"Let me try."
Chen Fan said, as he took an arrow from his quiver.
He wanted to verify how to earn experience points again, and this was a perfect opportunity not to miss, provided he hit the target.
Luckily, with the previous experience, his movements were very steady this time.
When the arrow was nocked on the bowstring, he entered a state of serene calm.
"Shoo!"
The sound of the arrow slicing through the air echoed.
The Black Rat hadn't even reacted before the sharp arrow pierced through its head, pinning it to the ground where it futilely struggled for a moment.
Another instant kill, neat and clean.
"Amazing!"
Everyone couldn't help but exclaim.
"Experience points +1."
A message flashed in his mind.
Chen Fan breathed a sigh of relief, confirming his earlier guess was correct; he could indeed gain experience points by killing Fierce Beasts, though the amount was rather small.
He then glanced at the [Basic Archery] skill level, which had increased from 4% to 6%, a 2% rise.
"Not bad."
He nodded to himself, thinking that hunting not only brought prey but also quickly improved his skill level.
Someone walked over, picked up the Black Rat, and said with a smile, "Look at this creature, its fur is sleek and shiny, the meat will be delicious. Xiaofan, your archery is spot on!"
"Exactly, another shot through the head. Even the Wei Brothers can't match such archery."
"Yes, yes."
Everyone agreed.
Chen Fan smiled, knowing the compliments were exaggerated and didn't take them seriously.
"Alright, let's keep moving."
Chen Guodong's voice sounded again, his eyes looking at Chen Fan were filled with both relief and gratitude.
Fortunately, they brought Xiaofan along today. In less than an hour, they already had two pieces of prey. If it were just them, it probably wouldn't have been possible.
The Hunting Team moved forward again. Along the way, they encountered a few Low-level Fierce Beasts. Some were alert and fled immediately upon hearing any noise, while others remained still, allowing the team members to spot them first before notifying Chen Fan.
Of course, Chen Fan never missed. In less than an hour, they had three more catches – two Black Rats and one Desert Rabbit.
Everyone's faces were beaming with smiles.
"These together must weigh nearly 200 pounds, right? When was the last time we had such a bountiful hunt? I can't even remember."
"Yeah, I think it was the time we caught a Wildebeest, right? It was about 300 pounds, and the whole stronghold feasted for days."
"If it weren't for those Li Family Stronghold guys stealing our prey yesterday, we could have brought back a Wildebeest too."
The moment this was said, the atmosphere fell silent.
"Alright."
The bald man glanced at the speaker, "Let's not dwell on the past. Besides, today's haul isn't any worse than yesterday's."
"Yes, yes, not worse at all."
"All thanks to Xiaofan."
Everyone tactfully avoided the unpleasant topic.
But Chen Fan could see the worry in their eyebrows.
If, by a stroke of bad luck, they encountered Li Family Stronghold people again, would they go after their prey once more?
Probably, they would.
"We still need to get stronger,"
Chen Fan felt the joy from earlier fade away. Truthfully, if they encountered them now, he couldn't think of any other way out but to hand over their prey or fight to the death.
"Alright, let's call it a day. We have plenty of prey. Otherwise, the scent of blood could attract those Desert Wolves, which wouldn't be good."
Chen Guodong said.
"Exactly, those creatures are tough to deal with and come in large numbers, the most troublesome."
"Then we should head back. Honestly, I never thought we'd return so quickly, it's like a dream."
"Hahaha."
Everyone laughed again.
Although Chen Fan was a bit reluctant, he agreed. His constitution was now stronger than an ordinary person's, but still limited. Improving strength required surviving first.
Moreover, with all this Fierce Beast Meat, they could gain quite a few Potential Points back at home. After enhancing his body, he would be able to hunt even more efficiently.
"Let's go."
The group carried their prey and set off on their way back.
"Xiaofan, well done."
The bald man gave Chen Fan a thumbs up. "Today's success is all thanks to you. Without you, we would probably have come back empty-handed again."
"Uncle Liu, you're too kind,"
Chen Fan waved it off. "Without you spotting the prey, I wouldn't have seen them at all."
This wasn't humility but a fact; those beasts were well-hidden, and only experienced people could spot them.
"You really know how to talk,"
The bald man laughed heartily.
The surrounding men also laughed, relieved that Chen Fan hadn't become arrogant. They had worried he might look down on them, but now they saw it was needless concern.
With laughter and chatter, they walked for about half an hour when a figure appeared in the distance.
"It's a Wildebeest!"
Someone with sharp eyes shouted.
"Is that a Wildebeest?"
Chen Fan looked and saw a tall, single-horned horse about thirty meters away, lifting its head and seemingly staring at them.
"It spotted us."
Someone said.
"Of course it did, it's staring right at us. This beast is bold, knowing we can't catch it, and doesn't run seeing us."
"Hahaha, as soon as we get close, it will bolt."
The team members commented with a tinge of helplessness.
"How about I try shooting it?"
Chen Fan, unable to resist, suggested eagerly.
He didn't have high hopes but figured there was nothing to lose; if he missed, no big deal, if he hit, they'd benefit greatly.
"Give it a try then."
"Xiaofan, it's up to you."
Everyone got excited.
Chen Fan took a deep breath, pulled an arrow from his quiver, nocked it, and aimed at the Wildebeest's head, releasing his grip.
"Shoo!"
The arrow whistled through the air, about to hit its mark when the Wildebeest turned, dodging it.
"Just missed!"
"That beast's reflexes are too fast, no wonder it's the quickest among the Low-level Fierce Beasts."
Seeing this, even Chen Guodong gritted his teeth in frustration.
They could tell, had the Wildebeest's reactions been slower, it would have been hit by the arrow and fallen. But it was just a hair's breadth away.
Now that the Wildebeest realized it was under attack, it turned and accelerated. Within a few blinks, it would be far ahead.
However, at that moment, another whistling sound sliced through the air, something flashing by.
The accelerating Wildebeest suddenly stumbled, taking one more step before toppling over and letting out a mournful cry.
"What!"
The bald man exclaimed in surprise.
He hadn't even finished the word "what" when a third arrow pierced the Wildebeest's belly, pinning it to the ground.
Now the Wildebeest finally lay still.
"Whew... whew..."
Chen Fan panted heavily, his heart racing.
In just a few seconds, he had shot three arrows, which was an immense strain on both his spirit and physical strength in his current state.
Fortunately, he had succeeded.