Chapter Eighteen: The Hunt Begins

The Demon Hunting Squad was an auxiliary force affiliated with the clan, loyal to the Song family and surviving by hunting monsters within their domain. Every year, they were required to pay a certain tribute to the Song family and follow their orders, in exchange for protection and access to the clan’s trading channels.

The Song family’s enterprises were primarily based on various mineral veins and the art of forging, so they would purchase all the monster materials hunted by the Demon Hunting Squad at market prices. The hunters could choose to receive payment in either spirit stones or contribution points. These contribution points held the same value as those earned by the Song family’s own members and could be exchanged for all manner of cultivation resources in the family’s treasury.

In theory, as long as they accumulated enough contribution points, even Foundation Establishment Pills could be exchanged—there had been precedent for this in the past, and it remained their main goal. However, ever since the family suffered heavy losses in a great war, the Foundation Establishment cultivators had been greatly diminished, and the number of pills available was limited, barely enough to meet the needs of the main branch, let alone the auxiliary forces.

As a result, the Demon Hunting Squads affiliated with the Song family had dwindled from more than a dozen to just two. Though neither of these remaining squads was especially powerful, their loyalty to the clan was beyond reproach—they had fought bravely in that war years before and had remained steadfast ever since. Therefore, whenever benefits were to be distributed, the family always made sure to let them have a share of the spoils.

Song Changsheng and the others waited nearly half an hour before Song Luyao returned to the temporary camp. Gathering everyone, she announced, “We will now divide the areas for the monster-clearing operation. First, the trial area—you are assigned to the eastern sector. There are only a few monsters there; the challenge is not great. Simply kill or drive off all the beasts in your area to complete the trial. Remember, during the trial, it is strictly forbidden to attack fellow clan members, and no one is allowed to act alone. Violators will be severely punished. Is that clear?”

Her tone was cold as ice. In charge of the clan’s discipline, Song Luyao was renowned for her impartiality and ruthlessness—there would be no leniency for anyone who fell into her hands.

Everyone’s hearts tightened and they answered in unison, affirming their understanding.

Song Luyao then turned to the Enforcement Squad and said, “You will be responsible for the west, the most difficult area. The Demon Hunting Squad will cover the north and coordinate with you. I will oversee the entire operation, and if a second-rank monster appears, I will handle it myself. If anything happens and I am unable to assist, request aid from the Fifth Elder. Remember, the Fifth Elder’s duty is to guard the city and he should not act unless absolutely necessary. Understood?”

“Yes!” The Enforcement Squad responded in thunderous unison, their presence imposing and intimidating.

“Very well. The operation begins now. Move out,” Song Luyao commanded, then mounted her sword and soared away in a streak of rainbow light.

The Enforcement Squad, disciplined and well-trained, immediately divided into ten two-person teams and proceeded toward their assigned areas.

In contrast, Song Changsheng and the others found themselves hesitating, exchanging uncertain glances as they remained rooted in place.

All eyes turned to Song Changsheng, for he was the most advanced cultivator present and naturally became the group’s anchor. Without hesitation, he declared, “Everyone, our cultivation levels vary greatly. If we act as one group, our efficiency will be too low. I propose dividing into three teams. I, along with Changhu and Changxiu, will each lead a team and sweep through three directions. What do you think?”

Everyone exchanged glances and agreed, even Song Changhu, despite his usual tendency to challenge authority.

Seeing that all were in agreement, Song Changsheng quickly set about dividing the teams, trying to balance their strengths as much as possible. In the end, his own group numbered only four, including three at the early Qi Refining stage. The other two teams each had five members, comprised of two mid-stage and three early-stage cultivators—a rather modest force compared to the Enforcement Squad.

“Alright, let’s prepare to move out. Keep in touch at all times with your communication jades, and don’t stray too far from each other. If anything arises, send a signal. Once again, no one is to wander off alone,” Song Changsheng admonished sternly.

Many among them were venturing down the mountain for the first time, liable to make foolish mistakes. He needed to keep them grounded—he had no desire to attend any funerals.

“We’ve heard this a hundred times already. Enough with the nagging—we’re going,” Song Changhu grumbled impatiently, leading his team away.

Song Changxiu nodded respectfully to Song Changsheng and chose another direction to proceed.

“Stay close to me,” Song Changsheng instructed the three behind him, before swiftly entering the dense forest.

…

Within the jungle, a battered golden-spotted leopard was feasting on its prize—a tusked wild boar, a mid-grade first-rank beast, now mostly devoured.

Song Changsheng and his companions hid in the nearby underbrush. He whispered, “That’s an injured mid-grade first-rank monster. You’re more than capable of handling it. I’ll cover you from the side.”

They understood he was giving them an opportunity to hone their skills and looked at him gratefully. After a brief discussion of tactics, they crept toward the leopard.

Sensing something amiss, the leopard immediately stopped eating and adopted a defensive posture. Realizing they had been discovered, the trio launched a pincer attack—two in front, one behind—quickly engaging the beast.

All three were at the third layer of Qi Refining and lacked combat experience, so they fought rather hesitantly, unable to overcome the wounded leopard for some time.

Standing nearby, Song Changsheng observed the battle without intervening. This was a rare training opportunity for them, though for him, it posed no challenge at all. He merely needed to ensure no one got hurt.

Though the Song clan disciples lacked experience, their magical tools and spells were top-notch, and soon they had the leopard suppressed.

Just as they were about to finish it off, Song Changsheng suddenly detected an unusual fluctuation. His divine sense swept out, quickly discovering a two-tailed chameleon blending perfectly with the trunk of a nearby tree.

“You fiend, daring to lurk in the shadows to harm others!” Song Changsheng shouted, forming a seal and unleashing a Fire Arrow spell.

The chameleon, a high-grade first-rank monster, leapt to another tree as soon as it realized it had been exposed. In the next instant, the tree it had just occupied was pierced by the flaming arrow.

Startled, the chameleon tried to flee, but Song Changsheng gave it no chance. He summoned his treasured gourd, which unleashed a powerful suction, drawing the terrified creature inside.

He quickly sealed the gourd and activated the Bone-Eroding Array within, refining the chameleon. Soon, the high-grade monster was reduced to a puddle of blood, which Song Changsheng incinerated with his fire technique.

Fortunately, the compartment used for storing wine was kept separate, or the good drink would have been ruined.

Meanwhile, the other three had finished off the leopard and were busy cutting materials from the beast—a modest income for them.

They had witnessed Song Changsheng’s efficient handling of the chameleon and felt an even deeper respect for him.

“Cousin, the pelt isn’t in perfect condition, but it should fetch a few spirit stones. Please, take it,” one of them offered, handing over the freshly skinned hide.

They knew full well that their smooth progress was thanks to Song Changsheng, and so with every monster slain, they would consciously set aside a share for him.

“These are your spoils—keep them for yourselves,” Song Changsheng declined, as always.

Just as the other was about to protest, Song Changsheng’s gaze sharpened. He looked into the distance and said, “Something’s up—stay alert!”

…