怊Harvest Factory, A Farmer Life怋


 1 Little Farmer Boy

    The sun raises along with the cries of Rainbow-tailed Chicken. The warm shine of the sun covered the small village of Jadesea, gently waking the resident.


    South of the village stood a humble wooden house. Although the sun has lit the entire house, it didn''t wake the little boy in his room. passing the small window, sunlight shined on the boy''s face but the boy only frown and pulled his blanket to cover his face. The boy finally woke up when the cries of the Rainbow-tailed Chicken died down.


    He sat on his bed as he yawned, his eyes still half-opened. He scratched his head before going to the sink to wash his face. The room that the boy reside was simple and without any decoration with it''s own bathroom, inside the room there were only bed and closet for furniture. Inside the bathroom were sink, shower, and toiler made of wood. The cold water on his face woke him up completely. the boy looked at his reflection on the mirror.


    Big languid black eyes, raven short hair, plumb cheeks with baby fat, slender still growing body, and white skin. Combine all that and you got a boy to... I mean, a healthy boy. the 12 years old boy were wearing a loose one-piece azure-colored robe, he combed his hair to the back with both his hand and changed his clothes to a black long pants, white shirt, and blue robe with a cat-eared hoodie.


    He went toward the kitchen after he''s done dressing up, he opened the refrigerator and took out a half-kilo pork meat from the Six Feet Pig and some green vegetable. On the ceiling of the refrigerator was an inscription that let out cold air. he diced the ingredient to the same size and poured some Zhenqi to the stove''s inscription to start the fire. When the inscription was half full the boy stopped pouring Zhenqi and lit the fire to start cooking.


    As a Qi Refinement second stage cultivator, he didn''t have many Zhenqi but it still enough for activating all the appliances inscription in the house for daily life. After lightly stir-frying the ingredients, he poured it into a bowls and set it on the table along with a bowl of rice and a cold juice.


    He put his hand together and prayed before he begun eating. The stir-fried vegetables tasted crispy and fresh, the meat was tender and juicy. Eating the simple yet delicious stir-fry with the sticky and fragrant rice and washing it down with cold juice was very tasty that they boy''s face relaxed and smiled. When he was done with breakfast the boy placed the bowls and glass on the kitchen sink, he went out wearing his glove and hoodie.


    Exiting the house, the boy lightly stretch his body. The boy gazed the sky before putting his hand together and prayed.


    " mama... papa.. please watch over me today also. " (MC)


    and walked toward the garden behind the house. the garden was quite big for a house garden, it divided between fields for vegetables and a small part of it for small animal pens. The boy first checked the fields, currently the fields were filled with four kinds of vegetable. Snow Radishes, Fire Tomato, Spike Carrot, and Thousand-layered Onion. He inspected all of them and picked on of the ripe tomato bite into it. The spicy and sour taste of the tomato filled his mouth, he smiled a little and quickly finished the tomato. He took a basket from the shed beside the fields and placed the plucked ripe tomato into the basket. When he done harvesting the tomato, he picked up the basket and placed it on top of a wooden wagon which height reaches his chest.


    The basket might be too heavy for a normal child but it was manageable for the boy thanks to his cultivation. His cultivation was low but it gave him enough strength to contend with an adult. It was thanks to his cultivation that he could manage all the field works. Placing the basket on the wagon, he went toward a small stone pedestal on the top of the field.


    He put his hand on the pedestal and poured his Zhenqi into it, on the surface of the pedestal an inscription shone as the boy''s Zhenqi flowed into it. Connected to the stone pedestal was a long hose with many holes, then water gushed out from the hose and watering the fields. He stopped pouring Zhenqi when he thought it was enough. He looked at the stone pedestal and thought wheredid papa get the idea to make this?


    The boy didn''t thought about it for long before making his way to the pens. There were two small pens, one of it for the Rainbow-tailed Chicken and the other was for the Six Feet Pig. The boy first checked the Chickens, he took a small basket, broom, and dustpan as he entered the coop. The smell inside the coop was pretty bad even with all the ventilation, fortunately, the boy already used to the smell. Inside the coop was six chickens and eight chicks. The chicks were pure white in color, the chickens body were also white but their tail was full of colors like a rainbow, hence their name. He searched for eggs and placed them on the basket gently. With the eggs done, he then checked the chickens, whether they were hurt or ill. The chickens were fine and Healthy after he checked them, then he proceed to clean the coop and refill the feed and water.


    The boy was done cleaning the coop in about 20 minutes, the chickens poop was collected and put inside a jar and the eggs were placed on the wagon. Without resting first, he walked toward the pig pen. The smell of the pig pen was worse than the coop, the boy took out a clean cloth from his robe and used it to cover his nose. The coop smell was bearable but the pig pen was not. carrying a wooden shovel and jar, he entered the pig pen.


    " arg! " (MC)


    as soon as he entered the pig pen, a pig as tall as he was rammed to him. Thankfully the boy was strong enough to withstand it, if not, the back of his robe would be caked with mud and waste. The boy turned the pig back and pushed it.


    " get back in there. " (MC)


    The boy closed the door of the pig pen and started shoveling the pig waste into the jar. While he was shoveling, he also checked the pigs condition. Noticing no problem, he felt assured. After all, this pigs was his number one money maker. Done with the cleaning, the boy changed the feed and water then he chanted a spell.


    " Spring Mist. " (MC)


    From the palm of his hand, a blue ball of light came out and float to the roof of the pig pen. The ball then explode and turned to a shower that covered the whole pen. It was a introductory spell the boy''s papa taught him, it was a spell for cleansing a place and preventing minor diseases. He took out the oldest pig with him as he exited the pen, he tied a rope around the pig neck and tied the other end on the wagon.


    He took the jar containing the pigs waste and the jar that contained the chickens waste to the back of the pens. In here, he poured the inside of the two jars into a bigger jar and mix the waste with the kitchen''s leftover and dried leaves to make compost. When the boy finished, he chanted another spell.


    " Cleanse. " (MC)


    It was another introductory spell his father taught him, unlike Spring Mist, it was a spell that cleaned the target from filth and smell completely. The boy''s shoes and robe became sparkling clean like it was newly cleaned. Feeling refresh with the clean robe, the boy went to the field and sat crossed leg on top of the stone pedestal on the middle of the field and started cultivating.


    The boy adjusted his breath and started breathing in a certain rhythm. Slowly all the pores in his body absorbed the Qi in the air and drew the Qi from his surrounding. It was also his father that taught him this breathing technique, it was a breathing technique called " Breath of Earth " despite the awesome sounding name, it was a low-level breathing technique. It''s Qi absorption rate was slow, but it was already good that a farmer of a remote village to even had a breathing technique. Not to mention, it had advantages for a farmer like the boy.


    When one cultivating with this technique, it gathered the Qi from surrounding and filled the vegetables around the practitioner with Qi, enriching the vegetables. The more Qi a vegetable stored, the tastier and nourishing it was. And the most important thing was, the more Qi it has the more value it has. It also the same with meat. This was why the boy''s vegetables sold for quite a lot.


    After repeating the technique for five times, the boy felt energized and the fatigue from the field work was gone. The boy stood and cast Cleanse spell to rid of the filth from sitting, then he went to the wooden wagon, ready to went to the village to sold his harvest.


    Just as he was about to set out, a bright youth voice called out to him.


    " Little Xiu! "

 2 Jadesea Village

    Yan Xiu, the boy, frowned in annoyance. He turned around and saw a youth running toward him with a bundle of fish in his hand. Yan Xiu crossed his hand and glared at the youth but it didn''t scare anyone, as he''s fair complexion and plump cheek negate it all. He only looked like a kid pouting cutely. While his face might not be scary, his cold tone could scare someone.


    " what are you doing here? scrounge a free meal again? " (MC)


    The youth, the recipient of the cold voice, wasn''t affected by Yan Xiu''s word or cold tone. The youth''s long black hair glide in the air as he ran toward Yan Xiu. Despite his medium build his muscle was well-defined and his sleeveless robe emphasized his muscular arm, the youth was oozing with manly charm. He smiled and rubbed Yan Xiu''s head and spoke affectionately.


    " come now, don''t put such serious face. It''ll ruin your cuteness. Come come. Smile for this brother. "


    The youth tugged the corner of Yan Xiu''s mouth with his finger as he showed Yan Xiu a wide smile. Yan Xiu smiled coldly.


    " if you''re here just for that then scram! Lu Hao, you''re here only to scrounge for food right? " (MC)


    The youth, Lu Hao, looked pained and wronged.


    " how could you say that? big brother is here because he''s worried about you, alright. How can you wrongly accused me like that? " (LH)


    Yan Xiu scoffed at Lu Hao''s word. worried? then who was it that come here every time he could? and only came on meal time? shamelessly asking for food and said I was not a good host when I didn''t give you any food? Yan Xiu looked coldly at the fishes Lu Hao''s brought. Even with his thick face, Lu Hao felt awkward and guilty under Yan Xiu''s gaze. Giving up, he raised his hand.


    " alright, I did want scrounge for meal but this time I brought my own food okay? I just want you to cook it, it''s not too troublesome right? " (LH)


    Said Lu Hao as he showed the fishes in his hand.


    " hm! so you know that there is no free lunch in this world. good good, but why should I cook it for you? " (MC)


    " please! it''s just cooking some fishes. It''s not too much a problem right? little Xiu, please cook it! I''ll help you prepare it okay! " (LH)


    The first time Lu Hao tried Yan Xiu''s cooking, his stomach fell hard for Yan Xiu''s food. So Lu Hao thickened his face and scrounge for food from Yan Xiu at every chance he gets. His stomach could no longer survive without Yan Xiu. Lu Hao put his hand together and mustered all his cuteness as he showed puppy eyes to Yan Xiu.


    " don''t do that. It''s not cute alright. Fine fine, I''ll cook it. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu studied the fish in Lu Hao''s hand, the light green colored fishes were plump and freshly caught, looking very delicious. Never waste food, it was Yan Xiu way of life.


    " let''s cook by the river. " (MC)


    Cooking in such a good day, it just have to be outdoor roasting. Beside it was on the way. Ignoring Lu Hao who showed his happiness so blatantly, Yan Xiu ran to his home and packed some spices and a small kitchen knife in small bag before returning.


    " let''s go. " (MC)


    Said Yan Xiu as he put his hand on the wagon''s handle to pulled it.


    " little Xiu, let me pull it, you just ride the pig. " (LH)


    Said Lu Hao with fawning expression. Yan Xiu rolled his eye at him, even if you wanted to fawn over me, could you not make it so obvious? Yan Xiu cast Cleanse on the Six Feet Pig, he then took the egg basket and climbed on the pig. When Yan Xiu already sat stably on the pig, Lu Hao pulled the wagon, with his strength as a Qi Refinement third stage cultivator it was easy for him to pull the pig and the wagon. And so they set out to the village.


    The Six Feet Pig didn''t offer the best riding experience, the strange rhythm of steps caused by the pig''s three pairs of feet caused Yan Xiu a little discomfort. But it was forgotten because of the view offered when Yan Xiu sat on the pig, the higher viewpoint was pleasing for Yan Xiu. He looked around, the pristine water, lush green trees, colorful wild flower, and cute critters.


    The gentle wind brought the scent of flowers and spring, Yan Xiu closed his eyes and enjoyed the tranquil nature around him. At times like this, Yan Xiu just wanted to lie down on the grass and slept. Although they were forced to stop once in a while because the Six Feet Pig stopped and ate something in the way, it was still an enjoyable journey. Yan Xiu was still immersed in the nature around him when an energetic voice disturbed him.


    " little Xiu, we''re here. " (LH)


    said Lu Hao excitedly as he pointed at the river. Yan Xiu frowned in displeasure because he was disturbed, he glared at Lu Hao but didn''t said anything. Yan Xiu jumped down from the pig and placed the egg basket on the wagon. He then took the bundle of fish from Lu Hao and plucked a big leaf before making his way to the river.


    " gather some firewood and lit a fire, I''ll prepare the fishes. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu said that without turning around. Lu Hao happily gathered the firewood after he parked the wagon and tied the pig onto a tree beside the river.


    " well, let''s prepare these fishes. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu laid the leaf on the ground, He then released the rope and laid the fish on top of the leaf, there were six fish in total. Yan Xiu took out the kitchen knife from his bag, he took one of the fish and cut the belly open. He took out the organs and cleaned the fish of any black bit inside the body. After that done, he cut the part under the gills and smoothly took out gills.


    With one last wash, the fish was clean. Yan Xiu then make three cuts on each sides of the fish so that the fish cook thoroughly and so that the spice could be absorbed into the meat of the fish.


    Yan Xiu did this on all the fishes, when all the fishes were done processed, he lined them up on the leaf and started coating them with spices. He coated them evenly on every side. With the fishes done, he turned around and saw Lu Hao just about to lit the firewood.


    Lu Hao arranged the firewood like a tent and cast introductory spell Ignite, a small fire came out from his hand and landed on the dried leaves below the firewood. The small fire grew bigger and the bonfire was ready.


    Yan Xiu brought the fishes and sat near the bonfire, he took the extra twigs and shoved it inside the fishes mouth. Yan Xiu stabbed the twigs with fishes on it on the ground close to the bonfire and slowly roast them. After a few minutes of roasting, a fragrant smell of spices and roasted fish filled the air. Yan Xiu and Lu Hao could feel their saliva pooled inside their mouth when they smell it, even the Six Feet Pig turned to look at the roasted fish.


    " little Xiu, is it done yet? " (LH)


    said Lu Hao impatiently as he inched closer to the fish, as for the pig, if it weren''t for the fact it was tied to the tree, it would probably already dashed to the fish and devoured it. Yan Xiu was still patient as he wait for the fishes to be roasted to perfection, Yan Xiu was a perfectionist for food. A few minutes passed before Yan Xiu took the fishes off the fire, he took two for himself and gave three for Lu Hao and one for the pig.


    As the provider, Lu Hao of course got half of the dish. As for the pig, it was it''s last meal. Lu Hao heart warmed, I know little Xiu like me, thought Lu Hao as he ate with great relish. If Yan Xiu knew what Lu Hao thought he would rolled his eye at Lu Hao, isn''t it obvious for the provider to get half? what are you moved about for?


    Despite what Yan Xiu thought and did, he didn''t hate Lu Hao. Yan Xiu thought Lu Hao as a friend and sometimes even as a big brother, but he would never said that. Yan Xiu bit into his roasted fish and the taste of spices engulfed his mouth. The soft yet firm fish meat taste sweet combined with the salty and spicy spices and the bitter bits of roasted skins resulted in a harmony of tastes.


    It''ll be even more tasty if I have some sauce to go with it, thought Yan Xiu. The two people and one pig ate with relish without speaking as they focused on their food. After a short rest, they resume they journey.


    " little Xiu, we''re almost at the village. " (LH)


    Lu Hao pointed to the front, a small gate and fences with two villagers guarding the gate was visible.


    A plaque hung on the gate, the words on the plaque was Jadesea Village.

 3 Selling Crops and Livestock

    Yan Xiu and Lu Hao slowly making their way toward the village entrance, the guards called out to them when they drew near. The guards smiled when they saw the cute scene of Yan Xiu wearing his cat-eared hoodie while riding a pig.


    " little Xiu, here''s to sale your harvest? "


    " un. " (MC)


    " I see. well, go on then. Aunt Ye and uncle Lu probably already waiting for you. "


    " thank you, uncle. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu smiled as he waved at them when he past them, one of the guard looked at Lu Hao sternly and said.


    " pull the wagon carefully, make sure little Xiu doesn''t fall. "


    " why are you being stern only to me?! " (LH)


    Lu Hao was speechless, he pulled it very carefully alright? and even if Yan Xiu did fall, he was a second stage Qi Refinement cultivator okay? if the fall from a pig''s back could hurt a cultivator at that stage, he should just quit being a cultivator!


    Lu Hao pulled the wagon while grumbling but he still make sure he pulled it gently, Yan Xiu was giggling on the pig''s back. Everytime a villager saw them, the villager would call out to them and the two of them would reply back. The village was small but the people was kind and cared for each other like a big family. The wooden houses and greenery in the village gave the village a being one with the nature feeling.


    Most of the men were working on the field and the women doing house chores, the kids was playing and the more diligent one was either helping their parent or cultivating. The kids that saw Yan Xiu riding the pig followed him and said that they want to ride the pig too. The Six Feet Pig might be the lowest tier of beast but it still strong enough to let a few kids rode on it''s back.


    Yan Xiu let them rode the pig in turn with him holding them from behind. When the reached aunt Ye store, Yan Xiu jumped down from the pig and took the vegetable basket on the wagon and Lu Hao called aunt Ye. A middle aged lady came out from the store after Lu Hao called out, the lady glared at Lu Hao.


    " do you have to shout so loud? I''m not deaf. "


    Lu Hao wanted to cry, he just called her normally, when did he shout out loud? when aunt Ye saw Yan Xiu picking up the vegetable basket, she rushed toward him and stopped, she also lightly reprimand him.


    " aiya, what are you doing little Xiu? you should left this heavy lifting to an adult. hey, what are you doing dazing there? quickly pick this up and take it to the measurement stone! " (AY)


    " ..... " (LH)


    Lu Hao felt like an old wife that fell out of favor, he remembered that aunt Ye doted on him before but now he had grown up and Yan Xiu appeared, he was forgotten and she doted on Yan Xiu now. Cowering before aunt Ye''s authoritative glare, Lu Hao carried the vegetable basket to the measurement stone. Yan Xiu was smiling on the surface but he was rolling on the ground laughing in his mind. While he didn''t hate Lu Hao, he kept a little grudge against him.


    Yan Xiu''s three most hated people was from the bottom to top, people who disturb him, people who vandalized his things, and the top was people who took his food. Lu Hao filled the third and first criteria, because of that Yan Xiu was pleased when his in trouble.


    " as expected of little Xiu''s vegetable, it has such a nice color and luster! the taste and size is nice too! and the most important thing, it contained quite a lot of Qi in it! " (AY)


    True to it''s name, the Fire Tomato was crimson in color like a ball of fire and the stalk was yellow in color. Aunt Ye bite into one of the tomato and a burst of fresh spicy and sour taste permeated her mouth and inside the flurry of taste was the gentle Qi of Spirit Vegetable. Spirit Vegetable was a term for any vegetable that contains Qi. Spirit Vegetable''s Qi was gentle in nature and such very easy to absorb and nourishing for cultivator and mortal.


    Yan Xiu also sold his eggs to aunt Ye, Yan Xiu earned a lot with both Fire Tomato and the Rainbow-tailed Chicken eggs.


    " little Xiu, here''s 10 Spirit Stone. Are you sure you don''t want to sell it at the city? you can sold it for more in the city. " (AY)


    " no, it''s okay. I want to sell it to aunt Ye. " (MC)


    the closest city from Jadesea village was Crystal city, it was two days travel to the north from Jadesea village. Yan Xiu thought about it before but decided to not sold it to the city, simply because he didn''t want extra problem nor did he need extra money. Selling his crops to the village is simple and fulfilled his need already, so there was no need to went to extra length and sold it to the city.


    Aunt Ye shook her head helplessly and stroke Yan Xiu''s head lovingly, deep in her eyes was pity when she saw Yan Xiu. Aunt Ye thought she hide it well but Yan Xiu could see the pity in her eyes, Yan Xiu didn''t say anything and let aunt Ye stroke his head. Riding the pig again, Yan Xiu and Lu Hao went to the next destination.


    After a short walk they reached their destination, Lu Hao''s house, Lu family butchery. Lu Hao was about to called out like he did at aunt Ye but a strong voice already hit him before he let out his.


    " you idiot son, come here!! "


    When Lu Hao heard the voice, he paled and remembered something before cursing at himself and turned around to run away. Barely running a few steps, a strong muscular arm grabbed Lu Hao''s and a fist fell to his head.


    " ouch! " (LH)


    A middle aged man stood behind Lu Hao, his face showed his rage. The man was Lu Hao''s dad, Lu Rianli. there was wrinkle on his face but it didn''t decrease his handsomeness, in fact, it gave his handsome face additional flavor. His body was slender yet muscular, Lu Hao completely inherited his dad''s good parts.


    " dad, can''t you not hit me so hard?! " (LH)


    " shut up! did you go and bother little Xiu again this morning? " (LR)


    Lu Hao instantly shut up and his eyes swam around, Lu Rianli knew the answer after seeing his son expression. He shook his head and sigh.


    " why can''t you be a little diligent? I hope you learn a little from little Xiu and helped me a little as the heir of this butchery. " (LR)


    Lu Hao already grew calluses in his ears from listening to his dad comparing him to little Xiu, Lu Hao didn''t have any interest in being a butcher, his interest lied on cultivating and eating. That was why, no matter what his father said he would never stop scrounge for food from Yan Xiu. Well, maybe he will help out sometime. Just so to ease the nagging he would receive.


    Turning his head to Yan Xiu, Lu Rianli saw Yan Xiu pulling a pig toward him and his eyes brightened. The Six Feet Pig was bigger than normal, the black pig''s skin was shining when hit by sunlight. Lu Rianli ran his hand all over the pig, from his experience as a butcher, he knew this pig''s meat has a good balance between meat and fat. Every part of the pig was filled with meat, even the three pairs of feet was fat. Lu Rianli laughed and stroke Yan Xiu''s head.


    " good! little Xiu, you really had talent as a farmer! " (LR)


    While his touch was kind of rough, it didn''t felt bad. Yan Xiu liked it when Lu Rianli stroke his head, it reminded him of his papa. Lu Hao who saw this scene was speechless once again, he began to doubt was he really his dad''s son?


    Lu Rianli brought the pig into the store, when he pass the door he remembered something.


    " little Xiu, I''ve taught you how to butcher small beasts but has yet to teach you how to butcher big beasts right? this is a good chance, come here and I''ll teach you. " (LR)


    Yan Xiu was indeed learning how to butcher from Lu Rianli, and while he was already taught how to butcher little beasts, Yan Xiu still didn''t know how to butcher big beasts. Hearing what Lu Rianli said, Yan Xiu eagerly followed Lu Rianli into the store. Seeing the two people disappeared into the store, Lu Hao could only followed them after putting the wagon on the side.

 4 First Experience

    Lu Rianli brought the pig into the butcher room. The pig resisted when it came near the room, it didn''t budge and refused to move. With no other way, Lu Rianli picked up the pig and carried it into the room. As a butcher, he had to have enough strength to butcher beast and as a third stage Qi Refinement cultivator, he had enough strength to handle the beast from around the village, as the beasts around the village were weak. The strongest beast ever sighted around the village was only fifth stage Qi Refinement beast, which was quickly brought down by the hunters of the village.


    The butcher room was surprisingly clean and organized, but no amount of cleaning could erase the thick smell of blood in the room. Hanging on the wall was all kind of knives, ropes, chains and there were barrels of cleaned bones of beasts. There was another door inside the butcher room, leading to the cold storage room, where Lu Rianli stored the meats and other perishable.


    " Little Xiu, your dad is really a genius! Thanks to him making the water hose, the room is a lot better and cleaner than ever! Not to mention the cold storage room, now I don''t have to worry about the meat gone bad fast in summer! " (LR)


    Like Lu Rianli had said, Yan Xiu''s papa made the water hose and cold storage room for him when Lu Rianli complained about the filthy states of his butchery room, and how fast the meat gone bad in the summer when they were drinking together. The water hose was the same with the stone pedestal on Yan Xiu''s field, and the cold storage room was essentially a big version of the refrigerator in Yan Xiu''s house. The hose was just a long hose with Sprout Water inscription on one end, while the cold storage room was just a room with a larger Freezing Air inscription inscribed on the ceiling.


    " Little Xiu, is your father and mother still”­ ? " (LR)


    Lu Rianli asked with a serious face and worried eyes. Yan Xiu only shook his head with a faint smile on his face.


    " I see. Well, don''t worry. Those two are definitely still alive, they probably just got held up by something. " (LR)


    " Yeah, uncle is smart not like my dad, he would definitely come back. " (LH)


    Noticing the heavy mood and the drop on Yan Xiu''s mood, the Lu father and son comforted Yan Xiu but the son said one word too much and got what coming for him. Lu Rianli''s fist decent on Lu hao''s head.


    " OUCH! " (LH)


    " Did you just said your father''s an idiot, you idiot son?! " (LR)


    Lu Rianli roared at Lu Hao with menacing look in his eyes. Seeing the Lu father and son antics, Yan Xiu laughed as his mood was uplifted. With the little guy smiled again, Lu Rianli and Lu Hao was relieved, Lu Rianli stroke Yan Xiu''s head for a little before heading to the table on the middle of the butcher room. He put the pig on top of the table and took a leather rope off the wall, Lu Rianli then tied the legs of the pig to the small sticks on the side of the table with the rope.


    The pigs resisted but it was futile, Lu Rianli quickly fasten all the pig''s leg. With the pigs restrained, he took a barrel and put it under the table. He beckoned Yan Xiu and gave him a long knife.


    " Little Xiu, as you know, the first thing to do when butchering is to drain the animal''s blood first. The best way to do that is to cut the neck of the beast. As a butcher you need to do this and get used to it. " (LR)


    When he taught butchering to Yan Xiu, Lu Rianli was strict. Yan Xiu nodded at Lu Rianli as Yan Xiu picked up a stool and placed it near the table. The table was a little high, so Yan Xiu needed a stool to see the top of the table. Standing on the stool, Yan Xiu''s face was serious as he gripped the knife in his hand tightly. Yan Xiu looked at the pig, he pulled the pig''s head away to made it look up, and slide the blade underneath the pig''s neck. Yan Xiu took a deep breath, he pulled his hand and the knife made a deep cut on the pig''s neck.


    The pig jerked violently and shrieked in pain, huge amount of blood gushed out from the deep cut and painted the white table red. Yan Xiu held the pig''s head down so that the blood doesn''t paint the whole room red with blood. Drains were made into the table, so the blood pooling on the table flowed down to the barrel under the table. Even with Yan Xiu holding the pig''s head down, some blood still landed on his hand, face and clothes. Lu Rianli only watched the whole process, he didn''t move to help Yan Xiu.


    Yan Xiu needed to do this alone and Lu Rianli knew he could do it, so Lu Rianli didn''t make any move to help Yan Xiu. Lu Hao was the only one flustered, he was worried that Yan Xiu would be traumatized by this and stopped cooking meat altogether. That would be very bad for him, while he didn''t hate vegetable but he prefers meats more.


    When the pig''s stopped moving, Lu Rianli patted Yan Xiu''s shoulder. Yan Xiu was as still as a statue while holding on the pig''s head. The pat on his shoulder woke him up from his daze. Yan Xiu''s slowly pulled his hand away from the pig, his bloody hand was still trembling. Yan Xiu could still hear the pig''s painful shrieks in his head, the pig''s spasms and trembling still felt so clearly on his hand. His face paled, The blood on his body felt really heavy.


    " Can you still do this on your own? Do you still want to learn butchery? " (LR)


    Lu Rianli asked Yan Xiu as he looked Yan Xiu in the eyes, Lu Hao worriedly looked at Yan Xiu behind his dad. Lu Rianli actually didn''t want to taught butchery to Yan Xiu. He thought that it was too bloody for Yan Xiu. Yan Xiu was still a child, he should have still be playing with his peers and lived carefree live like other children in the village, but the young Yan Xiu was already living on his own, as he tended the field and raised livestocks. Not only he was learning butchery, Lu Rianli heard he had even managed to convince the village chief and the head hunter of the village to let him learned how to hunts.


    He hoped that Yan Xiu would quit learning butchery after this. He could always learn butchery after he grew up some more. Even if Yan Xiu didn''t learn how to, Lu Rianli would forces his son to learn from him to help Yan Xiu, as he was his son and the heir of his butchery. It was a rare occurrence, the Lu father and son agreeing on the same thing, even though it was only in their mind. Lu Hao was actually thinking learning how to butcher from his father, he didn''t want to risk Yan Xiu getting traumatized by this and stopped cooking meat. That would be very tragic for him and his stomach.


    Yan Xiu could see the concern in Lu Rianli''s eyes. Yan Xiu felt warm and the scary feeling from before was soon forgotten. After his parent sudden disappearance, the Lu told him to stay in their house until his parent came back. But Yan Xiu refused them and waited for his parent in his house. The Lu didn''t insist Yan Xiu after he refused but they told him to come to them if Yan Xiu had any problem, no matter how small it was.


    Yan Xiu shook his head and smiled at Lu Rianli.


    " It''s okay, uncle. I''m okay, just a little startled, that''s all. I''ll be used to this after a while. " (MC)


    Lu Rianli knew Yan Xiu was not acting tough when he observed his expression, Lu Rianli only sighed and stroke Yan Xiu''s head with fondness.


    " You''re a strong child, your father would be very proud of you. " (LR)


    Yan Xiu smiled brightly and enjoyed the feeling of Lu Rianli stroking his head. His pale face got a little bit better. Lu Hao went out and came back with clean cloth, he turn on the hose and urged Yan Xiu to wash off the blood on his hand and face. After cleaning and drying his hand and face, Yan Xiu cast Cleanse spell on himself and washed off all the blood on his clothes.


