Hunter 138: Departure

Lu Ci felt immense pressure from the presence of younger yet powerful figures like Lin Jiu and Ma Xianhong. Particularly, Lin Jiu's pressure was overwhelming. Lu Ci realized that he needed to train the younger generation to become independent and capable leaders, and Ao Tian was among those being nurtured.

Meanwhile, Fei Jin contacted Ao Tian, offering 3,000 Paradise Coins in exchange for information on how Lu Liang ended up in the Lu family's hands. His instincts told him that the matter was not as simple as it appeared. After a long silence, Ao Tian refused the deal. To explain how Lu Liang fell into the Lü family's grasp would require discussing the madman who stormed the Lu family alongside Ma Xianhong.

Ao Tian, despite his decent strength from being shameless, knew his limits. He understood it was unwise to provoke the dangerous and deranged individuals from the Reincarnation Paradise.

Fei Jin, although disappointed by Ao Tian's refusal, gleaned enough to confirm that something indeed was off about Lu Liang's situation. However, he had no desire to dig deeper. He was savvy enough to realize that anyone who had dealings with Ao Tian without being sold out likely had strong instincts. Fei Jin knew that Ao Tian, shameless as he was, was stronger than him. The fact that Ao Tian refused to discuss the matter meant it was truly dangerous.

Fei Jin, daring to attack the Lu family alongside the Quan Xing members, managed to barely survive the battle. However, the Lu family's retaliation had shocked them all. Lü Ci, infamous as one of the Ten Elders with the nickname Mad Dog, fought relentlessly, ensuring that their assault on the Lu family came at a heavy cost. Although they managed to rescue Lü Liang, their forces suffered severe casualties.

The Lu family fighters attacked with such ferocity that it seemed they wanted to take a piece of flesh from their enemies. Only Ao Tian, who knew the backstory, understood that the Quan Xinh had unfortunately walked straight into a storm. The Lu family was already furious after being attacked by Lin Jiu and Ma Xianhong, and now the Quan Xing came knocking. It seemed like everyone thought they could take a bite out of the Lu family. While the earlier two were strong enough to do so, these attackers were nothing but pests.

"Little brother Lu Liang, rescuing you cost us dearly," remarked Xia He, blood still on her lips from her injuries.

"How did you get caught by your own family?"

Tao Yuan scolded Lu Liang. If it weren't for needing Lu Liang's power for their trip to Longhu Mountain, he might have taken action himself. Several of his Nine Dragon beads had been destroyed during the Lu family's focused attacks on him.

"Heh… Xia He should know how," Lu Liang said, not forgetting how Lin Jiu had tracked him down.

"So, that guy sold you to the Lu family?"

Xia He asked, knowing Lu Liang had fallen into Lin Jiu's hands before ending up with his family.

Lu Liang stayed silent.

"It seems little brother Lu Liang is too scared to even mention that guy!" Xia He chuckled.

"Yeah, I admit it—I'm afraid! That madman even—"

Lu Liang cut himself off, knowing there wasn't a trustworthy person among the group.

Fei Jin, who had barely wormed his way into the Quan Xing's core, eagerly listened, hoping to gather intel. Even though Lu Liang didn't say much, the conversation hinted that a Paradise contract holder had intervened. Fei Jin realized their good luck in encountering one of Paradise's most infamous lunatics.

...

Zhang Chulan sat cross-legged on his bed, pondering the Old Farmer's Technique he had been cultivating. After days of practice, he finally understood a bit more. Feng Baobao's claim that she never really cultivated this technique, which appeared to be part of the Qi Origin Flow, seemed odd at first, but Zhang Chulan now believed her.

It made sense. His training involved deep stillness— the deeper the stillness, the more smoothly the Qi flowed within him, making him stronger and faster.

Thinking about Feng Baobao's dazed state, Zhang Chulan realized that she had reached such a deep level of stillness that her Qi naturally flowed and strengthened without her even trying. She was constantly cultivating, even outside of combat. No wonder the gap between them was so large.

Recalling Feng Baobao's state, Zhang Chulan tried to emulate it in his cultivation. Slowly, he felt like he was isolating himself from the outside world, focusing solely on the flow of Qi within him.

He could feel his Qi circulating faster and growing stronger, converging in his dantian, where the Old Farmer's Technique Qi mass resided.

Suddenly, he heard a thudding sound, like a heartbeat, and abruptly stopped his cultivation in shock.

"Was that an illusion? Why did it feel like the Qi mass for the Old Farmer's Technique was changing shape inside me?"

Zhang Chulan clutched his dantian, alarmed.

Sweat trickled down his forehead. Having the Qi mass he cultivated change without his control was a dangerous sign. If the Qi went out of control, he could either lose his powers entirely or, worse, face life-threatening consequences.

Just as he was contemplating this, Xu Si burst into the room.

"Hey! Zhang Chulan, are you ready?"

Xu Si asked.

"Uh, yeah, almost," Zhang Chulan replied, recalling that they were about to leave for Longhu Mountain for the Raten Taishō tournament.

"Well, if you're ready, let's go!"

Xu Si, along with Xu San and Feng Baobao, had already packed their bags and were waiting at the door.

The group of four set out for Jiangxi. During the journey, Xu Si explained to Zhang Chulan that Feng Baobao would be competing alongside him in the tournament.

"Wait, wasn't this tournament only for a select few invitees?"

Zhang Chulan asked, surprised by the potential increase in competitors.

"Yeah, well, I was hoping to find out if the Chief had been invited to participate, but it seems irrelevant now. Every competitor under 30 years old is considered a top-tier young talent, so you'll have a lot on your plate!"

Xu Si said with a laugh.

"I'm doomed then!"

"That's why we're letting Baobao compete too—she'll clear the obstacles for you!"

Xu Si patted Zhang Chulan on the back.

"But why did the rules change all of a sudden?"

Zhang Chulan wondered.

Not knowing what had happened in the outside world, Xu San explained the reason behind the change.

"The Eight Mysterious Art! The Heaven Communicating Talisman Art! Master Lu, one of the Ten Elders, is offering the Heaven Communicating Talisman Art as the grand prize, which led to the rule change."

Zhang Chulan sighed in resignation upon hearing the explanation.

Just as Zhang Chulan was processing this, his thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Feng Baobao being detained for carrying a sword at security. Watching Xu Si rush to get her out of trouble, Zhang Chulan couldn't help but feel some of his worries melt away.

The group's departure was delayed by a day due to the incident, and by the time they reached Longhu Mountain, many other participants, including independent contractors and Quan Xing members, had already arrived.