Early the next morning

On the open ground in the center of the camp, Lin Feng, Zhao Hu, and others stood solemnly, waiting for the return of the four level 7 thugs who had gone out hunting.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy. The newly surrendered A Wang's squad and the original lackeys held their breath, their gazes frequently darting toward the camp entrance.

By mid-morning, noisy footsteps and laughter finally echoed from outside the camp.

"Damn it, we're really unlucky this time. We only caught a few scrawny Rock Sheep; it's not even enough to fill the gaps between our teeth!" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Be content. It's good enough to come back in one piece. The Rift Valley hasn't been peaceful lately; I heard there's wolf pack activity."

"Hurry back and hand over the stuff, I need to get a good sleep..."

Four figures appeared outside the gate, covered in dust and the scent of blood, carrying their meager prey as they walked in grumbling.

Leading them was a burly man with a scar on his face, nicknamed "Scarface Liu," one of the top thugs under the Bald Boss.

As soon as they entered the camp, they sensed something was wrong.

It was too quiet. Usually, at this time, the camp would be somewhat noisy, but now it was terrifyingly still.

Moreover, everyone's gaze was focused on them, with an indescribable... scrutiny?

Scarface Liu's footsteps halted. His sharp gaze swept across the clearing, immediately spotting Lin Feng and Zhao Hu standing at the very front, and the team structure behind them clearly led by Lin Feng.

The Bald Boss, Hei Zhua, and Xi She were nowhere to be seen.

Looking at Zhao Hu and the others, although they were injured, they were in high spirits, and their stance exuded a confidence they didn't have before.

Especially that new kid, Lin Feng, who was actually standing in the primary position, while Zhao Hu was subtly half a step behind him.

Scarface Liu's heart sank. His three companions behind him also realized something; their faces instantly turned grim, and their hands instinctively moved toward their weapons.

"Scarface Liu, you're back?" Zhao Hu stepped forward, his voice steady, breaking the silence.

Scarface Liu narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Zhao Hu, then glanced at Lin Feng, his voice raspy: "Scarface, what's going on? Where's the boss?"

Lin Feng didn't answer, just looked at them calmly. Zhao Hu took over: "Baldy, Hei Zhua, and Xi She are dead. From today on, Black Wind Camp is under Leader Lin Feng's command."

"What?!" The four men, including Scarface Liu, changed color simultaneously, hardly able to believe their ears.

The Bald Boss's level 10 strength, plus Hei Zhua and Xi She both being level 8; they were just taken out like that?

And by Scarface and this newcomer who only arrived a few days ago?

Their gazes swept back and forth between Lin Feng and Zhao Hu in shock and suspicion, trying to find any clues.

When they saw the obviously extraordinary spear on Lin Feng's back and the green-quality bone-crushing greatsword in Zhao Hu's hand—which originally belonged to the Bald Boss—their last shred of hope vanished.

Strength is respected; this is the Nightmare World, and even more so the ironclad rule of a bandit camp. A change in equipment ownership usually meant the demise of the former owner.

Scarface Liu's expression shifted. He could feel the faint pressure emanating from Lin Feng and the undisguised fighting intent from Zhao Hu and the others. Resist? The four of them at level 7...

Against the unfathomable Lin Feng, who could take out the Bald Boss, plus experts like Tie Dun, Jian Yan, and Shadow Snake... the outcome was certain.

After a few seconds of silence, Scarface Liu took a deep breath as if his strength had been drained. He slowly lowered his hand from his weapon and bowed his head: "...The four of us brothers are willing to surrender to Leader Lin."

Seeing this, the three behind him also lowered their heads in submission.

Those who understand the times are wise; few who survive to level 7 in the Nightmare World are fools.

Lin Feng nodded, his tone flat but carrying an unquestionable authority: "Very well. Since you've surrendered, you must follow the new rules."

"Past matters will be forgiven, but from now on, everything will be distributed according to contribution. Internal fighting is forbidden; violators will be severely punished."

"Zhao Hu will tell you the specific regulations."

"Yes, Leader," Scarface Liu and the other three responded.

Having subdued this last unstable element, Black Wind Camp had preliminarily completed its power transition and internal integration.

Next, Lin Feng quickly made arrangements.

"Brother Zhao, the camp will be temporarily left in the care of you, Tie Dun, and Jian Yan."

Lin Feng said to Zhao Hu, "You are experienced and strong enough. With you holding down the fort, I can rest easy."

"Hurry and train the team, consolidate the defenses, and especially keep a close eye on the newly surrendered people."

Zhao Hu nodded heavily: "Don't worry, with me here, things won't get chaotic."

