Early the next morning, Xu Ming and his four companions gathered at the First Military Camp. Each carried a pack on their back as they began sprinting towards Jiangnan County. After all, even horseback travel wasn't faster than their running speed. As for the mixed-breed beasts used as mounts, those were reserved for experienced soldiers, not rookies like them.
Three days later:
"Gentlemen, you've finally arrived!"
"Lord Liu, you're too kind."
"This is no mere courtesy; we've truly been looking forward to your arrival. Please, have a seat."
At the magistrate's office in Xinping County, the five young warriors from the capital of Wu Kingdom were warmly received by the county magistrate.
Among them, Xu Ming was the youngest at eleven years old, while the oldest, Li Han, was just fifteen. For such a youthful "Monster Subjugation Squad," the magistrate showed no surprise. After all, the Blood Asura Battalion often assigned "kids" to missions like these. The people of Wu Kingdom had grown accustomed to it.
"Lord Liu, could you please provide us with the details?" Li Han, as the team leader, asked with a polite smile.
The magistrate stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Here's the situation: spring has arrived, and it's the mating season for magical beasts, so their activities have become more frequent. Normally, we can manage. The beasts nearby are generally not too strong.
"But something unusual has happened. A Thunderstorm Bear has somehow advanced to become a fourth-tier magical beast, becoming the king of the local beasts. It's been leading others in widespread destruction. Several villages around Xinping County have been attacked, with near-total massacres. Over a thousand people have perished!
"Our county is small, and our forces are limited. We have only five hundred men, including constables and soldiers, with the strongest among them being a Martial Artist, Second Stage, Peak Level.
"So, we're hoping your team can slay this beast king. Without it, the other beasts will likely disperse."
Li Han nodded confidently, patting his chest. "That won't be a problem. But Lord Liu, do you know where the beast king is hiding?"
"Yes, we do," the magistrate replied, nodding. "The Thunderstorm Bear resides in Shunan Mountain. Tomorrow, I'll personally lead all our county troops to accompany you there."
Xu Ming thought for a moment before speaking. "Lord Liu, there's no need for that. Just provide us with a map of Shunan Mountain. A fourth-tier magical beast has some intelligence, and if too many people approach, it might detect us and retaliate. That would likely lead to more unnecessary casualties.
"It would be better for the five of us to slip in quietly and eliminate it."
Li Han agreed with Xu Ming's reasoning. "That makes sense."
"Very well, then. I'll await your triumphant return. In the meantime, a feast has been prepared for your arrival. Let me treat you to a welcoming banquet!"
Lord Liu enthusiastically invited them to dine. After running non-stop for three days and nights, Xu Ming and his companions were famished. While Wu Yanhan ate delicately with small sips and bites, the other four devoured their meals with unrestrained vigor.
Once they'd replenished their strength and enjoyed a good night's rest, the group set out with a map in hand, heading towards Shunan Mountain.
"I... I feel like something's off," Guang Yin remarked as they traveled.
"Oh?" Li Han looked at him. "What do you mean, Xiao Yin?"
Due to his timid nature, Guang Yin had earned the nickname "Xiao Yin" from Li Han.
Guang Yin hesitated but voiced his doubts. "By right, as a magistrate of the kingdom, Lord Liu is empowered by the dynasty's Qi Luck and can wield Dynasty Arts. I've heard of a magistrate in Ling County who used nothing but an official writ to subdue the local River God—a fourth-tier magical beast. Shouldn't Lord Liu be capable of handling this situation himself?
"Of course, this is just my thought. I could be wrong. I'm just sharing my concern."
"Xiao Yin, that's not something we should question," Xiong Haizhi interjected, offering an explanation.
"Normally, a magistrate equipped with their official seal and the dynasty's arts should indeed be able to subdue a fourth-tier magical beast. However, the issue is, as far as I know, this Lord Liu only assumed office two months ago. For a new official to fully attune themselves to the seal, it takes four months. So, it makes sense that he sought our help," Xiong Haizhi explained.
"Oh, I see," Guang Yin quickly nodded. "That makes sense."
"But, Xiong Haizhi, you've overlooked something."
Wu Yanhan, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke in a cold tone.
"You know it takes four months for a new official to bond with the seal. But did you know that to address this gap, the court recently implemented a new policy? Whenever a new official is appointed, a Martial Artist of the Heroic Soul Realm is sent to assist with security during this transitional period.
"However, the Heroic Soul Realm martial artist assigned to Xinping County had his Martial Spirit damaged after learning that his wife had an affair. He took a half-month leave to recover. And wouldn't you know it, during that half-month, this incident in Xinping County happened.
"It just so happened that the Blood Asura Battalion's selection process ended recently, and new recruits needed trials. So, we were sent to handle it in his stead."
"…" Xu Ming furrowed his brows. "Isn't this all a bit too coincidental?"
"Maybe, but haven't you heard the saying, 'Truth is stranger than fiction'?" Li Han draped an arm over Xu Ming's shoulder.
"Alright, let's not overthink this. The only thing that matters is taking down that Thunderstorm Bear and completing the mission. Everything else is irrelevant."
Xu Ming understood that Li Han was trying to keep morale high and prevent overthinking from affecting their performance. He said nothing more but silently harbored his suspicions. Something about this monster subjugation mission didn't feel right.
---
In the imperial palace of the Wu Kingdom, within the Imperial Study:
Emperor Wu, as usual, was reviewing memorials to the throne.
Eunuch Wei shuffled in on light steps, kneeling in a deep bow. "Your Majesty."
The emperor raised his gaze briefly, glanced at Wei Xun, then returned to his memorials. "Rise. What news? Have Xu Ming and his team arrived in Jiangnan County?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wei Xun replied respectfully. "However, Your Majesty, there's something strange about Xinping County in Jiangnan. This mission assigned to Xu Ming and his team… may not go smoothly."
"Strange?" The emperor looked up.
"This is a secret report from the Tingfeng Pavilion," Wei Xun said, stepping forward to present the document.
The emperor accepted it, reading through it carefully. As he read, his brows knitted tighter and tighter.
"Your Majesty, should we send General Mo to intervene?" Wei Xun suggested. "With General Mo's speed, he could reach Jiangnan in less than an hour."
"No need," the emperor shook his head. "A Martial Artist of the Mountain Summit Realm cannot be dispatched lightly. What sect is closest to Jiangnan County?"
Wei Xun thought for a moment. "The Wanjian Sect."
The emperor smiled faintly. "Xu Xue'nuo's Life-Bound Flying Sword has recently been sharpened. Is it time for her to test the sword?"
Wei Xun froze for a moment. "Your Majesty, you mean…?"
The emperor set down the report. "Send a flying sword transmission to the Wanjian Sect. Sect Master Jiang would surely be delighted to send her disciples for this task."