Chapter 2017 - 2018: Demon Hunter

Ling Zhenfei said, "Secondly, let's try not to split up. At the very least, we have each other for support when we stay together. Demon Hunters are known for preferring to take us cultivators down one by one."

So it's best to have a few companions, just like us, three or four is ideal. Didn't I set you up with walkie-talkies?

Keep in touch using them no matter what, let's deal with things together."

Everyone nodded, clearly agreeing with Ling Zhenfei.

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and added, "There's another important matter concerning injuries. Even if someone gets hurt, don't easily give up. As long as you get back to me, I guarantee you won't die."

Sun Wei said, "Sticking by Brother Ling really has its perks—you won't go hungry and you won't die."

Zhang Zhenlin said, "I've heard that Demon Hunters like using poison, and that's really tough to guard against."

Ling Zhenfei replied, "Poison isn't as scary as it sounds; getting poisoned requires certain methods. Demon Hunters, if they want to poison you, need specific means."

"Either through air or wind, generally avoid breathing, or by contacting your body—ensure you're not touched, and you won't be poisoned."

"Another method is through food, so it's best not to eat anything once we're in the Foreign Land."

Sun Wei gave a thumbs up, "Hearing Brother Ling talk is so satisfying; so many things just click."

As it got closer to noon, both men patted their stomachs—clearly wanting to eat something.

Ling Zhenfei, noticing their intentions, said, "You won't find anything gourmet on the mountain, but I can make something simple for us."

Sun Wei suggested, "Or we could go down to catch some wild game and roast it."

Ling Zhenfei said, "No need to go down the mountain; I still have quite a bit in the Heaven-Dropping Essence Marrow. How about I make something different for you?"

The mention of something different piqued Sun Wei's interest instantly.

"Sure, sure, what are you going to make?"

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and said, "Alright, you can eat, but not for free."

Sun Wei said, "What, you want us to pay for food or something?"

Ling Zhenfei replied, "I need your help."

Sun Wei laughed, "We're both foodies—anything for food. Just tell us what you want us to do."

Ling Zhenfei said, "I know Brother Sun and Brother Zhang both use swords; I wonder how skilled you two are with them."

Su Wei and Zhang Zhenlin pulled out their swords.

Their swords were noticeably different; Sun Wei's was wider and heavier.

Zhang Zhenlin's sword, in contrast, was thin, resembling more of a soft sword.

Zhang Zhenlin said, "This is our family's ancestral sword—flexible like a snake, like a venomous snake striking, cold light everywhere. It's named Cold Light Sword."

Sun Wei said, "My sword is also a family heirloom, sharp enough to split gold and crack stone, called Mountain Splitting Sword."

Ling Zhenfei laughed, "Well, then, I'll leave this task to Brother Sun."

Zhang Zhenlin, a bit surprised, asked, "What does that mean? Is my sword inferior to Brother Sun's?"

Ling Zhenfei laughed, "Not at all; it's just about specialization. You'll see in a moment."

Having his sword chosen, Sun Wei was quite pleased, "Brother Ling, just tell me what to do."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Come with me."

Ling Zhenfei then walked out of Wu Liang, followed by Sun Wei.

Ling Zhenfei circled the mountain twice and found a large stone.

The stone was entirely black; Ling Zhenfei tapped it with another stone, producing a sound like metal.

Sun Wei and Zhang Zhenlin were surprised, uncertain of the meaning.

Sun Wei asked, "Brother Ling, what's wrong with this stone?"

Ling Zhenfei chuckled, "How do you find this stone?"

Sun Wei examined it, "It does seem unusual, but what does it have to do with us? Aren't we supposed to eat?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "Whether we get to eat depends on this stone. Your sword can split gold and crack stone, so start here."

As he spoke, Ling Zhenfei drew a line on the stone.

After Ling Zhenfei finished drawing the line, Sun Wei's face turned green, while Zhang Zhenlin chuckled.

"Indeed, this task suits you; your sword is meant to split mountains, whereas my Cold Light Sword isn't."

Sun Wei said to Ling Zhenfei, "Brother Ling, isn't this a bit much? My sword's a family treasure. If my father found out I used it on rock, he'd kill me."

Ling Zhenfei replied, "You're mistaken; if you don't do it, we won't have any food."

Saying this, Ling Zhenfei turned to leave, prompting Sun Wei to hurriedly stop him, "Alright, alright, but at least tell me what you want with this stone."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Anyway, it's crucial. I'm not boringly fooling you."

Su Wei said, "Fine, for the sake of food, I'll have to use the sword."

Sun Wei raised his sword, with Northern Spiritual Energy circulating, and slashed toward the stone.

It's not about damaging the stone but slicing it into slabs—quite the challenge, beyond ordinary folks.

This requires not brute force but skill.

Ling Zhenfei was confident; after all, Sun Wei was a Dawen Realm cultivator.

In the Dawen Realm, cultivators have refined control over Northern Spiritual Energy.

One slash, despite the stone's weight and iron-like quality, with Sun Wei's sword sharp and charged with energy, opened a seam on the stone.

The slash saw a piece of the stone break off, though not even. The stone had uneven, high and low spots.

Under Ling Zhenfei's guidance, the stone was successfully carved into a slab.

The slab was remarkable; despite appearing stone-like, it was heavy, practically akin to iron.

Under Sun Wei's sword control, the slab's surfaces were smooth.

Ling Zhenfei had Zhang Zhenlin carry the slab back beneath Wu Liang.

Ling Zhenfei took out some water to wash the slab.

Sun Wei and Zhang Zhenlin watched, curious about Ling Zhenfei's intentions.

Ling Zhenfei completed the task and brought out his Phoenix Elixir Furnace.