Training, Secret News

An hour later, everyone was on the verge of collapse, drenched in sweat and aching all over.

Tang Long called a halt and advised them to return and cultivate.

Next, he continued explaining the precautions for patrolling the village edge, describing the characteristics of some common monsters, and informed them that in the afternoon, the patrol teams would be divided, using a method of pairing veterans with newcomers to help them familiarize themselves with the work.

After all, no amount of talk could compare to being led through it by an experienced old hand.

Finally, Tang Long concluded, "The patrol team pays well, but you'll face monsters directly. You must be cautious and attentive. If you spot a monster, don't panic—just send a signal to notify us."

Everyone took careful note. In truth, among this group, aside from Jiang Yan, most had seen monsters before and knew their terror. An ordinary person encountering a monster couldn't kill it by tapping into latent potential or sheer willpower.

When an ordinary person meets a monster, it's certain death. There's no other way but to flee—faster than anyone else. That was common sense they'd learned over the years.

Just like yesterday, when everyone joined the Mountain Patrol Camp without a single dropout, these people had all experienced the helplessness of facing a monster head-on. Now that they had a chance to gain the means to protect themselves, no one was willing to give it up.

"Next, I'll take you to pick weapons."

The few houses at the edge of the square housed the weapons. Tang Long opened the door, and instantly, a hundred or so gleaming weapons appeared before them.

"The squad won't restrict which weapon you use. You can pick whichever you like, whichever feels most comfortable in your hand."

Tang Long's tone turned serious here. "But I have one piece of advice: don't pick heavy weapons like axes or spiked clubs. They're too heavy. If danger strikes, they swing too slowly, and carrying them while fleeing will only slow you down."

Jiang Yan looked over the room full of sharp weapons, thought for a moment, then stepped forward and took down a longsword. With a clang, he drew the blade—the entire sword gleamed brightly, its sharp edge radiating a hint of cold.

"You choose a sword?" Tang Long said, seeing Jiang Yan be the first to pick one. "The sword doesn't have the reach of a long weapon, nor the killing power of a blade, but it excels in flexibility. Not a bad choice."

Next, everyone picked a weapon. Most chose spears or long blades.

After choosing weapons, it was nearly noon. The perks of the patrol team showed themselves immediately—lunch was provided, and it was filling.

As they ate, the patrol members who had been on day duty returned. They greeted Tang Long and began eating as well.

After the meal, Tang Long started organizing them into teams. Since today involved training newcomers, they adopted a one-leads-three model.

"Set out now. If the newcomers don't understand something, ask the veterans—they'll teach you seriously. Obey the veterans' orders," Tang Long said finally.

Immediately, the teams scattered like startled birds, heading off in various directions through the village. Jiang Yan quickened his pace to follow.

As he walked, Jiang Yan glanced sidelong at the veteran beside him. This man was called Shan Renhu, and he'd been on the patrol team for over a year—a true old hand.

After a while, Shan Renhu spoke up. "I'm Shan Renhu. Just call me Old Hu. What do you three brothers go by?"

"Brother Hu, I'm Jiang Yan."

"Meng Sheng." "Qian Peng."

The other two quickly chimed in.

"Mm... don't be nervous. I'll teach you seriously, and I hope you'll learn seriously too. After all, the more people we have, the less ground each of us has to patrol, and the lower the chance of running into danger. That benefits everyone."

"If you have questions, feel free to ask me. I can answer."

"Hu... Brother Hu, are you a Martial Apprentice now?" Meng Sheng asked, stammering a little, his eyes full of intense curiosity.

The air went silent for a few seconds. Shan Renhu's face was calm. "No."

"In fact, there aren't many Martial Apprentices on the patrol team. That threshold from ordinary person to martial artist isn't so easy to cross."

"Ah, Brother Shan trained for a year and still hasn't broken through? Then what's the point of us training in martial arts?"

Qian Peng's tone carried some dejection.

"It's useful."

Shan Renhu spat out those two words but didn't explain why.

"Brother Shan, can I ask why we have to start patrolling immediately? I feel like the team's arrangements are a bit rushed."

Jiang Yan asked a question of his own.

Hm? Shan Renhu's steps faltered. He turned his head to glance at Jiang Yan, surprised by the young man's sharp observation.

"You're quite sharp. The arrangements for you are indeed a bit rushed, but there's no helping it."

His expression darkened, and he pressed his lips together. "Just a few days ago, a Ranked Monster suddenly appeared outside the village. The patrol team suffered heavy casualties. We had no choice but to quickly replenish with newcomers and train you as fast as possible."

A Ranked Monster. Fear flickered across the faces of Jiang Yan and the other two.

Ranked Monsters could only be contended with by those legendary Innate Realm experts.

Silence fell. A Ranked Monster wasn't something they could worry about now.

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

Shan Renhu was taken aback. He hadn't expected Jiang Yan to ask about that, but he still answered. "Actually, below the Body Refining Realm, you can't gain the power to kill Sha. When we fight Sha, we rely on the power of talismans."

"Talismans are made by Talisman Masters organized by the government and distributed to each village. Once you officially start patrolling, you'll be given this kind of talisman too. This Yellow Talisman is called a Blazing Flames Talisman—it can injure monsters."

They left the village and stepped onto a small path. On either side, grain crops swayed low in the wind. Occasionally, a few wildflowers bloomed quietly by the roadside.

After walking a while longer, a huge pond appeared. Further ahead, a ditch stretched across the land.

"This pond is our patrol point for today," Shan Renhu said, pointing at the ditch not far away. "That's the Village Boundary. Unless necessary, never go beyond it."

Jiang Yan understood what he meant. Beyond the village was the wild, and in the wild, countless monsters roamed. Going out there would likely mean death.

Meng Sheng and Qian Peng's expressions were complicated. Their own village had been like this once... but alas.

"Next, I'm going to tell you something very important," Shan Renhu said, his expression turning serious. "When you encounter a strange being, send a signal immediately to notify the others, and everyone will handle it together. Never try to play the hero."

"Strange beings aren't simple. If you mishandle one, not only will you harm yourself, but if it lurks into the village, it could harm others too!"

As he spoke, Shan Renhu was very earnest.

"So, should we send the signal now?" Jiang Yan suddenly said, pointing at the calm surface of the pond.

There, a clump of rotting weeds floated up.