Chapter 1267 - 622: Winter Wolf Fenney

The obsidian short axe hanging at the waist swayed gently, and the fur on the wolf skin cloak seemed to shimmer with silver-white ice light under the glints of the forest breeze.

Standing over two meters tall, muscles as robust as marble revealed clear contours under the forest shade.

In the shadow cast by his high brow, eyes like icy blue flames slightly shifted, gazing past the bushes and hanging branches to the Winter Wolf leaping from the grass ahead, resting on the figure standing at the cave’s exit — a figure that hadn’t been seen for over a year, looking subtly unfamiliar due to significant changes, yet somehow familiar.

With indescribable doubt and a thick Northern Territory accent blurred by the cold wind, a hoarse, deep male voice echoed from the forest:

"Xia Nan?"

...

...

"Crackle."

The campfire blazed, scattering sparks with a crisp sound.

Barbarian Fugang leaned against a tall oak trunk in the camp, as always, calmly maintaining his obsidian short axe.

Xia Nan sat on the other side of the campfire.

Of course, there wouldn’t be any touching reunion scene.

If either side were replaced by Half-Elf Alton, they’d probably be circling the other excitedly, enthusiastically recounting their experiences and frequently tossing out topics to stir the mood.

But now both Fugang and Xia Nan were of a relatively reserved personality.

Even if their emotions indeed fluctuated internally, it was hard to say how they’d express it.

As it stands, quietly sitting on either side of the campfire, as if a year ago when one learned Teeth Hunting from the other, was enough to convey their stance.

Yet compared to over a year ago, there were indeed some changes.

"Woof!"

Dazed for a while, it finally rummaged through its scent reserves in its mind, retrieving memories of this familiar young adventurer ahead.

Confirming it was an acquaintance from its cub years, coupled with Fugang’s subtly friendly attitude.

Made this Winter Wolf, named "Fenney," especially enthusiastic at this moment.

Occasionally pushing its fluffy head forward, wagging its tail as it rubbed its head against Xia Nan’s arm; occasionally lightly biting his trouser leg, front limbs down, upper body leaning forward, hopping to invite play.

Nothing like the formidable demon that just wiped out a medium-sized goblin community in a sweeping manner.

Judging from Fugang’s occasional glances from the campfire, observing Winter Wolf Fenney.

This wolf, growing rapidly far beyond average, evolving from cub to near adult in a year, probably isn’t typically this sociable.

Truth be told, Xia Nan indeed only encountered the wolf during its clueless cub phase and nearly got bitten, not really sharing much intimacy.

Upon reflection, speculated that its reaction may largely owe to his unique experience transforming into a wolf in the Algae Scale Secret Realm.

Hmm... might be somewhat related to the Teeth Hunting dream experienced in the Dream Weaving Corridor?

After all, he had witnessed the birth and rise of the legendary Winter Wolf "Karlosh," the origin of Teeth Hunting.

Sharing the same source, Fenney’s distinct manner toward him was somewhat explainable.

Unable to resist the enthusiasm, Xia Nan reached out to stroke Fenney’s fur, soft yet comfortably cool, making the Winter Wolf squint contentedly.

Thinking it over, he finally spoke:

"The name Fenney, should mean ’Memory of Frost,’ right?"

Reading more books inevitably pays off.

After separating from Fugang, Xia Nan quickly supplemented his understanding of "barbarians," "Northern Mossland," acquiring even the language and characters used by barbarians, specifically finding related books on the Association’s second floor to study.

Though later delayed by travels seeking the Dream Weaving Corridor, his learning slowed, yet he mastered a good amount of practical vocabulary.

Unexpectedly surprised that Xia Nan went out of his way to learn the barbarian language, Fugang paused weapon maintenance, lifting his head to glance at Fenney.

"If simply viewed from a literal sense, that interpretation works."

"But according to our tribe’s tradition, ’hatred not yet cooled’ fits better."

Upon hearing this, Xia Nan’s gaze involuntarily swept over the empty slender iron necklace on Fugang’s neck, also glancing at the left pinky, not yet restored, sealed with ice at its base.

Showing a thoughtful expression on his face.

Winter Wolf Fenney, hatred not yet cooled.

Simultaneously, barbarian Fugang was intently observing the familiar yet distinctly changed figure on the other side of the campfire.

After over a year apart, Xia Nan’s transformation, even with his vast adventure experience across most of the Aifala Continent, felt somewhat extensive.

Features sharp, still youthful in appearance, yet the novice adventurer’s unique innocence present at first meeting had completely vanished.

Replaced by a honed aura, forged only through countless intense battles and life-threatening crises, bolstered by relentless daily training.