Beastmaster: I'm really just a forest ranger

Chapter 446 Don't come after me when it comes to saving the world.

Spring is in full bloom, and a warm breeze caresses your face.

A week has quietly passed since the catastrophe that engulfed the entire underground world.

New greenery surged across the mountains like a tide, and wildflowers of all colors, like an overturned palette, dotted the hillsides and streamsides. The air was filled with the fragrance of earth, the sweetness of grass, and the rich aroma of nectar.

Sunlight filters through the tender green leaves, casting dappled, vibrant golden spots; everything is full of life and hope.

The farmyard is also full of the vibrant colors of spring.

In the flowerbeds that the old man had specially tended, rainbow butterflies and crystal bees danced among the flowers, their wings reflecting a mesmerizing halo in the sunlight.

Several fluffy rabbits, which had smuggled themselves in from outside the farm and were nearly torn in two by the iron-headed boy, were rolling around on the grass, purring contentedly.

Chen Yuan pushed open the door, walked into the yard, stretched comfortably, and felt the warmth of the sun on his body.

This morning, the association sent him a message informing him of the progress in the underground world; everything is going smoothly as expected.

After the King of the Eternal Night Ice Scale Dragons was taken away, the dark forces that had spread throughout the entire underground world collapsed, and the remaining forces were wiped out and incorporated.

Under the leadership of the Frost Giants, the Giants' Royal Court is steadily rebuilding its homeland and has successfully integrated several smaller giant clans in the surrounding area, further expanding its sphere of influence. The Frost Giants are gradually demonstrating their outstanding ruling abilities and are beloved by the giant warriors.

As for the Eternal Night Ice Scale Dragon King that was captured alive, according to Zheng Zhang's slightly joking report, it has been invited into the Abyss Dragon Cave and is undergoing profound ideological reform under the careful guidance of the Radiant Sky Ember Dragon and other powerful dragon-type pets. Currently, its learning attitude is correct and its progress is significant.

Furthermore, all news about this incident was strictly blocked by the association, and the outside world remained calm, as if nothing had happened.

"It's finally all settled..." Chen Yuan murmured to himself, a relaxed smile on his face.

He put those thrilling memories behind him and focused his gaze on Cola, who was happily chasing after a beautiful butterfly in the yard. The little guy was sticking out his tongue and wagging his tail like a propeller, having a great time.

Spring has arrived, all things are reviving, butterflies have returned, and Cola has rediscovered the joy of chasing butterflies from her childhood.

"Hey, stop chasing, be careful not to step on the flowers."

Chen Yuan laughed and called out, then raised his voice to announce to his friends who were lying or sprawled in the yard, enjoying the leisurely spring day: "The weather is so nice today, let's not stay at home, let's go on a spring outing!"

"Awooo!!!"

Cola was the first to respond, immediately abandoning the iridescent butterfly that had been terrified by it, and rushed to Chen Yuan's feet like a whirlwind, excitedly spinning around and rubbing its head against his leg.

Most of the little ones showed great interest, but Runrun Duck remained motionless, showing little interest.

Chen Yuan looked around, then took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hey Haozi, are you busy today? How about a spring outing?"

Calling Zhang Hao was Chen Yuan's habitual choice.

As his status rose, his former playmates in the village would now always be somewhat cautious and distant when they saw him. Only Zhang Hao was not distant at all. On the contrary, because of Chen Yuan's success, he became even more attached to him, always referring to himself as the champion's childhood friend, and wishing that Chen Yuan's tree would grow taller and taller so that he, his childhood friend, could enjoy the shade.

This undisguised "utilitarian" behavior and unreserved trust actually made Chen Yuan feel relaxed and at ease.

Not long after, Zhang Hao arrived at the farm gate in a brand-new pickup truck.

Before he even got out of the car, his loud voice rang out from afar: "Brother Yuan, I'm here!"

"I've prepared everything. When shall we set off?"

Chen Yuan replied with a smile, "Right away."

Then, Chen Yuan looked around the courtyard and said loudly, "Let's go on a spring outing."

Upon hearing the call to assemble, all the other little guys sprang into action, except for the duck lying on the ground, which lazily opened one eyelid, glanced over, then shifted to a more comfortable position, burying its flat beak under its wing, and continued its most important life activity—sunbathing.

Seeing this, Chen Yuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile, and he deliberately raised his voice, saying:

"I heard there's a small river where we're going on a spring outing, and there are lots of delicious fish in it. They'd be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when grilled, sizzling with oil... It's a pity some guys are too lazy to go out, so they probably won't get to enjoy this treat."

The duck's ears seemed to twitch, but its body remained completely still.

"Quack~"

Duck closed its eyes tightly and chuckled to itself.

Having gone through countless scams, it had long been familiar with the farmer's tricks.

