Training and Secrets

After a while, everyone was drenched in sweat and aching all over. They could no longer keep going.

Tang Long called a halt and told them they could go back and continue their training.

Next, he continued explaining what to watch out for while patrolling the village outskirts. After going over the traits of some common monsters, he told them that the patrol teams would be divided into groups that afternoon, with veterans guiding newcomers so they could get familiar with the work.

After all, no matter what anyone said, nothing beat having an experienced veteran walk you through it in person.

At last, Tang Long summed up, "The Patrol Team pays well, but you'll be facing monsters head-on. You must be cautious and attentive. If you spot a monster, don't panic. Send a signal immediately."

Everyone took careful note. In truth, everyone here except Jiang Yan had encountered monsters before. They knew how terrifying they were. When ordinary people ran into monsters, they couldn't kill them by suddenly unleashing hidden potential or sheer force of will.

When ordinary people encountered monsters, death was all but certain. Their only option was to run—and run faster than the others. That was common knowledge they'd learned over the years.

Just as everyone had joined the Mountain Patrol Camp yesterday without a single person backing out, most of them had experienced the helplessness of facing a monster. Now that they had a chance to gain the strength to protect themselves, none of them was willing to give it up.

"Next, I'll take you all to choose weapons."

The houses at the edge of the square were where the weapons were stored. Tang Long opened one, revealing a hundred or two weapons gleaming with cold light.

"The teams won't restrict what kind of weapon you use. Pick one you like, something that feels comfortable in your hands."

Tang Long grew serious. "But I do have one piece of advice: don't choose heavy weapons like axes or spiked clubs. They're too heavy, and if danger comes, you'll swing them too slowly. Trying to run with one will only slow you down."

Jiang Yan looked at the room full of sharp weapons, thought for a moment, then stepped forward and took down a long sword. With a metallic ring, he drew it. The blade gleamed brightly, its keen edge seeming to radiate a chill.

"You're choosing a sword?" Seeing Jiang Yan be the first to step up and take one, Tang Long said, "A sword doesn't have the reach of a long weapon or the killing power of a saber, but it's more nimble. Not a bad choice."

After that, everyone picked a weapon. Most chose spears and sabers.

By the time they finished choosing, it was nearly noon. The Patrol Team's benefits were already apparent: lunch was provided, and there was plenty to eat.

As they ate, the patrolmen who had been on duty during the day returned. They greeted Tang Long and began eating too.

After lunch, Tang Long began assigning everyone to teams. Since they had to bring the newcomers along that day, each veteran would take three recruits.

"Let's go. Newcomers, if there's anything you don't understand, ask the veterans. They'll teach you properly. Follow their orders," Tang Long said at last.

At once, the teams scattered like startled birds and beasts, heading off in different directions around the village. Jiang Yan hurried to catch up.

As he walked, Jiang Yan discreetly sized up the veteran beside him. The man was called Shan Renhu and had been on the Patrol Team for over a year. He was something of an old hand.

After a while, Shan Renhu spoke. "I'm Shan Renhu. Just call me Old Hu. What are your names, brothers?"

"Brother Hu, I'm Jiang Yan."

"Meng Sheng." "Qian Peng."

The other two hurried to introduce themselves as well.

"Mm... Don't be nervous. I'll teach you properly, and I hope you'll learn seriously. The more people we have, the smaller the area each of us has to patrol, and the lower the chance of running into danger. That's good for all of us."

"If there's anything you want to ask, go ahead. I can answer you."

"B-Brother Hu, are you a Martial Apprentice now?" Meng Sheng asked, his words stumbling. His eyes were full of curiosity.

The air fell silent for a few seconds. Shan Renhu's expression remained calm. "No."

"In fact, there aren't many Martial Apprentices on the Patrol Team. The hurdle between ordinary people and martial artists isn't so easy to cross."

"Ah, Brother Shan, you've trained for a year and still haven't broken through. Then what's the point of us practicing martial arts?"

Qian Peng sounded disheartened.

"It's useful."

Shan Renhu let those two words fall from his lips, but offered no explanation.

"Brother Shan, can I ask something? Why did we have to start patrolling right away? The team's arrangements feel a little rushed to me."

Jiang Yan asked a question of his own.

"Hm?" Shan Renhu's steps stopped. He turned to look at Jiang Yan, surprised by the young man's sharp insight.

"You're clever. The arrangements for you are a bit rushed, but there's nothing we can do about it."

His expression darkened. He pressed his lips together. "Just a few days ago, a Ranked Monster suddenly appeared on the village outskirts. The Patrol Team suffered heavy casualties, and we had no choice but to recruit new people quickly and train you as fast as we could."

Fear flashed across the faces of Jiang Yan and the other two at the words Ranked Monster.

Only the legendary Innate experts could stand against a Ranked Monster.

After a moment of silence, they realized a Ranked Monster wasn't something they could afford to think about right now.

"I have another question. Last night, I saw Captain Tang kill a Human Wraith. There was a Yellow Talisman stuck to his weapon. What was that?"

Shan Renhu paused. He hadn't expected Jiang Yan to ask that, but he still answered. "Actually, anyone below the Body Refining Realm doesn't have the power to kill Baleful Intent. When we fight Baleful Intent, we rely on the power of talismans."

"The talismans are made by Talisman Masters in the government's employ and distributed to the villages. Once you officially start patrolling, you'll get some too. This Yellow Talisman is called a Blazing Flames Talisman. It can injure monsters."

They left the village and set out along a narrow path. On either side, the wind pressed the millet stalks low. Here and there, a few wildflowers bloomed quietly by the roadside.

After walking a little farther, they came to a huge pond. Farther off, a ditch stretched across the land.

"This pond is where we're patrolling today." Shan Renhu pointed to the ditch in the distance. "That's the Village Boundary. Don't cross it unless you have to."

Jiang Yan understood what he meant. Beyond the village lay the wilderness, where countless monsters roamed. Going out there could easily get you killed.

Meng Sheng and Qian Peng wore complicated expressions. Their own village had once been like this, but unfortunately...

"Next, I'm going to tell you something very important." Shan Renhu's expression turned stern. "If you encounter a monster, send a signal immediately and alert the others. We'll handle it together. Whatever you do, don't play the hero."

"Monsters aren't that simple. One wrong move and you won't just get yourself killed—you might let a monster sneak into the village and endanger everyone else!"

As he spoke, Shan Renhu was entirely serious.

"Then let's send a signal, shall we?" Jiang Yan suddenly said, pointing at the pond's still surface.

A clump of rotting weeds was floating up there.