Cold Moon Mountain! Rabbit

"Senior Brother Shan?"

Tie Feng froze for a moment, then hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Senior Brother Shan."

Zhang Lingshan said in surprise, "You live in the Feng Family compound too?"

"My father is a Herb Gathering Guard at Feng Family Pharmacy."

"I see. Your father is Uncle Tie, then."

Zhang Lingshan nodded, showing that he understood.

No wonder Tie Feng had good things like Tiger Meat Jerky back then. It seemed his father had given it to him.

"Take care, Senior Brother Shan."

Tie Feng said respectfully.

As he watched Zhang Lingshan's retreating back, his expression became incomparably complicated.

Back then, he had even guided Zhang Lingshan in cultivating the Righteous Yang Posture and regarded him as a little brother.

Yet in only a few short months, he still had not mastered the Primal Chaos Righteous Yang Posture, while Zhang Lingshan had already succeeded in Skin Grinding.

And that was not all.

The moment Zhang Lingshan completed Skin Grinding, Sixth Young Master Feng Shaolong personally recruited him. He directly joined Feng Family Pharmacy as a Herb Gathering Guard, just like Tie Feng's father.

The gap between himself and Zhang Lingshan had grown wider and wider—a whole father's distance apart.

"Sigh."

Tie Feng sighed to himself.

Back when he listened to storytellers, whenever they spoke of how extraordinary certain geniuses were, he would feel it in his bones. He believed he had to be one of them too, only not yet awakened.

But now, it seemed he could not even brush against the edge of genius.

Zhang Lingshan was the true genius.

Tie Feng suddenly felt a little fortunate again.

Fortunately, after Zhang Lingshan broke through, he had taken the initiative to return the two taels of silver, even adding interest. Otherwise, Zhang Lingshan would not have let him off so easily today.

"Dad, I'm back."

Entering the Herb Gathering Guards' courtyard, Tie Feng called out.

"Xiaofeng, you're back. Sixth Young Master brought a young fellow here today. He looked even younger than you and seemed to be from your Hong Clan Martial Hall too. I saw that Sixth Young Master valued him greatly. Since you are fellow disciples, you should build a good relationship with him."

Uncle Tie said earnestly.

Tie Feng could only smile bitterly in silence.

At Hong Clan Martial Hall, only the Skin Grinding medicinal baths before Ox Skin were provided free of charge. After breaking through Ox Skin, one had to find the medicinal bath ingredients oneself.

Thus, joining Feng Family Pharmacy came with another benefit: medicinal bath ingredients could be bought at a discount, sold to them at cost price.

Moreover, as long as they used a Herb Gathering Guard token to buy medicine at Feng Family Pharmacy, they received corresponding discounts according to their guard rank.

The token Zhang Lingshan received was a Brass Token.

The token held by Tie Feng's father, Uncle Tie, was merely wooden.

This meant Zhang Lingshan ranked a level higher than Uncle Tie, who had worked at Feng Family Pharmacy for many years.

If Tie Feng knew that, he would surely have collapsed even harder.

Comparing people truly could make one furious to death.

"A Brass Token gets a twenty-percent discount. Are there higher ranks?"

Zhang Lingshan asked the pharmacy clerk.

The clerk said, "Those of higher rank don't buy medicine here anymore, so I don't know either."

"Mm. Then get me four taels' worth of Spirit Root Grass."

Zhang Lingshan said.

Previously, four taels of silver could only buy four taels of Spirit Root Grass. Now, they could buy five taels.

Previously, one tael of Spirit Root Grass took five or six days to absorb and convert into one point of energy. Now, it only took three days.

His strength had improved, silver was saved, and time was saved as well.

No wonder the rich grew richer while the poor grew poorer.

The strong remained strong.

Zhang Lingshan could not help but feel deeply moved, and his drive only grew stronger.

As his strength rose, the more benefits he gained. What reason was there not to work hard?

Over the next few days, apart from steadily practicing Skin Grinding at the martial hall, eating meals, and drinking Four Harmony Soup, he made time to spar with the guards in the Feng Family Herb Gathering Guards' courtyard.

Sometimes they used fists, sometimes weapons.

In this way, his combat experience and experience in using an axe slowly improved through constant tempering.

This day.

Feng Shaolong suddenly gathered everyone and said, "We have a mission tomorrow!

"Get yourselves ready. At daybreak during Chen Hour, gather at the Herb Gathering Guards' courtyard. Bring all your weapons, rest well tonight, and get yourselves into top condition.

"There may be few wild beasts in winter, but that does not mean there is no danger. If we run into something evil, we will need everyone to work together. Understood?"

"Understood!" everyone answered in unison.

Feng Shaolong nodded. "Then go home."

The next day.

Early in the morning, Zhang Lingshan arrived at the Herb Gathering Guards' courtyard and took a Hand Axe from the weapon rack.

The weighty Hand Axe made him feel much more secure.

After all, they were facing wild beasts.

Wild beasts had sharp claws and fangs. Human claws and fangs were not sharp enough, so they had to make up for it with weapons.

