28: A fruitful return and next steps

Having obtained the crucial quest item, the earth source crystal, Lin Feng's primary objective for this trip had been successfully achieved.

He did not linger long in this massive cavern.

Although there were still many Goblin mobs here that could be farmed for experience.

However, Lin Feng was a person who valued efficiency.

With the Goblin Chieftain dead, the monsters here could no longer provide him with much challenge or experience.

It was time to move on to the next destination.

Before leaving, he, as per usual, walked over to the Goblin Chieftain's corpse and began to tally the spoils of war.

As an 8th-level boss, the Goblin Chieftain's drops, though not comparable to the first kill of the Bloodthirsty Wolf King, were still very generous.

First, there was an exaggeratedly large weapon.

[Goblin Chieftain's Spiked Club (Bronze Tier)]

[Equipment Type: Two-Handed Weapon]

[Equipment Requirements: Level 7, Strength 30]

[Attribute: Attack +45]

[Additional Attribute: When attacking, there is a 5% chance to inflict 'Stun' on the target, lasting 1 second.]

A very good warrior weapon.

Especially the stun effect, which could play a crucial role in PK and boss fights.

"Too bad I'm a magic-user; I can't use it."

Lin Feng shook his head and casually tossed the spiked club into his backpack.

This item, if sold to warrior players, should fetch a good sum of money.

Next, he picked up a skill book.

[Skill Book: Heavy Strike]

[Learning Requirements: Warrior class, Level 5]

[Skill Effect: Consumes a small amount of stamina to unleash a powerful attack on the target, dealing 150% physical damage.]

Another warrior skill book.

Lin Feng pouted and also put it away.

It seemed this Goblin Chieftain was specifically designed to "provide warmth" to warrior professions.

Besides these two relatively valuable items, the rest were some miscellaneous Goblin materials and dozens of silver coins.

Lin Feng picked up everything, not missing a single copper coin.

After completing all of this, he opened the dungeon panel and selected "Leave Dungeon"... A flash of white light.

Lin Feng's figure reappeared outside the earthy yellow teleportation gate in the East District Professionals Hall.

Outside, the time had already changed from morning to afternoon.

The warm sunlight filtered through the dome glass of the hall, making people feel cozy.

Lin Feng took a deep breath of the fresh air outside, feeling completely relaxed.

After spending several hours in the dark and damp mine, returning to this bright and lively place felt like an eternity had passed.

He tidied his backpack, preparing to go home for a good rest and to plan which dungeon to tackle tomorrow.

However, as soon as he turned around, he saw three familiar figures, looking utterly exhausted, emerging from the teleportation gate next to him.

It was the "Warrior-Cleric-Archer" trio he had saved earlier.

They looked even more disheveled than before.

The Guardian Warrior's shield had several new scratches.

The Archer's leather armor also had a few tears.

The Female Cleric was sweating profusely from exhaustion, her small face pale, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

It seemed that after Lin Feng saved them, they did not heed his advice to leave, but instead ventured further in. As a result, they undoubtedly suffered a lot before being forced to teleport out in a sorry state.

After coming out, all three had expressions of having survived a disaster, complaining to each other about the cunning of the Goblins and the disgusting traps.

Just then, the Guardian Warrior looked up and happened to see Lin Feng, looking refreshed and spotless, standing nearby.

He froze for a moment, then his eyes widened abruptly, and he pointed at Lin Feng, stammering:

"B-b-big shot?! You... you're out too?!"

His voice immediately attracted the attention of the Female Cleric and the Archer.

The two looked in the direction he was pointing and, upon seeing Lin Feng, also had shocked expressions.

They had personally watched Lin Feng walk alone towards the deepest part of the mine.

They had assumed that even if the big shot was powerful, facing the endless Goblin army further in, he would surely have to put in a lot of effort and be utterly exhausted before emerging.

But what was going on with this person in front of them?

He looked as if he had simply taken a stroll in a park and returned!

His clothes were clean, his face showed no trace of fatigue, and he even carried a hint of leisure.

This... this wasn't logical!

Could it be... A bold thought, one they themselves dared not believe, simultaneously emerged in the minds of the trio.

Could it be that this big shot had already... cleared the entire Goblin Mine?!

"M-master," the Guardian Warrior swallowed, asking cautiously in a tone of immense reverence, "Did... did you already... defeat the Goblin Chieftain...?"

Lin Feng looked at their ghost-like expressions and simply smiled faintly.

He neither admitted nor denied it.

He merely nodded gently at the trio, as a greeting.

Then, under their gazes, as if they were looking at an immortal, he turned and left with a flourish.

Leaving the three of them in a daze, unable to calm down for a long time... Back in his rented room.

Lin Feng first took a refreshing hot shower, washing away the faint, lingering dungeon scent from his body.

Then, he ordered a sumptuous takeout meal for himself, with meat and vegetables, to properly reward his stomach.

After eating his fill, he lazily lay on his bed and opened his quest panel.

[Unique Class Evolution Quest: Source of All Things]

[Quest Objective 1: Collect 'earth source crystal' x1 (Completed)]

[Quest Objective 2: Collect 'water source crystal' x1 (0 / 1)]

[Quest Objective 3: Collect 'wood source crystal' x1 (0 / 1)]

The first objective was already marked as complete.

Now, two remained.

"Tomorrow, I'll go to Shallow Water Lake."

Lin Feng looked at the quest prompts and quickly made a decision.

Compared to the 'Misty Forest,' which sounded troublesome, the name 'Shallow Water Lake' sounded simpler.

He preferred to go from easy to difficult, one step at a time.

After determining tomorrow's goal, Lin Feng opened his backpack again and began to organize today's gains.

Looking at the bronze-glowing equipment and the warrior skill book in his backpack, an expression of contemplation appeared on his face.

"These things are just taking up space if they stay with me."

"It's time to turn them into real money, or... exchange them for things I can use."

An idea slowly became clear in his mind.