You think you can fool the duck? No way!
Seeing that Ya Ya remained unmoved, Chen Yuan's eyes flickered, and he changed his approach: "How about this, whoever can get Ya Ya to willingly participate in this group activity today, I will reward it with a Void Fruit!"

As soon as the words "Kongming Fruit" were uttered, several pairs of eyes in the courtyard lit up instantly.

The deliciousness of the Kongming fruit is something every little one who has tasted it knows all too well.

"Ouch!"

While the other kids were still racking their brains for ideas, Cola, who had been eager to try, had already taken action.

It didn't even consider any willing solutions; adhering to the principle of "actions speak louder than words," it instantly unleashed a burst of energy around itself.

It used the Wind Surge skill with consummate skill, and a condensed but non-destructive whirlwind precisely swept towards the slightly plump blue figure on the haystack.

"Huh?!!"

Just as the duck was basking in the tranquility of the moment, it suddenly felt an irresistible force lift it off the soft haystack, leaving it sprawled out in mid-air.

The duck's eyes widened, and when it realized that Cola was behind it all, and that it was being swept away from the farm by the strong wind, it let out an angry scream: "Quack quack quack!!"

Cola, you cheated!!!

However, Cola completely ignored it, controlling the gale to steadily send the frantically flapping and grumbling duck out of the farm gate. Then, it ran triumphantly to Chen Yuan, sticking out its tongue and blinking its big blue eyes repeatedly: "Aww~"

Chen Yuan couldn't help but chuckle, patted its fluffy head, and said with a smile, "Alright, you win. I'll give you the Void Fruit later."

Then he shouted at the duck that was cursing and swearing at the gate, "Stop howling, get on the bus quickly, we've saved you a good seat."

After yelling until it was too late, and seeing that the die was cast, the duck reluctantly flapped its wings, waddled outwards, and climbed into the back of the pickup truck. It then found a corner to continue sulking: "Quack quack!"

Ugh, that cola!
Duck, I've decided not to play with you for half a day, no, a whole day!
After some laughter and commotion, everyone arrived.

Chen Yuan and Zhang Hao got into the car, while the little ones each had their own methods: Spark shrank and landed on Chen Yuan's shoulder, and Morning and Evening Fairy quickly shrank into her shirt pocket. Cola glanced at the pickup truck, then raised its head high, signaling Sprite to climb onto it, and then its four legs created a strong airflow, suddenly soaring into the sky.

Who is it that can't fly yet?
Egg stayed in the pet space and didn't come out, while Youmi flew around with the pickup truck. The Fallen Horned Beast, the champion of the Qinling Riding Competition, followed steadily behind the pickup truck. Electric Flying Cat glanced at the Fallen Horned Beast, then at Runrun Duck huddled in the corner of the truck, and finally landed next to Runrun Duck: "Electric~"

After saying goodbye to the stubborn kid who insisted on staying, the pickup truck, filled with laughter and joy, drove towards the spring mountains.

The destination was a mountain valley that Chen Yuan and Zhang Hao had visited before. The terrain was flat and open, surrounded by mountains, with a crystal-clear mountain stream meandering through it. The banks were covered with lush green grass and wildflowers, and several tall ancient trees cast pleasant shade, making it an excellent place for picnics and camping.

Upon arriving at their destination and parking the car, Chen Yuan and Zhang Hao got to work.

Set up a spacious canopy and tents, arrange folding tables and chairs, and set up a professional outdoor barbecue grill.

Zhang Hao went to collect dry firewood nearby, knowing the way well. He never expected that Spark, the champion pet, could always help start a fire. Chen Yuan unloaded a cooler and ice pack full of food from the car.

"Let's have a grilled fish feast today." Chen Yuan opened the ice box, which contained several kinds of edible pet meat that had been marinated in advance, but what he was most looking forward to were the delicious wild spirit fish in the stream. "We need to go and get a few of the freshest ones first."

The next moment, his gaze swept across his surroundings.

The duck, which is best at catching spirit fish, has found a new spot on a slope with the best sunlight and the thickest grass. It skillfully lay down, belly up, to continue its sunbathing business. Obviously, it can't be counted on now.

Oh well, it's already quite an achievement to get the duck out of the house, so let it bask in the sun.

Chen Yuan smiled and turned his gaze to the side—Youmi was looking around, her eyes gleaming with a cunning light, as if she was plotting a prank.

"Youmi." Chen Yuan walked over, squatted down, and said in a consultative tone, "How about we catch a few spirit fish in the stream?"

Yumi raised her amethyst-like eyes, glanced at Chen Yuan, then looked at the shimmering stream in the distance. She didn't move immediately, but let out a slightly arrogant chirp: "Goo-choo?"

Catching fish?

How could I, the Lady Youmi, do something so damaging to my image?
Chen Yuan had long since figured out its temperament, and said with a smile, "I know the rules. How about this, I'll give you an extra grilled fish later."

