In their search for survival and food, many wild creatures developed migratory habits, resulting in an incredible diversity of species along the journey. Thats why As Wei Yun ventured deeper into Azure Cloud Mountain, the density of wild creatures far surpassed that of the foothills. His extended spiritual sense picked up even more presences within its range.

The primary inhabitants of Azure Cloud Mountain were Stone Hedgehogs, Ground Beetles, Skycrest Birds , and Needleback Boars, all relatively common species.

Unfortunately, every spirit beast Wei Yun encountered so far was of low quality, unsuitable for cultivation. Naturally, he had no interest in contracting any of them.

Whenever they crossed paths with aggressive spirit beasts, Wei Yun directed Mira into battle, sharpening her combat skills through live practice.

As they pressed on, the terrain began to change. The landscape gradually opened up, and by midday, Wei Yun reached the end of the foothills.

Azure Cloud Mountain wasn’t particularly tall, its highest peak stood at only 400–500 meters, but its sprawling range extended over several dozen miles, making it feel more like a small mountain range.

So far, Wei Yun’s harvest had been modest, a few low-grade spirit herbs and several low-tier monster cores.

High-quality creatures were exceedingly rare. Based on his observations, Wei Yun estimated he would need to encounter around a hundred wild creatures before finding one of high quality.

At the base of the mountain, a narrow, rugged dirt path wound its way up the slope. The trail, barely half a meter wide, was flanked by dense shrubs and undergrowth that likely hid countless wild creatures.

The mountain forest was fraught with hidden dangers, its thick vegetation and untamed wilderness creating a perfect breeding ground for ambushes.

Wei Yun gazed at the twisting dirt trail ahead, his expression growing serious. No one could predict what threats lay further up.

Compared to the forest where he had captured Mira, this area was far more perilous. The vegetation was thicker, the density of creatures higher, and the risks significantly greater.

Adding to the danger were pack-based creatures, such as the migrating Wind Wolves recently reported in Azure Cloud Mountain.

Pack creatures were particularly dangerous. While their individual members might be weaker, their strength lay in their numbers, making them far deadlier than solitary predators.

Wei Yun’s plan was clear: if he encountered a small group of Wind Wolves, he would seize the opportunity to hunt them. However, if their numbers were too great, he would retreat immediately.

With Mira’s speed, they could escape most threats unless a second-tier Wind Wolf intervened.

After traveling for some time, Wei Yun suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he stared ahead. His mood shifted slightly.

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Not far from him stood a massive tree, its trunk so thick that several people would be required to encircle it. Hanging from its branches was a giant hive over three meters in diameter, with human-head-sized bees buzzing in and out.

“Damn it, a Killer Bee hive!”

The moment Wei Yun laid eyes on the hive and its inhabitants, he recognized the danger.

Killer Bees were individually weak but operated in swarms and were highly aggressive. Even powerful creatures avoided provoking them.

Without hesitation, Wei Yun climbed onto Mira’s back and urged her to move away from the area as quickly as possible.

However, Killer Bees were fiercely territorial. The moment Mira turned to leave, dozens of them swarmed out of the hive, their angry buzzing growing louder as they flew straight toward Wei Yun and Mira.

Pack creatures like Killer Bees were notoriously extreme in defending their territory. Anyone who intruded would face relentless pursuit.

“Mira, run!”

Startled by the swarm, Mira bolted, charging into the forest with all the speed she could muster. She didn’t even pause to choose a direction—her sole focus was escaping.

If they were caught by the Killer Bees, the consequences would be dire. The venom in their stingers was potent, just a few stings could be fatal.

Mira moved like a shadow in the dense forest, her agility and speed keeping her ahead of the swarm. Activating Tailwind, a light breeze wrapped around her body, helping her deftly dodge obstacles and sprint at near-maximum speed.

The chase seemed endless, but eventually, Wei Yun was confident they had escaped the Killer Bees. He signaled Mira to stop.

Mira collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily, utterly exhausted from the frantic escape.

“You did great, Mira. Thank you,” Wei Yun said gently, patting her head. He quickly poured a bowl of Healing Spring water for her, knowing she needed to recover her strength as quickly as possible.

As Mira lapped up the water, Wei Yun took the chance to survey their surroundings.

The forest here was quiet, with towering trees casting dappled shadows across the ground. The sunlight filtering through the canopy created a peaceful yet slightly eerie atmosphere.

Because they had fled in such a rush, Wei Yun had no idea where they were.

Still, he wasn’t discouraged. His primary objective in Azure Cloud Mountain wasn’t to hunt Wind Wolves, it was to search for high-quality spirit beasts.

Spirit beasts were naturally wary of humans, preferring to remain in remote areas. The further one ventured into uncharted territory, the higher the density of creatures and the better the chances of finding a high-quality one.

High-quality creatures were a dream for most Beast Tamers, their demand far outstripping supply. If Wei Yun found one that met his strict standards, he wouldn’t hesitate to use a Blood Contract.

Of course, his standards were high. Mid-quality creatures didn’t interest him, and even high-quality ones had to show exceptional potential to catch his attention.

Once Mira had recovered, Wei Yun chose a direction deeper into the forest and resumed their exploration.

As time slipped by, the forest grew darker. The dense trees blocked much of the sunlight, and long shadows stretched across the ground.

By late afternoon, visibility had dropped significantly. The swaying branches and thick undergrowth took on a more sinister appearance in the dim light.

To a novice Beast Tamer, such an environment would be nerve-wracking. But for Wei Yun, this was just another part of his journey.

Wei Yun eventually found a hollowed tree that had been home to a small wild creature. He drove it out and claimed the space for himself and Mira. The hollow was dry and spacious enough for them to rest safely.

After a simple dinner, night fell completely. Patches of silver moonlight illuminated the forest floor, creating eerie, shifting shadows that danced in the breeze.

Wei Yun remained vigilant, unwilling to lower his guard. He kept himself in a light resting state, ready to react at a moment’s notice.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when faint rustling sounds reached his ears.

The noise grew louder, steadily approaching their hiding spot.