Chapter 4: Lin Feng Lv2, Weapon Preparation

As Chen Yanyan's long legs wrapped in black stockings disappeared through the bedroom door, Lin Feng pondered his options—it was better to avoid unnecessary complications. The priority was to exploit the lone red beetle to farm upgrade points and boost his strength in preparation for the journey to Haicheng University.

Although Chen Yanyan might not be particularly useful, she was at least obedient and not one to scream helplessly in danger, which was more than could be said for many. Her ability to run away made her valuable in drawing the beetle's attention, buying time for the others to escape.

This was Lin Feng's initial plan.

After the women left, Lin Feng looked at the gun in his hand and soon felt a warm surge flow from the gun into his arm. This time, the sensation was stronger than before, accelerating his metabolism, reddening his face, and making his breathing heavier.

After a minute, the warm flow dissipated, fully absorbed by his body. His attribute data updated in his vision:

"Lin Feng, lv2/9"

"Health: 15, Constitution: 10, Spirit: 9"

Seeing his attributes increase, Lin Feng smiled, knowing that every extra bit of strength improved his chances of survival. This time, his health and constitution each increased by 3 points, and his spirit by 1 point, more than the binding upgrade last time—clearly, real upgrade points were most effective.

While the two women changed clothes, Lin Feng entered the kitchen in his sister-in-law's house, finding it well-equipped with neatly arranged knives on the rack. There were six knives, from cleavers to bone-chopping knives.

Upon checking, the most powerful was a 30-centimeter-long wide-backed cleaver, of ordinary white quality, capable of 2 points of damage. Unfortunately, after appraisal, it couldn't be bound as equipment and could only be upgraded through striking targets, meaning its enhancement wouldn't benefit Lin Feng directly.

Binding additional equipment would have to wait until the next tier.

Lin Feng speculated that he needed to break through the level cap of 9 to bind another item. Currently, the handgun was his best weapon, but these knives could be given to the women to defend themselves against the red beetle.

Returning to the living room with two knives, he found Zhang Yuruo and Chen Yanyan ready. Chen Yanyan had changed from her work attire into casual sportswear with tight-fitting pants and a jacket.

She stood 173 cm tall without shoes, five centimeters taller than Yuruo. Her long legs meant that Zhang Yuruo's pants were short on her, exposing her ankles and the black stockings beneath. Fortunately, her small feet fit into Yuruo's sneakers, as heels would be fatal outdoors.

Chen Yanyan had tied her hair into a high ponytail like Yuruo, exuding youthful energy and looking quite capable.

Lin Feng glanced at her, unable to resist teasing:

"Wearing stockings under your pants, aren't you afraid of slipping? If a beetle chases you and you fall, no one will save you."

Chen Yanyan blushed and explained softly:

"The shoes are a bit small, and the stockings help them fit... tighter. It's fine now."

She jumped in place to demonstrate.

Lin Feng nodded, then pointed to the cleaver on the table, asking Zhang Yuruo:

"Sister-in-law, do you have any decent weapons at home, preferably long ones to keep the bugs at a distance?"

The range of the cleaver was too short, making close combat with the red beetle dangerous. With only one life, an injury in these circumstances meant death.

Lin Youzhi had made his fortune in construction; Lin Feng doubted he didn't have a few tools at home.

Prompted by Lin Feng's "reminder," Zhang Yuruo frowned, then ran into the bedroom, with Lin Feng and Chen Yanyan following.

The bedroom was messy, with clothes from both women, including intimate lace garments. Lin Feng quickly averted his eyes to focus on his sister-in-law.

Zhang Yuruo went to the bedside, moving the nightstand to reveal a long, narrow compartment in the bed's side panel.

Inside were two welded long knives, each with a one-meter blade and a 20-centimeter handle, capable of reaching enemies 1.5 meters away.

The knives seemed made from rebar, the blades sharpened, 4 centimeters wide with tempered blue patterns, and heavy but without flaws.

After a scan, the data showed:

"Ordinary Long Knife lv1/9, White Quality"

"Upgrade Points: 3/10, Damage: 4, Good Condition"

"Evaluation: A quality melee weapon capable of causing severe wounds, with power derived from its weight. Strike targets to gain upgrade points."

Surprisingly, it dealt 4 points of damage, matching the lv2 handgun.

Lin Feng picked one up, weighing about three kilograms. It required both hands to wield effectively, not easy even with his 10-point constitution.

It was a backup weapon, for emergencies.

Unfortunately, there were no long spears; the rest were shorter knives 30 to 40 centimeters long. However, the iron drawer box for storing the knives caught Lin Feng's attention.

For concealment, Lin Youzhi had made a drawer 50 centimeters wide, 130 centimeters long, but only 4 centimeters thick, with a handle for opening.

Holding it, Lin Feng realized it could be used as a shield.

This was his true purpose, as his offensive options were complete, but he lacked defensive gear.

Though the iron door was only two millimeters thick, it could be reinforced with a wardrobe panel inside.

Crude but life-saving.

Lin Feng had considered using a door as a shield, but it was too large and hollow, more for show.

With a plan in mind, he began dismantling the cabinet to make a shield, while instructing the women to gather supplies and familiarize themselves with the knives.

Upgraded Zhang Yuruo had 9 constitution points, second only to Lin Feng, but she excelled in endurance rather than strength.

She chose a 50-centimeter short knife, finding it suitable, then said to Lin Feng:

"Haven't had breakfast yet, have you? I'll make something to eat."

With that, she put down the knife and went to the kitchen.

Chen Yanyan tried the 1.2-meter long knife but struggled to lift it. Though only four kilograms, it felt like a lever on her arms, overwhelming her.

Abandoning the long knife, she chose a 20-centimeter dagger, then turned her gaze to Lin Feng, who was cutting, her smile widening.

Quietly closing the door, Chen Yanyan crouched beside him, watching him work.

Lin Feng frowned, setting down his tools:

"Something you need? If not, go find some backpacks, pack food and medicine."

Having tried the knife and wearing more layers, Chen Yanyan felt warm, unzipping her jacket to reveal her fair skin. Tall and slim, her chest wasn't full, short of perfection.

Seeing him glance her way, she straightened, speaking softly:

"Feng, do you know how to use a knife? Could you teach me?"

Lin Feng rolled his eyes:

"No. Didn't learn knife drills in college?"

Taken aback, Chen Yanyan didn't expect his lack of interest. He seemed younger, a fresh graduate, likely inexperienced in romance—a straightforward guy.

Once a campus goddess, had she lost her charm?

Doubting herself, Chen Yanyan looked in the mirror, seeing her blushing, gentle, and alluring face.

Realizing Lin Feng's disinterest, Chen Yanyan grew anxious. She knew without his protection, her fate would mirror those devoured by the red beetle.

To survive, she had to leverage her feminine appeal to secure Lin Feng's protection.

Resolute, Chen Yanyan rose, leaned close to Lin Feng, and whispered:

"Protect me, and I'll do... anything for you..."

She lightly licked his earlobe.

Lin Feng shivered, catching a floral scent, turning to meet her gaze, seeing her hopeful expression and open neckline.

Smiling, he said:

"So, would you be willing to join me in..."