Chapter 196: Fishing, Meeting the Champion Fighter Again!

"If I want to catch higher-grade magical creatures, I need a higher-grade fishing rod."

Cao Xing scrolled down the list.

In the entire trading market, he only saw two purple-grade fishing rods in total.

They were: [Spirit Wood Fishing Rod (Purple)], [Hark Frog Fishing Rod (Purple)].

He took a look at the attributes of these two fishing rods.

[Spirit Wood Fishing Rod (Purple)]

[Quality: Rare]

[Durability: 272 / 300]

[Fishing Range: Rare-grade fish (Silver Salmon, Three-Leaf Tail Fish, Amber Fish…)]

[Maximum Load Capacity: 1000kg + 500kg]

[Special Effect: Spirit Wood Blessing (Maximum load capacity +500kg)]

(Description: This is a fishing rod that can let you catch behemoths!)

[Hark Frog Fishing Rod (Purple)]

[Quality: Rare]

[Durability: 313 / 350]

[Fishing Range: Rare-grade fish]

[Maximum Load Capacity: 800kg]

[Special Effect: Hark Frog Saliva (The strong scent can attract more fish, increasing fishing success rate by 30%)]

(Equipment Description: If you are an empty-handed fisherman, I recommend you choose a fishing rod from the Hark Frog clan first.)

The attributes of both fishing rods were quite good.

Cao Xing thought for a moment and decided to buy both fishing rods.

Then he would fish with both at the same time!

He looked at the items requested by the consignors of these two fishing rods.

For the first one, the [Spirit Wood Fishing Rod], the consignor was a Survivor named Xu Ji, and the asking price was a purple Warrior-class weapon.

This asking price was quite fair.

After all, it was a purple piece of equipment for a purple piece of equipment.

Cao Xing directly traded the [Martial Artist Dagger] that Liu Muxue had retired with this Survivor.

The other party agreed happily, and both sides quickly completed the first round of trading.

[Transaction Successful: You have obtained [Spirit Wood Fishing Rod (Purple)], you have lost [Martial Artist Dagger (Purple)]…]

Cao Xing held the fishing rod with a faint green hue in his hand and said with satisfaction.

"Not bad, not bad. Although it still looks inferior to the fishing rod in the Champion Fighter's hand, the quality of this rod is decent; it could even be used as a weapon."

After the first transaction was successful, Cao Xing looked at the consignment information for the second fishing rod.

The consignor was a Survivor named Wang Wenxing, and the item needed was rather strange, called [Mysterious Four-Leaf Clover].

Cao Xing had never even heard of this thing.

But he didn't want to give up on this fishing rod.

So, Cao Xing sent a private message.

"Hello, I don't have the Mysterious Four-Leaf Clover you need. Can I exchange it with something else?"

A moment later, Wang Wenxing sent a message back.

"Ah! It's Great Lord Cao Xing!"

Her tone was filled with excitement, "Great Lord Cao Xing! Do you want this fishing rod too?"

Cao Xing smiled: "Yes. See if you can change to another transaction condition."

Wang Wenxing replied: "Let me see… Great Lord Cao Xing, do you have any Mage skill books?"

Cao Xing thought for a moment, then replied.

"No, because I am also a Mage, so I usually use the skill books myself."

Hearing this, Wang Wenxing realized: "So that's how it is…"

At this time, she continued: "Then… do you have any purple staffs or something similar?"

Cao Xing listened and checked his backpack.

If it came to weapons, he did have a [Staff of Profundity].

However, this weapon was more of a support-type weapon that could increase his own damage, and Cao Xing wanted to keep it for himself.

After thinking for a moment, Cao Xing said: "How about this, I'll show you something good."

After saying that, Cao Xing sent the [Frost Moose Hind Leg Meat (Gold)].

Seeing the item information for this hind leg meat, Wang Wenxing on the other side was extremely surprised.

"Oh my god! It's actually Gold-grade beast meat, and it directly increases Ice-type damage by 5%!"

"Great Lord Cao Xing, you are too amazing! You can even get this kind of beast meat!"

Cao Xing smiled.

Wang Wenxing continued: "I can trade. Great Lord Cao Xing, how much of this beast meat are you prepared to give me?"

