Hunting Team

Early the next morning, when the sky had only begun to brighten, Li Xiao had already arrived at the Martial Arts Training Ground.

The grounds were much emptier than before. The senior brother who had failed to break through yesterday had already left in dejection, without leaving the slightest trace behind.

The path of Martial Dao was this cruel. One step behind could mean falling behind at every step, until one was completely eliminated.

Li Xiao silently withdrew his gaze, assumed his stance, and devoted himself even more intently to practicing the Iron Wire Fist.

About half an hour later, Wang Hai finally ambled over, chewing on a bun.

He stuffed down the bun in two or three bites, then came over beside Li Xiao and loosened up his muscles and bones.

"How does it feel?"

Li Xiao asked as he withdrew his stance.

"Not bad. The little bugs in my arms and legs have been crawling more diligently,"

Wang Hai patted his arm, but there was little joy on his face. Instead, an unshakable worry clouded his expression.

"I reckon that in a few more days, I'll be able to try breaking through too."

Li Xiao could tell that Wang Hai was in low spirits. The gang's affairs must have placed considerable pressure on him.

Even as the Young Gang Leader, the threshold of becoming a Martial Master was not so easy to cross.

He patted Wang Hai on the shoulder without asking further, not knowing how to comfort him either.

The two practiced for a while. During a break, Li Xiao recalled what he had planned last night and asked in an offhand manner:

"Senior Brother Wang, do you know of any quick ways to make money in the Outer City?"

Wang Hai froze at that, wiped away his sweat, and looked at Li Xiao.

"What, are you short of silver? How much?"

"I still have some spare money. I can lend it to you first if you need it urgently."

Li Xiao felt a warmth in his heart, but he shook his head firmly.

"Thank you for the kind offer, Senior Brother, but I want to find a way myself."

Wang Hai was not having an easy time himself, and besides, he had already helped him enough.

Seeing how resolute he was, Wang Hai did not press the matter. He stroked his chin in thought, then his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Now that you mention it, I really do recall something."

"The Shopkeeper of Ke Man Lou in the Outer City has recently been organizing a Hunting Team. They plan to try their luck in Great Green Mountain, thirty li outside the city, and hunt some valuable Exotic Beasts."

"I heard an experienced Martial Master will lead the team. Anyone willing to join can receive a Settlement Fee of Ten Taels of Silver in advance!"

"If they hunt anything good, they'll also share the proceeds according to how much each person contributes."

He looked at Li Xiao and smiled.

"I remember you come from a Hunter Background, right? You definitely don't lack hunting experience."

"This job carries some risk, but it might be just right for you."

"Want to give it a try?"

At those words, Li Xiao's heart immediately stirred.

Ten Taels of Silver! That was nearly enough to buy a jin of the most ordinary Exotic Beast Meat!

And if they successfully hunted an Exotic Beast, the money he received would certainly be even more.

There were risks, of course, but what did not carry risk?

"Ke Man Lou... Hunting Team..."

Li Xiao repeated under his breath, a flash of resolve passing through his eyes.

"Senior Brother Wang, is this information reliable? Where exactly do I sign up?"

"It's reliable. Plenty of people in the Outer City know about it."

"At the Back Hall of Ke Man Lou. Just look for Steward Liu."

"What, are you really going?"

Wang Hai asked for confirmation, concern showing in his expression.

"Great Green Mountain isn't like an ordinary forest. I've heard there really are fierce Exotic Beasts roaming inside."

"There are also bandits there who claim the mountain as their king. They kill people without batting an eye."

"Mm, I'll go take a look."

Li Xiao nodded, his gaze firm.

Seeing that Li Xiao had made up his mind, Wang Hai knew he could not dissuade him and stopped trying to block him.

After a moment of silence, he looked at his hands, where Internal Force was faintly gathering, and suddenly lowered his voice.

"Junior Brother Li, once I break through this time and officially become a Martial Master, my family will prepare Great Medicine for me."

His tone carried complicated emotions, both anticipation and a trace of relief.

"I used to just drift through my days."

"But things are different now..."

