Chapter 350 - 347: Demon Hunting Team
Chapter 350: Chapter 347: Demon Hunting Team
At the head of the table sat a man of about forty, with dark skin and a short beard on his chin.
He was the leader of this expedition, a Fourth-Grade Martial Captain from Qingyang County’s Demon Suppression Bureau, Tie Zhan.
To his left sat a tall, lean middle-aged man with eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. His name was Night Owl, and he was an expert in tracking and assassination.
To his right was a brawny, heavily bearded man with a massive Ghost Head Saber strapped to his back. His name was Shi Feng.
Across from them were two women. One, about thirty years old, had a weathered face and a capable, calm demeanor. Her name was Qing Man.
The other appeared younger, in her early twenties, with two short swords crossed on her back. She was agile in her body technique, and her name was Yan Ling.
"The situation is trickier than we anticipated."
Tie Zhan spoke slowly, his voice deep and raspy.
"Based on the descriptions from the two constables who escaped, as well as the tracks at the scene and the victims’ wounds, this Demon is most likely a Shadow Leopard."
"A Shadow Leopard?"
A flicker of shock crossed Yan Ling’s young face.
"I’ve heard that adult Shadow Leopards are incredibly fast, with razor-sharp claws and teeth, and hides as tough as steel. They’re skilled at concealing their presence and launching sneak attacks."
"Their strength is among the more troublesome of the Middle Three Grades, and some exceptionally talented ones can even reach the Upper Three Grades!"
"That’s right."
Qing Man picked up the conversation, her voice cool.
"Judging from the tracks and the victims’ wounds, this Shadow Leopard is far larger than average. Even if it hasn’t reached the Upper Three Grades, it’s likely not far off."
A brief silence fell over the hall.
The charcoal fire crackled softly now and then, illuminating the five solemn faces, each with a different expression.
A Demon with such high agility and stealth, and a hide as tough as steel, was arguably the most difficult type to deal with. One misstep could lead to casualties, or even the entire team being wiped out.
"Boss, I was out today and heard that Fang Han, ranked sixty-eighth on the Qingxuan Sect’s Celestial Pride List, is from Liangshui City and returned home today."
Yan Ling’s eyes darted around. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up.
"If he’s willing to help, our chances of dealing with this Shadow Leopard should be much better."
"Absolutely not."
Before Tie Zhan could respond, Qing Man had already shot down the idea. She looked at Yan Ling and said,
"Sect Disciples focus on fighting other Martial Artists. They lack experience in Demon Hunting."
She paused, her tone carrying the warning of a senior.
"Fang Han is strong, it’s true, but all his experience is in fighting people. In terms of Demon Hunting, he has no experience."
"If he joins us rashly, not only will he be of no help, he might even disrupt our coordination and become a liability because he’s unfamiliar with how Demon Hunting works."
Shi Feng thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
"Qing Man has a point. Sect Disciples are skilled, but once they’re in the mountains facing a Demon they don’t know how to handle, they can only use a fraction of their true strength."
"But Fang Han is a prodigy on the Celestial Pride List, after all. With his strength, he might be able to tie down the Shadow Leopard."
Yan Ling blushed a little at their words, but she still argued back.
"Tie it down?"
The corner of Night Owl’s mouth twitched into a humorless smirk.
"You and I both know how fast a Shadow Leopard is. No matter how good Fang Han’s Body Technique is, there’s no way he could pin down a Shadow Leopard in the mountains."
"Besides, Demon Hunting isn’t a solo fight; it’s all about teamwork. Bringing in someone who knows nothing about hunting demons would be a danger to both himself and us."
Tie Zhan slowly let out a breath and shook his head as well.
"Qing Man and Night Owl are right. Though Fang Han is powerful, Demon Hunting isn’t his specialty. Inviting him would do more harm than good."
Yan Ling opened her mouth, but couldn’t think of a counterargument, even though her instincts told her they should invite Fang Han.
...
At the end of the year, Liangshui City was immersed in the busy and festive atmosphere of the New Year celebrations.
Red lanterns hung in the streets and alleys, freshly written spring couplets were pasted on doors, and the air was thick with the smoky smell of firecrackers mixed with the aroma of stewed meat wafting from every home.
