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¹ Dou Dizhu (Fight the Landlord) - A popular Chinese card game where two "peasants" team up against one "landlord"
"Oh right, I almost forgot about the system reward."
Remembering the Contract Spirit Exclusive Skill Book, Chen Shu pulled it from his backpack and gave his slime a gentle pat.
With a gentle pat, golden light surged through the golden slime's body as it comprehended a new skill.
"Invincible Press Press Press: Passive skill. Creatures pinned beneath the slime cannot use active skills. Note: Ineffective against contract spirits one major realm higher."
Chen Shu's eyes lit up with delight. Truly worthy of an exclusive skill—it synergized perfectly with the golden slime.
While the slime's terrifying weight meant pinned contract spirits basically couldn't escape, that was only without using skills.
Even a simple Charge skill could potentially throw the slime off.
According to Chen Shu's knowledge, skills and talents held enormous advantages, directly determining a contract spirit's combat power.
Three days passed in a flash.
"Mom, Dad, I've decided to go traveling for a bit, relax and unwind!"
Early in the morning, Chen Shu left home carrying a large military backpack.
His parents didn't think much of it, assuming their son was just going on a regular trip. If they knew he was heading to an Alternate Dimension, they'd probably ground him for the entire summer vacation.
A Level 5 Beast Tamer charging into an Alternate Dimension? That wasn't brave—that was just stupid!
Outside 666 Potion Company, a group waited by two parked black SUVs.
"Brother, suddenly shoving dead weight into the team—isn't that just adding burden?" a fierce-looking man complained to Zhou Cheng. This was Zhou Shi, Zhou Cheng's younger brother and the Beast Taming Corps leader, a powerful Black Iron rank Beast Tamer.
Zhou Cheng replied, "It's just a Common-level Alternate Dimension. I'm sure with your strength you can protect the team. Besides, that kid can take care of himself."
"I hope so." Zhou Shi shook his head.
Just then, someone wearing sunglasses came racing over on a shared bicycle.
"Chen Shu!" Xu Xiaoyu waved, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
With Chen Shu joining at the last minute, at least she'd have some company.
"This is the kid?"
Zhou Shi's mouth twitched uncontrollably. Why did this feel so unreliable?
Chen Shu smoothly dismounted, ready to park the bike, but quickly hopped back on and shouted:
"This isn't a parking spot! Wait for me!"
Everyone: "..."
Zhou Shi forced out a stiff smile. "Brother, are you sure he can take care of himself?"
Chen Shu's performance left even Zhou Cheng doubting himself. He said hesitantly, "Ahem... probably, maybe, perhaps... he can?"
Soon Chen Shu came sprinting back with his backpack.
"Now that Little Chen is here, let's head out," Zhou Cheng said. "This is the Beast Taming Corps leader, Zhou Shi, also my younger brother."
Chen Shu looked at Zhou Shi and greeted, "Uncle Zhou! I'm Chen Shu!"
Zhou Shi shook his head. "Since you're here, let's go."
Everyone climbed into the two SUVs.
Inside the vehicle, Chen Shu was visibly excited, constantly looking around.
"Way more comfortable than biking," he said, lounging contentedly in his seat.
Xu Xiaoyu smiled, equally excited. "Thinking about buying a car?"
With Chen Shu's salary, buying a basic car would be simple.
As long as it wasn't Beast Tamer-related, everything else was affordable.
Chen Shu said, "I'm a bit torn, haven't decided yet."
"Can't decide which car?" Xu Xiaoyu asked curiously.
Chen Shu shook his head and said seriously, "I recently got a five yuan Rolls-Royce discount coupon, which is pretty tempting. But on the other hand, the shared bike monthly pass deal is hard to give up too..."
SCREECH!
The SUV suddenly slammed on its brakes.
The driver's expression looked like he was constipated. So you're torn about THIS?
"Uncle Wang, Chen Shu is being humorous, not abnormal... uh... probably not..." Xu Xiaoyu explained with zero confidence.
'Please don't be ridiculous.' Wang Yi shook his head, silently praying.
"By the way, Xiaoyu, want some crackers?" Chen Shu asked, pulling a bag from his backpack.
"No thanks, I'm not hungry."
"Chocolate?"
"No..."
"Chips?"
"No..."
“Popcorn?”
“No…”
"Instant noodles?"
"..."
Watching Chen Shu pull out various snacks from his backpack, the other three in the car were completely stunned. Are you really going to an Alternate Dimension for adventure?
"How about we play some Dou Dizhu¹? Relax a bit?" Chen Shu asked, seemingly oblivious as he pulled out a deck of cards.
"..."
"Ahem, Little Chen, let me interrupt," the Beast Tamer in the passenger seat spoke up. "Didn't you bring anything important?"
"Of course I did. I specifically brought slippers."
"Old Deng, my fucking head hurts!" The driver Wang Yi rubbed his temple with one hand.
"..." Old Deng in the passenger seat looked over glumly. You think mine doesn't?
Chen Shu shook his head. All his hard work bringing all this stuff and they're complaining.
He gazed out the window at the scenery, munching on snacks.
He looked nothing like a Beast Tamer preparing for a dangerous Alternate Dimension expedition.
The SUVs headed out of the city toward Qingmu Forest, the nearest Alternate Dimension to Nanjiang City. The nation classified Alternate Dimensions as Common, Dangerous, Nightmare, Destruction, and the highest: Disaster level, based on the strength of fierce beasts inside.
Qingmu Forest was located between Nanjiang City and Daxing City, with Beast Taming Corps from various nearby cities entering to hunt.
Five hours later, Chen Shu's group had left Nanjiang City and arrived at a small town.
This place was called Qingmu Town, established nearly fifty years ago specifically for Qingmu Forest.
Every Alternate Dimension appearance was both a crisis and an opportunity.
Countless merchants, powerful Beast Tamers, major corporations, and Beast Taming families would come, wanting their piece of the pie.
"Halt!"
At the town entrance, several muscular soldiers in military uniforms immediately stopped the SUVs.
"Identification!"
Zhou Shi handed over his ID, which the soldier scanned with a device before returning it. Everyone else had to do the same—even Chen Shu's ID was scanned—before the group was allowed into Qingmu Town, leaving both SUVs parked outside.
Chen Shu whispered, "Xiaoyu, the security here is so strict, it's making me a bit nervous."
Xu Xiaoyu rolled her eyes. You get nervous?