Especially Ox Hide Martial Practitioners like them. Though they were stronger than ordinary people, their advantages lay only in strength and fist techniques, neither of which was especially useful against wild beasts.

Only by pairing the strength of Ox Hide Martial Practitioners with the sharpness of weapons could they show wild beasts just how formidable they were.

"Everyone's here. Move out!"

With a grand sweep of Feng Shaolong's hand, the group set out in a mighty procession. Two horse-drawn carts carried all kinds of herb-digging tools and medicine baskets.

Other than Feng Shaolong, who had a horse of his own, everyone else rode in the two carts.

No one minded the dirt. They were all rough men and did not stand on ceremony.

Riding in carts conserved strength.

The herbs were on the mountain, so once they arrived, everyone would climb together.

The herb gatherers carried medicine baskets and tools, while the Herb Gathering Guards either scouted ahead or guarded around the herb gatherers, preventing them from encountering danger.

The carts were left at the foot of the mountain, watched over by two drivers.

The drivers were no simple figures either. At the very least, both were Ox Hide Martial Practitioners.

Since it was a short trip, there was no need for too many horses. That would be conspicuous and wasteful.

But even on a short trip, they had to hurry, because after nightfall, they might encounter Weird Evil Spirits.

Thus, everyone cooperated closely along the way. Whenever they came across difficult terrain, they worked together to get down and push the carts.

In this manner, they reached Cold Moon Mountain in only one hour.

Then everyone split into two teams, led separately by Feng Shaolong and Yu Mengyuan.

Feng Shaolong's team consisted mostly of experienced Feng Family guards.

Yu Mengyuan's team consisted mostly of disciples from Hong Clan Martial Hall, so Zhang Lingshan naturally ended up in that team.

"Old Zhao, Cold Moon Mountain has been here all this time, and others can gather herbs too. How can we be sure we'll definitely come away with something this trip?"

As Zhang Lingshan followed Yu Mengyuan and the others up the mountain, he curiously asked.

Beside him was an elderly herb gatherer.

Though advanced in years, Old Zhao was not weak at all. He was even more agile than Zhang Lingshan.

Moreover, he clearly came to this mountain often and knew the route like the back of his hand. He knew where every branch was on the mountain; not only was his memory strong, his eyesight was astonishingly sharp.

Sometimes, he could spot dangerous pits and ditches that Zhang Lingshan could not see.

Following Old Zhao, Zhang Lingshan had broadened his horizons considerably and could not help admiring the man's wealth of experience.

"Hehe."

Old Zhao gave a smug laugh. "Just follow me. The Medicinal Ingredients we're digging only mature in deep winter, and they grow in perilous, hidden places. Not just anyone can get them, and digging them requires skill. In short, keep that rope on your back safe. Don't lose it. Without rope, this whole trip would be for nothing!"

"Don't worry, Old Zhao. I definitely won't lose it."

Zhang Lingshan promised.

"Stop!"

Yu Mengyuan suddenly raised his right fist and shouted in a low voice.

Zhang Lingshan and Old Zhao hurriedly fell silent, and everyone became alert.

Shriek!

A strange bird cried out and flapped away into the distance.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Yu Mengyuan said, "Fortunately, it was only a bird. But from here on, it's best not to chat. Especially you, Junior Brother Shan. This is your first time up the mountain. You are unfamiliar with this place and have never experienced real danger. So observe more and speak less. Experience is accumulated little by little; do not rush headlong into things."

"Senior Brother Yu's lesson is correct."

Zhang Lingshan accepted the advice readily and nodded heavily.

Yu Mengyuan was quite satisfied with Zhang Lingshan's attitude. He nodded approvingly as well and gave him a slight smile.

What he feared most was that geniuses would be arrogant and refuse to follow orders. But now it seemed there was no need to worry that Junior Brother Shan would stir up any trouble.

After all, he was a child from a poor family. He did not grow proud because of his talent and still understood the principle that those who heed advice will never go hungry.

With that, as long as nothing unexpected happened, this trip looked secure.

Yu Mengyuan had participated in herb-gathering expeditions like this not once or twice, but more than a dozen times. For the most part, they had been close calls without real danger.

This time would likely be no exception.

Soon enough, just as he had expected, everyone reached their destination without mishap.

It was a stretch of sheer cliffs.

Zhang Lingshan and several others tied together the ropes they carried, fastened them around Old Zhao and another herb gatherer, then assigned two people to hold the ropes separately and move according to the herb gatherers' instructions.

Under Yu Mengyuan's lead, the others spread out around them, vigilantly watching everything in the surroundings.

At that moment, time seemed to stretch unbearably long.

Zhang Lingshan was the one holding Old Zhao's rope. It was his first time doing such work, and he felt nervous. He could not help but admire the old man.

At such an advanced age, Old Zhao was not afraid of heights. He was so bold, gathering herbs along a cliffside.

If Zhang Lingshan had to go down while Old Zhao held the rope, he would surely be scared to death.

Because he was afraid of heights.

Even though he had not gone down himself, he was still terrified, constantly afraid the rope would snap, and held it with the utmost care.

