At the entrance of Ye Family Village, the members of the hunting team were cheerfully gathering their weapons, engaging in lively conversations, creating an atmosphere of exuberance.
"Ye Meng, your Blood Dragon Spear has long been prepared for you. Uh... what did you say?" Upon hearing Ye Meng's voice, Ye Ba swiftly retrieved a blood-red long spear. Ever since they had resolved their previous grievances, their relationship had blossomed, resembling that of close brothers.
However, Ye Ba suddenly paused, taken aback by Ye Meng's next words.
"Prepare a weapon for Ye Tian as well?" Ye Ba glanced at Ye Tian, confusion evident in his eyes.
"Ye Tian, have you broken through to the third level of martial arts? Are you preparing to join the hunting team?"
As Ye Ba was momentarily lost in thought, Ye Feng approached, astonishment etched on his face.
Instantly, a hushed silence enveloped the entrance of Ye Family Village.
All eyes turned to Ye Meng and his son, Ye Tian.
"Ye Tian, have you truly advanced to the third level of martial arts?" Ye Ba exclaimed, barely concealing his shock.
The others were equally stunned.
A sixteen-year-old at the third level of martial arts? Such a phenomenon had never been witnessed in the history of Ye Family Village, nor in that of Baiyun Town.
"You are mistaken. My son has not merely reached the third level; he has ascended to the fourth level, haha!" Ye Meng declared, pride radiating from him as he basked in the astonished gazes of his comrades.
At this, the expressions of everyone shifted once more, disbelief etched on their faces as they stared at Ye Tian.
Even Ye Feng was taken aback, stating gravely, "Ye Tian, you have genuinely advanced to the fourth level?"
If Ye Tian had simply reached the third level, Ye Feng would have been surprised, considering the exceptional talent of the yellow martial spirit. But achieving the fourth level was a revelation, especially since Ye Tian had ascended from the second to the fourth level in just three months.
Advancing two levels in three months? Who would believe such a feat if it spread? Yet the truth was undeniable.
Ye Feng fixed his gaze on Ye Tian, and only when Ye Tian nodded did he express his astonishment: "Your talent exceeds our expectations. It seems Baiyun Town is too small to contain you. Now that you have attained the fourth level, you may join the hunting team, but stay close to me."
Ye Tian nodded. Following his life-or-death escape two months prior, he knew better than to be careless, especially as he was only at the sixth level; numerous fierce beasts could threaten him.
"Hahaha... A fourth-level martial artist! Ye Family Village has birthed an extraordinary genius. Perhaps in my lifetime, I shall witness a martial master emerge from our village. That would be my ultimate fulfillment," a burly man wielding a large machete chuckled.
Ye Tian recognized him well; he was Ye Niu's father, named Ye Da Lang, a formidable warrior at the seventh level.
"Good lad!" Ye Ba approached, laughing heartily as he slapped Ye Tian on the shoulder, saying, "You are far superior to my useless son. What kind of weapon do you desire? Uncle Ba will select one for you."
"Thank you, Uncle Ba. I would like a knife—nothing too large, just sharp enough," Ye Tian replied with a smile.
In his previous life, he had learned a few knife techniques, though they were primarily lethal methods that prioritized a single strike over form.
In the military, martial skills were purely practical, focused on real combat rather than showmanship.
"It's been a while since I wielded a knife; I wonder if I've become rusty," Ye Tian mused to himself.
Moments later, Ye Ba returned with a steel knife, roughly seven feet long, its entire surface a striking blood-red hue, exuding a somewhat eerie vibe. Ye Tian felt a sense of familiarity; was this not the weapon of the Blood Guard?
"Ye Ba, is this not the weapon of the Blood Guard? Where did you acquire it? Be cautious not to attract their attention!" Ye Meng exclaimed, recognizing the knife as well.
Ye Ba remained silent, but Ye Feng clarified, "No need for alarm. I found this in the forest. In our small area, the Blood Guard seldom ventures here, and as long as no one speaks of it, they will remain oblivious."
"Indeed, this knife is quite good—extremely sharp, perfect for Ye Tian!" Ye Ba replied with a grin.
Ye Tian accepted the blood knife, feeling a mix of nostalgia and wonder. To conceal his traces, he had thrown all of the Blood Guard's items into a waterfall, never expecting that one would resurface in Ye Feng's possession. Was this mere coincidence?
As he held the blood knife and lightly ran his fingers over its surface, he sensed a strong aura of bloodlust emanating from it, accompanied by an unsettling chill.
"What a remarkable blade!" Ye Tian thought, admiring the weapon's superiority compared to those wielded by the villagers.
"Alright, everyone is here; let's set off!"
Ye Feng's voice rang out with authority.
The atmosphere grew serious as each member grasped their weapons, packed provisions, and followed Ye Feng out of Ye Family Village.
The group of over a hundred was divided into three sections: those at the third, fourth, and fifth levels were positioned at the center, while those at the sixth and seventh levels formed the outer ring. Leading the way was Ye Feng, a ninth-level warrior, accompanied by three eighth-level experts, ensuring overall safety.
