George Carter let out a cold snort, advancing instead of retreating, arms slightly spread, leaping gracefully like a crane. George Carter jumped extremely high and fast, his figure both swift and ethereal, brushing past the white ape in an instant. The long blade flashed with cold light, already slashing the less-than-three-foot-tall white ape diagonally into two pieces.

　　"Splurt..." The bisected white ape's flesh and blood splattered everywhere, covering the ground.

　　"Don't..." Henry Clark tried to stop George Carter, but it was already too late. He could only helplessly step aside a few paces to avoid the flying blood and flesh.

　　George Carter spun his blade in the air with a flourish before landing lightly, his posture quite elegant. If one didn't look at his face, he truly had the bearing of a master.

　　"It's fine, it's just a low-level white ape. Leave it to me." Although the white ape was low-level, it was extremely agile and nimble, making it difficult to kill with a single strike. Having succeeded in one blow, George Carter was quite pleased with himself.

　　Henry Clark was silent for a moment, then said, "Good movement technique." After a pause, he added, "But the smell of blood and flesh can easily attract trouble. We should leave here as soon as possible..."

　　"Swish, swish, swish..." Hearing the commotion, Susan Baker and the others behind quickly used their lightness skills to rush over. Susan Baker and Edward Reed arrived first, swift as the wind, only to find everything was already over.

　　Edward Reed glanced at the blood and flesh all over the ground, frowning her delicate brows in some displeasure. "Killing a white ape, isn't this a bit excessive?"

　　George Carter's proud smile faded, and he explained awkwardly, "This guy came too fast, I just swung my blade and this happened..."

　　Susan Baker didn't want to dwell on such a trivial matter, waving his hand, "Forget it, everyone hurry up and leave. Getting tainted with the smell of blood will be troublesome. We don't have much deodorizing powder left, so use it sparingly."

　　A first-rank demon beast doesn't even have a demon core, and the white ape's fur, tendons, and bones aren't of much use either. Only the fresh flesh is edible. However, they weren't here for leisure, so there was no time to process this bit of meat.

　　"What are you all doing? Be more alert, don't let this kind of thing happen again." Susan Baker avoided Edward Reed and sternly reprimanded William Grant and George Carter.

　　George Carter looked a bit dejected. Of the five, he was the only one hunting demon beasts deep in the Black Dragon Mountains for the first time, lacking experience, which led to this incident. He mumbled, "It's not that I don't have experience, William Grant didn't make things clear!"

　　Susan Baker couldn't say much more to George Carter, since he was his junior, and saying too much would hurt feelings. So, following George Carter's words, he turned to say, "William Grant, as a senior member, you need to use your experience and take responsibility. I trust your abilities, do your best."

　　Susan Baker wasn't simply scolding, but rather showing great trust, as if a bit disappointed in Henry Clark's performance, yet unwilling to be harsh.

　　Henry Clark was deeply moved, nodding firmly with a determined expression, "Don't worry, Brother Baker, I will do my best."

　　For the taciturn Henry Clark to respond like this made Susan Baker quite satisfied. He encouraged, "After we finish this mission, buy a few more Condensing Essence Pills, and you'll definitely reach mid second-rank." He paused, then said proudly, "No matter what Edward Reed's attitude is, I will make sure nothing happens to you."

　　Henry Clark was so moved he didn't know what to say, finally squeezing out a dry, "Thank you, Brother Baker."

　　Susan Baker chuckled and patted Henry Clark's arm, "We're all brothers, no need for such polite words." After saying this, Susan Baker gave a few more instructions before returning to the group behind.

　　"Brother Baker truly is a man of great righteousness, worthy of our following!" George Carter said with deep emotion, "In Honglian Temple, where else could you find someone as good as Brother Baker..."

　　Henry Clark nodded, then made a gesture for silence.

　　George Carter opened his mouth, but finally closed it helplessly. In his heart, he cursed, "Useless idiot, you'll get yourself killed sooner or later!"

　　As the sun set, the sky was ablaze with red clouds, but the forest was already shrouded in darkness. Though everyone had sharp eyesight, in such a deep forest, it was still quite inconvenient.

　　At the foot of a barren cliff, Henry Clark stopped and said, "Let's set up camp here."

　　George Carter naturally couldn't decide, so when Susan Baker and the others caught up, after a brief discussion, they all agreed to camp here.

　　The cliff was over a hundred zhang high, its surface weathered and covered in mottled cracks. Several zhang above the ground was a recessed stone platform, where the group set up camp.

　　Camping in the Black Dragon Mountains, the first priority was concealment and safety, the second was ease of access and enough space for battle. Only then could comfort be considered.

　　Dense forests, overgrown valleys, and streams or waterfalls were all unsuitable for camping. This platform on the cliff was clean and flat, sheltered from wind and rain, free from hidden snakes, insects, or demon beasts, and easy to defend—a superb camping spot. Susan Baker and Edward Reed were both very satisfied with it.

　　Henry Clark and Linda Cooper each carried a large leather bag filled with camping gear, food, medicine, and other supplies. Linda Cooper quickly helped Edward Reed set up a delicate little tent. As for the others, each had a simple sleeping bag.

　　In late autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains was huge. With their cultivation, they wouldn't fall ill without good protection, but it would certainly be uncomfortable. To maintain enough energy, they needed adequate and good rest.