Beastmaster: I'm really just a forest ranger

Chapter 384 The Great Crisis of Qingpo!
Deep in the Qinling Mountains, a mysterious forest.

This is a forest nourished by the World Tree, which maintains a strange warmth and vitality even in the dead of night.

The towering ancient trees have lush foliage that covers most of the sky, with only scattered bright moonlight and glittering starlight filtering through the gaps, scattering like silver gauze through the forest, illuminating the thick, soft, faintly fragrant carpet of moss and the winding, clear streams.

The air was moist and fresh, filled with the fragrance of grass, trees and soil.

In a natural rock crevice, perfectly concealed by giant ferns and gnarled tree roots, the members of the Eighth Squad of the Eighth Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department held their breath, closely monitoring a hidden cave on the distant hillside as if they were part of the surrounding rock.

The entrance to this cave was cleverly disguised with camouflage canvas and branches, making it extremely difficult to find without prior knowledge of the coordinates.

Lei Yue, the captain of the eighth squad, was a middle-aged man with a burly, bear-like build and a resolute face. He lay motionless at his observation post like a silent mountain rock, staring intently at the movements in the cave through a high-performance night vision telescope.

Beside him lay his loyal companion—a massive, muscular, obsidian-black roaring bear with only its four paws adorned with dark red, lava-like markings.

The giant bear had also concealed all its presence, with only its brown eyes flashing warily in the darkness, constantly sensing the slightest tremor of the earth.

Time passed slowly in the oppressive silence.

Lei Yue turned his head slightly, lowered his voice to a whisper, and asked a team member behind him who was in charge of communications, "Has the message been sent out?"

The team member immediately nodded and pointed to the Star Owl that was quietly perched on his shoulder—it had silver-gray feathers, pupils like constantly spinning nebulae, and a gentle, wise light emanating from its body.

"Don't worry, Captain," the team member said confidently in a low voice. "With the Star Owl around, its astral communication can ignore terrain and conventional signal jamming, and it has already transmitted the intelligence accurately."

A look of satisfaction appeared on Lei Yue's resolute face. He nodded slightly, preparing to refocus his attention on the surveillance.

Suddenly, the star owl on the communications team member's shoulder flapped its wings gently without warning, and its sapphire-like eyes suddenly lit up, as if two miniature stars had been ignited within them, emitting a dazzling yet not blinding azure light.

"There's a reply!"

The communications team member immediately gave a low shout, and everyone subconsciously held their breath, focusing their attention on the star owl.

The blue light in the Star-Gazing Owl's eyes continued to flash for several seconds, as if it were receiving and interpreting some kind of information flow that transcended space.

A moment later, the blue light slowly faded, and it tilted its head slightly, emitting a barely audible hum.

The communications team member's face lit up with joy, and he excitedly lowered his voice to report: "Captain, the Seventh Squad has received our support message and is currently heading here at full speed."

"it is good!"

Lei Yue clenched his fists slightly, a rare hint of excitement appearing on his resolute face.

The team members around them exchanged glances, their tense nerves relaxing slightly.

They had all dealt with the Seventh Squad before and knew that its captain, Nie Li, was an extremely powerful high-level beast tamer, definitely a great asset.

However, at that moment, another team member who had been keeping an eye on the cave gasped sharply, his voice urgent, almost whispering, "Captain, they're coming out."

At that moment, everyone's hearts were instantly on edge again. They all lowered their bodies and stared intently at the cave exit like hawks.

A dim, yellow lantern peeked out from the disguised cave exit, swaying cautiously from side to side, dispelling the surrounding stillness of the night. Immediately afterwards, several figures filed out and quickly disappeared into the shadows of the forest.

Lei Yue immediately raised his binoculars, adjusted the focus, and observed carefully.

When he clearly saw the figures and general appearances of the leaders, his expression instantly became extremely solemn. His right hand, which was gripping the binoculars, tightened its grip, and his brows furrowed.

"This is troublesome." A hint of seriousness appeared on Lei Yue's resolute face as he squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, "Three cadres have actually come at once."

Upon hearing this, the other team members' expressions changed slightly. They exchanged glances but no one uttered a sound.

The pitch-black night flowed through the forest like a thin veil, and the solemn-faced crowd remained silent, with only the faint sound of their breathing echoing in the tranquil area.

