Chapter 148: The Task

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: The Task

Not long after, the elder responsible for leading the lecture finally arrived. He was an old man from Wenjian Sect’s Martial Arts Division, known as Elder Yurong.

His appearance was rather amiable, with a kindly face, a neatly kept beard, and a smile that seemed permanently settled upon his lips. He carried himself with the ease of someone who had seen much of the world, giving off the impression of an approachable elder who wouldn’t mind answering a few questions from the younger generation.

However, Sui Sui had heard that one should never judge this old man by his friendly appearance.

Despite his seemingly harmless demeanor, Elder Yurong was one of the strongest martial artists in the Wenjian Sect, and perhaps even among the entire Human Realm.

If Sui Sui remembered correctly, he also heard from his Senior Brother Ji Ling that he was likely ranked among the top hundred martial artists in the Human Realm.

Furthermore, the elder belonged to the same generation as Yizhou’s grandfather. Just thinking about that was enough to make Sui Sui marvel at how long this old expert must have lived and how much experience he had accumulated.

Wow! Last time it was Elder Shan Li, and now it was this Elder Yurong!

Sui Sui couldn’t help marveling at the sect’s arrangements. It seemed even though their management inside was not that great, referring to Madam Jiang and the Jiang Family, but as a whole, tha Wenjian Sect really did not hold back when it came to educating its disciples.

First, they had Elder Shan Li, an accomplished figure in his own right, and now they had brought in Elder Yurong, one of the most renowned martial artists in the Human Realm. Just how many impressive elders were they going to bring out for these lectures?

The more Sui Sui thought about it, the more he felt that Wenjian Sect’s reputation as the number one sect was well deserved. While disciples of other sects might have to struggle for opportunities to learn from experts, Wenjian Sect’s disciples could receive guidance from such distinguished figures through ordinary lectures.

No wonder so many cultivators dreamed of joining this place!

Elder Yurong stroked his beard, his amiable smile never leaving his face as he surveyed the gathered disciples. He allowed his gaze to sweep across the crowd before finally speaking, his voice carrying clearly across the arena.

"For today’s lecture, the sect has decided to do things a little differently. Rather than having you youngsters spend the day practicing the basics of martial arts, we will be putting your abilities to the test."

The moment his words fell, the arena erupted into a flurry of hushed whispers. The disciples exchanged curious glances, some already growing excited while others began speculating about what kind of test the elder had prepared for them. After all, if they weren’t going to practice martial arts, what exactly did the sect have in mind?

Elder Yurong seemed entirely unbothered by the commotion. He waited until the noise had settled somewhat before continuing, a faint, knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"I imagine you’re all wondering what this test will entail." He paused deliberately, allowing the anticipation to build before finally revealing, "It’s actually quite simple. Today, you will be going hunting."

—

After Elder Yurong announced the test, the disciples were led away from the arena and toward the back mountain of Wenjian Sect. By the time they arrived, the excitement among the crowd had given way to curiosity as everyone began taking in their surroundings.

Sui Sui lifted his head and examined the area ahead. Surrounding the mountain forest was a dome-shaped barrier so faint that it was almost invisible, its outline barely distinguishable against the scenery. Had he not looked carefully, he might not have noticed it at all.

At the forefront of the group, Elder Yurong turned to face the gathered disciples. Most of them were Qi Refining and Foundation Building cultivators, still inexperienced when it came to facing actual combat. After making sure everyone was paying attention, he began to explain the purpose of their test.

"As you all know, our Wenjian Sect is situated very close to the Beast Rift Forest. That forest is home to numerous low-level wild beasts, and it is also where the passage between the Beast Realm and the Human Realm usually opens."

Elder Yurong paused briefly, allowing the disciples to absorb his words before continuing.

"Most of these beasts remain within the forest, waiting for the passage to open so they can return to the Beast Realm. However, some of the less intelligent ones occasionally wander out of the forest and enter the Human Realm. A few even find their way into the mountain forests within our sect’s territory."

His gaze swept across the group before he finally revealed the actual task.

"For this test, your objective is simple: catch a wild spirit beast. Its grade and level do not matter. As long as you successfully capture at least one, you will have passed."

The moment Elder Yurong finished speaking, a stir went through the disciples. Hunting spirit beasts? That was hardly as simple as it sounded!

Even low-level beasts possessed keen senses and instincts that could make them difficult to track, let alone capture. Unlike humans, who needed to cultivate their abilities step by step, spirit beasts were born with natural advantages. Their bodies were often stronger than those of cultivators at the same level, and some could easily detect an approaching enemy long before they came within sight.

For a group of Qi Refining and Foundation Building disciples who had yet to gain much practical combat experience, this was no easy task. Several exchanged uncertain glances, wondering whether they could actually catch a beast before becoming its prey.

Seeing their reactions, Elder Yurong chuckled, seemingly unsurprised by their concerns.

"There’s no need to worry. The sect has already made preparations. Only low-level beasts no higher than Level Two have been allowed into this forest, and we’ve sealed off the surrounding borders to prevent anything from wandering in or out. As long as you don’t act recklessly, you should be safe."

He paused briefly before continuing, "For extra safety, we’ll also distribute a communication talisman to each of you. If you encounter danger and find yourselves unable to handle it, simply activate the talisman, and it will teleport you out of the area."

However, before the disciples could fully relax, Elder Yurong added another condition with a smile.

"Of course, activating the talisman means forfeiting the test. Once you’re teleported out, you’ll be considered to have failed."

"Of course, this is only a lecture. The purpose is to see whether you have what it takes to become a capable hunter, so don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. If you wish, you may also form your own teams and hunt together. After all, working with others is a skill every cultivator should learn."

Elder Yurong stroked his beard as he spoke, his amiable expression putting the disciples somewhat at ease. However, just as he was about to continue, his gaze suddenly shifted toward someone in the crowd. The moment he recognized the familiar young man, his brows rose in mild surprise.

"Aiya! But I see we have someone here who is hardly a beginner!" Elder Yurong exclaimed, looking directly at Yizhou. "Disciple Yizhou, what brings you here? Why have you come to mingle with these youngsters?"

At once, the surrounding disciples turned their attention toward Yizhou. Having a renowned genius like him participate in their little hunting test was certainly unexpected.

Yizhou, however, remained perfectly composed. As though he hadn’t noticed the curious gazes gathering around him, he stepped forward slightly, cupped his hands, and bowed respectfully to the elder. A polite smile rested on his handsome face as he answered.

"Reporting to Elder, this disciple merely wished to accompany my dear Junior Brother and learn alongside him. I didn’t expect today’s lecture to involve a practical test."

Hearing this, Elder Yurong stroked his beard and nodded, looking thoroughly amused.

"I see, I see! It’s good for senior and junior brothers to spend time together and strengthen their bonds." He paused, then gave Yizhou a playful look. "Since you’re already here, you can participate as well. However, to keep things fair, you’re not allowed to join any team or lend a hand to the other disciples."

He let those words settle before adding with a chuckle, "And since you’re certainly no beginner, we might as well raise the difficulty for you. What do you say to catching twenty spirit beasts instead of just one? Let these young ones see what you’re capable of!"

Yizhou showed no sign of protest. He simply cupped his hands again and bowed, his polite smile remaining unchanged.

"Since it’s necessary to keep things fair, this disciple will naturally obey Elder’s instructions."

Elder Yurong laughed at his easy agreement before turning his attention back to the other disciples. Once he had finished giving the remaining instructions and distributed a communication talisman to each participant, there was no further delay.

The hunting test officially began.