Behind Yuan Lang, Teng Qian raised a fist, then silently stuck up his middle finger. He then muttered in confusion, "What does this gesture even mean?"

"Boss, we brought back all the Salt Crystal Stones from inside, but the site clearly looks like it’s been excavated. What if the Beastmen from the Black Wolf Tribe discover that cave?"

Yuan Lang replied without turning his head, "So what?"

Teng Qian: "..."

’Alright, Boss. You’re just being a smartass.’

As if a thought had struck him, he stealthily sidled up to Yuan Lang. "General, do you... still want to go back?"

Yuan Lang’s eyes darkened instantly. "What do you mean?"

Teng Qian pouted. "Life is peaceful here, I guess, but it’s a far cry from what we had before. I just can’t get used to it. It would be wonderful if we could go back.

That guy Teng Kun actually found a sturdy woman here. When I get back, I’m definitely going to find an official’s daughter to be my wife, take a few beautiful concubines, and have lots of children. Then my life will be complete."

After he finished speaking, he let out a dopey laugh, as if he were already living that life.

Suddenly, a foot flew from behind and kicked Teng Qian square in the rear. A rough voice, full of disdain, rang out, "For such a big Beastman, you walk like a little female. Hmph!"

After shooting him a contemptuous look, she hoisted a bundle of Salt Crystal Stones even larger than Teng Qian’s and stormed off.

Watching that sturdy figure recede into the distance, Teng Qian huffed and puffed with rage. "So what if I’m a Beastman Warrior?!"

He slapped his powerful pecs and arms, lifted a muscular thigh, and hopped on the spot twice while roaring at the retreating figure, "How could a brawny male like me be like a little female? Your eyes must be covered in Salt Crystal Beast fur!"

"AWOO~"

It was the Salt Crystal Beast in Yuan Lang’s arms. It listlessly lifted its head and let out a weak cry. ’You two idiots can argue, but leave me out of it. I don’t shed.’

But the figure up ahead didn’t deign to acknowledge him, simply leading a few Beastman Warriors away into the distance.

Teng Qian sneered, "What’s there to be so smug about? I’m an expert too, you know. Just give me a chance, and I’ll knock him flat with one punch."

Yuan Lang glanced at him. "Then you’d better start trying a lot harder."

Teng Qian was dumbfounded. "What do you mean, Boss? Are you trying to boost that guy’s ego and crush your own subordinate’s morale?"

Yuan Lang looked at him with a smile. "I’m not trying to crush your morale. She’s a Silver Rank Three-Patterned Beastman. And you?"

Teng Qian stroked his chin, then hemmed and hawed for a moment before saying, "I... I just ascended to Silver Rank. I only have one pattern."

"So, you see? You’re going to knock her flat with one punch? More like you’d be serving yourself up for her to wipe the floor with you."

Yuan Lang’s tone was full of schadenfreude. Ever since this guy Teng Qian had arrived in this world, he’d been incredibly smug, even daring to challenge his General’s authority.

He stealthily touched the two silver patterns on his own arm, his eyes deepening.

’The difference in our strength is still too small. It seems I’ll have to train hard when we get back. With this level of strength...’

’Sometimes, it feels like a struggle just to keep my own subordinate in line.’

’Not to mention, the winters here are fraught with peril.’

Beside him, Teng Qian watched the retreating figure, and for some reason, a strong sense of competitiveness welled up inside him.

"General, you just watch. I will definitely surpass her."