Chapter 828: Chapter 826: The Hunting Tournament and the Perilous Marsh

“The hunting tournament is about to begin!”

“The Twelve Golden Palaces are jointly organizing the hunting tournament; this is an unprecedented event. We must give it our all this time and strive for a good ranking!”

“If we can get into the top hundred, returning to the Golden Palace, we’re sure to gain the favor of Junior Sister Xiao.”

One by one, the disciples of the Golden Palace awoke from their cultivation. Seeing the three elders of the Golden Palace, they knew the hunting tournament was about to commence, and their eyes showed expressions of longing.

This hunting tournament was not only about competing for rewards but also an opportunity for them to make a name for themselves.

Seeing everyone had recovered, Elder Zhu Liehuo of the Sky Sword Pavilion waved his hand, and instantly, the many disciples of the Golden Palace in the valley fell silent, not a sound to be heard.

“Everyone, I am here to announce the content of this hunting tournament.”

“Hmm, the content of the hunting tournament? Wasn’t it already announced? Going into the Misty Swamp to hunt demon beasts.”

“Perhaps it’s just a reiteration.”

Hearing Zhu Liehuo’s words, the crowd began whispering, and their voices gradually died down.

When everyone quieted down, Zhu Liehuo cleared his throat and said:

“In recent years, the activities of the Demon Sect in our Canglang Dynasty have become increasingly rampant, something you are probably aware of. Half a month ago, a disciple of the Golden Palace obtained a map that marked hidden Demon Sect strongholds within the Canglang Dynasty. The content of this hunting tournament is to eradicate these Demon Sect infiltrations in the dynasty and eliminate the threat of the Demon Sect.”

Zhu Liehuo’s voice was extremely loud, each word like thunder, rolling through the valley and reaching the ears of every Golden Palace disciple.

“Demon Sect strongholds! So the content of this hunting tournament is to attack the Demon Sect strongholds! How come I haven’t heard any news about this.”

“This is the first time I’m hearing about it too.”

“I heard the Demon Sect members are bloodthirsty and ruthless murderers; I…I have never confronted a Demon Sect disciple before.”

The majority of Golden Palace disciples in the valley widened their eyes, their faces full of shock. Those with less courage showed panic in their eyes.

Zhu Liehuo, with a hot temper, seeing those whispering, his face black as coal, shouted:

“The path of cultivation is thorny, treading this path means battling against heaven, earth, and people, encountering life and death every step! Cultivation, cultivation, do you think it is simply about taking pills and practicing Qi? Without the grind of life and death, without great courage and resolve, how can one become strong? Among you, if anyone is afraid, you can return to the Golden Palace now.”

The entire valley fell into silence; everyone was stunned by Zhu Liehuo’s words, and those who had been panicking now looked ashamed, lowering their heads in silence.

Shui Linglong stepped forward, her red lips parted slightly, and her gentle, melodious voice spread throughout the valley:

“For fear of news leaking out, this matter has always been kept secret. According to the map, three hundred miles south of here, near Blackwater Lake, is a Demon Sect stronghold. Your task is to eliminate this Demon Sect stronghold.”

“The rewards for the hunting tournament will be the same as before, with rankings determined by the contributions made by the teams, using the identity jades of Demon Sect disciples as proof. If one slays a Demon General-level expert and cuts off their head, both the individual and their team will directly qualify for the top ten. At that time, they will be eligible for rewards of Earth-level cultivation techniques and Grade Six Spirit Pills. Teams in the top hundred will also receive very generous rewards.”

As the words fell, the entire valley erupted once more.

“They are really offering Earth-level cultivation techniques and Grade Six Spirit Pills as rewards!”

“Earth-level cultivation techniques have always been reserved only for the core high-levels of the Golden Palace to cultivate, and Grade Six Spirit Pills are rare treasures that only the Holy Land can forge. A single Grade Six Spirit Pill is worth hundreds of thousands of Grade Two Yuan Stones, enough to trade for a city, and now they are actually given as rewards.”

“Don’t get too excited; killing a Demon General-level expert is no easy feat. Perhaps only the top ten new dragons have a chance.”

“Not necessarily! Rich rewards inspire bravery; since they are offering Earth-level cultivation techniques and Grade Six Spirit Pills as incentives, the experts on the new dragon board will certainly take action. If they manage to injure the Demon General-level expert, we might still have a chance.”

Xia Yunjing glanced around, commenting slightly emotionally, “It seems there are more people eyeing the Earth-level cultivation techniques and Grade Six Spirit Pills than I imagined. I’m curious how many will lose their lives because of it.”

Luo Feng nodded slightly, about to speak when his brows furrowed slightly as his gaze discreetly glanced at a small grove a thousand meters away.

“What’s wrong?” Xia Yunjing asked.

Luo Feng’s lips curved into a slight arc, “Some rats.”

“Demon Sect members?”

Xia Yunjing’s voice was low, her expression somewhat shocked and tense.

“Not sure, but we’ll know soon. Senior Sister, take out the bow.” Luo Feng smiled coldly, his clothes bulging as a fierce and domineering aura slowly rose from him.

