Chapter 208 - Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 208: Blood Hunt
Translator: Lynn
A moment of astonishment enveloped the Qianwu Team.
Such a swift and precise technique left an indelible impression. Tai Jun and the others, being well-versed in combat, couldn’t help but recognize that they had underestimated the young man. Having encountered numerous cultivators placing orders in the past, they had never witnessed someone as unassuming as him. Previous candidates, even if they didn’t pale from shock, were already considered exceptional.
However, the revelation prompted a shift in their perception. The onlookers, now reassessing Xu Ziqing, found a newfound appreciation for his capabilities.
Not lingering in the air for too long, Xu Ziqing descended gracefully to the ground.
Tai Jun stepped forward, acknowledging, “Xu Xianchang, your skills are truly extraordinary.” He realized that he had misconstrued the young man’s capabilities, acknowledging the depth of Xu Ziqing’s skills. Reflecting on Xu Ziqing’s past observations from the sidelines, Tai Jun regretted his prior bias, recognizing that he had underestimated a genuinely skilled individual.
With a modest smile, Xu Ziqing replied, “Fortunately, I have been enlightened by your teachings over the past few days, allowing me to reach my current proficiency.”
This humility was met without skepticism this time. As their eyes met, Tai Jun inquired, “Xu Xianchang, would you like me to divide the wild beast for you?”
Acknowledging Xu Ziqing’s advanced cultivation level, Tai Jun hesitated to assign him the grisly task of dissection. Moreover, realizing their prior neglect, the team now aimed to rectify their attitude and demonstrate goodwill.
Understanding their unspoken thoughts, Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly but recognized the necessity of conforming to human nature. He agreed, “Since that’s the case, I appreciate your assistance. I’ll handle the beast’s core and horn, and you can consider the rest as a modest reward. I hope you won’t decline.” Their relief was palpable, and they promptly went about the task of processing the wild beast carcasses.
In a short time, Tai Jun presented the horn and core to Xu Ziqing.
Receiving them, Xu Ziqing effortlessly stored them in his storage ring. Familiar with the cultivators’ use of such items, the team didn’t find it peculiar, but the sight of the storage ring on his finger heightened their perception of his extraordinary status. They had heard that such rings were often spiritual weapons, and those proficient in their use were typically above the foundation stage.
Subsequently, when Xu Ziqing single-handedly dealt with several wild beasts during their collective hunting, their astonishment grew. He defeated five one-horned beasts swiftly, with the one earlier counting as one, and now, each possessing beast’s core horns, Xu Ziqing gathered six of them.
Amazement filled the onlookers, intensifying their discretion regarding Xu Ziqing.
By evening, the Qianwu Team harvest had increased by seven wild beasts compared to the previous day, largely attributable to Xu Ziqing’s contributions. The team, now reevaluating their initial impressions, began to appreciate the character of the person who had placed the order.
However, as the time came for their parting today, Xu Ziqing unexpectedly remarked, “Starting tomorrow, I prefer to journey alone. You need not wait for me; proceed with your hunting independently.”
Tai Jun, taken aback, inquired, “Is Xu Xianchang considering changing the location for placing orders?”
Xu Ziqing shook his head, offering a smile, “Not at all. I still intend to place the orders with you, but I prefer to embark on my path. The beasts I slay will still count toward your order.”
Upon hearing this, Tai Jun realized that Xu Ziqing had discerned his thoughts. With a slightly embarrassed acknowledgment, Tai Jun added, “Then I look forward to serving under Xu Xianchang. However, the Wild Beast Plain region is vast, so please proceed with caution and cherish yourself when acting.”
Acknowledging Tai Jun’s kind words, Xu Ziqing chuckled and drifted away.
The remaining few breathed a collective sigh of relief, prompting Ban Lianshan to remark, “Xu Xianchang is quite peculiar!”
The Kou brothers patted their chests and chimed in, “Indeed! A cultivator above foundation establishment, idling with us and placing orders in the martial arts’ team, is truly unexpected.”
Liang Yongjin, sporting a furrowed brow, expressed doubt, “What could be his plan?”
Tai Jun, possessing more knowledge than the others, raised his eyebrows and offered a knowing smile, “This Immortal Elder must possess means that cannot be revealed in front of others. It’s challenging for us warriors to discern. He likely came to place an order, stayed with us for a few days to familiarize himself with the plain’s situation, and now he intends to act alone.”
With these insights, he grasped Xu Ziqing’s plan to a significant extent, showcasing his experience and thoughtfulness. Xu Ziqing’s primary purpose in the Wild Beast Plain was to feed Rongjin. Being with a cultivator from the small team and having his spiritual sense sweep them would risk detection. Hence, his indirect approach.
As for the “Bloodthirsty Demon Vine,” it was likely another means he couldn’t “show to others”!
