Chapter 49 - 31: Wilderness Exploration

The next day, Lin Yu and Chenxi arrived at the Training Camp after breakfast.

"Master, the exploration team is fully assembled!" Meiying exclaimed, hurrying forward to salute as Lin Yu entered the Training Camp.

Last night, after returning to the Lord’s Mansion, Lin Yu had notified Meiying through the Territory Core, telling him to assemble the exploration team this morning.

He planned to take the newly recruited Druids, along with the exploration team and Chenxi, out into the wilderness today to search for a Recruitment Office.

"Take a break. We’ll wait for the Druids."

The exploration team dispersed, but instead of resting, they gathered in twos and threes and began to train.

About ten minutes later, Chenxi arrived at the Training Camp with the Druids.

There were 300 Druids in total (including the ones just recruited today), with exactly 100 of each of the three types.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lin Yu called Chenxi and Meiying over.

"Today, we’re heading into the wilderness to find a Recruitment Office. Meiying will be in command of the troops. Chenxi, you’re in charge of my safety."

"Yes, my Lord!" they responded in unison.

"Alright. Meiying, arrange for our departure. We’ll take the Heaven-Reaching Vine to the border first."

As ordered, Meiying organized the troops, arranging them into a neat formation and leading them toward the Heaven-Reaching Vine transit station on the other side.

Ever since his Demon Transformation, Meiying had spent all his time outside of leading the exploration team to fight and find treasure chests in the wilderness, poring over military strategy books in the Wisdom Library. Lin Yu had already informed him that he would likely be responsible for the territory’s future battles.

He seized every available moment to better himself, determined not to disappoint Lin Yu.

It seemed his efforts were paying off.

The group rode a Heaven-Reaching Vine Pod to the southern border. After re-forming their ranks, they headed out of the territory.

After passing through the outermost Defensive Array, the group arrived in a small grove of trees.

It was called a small grove, but it was actually a dense, shady wood, filled with various trees ten to twenty meters tall.

The term "small" was only relative to the vastness of Lin Yu’s territory.

Wild beasts would occasionally dart out from the jungle, only to turn tail and flee in terror at the sight of Lin Yu’s party.

Ten Sharp Claw Druids from the Shape-shifting Druid contingent transformed into wildcats, wolves, and leopards, fanning out ahead of the party to scout.

In the sky above, several falcons circled ceaselessly, searching for any sign of a Recruitment Office.

After more than half an hour, Lin Yu’s initial excitement had faded into boredom as he followed the troops.

"SCREEE—"

A falcon suddenly swooped down from the sky and landed before Lin Yu, instantly transforming into a handsome young Druid.

"My Lord, I’ve discovered an altar up ahead. It might be a Recruitment Office."

Lin Yu’s spirits lifted. He issued a command to Meiying, who was on standby before him. "Meiying, order the squad to follow the Fierce Raptor Druid in the sky to the target location. Maintain high alert!"

"Yes, Master!"

Meiying then turned and relayed the orders to the troops.

"All troops, listen up! Change direction immediately! Follow the Fierce Raptor Druids in the sky and advance!"

"Runners, order the Sharp Claw Druids at the front to proceed immediately to the target location and reconnoiter."

"Maintain high alert!"

The party immediately changed course, following the airborne Fierce Raptor Druids toward the altar.

The exploration team members responsible for protecting Lin Yu remained vigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings for any unforeseen threats.

Ten minutes later, the woods began to thin, and in the distance, they could see a small clearing.

In the center of the clearing stood an altar-like structure. It was pure white, shimmering under the sun, yet it gave off a sinister aura.

A shiver went down Lin Yu’s spine the moment he laid eyes on the altar.

"My Lord, there’s something unsettling about this altar," Chenxi murmured, frowning at his side.

"I agree. It feels unnaturally cold."

Lin Yu agreed. Even though he was outside his territory and lacked the 500-point stat bonus from his [Lord] title, his physical attributes were still far superior to what they once were. The ordinary cold shouldn’t have been able to affect him.

And yet, for some unknown reason, he felt waves of coldness wash over him before he even got near the altar. His instincts were screaming at him to leave.

"My Lord, a report from the scouts."

Just then, Meiying approached with a young man in tow. The man was dressed in animal hides, his face adorned with markings. He even had several long whiskers above his upper lip. If it weren’t for his human ears, Lin Yu would have mistaken him for a Catman.

Lin Yu asked with feigned nonchalance, "Tell me, what’s the situation with that altar?"

"My Lord, the ground around that altar is littered with skeletons."

"When anyone approaches, a purple light glows from within their skulls, and they suddenly rise up and attack with sharp blades."

"Our initial assessment is that these skeletons cannot be communicated with. They are extremely hostile toward all living things, and their internal energy is anathema to nature."

"Shall we clear them out?" the young Sharp Claw Druid asked, his voice loud and clear.

’Skeletons? So they’re undead!’

Lin Yu stroked his chin, deep in thought. ’Logically, something so contrary to the laws of nature shouldn’t be able to exist this close to the World Tree. This means there’s either a powerful undead base nearby... or the game organizers are messing with us.’

"How many skeletons are there?"

"Around 500."

"How strong are they?"

"They’re complete pushovers!"

Seeing the Druid’s confidence, Lin Yu’s interest was piqued.

"What’s your name?"

"Reporting, my Lord! My name is Kirkland Gordon."

"Since you’re so confident, I’ll leave the skeletons to you Shape-shifting Druids. Kirkland, you’ll be in command for this operation. How about it?"

"I guarantee we’ll complete the mission!" Kirkland boomed, his voice full of vigor.

He then turned, let out a sharp whistle, and the Shape-shifting Druids assembled before him.

"Brothers and sisters! This is our first independent operation! Let’s show them what we’re made of and give our Lord a good look at our true capabilities! Victory is certain!"

"VICTORY! VICTORY! VICTORY!"

After this brief pre-battle rally, Kirkland looked back at Lin Yu.

Lin Yu waved a hand. "Go on."

Kirkland roared, "Move out!"

The Shape-shifting Druids turned and advanced toward the altar.

Lin Yu, the exploration team, the Elemental Druids, and the healing Druids followed behind, taking cover in the thicket nearest the altar.

The Shape-shifting Druids themselves were further subdivided according to their transformation specializations: Sharp Claw Druids, Fierce Raptor Druids, and Rock Druids.

Now, under Kirkland’s command, they split into three groups.

The Fierce Raptor Druids transformed into birds of prey, soaring high above the formation.

The Rock Druids transformed into an array of thick-hided beasts: bears, wild boars, rhinoceroses, and the like.

They formed the vanguard, their bodies wreathed in colorful defensive Magic, ready to clash head-on with the skeletons.

The Sharp Claw Druids, meanwhile, transformed into creatures with sharp fangs and vicious claws: tigers, leopards, wolves, and more.

They fanned out to the flanks, while a small number of them turned invisible and crept ahead of the main force.