Children in new clothes chased each other through the alleys, their laughter crisp and clear.
The cries of vendors were a little louder than usual, everywhere filled with the lively spirit of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.
Inside Tingyu Pavilion, Fang Han’s life after returning home was simple and routine.
Aside from spending time with his parents and younger sister, he focused on his Cultivation: using the Profound Wind Technique to increase his Inner Qi, the Xuanwu True Skill to temper his physique, and comprehending the Nine Swords of Sky Splitting and Wind and Cloud Escape.
However, after learning about the threat of the Demon on Black Cloud Ridge, he added the Cultivation of the Tracking Secret Technique, Spirit Smelling Technique, to his daily routine.
’If that Demon Hunting Team fails, I’ll have to step in. Tracking and locking onto the target will be the most crucial part.’
Fang Han muttered to himself.
According to the information the Fang Family had gathered, the Demon that appeared near Liangshui City was a Shadow Leopard, known for its speed and stealth.
His Master Level Spirit Smelling Technique was already quite formidable, but it might not be enough against a Demon so famous for its stealth.
To ensure he could track it when the time came, he decided to set aside time to cultivate his Spirit Smelling Technique and improve his mastery of this Secret Technique.
OMMM—
Fang Han sat cross-legged in the Quiet Chamber, immersing his mind in the Cultivation Method of the Spirit Smelling Technique.
With the sixty-four-fold amplification from his Secret Technique Talent, his understanding of this Middle Grade Secret Technique deepened rapidly.
On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, New Year’s Eve.
Tingyu Pavilion was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, and the evening banquet was sumptuous.
Fang Zheng and Lin Wan couldn’t hide the smiles on their faces, and Little Fang Ying, dressed in a brand-new jacket and skirt, was like a happy little songbird.
Fang Han set aside his Cultivation to see in the New Year with his family, his heart filled with peace as he listened to the distant and nearby sounds of firecrackers across the city.
This was the warmth of home, an indispensable anchor on his path of the Martial Dao.
At midnight, as the new year replaced the old, the entire city was lit up by splendid fireworks.
Fang Han stood in the courtyard, gazing at the illuminated night sky. It was a new year once again.
...
「The first day of the New Year, Qingyang Commandery City.」
As the hub of the commandery, the New Year atmosphere in the Commandery City was far more lively than in a border town like Liangshui City.
Dragon and lion dances, acrobatic performances, and various plays filled the streets. The crowds were as thick as woven threads, and the noise was deafening.
Ten Thousand Treasures Building.
CREAK—
The door to the private room was gently pushed open. The steward, Wanfu, walked in a little faster than usual, his face etched with an indescribable solemnity, even a hint of panic.
He walked to Wan Yuntian’s side, leaned in, and whispered in an extremely low voice:
"Young Master, the list has been updated. Fang Han’s ranking on the Celestial Pride List has risen to... fifty-fifth."
CRACK.
The priceless, thin-walled porcelain cup in Wan Yuntian’s hand emitted a faint cracking sound. A fine fissure appeared on the rim, and a few drops of scalding tea splashed out.
"Fifty-fifth?"
Wan Yuntian’s narrow, phoenix-like eyes suddenly narrowed. Deep within his pupils, the good mood he had felt from the festival vanished without a trace.
In its place was a roiling iciness and a sliver of dread that even he was unwilling to admit to himself.
’Last month, Fang Han’s ranking didn’t change. I assumed he’d hit a bottleneck and his rapid increase in strength would finally stop.’
’But I never expected that in just one month, he would shatter my assumptions in such a ferocious and brutal fashion!’
"What about Duan Wuya? What’s Duan Wuya’s rank?"
Wan Yuntian put down the damaged teacup, his fingertips unconsciously tracing lines on the smooth rosewood tabletop, leaving faint white marks. His voice was low and frigid.
"Duan Wuya’s rank hasn’t changed. He’s still forty-fifth."
Wanfu replied.
"Still forty-fifth?"
Wan Yuntian’s brow furrowed deeply.