    In the meantime, Lu Rianli cut off the pig''s head from it''s body, untied the pig''s legs and hanged it on top of the table with the hooks on the pig''s leg. Lu Rianli placed the head on the table as he looked at the slightly pale Yan Xiu, and told him to rest first as they wait for the pig to be drained of it''s blood. Lu Hao agreed and told Yan Xiu to ate something first before continuing. Yan Xiu knew Lu Rianli and Lu Hao was worried about and him, so he didn''t refuse them.


    And so, the three of them left the butcher room and onward to the dining room.

 5 Eating Together

    Just like in Yan Xiu''s house, the Lu family dining room was combined with kitchen. Cooking in the kitchen was a beautiful lady with long raven hair, wearing a grey robe, she was the wife of Lu Rianli and mother of Lu Hao, Xiao ShanShan. Madam Lu was about to cook lunch when she heard Yan Xiu came, she then changed the menu and cook one more portion for Yan Xiu. With the three of them came inside the room, she turned her head to looked at them with a smile.


    " Go wash your hand before you sit, you three. Food''s almost ready, " (XSS)


    The three of them salivate when they smelt the fragrance coming from the kitchen, they quickly washed their hand and sat on the table. On the table was four set of bowl of rice and chopsticks. Before long the food was done, Yan Xiu went into the kitchen and helped Xiao ShanShan carrying the plate of food to the table.


    " Aunt, let me help, " (MC)


    " Little Xiu, you''re the guest, just sit, " (XSS)


    " It''s okay, I want to help, " (MC)


    Yan Xiu smiled and carried two plates on each hand before bringing them to the table. Xiao ShanShan, who was behind Yan Xiu, stroke his head after putting the plate to the table with a smile full of affection.


    " Little Xiu is really a good child, " (XSS)


    " Yeah, unlike a certain idiot son, " (LR)


    Lu Rianli snickered while gazing at a certain person. At this point Lu Hao had already become numb. He already know that everyone loves the younger child and discriminate against the old one. When he was still a child, everyone doted on him. Now that his grown up, everyone doted on the still-a-child Yan Xiu. Such a cruel world, thought Lu Hao, with an expression like an abandoned old wife. But, Lu Hao didn''t dwelled in his thought very long because his attention was taken by the food on the table, so did Lu Rianli and Yan Xiu.


    There was three dishes on the table. The first dish was shredded spicy beef, which was like it''s name, beef from One-horned Cow shredded to short thin strips then fried until it''s crispy with a mix of Snow Garlic, sweet soy sauce, and Crimson Chili. The second dish was soy sauce base egg soup, fried Rainbow-tailed Chicken''s eggs which then were boiled with soy sauce soup base and then added with Crimson Chili and Snow Garlic. The third dish was Sauteed Deep Water Spinach, a simply Deep Water Spinach sauteed with small dices of tofu and mushroom and a little bit of water.


    Yan Xiu''s eyes brightened. He sat down and waited for everyone to took their fill before he take something for himself. The most impatient one was the glutton Lu Hao, he swiftly reached out for the shredded spicy beef and ate it with rice. The strong sweet and spicy taste of the beef was mellowed out by the rice, but it didn''t lose it''s taste. It was in fact elevated by the rice. Lu Hao closed his eyes in bliss, as he enjoyed the crispy texture of the beef and soft rice in their combined tastes. The more he chews the more flavor flowed out of the beef. When he swallowed, he moaned at the taste.


    The second one was Lu Rianli. He took one eggs with some of the soup and poured it into his rice bowl. The eggs was cooked briefly with a lot of oil in high heat, resulting in it being fluffy with no hard edges. Lu Rianli poked the egg yolk and the yellow syrupy egg yolk flowed out, he scoop the egg yolk up with rice and put it in his mouth. The egg yolk didn''t smell fishy at all, it had a deep with slight salty taste. The soup was sweet and spicy with clean salty aftertaste.


    Xiao ShanShan prefers vegetable than meat, she took the spinach into a small bowl along with it''s soup, mushroom, and tofu. The Sauteed Deep Water Spinach''s soup was thick with golden brown color, the swimming verdant green Deep Water Spinach look like a mountain in the middle of golden sea. Xiao ShanShan slurped up the spinach like noodle, the spinach was crisp and bursting with flavor with every bite, the viscous soup coated her mouth with salty taste and leave behind a slightly sweet aftertaste. The tofu and mushroom also add new texture and taste to the dish, making one never felt bored when eating it. Xiao ShanShan licked her lips with her small tongue, not wasting any bits of the soup.


    When the Lu family already took the food, Yan Xiu reached out for the beef. The moment he tasted it, he almost burst to tears. These dishes were his favorites, his mama used to make it all the time for him before she disappeared. Looking at the Lu family, it had been a while since the last time he ate together. He reminded of his parent, the time where they ate together just like this. Tears gathered in his eyes, threatening to fell but Yan Xiu held it back. He reached out for other dish and ate with gusto. Xiao ShanShan saw the tears in Yan Xiu''s eyes, she felt sad for the boy.


    This dishes was taught to her by Yan Xiu''s mother. When she heard Yan Xiu was coming, she prepared these dishes for him. She knew that he missed his parent, while she couldn''t be his mother, she could at least cook for him. While the mother was thinking that, the father and son was too busy gorging on the food. Xiao ShanShan saw Yan Xiu''s rice bowl was empty, she smiled.


    " Little Xiu, do you want second? Don''t hold back, there''s still many food to go around okay? " (XSS)


    As a household with two cultivators in it, Xiao ShanShan always made many food at every meal.


    """ Second!! """ (MC, LH, LR)


    The three boys pushed their bowls to Xiao ShanShan, she giggled and refilled their bowls. The three of them were done after having seconds another two times, their stomach were sticking out after being filled with foods. Xiao ShanShan tidied up the table and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.


    " Shan''er your cooking skill increased again, it was delicious! " (LR)


    " Mom, that was tasty!" (LH)


    " Aunty, it was really tasty! " (MC)


    " Fufu, thank you. Little Xiu, come whenever you want okay, aunty will cook tasty dishes for you anytime, " (XSS)


    " Un! " (MC)


    After they rested for a little to digest the food, the three of them went back to the butcher room. The pig was done bleeding out, Lu Rianli picked up the barrels containing the blood and set it elsewhere before washing the blood on the table. He then washed the pig thoroughly before he took a knife and stood before the pig.


    " Little Xiu, what I can and am teaching you is how to butcher game at home, as for butchering at the field, the head hunter can teach you about that. Now, first thing after bleeding out the pig is to take out the organs. It is easier to do it while it hang upside down, you start from taking out the rectum. It will make it easier for you when you take out the intestine, you make a cut on the genital then back to the rectum. " (LR)


    Lu Rianli hands moved as he dictated what he was doing, his every move was very smooth and looked easy even though it wasn''t.


    " After that, you just cut from the first cut all the way to the neck. Make sure not to puncture the stomach or intestine or it will taint your meat. Then, you gently took out the stomach and intestine. After washing, it could be eaten. " (LR)


    Lu Rianli took out a barrel and put the organs inside.


    " With the organs out, you can start skinning it. You start from the legs, connect it to the stomach then to the front leg and finally take it off from the back. Just gently cut the film below the skin. " (LR)


    The pig soon deprived from it''s skin, showing the red meat beneath it. The skin was spread and hang on the hook.


    " Now, just like small beasts, there are many cuts on the big beasts. I''ll show you one by one, pay attention. " (LR)


    Lu Rianli then start cutting the meat. Shoulder, ham, front hock, loin, chops and many more. Lu Rianli quickly cut the meat, his experienced hand didn''t waste any meat. The meat and bones then placed on the table orderly. It was an amazing spread.


    " Well, did you remember it? " (LR)


    " I guess, but not everything. " (MC)


    " Hahaha, that''s okay. No one get it at the first time, you can remember it by doing it over and over. " (LR)


    " Thanks, uncle. " (MC)


    Lu Rianli smiled at Yan Xiu, if it weren''t for the stench on his hand, he would be stroking Yan Xiu''s head.


    " Well, go on then. You start learning hunting today right? Go, I''ll delivered the meat to your house later. " (LR)


    " Ah! I almost forgot thank you uncle! " (MC)


    Yan Xiu ran toward the head hunter''s house after bowing to Lu Rianli. Lu Hao and Lu Rianli waved at Yan Xiu, Lu Rianli then prepared the meat and organs. Lu Hao was about to went out the room when he heard Lu Rianli''s word.


    " Take this to little Xiu''s house later. " (LR)


    Lu Hao almost fell, you''re the one that said you''ll deliver it. Why do you told me to do that now?!

 6 Becoming A Hunter

    Yan Xiu ran toward the village exit after he left the Lu family''s house. The head hunter was a highly organized person, and it shows in his leadership. The hunters always went hunting at fixed times. They went out at the middle of the day and came back before dark.


    The hunters gathered at the village exit before each hunting, to do briefing and last check. Yan Xiu hastened his pace. He knew that the head hunter values punctuality, he didn''t want to give the head hunter a bad first impression by being late.


    There were five men before the village exit, the head hunter stood upright with his hand on his back. A black unadorned spear hanged on his back. In his sides were two senior hunters, one had a bow on his back while the other had two daggers on his waist. The two youths in front of them with one of them carriyng an axe and the other had a saber.


    After Yan Xiu got closer, he saw that the head hunter and the senior hunters wore a black colored leather armor. The two youths were just using normal clothes.


    The two youths face were tense and serious. They stood straight with their hands on their back.


    Yan Xiu reached them. He then bowed in greetings to the head hunter and senior hunters.


    " Head hunter and senior hunters, I apologise for being late." (MC)


    The head hunter had Sharp eyebrows like that of a sword, long flowing raven hair with few white hairs. Muscular body, masculine face with strict air like that of a teacher. Yan Xiu''s eyes glittered when he saw the spear on the head hunter''s back let out pulses of wild qi. A spirit weapon! Shouted Yan Xiu inwardly.


    The head hunter, Xiao Musheng, opened his eyes briefly to saw Yan Xiu before closing his eye again after nodding at him.


    The other two senior hunters were surprised when they saw Yan Xiu. Their teacher did say there would be a new trainee today and he was boy.


    They thought it was a teen, since to their teacher even they were still can be called boys. But to think that the new trainee was truly a boy. They really didn''t expect this.


    They looked at their teacher. Seeing that their teacher closed his eyes, they turned to Yan Xiu and nodded before closing their eyes. Since the teacher didn''t want to explain, they wouldn''t ask.


    Yan Xiu didn''t bothered, he knew that the head hunter was a man of few words and so did his student. Yan Xiu turned and bowed at ther two youths.


    The two youths were just as bewildered as the two senior hunters. To think that the new addition was a boy truly suprised them. When they returned to normal, they smiled and let Yan Xiu stood between them.


    The three of them chatted and grew close. The two youths told Yan Xiu the rule and what to watch out for. Toward such a cute boy, the two youths felt the need to protect him. They also wanted to show off a little.


    After the three chatted for a while, Xiao Musheng opened his eyes. He looked up briefly before speaking.


    " It''s time. "


    Yan Xiu and the youths stopped talking. Xiao Musheng looked at Yan Xiu and asked.


    " Qi Refining second stage. How long have you started cultivating? " (XM)


    " 8 months. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu''s answer startled everyone. Xiao Musheng only surprised briefly before calming down, while the others were still shocked.


    The two senior hunters and two youths were staring at Yan Xiu like they saw a ghost. All the cultivators in the village only had low level cultivation technique to train. They also lacked pills and resources to boost their cultivation.


    If they wanted to have a better cultivation technique, they would have to join a sect. Even a small sect have better cultivation technique, resources, and cultivating environment than the village. Not to mention the big sects. Thus, the speed of cultivating between a villager than a sect disciple was vastly different.


    And yet, despite all that, Yan Xiu was able to reached second stage of Qi refinement in only 8 months. Normally, it would take 2 year or more for a villager to reach the same stage as Yan Xiu.


    A genius. The word appeared on the four peoples minds. Yan Xiu''s speed of cultivating was that of a genius. Maybe it was normal or even slow for a sect cultivator, but for a loose cultivator it was heaven-defying.


    Yan Xiu didn''t realised his own achievement. He was too focused on raising his crops and livestock. Lu Hao had tried to explained it to Yan Xiu, but he was always distracted by good food and forgot about it.


    Seeing Yan Xiu''s confused expression to their surprised looks, the four people wanted to explained to Yan Xiu. But they were cut by Xiao Musheng.


    " Let''s go. Hanchen, you''ll stay and brief him. Teach him all he ought to know. Yan Xiu, listen well to your senior. " (XM)


    " Yes, teacher! " (CH)


    " Yes, head hunter! " (MC)


    Chen Hanchen bowed as he acknowledged his task, Yan Xiu also bowed. Xiao Musheng nodded and left with the rest. After they left, Chen Hanchen brought Yan Xiu to the head hunter''s house which double as the village''s hunters house.


    It was a big two story wooden house with bones decoration. Most of house was made with wood and some of it was made with bones. There was also a thropy of skull of beast hanged on top of the entrance. The bones and skulls gave the house a wild and savage look.


    Yan Xiu looked around in marvel, Chen Hanchen smiled proudly when he saw Yan Xiu. The two of them walked to the back of the house. There was a big field with beasts dummy dolls, target practice range and weapon shed at the back of the house.


    The two stood before the weapon shed. Yan Xiu looked around before standing at attention when Chen Hanchen cough.


    " Well, first let me congratulate you for becoming an apprentice hunter. I think you already know the rules from the juniors but let me say it once more. One, never act alone. Two, cooperate with each other. Three, listen to your leader. Four, never abandon or betray your fellow hunter. Any violator will be punished. Do you understand? " (CH)


    Said Chen Hanchen solemnly, Yan Xiu answer seriously when he saw Chen Hanchen grave expression.


    " Yes! " (MC)


    " Good. Next I''m going to teach you about hunting roles. There 4 roles, Tank, Attacker, Disruptor, and Support. The tank is the one that taunt the beast and take the most damage in the team, he make sure that no attack make it past him and hit the other teammates. The one who take this role is one who had confidence in their defence.


    The attacker is the one doing most of the damage. They only need to do one thing and one thing only, attacking the beast to death. Only someone with great offence can fill this role.


    The support is the most crucial role in the team, they''re the one who keep the team alive. Only one who can use healing spell can fill this role. Currently, there are only two support in the team.


    Last but not least, the disruptor. I am one of them, our job is like our name, to disrupt the beast. When the beast want to attack or run, our job is to disrupt that. We also weaken the enemy with poison or spells. Other than that, we helped attack the enemy. We need someone with good observation ability. Do you get all of that? " (CH)


    " Yes! " (MC)


    " Very good. If you forgot later, you can ask your senior or looked up on the hunter guide at the record room. Now, let''s go and pick your weapon. Picking a suitable weapon is crucial for a hunter. " (CH)


    Said Chen Hanchen as he opened the door of the weapon shed. Inside was numerous weapons, some were hanged on the wall, some placed on the table, and some inside a barrel. Yan Xiu''s glittering eyes grew dim when he saw that all the weapons were a normal weapon.


    He thought there would be a spirit weapon like the head hunter''s. Chen Hanchen laughed when he saw Yan Xiu.


    " Sorry to dissapoint you, but there is only two spirit weapon in the whole village. One of it was the head hunter''s and the other is owned by his son. " (CH)


    Seen through by Chen Hanchen, Yan Xiu could only laugh awkwardly. Every newbie though like Yan Xiu when they saw the head hunter''s spirit weapon.


    " For a Qi Refining beasts, a normal weapon is enough. Well, go on then. Pick one, don''t rush. " (CH)


    Under Chen Hanchen guidance, Yan Xiu tried all types of weapon. In the end, Yan Xiu chooses whip and throwing weapons.


    " While I can''t advise you on whipmanship, I can advise you on throwing weapon. Come, I''ll teach you the basics of throwing weapons. But before that, let''s stop at the record room first. " (CH)


    Chen Hanchen then picked up all types of throwing weapon on the weapon shed and went to the record room. Yan Xiu followed closely, taking the whip with him.

 7 Choosing a weapon

    Inside the small record room, there was only small book rack barely filled with books. There was only about thirty books in the rack. Other than the book rack, there was a wide pelt rug for sitting, a table, and some papers, ink, and brushes.


    With how desolate the room was, Yan Xiu was confused. Seeing Yan Xiu''s face, Chen Hanchen could only smile.


    " This room might be practically empty, but compared to other villages, our collection is the biggest. " (CH)


    Hearing what Chen Hanchen said, Yan Xiu realised just how rare and hard it was to get a book, no, anything pertaining cultivation. Chen Hanchen took out three books from the rack.


    " Here, copy this three book. " (CH)


    The three books were "Introduction to throwing and hidden weapon", "Basics pf Whipmanship", and "Green Water Healing Spell". Yan Xiu looked at the three books before sitting down and copy it.


    " Try to understand these three skill. As for the throw weapon, I can teach you anything you don''t understand. So don''t hold back and ask away. For the whip, wait for the others to return. There''s someone who uses whip, he''ll teach you.


    It''s the same for the healing spell. When the other return, there will be someone to teach you. But for now, just try to comprehend it alone first. If you can, it''s good. But if you can''t, then it''s okay too. Just try your best. " (CH)


    " Yes. " (MC)


    Yan Xiu copied the three books seriously, he studied the three skills as he copied them. It took an two hours and half for Yan Xiu to copy the three books.


    " Are you done? Then let''s go. " (CH)


    Chen Hanchen rose and went toward the target practice range. Yan Xiu followed him silently, Yan Xiu was contemplating the three skills in his mind.


    When they reached the range, Chen Hanchen placed all the throwing weapons types he took onto the table there. He then explained to Yan Xiu about how to hold the throwing weapons, how to hide it, how to throw it, and the right posture.


    He only explained the things not recorded in the book. Listening to Chan Hanchen explanation, Yan Xiu understanding about throw weapon significantly increased.


    " You''ve got the theory, now you just need to put it to practice. I had prepared all types of throwing weapons here. Find the one you most proficient in and focus on that one. " (CH)


    " Yes! " (MC)


    Yan Xiu picked up a throwing axe, it was a one sided axe with short handle and good balance. He aimed at the middle target. His posture still flawed but it was better than any hunter who tried it for the first time.


    Yan Xiu threw the axe. While it flew with great power, unfortunately it didn''t hit the target. It misses the target by great margin. Yan Xiu was disappointed for a moment before he tried again with another weapon.


    Yan Xiu picked up a chakram, same with the axe it was unadorned. He aimed again, he corrected his posture and relaxed his body. He was too stiff previously. He breath in and out before throwing the chakram.


    The chakram cut through air and barely grazed the target. Yan Xiu smiled, it might only grazed the target but it was a good improvement for Yan Xiu.


    Yan Xiu tried all the throwing weapon and threw each types twice. He improved slowly but surely after each throw. In the end, Yan Xiu choose two types of throwing weapons; needle and short spear.


    He had better accuracy with these two weapons compared to others. Yan Xiu then went to Chen Hanchen, confirming his choice. Chen Hanchen nodded, he thought that Yan Xiu had talent in throwing weapons.


    Normally, no one would be able to hit the target in his first day. If one could, it would be either he was lucky or talented. And Yan Xiu was the latter. Chen Hanchen was a little excited. With a little guidance and time, Yan Xiu could be a fine hunter. Chen Hanchen wanted to trained him a little longer but he looked at the darkening sky.


    " Let''s stop here today, we''ll continue again tomorrow. Remember to group up at the gate everyday from now on at the same time. You don''t need to come on rainy day, we don''t hunt at rainy day. " (CH)


    " Understood. But is it okay if I take the weapons with me? I want to train at home. " (MC)


    Chen Hanchen thought about it for a sec. Normally, he would say no, but after witnessing Yan Xiu''s talent, he thought of making an exception just for him.


    Yan Xiu might be a boy but he seems pretty mature and serious, Chen Hanchen thought Yan Xiu would be responsible for the weapon. And it would be best for the hunter team if Yan Xiu matured as a hunter as soon as possible.


    The village''s hunter''s job wasn''t only to hunt. They also didn''t only hunt around the village, they also sometimes venture far from the village. Whether it was hunting or for other purposes. While around the village might be safe, the death count started when they venture out.


    With the hunter profession high mortality rate, it was crucial to nurture new hunters as soon as possible.


    " It''s okay but make sure you don''t lose it especially the throwing weapon, got it? " (CH)


    " Yes! " (MC)


    " Good, wait here. " (CH)


    Chen Hanchen went inside the house and back quickly. He had a strap belt in his hand, he put it on Yan Xiu and adjust it for him. The belt extent from his shoulder to his waist.


    The belt had a long shallow pouch for needles and other small throwing weapons in the front and holder for big throwing weapon on the back.


    Chen Hanchen taught Yan Xiu how to wear and adjust the belt. He also taught him how to secure the weapons on the belt, so that it wouldn''t fall.


    " There, put the weapons here. It''s a spare of mine, get used to wearing it. You''ll be wearing this when hunting later. " (CH)


    " Thank you, senior! " (MC)


    " Don''t mention it. It''s just a hand-me-down," (CH)


    Chen Hanchen sent Yan Xiu out with a smile before coming back to the house. With such great harvest today, Yan Xiu was very delighted and couldn''t stop smiling.


    He went to the Lu house for his meat and wagon. Lu Hao was waiting for Yan Xiu outside. Yan Xiu''s wagon beside him, it was filled with meat and bones of the Six Feet Pig.


    Lu Hao waved his hand after he spotted Yan Xiu. When Lu Hao saw the belt and weapon on Yan Xiu, he walked around Yan Xiu.


    " Little Xiu, is this your hunter weapon? Wow, you only join today and you already get one? " (LH)


    Lu Hao was surprised. Although the new hunter did choose their weapon the same day they join, they could only take it out when they became a full-fledged hunter or went out the village for a lesson with their senior.


    This was a fact that everyone knew. It was thanks to Chen Hanchen making the exception for Yan Xiu, he was able to take his weapon out.


    " The senior let me take it out so I can train at my house. " (MC)


    " Hee, I see. Well, here you go. 12 spirit stones for the Six Feet pig. Dad already took half of the meat and bones. " (LH)


    Said Lu Hao as he gave Yan Xiu the spirit stones.


    " 12? What about the butchering fee? " (MC)


    Asked Yan Xiu as he tried to gave Lu Hao spirit stones for the butchering fee. Lu Hao refuses the spirit stones.


    " Don''t mention it, dad also didn''t mind it. " (LH)


    " But”­" (MC)


    " Don''t worry, if you insist on paying, why not cook something for me? " (LH)


    Yan Xiu rolled his eyes, it was your father that doing the butchering, why do I have to treat you? But Yan Xiu still agreed to it.


    " I''ll treat you but help me pulled the wagon to my house. " (MC)


    " Done! " (LH)


    Thus the two of them left after Yan Xiu greeted and thanked Lu Hao''s parent. On the way back, Lu Hao kept requesting a dish. Yan Xiu listened to Lu Hao at first, but ignored him when Lu Hao requested the 8th dish.


    Yan Xiu thought about the Green Water healing skill as he ignored Lu Hao, the two weapons skills were only basics to the weapons so it were easy to understand. But the Green Water healing skill was somehow difficult to understand.


    Yan Xiu could only tried the skill to deepen his understanding. He decided to tried it as soon as he reached home, that was of course after feeding the glutton beside him.


    Yan Xiu looked at Lu Hao who still requesting a dish even though Yan Xiu already didn''t paying an attention to him. Who knows how many dishes he already requested, it was like Lu Hao was chanting a spell at this point.


    Yan Xiu rolled his eyes, did you think I''m a damn restaurant? Yan Xiu ignored Lu Hao completely and thought about the Green Water healing skill. The two of them walked toward Yan Xiu''s house while thinking different things.

 8 Meat Skewers

    When they reached Yan Xiu''s house, it was already dark. Yan Xiu didn''t go inside the house, he went straight to the garden. He checked the crops and the livestock, knowing that there was no problem with both, he then watered the crops.


    Lu Hao was waiting impatiently, looking at his restless figure Yan Xiu chuckled.


    "Go put the wagon in the kitchen, get the charcoal grill from the storage and bring it here." (MC)


    Lu Hao eyes shined brightly when he heard the word "grill".


    "We''re having BBQ?!" (LH)


    "Yeah, so bring the grill out already. And don''t forget the charcoal. Bring a table too." (MC)


    "I''m on it!" (LH)


    Lu Hao walked quickly into the house while pulling the wagon. Lu Hao just passed the door before Yan Xiu called him. Yan Xiu didn''t lock his house because even unlocked, there was no one who could enter his house without his permission.


    Yan Xiu''s papa put up a seal on the house. Anyone who tried to enter the house without permission from Yan Xiu''s family would be attacked by the seal. Currently only the Lu family was granted permission.


    "Oh, while you''re at it, there should be a block of tree in the storage, bring it out and place it there." (MC)


    Said Yan Xiu as he pointed at a spot about 10 meters from him, the same distance as the target practices. Lu Hao was curious but he didn''t ask anything, he nodded and went away. He could ask later, right now he should prepare the grill as soon as possible, because tonight was a feast!


    When Lu Hao went away, Yan Xiu directed his attention at the crops. After watering them and checking once more, Yan Xiu dug out some of the ripe Thousand-layered onions and went to the kitchen. Dropping the onions in a basin in the kitchen, Yan Xiu went to his room and took of his belt. He placed the belt and whip on the table and left for the kitchen after rubbing the belt once.


    Yan Xiu cleaned his hand with cleanse spell before He took a wide basin and put 2.5kg of meat in it, the rest of the meat and bones from the wagon was put inside a chest. It was a big wooden chest and freezing inscription was carved inside it, simply put it was a big ice box.


    Yan Xiu first cut the chunk of meat to a thick steak slices before beating it with a small hammer to soften the meat. Then he cut it all to bit size and put it into the basin. Yan Xiu took out some garlic and ginger from the fridge. He crushed the garlic before dicing it to small pieces, the gingers were grated. He put the garlic and ginger into the meat basin with some salt and water.


    He mix them together with his hands and let it marinate. Next, he chopped the onions to fairly thick slices and he soaked wooden skewers in water to prevent it from being burned later. Yan Xiu took out 3 jars from the cabinet and put it into the wagon. After that, he also put 2 big jug of cold water, 4 brushes, and some oil into the wagon.


    When he turned around, Yan Xiu saw Lu Hao eyeing the meat as if it was a naked beauty with drool threatening to fall from his mouth. Yan Xiu frowned when he saw the state Lu Hao was in. Lu Hao was holding a dirty sack and a block of wood, his whole body was covered with dust and filth.


    "Don''t come into my kitchen when you''re dirty. You''re gonna taint the food!" (MC)


    Said Yan Xiu as he kicked Lu Hao out of the kitchen.


    "Can''t I just see it?" (LH)


    "Go. Don''t bother me, just prepare the grill. I''m almost done." (MC)


    "Don''t forget the sauce, ok?" (LH)


    "I know." (MC)


    Lu Hao reluctantly left the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, Yan Xiu prepared the skewer. He wanted to let the meat marinate longer but someone would complain later. He put three meats and two onion between on each skewer.


    10 minutes later, 70 kebabs were ready. Yan Xiu kept 20 skewers and put it into the fridge, the rest was transferred to a big plate and into the wagon along with two other plates before he pulled the wagon out.


    When Yan Xiu came out, Lu Hao was already waiting for him while fanning the red hot coal.


    "Little Xiu, finally you''re here! Come come! The coal is already hot, you can begin anytime!" (LH)


    The grill was a simple one, it has rectangular shape base with four legs and detachable wire mesh on top. Yan Xiu went toward him and unload all the stuff inside the wagon onto the table beside the grill.


    "Which sauce do you want? I got teriyaki, black pepper, and chilli honey." (MC)


    Lu Hao put on a serious face as he gazed deeply at the three sauces. While Lu Hao was being silly, Yan Xiu coated the wire mesh with oil using a brush. It was time to grill and yet Lu Hao was still thinking, Yan Xiu then cook his first.


    He took two skewers and lightly coated it with the chilli honey. Smoke came out as the meat cook, carried with it was the thick fragrance of honey and chilli. Yan Xiu apatite was whet as he took in the fragrance, Lu Hao snapped out and salivate when he sniffed the smell.


    "Little Xiu, make me three skewers with all the sauce. I want to taste it all." (LH)


    Yan Xiu nodded and cooked four skewers, two coated with teriyaki sauce and the other two with black pepper sauce. Then the air was engulfed with three different fragrances.


    One was the sweet smelling teriyaki sauce, the other one was the stinging spicy smell of the black pepper sauce, the last was the thick sweet spicy smell of honey chilli sauce.


    When the meat was done cooking, Yan Xiu placed three meat each on the two plates. Lu Hao grabbed the skewers and bite it the moment it hit the plate. The hot meat burn his tongue, Lu Hao didn''t spit it out and just blew it before chewing with blissful face. He then eat with gusto.


    "As expected of little Xiu! This taste delicious!" (LH)


    "Right?" (MC)


    Yan Xiu shoot a smug look at Lu Hao and calmly blew his meat before eating it. His first choice was the teriyaki skewer, the meat was stained black with luster like an obsidian. the meat was firm but not tough and after marinating, it didn''t have any bad smell.


    It taste slightly salty with a faint taste of ginger. The teriyaki sauce gave it additional light sweet flavor with clean aftertaste. The grilled onion was soft and sweet.


