The next day, Ron asked Golden Head to patrol the perimeter of the territory.
The situation was still the same as in previous days. Apart from the overcast sky and the howling north wind, there was silence for dozens of miles around.
Not to mention human figures, even animal shadows were rare.
Having had several peaceful days in a row, Ron even wondered if those so-called "bandits and robbers" knew they had arrived. After all, not even a single scout had been seen.
However, remembering what Fel had said before departure, "The danger you will face is not ahead but behind."
From this statement, it's easy to guess that as long as Feli reports the lord's assumption of office to the empire.
Those potential enemies should know of our arrival even without sending scouts.
Therefore, as long as the enemies still want to disrupt this shipping route, they will sooner or later send "bandits."
"Alas! What's bound to come can never be escaped! Since they haven't come yet, let's solve the immediate problem first!"
After patrolling once and confirming there was no danger.
Ron took Golden Head into the forest, preparing to take out that Black Clouded Leopard first.
Ron didn't know much about the Black Clouded Leopard. He only knew that this wild beast was very large. According to records, the largest ones could exceed 15 meters in length (including the tail). It was definitely the overlord of the forest.
Moreover, because its fur was as black as dark clouds and it was extremely fast, it was extremely difficult to hunt.
But these were not problems for Ron.
Since advancing to the transcendent level, Ron was no longer fearful or afraid of things that humans used to fear, such as those huge wild beasts or terrifying-looking magical beasts.
This was a psychological change that every person who advanced to the transcendent level would inevitably experience. You could call it arrogance or confidence.
Of course, not being afraid of the opponent didn't mean you could hunt it down. After all, this Black Clouded Leopard was extremely fast. If it couldn't beat the enemy, it could still run.
For this reason, Ron specifically brought a bow and arrow.
With his current archery skills, although he couldn't use [Eagle Eye Shooting] due to the quality problem of the longbow, using ordinary archery was not a problem.
As long as he shot a few arrows at the vital parts of the Black Clouded Leopard, Ron didn't believe it could still escape.
The only problem now was: Where was it?
Fortunately, with Golden Head scouting in the air, with its transcendent vision, it finally locked onto the location of the Black Clouded Leopard.
It was outside a strange big tree about 20 miles away.
Saying that tree was strange was because although that big tree was not very tall, its diameter reached an astonishing 900-plus meters, nearly 1,000 meters. It actually gave a feeling of a forest in one tree.
Of course, its diameter being so wide was not entirely due to the trunk being that thick.
The trunk was deep in the "forest" and naturally thick. What created the current spectacle was more due to the tree's branches. There were constantly roots hanging down and taking root in the soil, eventually turning into small trunks.
Countless small trunks combined together to form such a huge thing.
Looking at the appearance of this tree, Ron couldn't help but think of an article he had read in his previous life called "Bird's Paradise."
This tree was very similar to what was described in the text. The only difference was that here it should be called "Leopard's Paradise."
Under Golden Head's guidance, Ron didn't take much time to reach the vicinity of the giant tree.
To avoid being detected by the Black Clouded Leopard, before approaching that tree, Ron reduced his speed, controlled his breathing, and tried not to make any sound.
Finally, he hid behind a big tree as wide as two people and quietly observed the situation through the gaps between the tree trunks.
About 50 meters in front of him, a big black panther with a body length of over 8 meters was lying in the shade on the trunk, seemingly sleeping.
Because it was all black, it almost blended with the surrounding darkness.
If Ron's perception hadn't been far beyond ordinary people, he really wouldn't have been able to discover it.
Seeing that the other party was still sleeping and completely unguarded, Ron grinned and slowly took off his longbow and nocked an arrow. This arrow was aimed at the neck of the Black Clouded Leopard.
But at the moment just before shooting, Ron suddenly frowned because he found that there was a six-pointed star pattern on the forehead of this Black Clouded Leopard.
This pattern was very similar to those Magic Pets seen in the academy. Although the specific shape was different, having such a pattern generally meant it had an owner.
And its owner must also be extraordinary.
Apart from nobles, it was very likely to be a noble Wizard.
Ron hesitated. If he killed this black panther, it would be equivalent to offending its owner.
Thinking from the other person's perspective, if his own Golden Head was killed, he would definitely go crazy.
Moreover, the owner of the other party was very likely to be a Wizard. Offending a Wizard, especially a Wizard living in seclusion in the deep mountains, was a bit like seeking one's own doom.
Ron slowly put away his bow and arrow, leaned against the big tree, and heaved a heavy sigh.
"Forget it! As long as it doesn't come to the territory, leave it alone!"
"However, who exactly放养了 such a Magic Pet here?"
Just as Ron was thinking, a person slowly emerged from the trunk of a big tree less than ten meters away from him.
Yes, emerged.
That person emerged like a relief. The body and clothes color gradually changed from wood color to flesh color, and finally became a normal person's appearance.
Ron was suddenly shocked by such a strange scene. What shocked him was not that a person emerged from the tree, but that with his powerful perception, he didn't know there was a person hiding so close!
Ron's forehead was immediately covered in cold sweat. He quickly put one hand on the hilt of his sword and stared intently at the suddenly appearing figure in front.
It was a girl about 1.75 meters tall. Because she was wearing a gray hooded wrap-around cloak, only her snow-white oval face could be seen.
The skin on her face was as smooth as a peeled egg.
She was carrying a longbow on her back and standing straight, smiling and staring at Ron.
When Ron saw the other party's face clearly, he couldn't help but be shocked by the other party's stunning beauty.
Although the other party was beautiful, she looked like an ice beauty. She was pursing her lips and smiling without speaking.
"Who are you?"
Seeing that the other party didn't speak, Ron broke the silence first.
The girl took out two hands that were red from the cold from her cloak and lifted her hood, revealing two slightly pointed ears.
Ron took a look and his pupils immediately contracted.
"Elf? Elf race!"
The girl nodded with a smile. At the same time, she retracted her red hands into the cloak and then said slowly:
"Yes! Please don't look so alarmed. I have no intention of harming you!"
Ron wouldn't believe her words on one side. Even if the other party was an elf known for their kindness.
"Why are you hiding behind me?" At this point, Ron suddenly remembered something and asked again:
"Is that Black Clouded Leopard your pet?"
The girl nodded again: "Yes! But Parril is not a Black Clouded Leopard. It is our elf's Blade Shadow Leopard. I'm very glad to see you put away your bow and arrow. Otherwise, I could only stop your behavior by hurting you!"
Hearing this, Ron couldn't help but twitch his face. As a big man being casually threatened by a little girl, he really felt a bit uncomfortable.
But Ron didn't doubt what the other party said because she had the opportunity to attack by surprise just now, but she didn't.
"Then why did you deliberately show up now? What do you want?"
The girl said with a faint smile: "Please don't be nervous. As I said before, I have no intention of harming you. Originally, after you put away your bow and arrow, I didn't plan to show up again. However, I really like the eagle on your shoulder. If possible, I want to exchange with you!"