There was now only a ten-rank gap between Fang Han and Duan Wuya. A ten-rank gap might sound like a lot.
’But with Fang Han’s monstrous rate of ascent... what’s a ten-rank gap? Two months? Maybe even less?’
’If I don’t urge Duan Wuya to act soon, if I give Fang Han any more time to grow, Duan Wuya might not be able to kill him.’
’I can’t wait any longer. I have to make Duan Wuya act as soon as possible.’
"Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Netherworld Pavilion’s residence."
Wan Yuntian stood up and adjusted his robes, all emotion draining from his face, leaving only a deep, somber coldness.
"Bring that pair of Nine Dragon Cups."
Wanfu’s heart skipped a beat. ’That pair of Nine Dragon Cups is the Young Master’s favorite, and they’re priceless.’
’The Young Master is really going all out to push this,’ he thought. He didn’t dare ask any more questions and quickly bowed. "Yes, sir."
...
Inside a room at the Netherworld Pavilion’s residence.
Duan Wuya was lounging on a wide chair covered with animal hide, his posture lazy.
"True Inheritor Duan, Happy New Year."
Wan Yuntian stepped into the room, clasping his hands in a formal greeting.
Wanfu silently placed the Brocade Box containing the Nine Dragon Cups on a side table, then bowed and retreated to the door.
"Young Master Wan, what brings you to my humble abode on the first day of the New Year instead of staying at home?"
Duan Wuya’s gaze swept over the Brocade Box, lingered on Wan Yuntian’s face for a moment, and then he asked with a puzzled expression.
"The Celestial Pride List was updated today. That fellow Fang Han is now ranked fifty-fifth. The speed of his rise is truly... concerning."
Wan Yuntian said as he sat down opposite him.
"Fifty-fifth already?"
Duan Wuya’s eyebrows twitched, and his expression grew a little more serious.
The gap between him and Fang Han had originally been more than twenty ranks, but now it had shrunk to just ten.
Although he was still confident he could defeat Fang Han with a ten-rank difference, his certainty of being able to kill him had diminished somewhat.
"True Inheritor Duan, that Fang Han is an unpredictable fiend. He’s always pulling off the unexpected. I’m worried that the longer we wait, the more can go wrong. I think it’s best to act as soon as possible."
Wan Yuntian said, anxiety gnawing at him.
"I know. I’ll make my move soon."
Duan Wuya said, clearly annoyed.
’Wan Yuntian’s words clearly show he doesn’t trust my abilities.’
"In that case, I will take my leave and await your good news, True Inheritor."
Noticing the shift in Duan Wuya’s attitude, Wan Yuntian took his leave.
’I hope Duan Wuya doesn’t drag this out for too long...’
Wan Yuntian gazed at the streetscape rushing backward outside the carriage window, an inexplicable worry rising in his heart.
...
「The second day of the New Year, Liangshui City.」
The festive atmosphere was still thick in the air. The streets were much more crowded than usual with people visiting relatives and friends, exchanging New Year’s greetings.
Fang Han had just woken up when a book containing the Celestial Pride List and the Martial Artist Ranking, smelling of fresh ink, was delivered to him.
He flipped to the section with the Celestial Pride List, his gaze quickly scanning upward.
Rank 55: Fang Han (Qingxuan Sect)
’It really did go up, and straight to fifty-fifth, too.’
He closed the book, his expression calm, showing no signs of surprise.
On the night of the auction in Cuihua City, he had defeated two waves of attackers, killing dozens of Martial Artists, including seven at the Fourth Grade.
With a battle record like that, it was inevitable that the Celestial Pride List would take notice and raise his rank.
’However, if anyone tries to judge my current strength based on this ranking, they’re in for a nasty surprise.’
A playful smile touched the corners of Fang Han’s mouth.
After winning the Howling Moon Spirit Deer Antlers, his Talent for Body Technique had fundamentally improved. On his way back, his Wind and Cloud Escape had naturally broken through to the Mastery Realm.
His current comprehensive strength was by no means limited to what the fifty-fifth rank on the Celestial Pride List might suggest.
Anyone who targeted him based on his fifty-fifth place on the Celestial Pride List would surely suffer a great loss.