    Yan Xiu nodded his head and felt satisfied with his work. He devoured the skewer and went on with the next one. His second choice was the black pepper skewer. The numbing spiciness of the pepper tastes even better after the sweet taste from the teriyaki sauce. The spicyness was refreshingly light and went away quickly, it was addicting.


    The last one was Yan Xiu''s favourite, the honey chilli skewer, the honey coated meat was shining like it was made from gold. The thick sauce makes the meat felt bigger.


    The moment he ate it, his mouth was flooded with the heavy sweetness and spiciness. The delicate balance of the lingering sweet and spicy taste was pleasing Yan Xiu''s tongue. Even after swallowing, he could still taste it.


    Yan Xiu closed his eyes as his expression melt as he ate the skewer slowly, enjoying every bite of it. After swallowing the last bite, Yan Xiu opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Lu Hao gazing at him expectantly.


    "Can we continue?" (LH)


    All that left on Lu Hao''s plate was three skewers. He looked pitifully at his empty plate and once again turned his expectant gaze at Yan Xiu.


    ''Did he wait for me to finish eating? He had restrain at odd times.'' thought Yan Xiu. He took his and Lu Hao''s skewers before throwing them one by one at the tree block. The tree block was placed about ten meters from the grill. The skewers was longer than the throwing needles but it still works as a training for Yan Xiu.


    The skewers hit pretty close to the middle of the tree block although it didn''t pierce the tree block. After throwing the skewers, Yan Xiu resume cooking the skewers. Lu Hao was curious but he soon forgot his curiosity after smelling the fragrance of the skewers.


    The two of them continued eating and being merry till late at night. Lu Hao went home with his belly full after helping Yan Xiu tidy up the mess. Yan Xiu gave him the rest of the kebabs he kept, it was for Lu Hao''s parent. While Yan Xiu didn''t plan on retiring for the night yet. He went to his room and picked up the whip, hanging it on his waist and went back to the garden. He first took the skewers out and start training his throwing skill with the tree block as the target.

 9 Result of training

    Skewer after skewer, Yan Xiu didn''t stop training his throwing skill. When he ran out skewers, Yan Xiu collect the thrown out skewers and threw them again.


    After throwing the skewers for about a thousand time, Yan Xiu stopped and rest his body. He sat cross legs and reviewed the result of his training. All the skewers hit the tree block but few of them managed to hit the middle of the tree block.


    He recalled the contents of the throwing weapons basic book comparing it with his own findings. When the reviewing end, Yan Xiu threw the skewers again to ascertained the result of his review. This time the number of the skewers that hit the middle of the tree block increased, although only a few, it was still an improvement.


    Yan Xiu collected the skewers and set it aside before reaching for the whip in his waist. Yan Xiu walked closer to the tree block and swung the three meter long whip at it. The slash made a shallow long mark at the tree block.


    The book said the whip power would increased if it were cracked, yan Xiu tried cracking the whip at the tree block and it made a deeper mark. Seeing the instant improvement Yan Xiu was elated, he began training with vigor.


    After Yan Xiu was done training, the tree was full of long whip marks. Yan Xiu felt fatigue creep in his body, he then decided to end for the night. He tidy up and went to bed after bath.


    @@@


    Come morning Yan Xiu did his routine of checking the crops and livestock and cultivate. Yan Xiu remembered that he had yet to train Green Water healing spell when he was cleaning the pig pen.


    Striking the iron while hot, Yan Xiu tried the spell right there and then. Yan Xiu put his hands in front of him and closed his eyes as he concentrate. Yan Xiu then quietly uttered the name of the spell.


    "Green Drops." (MC)


    But it didn''t work, nothing happened. Yan Xiu didn''t get discourage and kept trying. A moment later, Yan Xiu already expended half of his qi and yet with no result. He looked at the bright sky, it was almost time for the hunter gathering. Making his last attempt, Yan Xiu concentrate real hard, he focused all his attention on his hand before once again uttered the spell.


    "Green Drops!" (MC)


    Slowly his hand glowed with green light, the green light gathered and turn to a few drops of green liquid.


    Yan Xiu opened his eyes and was happy when he saw the green drops floating on his hands. This meant that he was successfully activated the first stage of Green Water healing spell.


    Like it''s name, Green Water spell was a healing-type spell with the form of a green water. The green water produced by the spell could heal wounds from a mere scratch to deep wounds, but the deeper the wound the longer the time it takes to heal it.


    While it could heal wounds, it couldn''t restore lost limbs or organs. The spell could also cure poison but like healing wounds, the stronger the poison the longer the time it takes to cure it. In conclusion, the spell could heal almost all kinds of wounds and poisons but it took times and energy, in theory that is. Since the healing took time, the patient could succumb to the wound or poison first. Or maybe the user would used up his energy first.


    The Green Water healing spell have three stages. The first stage was producing drops of green water, in second stage the practitioner could create streams of green water. In the last stage the practitioner could make the green liquid rain from the heavens.


    Finally reached first stage after many failures Yan Xiu felt elated. If only he knew that the other support hunter took a week to reached first stage of the spell and yet Yan Xiu reached it in only a few hours.


    When Yan Xiu finally aware of his surrounding, he saw the pigs surrounded him while eyeing the green water on his hands. Yan Xiu was surprised, he saw how focused the pigs stare on the green water. Yan Xiu moved his hands left and right and the pigs eyes followed.


    "Want it?" (MC)


    Yan Xiu offered it to the pigs and they scuffle for it. In the end only four pigs got it, they enjoyed the drops even more than their feed. Yan Xiu was perplexed by the pigs reaction but he brushed it aside as he hurry to the village for the hunter gathering.


    He wore the belt and hanged the whip on his waist. Casting cleanse to clean the filth on his body, Yan Xiu then went on his way. Today he didn''t sell anything as he already used the ripe onions to cook yesterday.


    @@@


    When he arrived at the village, Yan Xiu saw Xiao Musheng and two seniors was already standing before the village gate. The other two hunter apprentices were nowhere to be seen, so Yan Xiu guessed he was not late but Xiao Musheng and two seniors were her early.


    Straightening his clothes, Yan Xiu came before them and bowed in greetings. Xiao Musheng nodded at him, his gaze lingered a little on Yan Xiu''s belt and whip.


    Looking at the familiar belt, the other senior hunter, Liu Feng was surprised. He was more surprised about the belt rather than the fact Yan Xiu brought out the hunter weapon.


    He looked at Chen Hanchen and thought ''why did Hanchen give his belt to this boy?'' Liu Feng knew that Chen Hanchen was not someone who act arbitrary.


    A senior hunter giving his junior a hand-me-down was nothing rare, but that''s usually when the previous hunter couldn''t use it anymore, whether it was because the hunter was retiring or wounded, or maybe because it didn''t match him anymore.


    But Chen Hanchen was neither retiring or wounded and while he didn''t use it anymore, he didn''t give it to other newer pro hunter in the team. Since Chen Hanchen gave it to Yan Xiu, that means this little boy has something that make Chen Hanchen gave him the belt rather than giving it to another pro hunter.


    Chen Hanchen saw the inquiries in Xiao Musheng and Liu Feng eyes but he just smiled and didn''t say anything. Chen Hanchen wanted wanted to unearth Yan Xiu''s talent first before telling Xiao Musheng, as Chen Hanchen still didn''t grasp the full extent of Yan Xiu''s talent.


    Xiao Musheng guessed Chen Hanchen''s thought and didn''t inquired anymore. With Xiao Musheng didn''t inquire Chen Hanchen, then Liu Feng stopped too. After the other two apprentice hunters came, Xiao Musheng left to hunt immediately.


    Chen Hanchen took Yan Xiu to the hunter''s house. The two of them went to train the moment they reached the hunter''s house. Yan Xiu eagerly showed his training result and managed to shocked Chen Hanchen.


    Yan Xiu threw his needles and all the needles hit the target. He also managed to hit the center of the target every four throw out of ten. His skill in throwing javelin also rose although not as good as his skill with the needle.


    Using his whip, Yan Xiu worn down the target before broking it in two. Chen Hanchen then tried to test Yan Xiu''s accuracy with the whip, he took some clay ball and throw it into the air and Yan Xiu would hit them with the whip. The result: while Yan Xiu control of his whip was still weak, he could hit the target from a distance two times out of ten. .


    ''To think he could show a visible improvement after only a night.As expected, this guy is really talented! Although his whipmanship is still amateurish, it is better than other newbie. I need to train him good.'' (CH)


    While Chen Hanchen was thinking that, Yan Xiu said something that shocked him again.


    "I almost forgot. Senior brother, I managed to learn the Green Water spell." (MC)


    "What? Really!? Show me!" (CH)


    Yan Xiu cast the spell and conjured drops pf green water. Looking at the green drops Chen Hanchen was stupefied, he quickly make a little cut on his finger and doused it with the drops. The cut disappeared in an instant.


    Chen Hanchen was completely speechless, ''It was already shocking enough that he took one night to progress in both throwing weapon skills and whipmaship, to think he even learned Green Water spell which the other two support hunters took a week to understand. This guys is a monster!''


    Despite what he said, Chen Hanchen was really happy. Because it would mean there would be strong new pro hunter born in the village! Chen Hanchen was now determined to trained Yan Xiu to be the strongest hunter there was. Yan Xiu didn''t see the fire in Chen Hanchen eyes as he still showing a proud look on his face.

 10 Breakthrough and New Way

    Chen Hanchen grasped Yan Xiu''s shoulder as he stared at Yan Xiu with fire in his eyes. Yan Xiu was a little scared by Chen Hanchen''s eyes.


    "Little Xiu!" (CH)


    "Yes!?" (MC)


    Yan Xiu unintentionally raise his voice.


    "I''m going to train you to be the best hunter!" (CH)


    "Yes!..... Eh?" (MC)


    "Our first goal is 100% accuracy! From what I see, you have 40% accuracy with needle, 30% with javelin, and 20% with whip. We''re gonna raise it all to 100%! And I''m gonna add moving targets to your training. Now, let''s get to training right away!" (CH)


    Yan Xiu was a little taken back by Chen Hanchen sudden fervor but, he was also motivated. He had other goals other than becoming a hunter when he became an apprentice hunter. For that goal, the sooner he became a hunter the better.


    "Yes, senior!" (MC)


    "Good! Let''s start!" (CH)


    For the rest of the day, the two of them didn''t left the training ground. One training and the other teaches. Yan Xiu threw needles after needles, javelins after javelins at the target practices. Yan Xiu''s accuracy slowly rose after every throw.


    For his whip training, Chen Hanchen uses a spell to make ball of water which hovered in the air. He told Yan Xiu to struck the water ball with the whip. Yan Xiu integrated what he learn from the basic whipmaship book with his every move.


    But he didn''t follow it blindly. With every move he changed his stance and moves to something more comfortable and suitable for him. Like his throwing skill, his whipmanship slowly rose.


    Chen Hanchen couldn''t teach him anything for the Green Water spell, so he told Yan Xiu to trained only the Green Water spell at night. At day, he trained his throwing skill and whipmanship with Chen Hanchen. And at night, he trained the Green Water spell.


    Yan Xiu switch and stopped briefly after each session of the two training to caught his breath before resuming again. Midway the second session of throwing training, Chen Hanchen changed his target with the floating water ball.


    The two of them didn''t tire, only when the sky turned dark did the two of them stop.


    "Very good, we''ll stop here today. Tomorrow just come here straight away, I''ll tell the head about it." (CH)


    "Yes, senior! Thank you for your guidance!" (MC)


    Yan Xiu left after changing a few words with Chen Hanchen. After waving goodbye at Yan Xiu, Chen Hanchen looked at the target practices and the wet ground, he sigh and smiled.


    ''To think he raise his accuracy by 10% for throwing skills and 5% for whipmanship. Back then I needed two weeks to raise my accuracy by 10% and yet he only need half a day. Hah, comparison can really kill someone.''


    Despite what he said, Chen Hanchen couldn''t stop smiling. He even smiled in his sleep. The first thing Yan Xiu did when he reach home was checking the crops and livestock before taking a bath. The feeling of his clothing wet with his sweat was uncomfortable.


    While he submerged on the big bathtub, Yan Xiu felt fresh and relaxed. He sat crossed legs and began cultivating. Yan Xiu cultivates twice a day, in the morning and at night. He didn''t cultivate yesterday because of the BBQ and training, so he make it up tonight.


    He drove his Zhenqi around his body according to the Breath of Earth manual. Once.. Twice.. After the tenth revolution, his cultivation breakthrough from the Qi Refining second stage to third stage!


    Yan Xiu was excited but he calm himself down and stabilise his Zhenqi. After his vigorous Zhenqi calm down, Yan Xiu smiled from ear to ear. Finally he breakthrough again after his last breakthrough a month ago. His training in these few days was rousing his Zhenqi and became the final push.


    Yan Xiu was worried whether he could train with the Green Water spell with his low Zhenqi reserve. But now, his Zhenqi reserve had a boost with him in third stage. He put up both his hand and cast the Green Water spell, green-colored water drops appeared and float above his hand.


    Yan Xiu was curious, recalling how the pigs scuffled for the water drops, ''Does it taste good?'' thought Yan Xiu. He then combine the drops to one drop the size of a quail egg and ate it.


    Yan Xiu''s eyes brightened, the water was refreshing with cool sensation like mint water. There was no bitterness, only a faint sweet taste. Yan Xiu could feel his fatigue and the soreness in his muscles alleviated a little. He cast the spell again, once was not enough.


    While savoring the taste, Yan Xiu brows furrowed in confusion. The water tasted great and had a proper healing properties but that''s it, it didn''t warrant the pigs reaction.


    ''Why did the pigs react like that? Or is the effect differ between animals and human?'' Yan Xiu quickly dried his body and changed clothes before going to the pig pen.


    Some of the pigs were already sleeping, Yan Xiu went inside and checked the pigs so that he could compare. Thinking it as a training, Yan Xiu cast the Green Water spell multiple times to fill a basin before pouring it to the pigs water bowl. Yan Xiu exhausted all his Zhenqi and leaning on the pen wall weakly.


    The pigs caught the water drops smell and went toward the bowl, the sleeping pigs also woke up and trotted to the bowl. The pigs fought for the water, the biggest pigs drank the most but this time, all of the pigs drank some albeit only a few drops.


    Yan Xiu checked the pigs and to his surprise, the pigs was filled with qi! Much more compared to before they drank the water. More qi means more money, the biggest pigs had their qi almost doubled means their price also doubled!


    And more qi also improved their taste, Yan Xiu was greatly surprised but also happy. He could sell them for more and he also could make more delicious dishes out of them. Yan Xiu wanted to test whether it only affect the pig or it could do the same with crops or other livestock.


    Unfortunately, his Zhenqi was spent. Yan Xiu decided to test it tomorrow, he was already content for tonight with discovering a way to increase the qi in his pigs. he then went to the kitchen to cook dinner. As a small celebration for advancing and the discovery, Yan Xiu decided to cook one of his favourite, the oyster sauce dish!


    He diced a garlic, bombay onion, and big red and green chillies. Though big in size, the chillies wasn''t that hot. He put it aside and began boiling the meat and removing the scum, Yan Xiu then cut the meat to little bite size after done boiling.


    Yan Xiu heat some oil in the wok and put in the diced garlic and bombay onion. After it became fragrant, he put in the chillies and wait a little before pouring some water, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a little bit of chilli sauce.


    When all the sauces and ingredients mix, he put in the meat. He then add salt and sugar. The dish tasted better with seafood and beef but beggars can''t be choosers, seafood rarely available in the village and beef were kind of expensive.


    The piping hot dish was letting out an enticing fragrance, he transferred the dish to a plate and set it down on the table. With a bowl of rice in hand, Yan Xiu ate the dish after saying prayer. The pork coated with thick sauce taste both sweet and spicy, the heavy taste mellowed when eaten with rice. Yan Xiu ate with relish before retiring for the night.

 11 Green Water Spell Miraculous Effec

    Morning came and Yan Xiu was already busying himself in the garden. He took a bath and ate breakfast after he woke up. He was invigorated after a good night sleep, his Zhenqi fully recovered and the soreness on his muscles was gone.


    Yan Xiu had used all his time and Zhenqi from the moment he awoke til now to fill basin with green water. He exhausted all his Zhenqi and filled 5 basin with green water.


    Yan Xiu paled after exhausting his Zhenqi but he was satisfied. He now knew his limit and Zhenqi reserve, it also serves as a training for him. Albeit a little, Yan Xiu managed to lessen the Zhenqi expenditure of Green Water spell while didn''t affecting the amount of green water produced.


    Yan Xiu sat crossleg and cultivate to recovered his Zhenqi. After a session of cultivating, Yan Xiu pale face grew a little rosy as he recovered some of his Zhenqi. He rose and carried two basins toward the chicken coop.


    Just as he was about to enter, he heard the sound of the chickens and found all the chickens crowding the entrance. The chickens attention were focused on the basins, more accurately, the green water inside the basins.


    Yan Xiu knew that the green water posed a strong attraction toward the pigs but, to think it''s allure was still as strong even to the chickens. Yan Xiu slowly make his way inside the coop while checking the chickens qi, the chickens surround and followed Yan Xiu''s every step while pecking the basins.


    When the green water poured into the chickens water bowl, the chickens fought over it like the pigs. The chickens drank ferociously, competing on which chicken drank the most. When they done drinking, there were only a few drops left.


    Yan Xiu checked the chickens and was elated. The chickens qi increased significantly! Yan Xiu took the two empty basins and left the coop, he went and took the two other full basin and left the empty basins in their place.


    With two full basins in hands, Yan Xiu went to the field. After checking the crops qi first, Yan Xiu water them with the green water. He make sure to water them evenly. Unlike the livestock instantaneous change, Yan Xiu waited for about fifteen minutes before the crops qi rose like erupting volcano!


    The qi rises even more than the pigs or chickens, the crops qi were tripled! And there was even a visible changes in the plants unlike with the livestock increased in only qi and taste. The crops color became deeper, their trunks grew slightly thicker and stronger, their leafs became vibrant and bigger. Their yields became more abundant and bigger a little.


    Yan Xiu almost let out a yell of happiness when he saw this. He really found a treasure! One with immense value! To think the Green Water spell had this kind of effect on livestock and crops. It may be tiring but, Yan Xiu decided to water the corps and feed the livestock with Green Water spell.


    After collecting the basins and gave the pigs the last basin, Yan Xiu went to the village while still feeling the euphoria. It was still early when he entered the village. Yan Xiu recalled that the Green Water spell had the effect of easing fatigue and sore muscle. ''Using that I can train without rest.''


    With that, Yan Xiu walked toward a certain house. Casting Green Water spell in the middle of training would cut his training time short, so he just need to store it somewhere before.


    His destination was a small house which was a bit distant from other villagers. The house was small and old and the walls were covered with ravine. An old lady was sweeping in front of the house.


    She was the village''s doctor, everyone called her granny Shen.


    "Granny Shen!" (MC)


    Called Yan Xiu. Hearing someone calling her, granny Shen lifted her head and found Yan Xiu walking toward her while waving.


    "Little brat!" (GS)


    Said granny shen.


    "What do you want so early in the morning? If it''s about the Glass Lime seeds, I already said no and the answer is still no." (GS)


    Glass Lime was a plant that produce small fruit with skin that shines like glass, the fruit had a refreshing sour taste. Yan Xiu loves the juice made out of them.


    However, Glass Lime was a grade-2 plant and the only one in the whole village, so it''s price was a little expensive. And the fact that it also could be use as a medicine only made it even more expensive.


    Yan Xiu wanted to grew it but granny Shen always refused to sell it''s seed.


    "Haah, I''m sorry, little Xiu. But granny really can''t sell this to you." (GS)


    "I know, it''s for your grandson, right? But please believe me, granny. I won''t sell it, I just want to grow some for myself. I promise." (MC)


    Granny Shen sigh and shakes her head. Her grandson was sickly from birth, even now he spent the rest of his time lying on his bed. His parents were working hard in the city to pay for his medication.


    But what his parents made was still not enough and even lost to to what granny Shen made from selling the Glass Lime.


    Granny Shen knew that Yan Xiu was a talented farmer, she was sure he could grew a better Glass Lime if she sold the seed to him.


    Granny Shen knew Yan Xiu, she knew he won''t sell it since he already promised her. But she didn''t dare to risk it.


    After all, it was about her grandson''s life.


    "I''m sorry, little Xiu. But granny won''t and can''t sell it." (GS)


    "It''s okay, I understand. Then granny, I want to buy something." (MC)


    Since granny Shen really adamant on not selling, then Yan Xiu could only give up.


    "What do you want to buy?" (GS)


    "Do you have any jade bottle? A big one." (MC)


    "Jade bottle? Sure, granny have some. Come in." (GS)


    Both of them went inside the house, smell of medicine filled the house. There were only four rooms in the house, bedroom, bathroom, compounding room, and diagnose room. With kitchen in a small shed outside the house.


    Granny Shen lead Yan Xiu inside the compounding room. The room was neat and clean, there was only a table and cabinets inside the room.


    "Don''t touch anything, okay?" (GS)


    "I know, granny." (MC)


    Granny Shen rummaged around and brought out a jade bottle. It has long neck and big round body, the usual jade bottle. Only, this one was bigger than normal.


    "Here it is, this one is the biggest granny have. It''ll preserve the medicinal essence of medicines inside it for ten days, it''s 15 spirit stones a piece." (GS)


    Yan Xiu already knew it would be expensive but he was still shocked. Yan Xiu looked at the bottle and examined it. The bottle was big but it was not sufficient for Yan Xiu and it was fragile, he could destroy it by just gripping it a little harder.


    "Granny, do you have something bigger than this? And tougher and cheaper." (MC)


    "Don''t ask for the impossible. Something like that”­ WaIt, I think I have one.." (GS)


    Granny Shen looked around and took out something. It was black water bag made from leather with strap. Yan Xiu looked at the bag and smiled wryly.


    "Granny, are you trying to scam me?" (MC)


    If he kept the green water in the bag, it''s medicinal essence would just seeps out and turn to normal water in about 30 minutes.


    Granny Shen rolled her eyes at Yan Xiu.


    "What do you take me for? This bag might be made with leather but there''s a thin layer of jade inside it. It''s big and tough, and more importantly cheap, it''s only 3 spirit stones.


    It was something granny old friend made, he wanted to replace the usual jade bottle with something cheaper and this is what he made. But unfortunately, since it''s only layered thinly with jade, it can only preserve medicinal essence inside it for 1 day.


    Adding more jade is not an option since it would make it expensive and no different from a jade bottle. Thankfully, he only made a few, so his loses was not that big." (GS)


    Yan Xiu looked at the bag and was satisfied with it. It was big, tough and cheap. Perfectly what he needed.


    "Granny, I''ll take this." (MC)


    Yan Xiu gave the spirit stone to granny Shen.


    "Thank you. He sent me some and I thought it would only gather dust. To think there''s someone who would buy it. What are you going to fill it with, anyway?" (GS)


    Asked granny Shen as she looked at Yan Xiu wearing the bag.


    "I''m going to fill it with green water." (MC)


    "Green water? What''s a green water?" (GS)


    "it''s water from”­" (MC)


    Yan Xiu stopped mid sentence as he recalled the miraculous effect of green water to plants. ''I could use this'', thought Yan Xiu.


    "Granny Shen, do you wanna make a deal with me?" (MC)

 12 A deal with granny shen

    "What deal?" (GS)


    "It''ll be a lot easier if I just show you. Can we go to your garden?" (MC)


    Granny Shen drew a blank but still lead Yan Xiu to the garden. The garden was small with only few types of herbs were grown, among them was the Glass Lime tree.


    With only half a meter in height and thin trunk and branches, hidden under the shroud of the leaves was the glass lime. The glass like skin shone with colours when hit by sunlight.


    Yan Xiu''s gazed was locked on the Glass Lime before he turn his gaze away, to Yan Xiu those small fruit was truly alluring. He looked around and took a bucket, placing it in front of granny Shen.


    Granny Shen confused by Yan Xiu''s action but didn''t say anything. Ignoring the confused granny Shen, Yan Xiu filled the bucket with the green water. After he''s done, Yan Xiu sat crossed legs as he tried to replenish his zhenqi.


    "Granny Shen, this is the green water." (MC)


    "Yes, I can see that. But is this all you want to show me?" (GS)


    "Of course not. Sprinkle some if the water to the plants and you''ll see." (MC)


    Granny Shen was a little hesitant, this garden was her lifeblood that she took great care of. Sprinkling an unknown water with unknown effect was something she wouldn''t do. But, looking at Yan Xiu confident smile, she felt it''ll be okay.


    She looked at the green water, she scooped some with her hand and brought it close to her face. There was a faint smell of mint and the water felt cool to the touch. When she drank it, she detected medicinal essence behind the mint taste.


    She felt her fatigue and joints pain lifted a little. From the medicinal essence and healing effect the water possessed, she deduced it was a water-based healing spell.


    She took a wooden ladle and sprinkled the water over a small potted herb as an experiment. Then, under granny Shen astonished gaze, the small potted herb grew bigger.


    It was not only a growth in size and appearance, it''s qi and medicinal essence also grew more potent. Granny Shen was shocked still, she couldn''t believe what she just saw.


    With just a sprinkle, the herb grew exponentially! Granny Shen examined the herb closely, the herb''s qi and lifeforce was stronger and more vigorous than ever. She waited but the qi and lifeforce didn''t diminished, far than that it stabilised.


    This baffled granny Shen even more. She had a pill that could accelerate plants growth although not as exaggerated as the green water but, in exchange the plant''s qi and lifeforce would deteriorate after some time. The plant then would weaken permanently or die from the process.


    Granny Shen looked at the green water as her brows drew together, she really wanted to know just how it could have such a perverse effect.


    "How is it, granny? My water works wonder, right?" (MC)


    "Little Xiu.. Just.. What is this water?" (GS)


    "It''s Green Water healing spell, I call it green water for convenience. I got this spell when I become a hunter apprentice." (MC)


    Granny Shen knew about the spell but, she never thought that the spell had such effect. Was the spell truly had such an effect and it''s just the hunter miss it? Or were there other factor? Granny Shen turned silent as she contemplate deeply.


    "Granny Shen?" (MC)


    Granny Shen only noticed after Yan Xiu called her a few times, she looked at Yan Xiu.


    "You''ve seen the effect, right? If you want, I can supply you with the water every morning and evening. But, I want the Glass Lime seed in return." (MC)


    Hearing Yan Xiu proposal, granny Shen was both excited and hesitant. Hesitant to gave Yan Xiu the seed, excited thinking about the profit the water brought.


    With the water, all the herbs in the garden would be greatly boosted. She could earn more than ever, paying her grandson medication would be easy. Not only that, she might be able to afford a decent leveled alchemist to help her grandson after saving for a while.


    Thinking to here, granny Shen hesitate no longer.


    "Alright, it''s a deal. But please don''t sell yours, alright? If you really need to, please don''t sell it to Crystal city." (GS)


    Gramny Shen always sent her herbs to Crystal city for her daughter and her son-in-law to sell. There were only few places that sold Glass Lime even in the city, hence why she could earn a lot. Her income would decrease if Yan Xiu also sold his to the Crystal city.


    "I know, granny. Don''t worry. I just want to grow it for myself. Oh, can I add a Zhenqi replenishing powder in the deal? Just one is enough." (MC)


    "It''s only a Zhenqi replenishing powder, I have lot. I''ll give one to you for free every morning and evening." (GS)


    "Thank you, granny Shen." (MC)


    Granny Shen smiled in gratitude, she could make the powder herself, giving it to Yan Xiu was not a problem. She went inside and came back with a small pouch and paper sachet.


    "The Glass Lime seed is in the pouch, treat it with care, it''s fragile. This is Qi Whirlpool powder, it can help you speed up your qi absorption by 10%." (GS)


    "Thank you, granny." (MC)


    "No, I should be the one to say thank you. Thanks to you, little Xiu, I can cure my grandson, really thank you." (GS)


    Said granny Shen as she rubbed Yan Xiu''s head gently, tears was pooling in her eyes. Yan Xiu smiled.


    "It''s okay, granny. My parents always said to help someone, and I didn''t help you since it was just a deal. you don''t have to thank me." (MC)


    "Regardless of your reason, you still help my grandson. So let me thank you." (GS)


    "Okay!" (MC)


    Yan Xiu smiled and filled the water pouch with green water before consuming the powder and replenished his Zhenqi. Didn''t want to disturb Yan Xiu, granny Shen went and sprinkled her herbs with rest of the green water. Her garden turned vibrant and full of life.


    *****


    In the hunter house. Chen Hanchen and the head hunter, Xiao Musheng, was talking about Yan Xiu.


    "Hanchen, was the new apprentice really as good as you said?" (XM)


    "yes, teacher. He is a genius! With only a few days of training, he already as good as, if not better, than the other apprentice in battle techniques. Not only that, he also can used the Green Water healing spell, and he only needed a night to learn it!" (CH)


    Hearing Yan Xiu''s achievement, Xiao Musheng found it quite hard to believe but Chen Hanchen was not the type to lie and he didn''t have any reason to lie either. Xiao Musheng thought about it, if it''s true then he would be a great asset to the hunter team.


