Chen Guo was thoroughly impressed by Zhao Jinrong's capabilities, as well as the general strength of the villagers. The majority of them boasted combat strengths ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, nearly on par with the average trial challenger. This made sense given the brutal conditions of the Dusk Forest; to survive there, even the ordinary person had to develop some means of self-defense.
What's more, each villager possessed a unique set of skills. Among them were blacksmiths, tailors, carpenters, and leatherworkers. In essence, each villager was a master of their craft.
By recruiting these villagers to join the 926 Beginner Village, Chen Guo could significantly bolster the village's combat and production capabilities. Blacksmiths could craft and repair equipment for trial challengers, tailors could produce and mend garments, and farmers could cultivate fresh vegetables, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious meals.
With the addition of these villagers, life in the 926 Beginner Village would become far more convenient for its trial challengers. This convenience would alleviate their concerns, allowing them to focus on combat and propelling the village into a positive developmental spiral.
Resolved, Chen Guo was determined to annex the entire Cruel Camp.
At that moment, Zhao Jinrong's attention was captured by the timber wolf's head that Chen Guo held. "It was Mr. Guangcheng who slew the timber wolf, ending our nightmare. He is our liberator, our hero!" Geh Pao exclaimed, pointing to Chen Guo with fervor.
Zhao Jinrong appraised Chen Guo with newfound respect. He exuded a commanding presence, his demeanor that of someone who transcended the ordinary. His striking looks were beyond reproach. Even cloaked in the guise of Guangcheng, who was revered as a true immortal with infinite allure, Chen Guo perfectly embodied the image of an extraordinary hero.
"Benefactor, please accept my bow!" Zhao Jinrong strode forward and knelt on one knee, bowing deeply to Chen Guo.
"Benefactor, please accept our bow!"
The villagers gathered around also knelt on one knee, each expressing their heartfelt thanks to Chen Guo.
"Please, stand up, stand up. There's no need for such formality," Chen Guo implored with a noble air, "We're all human here. The timber wolf poses a threat to us all. Eliminating such a menace is the duty of anyone with the means to do so. With great power comes great responsibility."
"A profound statement indeed—'With great power comes great responsibility.' Mr. Guangcheng, you truly have the spirit of a great hero," Zhao Jinrong praised. "Please, come with me. Though our resources at Cruel Camp are limited, we will do our utmost to host you all."
Chen Guo nodded in agreement. "That would be good. I have some matters to discuss with you, and it would be best to talk away from the crowd, in a more secluded spot."
Zhao Jinrong led the group to a decrepit hall that had clearly seen better days, its structure just shy of ruin. The furniture within was not so much in tatters as it was exceedingly worn.
The state of the hall laid bare the dire economic straits of Cruel Camp.
Numerous memorial tablets were displayed throughout the hall.
"These tablets honor the ancestors of Cruel Camp, many of whom fell to monsters, particularly the timber wolf. Half of these ancestors perished by its claws. My own friends and family have been lost to it," Zhao Jinrong shared somberly. "By slaying the timber wolf, you've become our savior. We will strive to repay you. Should you command us, we will face any peril without a second thought."
"There's no need for such extremes," Chen Guo replied. "I simply wish to discuss a few matters with you."
"Bring out some refreshments, quickly!" Zhao Jinrong commanded his followers.
The food and drink arrived swiftly, albeit modestly.
The wine, a crude brew from wild fruits, was cloudy and weak—hardly a match for even the rustic fruit wines once made on Blue Star.
The fare was simple: an assortment of mushrooms and wolf meat, the latter stir-fried with mushrooms.
Wolf meat stewed with mushrooms.
Steamed mushrooms.
Roasted wolf meat.
Wolf meat skewers.
Roasted mushrooms.
Wolf meat and mushroom fried balls...
Essentially, the menu consisted of wolf meat with mushrooms, mushrooms with wolf meat, or sometimes neither. For the residents of Cruel Camp, these were their culinary showpieces. However, to Chen Guo and company, they were nothing short of culinary nightmares.
"Please, keep it for yourselves; we're not particularly hungry," Chen Guo declined politely upon seeing the spread of food and drink.
"Indeed, you're living under tough conditions; you should save it for yourselves," Zhou Tao chimed in supportively.
Having recently emerged from Blue Star, despite being accustomed to roughing it, they couldn't stomach such unappetizing fare.
The issue wasn't the Cruel Camp cooks' lack of skill; rather, it was the scarcity of ingredients. After all, even the best chef can't cook without proper materials.
"I'm aware this feast might not be up to standard, but it represents the very best we have to offer—it's a gesture of our goodwill," Zhao Jinrong explained.
Chen Guo responded, "Your goodwill is appreciated, truly. But as you can see, our standard of living is considerably higher, and we're not in need of food. Tell you what, I have some leftover roasted steak here. It's yours!"
With that, Chen Guo casually placed his remaining steak on the table.
The aroma of the beef had Zhao Jinrong and the others salivating.
"Could this be the legendary beef?"
"It seems so. It's incredibly fragrant, easily a hundred times better than wolf meat!"
"I've never seen beef in my life until now!"
The villagers, led by Zhao Jinrong, were visibly thrilled.
Chen Guo and his companions were at a loss for words.
After a moment's thought, Chen Guo produced a heap of dried bananas and said, "These are dried bananas. They may not be as fresh, but they're still a sweet treat. Distribute them among the villagers. It's hard to see you all living like this."
"I've got ten leftover chickens from yesterday's roast. They're all yours!" Zhou Tao added, not to be outdone, knowing that Chen Guo was looking to win over the villagers. He generously added his share of leftovers to the table as well.
Moved by the gesture, the others began to pull out their own stashed treats, adding them to the table.
The banquet suddenly looked much more lavish. It might not have been five-star hotel fare, but it certainly matched the quality of a cozy roadside diner.
"You guys..." Zhao Jinrong was so overwhelmed with gratitude, he was at a loss for words.
These benefactors had not only helped them eliminate their greatest threat, the timber wolf, but they had also been incredibly generous, sharing such an abundance of delicious food. Their kindness was enough to melt even the stoniest of hearts.