Cao Xing replied: "I don't have much of this beast meat either."

"I can give you 100g, plus 5 cotton coats, how about it?"

He had 8 pieces of hind leg meat, which was 8000g, and could be broken down into 80 portions for trading.

Hearing the conditions Cao Xing offered, Wang Wenxing was thoughtful.

A moment later, she said excitedly: "Okay, deal!"

The two quickly completed a transaction.

[Transaction Successful: You have obtained [Hark Frog Fishing Rod (Purple)], you have lost [Frost Moose Hind Leg Meat (Gold)] * 100g, you have lost [Linen Cotton Coat] * 5…]

After the transaction was completed, both sides felt very satisfied.

This was a fair trade.

At this moment, a system prompt appeared.

[Survivor Lord: Wang Wenxing has requested to add you as a friend. Do you accept?]

Cao Xing thought for a moment and clicked accept directly.

Wang Wenxing sent a message back: "Hehehe! I've added Great Lord Cao Xing as a friend!"

"But don't worry, Great Lord Cao Xing, I won't bother you when there's nothing going on. If I have good things again, I'll continue to contact you!"

Cao Xing listened and smiled: "Okay."

Both sides hung up the communication.

At this time, a gray fishing rod appeared in Cao Xing's hand again.

He said with satisfaction: "Very good, now everything is ready, and it's time to show off my skills!"

"With these two rods, I definitely won't come back empty-handed fishing today, hahaha!"

After saying that, Cao Xing quickly went to the center of the territory and shouted: "Assam, Andrew, Hilda…"

Cao Xing called the ten core members again.

Plus Liu Muxue, Dabai, and Volibear.

A group of more than ten people continued to head outside the territory.

Thump! Thump-thump!

Dabai carried the two of them and ran at full speed.

Beside them, Volibear was also running on all fours.

Moreover, Cao Xing discovered that when Volibear was running, besides containing red energy in its four limbs, it also occasionally sputtered with bolts of lightning power.

With every step it took, some traces of lightning would remain on the ground.

Not to mention anything else, just this appearance was already incredibly cool!

Forty minutes later.

Cao Xing led the team and arrived at the massive Falling Snow Lake again.

It was the same as a few days ago; the lake water was covered by a thick layer of ice.

On the ice surface, one could occasionally see some White Strider Birds, Aquatic Dragon Lizards, and Snowfield Wolves and other creatures.

Cao Xing laughed: "After fishing for a while, let's see the harvest. If it doesn't work out, we'll slaughter a few Snowfield Wolves today and take them back to replenish our meat supply."

At this time, Liu Muxue said softly: "Cao Xing, look there."

Following the direction she pointed.

Cao Xing saw a familiar back on the ice.

That figure had moved a small stool and was sitting on the ice, with a hunched posture and a cotton hat on his head.

It was none other than the Champion Fighter: Qinong Dutra.

Cao Xing chuckled: "Why is this old man here again?"

"Let's go, we'll get down first, then go over and take a look."

After saying this, he and Liu Muxue jumped down from the Mammoth's back together.

Then they gradually approached Qinong.

This old man who was fishing sensed the aura of Cao Xing and his group from afar.

Seeing them coming over, the old man turned his head and said: "Great Lord Cao Xing, you are here."

Cao Xing also smiled: "Your Excellency Qinong, why have you come again?"

"Has your wife finished eating the salmon you caught last time?"

Cao Xing had heard from Qinong that he had a gluttonous wife who loved the Silver Salmon from Falling Snow Lake the most.

Hearing this, a trace of sadness appeared in Qinong's eyes.

"Great Lord Cao Xing, actually it's not that my wife insists on eating Silver Salmon, but because she is sick."

"A very serious illness that has tortured her for many years."

"The physician in the city-state told me that her body cannot hold on for much longer and can only maintain vitality by consuming some food with powerful life force."

"The Silver Salmon from last time made her complexion improve a little, and she was finally able to get out of bed and walk."

"But a few days later, my wife fainted again, and this time the situation seems even more serious…"

"She is just an ordinary person, and I don't know if she can survive this time…"

"So I can only continue to come to Falling Snow Lake to see if I can catch another Silver Salmon to make my wife's condition improve a bit…"

Hearing this, Cao Xing was stunned, then sighed and said: "Your Excellency Qinong, I am very sorry."