Surrounded by the group, Ye Tian observed the formation, nodding silently in agreement.
The beast-hunting team of Ye Family Village, having undergone countless trials, had achieved a remarkable level of synergy; regardless of any sudden changes, they remained unfazed.
"Ye Tian, remember, do not stray too far from me. Ye Meng, share some survival knowledge with him. You are not to engage today; your duty is to protect Ye Tian!" commanded Ye Feng.
The members of the hunting team had no objections to his orders. In truth, it was unnecessary for Ye Feng to say much; should Ye Tian face any danger, these teammates would fiercely defend him.
They all understood that as long as Ye Tian remained alive, Ye Family Village could one day produce a master warrior, elevating the village to unprecedented heights.
For this goal, any conscientious villager would never allow harm to befall Ye Tian.
Indeed, Ye Tian could sense the protective aura surrounding him. He felt the solemn expressions and cautious glances of those standing beside him, each vigilant and observant of their surroundings.
Moved by their solidarity, Ye Tian realized that this was the essence of Ye Family Village; with such united villagers, the village would thrive even in his absence.
"Tian'er, do you know that the most dangerous creatures in the forest are not the powerful beasts of levels eight, nine, or ten, but rather those of levels five, six, and seven?" Although Ye Meng was displeased with Ye Feng's command, his concern for his son's safety compelled him to comply and share various survival tips with Ye Tian along the way.
"Oh? Father, why is that? Do we truly fear the beasts of levels five and six with our strength?" Ye Tian was immediately curious, as he believed that only the beasts of levels nine and ten warranted caution, yet Ye Meng's words contradicted his thoughts.
"Ha! You might not know this, but those formidable beasts typically have their own territories, often existing alone. While they are indeed powerful, we have the advantage of numbers; we need not fear even the level ten beasts," Ye Meng chuckled, continuing his explanation, "In contrast, many lower-level beasts are pack hunters. When they appear in droves, numbering in the hundreds or thousands, that is when the true danger arises; even if we ultimately defeat them, the cost can be devastating."
Ye Tian nodded, understanding his father's words.
One beast alone is not terrifying, but a horde of beasts is indeed dreadful.
He couldn't help but recall the fate of that group of Blood Guards when they faced a beast swarm; even that formidable warrior had to flee. Yet, when they encountered a powerful master-level giant python, that group of Blood Guards dispatched it effortlessly.
This demonstrated the terror of pack-hunting beasts; they were the deadliest threat in the forest.
"Alright, we have entered a dangerous area. Everyone, stay alert and proceed with caution," Ye Feng's voice rang out from ahead. Shortly after he spoke, a powerful beast made its appearance.
"Roar!"
Ye Tian looked and saw a creature resembling a giant panda, except it was entirely covered in golden fur, with only its eye patches being black.
Aside from its imposing size and lack of white fur, it was just like a panda.
Ye Tian was momentarily stunned, thinking that perhaps a panda from Earth had crossed over, having dyed its fur.
"It's a treasure beast! A treasure beast! Everyone, encircle it; we must not let it escape!" Ye Feng exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he charged forward to engage the golden panda in battle.
The other team members quickly surrounded the creature.
However, the golden panda proved to be remarkably powerful, fiercely contending with Ye Feng, which astonished Ye Tian. He hurriedly turned to his father and asked, "Father, what is a treasure beast? Why is it so strong, rivaling Uncle Feng?"
At that moment, Ye Meng wore an expression of delight. Hearing Ye Tian's inquiry, he exclaimed, "This is indeed a treasure beast! Its strength is comparable to that of a level nine warrior, but its fame does not rest on its might; rather, it is due to its heart."
"Heart? What's so special about its heart?" Ye Tian questioned, puzzled.
"What's so special?" Ye Meng's eyes widened, brimming with excitement. "It's immensely valuable! You see, the reason it's called a treasure beast is because of its heart. Any warrior below level ten who consumes its heart can increase their level by one. It's a priceless treasure, indeed!"
"Remarkable!" Ye Tian's eyes sparkled with realization, finally understanding the reason behind Ye Feng and the others' exhilaration.
To elevate one's level means that if Ye Feng were to consume it, he would immediately ascend to a level ten warrior. This would enable Ye Family Village to surpass Lin Family Village, becoming second only to Wang Family Village in strength.
No wonder the villagers were so excited; this was an extraordinary opportunity!
"Quickly, assist! The captain cannot subdue it alone, and if other beasts are drawn here, it could spell disaster!" At that moment, Ye Ba shouted, charging in alongside two other level eight warriors from Ye Family Village to aid Ye Feng in the assault on the treasure beast.
Such a battle could only be joined by warriors of level eight or above; any others would be more of a hindrance than a help.
Ye Tian and the other team members carefully surveyed their surroundings while continuing to observe the battle.
Though the treasure beast was formidable, it was solitary and would inevitably be defeated. Thus, the members of the beast-hunting team felt relatively untroubled.