    ''I can just tested him, and there''s a perfect chance for it.'' thought Xiao Musheng.


    "Hanchen." (XM)


    "Yes, teacher?" (CH)


    "The team is on the way home, they''ll arrive in a week." (XM)


    "Teacher, is that true?" (CH)


    Xiao Musheng nodded, Chen Hanchen grinned in anticipation. He was grinning for two reason, the first one was because he would get help on teaching Yan Xiu, since he alone was insufficient.


    The second reason was he wanted to see how the other support hunter would react when they knew Yan Xiu only took a night to learn Green Water healing spell. He could already picture the embarrassed and defeated expression on their face.


    Xiao Musheng saw Chen Hanchen grinning evil face but, he didn''t want to comment on it.


    "There would be a feast for celebrating their return and successful hunt. While the main dish would be what they hunt, we we will hunt for the other dishes.


    The hunt is in five days, we will go deeper this time, we''ll camp there for a night, prepare sufficiently." (XM)


    "Understood, teacher." (CH)


    "Everyone will go." (XM)


    "Everyone? The apprentices too?" (CH)


    "Yes. Teach the boy everything he needs to know about how to hunt and act as a part of the hunter team. You have my permission to bring him to hunt." (XM)


    "Thank you, teacher. I will not let you down, teacher!" (CH)


    "You''re dismissed." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng stood up and walked outside the room with Chen Hachen following. Chen Hanchen salutes Xiao Musheng before walking toward the training ground, his mind was full on how to teach Yan Xiu efficiently since there was so little time and so many things to learn.


    When Chen Hanchen reached the training ground, he saw Yan Xiu already started training alone. Noticing Chen Hanchen, Yan Xiu stopped and salutes him. Chen Hanchen was truly happy he had such a diligent junior.


    He walked toward Yan Xiu with a smile and said energetically.


    "Lets go! Today we will learn how to hunt and it is a practical lesson!" (CH)

 13 Hunting Training I

    Under the hot sun, Yan Xiu were lining up before the village''s gate. Including the head hunter, Xiao Musheng, the two senior hunters, Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng, the two other apprentices were also there with him.


    "In a week, the hunter team would be back. To welcome them, we will hunt a special prey for the welcoming feast. The hunt is in five days and will last for two days and one night if we''re lucky.


    Everyone will participate, that includes you apprentices. You''re hunting training will changed a little to prepare you for the hunt. We will venture deeper to the woods, it will be different from the training you have been through.


    The danger will significantly rise, while we won''t actively search for them, the encounter rate with demon beast will be more aggressive. And the danger isn''t just that.


    So be vigilant and don''t do anything reckless. But don''t worry too much, you will not die as we will protect you." (XM)


    Yan Xiu and the two hunter apprentices tense up when Xiao Musheng mentioned the increase in danger, only eased a little after Xiao Musheng last line. But they grew more tense after what Xiao Musheng said next.


    "But that''s only true in training. A hunter raised in green house won''t become a good hunter.


    In the hunt, all of you are responsible for your own life. We will not render any help more than necessary, but we also won''t leave you to die.


    You might think that with the head hunter and two senior hunters coming there will be no dangers. If you are, then quickly dump that thinking or you will die the fastest.


    Never underestimate anything, be prepared and improve. That''s the creed we go by, remember that well. We never know what will happen, even a seemingly simple hunt might be our last.


    So, train well and study well, maximise the benefits of this training hunt and you should do well on the hunt and come back alive and in one piece." (XM)


    "Thank you for your guidance, head hunter!" (MC and two hunter apprentices)


    "Un. Then, it''s time. Let''s go." (XM)


    "Yes!" (all)


    The group left the village and onward to the Black forest. The Black forest occupied a large area, living inside the forest were countless numbers of savage beasts and demin beasts. Even the trees and plants inside it could kill, it was a dangerous forest.


    But the resources and treasure inside it was as abundant as it dangers. Many cultivators rushed inside in search for riches, some return with it while some were not so lucky.


    For the Jadesea village, the Black forest was both a blessing and a curse. It was an important lifeline that provide resources but it was also their biggest threat. Albeit uncommon, there were times where beasts came out of the forest and attacked the village.


    The group soon split after entering the forest, the head hunter group head in deeper leaving Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen in the outskirt of the forest.


    Without waiting for Yan Xiu to ask, Chen Hanchen opened his mouth to explain.


    "We''re stopping here because you need to learn about the basics of hunting and your , it''s relatively safe here." (CH)


    "I see, please instruct me." (MC)


    "Hahaha, just relax and you''ll learn better. Oh, here comes the first lesson." (CH)


    With a soft rustling sound, a snake suddenly jumped out of the bushes with it''s mouth opened to take a bite of Yan Xiu. Taken by surprise, Yan Xiu froze and fell backwards when he intended to dodge.


    Right before the snake could bite Yan Xiu, a small throwing knife hit it and nailed it to a tree. The knife stabbed it right at it''s neck, the snake struggle a little before drawing it''s last breath.


    Yan Xiu could barely see what just happened. He could only saw the snake suddenly vanished after being taken by a small black something. He saw the snake still bleeding corpse nailed to the tree, his face pale.


    The snake was almost a meter long with bright green scale and yellow dots, drops of clear liquids dripped from it''s fang. The ground blackened a little because of the liquids, the snake was poisonous.


    "Lesson number one : Never let your guard down. The forest is full of dangers, so keep your guard up at all time if you wanna survive.


    Lesson number two : Always prepare. Never leaves on a hunt without ample preparation, it could cost you your life. Potions, antidote, weapons, ration, and so on, you need to prepare everything. Got that?" (CH)


    "..... Yes." (MC)


    Looking at Chen Hanchen who was smiling in leasure as if the snake attack was never there, Yan Xiu could only replied weakly. Yan Xiu didn''t intended to underestimate the danger of the forest.


    But thinking he was still in the outskirt and Chen Hanchen was with him, Yan Xiu unknowingly let his guard down. Yan Xiu never expected that he would be taught a lesson so soon.


    "Well then, shall we start the hunting training?" (CH)


    Yan Xiu nodded and went with Chen Hanchen. This time he didn''t let his guard down, but he was too tense and overreact to anything. Chen Hanchen chuckled, he reminded of how he was when he went to his first hunting training.


    That was just how all the hunter apprentices were at their first hunting training, they either too relaxed or too tense. Chen Hanchen tried to loosen Yan Xiu up by talking to him. He told him which fruit or plant was okay to eat, how to walk without sound, the trick to sense presence, and so on.


    Yan Xiu gradually loosen up but still vigilant, he slowly put what Chen Hanchen said to practice. The duo kept walking and talking before Chen Hanchen suddenly stopped. He pointed at their right, when Yan Xiu followed where he pointed, he saw the behind of a beast.


    "That''s a Rock-head Boar, it''s head is protected by a layer or rock-like armor, that''s why they got that name. They got a mean rush but they couldn''t turn once they start running, so once you dodge you''ll be safe.


    Their pretty easy to hunt, you just need to watch out for their rush and keep your distance. The only part that hard is their head, so aim elsewhere." (CH)


    "You want me to hunt it alone?" (MC)


    "Yeah, it''s something all apprentices have to do. Relax, you can do it. It''s only a Qi Refining second stage beast. Just remember your training and you''ll be fine." (CH)


    "... Okay." (MC)


    Yan Xiu adjusted his breathing before he slowly closing to the boar. Yan Xiu climbed a tree close to the boar, he took aim with a javelin in his hand. The brown boar with rock-like layer covering his head and face didn''t sense Yan Xiu, he threw the javelin with the boar''s back as the target.


    Before the javelin hit the target, the boar''s feral instinct was alarmed. It quickly dodge to the side, the javelin didn''t stabbed it''s body but it tore a long wound on it''s side.


    The boar yelped in pain before turning and saw Yan Xiu on top of the tree. It quickly rushed toward the tree Yan Xiu was on. Receiving the boar animosity, Yan Xiu froze a little before he took his whip. He latched it to a nearby tree branch and swung down to the ground.


    With booming sound, the boar hit the tree Yan Xiu previously on and felled it. Yan Xiu was shocked, the boar rush was truly strong, even as a Qi Refining third stage Yan Xiu couldn''t felled a tree with pure brute strength.


    Taking the advantage while the boar wasn''t moving, Yan Xiu threw his needles at the boar''s legs. Maybe affected by the boar''s animosity and it being his first fight, Yan Xiu accurately fell. He threw four needles, one hit the boar''s leg, one hit the body, and the other two hit the ground and tree.


    The boar yelped in pain before rushing toward Yan Xiu. Affected by the pain, the boar''s rush slowed down, Yan Xiu dodge in the last minute and caught the boar''s wounded leg with his whip. Yan Xiu was pulled a little because of the boar''s powerful rush, Yan Xiu stood his ground and forcefully pulled his whip.


    The boar fell down. Without wasting time, Yan Xiu threw his javelin and it stabbed deep into the boar''s side. The boar fell to it''s side and struggled fiercely, Yan Xiu threw another javelin, this time it hit the boar''s neck.


    Blood flowed from the wound, dyeing the ground red. After some time, the boar stopped moving and went limp. Confirming the boar''s dead, Yan Xiu slumped to the ground. His strength leaving him.


    Chen Hanchen came out of the bushes with a smile on his face.


    "Good job, little bro. You fought very well, for your first hunt and fight, you did very well. Can you stand?" (CH)


    "Yes." (MC)


    After helping Yan Xiu get up on his feet, Chen Hanchen collected the thrown javelins and needles. He cleaned it first before returning it to Yan Xiu.


    "Let''s stop here for today. There''s still tomorrow." (CH)


    "Un." (MC)


    Yan Xiu wanted to stay and hunt something once more, but he knew it was pushing it. Yan Xiu could feel his feet wobbling and the absence of strength in his body. The fight he just experienced took a heavy toll on him, the pressure of being targeted and the heightened sense when fighting drained him.


    Chen Hanchen brought the boar in one hand, the duo then went back to the village. Chen Hanchen give the boar to Lu Rianli to process before taking Yan Xiu home.


    Yan Xiu randomly took off his clothes before climbing to bed and slept. He didn''t check the fields or the livestock, he was too tired. And so, the curtain fell down for Yan Xiu first hunting training.

 14 Hunting Training II

    Woken up by the cries of the Rainbow-tailed Chicken, Yan Xiu opened his heavy eyes. Languidly Yan Xiu sat on his bed and covered his face with his hands, the scene from yesterday was still fresh in his mind.


    It was vastly different experience than when he butchered his livestock. He killed both beasts by his own hand in each event, but it felt very different. Why?


    Yan Xiu pondered but didn''t reach an answer. Putting the question to the back of his head, he took a quick shower and changed to clean clothes. Refreshed in both body and mind, Yan Xiu went to garden. He rarely neglected his daily check, so he worried a little.


    Yan Xiu was astounded when he check the fields. The last two crops have ripened and it''s size was double than the usual! That''s not all, the Fire Tomato had bear fruit and from the looks of it, the tomatoes would be ripe by tomorrow and it had double the amount and size!


    Yan Xiu couldn''t wrap his head around what happened. Usually it would take a week or two before the Fire Tomato was ready for another harvest, but it''s only been four days and yet it already bear fruits and about ready to ripe, with twice the amount and size no less.


    Yan Xiu checked the tomato and didn''t find anything amiss. In fact, the tomato was in healthy and peak condition. Was this because of the green water? If it was, then it would increase the value of the spell even more.


    Yan Xiu suddenly thought of something and ran toward the coop. When he checked inside, he was a little disappointed but somehow already expected the outcome. There were no eggs inside the coop.


    Yan Xiu thought that the chickens would be the same as the crops and have their laying eggs frequency quicken. But looking at the coop, looks like it only the crops.


    Yan Xiu quickly lose his disappointment, even if the wondrous effect only affected the crops, it was already more than enough. The number one money maker was not his pigs anymore, it was his crops.


    Yan Xiu then went on his normal routine. He cleaned the coop and pig pen, then he gave each a bucketful of green water and refill their water and feed. Different from the first time, the second time the pigs and chickens drank the green water, the effect wasn''t as exaggerated as the first time.


    Yan Xiu watered the crops with two bucketloads of green water. While watering, Yan Xiu remembered something and ran towars his room. He took something out of the yesterday robe''s pocket, it was the seed of Glass Lime. He carefully checked it and thankfully it wasn''t damaged after everything yesterday.


    Yan Xiu put the seed in his pocket, he went to the back of the pen and coop to grabbed some compost and went back to the field. He spread some compost around the Fire Tomatoes evenly, Yan Xiu then dug a hole apart from the field and gently buried the Glass Lime in the hole.


    Yan Xiu watered the Glass Lime with bucketful of green water and spread some compost around it. Yan Xiu was excited, just thinking of how great the harvest of the Glass Lime later was making him giddy. Yan Xiu harvested the Snow Radishes and Spike Carrot, he then stored them after cleaning for cooking later.


    Done with the field work, Yan Xiu cleaned himself and cultivate before having his breakfast. Cleaning and checking his weapons and belt, Yan Xiu then went to granny Shen home.


    @@@@@


    Just like yesterday, Yan Xiu found granny Shen in front of her house, sweeping.


    "Granny Shen!" (MC)


    "Oh, little brat." (GS)


    "Sorry, I couldn''t come yesterday. I was-" (MC)


    "Ah, it''s okay. I saw you went out the village with the hunters. Are you okay? You''re not hurt, right?" (GS)


    "It''s alright, I''m okay!" (MC)


    "Good. But be careful, being a hunter is dangerous. All the more so for a child like you." (GS)


    "I understand, granny. Well, I''m going to fill the bucket." (MC)


    "Please and thank you, little Xiu." (GS)


    Not long after Yan Xiu went to granny Shen''s garden, Chen Hanchen came. Granny Shen already said her piece before he opened his mouth to greet her.


    "Good mor-" (CH)


    "Nice timing, come here! I have something to ask you." (GS)


    "... As usual, I guess. It''s good to see you are healthy granny." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen walked to granny Shen.


    "What is it, granny?" (CH)


    "That Green Water healing spell you had, does it really have such an effect to plants?" (GS)


    "Effect? What are you talking about?" (CH)


    "Like I said, that miracle-like effect! Promoting growth in Qi and all! Does it really have such an effect?" (GS)


    "This”­ I don''t know. I mean I can''t even use the spell." (CH)


    "Tch. You''re useless." (GS)


    Chen Hanchen stiffened. Granny, there are only three people who can use that spell in the whole village, I''m not useless, alright? But still, I didn''t remember that spell have that kind of effect, thought Chen Hanchen.


    Chen Hanchen couldn''t learn the spell, but he did read the spell book. He didn''t recall the book mention that the spell had such an effect.


    "I''ll asked the others when they''re back, okay?" (CH)


    "Un. So what do you want coming here?" (GS)


    "I would have forgotten about it if you didn''t ask. I want to buy some potion and antidote." (CH)


    "Is it for the hunting training with little Xiu? You''re his mentor?" (GS)


    "yeah, you knew?" (CH)


    "I guessed. Come in, I''ll prepare it." (GS)


    Chen Hanchen nodded and went inside with granny Shen. Packing the medicines inside a small pouch, granny Shen gave it to Chen Hanchen.


    "Here you go, the total is 35 Spirit Stone." (GS)


    Chen Hanchen took the pouch and inspect it a little before nodding and paid for it.


    "Make sure you protect that child, okay?" (GS)


    "I know, granny." (CH)


    A few minutes later, Yan Xiu came out and greeted Chen Hanchen. The two left granny Shen house after Yan Xiu recovered a bit of her Qi. The duo went straight to the Black forest, Chen Hanchen already asked for a permission from Xiao Musheng to move separately.


    Just like yesterday, they found another Rock-head Boar and Yan Xiu hunt it alone. Thanks to his experience, Yan Xiu quickly dispatched it.


    Rather than throwing the javelin, Yan Xiu threw his needles and hit the boar''s four legs. Agitated, the boar dashed toward Yan Xiu. Still freezing a little from receiving animosity but he no longer panick. Yan Xiu threw another needles and blinded the boar.


    When the boar was rampaging blindly, Yan Xiu threw his javelin to it''s neck and snuffed it''s life. It still felt heavy but Yan Xiu no longer bothered with it. He finally knew why it felt different.


    Because he was trading the boar''s life for his survival. When he hunts, Yan Xiu put his life on the line and so did the prey. No matter who wins would survive and ate the other. Yan Xiu vowed to hunt resposibly and never waste his prey.


    Chen Hanchen was smiling and feeling happy seeing Yan Xiu improving quickly as a hunter. Dragging the boar along, the duo walked around but didn''t find anything else to hunt. Chen Hanchen then took Yan Xiu to a river for a fishing lesson.


    The river was an adult''s knee deep, the water was cold and clear. They didn''t use a fishing rod, Chen Hanchen taught Yan Xiu how to fish with throwing weapons. Though he said fishing, it was more training than fishing. Since it was basically just training with the fish as the target.


    Yan Xiu didn''t care whether it was training or fishing, his attention was focused on the creatures under the water. It was prawns! The river has prawns in it! Lots of them. Drool was threatening to spill from his mouth, Yan Xiu quickly threw his needles to catch some.


    It soon turned to training than fishing and a really good training at that. The obstacles like water current, water interference, and so on, tempered Yan Xiu''s technique. After four hours, Yan Xiu stopped.


    He already caught many prawns and his throwing technique has improved significantly. Yan Xiu couldn''t help but drooled when he looked at the prawns. The prawns was big and plump, the clear shell showed the white meat under it. Yan Xiu already thinking the best way to cook the prawns.


    Chen Hanchen only smiled wryly, he was happy that Yan Xiu improved again but he never knew that Yan Xiu was a huge glutton. But he thought it was good too, one could improve quickly when driven by strong desire.


    Yan Xiu wrapped the prawns with huge leaves and tied it with some vines. The duo then left the forest before it got dark. The boar was once again left to Lu Rianli to process, Yan Xiu got some of the boar meat from yesterday while the rest was sold to the village.


    The prey the hunters hunted was mainly sold to the village. The meat then would be distributed to the villagers, especially for the family with no man or many olds. As he was an orphan, Yan Xiu was supposed to receive some, but Yan Xiu didn''t get any because he refused and asked for his portion to be given to other family who need it.


    The other inedible parts was scrap or used in some ways, like turned to handicrafts to sell. The money from selling the meat turned to salary for the hunters or used to buy medicine, other necessity for the hunters.


    Looking at the meat and prawns, Yan Xiu thought of cooking it tonight. He invited Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao for dinner. Lu Hao instantly agreed and Chen Hanchen said he would come after he change clothes.


    Yan Xiu then went home with Lu Hao bringing the boar meat in tow.

 15 Dinner

    It was almost dark when they reached Yan Xiu''s House, Yan Xiu went straight to the kitchen with Lu Hao following. Yan Xiu placed the prawn in the kitchen before he went to take a quick shower and change his clothes, Lu Hao was waiting in the kitchen.


    "Little Xiu, are we having BBQ again tonight?" (LH)


    "No, I''m going to make soup, fried lung, and chilli prawn." (MC)


    Before everything else, Yan Xiu took a big pan and cooked some rice. He asked Lu Hao to look after it while he cooked the dishes.


    First he prepared the ingredients, for the soup, meat with bones and vegetables. Lung for fried lungs and prawns for chilli prawn.


    The meat with bones, or boney meat, and lung were first boiled to remove the scum and soften it. While the meat and lung boiled, Yan Xiu peeled the shells off the prawns. The prawns were big, it was at least 15cm each. There were twenty of them and there still much left.


    The prawn meats then boiled to half-cooked, the shells were thrown away but the heads and abdomens with the legs attached were kept. With a little seasoning and deep fried a little, it''ll become a crispy snacks.


    Still waiting for the boiling to be done, Yan Xiu grind the herbs used for the flavoring. The soup used garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The chilli for prawns used shallot, chillies, and tomato. While the lung would be marinated with water mixed with salt, garlic, and asem, a paste made from fermented sour fruit.


    Yan Xiu then chopped the vegetable for the soup. The radishes were sliced thickly then sliced again to four part. So did the carrots.


    After boiling, the meat and lung shrunk except the prawns. The lung was then cut to strips and marinated. Yan Xiu first cooked the soup, he boiled water with the grind herbs. When the fragrance came out, he put in the vegetables and boney meat. He stirred it and add in more salt or pepper, he then let it boiled with low fire.


    The lung was still marinating so Yan Xiu decided to cook the prawn next. At this time, Chen Hanchen came. He was waiting outside the door, he couldn''t come in because of the seal.


    The first time he came here, Chen Hanchen had vaguely felt the seal. As a hunter, he had much richer experience than the villager as he went out the village and visited big city quite a few times. He knew a few things about seals, but from what he knows, only family or clan with certain wealth and power could afford putting up a seal.


    How could a family from a backwater village have a seal protecting their house? And it was even stronger than any seals he had encountered before! This was really baffling. When Yan Xiu opened the door and invited him in, Chen Hanchen felt like a foreign power covered his whole body before leaving as fast.


    He wanted to asked Yan Xiu but was distracted by a good smell. It was enticing and whet his appetite, drool filled with mouth. He forgot about his question and followed Yan Xiu.


    In the kitchen, Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao sat on the table, waiting impatiently for the dishes to hit the table. The rice already finished cooking, so Lu Hao brought it in and set on the table. The dishes were still cooking so, Yan Xiu deep fried the already seasoned prawns head and abdomen before serving it as the appetiser.


    The deep fried red prawns head and abdomen was crispy and salty, Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao enjoyed it a lot. The taste was addicting. Lu Hao sneakily ate it with some rice.


    The chilli prawn and fried lung was easy to cook. The grind mix of chilli was stir fried till fragrant then put in the boiled prawn, mix and stir fried both. The fried lung was just like the name the marinated lung was fried with oil along with the garlic.


    When the dishes hit the table, Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao couldn''t hold themselves back. They ate with great relish. The soup taste gentle and went down the throat easily, the vegetables and meat was soft and melt on the tongue.


    The fried lung was creamy and salty, the taste churned out the more they chew. The soft and sweet prawn meat was in harmony with the spicy and tangy chilli. Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao couldn''t stop eating, they stuffed their mouth without rest.


    After an hour, the dishes and rice were swept clean. The three of them leaned on their sit, completely satisfied. After a small talk, Chen Hanchen and Lu Hao went home because it was already late. Before they went far, Chen Hanchen said something to Yan Xiu.


    "Little Xiu, tomorrow we''re going to head deeper, so make sure you prepare and conditioned your body!" (CH)


    "Okay, got it!" (MC)


    Seeing the two gone, Yan Xiu went inside and started cleaning up. Meanwhile, Chen Hanchen was asking Lu Hao for Yan Xiu''s info. As a hunter, Chen Hanchen usually honed his skills in the hunter house, he rarely interact with the villagers, side a few exception.


    "Lu Hao, did you feel anything when you enter little Xiu''s house?" (CH)


    "? Oh, are you talking about the seal?" (LH)


    "You know about it?" (CH)


    Chen Hanchen couldn''t conceal his surprise, how could a villager who never leave the village like Lu Hao know about seal? Lu Hao didn''t see Chen Hachen surprised look as he answered.


    "Yeah. I don''t know what a seal is but Yan Xiu''s father made it, he said it was a protective charm." (LH)


    Yan Xiu''s father put it up? Anyone who could put up a seal, moreover such strong seal, was surely a person of high standing and power, but how could such a personage reside in this village? Chen Hanchen became even more curious.


    "Where''s Yan Xiu? I just realised I didn''t see him when we were there." (CH)


    "This.... His parents gone missing a year ago." (LH)


    "... I see." (CH)


    The mood went heavy, Chen Hanchen didn''t continue asking and Lu Hao stayed silent. The two separate when they entered the village. Chen Hanchen felt pity toward Yan Xiu, he thought Yan Xiu''s father as a strong personage since he could put up a strong seal.


    If such a person when missing, he was probably got caught in an accident or attacked by someone. Yan Xiu might never be able to see his parents again. Chen Hanchen decided to not asked Yan Xiu about his parents, lest he saddened the boy.


    The boy talked about, Yan Xiu, was currently checking and watering the field. He went to the garden when he was done cleaning the dishes and table. He completed the checking of the crops and livestock, then he cultivate in the field.


    Yan Xiu only remembered his promise with granny Shen after he''s done cultivating. The day has turned to night, he decided to go tomorrow and thought of how to supply granny Shen with green water without having to go to her place twice a day.


    Cleansing his dirtied robe, Yan Xiu went to his parents room. The room was simple in design and it included a bathroom in the room. There was a double bed, a table with mirror his mama used, a wardrobe, and a big bookshelf.


    Yan Xiu was always reminded of his parents when he entered the room, tears pooling in his eyes. He kept the room the same as they left it. Swiping the tears, he went to the bookshelf.


    The books left here was written by his parents, everything he needed to know was written in the book. The cultivation technique, the spells, how to take care crops and livestock, and food recipe, he found all of it here. It was as if his parents purposely recorded everything they knew in case they gone missing.


    The bookshelf was sealed by his papa, only a few books were available to read. The books regarding cultivation technique and introduction spell, food recipes, and agriculture. The rest was sealed.


    Yan Xiu took out the recipes book, he wanted to make some food that were easy to carry and cook for the big hunt later. He searched the book for such food and he found it, sausage!


    Yan Xiu smiled and noted down how to make it. Thankfully, he got all the ingredients. For the equipment, Yan Xiu remembered his papa made it for mama a long time ago. He put back the book and went to the kitchen. He chose and weight the meat and fat for making sausage, he put the meat grinder and sausage stuffer into the big ice box and checked if he had sufficient herbs.


    For the wooden hanger, he could make it himself tomorrow. With all required ingredients confirmed, Yan Xiu was satisfied and went to sleep.

 16 New Tree and Demon Beas

    In the morning, Yan Xiu already done with his morning routine and was cultivating. The Fire Tomatoes were harvested and the eggs the chickens laid were collected, he also planned to butcher one of the pig today. Yan Xiu would butcher the pig in Lu''s family butcher room, it was convenient and clean.


    Putting on his weapon belt, Yan Xiu went to granny Shen house while dragging the pig. Sweeping as usual in front of the house was granny Shen. When she caught sight of Yan Xiu heading her way, granny Shen folded her hand.


    Yan Xiu quickly apologized. Granny Shen sighed and said it was fine, she thought that the hunter training probably exhaust him.


    "Little Xiu, it''s okay to just deliver the green water every morning. The hunter training must have tired you, don''t push yourself." (GS)


    Seeing her garden full of vitality, the plants and herbs was in perfect health and brimming with energy, especially the Glass Lime. In just a couple days of nourishment using the green water showed a tremendous effect. The whole garden experienced an increase in quality and shortened ripening time.


    The money for treating her grandson was slowly building up. She was truly grateful to Yan Xiu. She didn''t want such a good child to push himself too hard.


    "No, it''s something I promise. I will definitely uphold it, and the training isn''t that hard." (MC)


    So that he would not forget again, Yan Xiu decide to just supplied granny Shen with two bucket worth of green water in the morning. One portion was poured into a bucket and the other portion was kept inside a jade container.


    It lengthened his Qi recovery time but it wasn''t a problem. There was still time before noon, ''It should be enough time to butcher the pig'' thought Yan Xiu.


    Opening the door for Yan Xiu was Xiao ShanShan. She told Yan Xiu that Lu Rianli went to the city this morning and he took Lu Hao with him. After asking for permission from Xiao ShanShan, Yan Xiu butchered the pig in the butcher room.


    When Yan Xiu put down the butcher knive, it was almost noon. Tidying the room and cleaning himself, Yan Xiu went out the room and greeted Xiao ShanShan before heading out to the village gate. As for the pig meat and etc, he''ll take it later.


    Just as usual, Yan Xiu went to the forest with Chen Hanchen. The two hunted a few beasts as they walked deeper into the forest. Yan Xiu had just collected a snake which was impaled onto a tree by his needle, Chen Hanchen suddenly spoke behind him.


    "Little Xiu, do yo know the difference between beasts and demon beasts?" (CH)


    "All I know is that demon beasts are generally stronger and more dangerous than normal beasts." (YX)


    "That''s right, but do you know why demon beasts are stronger and more dangerous? It''s because demon beasts can cultivate while beasts can''t. All beasts have a fixed limit on how strong they could be, it depends on their race and bloodline. But demon beasts are like human, they can cultivate and grow stronger. And their wisdom grow along with their strength, that''s why demon beasts are much more dangerous and stronger than beasts. hence, never underestimate them or you''ll die." (CH)


    "I understand, senior brother." (YX)


    "Good. I know I just said that demon beasts are dangerous but I''m gonna have you fight one today. Because we''ll be hunting many demon beasts in the hunt, but of course, we''ll start with a weak one first. You ready?" (CH)


    "Of course!" (YX)


    "Then we need to find one first." (CH)


    The two resumed walking as they search for a demon beast, Yan Xiu was looking around when he smelled a thick milky aroma. Yan Xiu stopped and sniffed around, trying to determine where the aroma came from. Realizing Yan Xiu stopped following him, Chen Hanchen turned around to see Yan Xiu sniffing around, his lips twitch as he wondered what the little boy was doing.


