Chapter 452 - 98: Veteran Exploration Level, Completed!

Lu Chao was deep in thought, grasping the crux of the matter.

In the past, when he projected his Qi Flame outward, its power was undeniably strong. However, a significant portion of the flame would turn illusory mid-air, leaking energy. But right now, because of the upgrade in the Qi Flame’s quality, it remained condensed and intact even after leaving his body. The power converged at a single point, allowing it to unleash far greater destructive force.

A large part of this was due to the talent effect of the [High-Efficiency Skill], especially in the aspect of high-efficiency energy mobilization. The higher the quality of the Qi Flame, the easier it was to mobilize. Under equal consumption, its power was naturally far stronger.

"Not bad." Nodding in satisfaction, Lu Chao gradually adapted to his newfound strength.

Breaking past the two-hundred-point mark in Life Energy brought him a comprehensive boost in power. His corresponding talents were simultaneously enhanced, whether in the duration of various buff states or the amplification of their effects.

At this thought, Lu Chao couldn’t help but look at the massive beast skeleton inside the laboratory.

Over his two months in the wilderness, his Life Energy had increased by nearly fifteen points. His Potential Progress had also surged by two-thirds, putting him not far from his next awakening. This rate of improvement and efficiency in energy accumulation was nothing short of rapid.

The reason lay in the nutritional nourishment provided by two Beast Kings. Thousands of kilograms of regular Mutant Beast meat, along with the special parts harboring the Beast Kings’ Life Essence... Even without gathering other materials to synthesize biological serums, the effects were absolutely on par with over a dozen tubes of Essence of Qi, plus nearly a hundred Senior-Level Potions.

"However," Lu Chao muttered, "even among Beast Kings, there’s quite a disparity."

He shifted his gaze to another area on the second basement level. There laid a massive, humanoid skeleton—the remains of a Giant Ape. It was the first Beast King he had hunted in the wilderness. Its life level was roughly at the veteran Limit-Breaking Level, and it was also his initial practice target when he first began cultivating the [Slicing Force Saber Technique].

After devouring its essence, his Life Energy had only increased by a meager four or five points. This was why he subsequently sought out the Sandstorm Python, which was at the Exploration Level. The nutritional value between the two differed by at least double.

Moreover, Lu Chao walked back into the laboratory, his eyes landing on several custom-made glass vials resting on the table.

[Superpower Stamina Recovery Potion], [Spiritual Fortification Potion], [Blood Toxin Mist (Enhanced Edition)], [Aura Camouflage Potion]...

A Beast King’s corpse wasn’t just for devouring its essence and flesh. It could also be combined with other Spirit Plants or mineral elements to craft special, non-nutritional potions. Therefore, after comprehending the five branches of Superpower Knowledge from the [Biological Alchemist] class, he experimented with enhancing some potion formulas from his memory.

The [Superpower Stamina Recovery Potion] and [Spiritual Fortification Potion] could accelerate stamina recovery and temporarily boost Spiritual Power, greatly aiding in cultivation and combat, even for someone at the Superpower Level. The [Aura Camouflage Potion] could alter his presence, perfectly complementing his facial disguises.

As for the enhanced version of the Blood Toxin Mist, true to its name, it utilized the Sandstorm Python’s venom. Even an expert at the Exploration Level would find it fatal upon inhalation.

"MRROW~"

Just then, the black-cat-like Elemental Devouring Beast paced forward elegantly and leaped onto the table. It reached out a sleek, furry paw. Staring at the [Spiritual Fortification Potion] on the table, a highly humanized trace of longing flashed through its jewel-like amber eyes.

"Take it," Lu Chao said with a faint smile, not being stingy in the slightest.

He had crafted several vials of this potion, leaving him with plenty of backups. Besides, the only reason he had been able to gather potion-making Spirit Plants so smoothly over the past few days was thanks to the beast’s familiarity with this stretch of the wilderness. Without it leading the way, crafting these potions would have been nearly impossible.

HUM!

