Chapter 18: The Hunt Begins
The demon hunting squads were auxiliary forces subordinate to the clan. They pledged loyalty to the Song family and survived by hunting demonic beasts within Song territory.
Each year, they were required to supply the clan with a portion of their resources and follow the clan’s commands. In return, they received the clan’s protection and access to its sales networks.
The Song family’s wealth mainly came from mining veins and forging artifacts, so the materials obtained from hunting demons were all purchased by the clan at market prices.
Hunters could choose to receive either spirit stones or contribution points. The contribution points held the same value as clan currency and could be exchanged for various cultivation resources in the clan treasury.
In theory, with enough contribution points, even Foundation Establishment pills could be redeemed, a precedent had existed before, making it their ultimate goal.
However, since the great war, the clan’s number of Foundation Establishment cultivators had suffered heavy losses and Foundation pills were scarce. The clan’s own members barely had enough, let alone the hunters.
As a result, the number of hunter squads affiliated with the Song family dwindled from over a dozen to just two.
Though not powerful, these two squads remained fiercely loyal, having fought hard in the war a decade ago and never abandoning the clan since.
Therefore, whenever there was something going on and the clan ate meat, they made sure to let them come along to get a piece of the pie.
After waiting for about half an hour, Song Luoyao finally returned to the temporary camp. She gathered everyone and announced, “Now for the assignment of clearing areas.
“First, the trial zone: your responsibility is the eastern sector. There are only a few demonic beasts there; the difficulty is low. Your task is to kill or drive away all of them to complete the trial.
“Remember, during the trial, attacking clan members is strictly forbidden, and acting alone is not allowed. Violators will be punished without mercy. Understand?”
Song Luoyao’s tone was icy. As the clan’s chief enforcer, she was famous for her strict, impartial and merciless nature. None could expect leniency under her command.
Everyone solemnly acknowledged her words.
Song Luoyao then turned to the Law Enforcement team, “You will tackle the most dangerous western sector. The hunter squads will assist you from the north. I will oversee the entire operation. Should second-rank demonic beasts appear, I will intervene.
“If there is any situation and I can't get move, you must seek help from the Fifth Elder. Remember, the Fifth Elder is stationed in the city and rarely moves out. Understood?”
"Understood!"
The Law Enforcement team roared back in unison, their aura intimidating.
“Good. The hunt begins now. Disperse and move out!” Without hesitation, Song Luoyao soared away on her sword, leaving a streak of light behind.
The Law Enforcement team, disciplined and well-trained, immediately split into ten pairs and headed toward their mission area.
Meanwhile, Song Changsheng and his group remained standing, exchanging uncertain glances.
All eyes turned to Song Changsheng. As the one with the highest cultivation level present,, he naturally became the leader.
He stepped forward with resolve. “Everyone, our cultivation levels vary widely. Acting together would be inefficient. I propose splitting into three squads.
“I will lead one, accompanied by Changhu and Changxiu, and we will sweep in three directions to clear the area. What do you all think?”
After exchanging looks, the group agreed unanimously. Even Song Changhu, who usually had his reservations about him, stayed silent.
Seizing their consent, Song Changsheng quickly divided the teams as evenly as possible based on strength.
His squad ended up with just four members, three of whom were early Qi Refinement cultivators.
The other two squads had five members each, with a mix of two mid-stage and three early-stage cultivators, a stark contrast to the elite Law Enforcement team.
“Alright, prepare to depart. Stay in contact via your communication jade slips and keep close. If anything happens, signal immediately.
“And again, its strictly forbidden to leave the team and act alone.”
Many among them were descending the mountain for the first time, easily prone to reckless mistakes. Song Changsheng had to keep them alert, he had no intention of attending their funerals.
“How many times have we heard this already? Enough with the nagging, we’re leaving,” Song Changhu grumbled impatiently, leading his group away.
Song Changxiu nodded at Song Changsheng and picked her own direction.
“You three stick close to me,” Song Changsheng called to his remaining three and swiftly entered the dense forest.
...
In the woods, a battered golden-spotted leopard was devouring its prize, a tusked wild boar of mid first rank, already half consumed.
Hidden nearby in the bushes, Song Changsheng whispered to the few people around him, “This is a wounded mid-grade first-rank demonic beast. You guys are enough to handle it. I’ll cover your flanks.”
The group immediately understood that Song Changsheng was once again arranging an opportunity for them to train. They cast him a grateful glance before briefly discussing their tactics, then began to stealthily approach the leopard.
Sensing danger, the leopard stopped eating and assumed a defensive stance.
Knowing they had been exposed, the group of three quickly launched a flanking assault, two in the front and one in the rear, engaging the beast in a fierce melee.
The three members of the Song clan were all at the third layer of Qi Refinement, but they lacked real combat experience. Their attacks were somewhat hesitant, and for a moment, they were unable to bring down even the wounded leopard.
Song Changsheng stood nearby, silently observing the battle. He had no intention of stepping in, this was a rare opportunity for them to gain experience. As for him, this level of fight posed no challenge at all. His only concern was ensuring none of them got hurt.
The Song clan disciples were, after all, exceptional. Though inexperienced, their magical tools and spells were of high quality. Soon enough, they managed to suppress the leopard.
Just as they were about to finish it off, Song Changsheng sharply detected a subtle and unusual aura.
His spiritual sense swept out like a tidal wave, and in mere moments, he discovered a twin-tailed chameleon perfectly camouflaged with the bark of a large tree.
“Vile beast, daring to lurk in the shadows to harm others!” Song Changsheng shouted, casting a Fire Arrow spell.
The chameleon, a superior first-rank demonic beast, leapt to another tree upon realizing it had been discovered. Moments later, the tree was pierced by the flaming arrow.
Startled, the chameleon tried to flee, but Song Changsheng gave no chance. He summoned his treasure gourd, which unleashed a powerful suction force, trapping the terrified demonic beast inside.
He quickly sealed the gourd and activated the Eroding Bone Array to refine the chameleon. Soon, it dissolved into a pool of blood, which Song Changsheng incinerated with fire.
Fortunately, the gourd’s inner space was separate. Otherwise, the good wine would have been spoiled.
Meanwhile, the other three had also finished off the leopard and were now carving materials from its body, a modest profit for them.
They had watched Song Changsheng’s swift and decisive handling of the chameleon with their own eyes, and their respect for him grew even deeper.
“Brother, this beast hide may not be in perfect condition, but it’s still worth some spirit stones. Please accept it,” one offered, holding out the freshly skinned hide.
They were fully aware that it was thanks to Song Changsheng that their journey had been so smooth. Thus, after every demonic beast they slew, they would automatically set aside a portion for him.
“These spoils belong to you. Keep them,” Song Changsheng declined as always.
Just as the other was about to speak, Song Changsheng’s eyes suddenly narrowed. He looked ahead and warned, “Something’s coming! Stay alert!”
(Chapter End)