My monster cards can evolve infinitely.

Seemingly sensing Xiuqi's doubts, the old man immediately offered an explanation.

"My name is Hawke, and this is my grandson Link," the old man said, pointing to the boy beside him.

"I'm not afraid to admit it, but this is the first mission this child has ever taken on, so I want to accompany him to complete it."

"I was born here and have lived in Summertown for over sixty years, so I am quite familiar with every plant and tree here."

The boy stepped forward, looking at Xiuqi with excitement. He wore a white adventurer's badge with a star engraved on it.

"Hello, Mr. Xiuqi. I am Link, a first-tier adventurer of the White Porcelain Realm. This is the quest I have accepted."

"My grandfather was one of the best hunters in town back in the day; no one knew this forest better than him!"

"I've been hunting with him since I was a child, so I know a lot of the roads around here!"

Xiuqi glanced at Link. The other man seemed to be of average strength, but his eyes were clear and full of youthful vigor.

"Very good, lead the way." He said succinctly, "When we get there, the 20 copper coins are yours."

He only needed the other party to lead him to the old oak tree at the border of the western suburbs and the gray forest, which was only a short distance away.

Having an experienced hunter familiar with the surrounding area accompany you is obviously very beneficial.

"No problem! Please follow me!" Link seemed very excited and jogged ahead to lead the way.

It was early morning, and a thin mist enveloped the awakening city like a veil.

The dew from last night still lingered on the bluestone pavement, glistening in the warm glow of the rising sun.

Xiuqi followed behind the two guides, passing through the increasingly bustling town center square, and walked briskly through a tree-lined alley filled with stalls and vendors, leaving Summer Town from the western exit.

The "princess" followed behind him, carrying the thick wooden stick.

Link walked lightly, his footsteps making a soft rustling sound as he stepped on the grass.

Old Hawke leaned on a withered wooden cane, seemingly taking a limp, but in reality, his steps were not slow at all.

The "princess" followed at his feet, and when they arrived in the open countryside, she showed an unusual joy. She started to hop and skip, and occasionally waved a big stick to "trimmed" the surrounding grass, causing a shower of dew to fly.

"Mr. Xiuqi, let's take the 'Traveler's Trail' to the west." Young Link walked in front, occasionally turning back to introduce the trail in a cheerful tone.

"Although this path is narrower, it will save you more than half an hour of travel time."

Upon hearing that it was another side road, Xiuqi's mind flashed back to the carriage that had taken the same side road yesterday.

He was about to speak when old Hawke, seemingly sensing something amiss, added, "Sir, this is the outskirts of Summertown, mostly frequented by adventurers seeking opportunities..."

"Those scheming people won't last long here. There are more security guards here than in the county town. It's hard to say what will happen tonight..."

"But during the day, no one dares to cause trouble!"

The old hunter's words made sense. Although it was a small town where adventurers from other places gathered, they hadn't heard much about such things.

Xiuqi did not let his guard down, after all, yesterday's experience was still fresh in his mind.

Of course, the delightful sound of those spoils selling for 11 gold coins still echoed in his ears.

Deep down, he even harbored a faint hope that he might encounter some clueless, low-level adventurers...

Make another fortune!

After all, if you honestly complete the tasks and go through all the trouble, you'll only earn a few copper coins.

Nothing beats robbers and bandits!

When a vast wilderness came into view, Xiuqi couldn't help but marvel at the magnificent scenery before him.

The winding dirt road, like a long snake, stretches into the distance towards the lush greenery—

That is the Grey Forest.

He took out a quill pen and quickly scribbled on the parchment that was originally intended for signing the mentorship contract.

For someone who has absolutely no sense of direction, making some necessary preparations is the wise choice.

Xiuqi sketched the surrounding scenery and objects with his pen while marking some large tree branches.

After all, there's no guide on the return trip; you'll have to find your way on your own.

Everything he's doing now is to make sure he doesn't get lost on the way back.

As the group continued forward, the road became increasingly rugged and uneven.

Suddenly, a rapid "whooshing" sound came from beside me. Looking down, I saw the "princess" waving a big stick and gazing into the dense forest ahead.

Looking into the distance, one can see several "forest beasts" resembling deer leisurely grazing on the tender grass in front of tall bushes.

Xiuqi quickly embraced the "princess" whose desire to capture her was surging. There was no time for hunting today, but next time would be a must.

"These guys are pretty cowardly; they're usually impossible to catch." It was the voice of young Link.

"There are fewer and fewer wild beasts nowadays, and they are becoming more and more cunning..." Old Hawke sighed softly beside him.

"Unlike when I was younger..."

The boyish Link's gaze had already shifted to the "princess," and he couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Hugh, your...partner doesn't look like those dirty, stupid creatures in the forest!"

"Is it really a goblin?"

"Um!"

Its name is "Princess Alice".

"He is my contracted partner."

"A contracted partner?" The boy's eyes seemed to hold boundless longing and admiration. "Ah! You're actually a mage!"

"Wow... this is the first time I've ever seen a clean goblin! Its leather armor is really nice!"

Old Hawke, who was walking ahead, turned around and glared at his grandson, seemingly scolding him for talking too much.

However, Xiu Qi didn't care. He estimated that the boy was one or two years younger than him, but in fact they were the same age.

The conversation between the two did not stop; on the contrary, it became more and more heated under his deliberate guidance, and old Hawke in front would occasionally turn around and chime in.

Before we knew it, time had slipped away during our conversation.

Through the accounts of the hunter grandfather and grandson, Xiuqi gained a deeper understanding of the Gray Forest and Summer Town.

The information I learned at the tavern last night was more like official textbooks, while what the grandfather and grandson were talking about today was folk experience.

As they ventured deeper, the surrounding scenery became increasingly pristine.

However, Xiu Qi frowned.

Because the surrounding environment is becoming increasingly quiet.

It wasn't that there was no sound, but rather a deep and primal silence.

Finally, in front of an open area, a huge ancient oak tree appeared before everyone's eyes.

This is an extremely thick ancient tree, its dense canopy resembling the roof of a castle.

This ancient giant tree stands at the outermost edge of the forest, as if it were the dividing line between two worlds.

"Sir, this is the old oak tree at the border of the western suburbs and the forest!" Young Link's voice was filled with excitement.

Upon seeing the oak tree that matched the description perfectly, Xiuqi nodded slightly.

He took twenty shiny copper coins from his purse and handed them to Link.

"No, sir! You need to go to the Adventurers' Guild to confirm the mission's completion!" The boy shook his head and refused the copper coins. "We can only collect the bounty from the guild; we can't trade privately."

Gee!

It seems we've encountered an honest little fellow this time.

Xiu Qi smiled and didn't seem to mind the boy's refusal.

On the contrary, he greatly admired the boy's simplicity and integrity.

Although, to his knowledge, there are quite a few cases of bypassing the association and conducting transactions privately.

The old hunter brushed the dirt off his hands and slowly stood up with a complicated expression.

He stood there hesitating for a long time before finally deciding to speak up and offer a reminder:

"Sir, this woods is unusually quiet today..."

"If... there's nothing urgent..."

"Let's come another day!"