item list first refreshed, and aside from a few he kept here, the rest had already been sent to the village.

After some thought, he decided to also take a dozen or so sets of Weapons and Armor. These were all standard-issue equipment, not Entry Grade Level.

Cheng Zongyang had already scrubbed off the Huangfu insignia, so he wasn’t worried about anyone recognizing them.

With the large carrying basket from before, a bamboo tube filled with fish, and a large bundle, he departed.

Back outside, Cheng Zongyang had the Mole Beast carry the basket and the bundle, while he himself carried the bamboo tube toward the village.

In just a quarter of an hour, he reached the village entrance. The first person to spot him was Zhou Zhenqi, who shouted in surprise and delight,

"Cousin is back!"

At that moment, Zhou Zhenqi, Zhou Zhennan, and Cheng Zongliang were up to something behind the mountain.

Hearing Zhou Zhenqi’s shout, the other two quickly looked toward the mountain path.

But when they saw Cheng Zongyang, their faces changed. Without a second thought, Cheng Zongliang turned and bolted for the village.

That snapped Zhou Zhennan back to his senses. He paid Zhou Zhenqi no mind and took off running after him.

Zhou Zhenqi watched them both run off, still not understanding what was happening. It was only when he glanced at the pot of snake and chicken meat stewing beside him that he finally understood.

’Those two traitors!’

But by the time he thought to run, it was already too late. Cheng Zongyang had arrived before him, a puzzled look on his face.

Normally, Zhou Zhenqi was quite bold; otherwise, he wouldn’t be running around causing mischief with his cousins.

But in front of his cousin Zongyang, he didn’t dare act out of line.

"Co-Cousin." Zhou Zhenqi’s face was a mask of misery. "You’re back so soon? Didn’t you say you’d be gone for seven days? There’s still a day left."

Cheng Zongyang glanced at the fire and gave a faint, unreadable smile. "You’ve kept better track of the time than I have. What, not happy to see me?"

"Not at all!" Zhou Zhenqi laughed sheepishly. "You coming home safe and sound is the best news we could ask for, of course."

Cheng Zongyang shook his head. "Did you leave the safe zone? Who gave you the Purses?"

He had checked the Geomagnetic Stone earlier and there was nothing wrong with it. Anyone who wanted to leave had to carry a Purse to get in and out.

There were no snakes in the village, yet these three rascals were stewing "Dragon and Phoenix Soup" on the mountain behind it. ’They certainly know how to enjoy themselves,’ he thought.

Zhou Zhenqi’s expression tightened, and he quickly shook his head. "No, no! We didn’t leave the mountain! We got this snake from Second Uncle Cheng at the Medicine Hall. And the chicken... we, uh, got it from the coop."

As he finished, Zhou Zhenqi lowered his head, looking a little embarrassed.

Cheng Zongyang shook his head. "When it’s done cooking, take it to your Second Uncle Cheng and explain everything. Otherwise, he’ll think the snake escaped and waste manpower looking for it."

Seeing that Cheng Zongyang didn’t intend to punish him, Zhenqi breathed a sigh of relief. But before he could respond, he heard his cousin add,

"After dinner tonight, find the other two and come to my study together."

"Ah? Oh, okay! I will, I definitely will!"

’I thought I was going to get yelled at tonight, but since I get to drag those two traitors down with me, I guess it’s fair.’

News of Cheng Zongyang’s return with the Mole Beast spread quickly.

Cheng Zongyang brought the Mole Beast and his haul to his home. He handed the goods over to the Storehouse to be registered, then they were passed on to the people from the relevant departments to be processed.

Zhou Zhennan and Cheng Zongliang were also in the crowd, their heads hung low, not daring to look at Cheng Zongyang for fear of being scolded.

Cheng Zongyang paid them no mind, entering the half-finished meeting hall with several elders.

Cheng Zongyang briefly recounted the events of his trip. He didn’t mention the Huangfu Family’s treasure, as there was no need.

He did, however, tell them about Mist Valley, so they would be aware of it.

The Weapons and Armor he brought back served as proof.

Cheng Guanghai and the others had no reason to doubt him. Cheng Guanghai said gravely, "It seems there really are secrets out there. Otherwise, where would these Weapons and equipment come from? Judging by their appearance, they must be very old. But they haven’t rusted through and are still usable, which means they’re made from high-quality materials. With a bit of sharpening and a good cleaning, the village’s Guard Team can use them."

Zhou Hansong nodded in agreement. "Indeed. But are you certain there are no Exotic Beasts in the area?"

Cheng Zongyang smiled. "Even if there are, I’m not worried. In a couple of days, I’m taking the Mole Beast there again, and I might be gone a little longer this time. On top of that, I’ll see if I can capture an Exotic Beast to bring back and raise. That would make it easier for Second Uncle to study it and extract its blood."

Cheng Guangshan thought it was a good proposal, but he still added a word of caution. "It’s a good idea, and I agree with it personally, but safety comes first. Don’t take any unnecessary risks."

"That’s right, be cautious," Zhou Hanchang added. "Martial Artists always run into unexpected trouble in the mountains. One moment of carelessness and even the powerful can fall. You have to proceed with caution."

Cheng Zongyang smiled. "I will."

After the brief meeting, the elders went their separate ways to attend to their duties.

As evening fell, Cheng Zongyang finished dinner and returned to his study. He began to organize his plans for the structure of an underground intelligence network.

’Since those three rascals can’t stay out of trouble, I might as well give them something to do.’