Instantly, the cap on the vial containing the Spiritual Fortification Potion twisted open out of thin air. Formless Spiritual Power manipulated reality. The vial floated up, automatically pouring its contents into the Elemental Devouring Beast’s mouth.

"Telekinesis..." Lu Chao’s eyes flashed; he naturally recognized this as the Elemental Devouring Beast’s ability.

Over these past few days, the man and the beast had developed a tacit understanding, and he had gradually learned of its many abilities. Telekinesis, mental blasts, and casting illusions—each technique was exceptionally difficult to deal with.

Furthermore, it could launch psychic shocks in an attempt to mind-control enemies weaker than itself. This was the exact trick it had used to control the heavily injured Gwight back then.

The corresponding cost wasn’t small, either. The stronger the controlled enemy, the more Spiritual Power it consumed to maintain the dominance. Otherwise, the target could break free at any moment, causing a severe backlash to the caster.

Even so, Lu Chao considered this move extremely formidable. After all, who could constantly guard against the people around them being mind-controlled? It could even control the ants on the ground or the birds in the sky. It was truly an ability impossible to defend against, making it highly effective for both attacking enemies and gathering intelligence.

"MRROW~"

Soon after, a low purr sounded. The vial of Spiritual Fortification Potion was completely empty, and the Elemental Devouring Beast let out an unsatisfied cry.

Through his intuition, Lu Chao could sense that its injuries had recovered just a bit more. Up until now, thanks to the successful hunts of the two Beast Kings and the nourishment from feeding on Spiritual Power, it had already recovered to the peak of the Exploration Level.

"That’s all," Lu Chao said.

"MRROW~"

"The rest are for later," he explained softly, shaking his head and putting away the remaining potions. "I need to save some Spiritual Fortification Potions for emergencies."

Furthermore, he could tell that this item’s healing effects were rather mediocre for the Elemental Devouring Beast. It was more like how humans enjoyed snacks—it just tasted good to the creature.

"MRROW~"

The Elemental Devouring Beast seemed somewhat unwilling to give up. It blinked its ruby-red eyes and cried out again. Through their Spiritual Link, Lu Chao understood its meaning.

"Hunt another Beast King...?" He was tempted by the idea and pondered it for a few moments.

"Unfortunately, there’s not enough time," he said, shaking his head and glancing at his watch.

According to the map provided by the Hunter Guild and his scouting over the past few days, there were no other Beast Kings within a hundred-kilometer radius. These creatures held a status among Mutant Beasts similar to that of the Superpower Level in human society. They were the overlords of the wilderness, each possessing their own distinct territories that easily spanned tens or even nearly a hundred kilometers.

With only half a month left before the three-month deadline, he had to pack up and head back to the Red Maple City Circle. He needed to travel to Fortress Mountain City and complete his mission as a Special Investigation Team commissioner.

"However..." Smiling, Lu Chao reached out and stroked the Elemental Devouring Beast’s black fur. It had initially tensed its body, but over time, it had gradually grown accustomed to his touch and did not resist.

"Don’t worry, there will be plenty of Spiritual Power for you to feed on," Lu Chao reassured. "And..."

He trailed off, thinking of the news he had recently heard in the wilderness regarding the new war breaking out in the Red Maple City Circle. Besides that, he still had a massive sum of contribution points remaining on the intranet. As long as they left this place and returned to the city circle, both the Superpower Level Spiritual Power food the beast needed and the nutritional resources he required could be swiftly procured.

With this in mind, Lu Chao moved efficiently, grabbing a beast-hide backpack from within the experimental base. He proceeded to pack all the potions and the remaining Beast King Materials inside.

"MRROW~"

The Elemental Devouring Beast leaped lightly onto his shoulder. Its body was incredibly agile and practically weightless. Lu Chao gripped his Ink Blade tightly and slung the backpack over his shoulders, casting one final glance back at the base. He knew that after leaving this time, he probably would never return.

"From now on, I’ll call you Ghost Element," he said softly, turning and striding toward the exit of the base.

Hearing this, the Elemental Devouring Beast did not resist. It simply turned its head, taking one last look at the place where it had lived for decades.

"MRROW~"

The outside world... What would it be like?