Feeling Luo Feng’s change in aura, Xia Yunjing knew it was no joke and immediately gripped the Mysterious Crystal Bow, secretly accumulating Yuan Qi, ready to act at any moment.

Buzz!

With a step, a terrifying aura spread from Luo Feng’s body to the ground, shooting in one direction, causing the ground to ripple violently like water, some nearby Golden Palace disciples almost being shaken off their feet.

Swish!

All eyes were suddenly drawn here, those affected among the Golden Palace disciples looked rather ill.

Luo Feng didn’t care about others, his gaze flashing sharply.

“Explode!”

Boom!

With a loud bang, the small grove a thousand meters away exploded, the air violently twisted, and one tree after another was uprooted and then set ablaze, the fierce power making those who were about to question him hold their tongues.

Whiz! Whiz! Whiz! Whiz…

The sound of breaking wind rang out, flames parted, revealing several figures wearing pitch-black cloaks, one of them with a large part of the cloak burned away, revealing a blood-colored curved blade underneath.

“Blood Saber Guards! Demon Sect disciples!”

Seeing the figures, a gasp echoed in the valley.

“Not good, we’ve been discovered!”

“Notify the Demon General! Go!”

Several Blood Saber Guards, seeing their cover blown, turned to flee.

“Trying to leave!”

Xia Yunjing snorted softly, the bowstring trembled.

Swish, swish, swish, swish…

Cold winds arose, a curtain of icy light stretched out in the air, whistling out, the figures of the four Blood Saber Guards at the back were directly swallowed by the rain of arrows, their bodies pierced by numerous holes, with wisps of cold air emanating from the wounds, no blood flowing out, exceptionally strange.

“Quickly, leave!”

Seeing their companions die tragically, the remaining two Blood Saber Guards were pale, pushing their speed to the limit to escape, only to look back and see a figure already ahead of them.

“Stay.”

Luo Feng glanced at the two, Emperor Yan’s Sky-breaking Saber unsheathed, cutting an astonishing arc in midair.

Slash! Slash!

The two Blood Saber Guards felt a blur before their eyes, then saw the world turned upside down, their bodies seemingly moving away from them.

Now, Luo Feng’s strength was enough to challenge a level six peak spiritual rotation realm martial artist, these Blood Saber Guards were only around level three, hardly a match.

Swish!

Resheathing the saber, Luo Feng beckoned, and six blood-colored jade tokens from the Blood Saber Guards’ corpses flew into his hand.

“Blood Saber Guards… It seems this Demon Sect stronghold is occupied by Blood Demon Sect disciples.”

After examining these jade tokens for a moment, Luo Feng’s figure flashed, returning to Xia Yunjing’s side, tossing four of the tokens to her, “These are yours.”

“For me?”

Xia Yunjing was taken aback, knowing full well that if it weren’t for Luo Feng’s reminder, she wouldn’t have had the chance to strike down these people.

Luo Feng said, “Since you’re the one who killed them, naturally it’s yours.”

Xia Yunjing glanced at Luo Feng, hesitated for a moment, and then put away the jade token.

The whole event took just a breath or two, and it wasn’t until now that everyone snapped out of their shock.

“How did Luo Feng know there would be Demon Sect disciples there? I didn’t sense a thing.”

“Maybe it was just good luck, discovered by chance. Even Elder Zhu Liehuo didn’t notice it, how could his perception be better than several elders.”

“Hmm, must be like that. The hunt tournament hasn’t even started, and their team already got six identity jade tokens, really ****** luck!”

“Hehe, that’s not necessarily a good thing. As the saying goes, a towering tree invites the wind; his flamboyant actions will surely lead to trouble sooner or later. I noticed several new Dragon Ranking experts from Sky Sword Pavilion were observing him just now.”

Seeing Luo Feng obtain six identity jade tokens, the valley was abuzz with discussions, with some expressing admiration, some envy, but mostly jealousy.

High above, Zhu Liehuo watched Luo Feng with a grim expression.

Sky Sword Pavilion, being the leader of the Southern Six Palaces, should suppress the other five Golden Palaces; however, Luo Feng and Lin Ruohai’s battle yesterday, plus the recent events, had left Linglong Hall in the limelight.

Shui Linglong was in high spirits, gazing admiringly at Luo Feng and then turning to Purple Brow Wanderer and Zhu Liehuo:

“It seems that the Demon Sect has already received the news; no need to wait until the time of Chen.”

“Hmm, we can’t let the Demon Sect get the upper hand, release the Thunder Light Bomb,” Purple Brow Wanderer said.

Shui Linglong nodded, reached out to take a crystal sphere, which was thumb-sized, perfectly round and transparent, with a faint bright light flashing inside, like rolling thunder.

Whoosh!

With a flick of her finger, the Thunder Light Bomb turned into a cold light that shot towards the sky.

Crack!

Thunder exploded, and amidst the clear sky, a dazzling light burst forth, twisting continuously, tearing the heavens apart.

