"Ke Feng, freeze the Ox-Armored Beast first. Then, Xianxian, knock it airborne. After that, Han Yuying and I handle the attacks. Cheng Runchen, protect Han Yuying. Brother Xifeng, ensure the beast doesn’t escape!" Lin Cheng assigned the roles.

"Got it!" "No problem!" Everyone accepted his plan.

"I’m fine too!" Nian Xifeng replied. This was child’s play—zero challenge.

Still, since Han Yuying had brought him, he’d pretend to take it seriously. No need to be rude.

His strategy wasn’t bad though. He understood teamwork, coordinated well, and matched roles to abilities. Safe, efficient, and easy.

"Alright, let’s move!" Lin Cheng led them out of the Adventurers’ Guild toward a forest outside the city.

They headed west. After twenty minutes’ walk, a forest appeared ahead.

Reaching its edge, Lin Cheng warned, "Enter carefully. Stay alert and watch your surroundings." He was always cautious.

The forest was small, with no extremely powerful Fierce Beasts. But threats remained for them.

Everyone snapped to attention.

Huddled together, they scanned the bases of large trees.

"Our target’s the Ox-Armored Beast," Lin Cheng explained as they walked. "It roams the outskirts, often near big trees, feeding on grass. Watch those areas closely."

"Avoid disturbing other Fierce Beasts. Trouble follows," he added.

"Understood? Especially you, Han Yuying."

Han Yuying blushed. "Y-yes!"

"Understood!" Ke Feng and Xianxian chorused.

Cheng Runchen nodded silently.

Nian Xifeng said nothing. Hearing was enough.

They moved along the edge, eyes sweeping the ground.

The Ox-Armored Beast was calf-sized—easy to spot. Its silvery-black scales stood out against green grass.

Soon, they spotted one under a tree, head down, chewing steadily.

"Before it notices us, strike fast. Follow my plan. Ready on my signal," Lin Cheng ordered, giving them a moment.

Once prepared, he counted down. "Three, two, one—go!"

"Freeze!"

Ke Feng activated his ability. Ice burst beneath the beast’s feet, spreading fast. It climbed the frozen legs.

The beast tried to flee but was too slow. Ice trapped it instantly.

Xianxian followed with her Thrust ability. A cone shot from the ground, slamming into the beast’s belly. Frozen, it could only watch the hit land.

The force was terrifying—far beyond its strength.

The cone kept rising, lifting the beast skyward. Ke Feng’s ice shattered under the impact.

Midair, the cowardly beast flailed, short legs grasping at nothing.

Han Yuying dashed forward. She leaped high, fist clenched. Her Heavy Strike ability channeled power—strongest here besides Nian Xifeng.

One punch sent the beast crashing down. Nian Xifeng activated Dark Mist.

Black mist spread, engulfing the beast.

Instantly, it trembled like a terrified pup. Sturdy legs buckled. It collapsed, shaking uncontrollably.

Han Yuying retreated, ready to strike again.

Everyone stared, confused.

What was happening?

The beast lay pitifully, whimpering softly. Utterly pathetic.

They’d expected disorientation, not this. Their escape plans were useless now.

They turned to Nian Xifeng—the culprit. Admiration replaced their earlier skepticism.

"Uh..." Nian Xifeng frowned at the beast. Way too weak! He’d held back perfectly. Did it even deserve "ox" in its name?

"Brother Xifeng! So strong!" Han Yuying exclaimed.

"Yeah, I thought you were just a rookie! Guess I was naive," Ke Feng echoed.

"We underestimated you," Xianxian added, surprised.

Cheng Runchen nodded.

"I didn’t expect it this weak either!" Nian Xifeng said innocently.

"Well..." The others fell silent. If he said it was weak, he must be strong.

Their attacks had barely scratched it. Only Han Yuying’s punch caused minor wounds.

Unbeknownst to them, the beast’s mental defense was weak. Nian Xifeng’s Dark Mist targeted the mind, forcing submission.

"Hey, it’s a good thing," Lin Cheng cut in.

"Mhm, true!" Ke Feng agreed.

"Let’s finish fast. Lingering here is risky," Lin Cheng continued. "Cheng Runchen, guard me. I’ll check first."

He approached cautiously, Cheng Runchen shielding him.

Up close, the beast showed no fight or flight. Lin Cheng relaxed slightly but used Slash and Chop anyway.

Fear left it defenseless, resistance shattered.

Two strikes ended it. Lin Cheng cut off its scales.

Everyone gathered around.

"Done," Lin Cheng smiled, securing the scales.

"Time to leave. Corpses attract Fierce Beasts. Move out," he ordered.

"Mhm!"