diskusbooks Ch. 53 - Are Your Lips Laced with Arsenic?
Ch. 53 - Are Your Lips Laced with Arsenic?
"Little Chen, I, Old Deng, owe you my life!"Old Deng suddenly leaned in close, his face deadly serious.
If Chen Shu hadn't summoned his slime at that critical moment, he would absolutely be a corpse right now.
"Is this a big deal for me? Of course not—just a trivial effort. With me around, are problems really that big? Definitely not." Chen Shu answered his own rhetorical questions with the confidence of someone who'd never met a mirror he didn't like.
Listening to this odd display, Old Deng had to admit that while it was strange, he was starting to acknowledge Chen Shu for who he was.
Although he appeared unreliable, when it really mattered, he could step up.
Suddenly, the Wind-Winged Eagle above let out a soft cry, and an invisible wind blade descended, instantly killing an Azure-eyed Snake on the tree above everyone's heads.
The skill's destructive power was evident!
Along the way, under the Wind-Winged Eagle's protection, no further crises arose. But the group likewise hadn't managed to gather any herbs from the Alternate Dimension.
"We'll stay here tonight and head back first thing tomorrow morning!"
Although there was great potential for riches in Qingyuan Forest, it was best not to linger too long, otherwise they'd inevitably encounter some truly terrifying creatures.
Chen Shu's stomach started making executive decisions, so he pulled out the Blood-Fang Boar meat and set up his barbecue rack once again.
"We're in for another treat today," Chen Shu spoke, his gaze fixed on the large tree overhead where everyone could see a massive beehive hanging.
"Wait!"
Zhou Shi frowned and commanded the Wind-Winged Eagle to scout it out. He eventually determined that inside were just slightly larger bees—they couldn't even be classified as fierce beasts.
The Contract Spirits mobilized together, taking down the hive. Naturally, all the bees met their demise.
"Today we'll make honey-glazed wild boar!"
Soon, everyone could smell the mouth-watering aroma, their eyes instantly filling with anticipation.
Over twenty pounds of succulent pork disappeared faster than free samples at Costco, leaving everyone in a state of culinary bliss.
"I'm telling you, Little Chen, you should just go straight to Beast Chef University. You'd definitely excel more there than as a Beast Tamer!"
These days, professions were incredibly diverse. Beast Chefs specialized in cooking various fierce beast meats, and long-term consumption could even enhance Contract Spirits' attributes—making it a respectable and high-end profession in society.
Chen Shu curled his lip, "Forget it, you're trying to bury a future legendary Beast Tamer! Besides, my best friend Zhang Dali is way better at cooking than me."
He had indeed learned from Zhang Dali. When it came to culinary skills, Zhang Dali was absolutely outstanding—he'd even won the championship in Nanjiang City's cooking competition.
After chatting for a while, everyone grew drowsy.
Zhou Shi spoke up: "Get some rest early. Tonight's watch order remains unchanged."
Everyone returned to their respective tents, leaving only Chen Shu and Old Deng by the campfire.
In the quiet night, Chen Shu lay beside the campfire, gazing at the clear sky with deep eyes, as if pondering the meaning of life.
"Should've gone easier on the honey... rookie mistake..."
Old Deng suddenly broke the silence, "Little Chen, you should be seventeen this year, right?"
"Hmm? What? Jealous of my youth?" Chen Shu replied, a blade of wild grass dangling from his mouth.
Old Deng chuckled, then suddenly said, "You’re about the same age as my daughter..."
"Whoa there, if you're trying to play matchmaker, romance is the ultimate debuff in competitive gaming!"
"You little rascal, why do you look like you're getting the short end of the stick? I just purely want you young people to interact and communicate."
With that, Old Deng whipped out his phone to show a photo, prompting Chen Shu to shoot up from his seat. "Old Deng, have you no conscience? Is this how you repay a lifesaver?"
"???" Old Deng's face darkened.
Did this kid put poison on his lips? What the hell do you mean, 'repaying kindness with hatred'?!
"But the real kicker is you saying she's 'about my age'?! That's just shameless."
Chen Shu was equally speechless. The photo showed a little girl wearing a red neckerchief, proudly holding a certificate that read 'Nanjiang City North Elementary School.'
Did he think I was blind?!
"Ahem... she's about to start middle school. You're a senior, she'll be in seventh grade—won't you both be in the same school?"
"Get out of here..."
Chen Shu stared in disbelief. Father of the year material right here.
Just as he was enduring Old Deng's sales pitch, options suddenly materialized before Chen Shu's eyes.
[Option 1: Roll three meters to the right, dodge the attack.]
Completion Reward: Contract Spirit Speed +5%
[Option 2: Believe you have Iron Head Technique and use it to block the Earth-Shaking Bear's attack.]
Completion Reward: Beast Tamer Level +1
His expression froze momentarily in confusion, but realization hit like a truck.
Chen Shu's leg shot out, sending Old Deng flying several meters away while using the recoil to roll in the opposite direction, just as a terrifying giant paw slammed down exactly where he had been sitting.
"ROAR!"
A massive bear blending into the darkness let out a savage roar, filled with ferocious energy.
"HELP! THE BLACK BEAR DEMON IS HERE TO STEAL THE KASAYA!!"
Chen Shu screamed at the top of his lungs.
The sleeping campers instantly jolted awake, scrambling out of their tents.
A sharp cry pierced the air as the Wind-Winged Eagle responded, sending a wind blade slicing through. It instantly severely wounded the Earth-Shaking Bear, leaving it on death's door.
Although the Earth-Shaking Bear stood nearly three meters tall and looked terrifying, it was only a Level 9 fierce beast—basically a tutorial boss for their party.
"Little Chen, Old Deng, are you alright?" Zhou Shi rushed over, asking with concern.
Both Chen Shu and Old Deng nodded their heads, indicating they were fine.
But just then, Chen Shu's expression turned alarmed, "There are accomplices!"
A roar confirmed his warning, and by the light of the campfire and moon, everyone could vaguely see black bear silhouettes emerging from the darkness, surrounding them completely.
Zhou Shi bellowed "BATTLE STATIONS!" and everyone immediately summoned their Contract Spirits. The showdown was about to begin!
"We clearly spread fierce beast lord dung around camp. How could we attract so many Earth-Shaking Bears?"
Chen Shu suddenly had an epiphany. He licked his lips thoughtfully, as if savoring a memory, and said, "Probably because... we stole their honey."