    Yan Xiu stared at where the aroma came from with his glittering eyes. He could tell just from the smell that whatever it was, it would definitely taste delicious! Droll had filled his mouth and the glitter in his eyes glowed even more. Yan Xiu looked at Chen Hanchen and requested to check the source of the aroma.


    When Chen Hanchen heard his reason, he sigh and went along with Yan Xiu''s request. Chen Hanchen took a sniff and yet he didn''t smell anything, is my nose defunct or little Xiu''s nose are better? He thought.


    The further they went the stronger the aroma, the thick sweet savory aroma tickled Yan Xiu''s nose and whet his appetite. When they reached the source of the aroma, they saw a tall yellow tree. Suddenly Chen Hanchen ducked and hide behind a bush, Yan Xiu was pulled to hide with him.


    The tree trunk was thick with yellow bark, the branches all located on top of the trunk and grew pointing at the sky. Big and wide green leaves grew on the tip of the branches forming an umbrella crown. Under the shade of the crown grew a white with shades of yellow round fruits, it was bigger than an adult head.


    The delicious milky aroma was coming from the fruit, Yan Xiu gaze was locked onto the fruits. As much as he want to grabbed and open the fruit to consume the tantalizing taste inside, he couldn''t do so without a fight.


    There was a huge snake coiling the base of the tree. The snake dark green scales shined under the sun, it''s thick and long body glued to the tree as if guarding it. The snake''s eyes were shut. Yan Xiu scanned the snake before asking Chen Hanchen about it.


    "Well, aren''t we lucky? That snake is called Wood Snake, it''s a relatively weak demon beasts that usually found around spirit trees and plants. It has no venom and pretty docile if we don''t disturb it, but if we do, it''s muscular body packed quite the firepower.


    This on is only at Qi Refining Third Stage, should be a match for you. Don''t be nervous and just fight like usual, you''ll be fine. Just an advice, don''t get caught or it''ll be hard for you to release yourself." (CH)


    "Is there any more information about it? How about that tree, do you know it?" (YX)


    Chen Hanchen helplessly shakes his head with wry smile.


    "Little Xiu, I''m not a scholar, I''m just a hunter. Everything I know comes from the hunt and mostly from talking to merchants or from others conversations.


    If you wanna know about many things, wait for the team to come back. There''s someone knowledgeable in the team." (CH)


    "Okay, I understand." (YX)


    "Good, then go. I''ll make sure to move if the situation calls for it." (CH)


    Yan Xiu nodded. While making sure that the snake didn''t notice him, Yan Xiu stood up and took out a javelin from the belt. Javelin in hand, he went to a stance. The distance between him and the snake was only about 12 meters apart.


    The snake has yet to notice him, such a good ambush opportunity, he wouldn''t waste it. Yan Xiu took a deep breath and concentrated, he aimed at the snake''s head.


    He let loose the javelin as it traveled with great speed, Yan Xiu put all his strength into it. When the javelin about to hit the snake, the snake''s eyes snapped open as it barely dodged the javelin.


    The sound of the traveling javelin woke the snake up but it didn''t came out of it unscathed. The snake''s left eye was gouged out when the javelin grazed it, the snake hissed in pain.


    Yan Xiu stopped for moment when his javelin missed, he quickly took out another javelin before throwing it at the snake again. Looking at the same attack coming at it, the snake hissed loudly as it''s tail lashed out, knocking the javelin away.


    Since the snake already knew where he is, Yan Xiu ran out of the bushes. Yan Xiu ran around the snake as he threw needles at it, the snake brush some of the needles with it''s tail while the needles that hit the snake did little to no damage. The needles only pierced the skin and couldn''t go deeper, the snake''s body was too big and the scales were to hard for the needles to do any damage.


    Yan Xiu stopped running and took out his whip, his needles didn''t do any damage and his javelin would just knocked away. Yan Xiu didn''t have any choice than attacking it with his whip. The snake slowly uncoil itself from the tree, it glared at Yan Xiu.

 17 Fight The Wood Snake

    The eight meters long Wood Snake glared at Yan Xiu, it''s body was as thick as his body. Yan Xiu took the first move as his whip lashed out, the snake dodged to the side, the snake was surprisingly agile for it''s size.


    The snake came charging with it''s mouth wide open, Yan Xiu dodged but before he could land, a thick tail was nearing him with great speed. Yan Xiu put his hand on the ground and did a somersault, dodging the tail.


    In the air, Yan Xiu returned the favor by lashing out his whip a few times. The whip landed on the snake''s body twice, carving two long bloody wounds.


    The snake hissed loudly, it''s tail lashed out. Yan Xiu defended using his whip but he was thrown a few meters before he landed on the ground. Yan Xiu clenched his hand a few times, his hands felt numb because of the force.


    Yan Xiu rolled to the side as the snake''s tail hit Yan Xiu previous spot the next second. Yan Xiu rolled again twice as the snake''s tail pursuit him, attacking relentlessly. Before the fourth tail descent, Yan Xiu threw needles at the snake''s head.


    The snake''s tail abruptly change course to deflect the incoming needles, when the needles deflected, a whip suddenly hit it''s face. A long wound decorated the snake''s face, the snake writhed in pain.


    Back when the snake was distracted with the needles, Yan Xiu used the chance to land a strike at the snake''s head, it was a layered attack. Yan Xiu judged that striking the snake''s head deal more damage than aiming at it''s body.


    The snake''s swiped it''s tail at Yan Xiu, already used to the snake''s attack, Yan Xiu jumped and dodge the tail.


    While in the air Yan Xiu strike the snake again, aiming for it''s head. The first strike hit the snake''s head while the second one was deflected by the snake''s tail. Not giving the chance for the snake to attack, Yan Xiu already threw his needles at the snake''s head, forcing it to defend.


    Yan Xiu landed and ran around the snake, waiting for a chance to strike again. Meanwhile, hidden in the bushes, Chen Hanchen was impressed by how well Yan Xiu fought the wood snake.


    While it was a low-level demon beast, it was still a legit demon beast. He thought he would have to help him, but Chen Hanchen didn''t expect Yan Xiu to fought so well. The other two apprentice hunters had little problem fighting their first demon beasts too, but their fight didn''t went as smooth as Yan Xiu.


    ''Hahaha! He truly is a diamond! If we nurture him, we could have another Outer Foundation stage hunter!'' thought Chen Hachen as he continued watching Yan Xiu fight with excitement in his eyes. Outer foundation was another stage of cultivation, from lowest to highest, it would be Qi Refining, Inner Foundation, and Outer Foundation.


    Back to the fight, Yan Xiu ran around the snake, waiting for the snake to attack him. When the snake attacked him, Yan Xiu would dodge and counterattack. For Yan Xiu, this was the best method to fight the snake.


    Soon, the snake''s body was riddled with slash wounds of varying size. With all the blood leaking out of it''s body, the snake''s became sluggish but the hate and rage in it''s eyes didn''t die out, it was increasing. Both emotions were the thing that kept the snake from falling.


    The snake learned his mistakes and didn''t attack Yan Xiu again, it waited for Yan Xiu to attack. Yan Xiu, noticing the snake turned defensive, tried to provoke it by throwing needles at it. But the snake only deflected the needles without attacking back. With no one making the first move, Yan Xiu and the snake could only glare at each other in a stalemate.


    Yan Xiu was no better, the fight was draining him empty. If he lose focus, he would probably fell to the ground. His hands and feet already trembling from exhaustion, he breathed long and hard, his vision started to dim.


    Yan Xiu and the snake limit was approaching, the next attack was probably the last exchange. Yan Xiu thought of how to end the fight with one attack and he thought of a risky plan. Yan Xiu couldn''t think of another plan so he decided on the risky plan.


    Chen Hanchen, who watched the fight, knew that if the snake didn''t attack, then Yan Xiu couldn''t attack either. While the Yan Xiu and the snake was both Qi Refining 3rd stage, demon beast and normal beast was usually stronger than human cultivator of the same stage.


    Yan Xiu own advantage was that he could attack from afar with throwing weapon but the snake agile tail negated his advantage. So, Yan Xiu could only exploit the opening when the snake attack. Chen Hanchen commended Yan Xiu for realizing this opening, many hunters rely on brute force when they fought their first demon beast.


    Chen Hanchen was curious, ''Now, how will you break this stalemate?'' thought Chen Hanchen. He predicted that Yan Xiu would keep provoke the snake by throwing his needles or javelin, but he never thought that Yan Xiu would foolishly attack the snake with whip.


    It all happened suddenly and so fast, that Chen Hanchen couldn''t react in time. He saw Yan Xiu slashed the snake with his whip, the snake swiftly defended with it''s tail but it didn''t end there. The snake''s tail tangled the whip and pulled it hard.


    Yan Xiu was disarmed of his whip. The moment Yan Xiu''s whip left his hand, the snake lunges at Yan Xiu with great speed. Yan Xiu could see the blood red mouth and the sharp teeth of the snake before the collision.


    When the snake collided with Yan Xiu, Chen Hanchen snapped out of it and his face paled.


    "LITTLE XIU!!!" (CH)


    He screamed and ran toward Tan Xiu in horror. In his mind, he could picture the image of Yan Xiu''s cold body. But when drew near, he realized the snake was still. He didn''t see the picture of Yan Xiu bloody and cold body, what he saw was the snake''s bleeding head.


    There was a javelin sticking out of the snake''s head from below, the snake couldn''t be more deader. The javelin was stained with blood and grey brain matter. Chen Hanchen was shocked and dumbfounded, he was awaken by the weak sound calling him from below the snake''s head.


    "Senior brother, don''t just stand there, help me. This thing''s heavy." (YX)


    Chen Hanchen then found Yan Xiu pressed below the snake''s head, which covered half of his body. Chen Hanchen quickly helped Yan Xiu and sat him leaning on a tree.


    "Little Xiu, you... What did you do?" (CH)


    Yan Xiu smiled and told him his risky plan, which shocked Chen Hanchen again. His plan was simple, the snake didn''t attack because he still got his weapon and it was afraid of being counterattack. So, he simply just need to cast away his weapon, but simply throwing it away might alert the snake.


    That''s why he attacked and gambled on the snake to use it''s tail to defend and took the whip away from him, and he won the gamble. The snake used it''s tail to took the whip and attacked again with his head like Yan Xiu planned. From there, it was another gamble whether he could stabbed the snake to dead with his javelin or died by chomp.


    Chen Hachen never had thought the calm and mature Yan Xiu would have such a daredevil-like aspect in him. Yan Xiu drank some green water and rest for a bit before he could stand. Now, the snake gone, Yan Xiu''s locked on to the beautiful fruits.

 18 Bananut and White Ape

    The big round white fruits was shining with slightly yellow sheen, it looked truly tempting. Yan Xiu looked for his whip and took it up, he locked on to a fruit dangling from the lowest branch.


    Thankfully, the tree was not high, the tallest branch was only seven meter from the ground. Yan Xiu swung his whip and tangled it to one of the fruit and yanked it. He caught the fallen fruit and began checking it.


    The fruit was heavier than he thought, from the touch, Yan Xiu could tell the skin of the fruit was quite thick. But the thick skin couldn''t impede the nice smell leaking out of the fruit. This fruit reminded him of a fruit his father once gave him.


    Yan Xiu put the fruit to his nose and took a deep breath, taking in all the delicious milky taste. He realized that there was a faint smell of Banana on it, he also could hear a pleasant sound of water inside the fruit. ''It''s really similar to that fruit.'' Yan Xiu thought. Imagining the fruit juice inside the fruit, drool flooded Yan Xiu''s mouth. He couldn''t wait anymore.


    Yan Xiu went to Chen Hanchen and borrowed one of his knife to skinned the fruit. Chen Hanchen dully nodded and gave Yan Xiu his knife. Chen Hanchen was puzzled, he couldn''t associate the Yan Xiu who cheerfully skinning the fruit before him with the injured and exhausted Yan Xiu from a moment ago.


    ''Is he just that tough or is he a glutton that can revive as long as there''s food?'' Chen Hanchen wondered. While Chen Hanchen was thinking useless stuff, Yan Xiu already skinned the fruit. The skin of the fruit was truly thick, about 2cm thick.


    The inner skin wasn''t dry and hard like the outer skin, maybe because the water inside the fruit, it felt cool and damp. ''It really is coconut or something similar to it.'' Yan Xiu cut a small hole on the inner skin, in that moment, the true fragrance of the fruit was released.


    It wasn''t like the aroma Yan Xiu has been smelling, it was thick and dense milky aroma that come rushing like a flood. It was different from the smell of dairy milk, it was sweeter and without any weird odor. Inside it, the fragrance of fresh cheese and banana mixed in. Yan Xiu became intoxicated when he smelled it.


    Yan Xiu sipped a little of the fruit juice and paused for a moment, then the small sip became big gulps as he chugged down the whole fruit down. The coconut water tasted like dense milk but it wasn''t suffocating, it was easy to drink and left a light after-taste. The cheese and banana taste mixed in harmony with the coconut water, the three different tastes were complementing each other.


    Not only it was delicious, the taste also reminded Yan Xiu of one of the drinks his mother made, the one called Banana Smoothie. Yan Xiu licked his upper lips after he was done drinking the fruit, he closed his eyes as he relished both the fruit''s taste and his memory.


    The one in the background, Chen Hanchen, was wondering if the fruit was truly that good. He felt Yan Xiu was exaggerating but looking at Yan Xiu''s elated expression, he couldn''t help but wanting to taste the fruit himself. With a throw of his knife, the fruit dangling from the branch fell and landed on his hand.


    Mimicking how Yan Xiu skinned, Chen Hanchen soon opened one of the fruit. ''The aroma is delicious but it isn''t anything special though.'' thought Chen Hanchen when he smelled the fruit aroma. For the taste, it was good but a tad too sweet for him.


    He couldn''t get what so special about the fruit, so he just chalked it as a kid, Yan Xiu, was more expressive. Suddenly Chen Hanchen felt something closing in and the presence was not weak, Chen Hanchen turned around and went to battle mode.


    Sensing the urgency, Yan Xiu grabbed his whip and looked at where Chen Hanchen gazed at. The sound of something heavy walking to them, from the presence alone, Chen Hanchen could tell the thing coming toward them was not weak. He considered to ran away but it was too late, Chen Hanchen could feel the thing gaze on them, running now was just going to gave the thing chance to jump on them.


    When the thing became visible, the first thing Chen Hanchen and Yan Xiu saw was a luscious white fur. The thing body was covered with white fur except hands and feet, face, chest and stomach. It skin was black with blue eyes, just from looking at the thing''s square chest and abs, that the thing was muscular with great strength.


    "White Ape..." (CH)


    Murmured Chen Hanchen, Yan Xiu saw Chen Hanchen''s face relaxed a little after he recognized the thing, the White Ape.


    "Little Xiu, that is called White Ape, it''s a demon beast. It''s strong, but like Wood Snake, if we don''t provoke it, it won''t do anything to us. So slowly walked back but don''t break eye contact." (CH)


    Whispered Chen Hachen, Yan Xiu nodded as they slowly backed away. But from the looks of it, the White Ape won''t let them went away. When they took a step back, the White Ape went forward a step. It gaze never left them, staring them intently.


    Chen Hanchen didn''t know what they did that provoke it, but if it wouldn''t let them off, he would fight it. He didn''t want to as there was no benefit in hunting the White Ape, but the situation asked for it. The air grew heavy, Chen Ganchen took his stance while the White Ape, feeling Chen Hanchen intent, also growled at him, revealing it''s white fangs.


    Yan Xiu, however, realized the White Ape focus was not at the two of them but the fruit in Yan Xiu hand, which he forgot to threw away. There, Yan Xiu figured out why the ape was following them. It wanted the fruit.


    Yan Xiu then went to the tree and picked another fruit before skinning it. Chen Hanchen was shocked with Yan Xiu''s sudden move before running toward to protect him, afraid the ape would attack the little guy.


    "Little Xiu, what are you doing?! This is not the time to-" (CH)


    "It''s okay, senior brother. We were wrong." (YX)


    "What are you talking about?! Listen, I''ll distract it, so just run back to the village. I''ll catch up with you later!" (CH)


    "Senior brother, it''s okay. Trust me, it''s just a misunderstanding." (YX)


    Without waiting Chen Hanchen next word, Yan Xiu put his whip away, went past Chen Hanchen and put the skinned fruit, Bananut, on the ground before the ape and stepped back to Chen Hanchen. He already cut the lower part of the fruit flat so it wouldn''t fall, Yan Xiu called the fruit that because it''s similarity with coconut and banana taste.


    The ape looked at the weaponless Yan Xiu smiling at it without any hostility as he stood in front of Chen Hanchen, as if reassuring it that Chen Hanchen won''t attack it.


    Chen Hanchen was about to berated Yan Xiu but stopped when he saw the ape lowered it''s head to sniffed the Bananut, despite Chen Hanchen in front of it. When a beast was in front of potential danger, it would be impossible for it to ignore it and focused it''s attention on other thing. And yet, the ape ignored Chen Hanchen and sniffed the fruit. It was either it was confidence in it''s prowess or it recognized Chen Hanchen wouldn''t attack it.


    Chen Hanchen looked at Yan Xiu with question and a bit of surprise, he already knew the boy was not a normal boy from the way Yan Xiu carried himself and his talent. Plus there was also the matter with Yan Xiu''s father, Chen Hanchen wondered just how much surprise the boy have. Yan Xiu looked at Chen Hanchen while smiling and pointed at the whip on his waist, getting Yan Xiu signs, Chen Hanchen put away his knifes.


    Confirming there was nothing wrong with the fruit, the ape reached for it and drank it. Tasting the sweet juice, the ape closed it eyes in relish. Went it''s done, it let out a happy yell.


    "Uho uho!" (WA)

 19 Eating Together

    The White Ape looked at Yan Xiu and grinned widely before jumping and grabbed two Bananut fruits. After landing, it walked toward Yan Xiu with his hind legs and fruits in each hand. Chen Hanchen grew tense when the ape walked toward them but Yan Xiu was still calm and smiled.


    The ape ignored Chen Hanchen and shoved the fruit to Yan Xiu, it grinned again before sitting on the ground and skinned the fruit with it''s teeth. It was mimicking how Yan Xiu skinned the fruit, albeit a little rough. Looking at the delighted ape, who successfully skinned the fruit and drinking the juice, Yan Xiu nodded with a smile.


    He recalled what his father once said, ''''Good food is a bridge, connecting everyone. With good food around, there''ll be no fight. Everyone will sit down and eat together in harmony.'' What father said is true.'' thought Yan Xiu as he sat down beside the ape. He was about to skinned another fruit when he recalled that coconut has edible meat part inside it.


    He slice the one he drank from before, and as expected, a glistening white meat was exposed. Using knife, Yan Xiu scooped some out. It''s texture was like a jelly, it jiggles and wet with fruit juice. It was soft but chewable, the cheese and banana taste was more pronounce in the meat than the juice, it felt like a cheese banana milk pudding.


    The ape looked at Yan Xiu eating and was curious, he did the same and ate the Bananut meat. The strange texture and sweet taste enamored it in instant, the ape liked the meat more than the juice. Yan Xiu and the ape looked at each other and smiled widely, showing their white teeth. The two went back and ate the fruit on their hand.


    Seeing the surreal scene of a boy and a demon beast sitting side by side eating fruit, Chen Hanchen didn''t feel anything. It wasn''t because he didn''t feel surprised or shocked, he just already numb, the surprise and shock he received today was too great.


    He knew that there''s a kind of cultivator, who shared a bond with demon beast, called beast tamer. It was normal for them to treat their contracted demon beast like family or friend, but a wild demon beast and a boy sitting side by side eating like a friend? He would definitely won''t believe such thing if someone told him that, and yet, such an unbelievable scene was happening in front of him.


    Sure, primate demon beasts were smarter and more docile than most demon beast except for some of them, but still, to be eating with a boy while ignoring the potential threat, him (CH)?


    Chen Hanchen took a deep breath and sighed. ''So be it, I''ll get used to it.'' Chen Hanchen decided to just accept it, or else it''s gonna drain him for being surprised repeatedly. He picked a bananut fruit and drank it while sitting beside Yan Xiu, the White Ape only glanced at Chen Hanchen for a moment and went back enjoying the fruit.


    Yan Xiu suddenly remembered about the Wood Snake he killed. Thankfully they were still in the outer part of the forest, a little blood smell won''t attract anything dangerous.


    "Senior brother, do Wood Snake taste good?" (YX)


    "Hm? Sure, it''s good. Why?" (CH)


    Chen Hanchen asked but he knew the answer after seeing the glow in Yan Xiu''s eyes. ''He sure likes to eat.'' thought Chen Hanchen, but he admit he was a little excited since Yan Xiu''s cooking skill was truly good. Who didn''t like good food?


    "What do you need me to do?" (CH)


    "Can you help me bring it to a river?" (YX)


    "Got it." (CH)


    Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen removed the needles and javelin on the snake body before Chen Hanchen dragged the body toward the river. Yan Xiu collected all the needles and the javelins he thrown before following Chen Hanchen. After a few steps, Yan Xiu stopped and turned around to say goodbye to the ape.


    When he looked back however, Yan Xiu saw the ape following him. It''s gaze locked onto him, there was malicious intent or hostility in it''s eyes, only curiosity. Yan Xiu tilted his head.


    "Do you want to come?" (YX)


    Yan Xiu only asked, he didn''t expect for the ape to answer, as he thought the ape wouldn''t understand him. And yet, under Yan Xiu''s amazed gaze, the ape nodded. Yan Xiu was surprised, for a moment, he only stared at the ape.


    "You understand me?" (YX)


    The ape nodded again, this time Yan Xiu was excited and went near the ape, staring closely at it. The ape couldn''t speak, but understanding human language was amazing enough. Yan Xiu smiled at the ape.


    "Okay! Let''s go then!" (YX)


    The ape nodded and the two of them went to the river. At the river, Chen Hanchen was waiting for Yan Xiu, when he saw Yan Xiu and the ape walking toward him, he wondered why the ape was with Yan Xiu. He already knew that the ape wouldn''t harm them, so he no longer tense around it. Before Chen Hanchen could ask, Yan Xiu already ran toward him in excitement.


    "Senior brother! The ape understand human language!" (YX)


    Yan Xiu thought Chen Hanchen would be surprised but he didn''t.


    "You aren''t surprised?" (YX)


    "No, I already expected that. See, Little Xiu, after reaching certain level, demon beasts will be able to understand and speak human language, they can even turn to human. And While rare, there are demon beasts who are cleverer than the most. They can''t speak but they can understand human language. That''s why I''m not surprised." (CH)


    "I see." (YX)


    Yan Xiu looked at the ape and wondered when could he speak, while the ape was staring at the Wood Snake carcass. Yan Xiu put the thought behind him and went to process the Wood Snake. The process was easy but took a long time because the snake''s huge body.


    Yan Xiu first cut off the head, located the anal vent and cut through from there to the head. After that, he slowly trimmed the skin off the body. Lastly, gutted the snake. Chen Hanchen helped him but it still took two hours.


    The snake''s meat then cut to big portions, washed, and wrapped with leaves, so that it would be easy to carry. Yan Xiu took some of the meat and diced it, he then skewered them to sticks. He found some Kiir grass, it was grass that produced lemon taste water if crushed, he splashed the skewers with it. There was about thirty skewers.


    While Yan Xiu was preparing the skewers, Chen Hanchen already make a bonfire. The White Ape just saw the two humans before it with interest, he was especially interested in the round snake meat skewers.


    Yan Xiu stabbed the skewers around the bonfire, roasting them and periodically turn them. Slowly, the fragrant smell of roast meat drifted to the air. It was like chicken smell only stronger. Chen Hanchen and White Ape were staring intently, drool was pooling in their mouths.


    The White Ape reached out to take one of the skewers but it''s hand was swatted by Yan Xiu, he then told it to wait for a little more, which the White Ape obediently nodded.


    When the skewers done, Yan Xiu divided them evenly. Each of them got ten skewers. For drinks, they drank the green water with leaves as plate and glass.


    The three of them, two humans and a demon beast, sat around the bonfire as they ate delicious skewers with sweet and sour taste. The three of them ate in harmony with smiles on their faces.

 20 Bai Yuan

    The three of them, one demon beast and two humans, were patting their belly after a scrumptious meal.


    The sky was dyed orange when they done eating, it was time to head home. The three of them stood up, Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen turned and walked home, Yan Xiu looked at the White Ape and waved his hand.


    "Bye-bye!" (YX)


    The three of them then split up, or so they should have. The White Ape didn''t leave Yan Xiu and was following them, it didn''t bother hiding while following, the ape was following as if there was nothing wrong.


    Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen was troubled, they couldn''t have the ape following them to the village. If it did, the ape would be hunted down the moment the hunters spotted it, no question asked.


    They tried to explained it to the ape, but the ape didn''t listen and stubbornly following them. Chen Hanchen tried to shake the ape off their trail by running around while carrying Yan Xiu, but it was another failure. The ape already remembered their scent and could easily track them.


    "Senior, what do we do?" (YX)


    "Let me think for a sec." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen crossed his hand as he sat down, Yan Xiu looked at the White Ape standing behind him. The big ape was about two meters high, under the lustrous white fur was a body with bulging muscle, it''s blue eyes shines with wisdom.


    "Hey, why are you following us?" (YX)


    "Uho uho, uho uhoho." (WA)


    The White Ape couldn''t speak so it used hand gesture to showed what it want to convey. It pointed at Yan Xiu and raised it''s hand like it was holding a kebab and took a bit at the imaginary kebab, then it patted it''s belly with elated expression. Yan Xiu thought it was cute when the ape grinned while showing it''s teeth.


    "Are you trying to say you like my food so you decided to follow me?" (YX)


    "Uho!" (WA)


    The White Ape nodded, it wanted to follow Yan Xiu because it thought it could eat another good food if it followed Yan Xiu. But the good food Yan Xiu make wasn''t the only reason. Although it just met Yan Xiu, through this short encounter, it could tell Yan Xiu was harmless and kind, at least compared to other humans who tried to kill it. The White Ape was smart and it''s instinct was equally sharp.


    Back then, when the White Ape was lured by the smell of bananut and came across Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen, it first thought was to hide and wait for Yan Xiu and Chen Hanchen to leave.


    But then, it senses a unique aura from Yan Xiu, it was very comforting and at the same time invigorating, it gave the ape a sense of safety. It''s instinct told it to get close and stayed near Yan Xiu, guided by it instinct, the ape reveal itself.


    And so, the event flowed to the current situation. It''s instinct was right, Yan Xiu were kind just like the mysterious aura he emits and the food he makes was tasty. In this short encounter, the White Ape already spoiled by Yan Xiu''s aura and food, it couldn''t bear to separate with him.


    "Got it!" (CH)


    While Yan Xiu and the ape was conversing, Chen Hanchen suddenly yelled out, shocking them both.


    "Senior, you shocked me. What is it?" (YX)


    "Little Xiu, I got an idea to take him back to the village!" (CH)


    "What? We''re taking it back to the village?" (YX)


    ''Weren''t we trying to shoo it away?'' thought Yan Xiu. Make no mistake, Yan Xiu didn''t have any trouble with bringing the ape to the village, in fact, he wanted to. He kinda liked this smart ape.


    "But the rules..." (YX)


    "I know what you want to say but actually there''s an exception to that rule." (CH)


    "Exception?" (YX)


    "Little Xiu, do you know a profession called "Beast Tamer"?" (CH)


    "No, what is that?" (YX)


    "It refers to cultivator who contracted a Demon beast and grow stronger together, it is said their combined strength was amplified multiple times. And more importantly, the contracted demon beast will obey the cultivator. Hence, a contracted demon beast can enter the village." (CH)


    "So, as long as either of us contracted the White Ape, it could enter the village, right?" (YX)


    "That''s right, but the one who will make the contract is you. I don''t think the White Ape like me, and to make a contract feeling and affinity is important." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen looked at the White Ape, ''If little Xiu successfully make a contract with the White Ape, it will add another layer of protection for him.'' thought Chen Hanchen. In the hunt two days later, there''s still danger even under the protection of the Head Hunter, Xiao Musheng.


    But if the White Ape became Yan Xiu''s contracted demon beast, he would be safe unless he came across demon beast group or overly strong one.


    "Eh? But I don''t know how to make a contract." (YX)


    "Don''t worry, it''s easy. You just need to drop blood on it''s forehead and establish a mental bond with it. Try it." (CH)


    "Oh okay." (YX)


    Yan Xiu went and stood in front of the White Ape, Yan Xiu and the White Ape looked at each other in the eyes. Yan Xiu punctured his thumb with needle and show it to the White Ape.


    "Will you make a contract with me?" (YX)


    "Uho!" (WA)


    The White Ape hesitated for a second before nodding and it lowered it''s head. Yan Xiu touched the White Ape forehead with his thumb and an instance, his view changed. Everything around him was black, in front of him was the White Ape''s will in the shape of a ball of grey fire. He himself also became a ball of fire, only his was green in color.


    From the grey ball, Yan Xiu could feel it was nervous. Yan Xiu tried to convey his good intent to the grey ball and it worked, the grey ball''s nervousness gone and it was letting out happiness. Thinking it was time, Yan Xiu thinking how to make a contract with it and from his round body a string of green line stretched out toward the grey ball.