With the help of the telescope's night vision and low-light enhancement capabilities, Lei Yue could clearly see the three figures at the head of the group, each with a distinct temperament, whose identities he recognized at a glance:
On the far left is an abnormally obese bald man with a huge beer belly. He has a smiling expression on his face, looking like a kind-faced Maitreya Buddha, and he is leisurely patting his round belly as he walks.

Lei Yue had seen this person's photo in the Internal Archives of the Criminal Investigation Department. He narrowed his eyes and pondered to himself: "One of the New Star Society's executives, codenamed Smiling Ghost, whose pet beast is a Rock Giant."

In the middle was a tall, thin man wearing a long, dark coat. His entire face was almost hidden under the high collar of his coat and a black breathing mask, revealing only a pair of eyes as still as dead water.

He had his hands in his coat pockets, his gait was somewhat stiff, and he exuded a cold aura that kept strangers at bay, like a moving block of ice.

Lei Yue silently thought to himself, "This person's code name is Leng Yi, and his contracted pet is the Ice Crystal Blade Leopard."

On the far right is a hot young woman wearing a tight leather outfit and sporting striking short purple hair.

Her cheeks, bare neck, and arms were covered with bizarre, colorful tattoos. She seemed to be chewing gum, and her gait was nonchalant and unsteady. She would occasionally kick away pebbles in frustration, as if she were filled with disdain and restlessness for the mission.

Lei Yue's eyes flashed: "Code name: Patterned Butterfly. The pet beast it contracts with is a Morning Star quality Illusionary Poisonous Butterfly."

There are twelve executives within the New Star Society, but there are also differences in rank among them. This beast tamer, codenamed Butterfly Pattern, is outstanding in strength among all the executives and is a key target of the Investigation Department.

Its pet beast, the Poisonous Butterfly, is extremely skilled at poisoning and has played a significant role in several criminal operations organized by the New Star Society, injuring many members of the Criminal Investigation Department.

"What do they want to do?"

Although Lei Yue had dealt with the New Star Society's executives before, this was the first time he had ever seen three executives appear at the same time. This was definitely a large-scale criminal operation meticulously planned by the New Star Society.

Behind these three powerful executives were several experienced members who moved efficiently and looked alert.

The group gathered at the cave entrance and seemed to exchange a few words.

Before long, the smiling ghost at the head seemed to have made a decision. He waved his fat right hand with a smile, and then the group immediately sprang into action, disappearing into the depths of the dense forest at an extremely fast speed, like ghosts, and heading in a certain direction.

"Follow them immediately, maintaining maximum safe distance. They absolutely cannot be detected." Upon seeing this, Lei Yue gave the order without hesitation, his voice low and urgent. "Immediately transmit this urgent intelligence—that three cadres have appeared in the Qinling Mountains—back to us. Requesting further information."

He paused, then said in a heavy tone, "We need more support."

Even though he was confident that he could defeat Smiling Ghost and Cold Clothes with Captain Nie Li, and even hold his own against Wen Die, the Criminal Investigation Department emphasized using power to intimidate others, teamwork, and ensuring absolute safety, and absolutely did not advocate individual heroism.

Moreover, the New Star Society's movements this time are shrouded in mystery, and they even dispatched three cadres at once. Their plans must be extraordinary. He must wait for more support so that the collective strength can wipe them out in one fell swoop.

The communications team member nodded repeatedly. He quickly asked the Star Owl to relay the message again, but his voice carried a hint of helplessness: "Captain, even if the message gets out, the only team that can get to this area the fastest right now is the Seventh Squad, which is on its way. Other support forces will not be able to get here for several hours at the earliest."

Lei Yue understood this principle perfectly well. His eyes flickered, but his expression remained calm as he said, "We can't worry about that now. Let's follow them and find out what they're up to."

"Yes."

The entire Eighth Squad immediately leaped out of their hiding place like cheetahs. With their rich tracking experience and the assistance of their pets, they trailed far behind the New Star Society team, carefully navigating the treacherous dense forest.

The night was dark and hazy, with the shadows of trees looming overhead. Occasionally, a gentle breeze would sweep through, breaking the surface of the lake and carrying away fallen leaves.