He didn't know about this.

If he had known, he definitely wouldn't have made such a joke.

Qinong shook his head: "It's nothing, you were not aware of it."

Cao Xing nodded: "With a considerate husband like you taking care of her, I believe your wife will get better soon."

Hearing this, a smile also appeared at the corner of Qinong's mouth.

"I hope so."

Then, he continued to ask: "Lord Cao Xing, what brings you to Snowfall Lake today?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing took two fishing rods out of his backpack and shook them in his hand.

"We are, of course, also here to fish!"

Qinong examined the fishing rods in Cao Xing's hands, nodded, and said: "Not bad. It seems Lord Cao Xing has made preparations."

"These two fishing rods are sufficient to catch magical creatures of the Silver Salmon level."

Cao Xing laughed heartily.

Then, as if performing a magic trick, he took 10 [Special Pet Rations (Green)] from his backpack and handed them to Qinong.

The old man looked at the bait in his hands, and his aged face trembled slightly.

He knew very well that it was thanks to this bait that he had managed to catch three Silver Salmon last time.

Therefore, Qinong understood the value of this bait.

"Lord Cao Xing… this is…"

However, Cao Xing said generously: "It's a gift for you, Master Qinong."

"I hope you can catch more Silver Salmon, and I also hope your wife gets better soon."

Qinong stood there stunned, silent for a moment.

Then he said solemnly: "Lord Cao Xing, thank you for your help for the second time."

"Qinong Dutela expresses his sincerest gratitude to you!"

He bowed slightly towards Cao Xing.

A system notification appeared: [Due to your generous gift, your favorability with Qinong Dutela has increased (Favorability has not reached the target value; new stage not unlocked)]

Seeing this system notification, Cao Xing felt happy.

Although the value of ten pet rations was not low, and one could catch one or two Silver Salmon with good luck.

But for Cao Xing, it was nothing.

Furthermore, this was equivalent to an investment.

Cao Xing had already discovered something.

This Qinong Dutela was truly ridiculously strong.

He was already a level 23 Frost Mage, yet when checking the other party's attributes, he still saw a bunch of '???'.

What did this signify?

It meant that Qinong was definitely an existence above level 40, which meant at least a Tier 5 powerhouse!

For such powerhouses, building a good relationship with them brought significant benefits.

Cao Xing replied: "Master Qinong, you are too polite."

"Didn't you share two Silver Salmon with us last time?"

Upon hearing this, Qinong looked at Cao Xing with gratitude once again.

Clearly, these ten pet rations were like charcoal in snowy weather for him, and for a moment, his favorability towards Cao Xing surged.

Cao Xing continued: "We are going to find a spot to fish up ahead, so we won't disturb you here."

"I hope you have a good harvest this time."

At this moment, however, Qinong said: "Lord Cao Xing, the ice on Snowfall Lake is still very thick. With the snowfall over the past two days, the ice layer has exceeded 12 meters in depth."

"After you choose a spot, shall I help you break the ice?"

Hearing this, Cao Xing was thoughtful.

A 12-meter-thick ice layer could be considered quite thick.

Although Cao Xing could break it, it would take some time.

And Qinong's initiative was equivalent to showing goodwill towards him.

Cao Xing nodded and said: "Then I will trouble you, Master Qinong."

The old man waved his hand.

Soon, Cao Xing led the group and stopped at a location about one kilometer away from Qinong's original fishing spot.

"Master Qinong, let's do it here."

"You just need to help us break the ice and chisel out two fishing spots."

Qinong nodded.

At this moment, he suddenly said: "Lord Cao Xing, do you have any spear-type weapons?"

"If you don't, just giving me a stick will do."

Hearing this, Cao Xing glanced at his backpack.

He actually had a Purple-grade spear called the [Gladiator Spear].

Cao Xing didn't say much and took it out directly, handing it to Qinong.

This spear was made of unknown material and weighed at least over sixty kilograms.

Yet when held by Qinong, it was as light as holding a wooden stick.