"Tie Dun, Jian Yan, you two assist Brother Zhao. A Wang, you're familiar with the environment; take some men to strengthen patrols and sentries, especially paying attention to movements from the Black Wolf Den."

"Yes, Leader!" several people answered in unison.

Lin Feng finally looked at Shadow Snake: "Shadow Snake, pack up; you're coming with me to the Stone Forest."

A hint of surprise flashed in Shadow Snake's eyes, but she didn't ask questions, only nodding silently.

Uncle Wu was somewhat worried: "Leader, your injury..."

"It's no longer an issue." Lin Feng moved his left shoulder. "Just a flesh wound; it won't affect my movements. What we lack most now is time and high-level combat power. We must increase our levels as quickly as possible."

Lin Feng's plan was clear: he needed to reach a higher level as soon as possible to deal with the potential threat of the Black Wolf Den and prepare for exploring the ancient tomb and obtaining the Village Establishment Order.

At the same time, Shadow Snake, being the member with the highest agility and greatest potential besides himself, was worth focused cultivation.

Both were high-agility types, suitable for leveling up in complex environments like the Stone Forest, which was more efficient and relatively flexible and safe.

A moment later, Lin Feng and Shadow Snake set out lightly, entering the peril-filled Stone Forest once again.

The interior of the Stone Forest remained dim and eerie. But this time, Lin Feng's goal was clear—to find suitable monsters and quickly farm experience.

With his agility as high as 11.5, Lin Feng could always detect prey or danger in advance.

He was no longer as cautious as the first time, instead actively seeking out suitable targets to hunt.

Soon, they encountered a small group of level 6 "Shadow Bats." These creatures were extremely fast and excelled at sonic attacks and ambushes, making them troublesome for ordinary teams.

But for Lin Feng and Shadow Snake, they were the perfect practice targets.

"You take the left, I'll take the right. Prioritize killing those trying to take flight or emit sonic waves!"

Lin Feng barked a low command, his body shooting out like a bolt of lightning. The Wildfire Spear turned into a streak of dark red lightning, piercing straight through a Shadow Bat that had just opened its mouth.

Shadow Snake coordinated with him perfectly, her figure cutting into the bat swarm like a phantom. Her twin blades danced, specifically targeting the Shadow Bats' weak wing membranes and throats.

Lin Feng's attack power of 85 was enough to take down these low-defense Shadow Bats in almost one strike. His experience points rose steadily.

【Independently killed a Lv6 Shadow Bat, gained 60 experience points】

【Assisted in killing a Lv6 Shadow Bat, gained 20 experience points】

After clearing this group of Shadow Bats, Lin Feng's experience bar jumped a small notch. He didn't stop and continued deeper.

For the next few hours, the two traversed the Stone Forest efficiently, specifically seeking out monsters between Lv6 and Lv7.

When encountering solitary or small groups of Hard-Shelled Beasts or Poisonous Rock Scorpions, Lin Feng would lead the attack while Shadow Snake supported and finished them off.

When encountering speed-type monsters, Shadow Snake would pin them down while Lin Feng delivered the fatal blow.

Lin Feng kept most of the killing blows for himself to maximize experience gain efficiency, and his experience points grew at a rate visible to the naked eye.

When the setting sun once again dyed the Stone Forest red, Shadow Snake and Lin Feng leveled up almost simultaneously.

【Experience points full】

【Level Up: 6 → 7】

【Gained 1 free attribute point】

"Finally level 7!" Lin Feng let out a long breath of relief and unhesitatingly added the attribute point to Strength again. His Strength attribute reached 13.5 (base 9 + 50% Generals Majesty bonus), and his attack power increased further!

Following Lin Feng's previous suggestion, Shadow Snake added her point to Agility, bringing her Agility attribute to a staggering 9 points and taking her speed to the next level!

He looked at Shadow Snake. After a day of high-intensity combat, although she was exhausted, her gaze was sharper, and her aura had become much more refined.

"That's it for today. We'll go back to rest and continue tomorrow," Lin Feng said.

Cultivating Shadow Snake so she could quickly gain the ability to stand on her own was a very important move for the next step.

Only by improving the overall strength of the core team could they truly stabilize the camp and plan for the future.

Shadow Snake nodded. Looking at Lin Feng's back, a flicker of an indiscernible, complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

This young new leader not only improved his strength at a frightening speed, but his methods and vision also far exceeded those of ordinary people.

Following him, perhaps she really could see a different future.

Their figures disappeared into the twilight of the Stone Forest, returning to the Black Wind Camp that had just undergone [N O V E L I G H T] a transformation and was waiting for them to lead it toward an unknown tomorrow.