A frost-feathered bird was sleeping on a branch when a rustling sound suddenly reached its ears. It was startled awake and stared down into the dense forest below—a familiar dark figure was moving swiftly through the thick woods, and the silhouettes of several pets were vaguely visible.

"twitter?"

The Frostfeather Sparrow tilted its head, observing curiously as it watched the group of dark figures gradually disappear into the night. About fifteen minutes later...

Without warning, an extremely intense and chilling energy explosion erupted directly ahead, accompanied by the frantic roars of a pet and the piercing screams of some creature. The three sounds mingled together, echoing through the dense forest and shattering the tranquility of the night.

Lei Yue suddenly raised his fist, and the entire team instantly stopped, quickly forming a defensive formation using trees and rocks. Everyone and their pets went into a state of high alert.

Lei Yue stared at the faintly glowing light ahead, listened intently for a moment, and his expression grew increasingly solemn.

He made a hand gesture, and the team members spread out in a fan shape in perfect unison, using telepathy to alert their pets to their surroundings, and slowly made their way towards the source of the sound.

After carefully advancing a short distance and passing several enormous ancient trees that required several people to encircle, the view ahead suddenly opened up.

Bathed in the bright moonlight and starlight, a cruel and eerie scene unfolded clearly before the Eighth Squad:

In the clearing ahead, dozens of wild beasts with bloodshot eyes and frenzied behavior suddenly appeared. Among them were a gray-armored wild boar covered in dark gray rock armor; a black-haired black hound that spewed flames from its mouth; a wind chime bird with disheveled off-white feathers that was flapping its wings violently and creating a fierce wind; and even a lightning leopard that had transformed into a streak of lightning and was rampaging wildly.
Upon closer inspection, these abnormally behaving pets were frantically attacking the Star Moon Deer, whose entire body was covered in soft, dark brown fur.

Under the bright moonlight, one could clearly see irregularly distributed silver spots, like stars, on the bodies of these Star Moon Deer, and a bright white mark on their chests that shone in the moonlight.

Amidst the sounds of fierce fighting, everyone looked in the direction of the noise and immediately frowned at the extremely brutal battle.

Those pets that had gone into a frenzy completely disregarded their own injuries and launched fierce attacks with a desperate, life-or-death attitude.

Rolling flames scorched the Star Moon Deer's soft fur, sharp wind blades sliced ​​through tough flesh, and claws tore open deep wounds that exposed bone.

One after another, the Star Moon Deer let out painful cries, staggered and fell, their blood staining the green moss beneath them.

However, among this herd of star and moon deer, one male deer stands out for its exceptionally strong and robust physique and the thickest and sharpest antlers.

It was clearly the leader of this herd of Star Moon Deer, bravely confronting the frenzied invaders time and time again. Its huge antlers, like bronze branches, contained immense power, and each fierce charge and thrust sent the Gray Armored Wild Boar tumbling away and the Black Flame Hound flying several meters away.

But even the strongest fists can't fight off so many. Under the relentless and frenzied attack of several pet beasts, the Star-Moon Deer leader's agile body began to accumulate new wounds—a deep claw mark tore through its shoulder blade, and a burst of flame scorched a charred mark on its hind leg.
The profuse blood had almost stained half of its dark brown fur red. It was panting heavily, each breath accompanied by blood foam, and its strength was clearly nearing its limit.

Even so, those enormous eyes, which seemed to contain the brilliance of stars and the moon, showed no sign of retreat or fear, only endless anger and a resolute will to protect.

“Yo!!!”

It let out another mournful yet powerful cry, dragging its wounded body, and stood firmly at the forefront of the herd.

Inspired by their leader, the remaining Star Moon Deer also let out mournful yet resolute cries, dragging their wounded bodies as they struggled to gather around their leader, facing together the looming shadow of death.

The aura of death was so thick it was suffocating.

Hiding in the shadows, Lei Yue's brows furrowed tightly as his thoughts raced through his mind: "What's going on with these berserk pets?"

Why are the members of the New Star Society here? What are they trying to do?

Countless questions and intense unease churned within him. Out of professional caution and consideration for the mission's priorities, he suppressed the urge to immediately intervene and decided to continue observing.

Just then, the leader of the Star Moon Deer, covered in blood, raised its proud head with great difficulty, and bright red blood dripped down its stained fur.

