Chapter 4: Reaping the Benefits

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for slaying a wild rabbit, gaining 15 experience points and 10 silver coins."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for acquiring the low-tier spirit herb, Blaze Grass."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for leveling up; current level is 3 (Third-Level Martial Disciple)!"

Wu Tian delved into the Misty Forest for two days, progressing from a first-level warrior to a third-level warrior. As he reached the third level, the experience gained from killing these level-less wild creatures diminished significantly. Consequently, he ventured deeper into the Misty Forest. Despite obtaining numerous spirit herbs during these two days, Wu Tian's newfound auxiliary skill, alchemy, enabled him to craft basic low-tier elixirs.

Being an alchemist was a rare profession in the Mad Warrior Empire, and high-level alchemists were even scarcer. Therefore, elixirs were highly valuable, providing Wu Tian with an additional source of income.

The paramount objective, however, remained leveling up. Wu Tian ventured deeper into the Misty Forest, slaying every wild creature he encountered for experience. Yet, as he proceeded for half a day, the atmosphere around him shifted noticeably.

Almost no wild creatures were visible, and the thick foliage cast an ominous shadow. Suddenly, a low roar echoed.

"We've probably entered the territory of demonic beasts. Level-less wild creatures are scarce only within demonic beast territories." Wu Tian's spirit surged.

Swiftly, a whooshing sound caught Wu Tian's attention, and he felt a chill down his spine. He swiftly turned, brandishing the iron knife that had just been retrieved.

Clang! A crisp sound echoed as a level 2 demonic beast, the Gale Wolf, clamped its sharp teeth onto Wu Tian's large knife.

"Damn! Does it have to be a level 2 demonic beast right away? I'd need a fifth-level martial disciple to deal with this!" Wu Tian, confronted by the red-eyed Gale Wolf, expressed frustration.

Roar! The Gale Wolf clamped onto Wu Tian's knife, using its sharp claws to tear at him relentlessly.

Forced to retreat continuously, Wu Tian suddenly heard a thud. He fell to the ground, and his knife dropped. The Gale Wolf pinned Wu Tian to the ground, its gaping mouth aiming for his neck.

"Damn it! Don't think I'm easy to bully. Invincible Instant Kill! Die!" Wu Tian angrily activated his instant kill skill, unleashing a tremendous force.

Boom! The Gale Wolf's body was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground. It spat out blood, convulsing a few times before succumbing.

Ding!

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for killing a level 2 Gale Wolf, gaining 8000 experience points, 500 silver coins, and a Gale Wolf Armor (Mysterious Grade)."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for leveling up; current level is 4 (Fourth-Level Martial Disciple)."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for leveling up; current level is 5 (Fifth-Level Martial Disciple)."

Upon the Gale Wolf's demise, Wu Tian's mind was filled with level-up notifications.

"Haha! Indeed, demonic beasts yield abundant experience. Killing one directly propelled me to a Sixth-Level Martial Disciple and awarded me a Mysterious Grade armor, the Gale Wolf Armor. Mysterious Grade is already remarkable considering equipment grades range from Low, Intermediate, Advanced, Mysterious, Divine, Transcendental, to Heaven-Defying!"

With his current level at 6, Wu Tian, equipped with the Gale Wolf Armor, found that level 3 demonic beasts were no longer a challenge. However, he wisely preserved his instant kill skill for survival in the Misty Forest.

Unsatisfied with his current level, Wu Tian continued advancing deeper into the forest. Leveling up now resembled playing a game for him, and he joyfully embraced the gaming experience.

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for killing a level 1 Wild Boar, gaining 300 experience points and 200 silver coins."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for killing a level 1 Blaze Tiger, gaining 600 experience points, 300 silver coins, and a tiger skin."

...

After three days and nights, Wu Tian hunted low-level demonic beasts extensively, covering levels 1 and 2. His level ascended to 8, a Martial Disciple of the Eighth Level. He skillfully utilized his instant kill skill every half hour, not only increasing proficiency but also obtaining valuable items.

Now, Wu Tian was no longer satisfied with level 1 and 2 demonic beasts. Upon the cooldown of his instant kill skill, he proceeded deeper into the Misty Forest.

Unbeknownst to him, Wu Tian arrived at the foot of a mountain, where a delightful fragrance filled the air.

Wu Tian's heart trembled, murmuring, "This fragrance, could it be... the legendary Chaos Spirit Fruit?!"

The Chaos Spirit Fruit was formed purely from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, more likely to appear in places abundant with spiritual energy. Its occurrence was unpredictable, but every time it surfaced, it was a supreme treasure. Crucially, the Chaos Spirit Fruit, harboring abundant spiritual energy, significantly enhanced cultivation. However, once the fruit blossomed, it would only last half an hour before dissipating into spiritual energy.

Usually, high-level demonic beasts guarded the unformed spirit fruit. Whoever persevered till the end could claim the spirit fruit.

Sure enough, as Wu Tian advanced further, he discovered a massive cave at the mountain's base. The surroundings were littered with decayed demonic beast corpses, and numerous demonic beasts waited near the cave entrance.

"Mother! So many demonic beasts, and they're all high-level. It seems dangerous to get closer!" Wu Tian could only watch from a distance, considering his low level.

"Do I leave immediately, or do I stay here and wait to reap the benefits?" Wu Tian pondered. Direct departure was unsatisfying, while waiting posed risks.

In the end, temptation triumphed over reason. Wu Tian decided to stay, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to reap the rewards.

Roar! A mighty roar echoed from the cave, and three demonic beasts flew out, landing heavily near Wu Tian.

"A Fifth-Level Demonic Beast, Serrated Tiger, a Sixth-Level Demonic Beast, Rampaging Bull, and a Sixth-Level Demonic Beast, Bloodthirsty Rat. All three failed to seize the treasure. What formidable demonic beasts are guarding this cave?" Wu Tian observed the three barely surviving demonic beasts, feeling a mix of astonishment and horror.

Yet, after the shock, excitement took over. Damn it, these three demonic beasts are nearly finished. Their health bars are almost empty. Even if left untouched, they will die soon. Rather than letting them perish like this, why not go in and deliver the finishing blow?

Thus, Wu Tian charged forward, wielding his large knife. The three demonic beasts, weakened and unable to resist, could only watch.

Ching! Wu Tian ruthlessly struck the vital points of the three demonic beasts.

Ding!

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for killing a Fifth-Level Serrated Tiger, gaining 20,000 experience points and 2000 silver coins."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for killing a Sixth-Level Rampaging Bull, gaining 50,000 experience points and 5000 silver coins."

"Congratulations..."

Ding!

"Congratulations to player Wu

 Tian for leveling up; current level is 9 (Ninth-Level Martial Disciple)."

"Congratulations to player Wu Tian for leveling up; current level is 11 (First-Level Martial Master)!"