Feeling the surging power within him, Mo Fan immediately walked to a towering tree nearby and, without hesitation, threw a punch!
**Bang!**
A loud crash echoed as the tree trunk, a meter thick, was pierced clean through, milky-white sap oozing out.
Mo Fan’s brows furrowed slightly, then he whipped his leg at the edge of the hole.
**Boom!**
The tree snapped in half and collapsed, leaning against other trees.
Looking at the fallen giant, a hint of excitement finally flashed across Mo Fan’s face.
His strength had truly grown significantly—it wasn’t an illusion!
Sensing the power coursing through him, Mo Fan estimated it was at least three thousand jin.
He wasn’t sure if three thousand jin was considered strong, as he hadn’t wrestled with other demons, but it was a massive leap from his previous strength.
He felt confident that even if another giant black bear appeared, he could crush it with raw physical power alone, without relying on any divine abilities or spells!
This transformation thrilled Mo Fan and gave him a vague understanding of the Devouring Heaven Ability’s marvels. It seemed that devouring living creatures transferred some of their strength to him.
“If that’s true, isn’t this ability too heaven-defying?” Mo Fan muttered, his spirits soaring. He thought to himself, “Devouring ordinary beasts brings such miraculous changes. What would happen if I devoured demons or human cultivators?”
The idea excited him, but he quickly calmed down, knowing such things couldn’t be rushed and needed careful verification.
Over the next two days, Mo Fan kept moving forward, hunting plenty of prey. He had already prepared the five stones of meat, and by using the Devouring Heaven Ability on some beasts, he greatly enhanced his physical attributes.
From these two days of devouring, he noticed that consuming beasts like oxen or bears, known for strength, boosted his own strength.
Devouring armored beasts enhanced his defense.
Devouring swift beasts improved his speed significantly.
This discovery initially delighted Mo Fan, but as he consumed more, the enhancement effects weakened. The stronger his body became, the more prey he needed to devour for further gains.
Thus, once his strength reached five thousand jin, Mo Fan stopped devouring ordinary beasts, as the effects had become negligible.
Now, a single punch from Mo Fan could shatter trees and crack stones—an undeniable display of power!
After two days of travel, Mo Fan wasn’t sure where he was, only that he was farther from Black Wind Mountain, having crossed countless peaks.
That day, as usual, he hunted a wild deer and began roasting it.
Soon, the plump deer was sizzling, dripping with oil. Staring at the golden meat, Mo Fan felt a surge of accomplishment and spat out various natural spices for the final seasoning.
But just then, a rustling sound reached his ears. Mo Fan’s heart stirred, and he turned to see a youth in green robes emerging from the dense forest a few zhang away.
The sound came from the youth stepping on fallen leaves.
The youth, about sixteen or seventeen, had long hair tied up with a wooden hairpin. His handsome face carried a hint of youthfulness, with sharp brows and bright eyes. Yet his slightly patched green robes suggested a modest background.
What caught Mo Fan’s attention most was the pink-tailed white fox perched on the youth’s shoulder, an orange gourd at his waist, and a wooden-handled sword on his back.
Everything about him seemed peculiar.
Mo Fan wasn’t foolish. Scanning the lush forest around him, he realized this youth was no ordinary person. The distinct “human scent” on him, unlike a demon’s, startled Mo Fan.
He hadn’t expected to encounter a human at this moment!
The youth noticed Mo Fan but didn’t pause, walking straight toward him.
“Brother, roasting meat, huh?” the youth said cheerfully, a smile on his face.
“Mm.”
Mo Fan nodded calmly, but his hand sprinkling spices stiffened. He noticed the youth casually sat across from him.
“I’m starving. Mind sparing a couple pieces of meat, brother?” the youth asked, not looking at Mo Fan but drooling over the roasting deer. “No wonder I smelled it from so far—it’s a whole deer.”
Mo Fan’s brows furrowed. The youth’s words confused him. *You’re hungry? What’s that got to do with me? Can’t you hunt your own?*
But aloud, he feigned reluctance, “Well… that’s not exactly convenient.”
**Slap!**
The youth casually drew the wooden sword from his back, slapped it on the ground, and asked, “Can I have some meat now?”
“…”
Mo Fan was speechless.
*Is this guy threatening me?*
*Too bad I don’t take threats!*
Just as he was about to refuse again, a terrifying aura suddenly radiated from the youth.
In an instant, the seemingly harmless boy transformed into a sharp, unyielding sword, too piercing to look at directly, exuding a strong sense of danger.
“Of course you can!”
“When a friend comes from afar, how could I refuse?” Mo Fan’s cold expression vanished, replaced by a beaming smile.
He couldn’t gauge the youth’s strength and didn’t dare act rashly.
“Thanks, brother!” the youth grinned, then asked, “How many days have you been wandering these mountains?”
“A few days,” Mo Fan replied casually, his scalp tingling as the youth’s sword intent still hadn’t faded.
“I’d like to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“Have you seen a black fox these past few days?” the youth asked.
A black fox?
Mo Fan’s mind drew a blank, but he answered honestly, “Never seen one.”
Then he countered, “Are there really black foxes in this world?”
“Of course. The world is vast, full of wonders… maybe even demons!” The youth looked at Mo Fan with a half-smile, nearly making him think his demon identity was exposed.
“Brother, you sure love to joke. Demons in broad daylight? Impossible!” Mo Fan gave an awkward laugh, then pointed at the deer meat to change the subject. “The meat’s ready. Dig in!”
“Thanks!” The youth nodded with a smile, no longer pursuing the topic. Without hesitation, he tore off a large deer leg, handed it to the white fox on his shoulder, then tore off another for himself and started eating.
Perhaps enjoying the meal, he took a big swig from the gourd at his waist. His carefree demeanor made Mo Fan extremely wary, hesitant to make a move.
“Oh, almost forgot you, brother. Want a drink?” The youth looked at Mo Fan and, without waiting for a reply, flicked his hand. A clay bowl appeared on the ground.
Mo Fan’s pupils shrank.
This guy was definitely no ordinary human—could he be a cultivator?!