    The grey ball also let out a string of grey line, the two lines with different color got closer and make a contact. Yan Xiu returned to reality, he thought it was all an illusion but he could feel a bond connecting him and the White Ape. Suddenly, Yan Xiu heard a heavy voice in his mind.


    "Master!" (??)


    Yan Xiu was shocked, he looked around but he soon found out that the sound was coming from the bond between him and the White Ape, it the White Ape''s voice. Yan Xiu turned to Chen Hanchen and exclaimed.


    "Senior, I can hear the White Ape talking in my mind!" (YX)


    "Hahahaha, don''t worry, it''s normal. I heard that beast tamer can communicate with their contracted demon beast telepathically, and the demon beast also can talk with human language in the mental bond, although limited." (CH)


    "I see! Then, since you''re now my demon beast, I''m gonna call you Bai Yuan!" (YX)


    "Uho! (me, Bai Yuan!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan hit it''s chest in happiness, Yan Xiu laughed and Chen Hanchen smiled. ''Today was full of surprises but it all went well!'' thought Chen Hanchen. Then the three of them left the place shortly after.

 21 Clues and Hamburger

    Yan Xiu didn''t follow Chen Hanchen back to the village, he went straight home. Although he already contacted Bai Yuan, he couldn''t just waltz into the village while bringing a demon beast.


    Chen Hanchen would first report it to the head hunter, then after the head hunter checked and gave the permission, only then can Bai Yuan entered the village.


    The two of them walked home while avoiding people, with Bai Yuan''s speed they reached home fast. Yan Xiu looked at the snake meat tied onto Bai Yuan''s back, as they were too much, Chen Hanchen carried half and Bai Yuan carried another half, but even half was still quite an amount.


    Bai Yuan carried so much meat from the forest to here and yet, he didn''t break that much sweat. It''s endurance was really good, "I can ask him to help out later." thought Yan Xiu.


    Right when the two of them neared the house, Bai Yuan suddenly stopped and trembled as his hair stood straight. He looked in front of him, at the house to be exact, and growled, although he put up a brave front, the fear in his voice was quite obvious.


    "What''s wrong?" (YX)


    Yan Xiu asked worriedly, in which Bai Yuan answered in between clattering teeth.


    "Uho..... Ho... (In front, dangerous. Can''t get, closer)." (BY)


    Yan Xiu became confused, ''What scaring him?'' asked Yan xiu. Then he remembered about his house barrier, ''If I didn''t remember wrong, father did say it would prevent any foreign threat to enter or even get close to the house. Maybe it''s the barrier'' thought Yan Xiu.


    Yan Xiu was about to explain to Bai Yuan about the barrier, but he saw that Bai Yuan face change to complete fear as he dropped to the ground while trembling. Yan Xiu was shocked and when he looked ahead, he saw a blue pair of eyes hovering in the air.


    It''s gaze was strict and heavy with authority and power, all of it weigh down on Bai Yuan. Meanwhile, it didn''t have any effect on Yan Xiu. ''Is that... Papa?'' wondered Yan Xiu, his papa was always smiling and easy-going, his eyes was gentle and kind. And yet, the severe azure eyes in front of him was reminding Yan Xiu of his papa.


    Yan Xiu gapped at the eyes and shocked still. The eyes, on other hand, was investigating Bai Yuan. When it saw the thin mental bond between Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan, the eyes became less severe. It slowly dissipate into thin air after one last look of Yan Xiu, in the last moment the eyes looked kind.


    "Is it really..... Papa?" (YX)


    It was too similar, ''Is papa and mama back?'' thought Yan Xiu in daze. Meanwhile, Bai Yuan felt the presence of the scary thing and the pressure that was on him gone. He cautiously lifted his head and looked around, making sure the scary thing was truly gone.


    He was relieved, back when the scary thing was gazing on him, Bai Yuan felt he was pressured by a mountain and couldn''t even breathe. When Bai Yuan saw Yan Xiu in daze, he thought Yan Xiu was still scared. Bai Yuan nudge Yan Xiu and awoken him from his daze.


    "Uhoho! (Me, protect, master!)" (BY)


    Said Bai Yuan as he thumped his chest heavily with his fist, his face was fierce. Looking at Bai Yuan, Yan Xiu was amused.


    "Okay, I''m counting on you!" (YX)


    Bai Yuan showed a smug face when he heard Yan Xiu said that. Yan Xiu took Bai Yuan into the house to place the snake meat into the box on the kitchen. Bai Yuan was still wary about the house at first, but soon relaxed after a while. While Bai Yuan was unloading the meat, Yan Xiu looked around the house, searching for something.


    Living room, kitchen, even toilets, he searched the whole house, and yet, there was no signs or silhouette of the two peoples he hoped to find. His parent''s room, the last room he had yet to searched. He slowly opened the room, hoping to see the scene of his papa combing mama''s hair, the scene he frequently saw.


    But, what greeted him was an empty room. Devoid of people or any sign of them. Yan Xiu didn''t enter and just observed the room from the door, sadness and loneliness clouded his eyes. Tears pooling, threatening to fall. Yan Xiu scrubbed his eyes with his hand, although still misty and wet, there was no longer sadness or loneliness in his eyes. Regaining their strength and brilliance, the fire of determination burned brightly in those eyes.


    "One day.... I''ll definitely find you..." (YX)


    He closed the door and head to his room. He put away his hunting gear, took a shower and changed clothes. When his back to the kitchen, Bai Yuan was waiting there obediently.


    When Bai Yuan saw Yan Xiu, he came over and looked at Yan Xiu worriedly. Because of the mental bond between them, they could feel each other subtle mood, so of course Bai Yuan could feel Yan Xiu sadness from early. Yan Xiu felt Bai Yuan''s worry and the loneliness in his heart lessen.


    After his parents disappeared, the house no longer felt warm and grew cold, he felt the house became bigger but hollow and empty. But with Bai Yuan here with him, the house felt warmer and less empty. The contract was a coincidence, but now, Yan Xiu couldn''t help but be grateful for it and felt like it was not an accident.


    "Don''t worry, I''m fine. Thanks. Just wait, I''ll make something tasty to welcome you, the new family member!" (YX)


    When he heard the word "tasty" Bai Yuan grew excited, Yan Xiu smiled and started cooking. He first cook a lot of rice and make a simple tomato salad, and then he minced a mix of pork and snake meat.


    The minced meat then was added beaten egg, garlic, pepper, and some sauce. Yan Xiu mixed it all together with hands, resulting into a beautiful pink meat patty. Patting the meat a few times to let out the air inside, he took out a flat fry pan and heat up some oil on it.


    The meat sizzle when they touched the oil, the sweet heavy smell of the meat filled the air. Bai Yuan was already waiting expectantly and was tortured even more by the smell, he looked at the meat and took in the smell greedily.


    Yan Xiu fry both side evenly and it came out great, both side was fried perfectly, Yan Xiu placed it on a plate with a small bowl containing black pepper sauce, the hamburger was oozing with meat sauce.


    Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan ate with relish, the tomato salad was refreshing and light, the hamburger was filling with heavy spicy taste. The balance of taste was exquisite.


    After eating, Yan Xiu took out a hammock bed his father make for fun and tied it between the tree outside as Bai Yuan''s bed. Bai Yuan liked his new bed and happily jumped on it before searching for the best position to lie on it. Yan Xiu leave him and went to his own bed after checking the field and livestock, a round of cultivation and he went to bed.

 22 Break 1

    In the morning, Yan Xiu had Bai Yuan delivered the green water to the livestock. Bai Yuan gazed at the green water intensely, the fresh fragrance from the water was very enticing to Bai Yuan.


    Yan Xiu was amused looking at Bai Yuan, he produced seven buckets worth of green water while resting in between.


    "Don''t worry, I have your portion right here. So just take that to the livestock and be careful not to drop it." (YX)


    "Uho! (Got, it!)" (BY)


    With bucket in each hand, Bai Yuan carefully walked to the pig pen and chicken coop. Six buckets were for the pigs, chickens, and Bai Yuan, two buckets each. The last one was for the Glass Lime. The last two crops, Spiked Carrots and Snow Radish were ready to harvest, so the Glass Lime got a bucket for itself. Yan Xiu was thinking of fermenting them.


    After harvesting and watering, Yan Xiu went to cultivating. On the side, Bai Yuan was enjoying the green water after he delivered the green water to the pig pen and chicken coop. He drank it slowly, sip by sip, like enjoying a wine.


    .....


    "Teacher, we''re almost there." (CH)


    "Un." (XM)


    Chen Hanchen was walking with Xiao Musheng toward Yan Xiu house, their purpose was to check on the contract between Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan, also to check Bai Yuan personality. They would not let a demon beast with dangerous and uncontrollable personality into the village, even if it was contracted.


    Frankly, Xiao Musheng didn''t believe Yan Xiu had contracted a demon beast, what''s more the demon beast was stronger than him. Chen Hanchen might not know, but Xiao Musheng knew that contracting beast was harder than it looks.


    First, the contractor, in this case the human, must be stronger than the demon beast, or the demon beast would break free from the cultivator control. Second, the most important factor, the demon beast must be willing to be contracted, lest the demon beast would be harder to control, even try to break the contract and the contractor would suffer the demon beast wrath if it ever be free.


    Based on the two conditions, Xiao Musheng had his reason to not believe what Chen Hanchen told him.


    Turning back time to yesterday evening, Xiao Musheng just got back to the hunter HQ and Chen Hanchen already waiting for him at the door.


    Chen Hanchen recounted Yan Xiu battle with the Wood Snake to him, after the story, Xiao Musheng held the same opinion with Chen Hanchen. The boy was a talent, he had to be nurtured carefully.


    But, when Chen Hanchen reached the part where Bai Yuan showed up, Xiao Musheng could hardly believe what he heard. A boy and demon beast eating together? A demon beast following a boy for food? Even going as far as make a contract for it?


    Xiao Musheng wondered just what was Chen Hanchen smoking when he recounted the story for him. In the end, to ascertain the truth, Xiao Musheng decided to check it personally.


    When they reached Yan Xiu house, Xiao Musheng was rooted on the spot. While Chen Hanchen could only feel the barrier when he passes through, Xiao Musheng already felt the barrier from afar.


    Chen Hanchen already told him about the barrier, but he didn''t believe it. Why would an esteemed personage stayed on this backwater village? But now, he was forced to believe it.


    Looking at the barrier covering the house and areas around it, Xiao Musheng knew that he would ve disintegrated if he ever try to trespass it. The strength of the barrier was monstrous, stronger than any barrier or anything he ever encountered before.


    His back wet with cold sweat, although the barrier didn''t deliberately suppressed or attack him, Xiao Musheng, who could feel the barrier power, couldn''t help but feared it.


    Chen Hanchen already knew that Xiao Mushen was taken back by the barrier, but from his reaction, Chen Hanchen realized that the barrier seemed to be stronger than he thought.


    While the two were standing outside the barrier, Bai Yuan, who had finished drinking, felt Xiao Musheng strong presence and went to the front of the house.


    Normally, Bai Yuan would flee instead of going near human stronger than him. But with the barrier around, he knew the strong human wouldn''t be able to touch him. He looked at Xiao Musheng and Chen Hanchen beside him, under the barrier''s protection, Bai Yuan began to feel smug and mischief.


    He rose to his feet, standing at almost three meters high, Bai Yuan looked down at Xiao Musheng from above. He raised his head as if it wasn''t enough and put his hands on his waist, adding the smug look on his face, Bai Yuan was clearly taunting Xiao Musheng. Uhouho hohoho (A chance to taunt a human stronger than me, how could I miss it!) thought Bai Yuan.


    Xiao Musheng saw Bai Yuan making fun at him but he ignored that, such cheap provocation was beneath him. While Xiao Musheng wasn''t affected, Chen Hanchen got riled up. Nobody messes with my teacher! Thought Chen Hanchen as he ran and gave Bai Yuan a flying kick.


    When Chen Hanchen passed through the barrier, Bai Yuan was surprised before quickly defending himself. Uhouho (If it were the strong human, I''ll be in trouble but if it''s you, see how I mess you up!)


    Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen tangled up as they fought, the sound of their fight wasn''t small, Yan Xiu, who was preparing to cook, heard it and came out. He was dumbfounded when he saw Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen fighting.


    "What are you guys doing?" (YX)


    "Little Xiu, you''re demon beast is too much!" (CH)


    "Uho houho! (Master, he attacked, first!)" (BY)


    Besides messed up clothes and fur, their was no visible wounds on their body, clearly they were just playing. The two of them were glaring at each other, Yan Xiu shook his head and came to Xiao Musheng.


    "Greetings to head hunter!" (YX)


    "... Un." (XM)


    "Head hunter, please come in, I just about to make breakfast." (YX)


    Xiao Musheng was still affected by the barrier power, hence he was a little slow. He followed Yan Xiu and when he passed through the barrier, he felt the foreign power briefly scanned through his body before leaving.


    When he heard about breakfast, Chen Hanchen swiftly left Bai Yuan and chased Yan Xiu. For him, food was a priority. Bai Yuan didn''t lose out, he raced Chen Hanchen to the kitchen.


    In the kitchen, Yan Xiu was waiting for the rice to cook, Xiao Musheng was scanning his surrounding, while Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen was waiting obediently for food. With this amount of people, Yan Xiu decided on one dish, fried rice!

 23 Break 2

    Garlic and shallot minced to paste, pork and snake meat cut to small pieces, slices mushrooms, chilli paste, beaten eggs, some condiments, and lastly, rice. That''s all the ingredients for a simple but delicious fried rice.


    Yan Xiu took out a big wok and heat up some oil in it, when the oil hot enough, the pork and snake meat went in. When the meat half-cooked, garlic and shallot was tossed in and stir fried until it''s fragrant. Then he added beaten eggs lightly flavored with salt and pepper.


    He scrambled the egg and other ingredients into one before the sliced mushrooms were tossed in, the mushrooms was lightly cooked. Before the egg completely cooked, goes in the rice. He stirred it briefly before adding salt, pepper, chilli paste, and soy sauce.


    Then he stirred it carefully to make sure the taste spread evenly and all the ingredients and rice combined to one. The delicious smell of the fried rice engulfed the whole room.


    Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen closes their eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the delicious smell. Xiao Musheng also couldn''t help but took a deep breath, the smell was hard to resist. The three of them focused their attention on the wok, waiting for the content be ready and served.


    The fire was put out and the fried rice was left to rest, Yan Xiu took out a huge bowl and poured the fried rice into it. The reddish brown fried rice formed a mountain inside the bowl.


    Yan Xiu told Bai Yuan to place the fried rice to the table while he took out plates and spoons for everyone. Using a wooden ladle, Yan Xiu served each person with a plate of fried rice.


    "Please dig in!" (YX)


    As soon as Yan Xiu''s spoke, Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen devoured their fried rice like starving wolf. They fought again as they fight for the ladle to scooped out the fried rice. Xiao Musheng in another hand took a little bite of the fried rice before finishing it with big bites.


    The sweet and spicy taste of the rice, the gentle taste of the eggs and mushrooms, and the filling meat. It was fantastic. While Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen was fighting, Xiao Musheng stealthily get himself a second serving of the fried rice. When a snipe and clam quarrel, the fisherman benefits*.


    The three of them truly enjoyed the fried rice, looking at the scene, Yan Xiu smiled and ate his own portion before joining the fight. In just a few moments, the fried rice was devoured clean by the four of them.


    Yan Xiu cleaned up the table before making some tea. Their belly was satisfied, it was time for business. Xiao Musheng sipped the tea that was served to him before glancing at Bai Yuan.


    Xiao Musheng small gesture alerted Bai Yuan, he instantly put up his guard and growled at Xiao Musheng. Bai Yuan couldn''t help it, it was in his instinct to be wary of anything stronger than him.


    "Third level of Inner Foundation stage, quite the demon beast you contracted there, boy. Tell me the events of yesterday." (XM)


    "Okay, this all began when we were searching for a demon beast..." (YX)


    Different people different story, Xiao Musheng had heard Chen Hanchen version of the story. Now, he wanted Yan Xiu''s side of the story. Yan Xiu obediently recounted everything and Xiao Musheng was listening attentively.


    At the end of the story, Xiao Musheng was a little speechless. After hearing the stories and saw how Bai Yuan act, the mystery of why Bai Yuan make the contract with Yan Xiu was solved.


    The two of them, Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan, was a fellow glutton! Of course they would make the contract, the two of them were brought together by fate! A pair of gluttons met because of food, that''s fate!


    Xiao Musheng sigh, he felt stupid for thinking seriously before. He reached out to his pocket and took out a small iron plate with a hole on top of it, the plate was black rectangular piece with Yan Xiu''s name and address carved on it. Xiao Musheng gave it to Yan Xiu.


    Yan Xiu looked at the plate curiously, at the front was his name and address, carved on the back was the picture of an ape. Other than the words or picture, there was nothing special about it.


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    "Little Xiu, that''s the permit for that damn ape to enter the village. Your name and address was for if Bai Yuan causes any trouble, anyone will know who''s his owner and come to you. The picture was for indicating the demon beast the permit was given to, to prevent the permit used for different demon beast. Just make sure the permit easily seen and it''ll be okay." (CH)


    "I see. Thank you, senior. Bai Yuan, when we enter the village, please behave, alright?" (YX)


    "Uho! (I, know!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan make a displeased face like his intelligence was challenged, he glared at Chen Hanchen which was returned with challenging look by the other. Looking at the two antics, Xiao Musheng shook his head.


    "Boy, do you have anything urgent to do?" (XM)


    Asked Xiao Musheng to Yan Xiu, who turned the permit into a necklace and tying the permit onto Bai Yuan''s neck. Yan Xiu finished tying before turning to Xiao Musheng to answer him.


    "No, I''ve finished everything. Is there something you need me for?" (YX)


    "Then come with me, you''ll be able to enter more smoothly if I explained to the gate guard with you." (XM)


    "I see. Thank you, head hunter." (YX)


    "Un." (XM)


    The four of them went out to the village, Bai Yuan carried Yan Xiu on his shoulder as he walked.


    ......


    At the village entrance, children was crowding the entrance with many adults behind them. All their attention was directed at the white demon beast outside.


    The strong abs, luscious white fur, big body, and clear blue eyes, Bai Yuan was attracting many eyes. Yan Xiu, who was sitting on his shoulder, also felt the numerous gazes on his body.


    This was the first time the villagers saw a living demon beast up close, so they were all curious. It''s not like they never seen one before, but usually it was only a carcass of demon beast hunted by the hunter.


    After Xiao Musheng talked with the gatekeepers, Bai Yuan was allowed in. When they pass them, the gatekeepers offered some congratulatory words to Yan Xiu.


    Yan Xiu nodded and thanked the gatekeepers, the four of them slowly make their way out of the crowd. Xiao Musheng and Chen Hanchen was about to return to the hunter HQ and partway with Yan Xiu.


    "I almost forgot, Little Xiu, just take a break today. There''s no hunting practice today, so many things happened yesterday, so just rest today." (CH)


    "Okay, thanks senior! Head hunter, Bye bye!" (YX)


    "Bye!" (CH)


    "Un." (XM)


    After they partway, Yan Xiu went straight to granny Shen''s place. Children was following him, asking to ride Bai Yuan. So along the road to granny Shen, Bai Yuan became something like a riding attraction.

 24 Break 3

    It was almost noon, the sun already pretty high in the sky. Granny Shen was organizing her medicines and herbs inside the store, she was weak to heat so she rarely got out at noon.


    She was going through the medicine''s stocks with smile, evident that she was in good mood. How couldn''t she? Thanks to the effect of the green water, the herb she was growing was improved in all aspects. This leads to her income increasing by quite a lot, now she could afford a better medicine for her grandchild.


    This was all thanks to Yan Xiu, nothing could describe how grateful she felt toward Yan Xiu. Her daughter and her husband wanted to thank him personally, so they were waiting for a good time to closed shop and went back to the village.


    Granny Shen thought of inviting Yan Xiu to lunch and gave him some medicine or herbs to pay him back. She knew it was not enough to repay Yan Xiu but for now, this was the thing she could do for him. Granny Shen was about to went to the kitchen but the front door was knocked.


    "Who is it?" (GS)


    "Granny, it''s me." (YX)


    "Oh, little Xiu. Come in, come in." (GS)


    Granny Shen back was facing the door so she didn''t see Yan Xiu entered but she did hear the door opened. Yan Xiu was still small so his footstep was light, but there was another footstep following Yan Xiu, this one was heavy. Granny Shen frowned ''Who is it?'' she wondered.


    She turned around and petrified, there was a big demon beast inside her house. Yan Xiu already expected this, he calmly explained it to granny Shen.


    "S-so... This is... Your contracted demon beast?" (GS)


    "Yes." (YX)


    "My god..." (GS)


    Granny Shen looked at Bai Yuan who was looking around curiously and sniffing her medicines and herbs. ''To think this child could tame a demon beast... He''s truly not just a normal kid.'' thought granny Shen.


    "Then granny, where''s the jade bottle? I''m gonna refill it." (YX)


    "Oh, wait a minute, I''ll go get it." (GS)


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    Granny Shen went to the back of the counter and came back with a big jade container. The jade container was shaped a like a vase, with wide bottom and narrow top along with a cork to seal it.


    "Here is it, let''s go to the garden." (GS)


    "Granny, let me carry that." (YX)


    "Don''t worry, I''m not so old that I couldn''t carry anything anymore." (GS)


    "Okay, Bai Yuan let''s go!" (YX)


    "Ho! (Coming!)" (BY)


    Granny Shen expression clouded with worry when seeing Bai Yuan coming, she drew close to Yan Xiu and whispered to him.


    "Little Xiu, your demon beast... It wouldn''t eat my herbs, right?" (GS)


    "Ahaha, Granny, don''t worry. Bai Yuan wouldn''t do that, he''s smart. Isn''t that right?" (YX)


    "Uho! (Right!)" (BY)


    Although she whispered, Bai Yuan sharp ears still heard what she said. Hearing Yan Xiu''s guarantee, granny Shen felt relieved and lead the way to her garden.


    Her garden was full of vibrant and healthy herbs, the number of herbs in her garden also increased. But the one with the most change was the Glass Lime, it''s height increased to a full one meter, every part of it was full of vitality, and the fruits were deeper in color.


    Seeing such a splendid garden, Yan Xiu couldn''t help but exclaimed.


    "Wow~ granny, you''re garden is amazing! " (YX)


    "Huhu, thank you. But all of this was possible thanks to you." (GS)


    "Haha, I didn''t do anything. The green water only help a little, it was all because granny''s tender care." (YX)


    "I see you''re tongue have become more witty and glib, did the hunter training include your tongue too?" (GS


    "Hehe." (YX)


    "Little rascal. Here, the Qi recovery medicine." (GS)


    "Okay." (YX)


    Yan Xiu took the bucket and jade container, he first filled the bucket and gave it to granny Shen. Granny shen then watered the garden with it, in the meantime, Yan Xiu recovered using the medicine.


    Bai Yuan was wondering around the garden while observing the herbs, he was curious about the herbs. He wondered why the old female have so much bitter smelling plants. With the medicine aid, Yan Xiu quickly restored his energy.


    He then filled the jade container and sealed it. His business here was done, so it was about time he leave.


    "Granny, I''m done filling this. I''ll see you tomorrow. Bye bye!" (YX)


    Yam Xiu called Bai Yuan and was ready to leave when granny Shen called out to him.


    "Wait, Little Xiu!" (GS)


    "What is it, granny?" (YX)


    "Come back here at noon, let''s have lunch together. I''ll make something for your demon beast too." (GS)


    "Oh okay! Thanks, granny!" (YX)


    Yan Xiu climbed onto Bai Yuan''s shoulder and left with him, his destination was the Lus house. He wanted to take the pork from yesterday, usually he would need a wagon to carry it but now, he could just have Bai Yuan carried it.


    While on the road, there was still many people looking at him and children following him. Thankfully they all dispersed when he reached the Lus house.


    Lu Hao, who suddenly went out of the house, almost fall down when he saw Bai Yuan. Yan Xiu snickered and enjoyed seeing Lu Hao almost shocked to death.


    "Hahahahaha." (YX)


    When he saw Yan Xiu on the demon beast shoulder, he calmed down a little.


    "Li-little Xiu! Th-this.... just what?" (LH)


    "Lu Hao, meet the new addition of my family, Bai Yuan, the White Ape! Isn''t he cool?" (YX)


    "Cool! Very cool!" (LH)


    Lu Hao closed in and went around Bai Yuan, admiring him. Lu Hao''s good quality was he adapted and accepted his situation quickly. Lu Hao knew about contacted demon beast and had seen them when he went to the city with his father, so except the initial shocked, he didn''t feel anything.


    "Little Xiu, how did you make contract with him?" (LH)


    "It''s a long story." (YX)


    "Make it short, then." (LH)


    Yan Xiu rolled his eyes at Lu Hao but still shorten the story for him. After hearing the story, Lu Hao laughed.


    "Hahahaha~ so basically, it was the fateful meeting of gluttons, hahaha~ no wonder, no wonder." (LH)


    "Had enough yet? So what, you got a problem with our meeting? Ah?" (YX)


    "Hahahaha no, no. But still haha~" (LH)


    "Enough about me, what about you? How''s the trip to the city?" (XY)


    "Haha, about that, same old same old. I was just accompanying my father there." (LH)


    Had enough of laughing, Lu Hao leaned to Bai Yuan. Seeing how his master and this human interacted, Bai Yuan figured out that the human was a friend of his master so he just let the human leaned on him. Bai Yuan also sat down.


    "But I did hear some interesting things there." (LH)


    "Really? What is it?" (YX)


    "First, there''s a rumor that a strong beast had come and settled around these parts." (LH)


    "These parts, you mean at the forest?" (YX)


    "Yup." (LH)


    "What kind of beast is it?" (YX)


    "Well, they didn''t talk about that, sorry." (LH)


    "I see." (YX)


    Lu Hao shook his head and shrugged his shoulder, Yan Xiu was disappointed, he was curious about it.


    "What about the other rumors?" (YX)


    "Ohho, this one is big! And I already confirmed this, so it''s 100% true!" (LH)


    "What is it? Just say it." (YX)


    "Two months from now, in Firehowl city, Disciple Recruiting event will be held!" (LH)

 25 Break 4

    "Disciple Recruiting event? So, what is that exactly?" (YX)


    "It is a big event that happens every five years! At that day, many clans and sects representatives will arrive at Firehowl city and set up an assessment altar, which like it''s name, will assess the talent of the candidate.


    Depends on the examinee''s talent, the clans or sects representatives will invite him/her to join their power. Well, that''s all I know about it, I never participate in it and no one I asked about knew more about it. But I will definitely join this year and enter a famous sect!" (LH)


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    The determination was evident in Lu Hao''s eyes, his hand clenched tightly in front of his chest. Yan Xiu initially didn''t feel any desire about wanting to enter the sect or clan, but he then remembered about the pair of azure eyes of yesterday.


    ''Power and knowledge, I need them!'' Yan Xiu knew he needed power in order to searched for his parents. That was one of the reason why he wanted to became a hunter. But, when he saw the pair of azure eyes from yesterday, he knew just power wasn''t enough. He also needed knowledge.


    If he had knowledge about seals and barriers, he would be able to searched the barriers on his house and maybe found some clue about his parent on it. Lu Hao saw Yan Xiu zoned out with a serious expression.


    "What wrong, little Xiu?" (LH)


    "Hm? Ah, it''s nothing. By the way, what did you do in the city yesterday?" (YX)


    "Ah, I just accompanied my father to sold meats and demon beasts parts." (LH)


    "I see. Oh yeah, you did say you want to participate the Disciple Recruiting day and joined a sect, but will your father allow you?" (YX)


    "Haha, it won''t be a problem. He will definitely let me participate." (LH)


    "Oh? But didn''t uncle want you to inherit the store?" (YX)


    "Well, let''s just say there will be someone else that will inherit the store~" (LH)


    "Huh? But aren''t you a single child? Then.. Oh." (YX)


    "Don''t tell anybody yet, okay?" (LH)


    Lu Hao was smiling when he said that, he was happy that he would be having a sibling. They''ve only found out about this on the evening of day before yesterday. When his mother suddenly throws up, his father was worried and brought her to granny Shen.


    When granny Shen examined Xiao ShanShan, she found out that Xiao ShanShan was pregnant, she was about a month along. They were overjoyed, they never thought they would have another child at this age.


    "Congratulations!" (YX)


    "Thanks. My father said that heaven took a pity on him and gave him another child to continue his store, isn''t that rude?" (LH)


    "Hahaha, well at least, now you''re not being forced to inherit the store anymore." (YX)


    "Yeah. Hey, why are you here anyway?" (LH)


    "Ah, I almost forgot. I want to take the pork I left here yesterday. Can you wrap it up?" (YX)


    "Sure thing, just wait here." (LH)


    "Hey, is uncle and auntie home? I want to greet and congratulate them." (YX)


    "Ah, just do it later. My father still sleeping from unpacking things until morning and mother still asleep too." (LH)


    "Oh, okay then." (YX)


    Lu Hao went inside and came back carrying pork meat wrapped in paper.


    "Damn, that''s heavy. How''re you gonna carry it?" (LH)


    "Easy." (YX)


    Yan Xiu took the meat and tied it to Bai Yuan''s back.


