Dean Xiao sighed, looking at the pair in front of him with admiration. "You two are really incredible," he managed, before clearing his throat to return to the main subject.
"Alright, let's get down to business. Mo Fan, we'll convert the public resources you've earned into the tools you need now. I see you don't have any magic gear…"
Once Mo Fan's arrangements were made, Dean Xiao turned to Ye Chenfeng. "And as for you, Ye Chenfeng, I've secured the academy's approval. You may train in the Three-Step Pagoda anytime."
"Thank you, Dean," Ye Chenfeng replied.
Later, as Ye Chenfeng studied his basic-level space magic, he was planning when to head to the Pagoda, when Mo Fan interrupted.
"Hey, Ye, where do I go to become a Hunter Mage?"
"A Hunter Mage?" Ye Chenfeng raised an eyebrow. "You'd need to reach at least the Hunter Elite level to be considered."
Mo Fan perked up. "So, do I qualify?"
Ye Chenfeng shrugged. "You're good enough for some pocket change."
The quick clarification deflated Mo Fan. "..."
"Why? You want to make money?"
"Absolutely!" Mo Fan grinned.
Ye Chenfeng set down his work. "Alright, follow me. I'll take you somewhere."
"Where to?" Mo Fan asked.
"Qingtian Hunting Ground. It's a private hunting organization—let's see if they'll take you."
The two wound through bustling streets, past Jing'an Temple, until they arrived at an old shop marked with the bold characters: Qingtian Hunting Ground. The place looked like a traditional teahouse, worn but dignified.
Outside, a little girl with long pigtails sat on a stool, her legs swinging as she read a picture book.
"Is this place hiring?" Ye Chenfeng asked.
The girl glanced up, her face youthful yet skeptical. "Oh? You want to be a demon hunter here at Qingtian Hunting House?" She sized up Mo Fan, pursing her lips. "You're young. Are you sure you're cut out for it?"
"It's not for me," Ye Chenfeng said, pointing to Mo Fan.
"Lingling, do we have any openings?" an older man's voice called from inside.
Lingling didn't look up as she replied, "Grandpa, a kid came for a job. He's too young, so we're not interested."
Mo Fan, slightly offended, looked at the little girl's tiny frame. Who's she calling young?
The old man laughed. "Ah, youth. You're brave now, but you might regret it if something cuts your adventure short."
Ye Chenfeng interrupted. "Someone's coming."
They looked down the street, where a woman in a hurry was clearly searching for the Qingtian Hunting House.
"Looks like she's from a wealthy family. Grandpa, I think we've got a 'fat sheep' here," Lingling said with a smirk.
Mo Fan shot Ye Chenfeng a look that seemed to say, Are these people for real?
Once inside, the woman poured out her worries, her voice shaking. "My husband… he's… he might be a demon. He's been sneaking out late at night, and I found blood-stained skin in his clothes this morning." She hesitated. "I used to be a nurse. I know what human skin looks like…"
The old man leaned back. "If he were truly a demon, and your family in danger, would he really let you come here?"
Lingling, unbothered by the woman's tears, added, "There's no concrete evidence that he's a demon. At worst, he might just be a murderer who collects human skin."
The woman pleaded, "Please, send someone to protect me. I can pay right away."
The old man shook his head. "I'm afraid all our hunters are on other assignments."
The woman's face darkened. "If my family comes to harm, I'll curse this place!" She stormed out in distress.
Ye Chenfeng gave the old man a look. "You think there's more to this?"
The old man chuckled, tossing a document to Ye Chenfeng. "Look at this—her husband came in earlier, claiming she was the one sneaking out at night. They're both suspects!"
Mo Fan's eyes widened. "So, both accuse each other?"
The old man's gaze shifted to Ye Chenfeng. "Since you're joining Qingtian, this case is yours."
Ye Chenfeng dodged the responsibility with a grin, nudging Mo Fan forward. "He's your guy."
"Fine, I'll take it on," Mo Fan said, glancing around the shop. "But where's my team? I can't do this alone."
The old man pointed to his side. "Right here. Lingling will be your partner."
Mo Fan gaped at the little girl. "Her?"
"Yes. Most of our jobs are handled solo or with a partner. Lingling's last teammate died investigating a case for the Inquisition, so we're looking for a replacement."
"You expect me to hunt demons with a kid?" Mo Fan looked at Ye Chenfeng, desperate for reassurance.
Lingling sighed. "I'll be taking the rookie on this hunt, not the other way around." She flashed a badge in front of him, which nearly made Mo Fan fall off his chair.
"A—A Hunter Master?" he stammered, dazzled by the symbol's authority.