“This is the Thunder Light Bomb, refined by Martial Artist in the True Yuan Realm gathering Real Gang Thunder from the Central Sky Region, the light can reach hundreds of miles away, seems like it’s notifying other teams to take action,” Xia Yunjing explained as Luo Feng watched the sky.

“Real Gang Thunder, once I step into the True Yuan Realm, I must visit the Central Sky Region,” Luo Feng said.

Xia Yunjing looked at Luo Feng, her tone was much gentler than usual: “With your potential, you can definitely break through to the True Yuan Realm.”

As the two were talking, Shui Linglong’s voice came from above the valley.

“The Demon Sect has already made a move, there’s no time to lose, the hunt tournament officially begins, everyone be careful! Remember, do not act recklessly.” Shui Linglong addressed the crowd.

As her voice fell, the entire valley atmosphere immediately erupted, with a roar that reached the skies.

“Let’s go ahead!”

The first to act were Su Rui, Zhou Jian, and others from Yuangang Hall, their figures expanded into five streaks of light, rushing out of the valley and heading towards the depths of Misty Swamp.

“Our Sky Sword Pavilion won’t fall behind others!”

A disciple from Sky Sword Pavilion shouted, leading his team, closely following Su Rui and others, disappeared into the gray fog.

Almost at the same time, disciples from each Golden Palace rushed out like a swarm of locusts.

The glow from various light martial arts bloomed brilliantly, forming rainbow-like beams that were vibrant and beautiful. Among them even fierce mounts stomped the valley, causing continuous rumbling and trembling.

“Blackwater Lake is near the core area of Misty Swamp, one of the most dangerous and mysterious places. Once we enter, we should act carefully, not striving for success, but seeking to avoid mistakes,” Luo Feng advised Xia Yunjing, Nanxuan, and others.

“Hmm.”

“Alright, let’s go in. I’ll lead, senior sister, you guard the rear.” Luo Feng instructed, leaping forward.

Nanxuan, Lin Yue’er, Lin Xin followed behind Luo Feng, and Xia Yunjing was at the back of the team, the five moved leisurely.

Zhu Liehuo watched Luo Feng’s figure disappear, his gaze swept over Shen Yu, Lin Ruohai, and others about to leave, transmitting his voice:

“Shen Yu, Lin Ruohai, remember, if you encounter Luo Feng’s team, seize the chance to kill them without mercy. Especially that Luo Feng kid, we can’t let him leave Misty Swamp alive.”

Originally, Zhu Liehuo didn’t pay much attention to Luo Feng, but after witnessing Luo Feng’s fight with Lin Ruohai and others yesterday and quickly dispatching a few Blood Saber Guards just now, he felt a sense of caution in his heart.

If this person is left, the future position of Sky Sword Pavilion as the first in the Six Southern Domains might be in jeopardy.

Hearing the transmission, Lin Ruohai’s eyes flashed with coldness, he gathered Qi into a line to reply, “Elder, don’t worry, even if you didn’t remind me, I wouldn’t let him go!”

Zhu Liehuo discreetly nodded:

“Hmm, very good. Do it cleanly, don’t leave any trace.”

“Elder, I know. There are many demon beasts in Misty Swamp, they will clean up everything thoroughly, Luo Feng and his bones won’t be left at all.” Lin Ruohai said sinisterly.

“That’s for the best.”

“Let’s go.” Shen Yu expressionless, but the light in his eyes was chillingly intense.

Rustle, rustle, rustle…

The five immediately pursued in the direction where Luo Feng and others departed.

“Zhu Liehuo, what has you so pleased?” Shui Linglong asked when she noticed Zhu Liehuo’s sudden change of expression.

Zhu Liehuo replied, “When this battle is over, these disciples’ strength will certainly have improved. They’ll become the pillars of our Twelve Golden Palaces; isn’t that delightful?”

Shui Linglong saw that his words didn’t match his heart but didn’t delve further, and seeing almost everyone had left, she said:

“We should go too, we can’t let any fish slip through the net.”

“Of course.”

Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!

As they spoke, the figures of the three disappeared from the spot.

Leaving Ming Dang Mountain, Luo Feng’s group of five sped towards Blackwater Lake.

As they went deeper, the surrounding people gradually decreased and eventually only the five of them were left.

Blackwater Lake stretched across hundreds of miles. Even with thousands of disciples from various Golden Palaces, spread across this vast swamp, it was but a drop in the ocean.

Boom!

With a punch, Luo Feng blasted a demon beast emerging from the gray fog, glanced at the gray sky ahead, and said to Xia Yunjing and the others behind:

“Flying here is too dangerous, let’s descend.”

Deep within Misty Swamp lay dangers; those below the True Yuan Realm dared not fly arrogantly, not even the top ten new dragons would dare.

Flying in the sky was too conspicuous, especially some demon beasts with territorial instincts, once discovered, they would relentlessly pursue!

Moreover, Demon Sect disciples were hiding in the forest.

“Alright.”

Xia Yunjing also knew the horrors of Misty Swamp, so she nodded, and the five figures leapt, diving into the dense forest shrouded in gray fog below.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep