Chapter 33: The Patterns of Resource Emergence
Just as Yang Zhengyi had anticipated, after consuming the three-star monster core, Shen Gongbao successfully evolved into a two-star Shadow Leopard, its strength increasing significantly. What pleased Yang Zhengyi even more was that Shen Gongbao had been completely subdued by Qin Chuan and showed no signs of wanting to run away. With the beast by their side, the safety of both Qin Chuan and Shangguan Ruoyun would be much better guaranteed.
Back to the live broadcast.
The two were sitting on the back of the Shadow Leopard. Qin Chuan seemed entirely unbothered, appearing as if he had grown accustomed to it. Shangguan Ruoyun, however, was quite nervous, clutching tightly to the leopard’s back. The speed was simply too fast; it felt like riding a high-speed train, with the howling wind rushing past her ears.
"Big Cat, you're a little bit faster after evolving, but it’s still not enough. You need to keep at it," Qin Chuan encouraged.
Shen Gongbao let out two cries to signal its understanding.
Qin Chuan turned his head to look at Shangguan Ruoyun. He was pressed against her chest, which made breathing a bit difficult; although it was soft, he still felt a bit too constrained.
"Sister Shangguan, are you scared?" Qin Chuan asked, noticing that Shangguan Ruoyun’s face had turned a bit pale, as if she were terrified by such high-speed travel.
"It’s just too fast, I can’t quite get used to it yet," Shangguan Ruoyun replied, bowing her head.
"I understand."
Qin Chuan patted Shen Gongbao with his small hand and said, "Big Cat, did you hear that? Slow down a little."
Shen Gongbao let out a cry. Having just evolved, it had hoped to receive praise from Qin Chuan, but upon realizing that its speed had actually displeased him, it immediately reduced its pace.
Shangguan Ruoyun felt much better then. To be honest, riding on the back of such a monster still left her feeling quite fearful.
After a long while, Shen Gongbao brought the two to the edge of a lake.
"What a clear lake," Shangguan Ruoyun said, breaking into a smile at the sight of the shimmering water. That smile, captured by the cameras, was seen by everyone in Yanhuang—it was beautiful and mesmerizing.
"Shangguan Ruoyun, you look so beautiful when you smile."
"I am so envious of Qin Chuan, being held in the arms of such a goddess. I wish I could be hugged like that too."
"Qin Chuan is only four years old, you old geezer, get out of here! If anyone is getting a hug, it should be me."
"Go away, go away! The young lady isn't going to hug any of you."
"The most beautiful curve."
Bingbing also spoke up, "Now that Qin Chuan has met up with our other Yanhuang lucky participant, Miss Shangguan Ruoyun, the process may have been a bit winding, but fortunately, the young lady is safe. Everyone knows Qin Chuan’s strength, but having the young lady by his side gives us even more peace of mind. With her there, they can look out for each other. Plus, with Shen Gongbao having successfully evolved into a two-star Shadow Leopard, their strength has increased even further. I’m very much looking forward to their next moves and hope they can find more resources. Out of all the lucky participants, our Yanhuang representatives can arguably be called the strongest team. Let’s look forward to it together!"
Upon arriving at the lakeside, Shangguan Ruoyun spotted the carcass of a monster. "These are the remains of a monster. It doesn't look like it died very long ago," she said, surprised.
Qin Chuan immediately replied, "I killed it. I still have quite a bit of meat left; would you like a few pieces, Sister Shangguan?"
As he spoke, Qin Chuan pulled out a piece of the raw fish he had saved earlier, leaving Shangguan Ruoyun stunned once again. Qin Chuan claimed that such a massive monster had been killed by him. Looking at the boy who didn't even reach her thighs, she fell into deep thought—just how strong was Qin Chuan?
Qin Chuan quickly added, "Sister Shangguan, can you cook? I'm hungry."
The netizens watching the live stream were speechless—just how much could this kid eat?
"Yes, yes, of course. Big sister will cook for you right now," Shangguan Ruoyun said, stroking Qin Chuan’s head. Looking at his adorable appearance, she found it hard to believe he could slay such a terrifying monster.
Shangguan Ruoyun was capable of anything, and cooking was a piece of cake for her. Moreover, she was well-prepared with various survival tools for the wilderness.
Seeing Shangguan Ruoyun start her preparations, Qin Chuan ran toward the lakeside, shouting, "Wait for me!"
Shedding his clothes, he dove into the lake with a beautiful splash and vanished from sight.
"Qin Chuan, be careful!"
Though Shangguan Ruoyun was worried, she realized she shouldn't think of Qin Chuan as an ordinary child.
Shen Gongbao sat quietly to the side, acting as a loyal guard, staying alert for any dangers that might emerge from the surroundings.
*Splash!*
A long while later, Qin Chuan emerged from the water, dragging a fish in each hand. He trotted over to Shangguan Ruoyun and said, "Try these two fish."
Shangguan Ruoyun looked at Qin Chuan, who was hauling two fish larger than himself, and was left speechless. The scene was truly... hard to describe.
In the end, Shangguan Ruoyun used her impressive culinary skills to completely conquer Qin Chuan’s stomach. The fact that she carried plenty of seasonings made the fish all the more delicious.
They finished two entire large fish, though, to be precise, the majority was consumed by Qin Chuan and Shen Gongbao. Although the netizens had long known that Qin Chuan had a massive appetite, seeing him eat as much as a Shadow Leopard still left them speechless.
Qin Chuan always seemed to do things that left them in shock.
After they had eaten their fill, Shangguan Ruoyun asked, "How did you find those resources earlier?"
Qin Chuan pointed at Shen Gongbao. "I didn't find them; this Big Cat led me to them."
Shen Gongbao finally realized it was being praised by Qin Chuan and nodded with a smile, appearing very pleased.
Shangguan Ruoyun was astonished; for a leopard to be this expressive, its intelligence was incredibly high. However, realizing the potential of the beast, she cautiously asked, "Shen Gongbao, can you find more of those things? Those items are very important to me, to Qin Chuan, and to our country!"
The first priority for a soldier is always how to secure benefits for their nation. Since they were fully capable of doing so, she naturally felt the need to think of her country.
This scene moved countless Yanhuang citizens. This was what a Yanhuang soldier was all about! They always prioritized the interests of the people and the nation, even if it meant sacrificing their lives—what did that matter?
Shen Gongbao shook its head, seemingly trying to explain, but the two could only stare in confusion, unable to understand what the beast meant.
They fell silent. They couldn't rely on Shen Gongbao. Finding the two resource rewards had been pure luck.
However, Qin Chuan spoke up, "I’ve noticed a pattern from these two resource rewards. The places where these resources appear all have monsters nearby. As long as we keep searching in this direction, we will definitely be able to find more resource rewards."