Full-Time Magister: The Strongest Summoned Beast is Actually Myself

Chapter 102, Taking Down Ding Yumin
Having experienced this direct confrontation with Sha Xiaohu, the mages in the team, who were already somewhat lacking in confidence, visibly breathed a sigh of relief. After witnessing Chen Hao's power in killing Demon Tiger and Mo Fan with a single hammer blow, even Zhang Xiaohou straightened his back and became much more talkative.

The oxen and horses moved steadily, carrying the group deeper into the desert. The daytime heat gradually faded, and the sandstorms grew colder with the approaching night, the vast expanse of yellow earth turning dark.

After traveling for about half a day, it finally got completely dark.

The distant horizon was blurred, and the ground was a patch of cracked yellow earth and exposed rock layers, like a skeleton dried by time.

Along the way, they used cattle and horses as bait, which attracted many ambushes from the Sand Tiger Demon Clan.

However, this time everyone was prepared and together they killed more than a dozen Sand Howling Tigers. Mo Fan was also incredibly lucky and managed to get a Soul Essence.

“Good luck,” Mo Fan put the spirit into his backpack, a satisfied smile on his face. “If I get two more, maybe I can raise enough money to buy the Star River Vein.”

Chen Hao grimaced, clearly a little envious. He hadn't gotten a loot after killing three heads, while the other guy got one after killing just one.

"Let's rest for today," Chen Hao said, jumping off the ox-horse beast and walking to a huge solitary rock. He stood on it and looked around. He released a wisp of his spiritual and battle aura perception to confirm that there were no abnormal life pulses here before making his decision.

"This boulder is in a good location, with wind protection and a wide view. We'll spend the night here."

"Alright, leave it to me." Zhang Xiaohou immediately sprang into action, quickly taking out a portable tent set from his backpack. Before long, a military tent large enough to accommodate everyone was erected, with sturdy ropes and firmly driven ground stakes.

Everyone did their part and quickly set up the camp.

Chen Hao stood atop the boulder, gazing at the endless Gobi Desert in the distance. A strange emotion rose within him.

In his past life, how could he have had the chance to stand on this ancient land, witnessing the rolling yellow sands and the boundless desert? Back then, he only existed within the pages of books and on screens, like an observer. But now, standing amidst the wind and sand, he is a true participant!
Footsteps came from behind. Chen Hao turned around and saw Mo Fan approaching.

"Chen Hao, can you do me a favor?" Mo Fan smiled familiarly, rubbing his hands together.

"You said."

"Um... your forging workshop is making quite a bit of money right now, right? Could you lend me 30 million? I'm planning to buy the Star River Vein." Mo Fan smiled slyly, but his eyes revealed his seriousness.

"How many do you have?" Chen Hao raised an eyebrow. "And are you already preparing to advance to the higher level?"

"Including the Demon Tiger Essence that just dropped, it should be around 70 million. As for the high-level ones, the lightning element was quite restless when I entered the Three-Step Tower last time. If I were given a Star River Vein, I would be 90% confident of breaking through!" Mo Fan said confidently.

"Hiss! Damn, so fast? Does that mean it's going to catch up with me!" Chen Hao gasped, cursing the cheater under his breath.

The thought that this little mudfish would continue to evolve while he had to painstakingly search for even more advanced Star River Magic Artifacts made Chen Hao feel resentful, and he suddenly didn't want to lend the money anymore.

"Hehe, not bad." Mo Fan chuckled sheepishly, then realized something was wrong. "Wait... what do you mean 'caught up with you'? You're not already at a high level, are you?!"

Mo Fan's eyes widened, and his voice suddenly rose, drawing everyone's attention.

"What? Who's at a higher level?"

"Chen Hao, you've reached an advanced level? Really?" Zhao Manyan's eyes widened.

Zhang Xiaohou almost snapped the tent rope he had just tied. Chen Ying's eyes showed shock. Ding Yumin raised an eyebrow, and Lingling also stopped what she was doing and looked over.

Chen Hao smiled slightly, not pretending to be mysterious. This was his trump card to persuade the Flame Witch.

"Summoning type, high-level."

After those five words were spoken, everyone was momentarily speechless.

Even though they already knew Chen Hao was very strong, hearing the words "high-level" from his mouth still felt like a stone had been thrown into their hearts, stirring up waves of emotion.

The advanced level is the threshold to entering the ranks of true powerhouses. And he was only in his early twenties.

On a global scale, such speed can only be described as phenomenal.

After being hit hard by the cheater's words, everyone fell into a deep sleep. Chen Hao, who had the most energy, volunteered to keep watch, as he didn't trust the others.

Under the cover of night, the campfire flickered, and the wind whispered through the cracks in the rocks.

While absorbing summoning magic energy to increase his life level, Chen Hao, wearing a heat-seeing helmet, kept a watchful eye on any foolproof demons. Who knows, some fearless monster might spot the campfire and approach.

Suddenly, a lithe figure approached and squatted down beside him.

Chen Hao didn't turn around; he knew who it was just by their scent. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Ding Yumin did not answer, but just stared at him quietly, as if trying to see through the thick goggles to see those familiar yet distant eyes.

She didn't rush to speak; her eyes were as deep as the night, calm and complex.

A hint of undisguised anticipation lingered beneath the hesitation.

The silence lasted for a long time.

Until Ding Yumin spoke softly, her voice so low it was almost swallowed by the sandstorm.

Do you... like me or not?

Chen Hao was slightly taken aback.

He slowly removed his helmet, turned to look at her, and met her gaze with his deep brown eyes. His eyes were calm, firm, and gentle, without any hesitation or evasion.

"Yes, of course I do."

Ding Yumin's fingertips trembled slightly. Her emotional trauma made her acutely aware of his sincerity, but at the same time, she sensed that his affection wasn't as ardent and intense as she had hoped.

It's not that he doesn't care; it's just that there are too many more important things in his world, and love is only a small part of it.

"Then... if you like me, you can only like me." Her voice was even softer, almost a tentative plea. "You can't... go to Bai Tingting anymore."

She knew her words were a bit too direct, even a little forceful, but as she said them, a strange softness appeared in her eyes.

She really liked him.

It wasn't just because Chen Hao brought her this hard-won opportunity for training, nor was it solely because of his reassuring strength. The world of disaster victims is too cold and restrictive; she needs someone she can trust, rely on, and even... gamble on the future with.

Chen Hao was someone she could afford to gamble on.

She wasn't sure if he would accept it, but she was willing to compromise halfway, just so that the relationship could get a little closer.

Looking at her earnest yet somewhat timid expression, Chen Hao's lips curled up slightly, but instead of giving the expected promise, he raised an eyebrow and retorted, "If I don't do 'that' with her, then... what are you going to do 'that' with you?"

Ding Yumin paused for a moment, her cheeks flushing instantly as if burned by the night wind, her eyes filled with panic.

She gently turned her face away and muttered softly, "It's...not...not possible..."

The voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, yet it lingered in Chen Hao's ears for a long time. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and wicked thoughts flooded his mind uncontrollably.

"Are you sure? The hardships she can endure, you might not be able to."

Chen Hao grinned mischievously as he slowly brought his head closer to Ding Yumin, the heat radiating rapidly in the cold night air.

Ding Yumin's face was burning red. In her mind's perception, Chen Hao had become indescribably evil, as if getting close to him would turn her into that evil form.

Even though she knew this was Chen Hao's way of provoking her, she had no other choice but to bite the bullet and say:

"I can!"

"Then prove it? Let me see your resolve!"

……

(End of this chapter)