Chapter 13: The Hunter and the Prey
The Wanmu Forest lay 180 miles west of Huntian City. Outside the forest, a campsite had been established.
Within the camp, rows of wooden huts stood firm, banners fluttering in the wind, their inscriptions clearly visible:
*"Baozheng Trading Firm"*
*"Qianxing Trading Firm"*
These were outposts set up by the trading firms of Huntian City.
In one corner of the camp, a crowd had gathered.
"Windfire Squad is looking for a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator skilled in movement techniques..."
"Dark Cry Squad needs a Body Refinement Stage Seven cultivator proficient in powerful attacks..."
Wooden plaques were erected, displaying the names of various squads and their recruitment needs.
Chen Feng scanned the listings before heading toward the Windfire Squad.
From his inquiries over the past few days, he had learned that newcomers entering Wanmu Forest were better off joining a team. Wandering aimlessly not only lowered the chances of a good harvest but also greatly increased the risk of danger.
"I'm at the Body Refinement Stage Six and specialize in movement techniques," Chen Feng said to a young man in gray sitting by the squad's plaque.
"Follow me," the gray-clad youth replied, standing and leading Chen Feng a short distance away.
"Captain, we have a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator skilled in movement techniques looking to join us," the youth said to a man in his thirties clad in black.
The black-clad man, a woman in red, and a young man in blue all turned their gazes toward Chen Feng.
"Welcome," the black-clad man said with a slight smile. "We do need a teammate proficient in movement techniques for better coordination in Wanmu Forest. But I hope you understand—please demonstrate your skills."
Chen Feng nodded and blurred into four shadowy images. The four members of Windfire Squad narrowed their eyes, carefully observing him.
"Excellent movement technique! Even I, at Body Refinement Stage Eight, struggle to distinguish between real and fake," the black-clad man praised generously.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Shi Feng, the captain of Windfire Squad, at Body Refinement Stage Eight, and proficient in defensive martial arts," he said, slinging a massive black shield off his back with a smile.
"Little brother, my name is Zhu Li. Guess my cultivation level and specialty," the red-clad woman teased, her gaze fixed on Chen Feng.
Chen Feng glanced at her, and she promptly puffed out her chest. Embarrassed, he averted his gaze.
"Alright, stop teasing the new guy," Shi Feng said with a chuckle, noting Chen Feng's awkwardness. "Zhu Li is at Body Refinement Stage Seven and excels in entanglement combat with her whip."
"I'm Lin Yi, Body Refinement Stage Six, proficient in archery," the blue-clad youth said coolly.
"And I'm Chen Yan, Body Refinement Stage Six, skilled in blade techniques," the gray-clad youth added with a hearty laugh, patting Chen Feng on the shoulder.
"Chen Feng, Body Refinement Stage Six, specialized in movement techniques and adept at swordsmanship," Chen Feng said with a slight smile.
The squad nodded approvingly at his movement technique but paid little attention to his mention of swordsmanship.
"Now that we've introduced ourselves, let's go over the team rules," Shi Feng began. "In our squad, we respect and support each other. As for resources in Wanmu Forest: whoever discovers and harvests a treasure herb first keeps 60%, while the rest of the team shares the remaining 40%. For beast hunts, solo kills yield the same 60/40 split. For joint kills, I, as the main tank, take 40%, Zhu Li takes 20% for her role, and the remaining 40% is divided based on contribution."
Chen Feng agreed without hesitation.
"Let's head out. We'll celebrate our harvest when we return," Shi Feng announced.
The Windfire Squad set off toward Wanmu Forest. Along the way, Chen Feng asked questions about navigating the forest, finding treasure herbs, and hunting beasts. The team generously shared their knowledge, and Chen Feng committed it all to memory—experience that would otherwise take significant time to acquire.
The forest was dense, with towering trees blocking most sunlight, leaving the interior dim and shadowy.
As they entered, the noise of the outside world faded away, replaced by rustling sounds and occasional beastly roars echoing in the distance.
"This path is commonly used and has a low chance of encountering beasts," Zhu Li whispered to Chen Feng.
He nodded and continued following the group. As the beast roars grew louder and more frequent, the squad's expressions grew increasingly serious.
While walking, Chen Feng memorized the route and surroundings, etching them into his mind with perfect recall.
"Chen, what is the name of your movement technique?" Shi Feng suddenly asked, turning to him with a smile.
"The Nine Shadow Phantom Step," Chen Feng replied casually.
Shi Feng's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he exchanged a glance with the others.
"Little brother," Zhu Li said in a pitiable tone, "as a rogue cultivator, I live a life on the edge. If I could learn a movement technique like yours, my survival chances would greatly improve."
Nearby, Lin Yi said nothing but leveled a piercing gaze at Chen Feng, his bow drawn and ready.
"What's the meaning of this?" Chen Feng frowned.
"Don't play dumb. Teach us your movement technique, or you'll learn the true meaning of suffering," Chen Yan growled, his blade aimed menacingly at Chen Feng.
The friendliness in the squad's demeanor evaporated, replaced by cold hostility and killing intent.
"Let's part ways," Chen Feng said with a disappointed sigh, his eyes flashing briefly.
"Take his arm," Shi Feng ordered.
Lin Yi's arrow shot through the air with a sharp whistle as Chen Yan's blade swung ruthlessly toward Chen Feng's right arm.
Disappointment turned to determination in Chen Feng's eyes. His figure flickered, evading both attacks, as his sword unsheathed in a flash. The gray-clad youth's pupils shrank in shock as Chen Feng's blade pierced his throat.
"Stop!" Shi Feng roared, throwing a punch while Zhu Li's whip lashed out like a venomous snake.
Chen Feng sidestepped their attacks with phantom-like agility. A shadow appeared beside Lin Yi, and his sword drove straight into the archer's heart.
Shi Feng and Zhu Li froze in shock, unable to believe that a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator could display such overwhelming strength.
"Kill him!" Shi Feng bellowed, flinging his shield like a battering ram as Zhu Li's whip struck again.
Chen Feng dodged Shi Feng's assault and appeared behind Zhu Li, executing a precise sword technique. Despite her attempt to flee, his blade pierced through her back and out her chest.
"Zhu Li!" Shi Feng howled in rage, hurling his shield at Chen Feng before turning and fleeing deeper into the forest.
Chen Feng evaded the shield and pursued him, but Shi Feng's superior cultivation allowed him to widen the distance.
"The Nine Shadow Phantom Step is excellent for combat but lacks the speed for chasing," Chen Feng thought with a sigh, noting the disparity in their cultivation levels.
"I'll need to find a technique better suited for pursuit," he mused, returning to loot the bodies.
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