Chapter 9 Hunter

Words : 2208 Updated : Oct 8th, 2023

Qing Yun City was vast, with a population of hundreds of thousands. The martial hall was located in the center of the city, occupying a large area and equipped with numerous facilities for practicing martial arts. The purpose of the martial hall had been to train young martial artists and discover talented individuals for use by the imperial court and sects. Normally, martial hall students rarely left unless they lived in Qing Yun City itself. Martial artists had a significant influence in that world, and there were various ways for them to earn a living. For example, alchemists had been highly lucrative. A spiritual herb worth a few hundred silver could be turned into a pill by an alchemist, increasing its value several times over. There were also formation mages who created expensive formations for cultivation, attack, or defense and blacksmiths who crafted weapons sought after by countless martial practitioners. These three professions had been undeniably the most profitable among martial artists, but not everyone could pursue them. First, one needed talent, then the right inheritance, and finally, guidance from a master. As Stanley knew, several students from wealthy families were in the martial hall studying alchemy, formations, and blacksmithing. Their monthly expenses amounted to tens of thousands of silver—an unimaginable sum for Stanley. However, apart from these three professions, there is another common path for martial artists: becoming hunters. Deep mountains and marshes are home to numerous beasts and demons, creatures with naturally strong bodies, each having parts that are valuable for various uses. As such, the profession of hunters emerged. In addition to hunting beasts and demons, the mountains and marshes also contain spiritual herbs, precious materials, and ores, all of which are highly sought after by alchemists, formation mages, and blacksmiths. Qing Yun City has a Hunter's Guild. To become a basic hunter, one must be at least at the fifth level of Lian Ti Realm. In the past, Stanley's strength was too weak, so he never considered this path. But now, to quickly enhance his cultivation, becoming a hunter was the only viable option for him. Hunters can accept tasks from the guild and earn rewards upon completion. They can also form teams to hunt independently, selling their findings to the guild or keeping them for personal use. Some strong hunters earn as much as those in the three specialized professions. The Hunter's Guild was located in the bustling district of the city, the most lively and prosperous area. A tall building displayed the crossed swords emblem, marking the guild. Stanley entered for the first time, observing the spacious hall filled with martial artists carrying swords and weapons, their auras robust as they engaged in lively discussions. "So many experts!" With his ability to see life meridians, Stanley could gauge the strength of these people based on their life forces. He noted that there were many martial artists at the eighth and ninth levels of Lian Ti Realm, and a few Qi Hai Realm martial artists. At thirteen, Stanley still looked youthful, and his appearance quickly drew attention. "Haha, kid, you look pretty fresh. Did you wander into the wrong place? This is the Hunter's Guild." A martial artist at the ninth level of Lian Ti Realm laughed, pointing at Stanley. He wore a badge of two crossed swords on his chest, the symbol of being a certified hunter. "I bet he's from the martial hall, here to apply for a hunter's badge so he can show off to his classmates." "Haha, getting a badge isn't that easy, kid. You'll probably fail, maybe even lose your life!" "Maybe he'll surprise us." Stanley ignored their taunts, but being in this environment, he could feel the untamed spirit of the martial world—bold, fearless, and free. Each of these hunters lived dangerous, blood-soaked lives, yet Stanley felt an excitement rise within him instead of fear. "Maybe there's a part of me that craves this kind of life," he thought, clenching his fists as he approached the reception counter. Behind the desk stood a beautiful woman with a professional smile. When she saw Stanley's youthful face, she blinked in surprise. However, she quickly recovered and said, "Hello, little brother, how can I help you today?" "Little brother?" Stanley winced slightly but decided to let it slide. "I'd like to apply to become a hunter," he said. "What?" The receptionist blinked again. "Are you sure you want to apply to be a hunter, little brother?" Stanley nodded firmly. "Yes, my name is Stanley Luo." Seeing his flushed cheeks, the woman stifled a giggle. "Alright, Stanley." "Ugh." Stanley rolled his eyes at her teasing tone. "Hey, Zora, you wouldn't be interested in this kid, would you?" a voice called out from the crowd. "Zora's the most beautiful receptionist in the entire Qing Yun City Hunter's Guild! The line of people wanting to pursue her stretches across the city. Does she prefer younger guys now?" "Please, Zora, that kid's got nothing on my muscles!" another hunter joked. Zora's face turned slightly red at their teasing, and she shot a playful glare back at them. "If any of you want a chance with me, you'll have to become a four-star hunter first." "Four-star hunter? Looks like I'll never stand a chance…" the hunters laughed, lamenting their hopelessness. "Hey, I'm here to apply for the hunter exam!" Stanley pounded his fist on the counter, feeling ignored. Stanley's outburst prompted another round of laughter from the hunters in the hall. Zora looked at Stanley, her smile fading as she became more serious. "Stanley, the hunter exam is no joke. For your own safety, please think carefully before you proceed." "Why? Is the exam that dangerous?" Stanley asked, somewhat surprised. "Haha, this kid's not just a rookie—he's the rookie of rookies! He doesn't even know the basics." "Go home, boy. The hunter's life isn't for everyone." Listening to the hunters' comments, Stanley finally understood that applying to become a hunter required more than just meeting the cultivation requirements—it involved a dangerous exam. "Many martial hall students have died during the exam. If you're not strong enough or brave enough, even a Seventh-level Lian Ti Realm martial artist might fail," one of the hunters explained. "I'm taking the exam," Stanley declared, his voice steady and resolute. The hall fell silent. "Kid, are you crazy? After that martial hall student died three years ago, only students with the strength of an Eighth-level Lian Ti Realm can pass the exam. You really don't get it, do you?" "Stanley, you're still young. You can wait a few more years," Zora urged, her tone more serious now. But Stanley remained firm. "I've made up my mind." "Well, he's got guts, I'll give him that," a burly man said, taking a swig of his drink. "Barret, shut up! You'll get him killed!" Zora scolded the man. "As long as I meet the requirements, the guild shouldn't have a reason to refuse my application, right?" Stanley knocked on the desk with his fingers. "And who's to say I'll die during the exam?" "Haha! I like this kid's attitude!" the man named Barret laughed. "If you pass, you can join my team!" "Please, a brat like him passing the exam? If he does, I'll eat my own head!" another man sneered from across the hall. "Barret, care to bet on that?" the man said with a mocking grin. "Carl, you're pushing it!" Barret shot back, his face turning red with anger. Stanley hadn't expected his application to spark a dispute between these two hunters, both of whom seemed to be at the Qi Hai Realm based on his sensing of their life forces. Regardless, becoming a hunter was a crucial step for Stanley. To accept tasks or trade goods in the guild, one had to be a certified hunter. After Stanley's continued insistence, Zora eventually pulled out a few papers for him to fill out, including an application form and a liability waiver stating that the guild wouldn't be responsible for any accidents during the exam. Stanley didn't hesitate. He believed in his abilities, and if he couldn't pass this test, how could he ever hope to advance on the path of martial arts? With a swift signature, Stanley handed over the paperwork, and a staff member led him to the exam area. In the meantime, Carl continued to gloat. "That kid will never pass!" he shouted, slamming his hand on the table. "Barret, are you ready to lose?" Both men were glaring at each other, locked in their ongoing rivalry. Surrounded by onlookers, Barret kicked aside his chair and bellowed, "Alright, I'll take your bet!"

Chapter 9 Hunter

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