The ferocious beast's defense was incredibly robust. Qin Han Chu's initial surge of Qi only managed to scratch its skin, failing to inflict any fatal damage.
Provoked by the pain, the beast grew even more ferocious and wild.
With a low growl, it transformed into a blur, charging towards Qin Han Chu.
The beast's speed was astonishing; in an instant, it was upon him.
Qin Han Chu leaped away from his original position. As he did, he unleashed another wave of Qi to counter the beast.
The beast, unwilling to risk another long-distance leap, nimbly dodged and evaded Qin Han Chu's attack!
Roar…
After two attacks, the beast sensed the significant threat posed by Qin Han Chu. Its gaze became even fiercer.
Qin Han Chu looked at the beast and a faint smile touched his lips. Although the beast's strength was considerable, it was no match for Qin Han Chu.
The previous two exchanges had allowed Qin Han Chu to gauge its true capabilities.
At this very moment, the beast launched another assault.
Simultaneously, Qin Han Chu also made his move.
Qin Han Chu swiftly swung his battle saber, unleashing three streams of Qi that sealed off the beast's escape routes.
The beast roared and lunged at Qin Han Chu, who suddenly ducked low and thrust his battle saber fiercely upwards.
At the same time, the beast's body soared directly over Qin Han Chu's head.
*Puff!*
The battle saber plunged directly into the beast's chest, and with the beast's own momentum, it tore open a gash.
*Bang!*
The beast fell to the ground lifelessly, blood spilling from the wound.
Qin Han Chu first flicked the droplets of blood from his battle saber, then sheathed it.
"You two, have you had your fill of the show?" Qin Han Chu turned and looked towards a large boulder not far away, sensing two presences hidden behind it.
As Qin Han Chu called out, a middle-aged man and woman emerged from behind the boulder.
"I never expected Pill Master Ye to possess such formidable martial prowess in addition to his extraordinary alchemy skills," the woman said, still possessing a captivating charm. She clasped her fist in greeting, "My name is Hou Jiayi, and this is my husband, Zhao Quankun!"
"We weren't intentionally eavesdropping; we just happened to be passing by," Zhao Quankun added with a smile.
"Since you already know me, there's no need for introductions."
Qin Han Chu held his saber sheath, his thumb resting on the hilt.
Should these two attack, Qin Han Chu could enter combat mode in an instant.
"Is Pill Master Ye also out searching for medicinal herbs?" Hou Jiayi inquired.
Qin Han Chu nodded, "Yes, and to hone my combat skills."
"Are you interested in joining us? Our combat strength is passable," Zhao Quankun asked.
"Thank you for the offer, but I prefer to train on my own," Qin Han Chu said, cupping his fist. "I must be going now. I wish you both success in your endeavors."
Seeing Qin Han Chu's refusal, Hou Jiayi did not press the matter further. "We also hope Pill Master Ye has a smooth journey. We'd be honored to have you refine pills for us when the opportunity arises."
"Farewell."
Qin Han Chu leaped into the forest, disappearing from sight in moments.
"How did this fellow cultivate to possess such strength at such a young age?" Hou Jiayi exclaimed in surprise after Qin Han Chu left.
Zhao Quankun replied, "Likely through the aid of elixirs. After all, he's a renowned Pill Master and shouldn't lack cultivation resources."
"Even for a Pill Master, his progress is astonishing. Other renowned Pill Masters at his age haven't even reached the Grandmaster level."
"At his age, other renowned Pill Masters haven't even reached the Golden Violet Pill Master level," Zhao Quankun explained. "By the time they reach the renowned Pill Master stage, their physical functions are already starting to decline."
Hou Jiayi nodded, "That makes sense."
"While his strength is impressive, the Underworld teems with terrifyingly powerful beasts. His solo journey in these depths remains quite perilous."
...
While they were talking, Qin Han Chu had already put a significant distance between himself and them.
Two hours later, he stopped again.
"Finally, a harvest. This Iron Orchid has a hundred years of medicinal age; it's quite rare."
Muttering to himself, Qin Han Chu squatted down and dug up the Iron Orchid.
Iron Orchid is the primary ingredient for refining Iron Bone Pills, which strengthen the physical body.
After collecting the Iron Orchid, he continued on his way towards the World Tree.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
During this week, Qin Han Chu was attacked by fierce beasts multiple times. Fortunately, his strength was sufficient, and he remained unharmed.
In addition to battling beasts, Qin Han Chu also acquired over a dozen precious medicinal herbs.
At this moment, Qin Han Chu stood atop a giant tree.
From this vantage point, he could see the World Tree in the distance. Based on his current pace, it would take at least another three months to reach its periphery.
"It's a shame I don't have any aerial transport; otherwise, it wouldn't be so arduous," Qin Han Chu sighed, sitting on the tree trunk.
*Rumble…*
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered in the sky.
Even though the sky above was the crust, rain could still occur in this subterranean world.
Sensing imminent rain, Qin Han Chu jumped down from the tree.
About five minutes later, he found a cave and entered it.
Inside the cave, there were beast footprints, along with plenty of dry grass and branches.
It was clear this was a beast's den.
Despite knowing it was a beast's lair, Qin Han Chu had no intention of leaving.
If the beast returned, he would simply kill it.
*Rumble!*
Another peal of thunder, followed by a downpour.
*Thump, thump…*
At that moment, the sound of a running beast grew increasingly louder.
Qin Han Chu knew the cave's "owner" was returning.
Spotting a large stone nearby, Qin Han Chu walked over and hid behind it temporarily.
*Hmph, hmph…*
Soon, a boar, the size of a calf with sharp tusks, rushed into the cave. It shook the rain off its body and then nudged the ground with its sharp tusks.
Qin Han Chu carefully observed the tusked boar. Its fur resembled steel needles, and its defense was undoubtedly formidable!
"I haven't eaten meat in quite some time. A roast here would be nice," Qin Han Chu's lips curved into a smile.
*Hmph, hmph!*
As if sensing Qin Han Chu's killing intent, the tusked boar suddenly became vigilant.
The atmosphere turned oppressive. Qin Han Chu's hand had already moved to his saber hilt.
*Hmph, hmph…*
After a moment, the tusked boar relaxed.
About ten minutes later, the creature walked towards the pile of dry grass.
Despite being just a pig, it knew how to make its nest comfortable.
Not long after lying down, it began to snore.
Just as expected of a pig, it fell asleep so quickly!
Drawing his battle saber, Qin Han Chu quietly moved towards the tusked boar.
Although Qin Han Chu's movements were light, the tusked boar's vigilance was exceptionally high.
When Qin Han Chu was only five meters away, the tusked boar abruptly got to its feet.
*Hmph, hmph!*
Seeing Qin Han Chu, the tusked boar immediately charged at him with fury.