It looked at the enemies still charging frantically, then glanced deeply at its fearful and sorrowful tribe behind it, and let out a roar full of grief and determination, preparing to launch its final attack.

All the star-moon deer understood their leader's determination. They raised their heads and roared, and their originally melodious and long cries sounded somewhat mournful at this moment.

Just at this critical moment, a clear and melodious deer cry suddenly came from the distant horizon.

"Yo~"

The next moment, a soft yet vibrant emerald green streak, like a comet streaking across the night sky, approached at incredible speed. Wherever the streak passed, a refreshing and invigorating fragrance filled the air, as if instantly dispelling all the bloodshed and violence.

All the members of the Eighth Squad, along with the Star Moon Deer trapped in dire straits, involuntarily looked up at the night sky illuminated by the moonlight.

The next instant, the light gracefully landed in front of the wounded Star Moon Deer herd, the light gradually fading to reveal its true form.

This is a graceful, flowing deer, its body resembling a bluish-green sapling carved from the finest jade. Where its four hooves touch the ground, a halo of light, like a green galaxy, ripples outwards. The pair of crystal-clear antlers on its head do not resemble ferocious weapons, but rather naturally curve and stretch backwards, radiating a powerful yet gentle life energy.

Its eyes are large and clear, like two pools of spring water reflecting the growth of all things, filled with compassion and love for all things in the world.

"Azure Amber!"

Lei Yue, who was lying in wait, suddenly contracted his pupils and almost cried out in alarm.

As the commander of the anti-crime unit stationed in the Qinling Mountains, he naturally knew about this magical beast that possessed supernatural powers, and even vaguely knew about the crucial connection between it and the World Tree, Azure.

"Could it be that the New Star Society's target is it?"

"Did these guys make such a commotion just to lure out Qingpo?!"

Lei Yue suddenly realized what was happening, and a tremendous chill shot up his spine and head.

They are stationed in the Qinling Mountains to protect the local ecological environment and to maintain a healthy relationship between humans and the world's trees.

If Qingpo, who has an extremely close relationship with the World Tree, is harmed by the Nova Society, it will inevitably cause unpredictable and unimaginable serious consequences!

At this moment, Lei Yue's gaze became solemn, and his breathing became rapid.

The moment Qingpo appeared, Lei Yue realized that things had far exceeded his control.

At the same moment, Qingpo's gaze swept quickly across the tragic battlefield, and her clear eyes instantly filled with unbearable sorrow.

Without the slightest hesitation, it lowered its head slightly, and its pair of crystal-like antlers suddenly emitted a vibrant green light, like new buds in spring.

Countless shimmering specks of light, like emerald dust, seemed to be guided by some mysterious force, gently sprinkling upon the wounded Star Moon Deer.

The next moment, the gruesome wounds on the Star Deer's bodies began to heal rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye. The charred fur grew back, the torn flesh was mended as before, and the deep wounds that exposed bone quickly scabbed over and fell off, revealing tender new skin.

In just a few breaths, all the Star Moon Deer had recovered most of their injuries.

The Star Moon Deer leader, still drenched in blood, looked down at its unharmed body, then looked up excitedly at Qing Po, who was breathing slightly, its eyes filled with gratitude. It then let out a soft cry with a choked sob and tentatively took a step forward, wanting to get closer to express its thanks.

Even though they were already very familiar with each other, at this moment, the leader of the Star Moon Deer still wanted to express his sincerest gratitude.

However, those seemingly irrational and frenzied beasts roared bloodthirstyly once more, their eyes bloodshot, and charged forward recklessly.

Qingpo immediately turned around to face these frenzied attackers. A hint of confusion and sadness flashed in its eyes, and it let out another clear deer cry: "Yo?"

The crystalline antlers shimmered with light, and the ground shook violently. Countless thick vines, gleaming with emerald luster, burst forth from the earth, like living green pythons, precisely and swiftly coiling around the frenzied beasts, binding them firmly in place, unable to break free no matter how much they struggled.

Even when completely bound, these beasts continued to roar and writhe wildly, their crimson eyes filled with nothing but the desire to destroy, as if they felt no fatigue or fear whatsoever.

Qingpo tilted her head, her clear eyes filled with deep doubt and confusion: "Oh?"

(End of this chapter)