No way, no way! What's wrong with this world?
A little girl who isn't even half my size is actually a hunter master? Unbelievable! Is this world really so absurd?
To become a master in the Hunter Alliance, an organization uniting hunter magicians across the world, takes immense dedication and skill. Generally, only hunters over 30 can hope to reach this level, so reaching it at Lingling's age is nearly unheard of. When Ye Chenfeng first joined, he thought he could achieve it himself with time, but after reviewing the requirements, he estimated it would take him seven or eight years to reach Lingling's skill.
But then, there's Mo Fan—he's already advancing rapidly with forbidden spells, and it seems the storyline of this world is nearing its climax. It's clear Mo Fan's the reckless, do-what-I-want type, but Ye Chenfeng has more responsibilities, including managing two companies. Sure, he has the resources, but why would he even want to start a side hustle as a demon hunter? His interest lies more in staying connected with powerful allies like Mo Fan and Lingling, making regular visits with any excuse he can muster: "My brother's just starting out," or "Lingling's too young to handle this alone."
"Grandpa, I don't want this guy," Lingling complained to the elderly man, unimpressed. "He looks clueless and could easily mess things up."
Old Man Bao chuckled. "Give him a chance. We rarely find someone fearless. I think he has potential, and we can help him reach it over time."
With an eye-roll, Lingling headed into the back, letting out a slight huff. "Are you coming to help your teammate organize the documents, or what?" Ye Chenfeng nudged Mo Fan forward.
"Oh, yeah, sure!" Mo Fan followed, with Ye Chenfeng close behind.
Old Man Bao watched them go. "Young people today are so impatient," he murmured.
Ye Chenfeng entered a room on the second floor, lined wall-to-wall with dusty shelves filled with aging books and sealed documents. Picking up one particularly ancient volume, he brushed off the dust and took in the title: The Northern Monster Mutation Incident.
Huh? Ye Chenfeng had never even heard of such an event. He skimmed the pages, then moved to another document about the Monkey Riot in Luofu Mountain and yet another detailing an official's betrayal. Each discovery made his eyes widen in amazement. The Qingtian Hunting House clearly had access to a wealth of hidden knowledge and rare intel, a true private archive of valuable information.
But just as he was about to grab another book, Lingling scolded, "Hey! Don't go poking around, and be careful with those records! They're not for playing with!"
Mo Fan stammered apologetically, caught off-guard, as an old part slipped from his hands and tumbled to the floor. Lingling sighed, clearly frustrated with them.
Old Man Bao soon appeared, shaking his head. "Maybe the two of you should wait downstairs. Leave this to the professionals." Feeling politely dismissed, Ye Chenfeng and Mo Fan headed down.
As they made their way back, Ye Chenfeng's heart raced with excitement, itching to take those old records back to his villa. He hesitated, considering it.
"Don't even think about it," Old Man Bao muttered, sensing his intentions. Reluctantly, Ye Chenfeng dropped the idea.
After seeing everything on the second floor, Ye Chenfeng had a change of heart. The confidential files, the underground networks—it was too enticing. "Boss Bao, I'd like to officially join the Qingtian Hunting House!" he declared.
Old Man Bao raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I thought you weren't interested."
"I reconsidered," Ye Chenfeng replied earnestly. "Mo Fan is still young and inexperienced, and Lingling, though talented, hasn't even awakened her magic yet. They need someone to guide and protect them."
"Although I may not be as talented, I'm strong enough to lend a hand." With a selfless tone, he added, "Besides, with so few hunters around, it's only right to help out. For the sake of protecting our country's future, I'm willing to step up!"
Mo Fan gawked at him in disbelief. When had Ye Chenfeng developed a sudden devotion to "guiding" Lingling? And wasn't his speech a bit too grand?
Seeing Mo Fan's shocked expression, Ye Chenfeng smiled. "And the real reason is… I feel being a demon hunter might just be my calling."
Mo Fan, Old Man Bao, and Lingling all stared blankly for a moment.
"Liar!" Lingling scoffed, rolling her eyes.
Grinning, Old Man Bao glanced knowingly at Mo Fan. An innocent, idealistic youth, he mused. Just as Lingling had said—stubborn and a bit slow on the uptake.
Mo Fan opened his mouth to protest, then thought better of it, his mind racing with ways he might surprise them in the future. And so, with Lingling's keen instincts, Ye Chenfeng's strategic drive, and Mo Fan's reckless enthusiasm, the Qingtian Hunting House had its team.