54- The scary hunting contest

The location was now teeming with people, as everyone had congregated at the entrance of the Thousand Beast Valley.

As the area was smaller in comparison to the Zheng Imperial Clan, the ground was already packed with people.

Those who arrived late were relegated to the rear, perched atop a flying qi beast suspended in the air, while others were forced to scale the nearby mountains to find a spot.

Observing that all had assembled at the location, Elder Zheng Wei ascended a stone structure that resembled a miniature stage and began to speak. "Now that everyone has arrived, it is time for the Hunting Stage," he declared, pausing momentarily to allow the murmurs to subside before continuing. "This year's Hunting Stage will differ from the previous Cloud Gathering Contest," he proclaimed in a booming voice.

"After a brief stir caused by his words, Elder Zheng Wei said, 'We have already prepared everything necessary for the hunting stage, so there is no need for any of you to worry about the safety of your disciples."

"How precisely shall they guarantee safety in such a perilous location?" he muttered inwardly.

The entire region fell into silence, with no one uttering a word. It seemed as though they were all anticipating Elder Zheng Wei to proceed with his declaration.

Observing the silent disposition of everyone and sensing their anticipation, Elder Zheng Wei spoke up, "During our exploration of the Thousand Beast Valley last year, the Zheng Imperial Clan dispatched a team to survey the entire outermost part of the valley. The purpose of this expedition was to demarcate the hazardous zones from the less dangerous ones on the valley map."

Zhong Peng was taken aback. If they did venture into the outermost reaches of the Thousand Beast Valley, it would indicate that there is indeed peril lurking there. "And what use is a map in this situation?" Zhong Peng cursed inwardly in frustration.

"Every contestant participating in the hunting stage will be provided with a map. The map will serve as your guide, helping you to recognize and avoid danger along the way," the speaker intoned.

As soon as the words were uttered, a member of the Zheng imperial clan stepped forward and presented an object to Elder Zheng Wei. With Zhong Peng's sharp vision, he could make out that it was an item with a golden hue. It was circular, about the size of a baby's fist, and had a small chain attached to it.

"What could that be?" He turned to Xiao Se, hoping to find answers, but was startled by the expression on Xiao Se's face. He was just as perplexed as Zhong Peng himself. It was obvious that Xiao Se had no idea what the object was either.

With a smirk on his face, Elder Zheng Wei continued proudly, "This is a spatial token!" He raised the golden object high into the air for all to see, relishing in the surprised looks on everyone's faces. "With this token, you can easily transport yourself out of the treacherous Thousand Beast Valley. Should danger arise, all you need to do is crush it, and voila! You will be transported back here to the safety of the entrance," he declared, pointing in the direction of the valley's entrance.

The wondrous effect of the spatial token left everyone in amazement, including Zhong Peng, who breathed a sigh of relief at the thought of having the means to escape death in the Thousand Beast Valley. However, what Elder Zheng Wei revealed next was nothing short of shocking. "But heed my words," he cautioned, a serious tone in his voice. "If you use the spatial token to teleport yourself outside of the Thousand Beast Valley, you will be automatically disqualified."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving them in a state of disbelief.

Zhong Peng was taken aback by the sheer difficulty of the hunting stage. He couldn't believe how challenging it was.

Elder Zheng Wei patiently waited for the commotion to die down before delivering the final piece of news that left everyone in a state of utter shock. "As you are well aware, the Thousand Beast Valley teleportation formation can only transport one person at a time," he began, his voice grave. "Therefore, each of you must venture into the valley alone, one after the other. And this is where it gets tricky; you must bear in mind that the teleportation will drop you off at a random location, and the level of danger you face will depend solely on your luck." The revelation was met with silence, as the participants struggled to come to terms with the daunting task that lay ahead of them.

Zhong Peng was left reeling by the news he had just heard. "How can this be happening?" he thought to himself, his mind in a state of disbelief. "This was supposed to be a normal hunting contest, but it suddenly feels like a death mission!" He couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him at the thought of venturing into the Thousand Beast Valley alone, facing the unknown dangers that awaited him.

But then, he remembered the life-saving item that Elder Zheng Wei had mentioned - the spatial token. "Thank goodness for the spatial token," he muttered to himself, grateful for the opportunity to escape danger if things got too intense.