Tai Jun continued, “Let’s not concern ourselves with the elder’s affairs. Let him place the order and fulfill his duty. If he truly possesses strength, I’ll remember all the beasts I’ve slain, waiting for the time when he claims the heads. We’re merely providing a bit of concealment for the elder, silently benefiting in the process.”
The remaining four, who had been lingering, found newfound courage. They laughed and agreed, “Absolutely, we’ll accumulate more contribution points. When the time comes, it will boost our standings in Five Small Team’s army evaluation!”
Thus, they collectively resolved to cooperate with Xu Ziqing for a mutually advantageous outcome.
###############################
Several days passed, and Yun Lie had not returned since he entered the wild beast plain. During this time, Xu Ziqing hadn’t crossed paths with his brother.
Understanding his brother’s dedication to practice, Xu Ziqing decided to focus on observing the Qianwu Team for a few days. Satisfied with his progress, he eagerly sought to break away from the team and embark on solitary practice.
One morning, before dawn, Xu Ziqing ventured into the plain alone. He headed to the outskirts, fully aware of the wild beasts’ power. Knowing that ordinary beasts posed little threat, he abandoned the caution observed by warriors and planned to confront the herd directly.
With this in mind, Xu Ziqing retrieved the beast-monitoring card and flicked it with his fingers. In an instant, a majestic eagle emerged, its form akin to lightning, radiating a golden glow. This enormous eagle’s wings could stir the wind, and its swift flight exceeded the naked eye’s perception.
Witnessing the eagle’s enthusiastic flight, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but chuckle. He whistled and called out, “Chonghua!”
The eagle swiftly descended, its black wings enveloping the green-clad young man. It rubbed its head against him, displaying affection.
Amused, Xu Ziqing patted the eagle’s head, saying with a smile, “You usually indulge in blood food, but today, I’ll let you find some softer targets. Enjoy fresh flesh and blood.”
Chonghua emitted a low howl, expressing delight.
After a brief moment of intimacy, Xu Ziqing continued, “When Rongjin appears, don’t be frightened.”
Understanding his master’s instructions, Chonghua endeavored to please him.
With that, Xu Ziqing took the lead. Following his command, Chonghua soared into the sky. With its aerial perspective and Xu Ziqing’s spiritual sense, they efficiently scouted the surroundings.
Within the span of a stick of incense, they located their prey—a herd of one-horned wild beasts, including adults, cubs, and even a gruesome scene where several of them fed on a fallen warrior’s corpse.
Upon witnessing this, Xu Ziqing’s gaze darkened. In the blink of an eye, he leaped forward, swiftly arriving at the herd’s forefront.
The horned beast, exceptionally alert, almost simultaneously detected Xu Ziqing’s presence. In the next moment, they bent their knees and stomped menacingly!
This horde of reckless beasts, numbering thirty or forty, had grown into formidable creatures, possessing the potential of a formidable army if they attacked collectively. Faced with such a force, an ordinary martial artist like Xiaoling would hesitate to confront them directly. Even from a distance, the instinct would be to flee.
However, Xu Ziqing, though alone, remained composed.
The wild beasts charged swiftly, but Xu Ziqing’s movements were even swifter.
Maintaining a calm demeanor, he entered a state of meditation, then raised his arms with palms facing outward.
“Shuashuashuashua-”
Four snow-white vines burst forth simultaneously, resembling galloping horses as they instantly penetrated the group of wild beasts!
In the blink of an eye, the vines, moving like a sinuous dragon, encircled the wild beasts. The agile flanking force enveloped every wild beast, leaving none with an escape route.
The captured wild beasts, unwilling to submit, attempted violent charges. Some struggled ceaselessly, while others used their massive jaws to bite the vines with formidable fangs, their hooves pounding the ground, threatening to shatter it. Their ferocious demeanor carried a dominating ancient wildness, an unyielding force.
The vines appeared deceptively slender, seemingly incapable of restraining the beasts.
As the wild beasts charged and struggled, it seemed that a little more force would break the vines, allowing them to trample Xu Ziqing into oblivion.
However, a sudden and dramatic change unfolded!
The wild beast entangled in the middle emitted a piercing howl.
Their bodies convulsed in pain!
Upon collision, the vines silently pierced the beasts with small leaf buds, penetrating their skin.
Driven by insatiable, gluttonous bloodlust, these leaf buds voraciously sucked the beasts’ flesh and blood, relentlessly and endlessly. Every single beast, be it an adult or a cub, hung on the vines like a cluster of blood-filled gourds.
The spilled blood saturated their fur, transforming the entire landscape into a sweet crimson hue.
The color of the vines shifted visibly from snow white to a bright red, becoming strikingly beautiful.
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
Support me on ko-fi ^^
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on f(r)e𝒆webn(o)vel.com