"This Great Medicine is secretly prepared with Exotic Beast flesh and blood as the main ingredient, supplemented by several precious medicinal herbs. Its effects are fierce—it can greatly accelerate cultivation and nourish Internal Force."

He raised his head, fighting spirit blazing anew in his eyes.

"As long as I take the Great Medicine, my cultivation speed won't be slow."

"Then, even if Zhao Wenfeng breaks through a little earlier than me, I might not have to fear him!"

Li Xiao understood at once.

This was the difference between having backing and having none.

That so-called Great Medicine was surely far more effective than the ordinary Exotic Beast Meat he wanted to buy.

Wang Hai's father was the Golden Sand Gang Leader. Even if he was showing weakness now, he would not lack cultivation resources.

"Then congratulations in advance, Senior Brother."

Li Xiao said sincerely. If Wang Hai could grow strong quickly, it would also be a good thing for him.

"Same to you, same to you." Wang Hai waved his hand, then spoke solemnly to Li Xiao again.

"So you need to be careful too."

"In a place like Great Green Mountain, Exotic Beasts are secondary. Those bandits who claim the mountain as their king are the true desperadoes, their hands stained with blood."

"No matter what, keeping yourself safe comes first. Silver can be earned slowly."

"I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."

Li Xiao took this concern to heart.

After practicing for several more hours and drinking his medicinal soup, Li Xiao bid Wang Hai farewell, left the Martial Arts Hall, and headed straight for Ke Man Lou in the Outer City.

Ke Man Lou was located in the eastern district of the Outer City. After leaving the Martial Arts Hall, Li Xiao hurried directly in that direction.

Walking through the streets of the eastern district, he keenly sensed that the atmosphere was more oppressive than usual.

Quite a few gaunt, sallow-faced beggars in ragged clothes were curled up by the roadside.

Most had brought their entire families, their eyes numb and lifeless. Clearly, they had fled here from elsewhere, adding even more chaos and desolation to this already motley Outer City.

Li Xiao sighed inwardly. In these times, even for ordinary people to seek a stable life was so difficult.

He pulled his clothes tighter and quickened his pace.

Just as he passed through an alley, a commotion suddenly arose at the intersection ahead. Pedestrians fled in panic to either side.

Li Xiao looked closely and saw several fat but fierce-eyed Wild Dogs strutting down the middle of the street.

"They're the Wild Dogs of the Wild Dog Gang! Move aside!"

"Don't provoke them!"

Suppressed cries of alarm rose from the people around him.

He immediately moved aside with the crowd.

Lin Yue's tragic state from that day was still vivid in his mind.

He had even asked Senior Brother Wang what had come of the matter.

Senior Brother Wang had given a bitter smile and shaken his head. The Martial Arts Hall behind Lin Yue had not dared offend the Wild Dog Gang, and so the matter had simply been dropped.

The several Wild Dogs crossed the street as if no one else existed. After rummaging through a pile of garbage for a while, they bared their teeth and growled, driving away several beggars who came too close, before swaggering off through another alley.

Only after they had gone far away did the people on the street let out a breath and begin moving again.

Li Xiao did not dare delay. He hurriedly picked up his pace and strode toward Ke Man Lou.

After passing through several streets, a three-story wooden building appeared before him.

The signboard bore the three large characters: Ke Man Lou. Though it was not as grand as Ju Xian Lou, it was still considered a decent restaurant in this area.

Li Xiao stepped into the main hall, where the fragrance of food mixed with the scent of wine rushed toward him.

It was the midday rush, and quite a few diners filled the hall, raising cups and clinking glasses amid a lively bustle.

A Waiter with a white towel draped over his shoulder briskly came forward, a professional smile piled onto his face.

"One guest? Are you here for a meal or drinks?"

Li Xiao waved his hand and stated his purpose directly.

"I'm not here to eat. I heard you're recruiting people to go hunting in the mountains. I'm here to apply. Please introduce me to Steward Liu."

At his words, the Waiter's smile faded somewhat.

He looked Li Xiao up and down. Though Li Xiao was young, he stood straight and had a sharp gaze, so he did not seem like someone here to cause trouble. The Waiter nodded.

"Applying for the Hunting Team? Come with me. Steward Liu is in the Back Hall."