"Outside?"

About this matter, even Chang Shoushang didn't know.

When older cousin was in a normal mood, she only said she wanted to broaden his horizons a bit.

But now she was like a walking dead, how could she possibly introduce it to him in advance?

Just remembering the previous agreement and bringing him along this time was already quite good.

"Yes, the place we're going this time is the boundary area between the East Wilderness Ridge and the North Region."

"You've been active in the Southern Forest before, you should be aware as well."

"The southwestern boundary is a large river with many water magical beasts, and the southeastern boundary is a large stone wall."

"And the northeastern boundary is an illusion mist over 1000 meters wide."

At this time, Hang Xing stepped forward to explain.

"The third-year 'Material Collection' exam is conducted based on the draw result."

"We were quite unlucky; we drew the Bear Tail Grass that grows on the east side of the illusion mist."

"The collection of this plant is very dangerous, coupled with the illusions in the mist that can easily get people lost, we really don't think you should go in."

"Just help us keep watch and take care of the safety equipment from the outside, and you're OK."

In his view, even for third-year students entering the illusion mist requires thorough preparation, so first- and second-year students shouldn't overestimate their abilities.

After he finished explaining in great detail, everyone embarked on the journey.

Hang Xing's Scout Dog went ahead 300 meters as a scout, while the rest moved at a moderate pace.

Li Pu could tell that these senior students all showed quite a serious demeanor.

Especially Chang Shoushang, who even seemed a bit nervous.

This atmosphere was completely different from what he saw in the Southern Forest.

Back then, in the Southern Forest, he'd frequently see one or two first- or second-year students, chatting and laughing while carrying out their tasks.

There were also others, going solo.

Of course, those going solo were mostly second-year students.

First-year students were rare, but Li Pu indeed had run into Fu Erdai by chance.

"Do you feel like I'm being overly nervous about this?"

Seeing Li Pu glance at him several times, Chang Shoushang seemed to know what Li Pu was thinking.

"On second thought, it actually doesn't seem strange."

The experience from last time in the Little Yama Realm made Li Pu feel that this senior was a bit of a coward.

He was curious as to why these third-year students were so cautious.

"Well, you wouldn't know."

But as a second-year student, Chang Shoushang had some experience exploring the East Wilderness Ridge since the latter part of the last semester.

So he was relatively familiar with the situation here and started to introduce it.

"Do you know what formation we second-year students usually use when we come to East Wilderness Ridge?"

"An eight-member small team."

He gestured a number.

"If each person has two summoned beasts, that makes it sixteen in total."

"Why do we do this? Because when the social magical beasts show up, the number is always over twenty."

"In a one-on-one, we aren't afraid at all."

"But in team battles, those social magical beasts are much stronger than our makeshift groups."

"Now take a look at our side."

"One, two, three, four... five."

Chang Shoushang counted, and even with the scout dog ahead, there were only five out here in total.

Though if they did encounter magical beasts, his cousin would surely summon her beasts, there would still only be seven.

"So I think the reason Senior Hang sent that mechanical dog to scout is to preemptively spot the magical beasts and avoid them."

Finally, he gave his conclusion.

"I see."

Li Pu nodded after hearing, feeling that he made a good point.

This led him to question himself a bit; given how strong the magical beasts were said to be in the East Wilderness Ridge, could he still go solo here?

Were those cloud wolves something he could contend with or eliminate?

However, just as he began contemplating these questions, he heard Hang Xing speak.

"A group of Legged Catfish ahead, a total of forty."

"Here we go; everyone get ready for battle."

Chang Shoushang: "..."

This was equivalent to a slap in the face for Chang Shoushang.

Since he had just finished saying they would avoid the magical beasts, but immediately the senior opted to fight instead.

Indeed, third-year students were different from second-year students.

"You two stand back a bit."

As soon as Hang Xing's words fell, Jiang Guiju came forward to guard them.

"Well then, let me blow off some steam."

Chang Shilian's eyes finally lit up as she opened her storage space.

[Roar!]

A large ordinary-looking brown bear charged out roaring.

"My sister's Growl Bear, a sturdy defender type."

"Its main attack strategy is actually a Sound Wave Attack, despite being big and tough."

Chang Shoushang began explaining beside them.

Even in this situation, he still hadn't released his summoned beast.

"A Sound Wave Attack, that's pretty impressive."

Li Pu expressed interest upon hearing that.

The biggest feature of a Sound Wave Attack is its invisibility and difficulty to defend against.

Before, he hadn't encountered a summoned beast or magical beast that used such tactics personally.

The three seniors were obviously very familiar with each other's coordination, and they formed the formation very quickly.

At this time, Growl Bear stood at the front, followed by Hang Xing's Shovel-mouthed Goose and Prickly Mouse Shell Beast side by side, and the summoners themselves stood at the very back.

As for Li Pu and Chang Shoushang, they were completely outside this formation.

"Doesn't your sister have a second summoned beast?"

Standing diagonally behind, Li Pu felt a bit puzzled.

"You'll find out in a moment."

Unexpectedly, Chang Shoushang kept it as a surprise.

"You two, stop chatting."

At this moment, Jiang Guiju spoke: "Old Hang, let a few come to them for practice."

"Just observing won't do; fighting is also part of the experience."

Upon hearing this, Li Pu was delighted.

He was eager to test the standards of monsters in the East Wilderness Ridge.

[Darn it!]

The Straw Man was also itching to get ready, hoping the summoner would leave some for it.

[Woof woof-hum!]

Shortly after the formation was set up, everyone heard the mechanical barking of the Scout Dog.

Now, it no longer looked like the flat-headed mechanical dog but had transformed into a drone-like form.

The drone flew low, about 1 meter above the ground, at a moderate speed.

[Wobble!] xN

Trailing behind it was a group of large, dark-brown catfish in hot pursuit.

Their shape was somewhat peculiar, unlike regular fish.

They were, first of all, quite big, with each one being over 1 meter tall.

Why describe them as tall? Because they were upright.

The side fins resembled little feet, flapping quickly as they moved.

It appeared a bit comical, with their bodies twisting and turning as they advanced.

Moreover, they left some slippery mucus trailing behind them as their bodies undulated.

Altogether, anyone who saw them would easily find these creatures repulsive.

The foremost Legged Catfish had marks showing it had been bombarded, suggesting that the Scout Dog intentionally lured them here with attacks.

"Watch out, you two; these Legged Catfish are among the few water-attribute magical beasts in the East Wilderness Ridge."

"They excel in slippery close combat."

Before the magical beasts engaged, Hang Xing reminded the two junior students.

...

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