Beast Taming: I'm Really Just a Forest Ranger

Chapter 322 - 189: Treacherous Qinling Roads and Mr. Chen’s Spreading Fame (Part 3)

Even in places further north, heavy snow of this magnitude is rare.

Professor Song chuckled, "Advisor Chen, since the Spiritual Energy Revival, past climate conditions are no longer reliable."

"Many places have undergone significant climate changes."

Chen Yuan remained silent.

Indeed, even bizarre events like seven consecutive days of torrential rain have occurred. Another snowstorm seems reasonable.

If only... as long as it’s not seven consecutive days, leading to a global ice age.

"But at this rate, the progress is too slow," Chen Yuan frowned.

The riding pet beasts are far from sufficient, leaving them to rely solely on walking.

But as the snow deepens, progress is slow even with ice claws.

Either pause and wait for the blizzard to pass, or grit their teeth and continue forward.

Persisting through the snowstorm may lead to danger even for beastmasters.

Yao Li was rather optimistic: "Looking on the bright side, those New Star Association members are also trapped by this snowstorm."

Professor Song asked the team to stop temporarily and discuss strategies.

Lu Ran, who grew up in the Imperial Capital, was the first to suggest an idea: "I have a Fire-type Pet Beast that can be ridden temporarily."

"And then..."

He paused and looked at Chen Yuan, "Mr. Chen also has a riding pet beast. The two of us will go ahead to find the World Tree. You wait until the snowstorm subsides."

"With our capabilities, we might spot the World Tree before you arrive."

Professor Song shook his head in disagreement: "No, the team must not be divided."

Jiang Wenning suddenly raised her hand, "Professor, I have an idea."

"There are many trees nearby; we can cut down a few to make sleighs and use the pet beasts to pull them forward."

A sled is what she meant.

As soon as she spoke, everyone immediately brightened.

Hey, don’t dismiss it; this idea certainly seems feasible.

Pet beasts can walk comfortably on snow; utilizing them to advance could be a good method.

However, Yao Li shook his head in disagreement: "Besides the hassle of making sleds, realistically having pet beasts pull sleds is impractical."

"You might ask why. The reason is simple: there are vast rolling hills around, making it challenging for pet beasts to pull our makeshift skis steadily, likely resulting in loss of balance or downhill stumbles."

"It’s inevitable that sitting on it might lead to falls."

Yao Li’s words mercilessly shattered everyone’s hopes, followed by sighing sounds.

Lu Ran grinned: "I still suggest Mr. Chen and I move ahead."

No one paid him any attention.

Chen Wenhao sighed: "If only we had a herd of reindeer here."

Zhang Yu nodded in agreement: "Yes, senior brother, but unfortunately, only the northernmost reindeer can carry people."

Wait.

Reindeer?

Chen Yuan’s eyes lit up, suddenly recalling something—if his memory wasn’t faulty, the Star Moon Deer herd seemed to have migrated to this Mysterious Forest.

Though unsure if the Little Star Moon Deer had found the herd, they could confirm these deer inhabit this vast area.

It’s just a question of how close they are.

Initially, he had hoped to take a Star Moon Deer as a riding pet beast, but fate led him to encounter the Fallen Meteor Horned Beast instead.

However, Star Moon Deer are undoubtedly suitable as riding pet beasts, beyond any doubt.

If they help, traversing this boundless snowy plain wouldn’t be a problem.

"Professor, I might have a solution," Chen Yuan didn’t fully reveal his thoughts, "I know a group of friends nearby."

More friends?

Or a group?

Chen Yuan smiled slightly: "You know, I’m a Forest Ranger. It’s normal to know some pet beast friends."

Chen Wenhao, surprised, replied: "Brother, haven’t you entered here before?"

Chen Yuan explained: "These friends originally resided outside; they migrated here recently."

"What kind of pet beasts?" Professor Song asked the crucial question.

"Star Moon Deer," Chen Yuan answered.

Chen Wenhao promptly recited Star Moon Deer’s basic information: "Star Moon Deer, Dark-type Pet Beast, typically inhabits mountainous regions, possesses strong climbing abilities."

Beaming smiles appeared on everyone’s faces:

"Sounds perfect as riding pet beasts."

"Mr. Chen is well-connected."

"In Qinling, ask around; who doesn’t know Mr. Chen?"

"Qinling’s mountains are high, paths treacherous; Mr. Chen’s fame spread far."

Uninterested in the others’ discussions, Yao Li caught a snowflake, gazed at the endless snow, and asked: "But how do we find them?"

"Send them," Chen Yuan turned to Spark.

Though the snowstorm was fierce, Spark soared freely without hindrance.

Furthermore, with the winter forest lacking dense foliage to block views, Spark focused on flying and emitted Flame Stream, standing out immensely.

As long as the Star Moon Deer see Spark, they are bound to call out.

"Then that’s settled," Professor Song agreed with Chen Yuan’s request, "We need to find a place to rest."

Given the ferocious snowstorm, pushing ahead poses challenges, better to wait temporarily, one is to listen for Spark’s good news, and two is to seize the chance to recuperate.

After locating a spot sheltered from the wind and snow, Chen Yuan attached a small bag filled with rations on Spark, who quickly soared, being swallowed by the snowstorm in an instant.

Chen Yuan wasn’t worried about Spark losing its way back. Beastmasters and pet beasts have Mind Sensing, allowing them to detect each other’s location.

As temperatures dropped, everyone huddled together, shivering. Lu Ran tossed his dark red bangs and snapped his fingers: "Blast Flame Fighting Ape, it’s your turn to act."

"Roar!"

The Blast Flame Fighting Ape called out, turning its tail toward the group, flames igniting fiercely at its tail end.