Six consecutive messages popped up, and Li Mingyou's attributes increased by a full 15 points! He also gained 1 point of reputation.
Reputation is also valuable; accumulating enough of it brings many benefits.
These achievements can only be obtained by killing tens of thousands of corresponding monsters. In the entire world, aside from Li Mingyou, it's basically impossible for anyone else to achieve this.
With his attributes rising continuously, Li Mingyou's stats have become quite impressive.
Continuing to move forward, it wasn't long before Li Mingyou heard the sounds of battle.
Following the noise, he indeed saw five people warily surrounding a Gale Hare, cautiously engaging in combat.
The Gale Hare was in relatively good condition, but one person had already fallen to the ground, writhing in pain with a long gash on his chest, blood gushing out. Although not life-threatening, it was clearly quite painful.
A team of six? That should be sufficient to handle a single monster. Unfortunately, they seemed not careful enough, and the injured one obviously fell victim to the Gale Hare's skill.
Li Mingyou absolutely did not want to take these monster skills head-on either.
Without any intention of greeting these people, Li Mingyou merely glanced and then left.
As he continued on his path, he encountered several similar teams, all composed of five or six members, collaborating to hunt fierce beasts.
For newcomers, this is undoubtedly the best method. Of course, when five or six individuals hunt together, the experience each person gains is naturally very limited. Li Mingyou gained five experience points from solo-killing a chicken boss, whereas if five or six people killed it together, each would only get one point.
"Hey Yang Ge, look at that kid over there, seems like he's alone?"
After passing numerous teams, Li Mingyou finally caught their attention.
Hearing his follower, Yang Xuan looked up in the direction indicated, surprised to see Li Mingyou walking alone in this dangerous forest.
He was leading three people and could barely manage against a level 1 monster. Who is this guy daring to wander alone in the forest?
He then noticed Li Mingyou's long sword and the leather armor that was clearly superior to the beginner's cloth outfit, becoming even more puzzled.
At this stage, everyone has the same beginner set distributed upon arrival in this world. How could his equipment be different? Could he not be a Blue Star native but a local resident of the novice village instance? An NPC?
"Buddy, are you alone?"
Curious, he couldn't help but approach and greet Li Mingyou.
"What, is something wrong?"
Li Mingyou glanced at him; the man appeared physically robust, likely some sort of martial artist.
"No... just a bit surprised."
Yang Xuan's heart skipped a beat, wondering if this person might not be a local as he initially thought?
"It's so dangerous out here, and you're alone. Aren't you risking your life?"
Someone muttered disapprovingly from the side.
Li Mingyou glanced at them, uninterested in responding.
Yang Xuan turned and glared at the speaker, then apologized with a smile, "Sorry about that, my friend speaks his mind, but he means no harm. And indeed, it is risky out here alone. If you don't mind, maybe join us? We could watch out for each other."
Li Mingyou raised an eyebrow; so this was Yang Xuan.
"No need, I prefer being alone."
"Ah, I see," Yang Xuan sighed disappointedly, "Then may I ask how you got those pieces of equipment?"
"I found the sword by chance, and I bought the leather armor in the village, though it cost quite a bit. As for how I got the money, that's a secret."
"Why keep secrets? We're all compatriots here. It's selfish not to share. If everyone could wear such armor, wouldn't fewer people die?" The subordinate couldn't hold back, grumbling again. After all, Yang Ge used to be the city's fighting champion. To him, Yang Ge extending an invitation was an honor. This ungrateful stranger not only refused but also acted so selfishly—just because he got lucky with some gear, what's there to brag about...
Li Mingyou grew irritated; although patient, he had his limits.
"Don't speak nonsense!"
Yang Xuan scolded his subordinate with furrowed brows, then apolosized with a slight smile, "Sorry about my man's rudeness. Thanks for sharing the info..."
"No problem. See you around."
Li Mingyou waved his hand dismissively and continued on his way without bothering to argue further.
Yang Xuan watched his back thoughtfully.
"Yang Ge, if we go further ahead, that'll be the area for level 2 monsters, right?"
Another subordinate spoke up in shock.
They had seen others venture in before, only to flee in disarray shortly after. Yes… they went in with over ten people and came back with only two survivors.
According to those who made it out alive, level 2 monsters were much scarier than level 1 ones.
This guy not only chose to go lone wolf but even aimed for level 2 monster territory? Wasn't he courting death?
"Let him be. Worry about ourselves first."
Yang Xuan responded casually, yet his gaze remained fixed on Li Mingyou's leather armor and long sword, filled with envy and anticipation.
If he had such equipment, he too would feel confident enough to test the waters in level 2 monster areas!
"Everyone rested enough? Time to find our next target..."
"Yes, Yang Ge!"
...
Just as Yang Xuan's subordinates said, Li Mingyou indeed planned to head directly into the level 2 monster area.
Considering newcomers, the outer zone of the Novice Forest isn't densely packed with monsters. With most people now forming hunting parties, finding prey takes time. Not wanting to compete for others' targets, Li Mingyou decided to venture deeper where few tread and hunt alone.
A few minutes later, they reached the level 2 monster area. The vicinity reeked of blood; evidently, many had ventured too far.
Perhaps due to the larger group sizes making level 1 monsters seem easier to deal with, some underestimated level 2 creatures, resulting in tragic outcomes on the spot.
Li Mingyou carefully navigated through the woods until he spotted his target.
[Ice Fang Dog]
Level: 2
Status: Health: 240/240 Magic: 190/190
Attributes: Strength: 23 Agility: 21 Constitution: 24 Spirit: 19
Quality: None
Combat Power: 3
A level 2 monster, the Ice Fang Dog.
Information about this creature flashed through Li Mingyou's mind quickly: ice attribute, attacks come with minor slowing effects, its skill is the Ice Fang Rush which resembles the Flame Charge in terms of combat strength significantly surpassing that of the Chicken Boss capable of taking down village geese single-handedly.
However, given Li Mingyou's current attributes totaling 35 points across the board, he naturally wasn't afraid at all.