Chapter 27: Return to the City
Because of the changes to Blue Star, the previous satellites, related knowledge, and supporting facilities had become completely unusable.
The satellites currently in use were those that had been re-researched and launched after the Alliance was established.
However, due to environmental factors, the launched satellites could only operate above the territories of the Human Race.
Aside from the difficulty of launching, the existence of Legendary-level powerhouses among other races would not allow such devices to hover above their skies.
Moreover, after the drastic environmental changes on Blue Star, it was impossible to conduct meter-level accurate detection.
There were too many factors affecting satellite reconnaissance, as well as various environmental interferences impacting electromagnetic transmission.
Therefore, the phone Zhou Ming had bought previously could only be used within the base.
To communicate between bases or in the wilderness, only a few special devices could achieve that — possessions of major powers or special departments.
For example, the banks, the Hunter Guild, and the Qinshan Base government.
Because of this series of factors, Beast Tamers possessing special sensory abilities were extremely popular.
Before long, Zhou Ming packed up his spoils and set out again.
The only change was that the backpack behind him had grown even taller.
Fortunately, Zhou Ming’s luck was not too bad.
After dealing with the third wave of hunters who attempted to rob him, he finally reached the safe zone smoothly.
The safe zone not only meant that encounters with Ferocious Beasts were rare but also served as a tacitly agreed-upon area where all factions refrained from fighting.
Although it could not guarantee absolute safety, as long as it did not involve major interests, deadly conflicts were unlikely to occur.
The reason such an unspoken rule could exist was mainly due to several contributing factors.
First, it was close to the city walls of Qinshan Base, with city defense soldiers patrolling the area regularly.
Second, much of the land in the safe zone was used for agriculture — any large-scale destruction would offend everyone.
Third, the terrain of the safe zone was open and unobstructed, allowing satellites to monitor the area clearly.
Fourth, all returning hunters had to pass through the safe zone — no one wanted to fight their way into the city when exhausted from a long hunt.
On the dirt road of the safe zone, Zhou Ming trudged forward with his head lowered, carrying a bundle that was taller than himself.
Anyone unaware of the situation would have thought he was a young laborer working hard to earn money.
Due to the arrival of winter, the number of hunters returning to the city from the safe zone had significantly increased compared to usual.
When some of the less successful hunters saw the massive pack on Zhou Ming’s back, their faces were filled with envy — some even felt the urge to “help” the sweat-drenched Zhou Ming.
However, that thought vanished instantly the moment they noticed Inkband coiled atop the pack, vigilantly surveying the surroundings.
Instead, they silently studied Zhou Ming’s departing figure, wondering in their hearts what kind of fierce man this was.
The strength of a Ferocious Beast was not necessarily related to its size, but generally, Beast Tamers preferred to choose normally-sized or large Ferocious Beasts as their contracted beasts.
Not only could such beasts carry their tamers, but they could also shield them from danger and provide defensive protection — an invaluable advantage for Apprentice Beast Tamers.
However, some Beast Tamers preferred smaller beasts.
Because of their small size, such beasts were fast and agile, hard to target with firearms, and difficult to detect — usually used for ambushes and assassinations.
In other words, they traded the Beast Tamer’s personal safety for greater offensive potential.
Seeing Inkband, everyone began to suspect that Zhou Ming’s harvest might have come from robbing other hunters.
Thus, they grew even more wary of him.
An hour later, with sheer persistence, Zhou Ming finally carried his towering bundle to the city gate.
Looking at the long line of people ahead, Zhou Ming had no choice but to join the queue.
Everyone entering the city had to be inspected — primarily to prevent members of other races from infiltrating Qinshan Base.
“This hunter, please put away your beast.”
As the city gate was about to close, it was finally Zhou Ming’s turn.
The inspecting soldier leading the team immediately reminded him upon seeing Inkband coiled atop the pack.
“Apologies, I haven’t opened my Beast Space yet.”
Bending slightly, Zhou Ming explained briefly upon hearing the soldier’s reminder, though he still let Inkband slip into his clothes.
“So young, and already a Wild Beast Tamer — that’s rare!”
Hearing Zhou Ming’s explanation and seeing his youthful face, the inspecting squad leader couldn’t help but comment in surprise.
“Looks like you’ve had quite the haul this time.”
The differently-styled packs stacked on his back made him stand out wherever he went.
“Just luck, just luck. I only picked up what others didn’t want — as long as it can be sold for money, it’s fine.”
Seeing the rifles and heavy weapons around him, Zhou Ming could only keep a humble attitude — sometimes, one had to know when to lower their head.
“Hehe…”
The squad leader didn’t believe Zhou Ming’s words about scavenging in the wilderness, but since the Longnose Hound beside him detected no contraband, he simply waved Zhou Ming through.
The wilderness and the area within the city walls were two different worlds — whatever happened out there, as long as there was no evidence, the base wouldn’t trouble itself over it.
After passing through the heavily guarded passage, Zhou Ming finally returned to Qinshan Base.
“Brother, our company buys rare herbs and Ferocious Beast materials at high prices. Take a look at our offer list.”
Zhou Ming had barely been back for half a moment when a neatly uniformed man approached him — this time not to sell anything, but clearly interested in purchasing the contents of his pack.
“Brother, look at our company’s prices — we offer the highest rates in all of Qinshan Base!”
“Please, check ours, brother — we really give the best value!”
The bundle on Zhou Ming’s back was a full head taller than him, making him stand out among all the returning hunters.
Instantly, salesmen from several hunter trade companies in Qinshan Base surrounded him.
“Brother, how about our company, hm?”
A woman in a tight uniform, revealing her snow-white neck and a figure that moved enticingly with every word, approached Zhou Ming with wavy, flowing hair cascading down her back.
“Big brother, you look exhausted. Why don’t we find a quiet place, have some water, and relax a bit? We can talk things over slowly.”
Gulp.
The surrounding men, witnessing the scene, couldn’t help but indulge in fantasies.
“Excuse me, you’re blocking my way.”
If the wavy-haired woman’s voice was filled with temptation and allure, as though scratching at the hearts of men,
then Zhou Ming’s reply was like a gust of winter’s cold wind — instantly freezing everyone’s hearts with the chill of a predator’s dominance.
Under Zhou Ming’s cold, serpentine gaze, the people surrounding him immediately dispersed.
Seeing the way cleared, Zhou Ming walked straight past, unwilling to endure their gazes any longer.
“Hmph.”
Realizing her charm had failed for the first time, the voluptuous woman stomped her foot in frustration.
You can refuse to sell, but how dare you ignore my beauty! — that was the thought running through her mind.