    "Huh, that''s convenient." (LH)


    "Isn''t it? Well, I''ll be going now. Thanks, Lu Hao. Say hello to uncle and auntie for me." (YX)


    "I will, see ya." (LH)


    Lu Hao waved at Yan Xiu before turning and went to train, he need to improve his strength for the Disciple Recruiting day.


    Yan Xiu didn''t went straight home, he went to granny Shen''s house for lunch. When he reached there, he went down from Bai Yuan and knocked the door before coming in with Bai Yuan. Granny Shen voice rang out from the kitchen.


    "Little Xiu? Just sit down first, lunch will be done in a moment." (GS)


    "Okay~" (YX)


    Yan Xiu took down the meat on Bai Yuan''s back and sat down on one of the chair, Bai Yuan sat down on the floor as he was too heavy for the chair.


    There was a gentle smell of medicine and herbs coming from the kitchen, it was not the usual bitter smelling medicine or herbs, it was refreshing smell. Bai Yuan also smelled it and waited on anticipation, ever since he followed the human child, he could eat something tasty that he never eaten before. He was truly happy.


    Not long after, granny Shen came out of the kitchen. The first time she brought a big pot containing porridge, the second time she brought a bowl of peeled boiled eggs and stir-fried vegetable.


    "Here you go, granny''s speciality. Medicinal Chicken porridge with a side of soft-boiled eggs and stir-fried medicinal herbs. Now, don''t be shy and eat up!" (GS)


    Granny Shen scooped out some porridge to a bowl and gave Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan a bowl each. Yan Xiu took a whiff of the porridge, the gentle smell make him relaxed and refreshed his body. He took a spoon and ate a spoonful of the porridge.


    It wasn''t bitter, the taste of the chicken blended well with the medicinal herbs. It has gentle taste like it''s smell but not bland. The soft-boiled egg gave the porridge more viscosity and deeper taste when added and the stir-fried gave it a nice saltiness and texture.


    "I figured the training must have drained you, this meal will refresh and energize your body. Granny made a lot, so don''t hold back, okay?" (GS)


    "I will, second please!" (YX)


    "Uho! (More!)" (BY)


    Just like that, Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan ate the porridge and side dishes clean. Yan Xiu felt his body warmed up and his weariness flushed away by the warmth.


    "Granny Shen, thank you for the meal!" (YX)


    "Uhouho! (Thank you!)" (BY)


    "Your welcome, walk home safe, okay?" (GS)


    "Yes~ bye bye!" (YX)


    "Bye bye." (GS)


    Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan left granny Shen''s house with their belly filled and warmed. When they reached home, Bai Yuan placed the pork on the ice box. Yan Xiu took a bath and changed his clothes before coming back to the kitchen. He was going to made something for the hunt day after tomorrow, Sausages!

 26 Before the hun

    Frozen meat and fat, garlic, and herbs. The equipment already frozen and the casing was immersed in warm water. Everything had been prepared.


    Yan Xiu asked Bai Yuan to took out a big rectangular marble board from the cabinet, Yan Xiu cleaned it with cloth and Spring Mist spell. On the board, an inscription was carved, it was the same inscription on the ice box and refrigerator. Yan Xiu filled the inscription with Zhenqi until it''s full, the inscription glowed with blue light and cold air leaked out from it.


    This board was something his papa made especially for making cold dishes, the board would keep everything on it stayed cold. He took out the pork, boar, and snake meat. He wanted to make a sausage out if these three different meats, first was the pork.


    The meat and fat was diced with the meat in bigger size than fat, then put into the same bowl. The garlic and herbs also cut to small pieces and added to the meat, using hands, Yan Xiu mixed up the meat and the herbs thoroughly. When the meat and herbs mixed, salt and pepper was added and mixed once again.


    With that done, he took out the meat grinder. The mixed meat and herbs was grinded to ground meat. Yan Xiu added some black pepper to the ground meat and mixed it. The meat was ready to be put into the casing.


    He took out the sausage stuffer and slip the casing to the device mouth while leaving a tail to be tied. Yan Xiu set a side some of the meat to ate right away, the rest was put inside the stuffer. The meat slowly came out of the stuffer, forming a long meat train. He tied the tail after the meat came out, and slowly pushed the meat out.


    The meat formed a long coil, he pinched the meat to make links and hanged them on wooden rack so they didn''t touch too much. Let it dry for one to two hours, before putting in a container inside the fridge to rest overnight. He took a sterilized needle to poke air bubble in the links if there were any. And voila! The pork sausage was done!


    Yan Xiu looked at the finished sausage and nodded, not too bad for his first time making it. Bai Yuan, who was watching Yan Xiu making sausage, already focusing his gaze on the finished sausage. The smell was asking him to bite it, but Bai Yuan held himself back. If he ate it, he knew that would be the first and last one he would taste, he wouldn''t let a moment satisfaction denied him of a bigger bliss.


    Bai Yuan then guarded the sausage and didn''t let flies near it, much less touched it. Yan Xiu, on the other hand, already working on the boar''s sausage. It was the second time he make it, his experience allowed him to make it faster than the first time. The snake sausage was completed even faster, the rack now looked like sausage tree with so much sausage hanging on it.


    Bai Yuan already drooling when he saw so much sausage just dangling in front of him, three different meaty smell was driving him crazy. Yan Xiu let Bai Yuan continued his antics, he was busy cleaning up. When the kitchen was tidy and clean again, he went to train and cultivate, he also spared with Bai Yuan. Of course, Yan Xiu didn''t use weapon and Bai Yuan lowered his strength. Yan Xiu obviously lost.


    Wiping his sweat, Yan Xiu looked at his empty field. He couldn''t let his field be empty like this, he needed to found time and went to the city buy some seeds. ''I''ll go after the hunt.'' thought Yan Xiu. After watering the Glass Lime and taking care of the livestock, the sun was already set and moon rose to the sky. Yan Xiu went inside the house, it was time to make dinner.


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    Yan Xiu took the three different meat he set aside before and make it a patty. He also mixed some of the three meats together, curious how they would taste.


    Bai Yuan already diverted his gaze to Yan Xiu, if he continued to stared at the sausage, he would lose to the temptation and bite one. Yan Xiu lightly fried the patty in oil until they beautifully browned.


    He divided the patties evenly between him and Bai Yuan. After the rice cooked, they began to ate. The pork patty was nice and juicy, the meat and fat was in perfect balance. The boar was almost the same with the pork, but the stronger smell and chewy texture added more flair to it. The snake was tender and had stronger taste, even though it didn''t had many fat, it didn''t feel dry.


    After cleaning the table, he took the sausage and put them into three different containers. He then put them inside the ice box. It was still a little early to hit the hay, so he went to train and cultivate again.


    Right at this time, a visitor suddenly came to his house. It was Chen Hanchen.


    "Little Xiu!" (CH)


    "Senior, what''s wrong?" (YX)


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just forgot to tell you there won''t be any training tomorrow. Just rest and make sure you''re on top shape on the day of the hunt." (CH)


    "I see. Then, senior, can I ask you something?" (YX)


    "Sure, ask me anything." (CH)


    "When we''re going hunting, are we going yo divide into teams?" (YX)


    "Yes, the format will be you, apprentice hunters, and one senior hunter." (CH)


    "I see. Then, everyone will have their role, right? What''s my role then?" (YX)


    This was something Yan Xiu had been meaning to asked, after all, Chen Hanchen only been training him on weapon and hunting techniques. He never told him about his role.


    "Ah, about that. Truthfully, hunter''s role is determined by their weapon or spell of choice. The one using shields or big weapons are usually tanks or attackers. User of ranged weapons or offensive spell were either disruptors or attackers. Anyone using healing or augmentation spell is a support.


    By that Logic, you can choose to be either disruptor or support. Personally, I think you should be disruptor as I can see you have talent for it. But, it''s something you need to decide on your own, so think hard about it. Whatever role you choose, I''m sure you''ll be good at it!" (CH)


    "Thanks, senior! I will not let you down!" (YX)


    Yan Xiu smiled confidently to assured Chen Hanchen, Yan Xiu contemplated on which roles to picked. Done relaying the message, Chen Hanchen began fidgeting, Yan Xiu grew confused looking at Chen Hanchen.


    "This.... little Xiu, have you had dinner yet?" (CH)


    Looking at the hopeful expression of Chen Hanchen, it reminded Yan Xiu of Lu Hao. ''I see now. He''s here to scrounge a meal." thought Yan Xiu. With wry smile, he told Chen Hanchen of the disappointing truth.


    "Sorry, senior. We just had dinner, there''s nothing left." (YX)


    "I... see. What a shame." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen dropped his head in disappointment, his hope of eating Yan Xiu''s delicious dinner was crushed. Bai Yuan laughed when he saw Chen Hanchen disappointed look.


    "Senior, please come here at lunch tomorrow. I''ll treat you to lunch." (YX)


    "Really? Okay, I''ll definitely come tomorrow! Well, I have said what need to be said. I''ll go now, bye!" (CH)


    "Bye bye!" (YX)


    Chen Hanchen went home cheerfully. Bai Yuan scoffed and went to bed, Yan Xiu also went to sleep.


    ..........


    The next day, after watering the Glass Lime and checking the livestock and cultivate a little, Yan Xiu went to granny Shen''s place with Bai Yuan. With the bucket and jade container filled, Yan Xiu was about to leave when he suddenly asked granny Shen if she sold any seed.


    Unfortunately, except a few exceptions, granny Shen only grew plant with medicinal properties. Yan Xiu didn''t have any interest in medicinal plants, so he didn''t ask anymore and just leave after saying good bye.


    Before he went home, he thought ''Why not invite Lu Hao along?'' so he did. Lu Hao instantly followed Yan Xiu home when he heard about having sausage.


    At Lunch time, Chen Hanchen came. The sausage version had deeper taste than the patties version. The four of them enjoyed the lunch greatly.


    After Lu Hao and Chen Hanchen went back, Yan Xiu trained and cultivated until dinner time, he felt his cultivation was about to break through. That night, Yan Xiu went to bed earlier. And with the rising of the sun, the hunting day came.

 27 The hunt 1

    Crisp air and warm sunlight, Yan Xiu was riding on Bai Yuan. Their destination, the village''s gate. Yan Xiu already done everything he needed to do. Other than the usual weapon belt and water jug containing green water, he had a backpack. Inside it was one set of clothes, a small container of sausages, and other necessity.


    If Yan Xiu said he wasn''t nervous, he''d be lying. Although he already used to hunting practice with Chen Hanchen and hunted a demon beast, he was still nervous.


    When Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan arrived, they saw the two apprentice hunters waiting in front of the gate. Beside their weapons, they also wore a backpack. Seeing Bai Yuan, the two of them ran toward him. They''ve heard about Bai Yuan from their family and villagers, the story about a little boy tamed a demon beast.


    They found it hard to believe, but now that they saw it with their own eyes, they couldn''t help but believe it. To the two people who closing in on him, Bai Yuan ignored them. They were to weak to threaten him.


    A Qi Refining stage would definitely not be able to stood against a Inner Foundation stage, the lower stage was incomparable in strength against the higher stage, this was a undisputed fact. Of course, there''s always an exception, but such an exception was exceedingly rare.


    For the two apprentice hunters of the fourth level of Qi Refining stage, they would never win against Bai Yuan, who was a third level of Inner Foundation stage. If they fought one-on-one, they would lose but if they fight in group, they would stand a chance. After all, number still played a part in fight.


    The two went around Bai Yuan, marveling him. Although they have seen many demon beast, they''ve never had the chance to observed it up close while it still alive. Looking at the live demon beast was different experience than looking at the dead one or hunting them.


    The first one to talked was the one using saber, Xin Guodan.


    "Little brother, your demon beast is so cool!" (XG)


    The one using axe, Shuang Jingu, joined in.


    "Yeah! It looks so strong, so cool!" (SJ)


    "Hey, can I touch it?" (XG)


    "Sure, but not too much, okay?" (YX)


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu softly pet Bai Yuan, Bai Yuan didn''t like it very much but if it''s just a little, he''d let them. While the four of them playing around, the head hunter and the two seniors arrived.


    Yan Xiu, seeing they arrived, hastily went down from Bai Yuan and went in line with Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu, Bai Yuan sat down behind Yan Xiu. Xiao Musheng, with expressionless face, observed the three of them before he said something.


    "As you all know, today we''re going to the forest to hunt. I will remind you once more, that this is different from your training. While we will protect you, it''s hard to say an accident will not happen. So, don''t depend solely on us, or you will die.


    But don''t be too nervous either, just do as you usual do in the practice hunt and you should be fine. I''ve told you that we will camp there for a night, so I''m sure you have prepare sufficiently. Our target for this hunt are the Gudol Bird and One-horned bull, both are Inner Foundation stage demon beast, the quota is two for the bird and three for bull. And maybe some small sized prey.


    Before we depart, if you have any questions, ask it now." (XM)


    Yan Xiu raised his hand.


    "Ask away, boy." (XM)


    "Head hunter, how are we going to hunt? And can Bai Yuan join?" (YX)


    "Good question. The ape demon beast is part of your strength, of course he can join. We''re going to hunt in teams, the first team is you, three apprentices, the ape demon beast, and Chen Hanchen. The second team is me and Liu Feng. Any other question?" (XM)


    No one raised their hands, Xiao Musheng waited for a moment before he declared.


    "Then, let''s depart!" (XM)


    Yan Xiu climbed to Bai Yuan''s shoulder as they depart. When they reached the Black Forest, Liu Feng lead the group. As they entered deeper to the forest, the tall verdant trees obstructed sunlight, making the forest darker.


    It was the first time for Yan Xiu and the other two apprentice hunters to entered this part of the forest, they grew tense as they reacted to any sound and rustle. Chen Hanchen reminded of himself when he saw them, he wanted to caution them not to be too tense, but this was also training, they needed to get use to it or they would never grow as a hunter.


    After a while, Yan Xiu and the other two apprentice hunters grew tired from being tense, looking at the calm seniors and head hunter, they tried to calmed down. Slowly, they managed to calmed down and not tense any more.


    Liu Feng, who was leading them, suddenly slowed down and sneaked forward. The group followed him, they hide their presence and sneaked forward. Yan Xiu already went down from Bai Yuan.


    They stopped and peeked from the bushes, about fifteen meters from them was a herd of black bulls. They were grazing, the herd were close to each other, the males with a single white horn growing from their temples were on the outer ring, the females and young were protected inside. The male bull''s power range from second to third level of Inner Foundation stage.


    "Those are the One-horned bulls, they''re not that powerful but they are fast and group-oriented. If we just attack them, they will gang up on us and that''s not going to be pretty." (LF)


    "Then, how are we suppose to hunt them?" (XG)


    "We need to show them that we are dangerous and not to be crossed. If we kill one of the male straight away, they will chose to run than fight. The plan is easy, kill one in one-hit and injured two in their legs, the rest of the herd will run and we hunt the bulls that left behind." (LF)


    "They''re not powerful, but still watch out for the horn or back kick. You guys will handle this, Chen Hanchen will kill one and you guys deal with the other two, got it?" (XM)


    "Understood!" (Team1)


    "Little Xiu, can I leave the other two to you?" (CH)


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    "Leave it to me!" (YX)


    Chen Hanchen nodded and took one of his daggers and took aim, Yan Xiu grabbed two of his javelins and readied himself and waited for Chen Hanchen''s strike, he would target the two bulls beside the one Chen Hanchen struck.


    Chen Hanchen infused his Zhenqi inside his dagger and the dagger glowed with a tinge or red aura. Before the bulls took notice of his Zhenqi, Chen Hanchen threw his dagger at one of the bull, the dagger cut through air and stabbed the bull''s head.


    The bull fell and spams while letting out yells before going silent, the bulls yelled and turned to ran when they saw one of them died. Yan Xiu didn''t waste time and threw his first javelin and hit one of the bull''s leg, he threw the second one and hit a bull''s leg once again.


    The bulls with their legs hit yelled out in pain and stopped trying to ran and looked around angrily, while the rest of the herd already ran and disappeared into the woods.


    "Now!" (CH)


    With Chen Hanchen''s yell, Yan Xiu, Bai Yuan and the two apprentice hunters ran out of the bushes and rushed to the bulls.


    "Bai Yuan, took care of that one!" (YX)


    "Raaawr! (Kill!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan roared as he ran toward the bulls, looking at Bai Yuan rushing toward it, the bull ignored the pain in his leg and charged at Bai Yuan. The bull''s horn glowed with blue aura, Bai Yuan easily dodged the bull to the side, his fist glowed with brown aura as Bai Yuan punched the bull''s face.


    The impact of his fist threw the bull to the ground, the bull was disoriented as it''s brain was wrecked by the fist, Bai Yuan joined his hands and brought it down as if it was a hammer, the bull''s head crushed instantly by the force. The bull''s body jerked a few times before going silent. Bai Yuan roared again, his bloodied hands thumped his chest.


    Meanwhile, Yan Xiu finished his fight without tarnishing his hands. When Bai Yuan taking care of the other bull, Yan Xiu and the other two apprentice hunters rushed to the other bull.


    Unlike the other bull, this one waited for the attacker to drew near. Xin Guodan rushed toward the bull and swung down his saber aiming at the bull''s head. The bull''s horn glowed with blue aura and struck the saber, Xim Guodan saber was repelled and his numbed because the bull''s strike.


    The bull tried to pierced Xin Guodan''s body with it''s horn, but Shuang Jingu went in front of Xin Guodan and defended against the horn with his axe. He managed to withstand the strike but two of them were thrown away.


    The bulls charged at them but would Yan Xiu let it? He threw his needles and blinded the bull, losing it''s eyes, the bull thrashed around.


    "Guodan, Jingu, now!" (YX)


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu moved together and chopped at the bull''s neck from the bottom and above at the same time. The bull''s head rolled to the ground and it''s headless body fell down and spamming as blood gushed out of it''s neck before it goes silent.


    The first target : One-horned Bull, hunted!

 28 The Hunt 2

    Under a big tree, three headless bulls were hanged upside down, blood poured out from their neck, on the tree''s base was two bulls head. Yan Xiu stood not far from it, looking at the bulls being bleed.


    The rest of group was waiting under another tree shade, Bai Yuan was licking his bloodstained hands. Yan Xiu walked toward Chen Hanchen.


    "Senior, can I ask something?" (YX)


    "Sure." (CH)


    "Why are we hunting them without building a camp first?" (YX)


    "Good question. You see, different prey need different way of hunting. These One-horned Bull, for example, except for grazing, they spent their time roaming around, making them hard to pinpoint. And at night, they went back to their nest to rest." (CH)


    "Then, why not attack them at night?" (YX)


    "Because if we attack them at their nest, they won''t flee and will fight to their death. So, to hunt them efficiently, we only hunt them when their grazing. That way we can minimize the danger and maximize the profit. Before we hunt something, we need to know it better, so we can hunt safely and easily.


    Fighting a herd of One-horned Bulls is not only hard, it is also a waste. Even if we wipe out the whole herd, can we bring them back? Can we even finish them?


    We are a hunter, not a mindless butcher. We only hunt what we need, we don''t hunt irresponsibly. This is a lesson for you, take what you need, not what you want. You understand?" (CH)


    "Yes, senior." (YX)


    "Good." (CH)


    Yan Xiu sat down and cultivate while waiting for the bulls to bleed. Then, Liu Feng, Chen Hanchen, and Yan Xiu each butchered one bull. This was the first time Yan Xiu butchered a bull, so he observed how the seniors and followed them. In two and a half hour, the bulls were butchered, no part of it was wasted. The organs, meat, skin, tails, even the bull''s balls, they took everything that could be eaten.


    Looking at the flesh mountain, Yan Xiu wondered how they going to took it with them. Xia Musheng stood up and went in front of the mountain, he reached out to his collar and took out a ring necklace. The necklace was silver and the ring was bronze colored with small white gem on it. He pointed the ring at the mountain and the flesh mountain was sucked into the ring.


    Everyone didn''t have any reaction on this, they were already used to it, but Yan Xiu was shocked. A Spacial Ring! Yan Xiu looked at the unassuming bronze ring, turned out it was ring with space in it and capable of storing something inside it. Yan Xiu looked at the ring with desire, if he had such ring, he could take many food with him without hassle.


    After storing the meat, Xiao Musheng stuffed the ring necklace back into his clothes. With his signal, the group marched on. Liu Feng was once again leading the group, this time he led them into a cave.


    "Good job on discovering this place, Liu Feng. We''ll camp here, Chen Hanchen brought your team search for fire and set up the trap." (XM)


    "Understood, teacher. Let''s go." (CH)


    Under Chen Hanchen lead, the team went out of the cave, they walked for about thirty minutes to a small pond. The pond was about six meters in diameter, the pond''s edge was covered with tall water grass. Yan Xiu and the rest was confused.


    "Senior, what are we doing here?" (XG)


    "We''re here to fish." (CH)


    "Fish?" (SJ)


    Shuang Jingu looked at the murky shallow water of the pond.


    "Senior, I''m afraid we can only fish for eels in this pond." (SJ)


    "Very good, you''re right! We''re here to fish for eels, the Blind Eels." (CH)


    "For what, senior? And Blind Eel?" (YX)


    "For bait. The Blind Eel are an eye-less eel that lives in these pond, the Gudol birds particularly like these eel. The Gudol birds are a flightless birds with strong and fast legs, and by fast I mean really fast. Hunting them normally is impossible because they''re a sensitive demon beasts, they flee the moment they detected any sound or Zhenqi.


    But they''re not without weakness, they let their guard down when they eat. So, we need to bait them with the eels and ambushed them. Now then, rolled up your sleeves and let''s fish! You can either use a fishing line or just catch one with hand, it''s your choice." (CH)


    After saying that, Chen Hanchen rolled his sleeves and jumped into the pond. He bend downward and used his hands to feel the mud below the water, searching for holes where the eels burrowed in. Yan Xiu and the other two didn''t bring any fishing line, so they rolled up their sleeves and searching around like Chen Hanchen.


    Bai Yuan wasn''t interested in following them, so he sat down and looked at the four humans in the pond. While their searching, Yan Xiu recalled the aura around Chen Hanchen''s dagger and Bai Yuan''s fist and felt curious. Still feeling around the mud, Yan Xiu spoke.


    "Senior, that red aura around your dagger back then, is that a skill? A spell?" (YX)


    The other two apprentice hunters also interested, so they perked their ears.


    "That? That''s something you can use when you become an Inner Foundation expert. As an Inner Foundation expert, you can infuse your weapon or body with your Zhenqi to reinforce them.


    Making them sharper and tougher, depend on your mastery, you can clad yourself in Zhenqi to make yourself stronger and faster. Of course, you have to be an expert on it or you''ll risk hurting your own body.


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    At Outer Foundation, a stage above Inner foundation, you can manifest your Zhenqi outside and attack with it. And there are rare cases, where the Zhenqi manifested as a Totem." (CH)


    "Totem?" (YX)


    "Normally, when an Outer Foundation let out his Zhenqi it didn''t have any form, except he uses a spell or skill. But, there are some that have definite form like a weapon or beast, that are called Totems.


    Unlike a normal Outer Foundation expert, the Outer Foundation expert with a Totem have an innate skill or other abilities connected to their Totem." (CH)


    "Wow, that''s so cool." (YX)


    "I wonder if I''d have Totem.." (XG)


    "Senior, is there anyway we could now if we have a Totem or not?" (SJ)


    "Well, you either have to reach Outer Foundation stage or use an Assessment Altar. I heard it can show your manifested Zhenqi. You guys can try it two months later in Firehowl city, I heard they will set up one there for the Disciple Recruiting day." (CH)


    "Really?! I''ll definitely go there!" (XG)


    "Count me in, Brother!" (SJ)


    "Well, it''s good to be enthusiast but don''t forget to move your hand. Let''s catch some eels first, okay?" (CH)


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu realized they stopped searching for eels and started again, but their head was full of hope and imagination of having Totem. Yan Xiu too fantasize about having a Totem, after all, he wished to get stronger.


    After a few hours, they managed to caught twenty five Blind Eels. The eels didn''t have eyes and their colour was like mud with yellowish tinge. They make a makeshift leaf bag and put the live eels inside, after some cleaning up, they left the pond.

 29 The Hunt 3

    Chen Hanchen brought the team to an open space, it was not too big, it was only a room wide. The open space was not far from the camp and thanks to the slanted ground, the open space was visible from the camp. There was many trees and bushes around it, providing a perfect place for ambushes. The wind flow was good for making sure the bait smell spread.


    "This place is good. Yosh, let''s place the bait here." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen walked to the center of the open space and put down the makeshift bag containing the eels. He told Xin Guodan and Shuan Jingu to collect some branches, then he cut the fifteen cm long eels to smaller blocks with Yan Xiu. The eels blood drenched the ground, fifteen eels were cut and ten were saved for dinner. Foul smell engulfed the area.


    Chen Hanchen wasn''t too keen about it when he heard Yan Xiu wanted to cook the eels, as the eels really smelled bad. But with Yan Xiu guarantee, he relented. He wondered what could Yan Xiu make out of these smelly eels.


    When Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu back with the branches, they were choked by the smell. Pushing through the foul smell, the four of them slipped the eel meat block to the branches and stabbed the on the ground. Bai Yuan stayed far away from them because of the smell.


    When they were done, there was many branches with eel meat on them sticking from the ground. The stabbed eel head was still twitching, it''s mouth moved up and down, testament to the freshness of the eel. It was an eerie scenery. With Yan Xiu spring mist spell, the bad smell on them was erased and they could breathe again. Only then Bai Yuan approached them.


    "We''re done here, let''s go back." (CH)


    "Eh, we''re leaving? We''re not guarding it?" (XG)


    "Don''t worry about it, you''ve noticed the smell, don''t you?"


    Xin Guodan nodded, the Blind Eel smelled bad. Maybe because it''s living environment, it''s smell was like sewer water. But it grew even worse when it was cut, the foul smell was truly released then. Yan Xiu already used to bad smell so he wasn''t bothered by it, but Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu was, they gagged when they smelled it the first time.


    "Of all the things that live here, only Gudol birds like that eel. They were a strange birds that love foul-smelling food. But don''t worry, they''re not scavenger, they just like the foul smell." (CH)


    "I see, but still, is it okay to leave it like that? What if a Gudol bird come and eat them?" (SJ)


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    "They only active from after midnight to before noon, the rest of the time, they spend it sleeping in their nest. So, it''s okay to leave it and came back before midnight." (CH)


    Having said that, Chen Hanchen walked toward the camp. Yan Xiu and the other two apprentice hunters could only followed while looking back at the bait, Bai Yuan followed them while yawning.


    While they were walking back, Chen Hanchen suddenly stopped and crouched behind the bushes, Yan Xiu and the others, even Bai Yuan, quickly followed him. Chen Hanchen was peeking out from the bushes with his face expressing his excitement, the others looked at the same direction at him.


    What they saw was an animal with tall muscular legs with supple body, it''s tail was long and bushy at the end, a lone long thin black horn on top of it''s nose. It''s fur was short with beautiful dark brown color while the fur of it''s stomach, under neck, and legs was white. The creature was munching on some kind of berry, beside it was a similar creature but with smaller body, lighter color, and with no horn.


    "Oh man, we''re lucky! That''s a pair of Black Deers! Little Xiu, you take the hornless one, I''ll take the other! Quick! Before they sense us! (CH)


    "Eh? Oh, okay." (YX)


    "Either attack their neck or hind legs, don''t attack the body or head, you''ll ruin this great delicacy. Just make sure they can''t run!" (CH)


    "Okay!" (YX)


    Chen Hanchen took out his dagger and took aim, Yan Xiu held his javelin and took aim as well.


    "Throw at my signal." (CH)


    "Okay." (YX)


    Their breathing synchronized, the grip on their weapon''s tightened, the deer''s head rose and Chen Hanchen''s yelled as his dagger shot out.


    "Now!" (CH)


    Chen Hanchen''s dagger embedded deeply into the horned deer''s neck and threw it to the ground, Yan Xiu''s javelin was late by a beat but still hit it''s target, it stabbed to the hornless deer''s hind leg. Chen Hanchen ran out of the bushes with the rest following him, he went to the horned deer and quickly snapped it''s neck.


    "Quick, kill the other deer!" (CH)


    "Okay!" (XG)


    Xin Guodan moved and snapped the still struggling hornless deer''s neck. When he turned around, he saw Chen Hanchen already hanged the horned deer upside down, bleeding it, then butchering it when it''s done bleeding. Without waiting Chen Hanchen''s order, Yan Xiu and the two apprentice hunters moved.


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu pulled up the hornless deer and hanged it upside down, Yan Xiu already took out a knife he borrowed from Chen Hanchen and prepared to butchered the hornless deer. Under an hour, both the deer were butchered. Except for some part, nothing was wasted. The butchered flesh was sitting on top of a big leaves.


    Chen Hanchen was staring at the meat with greed and desire, Yan Xiu and the other two apprentice hunters were confused by his series of action. Bai Yuan, however, already knew the reason for Chen Hanchen''s inexplicable action after a whiffed of the meat''s scent, the smell was absolutely delicious!


    After tasting Yan Xiu''s dishes, Bai Yuan had lost interest in uncooked and raw meat, but these meat could make him drool even when it''s raw, it was apparent just how delicious the meat taste. Looking at Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen''s expression, Yan Xiu knew what was going on.


