This time, the destination was Grand, Switzerland, home to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Union is very cautious in admitting true members, and this time James Carter officially obtained membership and traveled to the headquarters for a visit.

Fortunately, James Carter had loved planting since childhood. Seeing plants grow and reproduce always made him happy—this joy came from the heart. As he increasingly embraced the mission of protecting greenery and the environment, he didn’t find it burdensome at all.

Therefore, he worked enthusiastically, and being accepted as a full member was an unexpected delight.

He hoped to find more rare plant species abroad to expand this space—ideally, to form a small world of his own. As James Carter thought of this, a smile appeared on his face, and he withdrew his mind from the space.

After finishing his tea, James Carter felt a bit tired. His hand reached for the ox horn, and he began to doze off. Countless beauties, billions in wealth—all gradually entered his dreams...

Suddenly, the plane jolted violently, and it seemed there was an announcement over the intercom. James Carter was startled awake from his sweet dream, stretched, and wiped the drool from his mouth.

Before he could say anything, he saw Linda Carter's pale face.

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?” An ominous feeling welled up in James Carter!

Before Linda Carter could speak, the plane began to shake violently.

Linda Carter screamed and clung to him with such force that he could barely breathe, yet there was not the slightest sense of warmth or intimacy. Suddenly, he understood—this was a plane crash.

James Carter looked in panic at the white clouds outside, struggling desperately to get out of his seat, which was strapped with a seatbelt. In his haste, his foot slipped, and one of his thousand-yuan designer leather shoes came off. This man, usually so calm and composed, no longer cared about his shoes.

“No, how can this be? I’ve already discovered the secret of the ox horn. I’m just a step away from becoming the richest, most powerful man in the world, with the most beautiful women! Since Heaven let me obtain such a treasure, how could it let me fail here for no reason... I refuse to accept this!”

James Carter roared. At this moment, a flight attendant, her face pale but still barely composed, said, “Sir, please calm down, please remain calm...”

Before she could finish, the plane suddenly plunged downward, dropping like a stone.

In the centrifugal force of the fall, James Carter was completely powerless.

He had just begun to explore the mysteries of the Shennong Horn, and a great life awaited him. But now, there was nothing he could do. As he plummeted downward, James Carter finally stopped struggling, staring fixedly at his Shennong Horn. Countless memories flashed before his eyes, finally settling on a scene from three years ago at a secondhand stall.

There, too, was an ox horn, clearly visible, glinting gold in the sunlight.

A surge of endless resentment rose in James Carter's heart: “Damn it, Heaven, are you toying with me? I refuse to accept this—ahhhhh...”

The plane, carrying a long trail of resentment and screams, plunged eight hundred meters straight down, then exploded, turning into a ball of fire in the sky.

Volume One: The Druid’s First Song

The first song unfolds in a small town, where many stories also take place.

Chapter 1: The Thorn Forest (Part 1)

The Thorn Forest.

A cold wind carried the scent of blood, and the moon broke through the clouds, illuminating the battlefield.

Several people were fighting desperately.

Another group of bear goblins—with long, sharp fangs, gray fur, and bear-like faces—let out shrill howls, raised their wooden clubs, and suddenly charged at a party of adventurers.

Wearing steel plate armor, holding a round shield in one hand and a longsword in the other, Katherine Miller counter-charged. His strong arm swung the longsword down hard, a faint glimmer flashing, instantly severing a bear goblin’s shoulder—blood splattered everywhere.

Next, Clifford Miller hefted his heavy greataxe and let out an angry roar, calling upon the name of the war god: “Edmund!”

He then charged straight into the bear goblins, and wherever he went, the thick scent of blood spread.

A bear goblin circled around, raising its club to attack, but with a “thud,” a long arrow pierced through its neck—Caroline Miller's bowstring hummed.

The battle was fierce, but brief.

Moments later, the ground was littered with corpses.

“Most goblins are just pests, but these bear goblins are born warriors. If it weren’t for the fact that they can’t get armor or metal weapons, nor receive warrior training, we’d be in real trouble.” Clifford Miller spat out a mouthful of blood as he spoke. He’d been struck several times by clubs; though his leather armor offered some protection, his internal organs were still shaken.

Panting heavily, his lungs burned as if on fire, his insides protesting. His leather armor was torn in several places, and the greataxe in his hand felt especially heavy—he could barely lift it anymore.

“Here, have some holy water.” Katherine Miller tossed over a bottle of holy water. Of course, there were no mages or priests in the party—those were for the privileged.

Clifford Miller hesitated a bit, but considering holy water doesn’t keep long, he gulped it down.

“Should we save some for Robert Miller?” Caroline Miller asked, a bit reluctant. In the distance, a young man lay collapsed on the ground, unconscious, blood streaming from his mouth and nose—struck down by a single blow.