Then, he said: "Lord Cao Xing, you should step back a few paces, lest I accidentally injure you."

Hearing this, Cao Xing nodded and led his subordinates back about a dozen meters.

At the same time, he was a bit curious about what the momentum of such a powerhouse would be like when attacking.

Even people like Assam were watching Qinong intently.

Meanwhile.

After gripping the spear, the aura around Qinong's body changed abruptly!

A breath like a fierce beast awakening suddenly radiated from his body.

In the forest near Snowfall Lake, the creatures seemed to sense something; instantly, flocks of birds flew off in panic, and herds of beasts fled.

Even the Strider Birds and wolf packs on the lake surface scrambled to run away as fast as they could!

"So strong!"

Cao Xing and the others only felt a fierce aura rushing towards them.

And Jonard and Josent, the two spear-wielding Dragon Blood Warriors, felt it even more clearly.

"This old man is truly powerful!"

"Yes, the aura on his body is like a spear that has been tempered a thousand times!"

And just then.

Qinong Dutela's momentum suddenly contracted, and he concentrated all his power at the tip of the spear.

With a gentle thrust.

Bang!

Ice chips immediately splashed up on the ice surface, shooting over ten meters high.

Clatter…

The sky-filling ice chips danced like snowflakes.

When the commotion subsided, everyone saw a large pit with a diameter of about two meters, smooth and round, appear in front of them!

The large pit pierced directly through the ice, and one could see the cold lake water underneath at a glance.

This move surprised Cao Xing even more.

Possessing great strength and then bursting it out to destroy the ice surface was not a difficult task.

However, it was very difficult to concentrate power on a single point, release it instantly, and control it as perfectly as Qinong did.

Such a technique was clearly something Cao Xing could not do.

Isabelle exclaimed from the back: "Amazing! With such skilled and precise control over power, this person definitely possesses master-level spear technique!"

Cao Xing also nodded and said: "As expected of a powerhouse who earned the title of Champion Fighter."

Qinong flicked the spear tip, as if he had done something insignificant.

"Lord Cao Xing, let's continue to open the second fishing spot."

"Okay."

Then, Cao Xing led the group and selected another location about five hundred meters away.

Qinong repeated the same process.

He simply thrust the spear, splashing ice chips everywhere.

Once again, he created a fishing spot with a diameter of about two meters.

After finishing this, Qinong said: "Lord Cao Xing, the fishing spots are ready, so I won't disturb you."

Hearing this, Cao Xing said: "Alright, Master Qinong, thank you."

Qinong waved his hand, returned to his position, and then began to use new bait to fish.

Cao Xing took out two fishing rods and asked: "Who wants to try?"

Hearing Cao Xing's question, Assam and the others looked at each other.

Renice, Isabelle, and the other women were uninterested.

At this moment, Braum said: "Lord, let Braum try!"

"In our hometown, Braum often went fishing in the small river next to the village!"

Cao Xing smiled and gave the [Spirit Wood Fishing Rod] to Braum.

He also gave him 18 [Special Pet Rations (Green)] and 5 [Special Pet Rations (Blue)].

Cao Xing himself, carrying the remaining bait, went to the first fishing spot and began his fishing journey.

Based on the memories in his mind, Cao Xing imitated the movements, first hooking the bait onto the hook, and then placing the fishing line into the cold lake water.

Then, he waited quietly.

The [Special Pet Rations] were very tempting to fish.

Coupled with the fact that Cao Xing was using the [Hark Frog Fishing Rod], which had a special effect of enhancing scent.

Not two minutes after Cao Xing put it down, he felt a tremendous force strike instantly!

"Huh? Got a bite so soon?"

He quickly gripped the fishing rod tightly.

As a level 23 Frost Mage, he now had hundreds of points in Strength and could easily handle the giant creature underwater.

Splash! Splash!

Under the lake water, waves surged.

It felt as if something was constantly struggling below.

After holding out against the creature underwater for almost a minute, Cao Xing felt that its strength had weakened a bit.

He gave a sudden pull!

A fish with pale cyan scales and a flat, large mouth was pulled up by him!

[Obtained: Green Cod (Green) * 1]

"Haha, the first catch of the day!"

"A Green-quality fish, not bad!"