Over the next half-month, Xiao Feng, Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, and the Snow Demon Ape embarked on a grand expedition through the Magical Beast Mountain Range surrounding the Inner Academy of Canaan Academy.
Initially, their goal had simply been relaxation—hunting, exploring, and gathering medicinal herbs. However, with Zi Yan's uncanny ability to sense treasures and rare materials, their leisurely outing soon turned into a highly profitable adventure.
At first, they only sought out the magical beasts and hidden herb patches Zi Yan had specifically identified. Yet after raiding several beast territories, Xiao Feng quickly discovered that the treasures hidden within these lairs were often even more valuable than the herbs themselves.
"Looks like these magical beasts are better treasure keepers than most humans," Xiao Feng said with a grin.
Zi Yan puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course! With me around, nothing valuable can stay hidden."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled softly at their banter while the Snow Demon Ape let out an approving roar, as if agreeing wholeheartedly.
Thus, their plans changed. Instead of merely collecting herbs, they began systematically sweeping through the territories of rank four and rank five magical beasts throughout the mountain range.
Over the course of two weeks, more than twenty rank five magical beasts fell to their combined efforts. As for rank four magical beasts, the number was far greater.
Xiao Feng handled the strongest opponents, while Xiao Yi Xian supported with her precise poison techniques and healing abilities. Zi Yan, meanwhile, charged headfirst into battle with unrestrained enthusiasm, often finishing fights before anyone else could properly react. The Snow Demon Ape served as both protector and powerhouse, its immense strength making even rank five beasts think twice before engaging.
The rewards were astonishing.
The most valuable gains were naturally the numerous magic cores they collected. Rank four and rank five cores quickly piled up, each one worth a small fortune.
In addition, nearly every powerful magical beast's lair contained rare medicinal herbs. With Xiao Feng's expert eye and Zi Yan's treasure-sensing ability, not a single valuable plant escaped their notice.
They discovered Heavenly Spirit Grass, Blood Essence Fruits, Purple Crystal Vines, Earth Vein Roots, and many other precious ingredients suitable for high-tier pill refinement.
Even more surprisingly, within the dens of several magical beasts, they uncovered over a dozen storage rings left behind by unfortunate adventurers who had once ventured too deep.
Although most useful items had long since been destroyed or consumed by the beasts, the rings still contained substantial wealth—gold coins, gold cards, weapons, medicinal formulas, and various cultivation resources.
By Xiao Feng's rough estimate, their cash alone had already exceeded a million gold coins. As for the value of the gold cards and other treasures, it was likely several times higher.
"Not bad for a vacation," Xiao Feng remarked, weighing one of the storage rings in his hand.
Xiao Yi Xian laughed softly. "I think this is the most profitable 'break' anyone has ever taken."
Zi Yan nodded enthusiastically. "We should take breaks more often!"
The Snow Demon Ape beat its chest in agreement.
For Xiao Feng, however, the greatest reward was not the wealth itself, but the time spent with those closest to him. Between battles and treasure hunts, they camped beneath the stars, cooked meals over open flames, and enjoyed a peace rarely found in their usual lives.
It was a time of harvest, companionship, and quiet happiness—one that all of them would remember fondly.
Beyond the vast wealth of magic cores, medicinal herbs, and gold, Xiao Feng's greatest harvest lay in the numerous Qi Methods and Dou Techniques they discovered within the hidden lairs of powerful magical beasts. Over the course of their journey, he collected more than a dozen scrolls. The weakest among them were High Yellow-class, while the strongest reached the High Profound-class.
Among these, three particularly caught Xiao Feng's attention. The first was a movement technique known as Wind Shadow Step, a High Profound-class agility technique that allowed the user to move like the wind itself, leaving behind afterimages. Since speed and mobility had always been one of Xiao Feng's few shortcomings, this technique perfectly filled that gap.
The second technique was Blazing Mountain Fist, a Mid Profound-class fire-attribute Dou Technique focused on concentrated destructive power. Each punch carried explosive force capable of shattering stone and metal alike.
The third was Heavenly Flame Domain, another Mid Profound-class fire technique, but this one excelled in wide-area attacks. Once unleashed, waves of scorching flames could engulf an entire battlefield, making it ideal for facing multiple enemies at once.
Naturally, their half-month expedition was not entirely smooth.
During the first few days, Xiao Feng and his companions focused only on the rank four and rank five magical beasts near the Inner Academy. Because of the academy's powerful deterrence, few truly dangerous beasts dared to linger there. Most were solitary creatures with limited influence.
However, as their hunt continued, they gradually ventured deeper into the Magical Beast Mountain Range. The further they traveled, the richer the resources became—but so too did the danger.
Unlike the scattered beasts of the outer regions, the magical beasts of the inner territories lived under the rule of several powerful rank six beast kings. These rulers commanded vast territories and numerous subordinates.
As Xiao Feng's group continued hunting, their actions naturally attracted attention.
Soon, several beast kings sent their forces to investigate. Some came seeking revenge. Others came to test the strength of these intruders.
Xiao Feng, however, did not act recklessly.
To those magical beasts willing to submit, he offered mercy. He placed soul seals upon them, allowing them to retain their freedom while becoming loyal allies. But those who refused and attacked without hesitation met only one fate.
Death.
Over the course of these battles, Xiao Feng either subdued or eliminated numerous powerful magical beasts. Among the most notable were:
Azure Winged Thunder Hawk – A rank five lightning-attribute beast capable of controlling thunder and generating powerful storm currents with its wings.
Crimson Flame Horned Lion – A rank five fire-attribute beast with immense physical strength and the ability to unleash explosive flame waves.
