Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Departure, Song Family Castle
"Riding wildebeests, around twenty or thirty people, and they’re good at archery?"
At the dining table, Chen Guodong’s face changed dramatically, "Xiaofan, are you talking about those bandits?"
Upon hearing these two words, the chopsticks in Yin Fang’s hand fell onto the table in fright.
"Bandits?"
Chen Fan was taken aback, is there really such a group of people?
"Yes."
Chen Guodong’s eyes showed deep apprehension, "Those people ride wildebeests, come and go like the wind, and most of them are good at archery. They specifically target those weaker than them, sometimes even plundering villages, and after robbing everything, they burn it all down."
Chen Fan’s eyes widened, this group of people are just beasts!
"Many small villages were destroyed by them in the past. Later, I heard that these people appeared near the Song Family Castle, led by a fierce bald man. A few years ago, he was already at the Body Tempering Second Layer; now, he might be at the Body Tempering Third Layer."
His voice cut off abruptly, his face showing terror, "Xiaofan, do you mean that if we go tomorrow, we might be targeted by these people?"
In an instant, the atmosphere at the dining table dropped to freezing point.
Yin Fang’s body trembled non-stop, "Why don’t we just not go tomorrow? Those bandits are ruthless killers."
"Dad, Mom, don’t worry, I’m just asking around."
Chen Fan smiled slightly, "How could it be so coincidental that they would target us specifically? Besides, haven’t you gone to the Song Family Castle before without any issues?"
"Yes, in the past, nothing really happened."
Chen Guodong said, a trace of worry on his face.
In the past, they would take some valuable things to exchange for food, not much, and might not catch the bandits’ eye.
But this time is different. Even the Zhao Family Castle would be tempted by so many things.
But, if we don’t go, the food will run out, and the salt is almost finished too.
Should we exchange a bit less? But one pound of meat can be exchanged for three or four pounds of rice, enough to feed the village for a few days. Winter is coming, and hunting will be hard. We have to exchange for more food.
He fell into a dilemma.
Chen Fan silently ate his meat. Twenty or thirty people, led by a bald man, all matched Meng Yu’s description.
Either Meng Yu knew in advance and said it intentionally, or she really could predict the future.
"No matter what, going tomorrow will reveal everything."
There was no reason not to go.
If Meng Yu was lying and nothing happens, that would be the best.
If everything is as she said, and he still can’t beat these people even knowing the future, he might as well find a piece of tofu to smash his head.
After dinner, they rested a bit and then headed to the warehouse to train.
Not long ago, the warehouse, which was empty, was now packed with people. About twenty people were training, with many spectators around, making it somewhat laughable.
In no time, several hours passed.
On the training ground, it was again sparsely populated. Besides Chen Fan and Zhang Ren, only Gu Ze continued practicing archery.
"Going to Song Family Castle tomorrow?"
Zhang Ren asked.
"Yes."
Chen Fan smiled, "Besides exchanging goods, I’m curious about what it’s like inside the Song Family Castle."
"There’s definitely some differences. There’s a weapon shop there, you might want to check it out."
"Weapon shop?"
Chen Fan was interested, "Do they sell good stuff?"
Zhang Ren gave him a look, "Half of the bows in the village are bought from there, as well as some swords and knives made from special metals, which can easily cut through mid-level fierce beasts. Of course, you can find these on street stalls too, but you have to be careful not to be cheated."
"Yes, I’ll be careful."
Chen Fan unconsciously thought of the old man selling cultivation techniques.
Tomorrow, he would check him out.
"Let’s call it a day; it’s getting late. Go back and rest early. Be extra careful tomorrow." With that, he limped towards the warehouse.
Chen Fan looked at his back, then shouted to Gu Ze, who was still practicing archery, "Gu Ze, let’s go back. We have to get up early tomorrow."
"You’re going back too?"
Gu Ze looked over from a distance.
Chen Fan was speechless; he really was competing with him.
No wonder many people went back to rest one after another, but he didn’t leave.
After returning, he had another meal, gaining nearly twenty potential points. Chen Fan burped, sat on the bed, and looked at the skill panel:
[Basic Spear Technique: lv6 (38.9%), Traits: Strengthening the Body Level 6, Powerful Level 6, Swift Level 6, Martial Preparation Level 6, Must Kill Level 3]
Sure enough, after almost a whole night of practice, [Basic Spear Technique] leveled up twice. Now, he could barely hold his own against Zhang Ren, which made his skill level improve quickly.
"No wonder I could block several waves of arrow rain in Meng Yu’s dream."
Chen Fan sighed, with further improvement, blocking bullets with a spear might really be possible.
"Let’s check the attributes."
His gaze moved up,
Realm: Body Tempering Third Layer
Level: 8 (0/100)
Constitution: 69.67
Power: 60.11
Agility: 34.28
Spirit: 12.97
Potential Points: 168 (7 points/day)
Experience Points: 10
Compared to last time, due to the upgrades in [Basic Archery] and [Basic Spear Technique], his physical strength attributes increased by 4 points each, and agility attributes grew by 2 points.
"With 60 points in strength, I can draw that 300-pound bow easily."
Chen Fan murmured to himself.
But this would slow his shooting speed. Currently, the 200-pound draw weight bow he used was both powerful and fast, making it the best choice.
Besides, there was another opportunity for a breakthrough and a body strengthening.
"I hope nothing happens tomorrow."
He sighed lightly.
Otherwise, he would have to kill again.
The night quickly passed.
At three or four in the morning, dawn was just breaking, and while some people were still dreaming, the hunting team was ready to depart.
Unlike before, everyone had black cloths covering their noses and mouths as per Chen Fan’s suggestion to avoid being recognized and causing unnecessary trouble.
By the village gate, some people had already gathered, including Meng Yu.
"Let’s go, everyone head back, and wait for our good news."
Chen Guodong waved to the crowd.
A dozen people, walking in pairs, carried their prey out.
"Be careful."
"Stay safe."
"Make sure to come back safely."
Voices of exhortation echoed behind them.
Chen Fan’s gaze moved away from his mother and brother, coincidentally meeting Meng Yu’s eyes.
In the next moment, he nodded slightly to her, carrying his bow and holding his spear, turned and walked away.
"Make sure to come back safely."
Meng Yu placed her hands in front of her, silently praying in her heart.
She had done everything she could, now it was up to Chen Fan.