Upon hearing this, Youmi's eyes gleamed. It tilted its head, as if weighing something, then stretched out its paw and made a "two" gesture, its eyes resolute.

Chen Yuan chuckled immediately: "You rascal, trying to bargain with me. Two of them, can you even finish them?"

"Goo-hoo!" Yumi put her paws on her hips, her attitude resolute.

"Alright, alright, two it is!" Chen Yuan agreed with a mix of helplessness and amusement. "But you need to catch a few more spirit fish, otherwise there won't be enough to go around."

The deal is done.

Yumi instantly perked up. It stood up, stretched, and with a sway, it seemed to melt away, silently merging into the shadows on the ground. The next moment, it appeared by the stream a dozen meters away. The whole process was as smooth as flowing water, without making a sound.

It crouched on a moss-covered rock by the stream, its sharp eyes fixed on the clear water, its tail tip swaying gently, entering the stealthy state of a top hunter.

Now that the spirit fish had been found, Chen Yuan started a fire to prepare a grill.

Zhang Hao returned with the gray-armored wild boar carrying a bundle of firewood. The two worked together seamlessly, and in no time, the charcoal fire was ablaze with bright flames.

Meanwhile, the little ones also found their own fun and enjoyed this rare spring leisure time.

Coca-Cola is always the most restless one; it's full of curiosity about everything in the world.

One moment he'd rush to the stream, yelling at the little fish swimming in the water, splashing up countless droplets; the next he'd dash into the flower bushes, startling a swarm of butterflies, chasing them around with great enthusiasm, getting covered in grass clippings and pollen; when he got tired of playing, he'd run back under the canopy, circling the grill and Chen Yuan, only to be chased away by Chen Yuan with a laugh and a scolding: "Go away, go play somewhere else, come back when the spirit fish is cooked!"

Spark chose to perch on the highest branch of an ancient tree, where the view was most expansive.

Bathed in the brilliant sunlight, its golden-red feathers flowed with a gorgeous luster. Occasionally, wild birds and pets would uncontrollably approach it, but upon a mere glance from Huohua, they would immediately flap their wings and flee in fright.

Then, Spark lowered her eyes slightly and stared at Chen Yuan, who was busy by the stream, for a long time.

The Morning and Evening Flower Fairy is more like a little elf who only appears in spring.

It dances gracefully among the flowers, its slender arms waving gently, scattering light dust imbued with the rich breath of life.

When the light dust falls on the grass, the grass becomes even greener; when it falls on the wildflowers, the flowers become even more beautiful. Wherever it flies, life flourishes.

Egg didn't seem to be very interested in land; it spent most of its time hovering above the stream, very close to the water's surface.

The long, slender, dark blue dragon's body was reflected in the water, resembling a mythical creature.

Occasionally, it would exhale a string of sparkling bubbles onto the water's surface, or gently tap the water with its dragon claw, creating ripples that startled the fish below, causing them to scatter in all directions. This would provoke Youmi, who was focused on catching fish, to glare at it with displeasure: "Gurgle!"

Electric Flying Cat's whereabouts are the most mysterious.

It disappears most of the time, dozing in some shadow. Occasionally, it appears suddenly like lightning, pouncing precisely on the fresh fruit hanging on the tree, then vanishing again with its prize.

As for the ducks.

It lay on the soft grass the whole time, wings and webbed feet spread out, absorbing the warmth of the sun to the fullest extent, occasionally letting out a contented cry: "Quack quack quack~"

Then, it turned its head to look at Chen Yuan, its face serious: "Gagaga!"

How about the farm introduces a "Sunshine Holiday" program, allowing these hardworking and excellent employees to take a day off, escape their tedious work, and embrace the sunshine outdoors?

Upon hearing this, the little ones nodded in agreement.

Chen Yuan rested his chin on his hand and considered it seriously for a moment before finally saying, "Good suggestion. So, who is the most diligent and outstanding employee?"

Meeting the farmer's serious, inquisitive gaze, Duck let out a soft quack and finally lowered its head guiltily.

Seeing Ya Ya's reaction, Chen Yuan and Zhang Hao exchanged a smile and continued with their work.

The charcoal fire was burning brightly when Youmi soon returned with the first plump spirit fish in its mouth. It placed it at Chen Yuan's feet, let out a triumphant cry, and then turned and disappeared into the shadows by the stream, continuing its struggle for its two fish goals.

The sun was shining warmly, the stream was babbling, and a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass.

The charcoal on the grill crackled softly, and dripping oil released an enticing aroma.

Chen Yuan gazed at the spirit fish that was about to be roasted, took a deep breath of the fresh air, and smiled with complete relaxation: "Indeed, peaceful days are the most relaxing."

"Don't ask me to save the world."

(End of this chapter)