Frost Moon Serpent – A rank five ice-attribute magical beast whose breath could freeze entire sections of forest in moments.
Earthshaker Ironback Bear – A rank five earth-attribute beast possessing extraordinary defense and the power to cause localized tremors.
Shadowfang Night Panther – A rank five darkness-attribute predator known for its stealth, speed, and lethal ambush capabilities.
Emerald Wood Spirit Turtle – A rare rank five wood-attribute beast capable of accelerating plant growth and healing injuries over time.
Of these, the Azure Winged Thunder Hawk, Frost Moon Serpent, Emerald Wood Spirit Turtle, and Shadowfang Night Panther chose to submit after witnessing Xiao Feng's overwhelming strength.
The Crimson Flame Horned Lion and Earthshaker Ironback Bear, however, stubbornly resisted. After fierce battles, Xiao Feng was left with no choice but to kill them.
These victories greatly expanded both his resources and his growing network of magical beast allies. With each new companion, Xiao Feng's influence within the Magical Beast Mountain Range steadily increased.
Seeing that things were not going quite as he had planned, Xiao Feng could not help but smile wryly. What was supposed to be a relaxing excursion had somehow turned into yet another exhausting task. Instead of enjoying a peaceful break, he had spent the past few days negotiating with stubborn magical beasts, evaluating their potential, and deciding whether they were worth recruiting.
"This is supposed to be rest?" Xiao Feng muttered, rubbing his forehead helplessly. "Why does it feel even more tiring than refining pills?"
Xiao Yi Xian, standing beside him, covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"You're the one who can never truly sit still," she teased. "Even during a break, you find work for yourself."
Zi Yan nodded vigorously while munching on a fruit.
"She's right! Big Brother Xiao Feng always ends up busy no matter where he goes."
Xiao Feng could only shake his head.
Since ordinary methods were proving too troublesome, he decided to use a far simpler approach.
With a thought, he summoned his fire spirit—Xiao Long.
A tiny figure of pure flame suddenly emerged before him, dancing happily in the air. The little fire spirit circled around Xiao Feng excitedly, like a child finally allowed out to play.
The moment it appeared, the surrounding temperature rose sharply.
Even though Xiao Long looked small and adorable, everyone present knew better than to underestimate it. It was a spirit born from Heavenly Flame itself. A single spark from its body was enough to reduce ordinary matter to ashes in an instant.
Because they were deep within the forest, Xiao Feng immediately reminded it.
"Easy now, Xiao Long. Don't get too excited. We're surrounded by trees."
Xiao Long paused mid-flight and blinked innocently before nodding rapidly.
Its tiny flame flickered as if saying, I understand!
The sight made Xiao Yi Xian smile warmly.
"It really is like a child," she said.
As soon as Xiao Long released even a trace of its aura, the effect was immediate.
The magical beasts in the surrounding area—beasts that moments ago had been proud, cautious, or even openly defiant—suddenly froze.
Their instincts screamed at them.
This was not merely a stronger creature.
This was an existence that stood at the absolute pinnacle of fire-attribute life forms, something their bloodlines instinctively feared and revered.
One by one, the magical beasts lowered their heads.
Then, without the slightest hesitation, they knelt.
Some even trembled visibly as they pressed their bodies against the ground, not daring to raise their eyes.
The oppressive aura radiating from Xiao Long was simply too overwhelming.
Seeing this, Xiao Feng blinked in surprise.
"Well… that certainly solved things quickly."
Zi Yan burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! They surrendered faster than I can eat a medicinal herb!"
Even the Snow Demon Ape stared at Xiao Long with newfound respect, though it was already an ally.
The leading magical beast, a massive silver-furred wolf with wind-attributed energy swirling around its body, stepped forward cautiously. Lowering its head, it spoke in a respectful tone.
"We pledge our loyalty to Master Xiao Feng."
The other magical beasts quickly echoed the declaration.
"We pledge our loyalty!"
Their voices rang throughout the forest.
Xiao Feng looked at the kneeling beasts, then at the tiny flame spirit floating proudly before him.
He slowly raised his hand and gave Xiao Long a thumbs-up.
"Excellent work."
Although Xiao Long did not understand the exact meaning of the gesture, the soul connection between them allowed it to clearly feel Xiao Feng's praise and approval.
Its little eyes immediately lit up.
With an excited cry, it puffed out its chest proudly.
However, in its excitement, the aura it released intensified dramatically.
A terrifying wave of pressure spread outward like a storm.
The surrounding magical beasts instantly pressed themselves even flatter against the ground, trembling violently.
Several weaker ones nearly fainted on the spot.
The nearby trees shook, and even the air seemed to grow heavy.
Xiao Yi Xian's expression changed slightly.
"Xiao Feng…"
Realizing what was happening, Xiao Feng quickly waved his hand.
"Alright, alright! Calm down, Xiao Long!"
Hearing his voice, Xiao Long immediately retracted its aura, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Its flame flickered weakly, almost as if it were apologizing.
Xiao Feng chuckled and gently patted the little spirit.
"You did well. Just… maybe don't scare everyone to death."
Xiao Long bobbed up and down happily.
The magical beasts finally relaxed, though many still dared not lift their heads fully.
Zi Yan crossed her arms and huffed dramatically.
"Hmph. With Xiao Long here, taming beasts is way too easy. That's almost cheating."
Xiao Feng grinned.
"Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one."
With Xiao Long's assistance, what had once seemed like a difficult and time-consuming task was resolved almost instantly. The magical beasts willingly submitted, their loyalty unquestionable under the fire spirit's overwhelming presence.
For the rest of the day, Xiao Feng's group moved through the forest with ease, gathering new allies and enjoying the scenery.
And this time, at last, it truly began to feel like a vacation.