Once Old Zhao settled into position, Zhang Lingshan immediately wrapped the rope around a large tree, lest his strength fail or friction sever the rope.

"Switch!"

At noon.

Yu Mengyuan had the outer guards eat first, then replace Zhang Lingshan and the others.

As for Old Zhao and the others, they carried dry rations on them. Going hungry for a while was no great matter.

They were working high in the air. Gathering herbs came first.

The sooner they finished, the sooner they could go home.

Time passed.

Another hour swiftly went by.

"All right, pull me up. A bountiful harvest, hehe."

Old Zhao's delighted voice came from below.

With this harvest, he would receive a fair share and could take it easy for several months. How could he not be happy?

The other herb gatherer was equally satisfied.

Very soon.

Everyone pulled them back up.

They put away the ropes, had each guard carry a full medicine basket, and happily headed down the mountain.

They were just about to reach the foot of the mountain.

Suddenly, a furious shout came from afar. "You beast, how dare you harm Sixth Young Master!"

"Quick, protect Sixth Young Master!"

Several urgent cries instantly made every muscle in Zhang Lingshan and the others' bodies tense.

Something had happened!

Nothing had happened on their side, but something had happened on Feng Shaolong's side.

This was the worst possible situation.

Even if several people died on their side, Feng Family Pharmacy only needed to pay sufficient compensation and would not vent its anger on others.

But if Feng Shaolong died here...

The consequences were too dreadful to imagine!

One must not underestimate the power of Feng Family Pharmacy.

Even with Hong Clan Martial Hall behind Zhang Lingshan and the others, they would certainly face no small amount of trouble.

Therefore, Feng Shaolong absolutely could not be allowed to come to harm.

All of this flashed through Zhang Lingshan's mind in an instant.

But he did not even need to think about it, for Yu Mengyuan had already shouted, "Put down the medicine baskets and go help Shao Long!"

With that, he was the first to rush over.

His anxiety was no act.

It was clear that the two had an excellent relationship, as close as brothers.

Zhang Lingshan and the others immediately set down their medicine baskets and ropes, drew their weapons, and followed.

No one retreated.

Because everyone knew the consequences of retreating.

And besides, danger meant opportunity amid peril. This was the perfect time to prove themselves. As long as they contributed to saving Feng Shaolong in this battle, how could Feng Shaolong possibly fail to show his appreciation once they returned?

He would definitely raise their pay!

Thus, nervous yet exhilarated, everyone hurried toward Feng Shaolong's battlefield.

"Shao Long, are you all right?"

Yu Mengyuan was the first to arrive and asked anxiously.

Feng Shaolong's face was slightly pale. He shook his head and said, "I took a palm strike in a sneak attack. It isn't serious, but I can't gather my qi to fight now. I'll have to rely on you from here on."

"Mm, don't worry."

Yu Mengyuan answered heavily, then asked, "What exactly injured you? Where did it go?"

Feng Shaolong said gravely, "A rabbit."

"A rabbit?"

Zhang Lingshan and the others arrived just in time. Hearing that a rabbit had injured Feng Shaolong, they could not help exchanging bewildered looks.

Are you sure you're not joking?

Rabbits were so tiny and delicate. How powerful could one palm strike be, for it to injure Feng Shaolong, a Stone Skin Martial Practitioner?

Did he think Stone Skin Martial Practitioners were cabbages, to be kneaded and squeezed by rabbits at will?

"Could it be..."

Yu Mengyuan frowned. Just as he was about to speak, his expression abruptly changed, and he shouted, "Everyone, be careful! The rabbit has appeared!"

"What!?"

Everyone hurriedly raised their weapons before them and stared wide-eyed into the surroundings.

There, in the distance.

Between two trees, a massive figure swept its bloodshot gaze over them all. And atop its head stood two upright ears.

"It really is a rabbit?"

"A rabbit can grow this huge standing up? It's practically built like one of us martial practitioners?"

"You call that a fucking rabbit!?"

Zhang Lingshan was stunned.

How was that a rabbit? It was clearly a Burly Man in disguise.

"It's a Demon Rabbit!"

Feng Shaolong loudly explained, "Be careful not to get hit by it. Its hands carry Demon Aura. Once the Demon Aura enters the body, it disrupts our qi and blood. I took one palm strike from it, and now I can't even exert my strength.

"But don't worry. There is only one Demon Rabbit, and its Demon Aura is very weak. When it ambushed me just now, I also struck it with One Punch. So it bears a grudge against me now and will only charge at me.

"Use me as bait. Protect me, then find an opportunity to hack it to Death.

"Demon Beast meat is a supreme tonic. As long as we eat its flesh, our martial cultivation will surely improve by leaps and bounds. This is a deal where we make a killing."

Feng Shaolong urged them on.

The moment those words were spoken, regardless of whether the others were stirred, Zhang Lingshan was already somewhat excited.

He suddenly understood something.

Could the meat he had eaten with Hong Zhengdao at the Hong Clan Martial Hall have been Demon Beast meat?

One meal was worth more than ten meals of ordinary meat.

They had to get their hands on something this good!