: The Summoning Beast King Cannot Be Killed?

Shi Xuan quickly released his sister: "Xiao Qin, don't be rude! This is Mr. Lin Mo, our... employer. Mr. Lin is incredibly powerful, far surpassing your brother! We were able to return so quickly thanks to Mr. Lin!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Qin's dissatisfaction was quickly replaced by surprise.

She knew her brother's strength well; even in the vast Northern City, he was considered a minor expert.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to lead the villagers to form a mercenary group.

And this guy is willing to utter the word "far beyond"? Just how strong must this person be?

She looked at Lin Mo again, though she couldn't quite grasp the depth of his feelings.

But the aura that kept strangers at bay and the brother's solemn attitude were undeniable.

Her mind immediately started working.

Shi Qin first composed herself, wiped away her tears, and her expression became somewhat solemn.

"The village's stockpile of finished medicines was destroyed during the monster attack, but there's still a considerable amount of Stonecloth left, however..."

Her eyes dimmed: "The only one who knew how to refine the Stone Cloth Herb was the old village chief... He died to buy us time to retreat."

Lin Mo's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Shi Qin changed the subject and looked directly at Lin Mo: "But I grew up in my grandfather's house in the village and I also know how to refine stone-cloth herbs. I can refine some for you for free."

Upon hearing this, Lin Mo lifted his hood and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"So, what is the price?"

Shi Qin seemed to have been waiting for these words. She straightened her back and stared at Lin Mo.

"It's simple. We need help now. You help us defend the village until the heroes of Mingbei City arrive!"

Lin Mo frowned. The warriors were now under protection in Mingbei City.

Who knows when they'll arrive?

Lin Mo tentatively asked, "Why are these monsters attacking Stoneclothes Village?"

Shi Xuan, who was standing to the side, also became curious.

Although everyone in Mingbei City knew that several villages to the north had been attacked by monsters, no one could explain the specific reasons.

Shi Qin was also taken aback: "Didn't we send someone to report to the city lord before? This monster riot was caused by a summoning beast king in the northern valley."

"It suddenly became a beast king a few months ago and wanted to expand its territory. I don't know what got into it, but it sent these monsters to attack our village."

Upon hearing this news, Shi Xuan was the first to be startled.

"You mean that level 35 summoned beast broke through to the Demon King level?"

Shi Qin nodded.

Shi Xuan explained to Lin Mo, "This summoning beast has been hiding in Whispering Valley. The village chief warned us before not to get close. I never expected that this incident would be caused by this beast."

Upon hearing the word "level 35 Beast King," Lin Mo's heart stirred.

The rewards for defeating the Beast King far exceed those for defeating ordinary monsters.

Moreover... if we could obtain its essence...

At that moment, Yin Xue's soft voice, tinged with amusement, rang in his mind: "Summoning demonic beasts? No wonder those demons seemed to be controlled by something."

Lin Mo silently asked himself, "Do you know about this demon?"

Yin Xue's arrogant voice rang out: "Needless to say? I am the Demon King! This summoned beast is skilled in mental illusions, and its skills... well, they're not very useful to you, mostly just illusions and mind control. But..."

She drawled, "That little guy in your backpack seems quite interested in its essence."

It seemed to confirm her words.

A hint of greed emanated from the spider eggs inside the bag Lin Mo was carrying.

Lin Mo remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the dilapidated village before finally returning to Shi Qin's face.

"What if I went into the mountains and dealt with that Demon Summoning Beast King?"

Shi Qin was stunned, and the surrounding villagers and mercenaries also fell silent instantly, looking at Lin Mo with surprise and uncertainty.

How to defeat a level 30 Beastmaster?

That tone...

Shi Qin quickly regained her senses and said seriously.

"If you can truly eliminate this scourge, all the stone-cloth herbs produced in our village will be supplied to you first, whenever you need them! And we'll only charge you the bare minimum cost price!"

"No, I want them all."

Yin Xue once said that transporting items over long distances would result in significant losses.

She had no idea exactly how much loss would occur.

If successful, Lin Mo needs a stable and consistent supply.

Upon hearing this, not only Shi Qin, but also Shi Xuan and Tie Shan gasped in shock.

This is practically a monopoly on the herb *Scleroderma*!

But on the other hand, if we could really get rid of the Summoning Beast King...

This deal might not be unacceptable for the village; in fact, it could be a strong safeguard.

Shi Qin and her brother Shi Xuan exchanged a quick glance.

She then looked around at the villagers who were staring at her expectantly.

She gritted her teeth and nodded emphatically: "Alright! As long as Mr. Lin can defeat the Summoning Beast King, our Stoneclothes Village agrees to this condition!"

Having identified his target, Shi Xuan stepped forward.

"Mr. Lin, I'm familiar with this area. I'll go with you."

Lin Mo pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

Firstly, he was familiar with the terrain and mountain roads around the village, making him a good guide.

Secondly, his level 32 strength wouldn't be a hindrance.

"However, it's getting dark soon, so let's wait until tomorrow to set off. As for the rest of the team..."

Before Shi Xuan could finish speaking, Lin Mo had already frowned.

"I don't have time to wait."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and headed towards the village entrance alone.

Guides? Why would we need guides if we just killed them all?

Shi Xuan looked at Lin Mo's resolute back, which left no room for negotiation.

He recalled the ruthless slaughter of the cavalry not long ago, and then looked at the dilapidated village before him.

Yes, they're an outsider and they're even more anxious than I am, how could I possibly feel comfortable doing that?

Thinking of this, he made a sudden decision and quickly chased after them.

"Since you're in a hurry, let's go now."

Lin Mo paused slightly and nodded.

I've accepted this temporary mentorship.

The two walked one after the other through the village, which was still being cleared.

Everywhere were the mutilated corpses of monsters, charred ruins, and busy, weary villagers.

Their sudden move drew some puzzled glances.

Just as the two were about to step out of the charred village entrance, a slightly hurried sound of footsteps came from the side.

Five or six soldiers dressed in the standard leather armor of the Northern City approached quickly.

Their armor was covered in wear and scratches from battle, clearly indicating that they had been through many tough fights.

The leader was a middle-aged man with a resolute face and a short beard, with a broad-bladed sword with a nick at his waist.

His aura was deep and heavy, indicating that he had just broken through to level 30 and his power had not yet been fully contained.

His gaze instantly locked onto Lin Mo and Shi Xuan.

He stepped forward, his voice carrying the characteristic seriousness and unquestionable authority of a soldier:

"Halt. I'm Matt, the local defense captain. Where are you going?"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Shi Xuan immediately showed gratitude on his face.

"Captain Matt! Thank you all for helping us guard the village these past few days! We're heading into the mountains to deal with that Demon King; the village can't be allowed to fall any further..."

"no."

Matt uttered two words decisively, interrupting Shi Xuan's explanation.

He didn't move, his gaze sweeping over Lin Mo's hood, which obscured his face, and his tone was firm.

"No one is allowed to leave the village now, and no one is permitted to act without authorization or disturb the Beast King!"

The gratitude on Shi Xuan's face instantly turned into astonishment.

"Why? Mingbei City is under lockdown right now, and the hero can't get here anytime soon! If this drags on any longer, and that beast drives even more monsters in, the village..."

"etc!"

Matt suddenly interrupted, his expression changing slightly as he stared intently at Shi Xuan.

"You just said... the heroes can't come? Didn't they arrive in Mingbei City last night? They should be here by tomorrow at the latest!"