Xiao Feng watched as the battle came to an end and began gathering the C-grade magic crystals from the black panthers.
As Rain and the two mercenaries observed Xiao Feng carefully retrieving the crimson C-grade crystals one by one, their eyes brightened with anticipation. Such a vast quantity of C-grade crystals represented a tremendous fortune—they all understood this. Watching Xiao Feng extract each crystal from the fallen beasts stirred a mixture of envy and admiration in them.
When Xiao Feng collected these scarlet crystals into a pile, a cluster of shimmering, silver-glowing gems lay before them—exquisitely beautiful.
Yet Xiao Feng had no intention of giving these C-grade crystals to Rain and the others. Instead, he spoke a few words to Baibai.
Upon hearing Xiao Feng's words, Baibai frowned and let out two low whines, clearly reluctant.
Xiao Feng chuckled softly, "Give them the crystals? There will be plenty more later."
Only then did Baibai nod and let out several low calls to the wolf pack.
Xiao Feng and Baibai's behavior left the three mercenaries puzzled—what exactly was Xiao Feng's plan?
The wolves, having heard Baibai's command, lowered their heads and glanced at one another before slowly approaching. One of the black wolves seized a red crystal in its jaws, tossed it into the air, and swallowed it whole.
With a dull gulp, the crystal slid down into the wolf's belly.
Rain gasped, "Don't do it!"
But Xiao Feng stopped her, saying, "Don't regret these few crystals. You saw just now how strong this pack of demon wolves is in battle. As D-grade beasts, they can already fight C-grade monsters. Imagine if they all reached C-grade—who knows how powerful this pack could become? My main goal now is to enhance their combat ability."
Rain, now accustomed to Xiao Feng's unconventional thinking, was no longer surprised by his actions, but she still asked hesitantly, "Swallowing these crystals can help the beasts level up?"
Xiao Feng nodded. "Yes. Baibai reached B-grade by devouring the magic crystals of B-grade beasts—there's no doubt about it. Just look at these demon wolves."
One by one, the black wolves swallowed the C-grade crystals, their bodies trembling with pain. Baibai had endured such agony before, so it paced beside them, howling encouragement. Yet the wolves endured the torment with unyielding fortitude, slowly accepting the transformation coursing through their bodies.
Fueled by the immense energy of the crystals, the wolves' physiques gradually changed. They grew more robust, towering about a wolf's head taller than Baibai. Their eyes turned a fierce, blood-red.
The evolved wolves exuded an even more violent and savage aura.
Xiao Feng smiled, "Looks like the effect is quite good. Having a combat squad of C-grade beasts feels fantastic."
Rain, still overwhelmed by the strange events of the day, nodded in awe. "Yes. If our mercenary team had a pack of black wolves like this, life would be so much easier from now on."
"Heh, don't worry. Once I've dealt with the Evil Dragon Cult, I'll give this demon wolf squad to you. Don't thank me too much," Xiao Feng said proudly as he leapt onto Baibai's back.
The day was nearing evening. Though summer days are long, they still had to reach the Evil Dragon Cult's headquarters, and who knew what dangers awaited on the road. Xiao Feng was unwilling to linger.
The wolf pack resumed their journey. Now evolved to C-grade beasts, they ran swiftly along the mountain. Half an hour later, they reached the mountainside, where a small house appeared before them.
Using the Black Angel's sniper scope, Xiao Feng spotted several individuals marked with terrifying tattoos eating meat and drinking inside. Around the house, several large beasts lay resting, drowsy in the daylight when such creatures are usually lethargic.
Xiao Feng instructed Rain and the others, "You three wait here. Baibai and I will handle them. We're getting closer to headquarters, so let's keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention."
They agreed and took cover.
Xiao Feng patted Baibai's head and whispered a few words before darting from cover and swiftly approaching the house.
Baibai lifted its head, eyes fixed intently on Xiao Feng.
As Xiao Feng neared, a few beasts that seemed asleep stirred, but were too groggy to notice his swift approach.
A plump mutant boar grunted twice, raised its massive head, looked around, saw nothing unusual, then lay back down to snore softly.
Xiao Feng slipped past the beasts and entered the small house, where several drunken Evil Dragon Cultists were drinking.
The cultists turned sharply to him, surprised. In that instant, Xiao Feng spread his hands, unleashing his mental powers to seize control of everything he could. Objects pounded relentlessly at their heads.
Rain, watching from afar, did not see this; otherwise, she surely would have been astonished again by Xiao Feng's overwhelming psychic abilities.
In moments, Xiao Feng had dispatched the cultists, who were no more than chicks before him.
The pounding noise roused the surrounding beasts, who awoke and peered toward the house.
At that moment, a sharp whistle echoed.
Upon hearing it, Baibai suddenly sprang from behind a massive boulder, howling toward the sky. It charged first at the grotesque beasts.
Then the entire black wolf pack surged like a dark whirlwind toward the cabin.
Xiao Feng joined the pack, unleashing ruthless attacks against the beasts nearby.
With Xiao Feng's presence, the evolved wolf pack's combat power intensified. The ensuing battle was gruesome; within moments, the area around the house transformed into a blood-soaked slaughterhouse. Flesh and blood lay scattered in chaos.