    "Senior, this deer, it tastes good, isn''t it?" (YX)


    "Absolutely! Their meat usually taste horrible but there are times when their meat turn delicious, when they asleep and when they''re eating. To preserve the meat taste, we need to kill the deer fast, before the move too much, as the more they move the more the meat taste deteriorate! That''s why I''m in rush before." (CH)


    If it was before, Chen Hanchen wouldn''t react so much and tried so hard to hunt the deer. But with his tongue conquered by Yan Xiu''s delicious cooking, he slowly desired more delicious things. Thinking of this already tasty meat turned even more delicious under Yan Xiu''s hand, drool already filled his mouth.


    Yan Xiu only sighed and didn''t mind it, afyer all, he too was curious just how tasty the meat was. Looking at the meat, he already planned on what dish it would be turned into. In the way back, he collected some wide thin stone.


    When Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu heard Chen Hanchen, they felt he was exaggerating, but soon, they too would be conquered. All the meat was loaded onto Bai Yuan and he carried them like it was weightless as they returned to the camp.

 30 The Hunt 4

    Yan Xiu and the rest walked back to the camp, they didn''t forget gathering woods to make fire. Yan Xiu harvested some plants that could be used to substituted salt and pepper.


    They had set the bait for Gudol Birds and got the firewoods, they even hunted a nice prey for dinner. They went back happily. On the way back, Chen Hanchen noticed some tracks from an unknown beast, he frowned. He was familiar with the beasts living in this forest and yet he couldn''t recall the owner of these tracks.


    He didn''t want to scare Yan Xiu and the others, so he didn''t go and observed the tracks up close, but he paid close attention to the surrounding. Then, he found more tracks, he also found claw marks and it was not small in size. Thankfully, Yan Xiu and the others didn''t think much about it as it was normal for them to saw such marks when they went to the forest. ''I need to tell teacher about this.'' thought Chen Hanchen.


    Bai Yuan also detected the smell of a new beast in the forest, and from the smell, the newcomer was far stronger compared to him. He growled at the smell, but he didn''t want to have anything to do with the newcomer if he could, the newcomer was stronger than him. But if push comes to shove, he wouldn''t shy away from the fight.


    When they arrived at the camp, Liu Feng was standing outside the cave. Chen Hanchen dragged him inside without word and toward the Xiao Musheng, who was sitting cross-legged in the cave. Yan Xiu thought he probably had something to say to Xiao Musheng and Liu Feng, so he didn''t ask and set up a bonfire outside the cave to cook.


    Liu Feng struggled free when the two of them were in front of Xiao Musheng, he crossed his hand and looked at Chen Hanchen with a look that said, ''If it wasn''t something important, I''ll whack you!''. Chen Hanchen sat down and Liu Feng follows suit. Xiao Musheng opened his eyes and asked.


    "What is it?" (XM)


    "Teacher, a foreign beast has entered the forest. Should we hunt it first?" (CH)


    "It''s okay." (XM)


    Chen Hanchen frown but then he realized something.


    "Is that foreign beast the testing beast this time?" (CH)


    "Yes." (XM)


    There was a tradition where the senior hunters would hunt a beast one stage higher or more than the junior hunters. The juniors hunter had to observe the fight and tried to withstand the pressure of a strong beast.


    The purpose of this tradition was to train the junior hunter''s fortitude and prepared them when they encountered a strong beast when they were on the real hunt with the team. So that they would not freeze later and endanger themselves or the whole team. After all, there was no telling what kind of beasts they would encounter on the hunt.


    While the Gudol bird and One-horned Bull was an Inner foundation demon beast, it wasn''t a ferocious one. The criteria for a demon beast used as the testing beast was a demon beast with ferocious nature. Unlike other demon beasts, ferocious demon beast could let out intimidation infused with their Zhenqi and blood lust to force anything weaker than them to submission.


    Of course, the target could resist or even outright ignored it if it stronger than the user or had a strong will.


    "Didn''t we already decide on the Black Beak as the testing beast? and why wasn''t I informed that the testing beast was changed?" (CH)


    The Black Beak was an Inner stage beast with a strange appearance. It was like a quadruple bird, gray feathers as fur, black beak as mouth, and yet, its body and legs were that of a tiger. Liu Feng barged into the conversation.


    "Yeah, but it''s gone. That foreign monster ate it just two days ago. Hence, it becomes the new testing beast. And I plan on telling you about it after we hunt the Gudol bird." (LF)


    "I see now, then how strong is that foreign beast?" (CH)


    "Late-stage Inner Foundation, it shows sign of advancing to Outer Foundation stage. It''s an armored type demon beast and it has huge claws." (LF)


    "Do you know where it is?" (CH)


    "Obviously. North from here, a bit far. It made its territory there. I have been watching it for three days, it is usually active from dawn to evening. We can hunt the Gudol birds first." (LF)


    "Do you know what it''s called?" (CH)


    "No, but I call it Baller beast because it can turn to a ball." (LF)


    A demon beast that could turn into a ball? What kind of beast is that? Thought Chen Hanchen.


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    "It''s strange, I know. I was surprised when I saw it curled its body and turn into a ball." (LF)


    "Do you have more questions? If not, then go make a fire. We need to cook dinner." (XM)


    Hearing the word dinner, Chen Hanchen smiled.


    "Don''t worry teacher, Little Xiu already cooking dinner. We caught a pair of black deers on the way here." (CH)


    "I see." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng smiled faintly hearing that, waiting and wondering what kind of delicacy Little Xiu would make. Liu Feng alone was left in the dark, wondering why his teacher and Chen Hanchen shared a knowing smile. then an appetizing smell filled the cave.

 31 The Hunt 5

    Right back when Chen Hanchen dragged Liu Feng to Xiao Musheng. Yan Xiu dropped the meat from Bai Yuan''s back. He took out the deer meat and cut it into several thick steak cuts. Then he cleaned two fist-sized stone with a flat bottom with spring mist spell, he asked Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu to beat the meat with it gently until it became tender.


    The two didn''t understand why Yan Xiu wanted to beat the meat with the stone and why did he cut the meat into thick strips. They usually only grilled the meat in open fire until it cooks, where''s the need to make it complicated?


    But since their senior already left Yan Xiu in charge for dinner, they would just follow his lead. And they were curious about what Yan Xiu would make. They took the stone and started beating the meat following Yan Xiu''s instruction.


    While the meat was being processed, Yan Xiu went to deal with the eels. He first makes a makeshift cooking board from a long thick branch. He used a needle to nailed the eel''s head onto the cooking board and proceeded to gut the eel. The foul smell hit him hard but Yan Xiu already used to it.


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    First, he made a shallow cut around the back of the eel''s head and pulled the skin off. The Blind Eel''s skin was kind of rough and looked unfit for consumption. He cut along the stomach and spread the eel open before separating the eel''s head and body by cutting behind the front fins. He disposed of the guts, backbone, and back fins. Lastly, he washed the eel with green water, the effect of the green water was good. It smells reduced significantly.


    He cut the eel into three portions. He repeated the process and the ten eels soon became strips of white meats. Yan Xiu set aside the eels and went to make wooden skewers. It was easy to make but to fasten the production, he called Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu, who done beating the steaks, to help him.


    Soon the skewers were ready, Yan Xiu used four skewers for each eel strips so he could flip it better. After showing how it was done, Yan Xiu let the other two did the work while he made fire and the stone stove. He collected small stones and arranged them into two stove-like shapes and put a flat stone on top of it on one and two long dense wet branches on the other.


    When the fire was lit under it, the stone quickly became hot. Yan Xiu took out cooking oil from his bag. If he had a spacial ring or other space types magical tool, he would have brought many cooking tools. But since he didn''t have it, he only brought cooking oil and a few condiments.


    He rubbed salt and pepper, a substitute he got from plants, on both sides of the steak and dripped some cooking oil on the stone. A pleasant sizzling sound came out when he put the spice-coated steak on the hot stone. After the sound, a spicy meaty scent drifted out. Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu were intoxicated by the smell, with the skewered eels in hands, they came near Yan Xiu. Bai Yuan already behind him eyeing on the meat on the stone.


    The eels were grilled on the second stove, Yan Xiu gave it a bit of salt and oil. There was still a bit stink smell but it wasn''t as bad. Seeing the white meat turn brown pleased the eyes. Yan Xiu didn''t forget to cook some sausages. Soon, a spread of meaty feast was done. Mountain of steaks with thick meat aroma, glistening brown skewered eels, long sausages overflowing with juices.


    Lured by the smell, Xiao Musheng, and the others came to the mouth of the cave. Their eyes glowed when they saw the foods. They sat together in a circle and after Xiao Musheng took the first steak, they started eating.


    The steaks were still soft despite the thick cuts, the salt, and pepper blend well with the faintly sweet meat. One bite and it enthralled everyone. Despite the stink smell left on the meat, everyone couldn''t stop eating the grilled eel. The springy texture of the meat and the slight salt made the eels a delicacy, Chen Hanchen couldn''t believe it was the same smelly eels.


    The stinking smell only added more depth to the taste, combined with either sweet or salty soy sauce Yan Xiu provided, it made the eels taste so much tastier. The sausages were juicy and filling. After tasting it and hearing how easy it was to cook, Xiao Musheng couldn''t help but asked Yan Xiu if he could make some for the hunters.


    The sausages were an ideal ration for going hunting, of course, the meat and other ingredients would be supplied by the hunters. Xiao Musheng would also pay for the trouble. Yan Xiu agreed but as he had many things to do, like tending to his garden, he couldn''t make much. Xiao Musheng nodded and understand.


    After a satisfying meal, they all rested and waited for midnight, waiting for the Gudol birds to come out.


    @@@


    The moon already high in the sky but hidden from view by the clouds. The forest shrouded by darkness, numerous pairs of eyes locked their gazes on a certain field filled with skewered eels. They spied from the top of the trees and behind the bushes, waiting patiently for their prey to come.


    Yan Xiu, Chen Hanchen, and Liu Feng were on top of three different trees, forming a triangle with the trap in the middle while the others were hiding behind the bushes. Bai Yuan white fur would reveal himself, so he stayed far from the group. They already waited for two hours without seeing a shadow of Gudol bird, but still stayed vigilant.


    When another hour was about to pass, their prey came. Followed by the sound of powerful footsteps, a group of huge birds came. Two meters tall with dark-colored feathers that covered its whole body except the feet, the leading Gudol bird cautiously observed its surrounding.


    It came here after smelling the foul smell of its favorite food. Xiao Musheng signaled the team with a hand signal, telling them to hold their breath so that they didn''t blow their cover. Yan Xiu told Bai Yuan to stand down telepathically.


    There were at least ten or more Gudol birds in the group, they clustered just a few feet away from the trap. The leading Gudol bird walked out from the group and approaching the eels slowly. It keeps its head low and sniffed the place. When it reached the eels, it just gazed and sniffing it. First was a few pecks before it took a bite and swallowed the eels.


    It then cried at the group and the group swarmed the eels fighting for the eels. Xiao Musheng raised his hand as a signal, it was telling Yan Xiu and the other to take aim.


    Yan Xiu readied his javelin, Chen Hanchen gripped his dagger, and Liu Feng drew his arrow. They aimed at different birds but neither was aiming at the leading Gudol despite it was the biggest one.


    When the Gudol birds almost swallowed all the eels, Xiao Musheng dropped his hand. Javelin, dagger, and arrow flew out. With a loud cry, three Gudol birds fell to the ground. One had its neck pierced by a javelin, one had dagger protruding from its eye socket, the last one was twitching on the ground with an arrow sticking out from its head.


    The Gudol birds panicked and the place was engulfed in chaos and bird''s cry. Xiao Musheng came out and kicked the leading Gudol bird back. Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu also came out while waving their weapons and yelling like madmen, trying their best to be threatening. Yan Xiu told Bai Yuan to ran here while roaring and he came as Yan Xiu told him.


    The Gudol bird wasn''t hurt by the kick and quickly recover. It looked at the dangerous humans and approaching demon beast. With a cry, it leads the group of Gudol birds away. No one ran after them.


    Yan Xiu threw another javelin to the writhing Gudol bird to end its misery and Chen Hanchen did the same. The plan was a success. The reason why they didn''t target the leading Gudol bird was that so it could lead the group away after three birds were disabled.


    The plan was simple, Yan Xiu and the others were tasked with disabling three birds. And after that, the one hiding on the ground would come out and forced the group of Gudol bird to escape by appearing threatening to the leading Gudol bird.


    They took the three birds and began cleaning them. They first bleed them and plucked their feathers. When Yan Xiu get a clear look of the birds, his first thought was the massive size of it. The beak was thick and powerful. With a touch, Yan Xiu could tell the dense meat and muscle. His eyes traveled to the legs, with the feather gone, the fat legs were bare for all to see. He was imagining how delicious and amazing it would be to eat such a huge leg.


    When the last processed Gudol Bird entered Xiao Musheng spacial ring, it marked the end of the hunt.

 32 The Hunt 6

    The group went back to the cave after the hunt, while on the way, Yan Xiu was thinking. The whole hunting trip felt too easy for him, none of the hunts were remotely dangerous. It was not like he thought it was bad, it was good if there was no danger.


    But he had a bad feeling that this was not the end of this trip. And he was right. Before they even sat down, Xiao Musheng dropped an announcement.


    "Rest well, you three. At dawn, we will head out and you will go through a test. Pass and I will recognize and approve you as a hunter. Fail and you either quit as a hunter or try again until you pass." (XM)


    Without waiting for the three junior hunters answer, Xiao Musheng walked deeper into the cave and sat down. The other two senior hunters followed suit. Yan Xiu sighed, as expected.


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu panicked, they dropped to the ground. Sitting crossed and tried to recover their energy, forgetting that they barely expanded their energy in the last hunt.


    Meanwhile, Yan Xiu calmly sat down and wiped his needles and javelin. When he was done, he put them away and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and adjusted his state of mind. His father used to say that a stable and calm state of mind was the most important thing in every situation. Bai Yuan, on another hand, was copying Yan Xiu before he grew bored and just laid down beside Yan Xiu.


    Xiao Musheng nodded when he looked at Yan Xiu''s action, it was apparent that he was of the same opinion as Yan Xiu''s papa. He sighed at the other two junior hunters, why can''t they follow his example, wondered Xiao Musheng.


    @@@


    When the sun peeked out from the horizon and the sky brightened, the group left the cave and headed north under Liu Feng lead. While they were not panicked anymore, Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu were very nervous.


    Yan Xiu was also nervous but he tried to calm himself down so that he would not freeze up later. No matter what the test would be, he would do his best.


    They walked for quite some time before Liu Feng slowed down. Liu Feng looked at Xiao Musheng while the latter nodded.


    "We have now entered the territory of a ferocious demon beast. Later, your test will be to withstand the suppression from the beast. You will pass if you can still move under the suppression, you failed if you can''t." (XM)


    After saying that, the group walked again albeit slower. Liu Feng in the front was moving forward while sensing his surroundings. Chen Hanchen was also doing the same, his hands were ready to draw his dagger whenever the need arises.


    While he looked relaxed, Xiao Musheng showed no opening and never let his guard down. Hearing what the test was just to withstand pressure and not fighting, Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu were relieved. They relaxed and became normal again.


    While Yan Xiu thought that it would not be that simple and kept himself alert but calm. Bai Yuan was looking around while growling. He didn''t have territory himself as he thought it was unnecessary, but as demon beast, he was clear about the risk of intruding into another demon beast''s territory. Especially a demon beast stronger than himself.


    There were only two outcomes to this scenario, either he gets himself out or the owner would. But the latter didn''t guarantee he went out in one piece. As they were connected telepathically, Yan Xiu felt the anxiety and fear in Bai Yuan''s heart. Yan Xiu comforted Bai Yuan, saying that with Xiao Musheng around, they would be safe.


    Hearing that, Bai Yuan calmed down a little. But he didn''t relax, he heightened his senses. While he was indeed weaker than the owner of this territory and Xiao Musheng, he would be the one to protect his master.


    Suddenly, Liu Feng in the front dropped to the ground and put his hand on the ground. He could feel a subtle vibration on his palm, the vibration was getting stronger and the sound of trees cracked could be heard. He stood up abruptly and yelled.


    "Dodge! It''s coming!" (LF)


    CRACK! CRACK! CRASH!


    A giant gray ball heading toward them while bulldozing the trees in its way. Chen Hanchen followed Liu Feng and jumped sideways, Bai Yuan grabbed Yan Xiu and quickly leaped away. Xiao Musheng moved as he grabbed both Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu behind him.


    The ball trampled the place they were standing before, the ground was gouged and marked with a huge straight mark. After missing its target, the ball opened up and transform into a huge armored monster.


    An armor-like hide covered its body even its tail, but it didn''t cover the face and body front. Its palm was big and four huge claws were attached to it, its feet was also the same. The beast, the Baller, glared at the group. It stood on its feet and roared, it demonstrated its power.


    Yan Xiu felt like a big stone just fell on top of him, every part of his body was heavy. His heart was gripped with fear. He wanted to run but he couldn''t move his body as if he was bound. The other two junior hunters didn''t fare any better.


    It was understandable, the Baller was an Inner Foundation realm last stage beast. It was a whole realm stronger than Yan Xiu and the others. While the Gudol bird and One-horned bull was also an Inner Foundation realm beast, it couldn''t muster such suppression.


    This was the difference between normal and ferocious beast. The ability to use their realm and blood lust to force others to submit. The suppression of realm Yan And the others felt was nothing to scoff at.


    "Uho uho (master, be strong!)" (BY)


    While he was also affected by the suppression, it wasn''t as bad. Detecting the state Yan Xiu''s in, Bai Yuan encouraged him and shaped him but it had little effect. Yaan Xiu was truly shaken right now.


    Already expecting the situation, Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng attacked the baller at the same time in order to buy some time for their juniors to recover or run away.


    "...In a real hunt, you never know what kind of beast you''ll encounter. If you are frozen up and can''t move under the suppression of a beast, there is only death waiting for you. Worse yet, you can endanger your brothers.


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    This is a test that separates the hunter and wannabe. If you are really determined to become a hunter, then prove it now. If you can''t handle it and want to quit, be my guest. I won''t look down on you." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng said those words while facing Yan Xiu and the others. A thought crossed Yan Xiu''s mind, yeah, let''s give up. He was about to speak up when his parents face flashed in his mind. Yan Xiu clenched his small fist, he remembered his purpose of why he wanted to become a hunter.


    It was for power. If he became a hunter, he could ask guidance from Xiao Musheng. Guidance from strong people like Xiao Musheng would be really helpful for someone who cultivated without a teacher like him. And if he became stronger, it would improve his chance of entering a good sect.


    He must become a hunter! He needed power! To search for his parents! Yan Xiu grit his teeth.


    "(Xiao Yuan, don''t shake me anymore.)" (YX)


    "Uho? (Master, are you okay now?)" (BY)


    "(Yeah, sorry for making you worry.)" (YX)


    Yan Xiu curled his lips into a smile. He was still afraid and his body was heavy, but he would not be suppressed any longer. Determination filled his eyes. Looking at Yan Xiu who slowly reached for the javelin on his back, Xiao Musheng nodded.


    Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu were about to collapse and give up. But seeing Yan Xiu, they grit their teeth and threw away every thought of running away. How could they run away if the youngest of them, Yan Xiu, were about to fight?


    Albeit a little sluggish, they also reached for their weapons. A rare smile appeared on Xiao Musheng face, usually only one would pass this test as shrugging off a suppression of an entire realm is very very difficult. There were many times where none passed. For all to passed,  this was the first time and probably the last time it happened.


    Yan Xiu slowly took his aim, the Baller who was in a scuffle with Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng. The trembling in his hand disappeared and a smile bloomed on his face.


    "Thank you. I have become a hunter thanks to you." (YX)


    He let loose his javelin.

 33 The Hunt 7

    A few minutes ago”­


    As both of them had the same cultivation as Bai Yuan which was at the Inner Foundation realm third stage, they were barely affected by the suppression.


    Holding daggers in each hand, Chen Hanchen rushed at the Baller. Liu Feng stayed behind but he took the first attack by shooting his arrow. Blue aura covered the arrow, the Baller raised its hand to block the arrow. That aura was the manifestation of their Zhenqi.


    The arrow hit the back of its hand but fell after only leaving a small hole on the Baller''s armor. While it was defending, Chen Hanchen already launched his attack. He went in for a stab but a claw was coming from above. He stopped abruptly and changed to an uppercut slash.


    The claw fell in front of his face and his left-hand sweep upward followed by a red light. A long but shallow trail was carved on the Baller''s tight backhand armor. Realizing he only scratch the armor, Chen Hanchen quickly retreat. Lou Feng covers him by shooting an arrow at the Baller.


    The Baller was a bad match-up against Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng. Chen Hanchen was specialized in quick lethal attack, a for with armor and solid defense was he rather avoid. Liu Feng, on another hand, was in a bind. He could pierce the Baller''s armor, but to do that, he needed time to store power. And he didn''t have the time.


    Chen Hanchen was not a tank and could not hold the Baller to buy time for Liu Feng. The battle was in a stalemate, Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng could not cause any significant damage to the Baller. And the slow Baller couldn''t land a hit on Chen Hanchen.


    Chen Hanchen was about to dive to attack once more when a javelin passed above his head. The Baller didn''t bother to defend with its hand, the javelin hit its chest and yet it barely tickles, the javelin fell powerlessly to the ground. Chen Hanchen sweated, if the javelin traveled a little bit lower, it would probably hit him in the head.


    Chen Hanchen peeked behind him and before he opened his mouth, he saw a saber and an ax flying toward him. He hastily dropped to the ground while covering his head. The Baller was annoyed and directly swatted the saber and axe like flies. It moved forward and jabbed at Chen Hanchen with its claw.


    Chen Hanchen rolled to the side and dodge the claw, he stood and retreat to the back. He looked behind and roared.


    "The prey is that beast, not me! Why are you attacking me!?" (CH)


    Yan Xiu and the rest could only let out a wry smile. While they did manage to resist the suppression, they still had a hard time moving their body. That throw was everything they had.


    Chen Hanchen wanted to say some more but the Baller had attacked him again. He jumped lightly and stepped on the claw, he jumped again and aimed at the Baller''s bare face. But unfortunately, the Baller''s defense was solid. It quickly raised its other hand and defended its face.


    The dagger made a hole in the armor but didn''t pierce it. The Ballet put power in its hand and did a backhand hit. Chen Hanchen crossed his hand and was thrown back.


    "Xiao Yuan, help the seniors!" (YX)


    "Uho! (Got it!)" (BY)


    Yan Xiu and the others could already move, they retreat and hide so that they didn''t become a burden to the seniors. Xiao Musheng was still standing at the same place, observing the battle. Bai yuan rushed forward and managed to catch Chen Hanchen.


    "Senior, you okay?" (YX)


    "Yeah, I''m okay. Thanks." (Chen Hanchen)


    "Uho hon! (Hmph! Be grateful!)" (BY)


    Chen Hanchen disregards the numbness in his arms. Liu Feng took the chance while the Baller defense was open because of its big move.


    He shoots three arrows at once and two managed to hit the Baller''s shoulder and stomach, the last arrow was deflected by the Baller. Bai Yuan followed quickly with a straight punch, brown-colored aura covered his fist. The Baller already regained its balance and defended with its arm. A dull sound rang out as Bai Yuan''s punch hit the Baller''s hand.


    The Baller groaned for the first time throughout the fight. It could feel the tremor and shocked followed by numbness when the punch hit it. The punch wasn''t that powerful but it was heavy. The Baller roared and his claws instantly shrouded by a crimson aura, Bai Yuan felt the danger from the claws. Just when the claw about to attack, four daggers with red aura flew and hit the claw.


    The Baller attack was interrupted and Bai Yuan took the chance, he jumped and kicked the Baller with his aura covered kick. The Baller took a step back and Bai Yuan used the momentum of the kick to retreat back. Bai Yuan looked at Chen Hanchen but didn''t say anything and focused back on the Baller.


    "Now we''re even." (CH)


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    "Grrr”­ (hmph!)" (BY)


    "You guys sure get along well." (LF)


    "" We''re not/Uho! (We''re not!)"" (CH&BY)


    Bai Yuan and Chen Hanchen glared at each other. Liu Feng was amused by the two but he soon grew serious. Now, with Bai Yuan added into the fight, they finally had the bare member of a team. Bai Yuan in the front, Chen Hanchen in the middle supporting Bai Yuan, and Liu Feng in the back.


    "Bai Yuan, hold that thing off for a few minutes! Hanchen, help him! I''ll fire a big one at it!" (LF)


    "Leave it to me!" (CH)


    "Uhoho! (Don''t order me!)" (BY)


    Despite out he said, Bai Yuan, rushed forward with his fist covered in aura. Chen Hanchen went with him, helping him. Liu Feng took his arrow and drew it, he gathered his aura on the arrow tip. The aura color gradually darkens.


    The Baller could feel that the arrow was dangerous, the power contained in the arrow could harm it. The Baller roared and crimson aura covered its whole body, it threw off Bai Yuan with a backhand hit. Chen Hanchen was shocked by the sudden development and threw his daggers in the hope of interrupting the Baller. But the Baller just deflected the daggers with a slap. The Baller jumped and its body curled up to a ball in the air, it began rotating and headed for Liu Feng. Liu Feng gritted his teeth and was about to let loose his arrow, but a shadow walked past him, it was Xiao Musheng.


    "Keep charging." (XM)


    "Yes!" (LF)


    With Xiao Musheng entering the fight, Liu Feng was instantly relieved and kept charging his aura. Xiao Musheng reached for the spear on his back and revealed an azure spear. He held the blue spear in one hand. The spear was filled with coldness.


    "Today is a good day. Let me show you a bit of my power, new hunters." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng was still calm with a big crimson ball dashing toward it. Azure aura slowly covered the blue spear in his hand. But unlike the aura of Bai Yuan and the others which didn''t have shape, the aura on Xiao Musheng''s spear had a definite shape.


    It was a spear with a big blade with a serpent coiling on the handle. It was such a vivid image. The Baller sensed an unprecedented danger from the spear and wanted to stop but it was too late, it already entered Xiao Musheng range.


    "A totem!" (YX)


    Yan Xiu and the other two junior hunters were shocked. A Zhenqi with shape, it matched the definition of a Totem told by Chen Hanchen. That means that Xiao Musheng was an Outer Foundation realm expert!


    "Azure Spear fourth move, Rising Wave." (XM)


    The spear moved, blue light swept up. The crimson aura of the Baller was instantly destroyed when it came into contact with Xiao Musheng azure aura. The Baller was thrown to the air, the Baller''s back armor was ruined. A big gash was carved onto it. It''s body opened up in the air.


    "Aim for its head." (XM)


    Liu Feng took aim and let loose his fully charged arrow. The arrow was like a blue meteor and hit the Baller in the middle of its temple, gouging a big hole on its head.


    The lifeless body of the Baller fell to the ground, Xiao Musheng turned to Yan Xiu and the other. He smiled.


    "I welcome and accept all of you as the new generation of hunter." (XM)

 34 The Hunt End

    Xiao Musheng stored the Baller body in his spatial ring.


    "Teacher, how are we gonna deal with it?" (CH)


    "We''ll see. If the meat tastes any good, we''ll use it. If not, then we''ll take what we can and either sell it or turn it into equipment." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng turned and walked toward Liu Feng who was tending to Yan Xiu and the other two. Chen Hanchen followed behind him.


    "How are they?" (XM)


    "They''re okay, just exhausted. They''ll be okay after resting." (LF)


    "Good. Then we''ll rest for a bit before heading back." (XM)


    Said Xiao Musheng as he sat under the shade of a tree, Liu Feng and Chen Hanchen went on to sat too.


    "Congrats on officially becoming a hunter." (LF)


    "Congrats! Welcome to the family. Just rest for now." (CH)


    "Thank...you." (YX/XG/SJ)


    The three new hunters were leaning powerlessly under a tree. They felt like they just run at full strength for hours without stopping. Their Zhenqi barely used but their stamina and body were completely out of commission. All they could feel was soreness permeating their body.


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    It was very uncomfortable. Yan Xiu operated his Zhenqi and soon a mouthful size of green water floated in front of his face. He opened his mouth slightly and the green water floated inside. A refreshing mint sensation traveled from his throat to his stomach before spreading throughout his body. The soreness lessened considerably. Yan Xiu predicted that if he drank one or two more mouthfuls, the soreness would be completely gone. But his stamina didn''t recover.


    He conjured two more mouthfuls of green water and sent it to Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu. His mouth regained strength, he could already talk like normal.


    "Drink it, it''s a healing spell. It''ll lessen the soreness." (YX)


    "..thanks.." (XG)


    "..thank...you”­" (SJ)


    The water slipped inside their mouth, bringing a cool mint taste that refreshed their body. Both of them felt the soreness in their body receded quite a bit as the refreshing sensation spreading to every inch of their body.


    "Puhaa”­ that hit the spot! I can feel the soreness disappear!" (XG)


    "Ahh, that felt good! Xiu, can you give me another mouthful?" (SJ)


    "Ah, me too!" (XG)


    "Sure, but even if it completely reduce the soreness, it won''t recover your stamina. Don''t be disappointed alright." (YX)


    Unfortunately, his Green Water Healing spell was only at the first level, its effect was only basic healing and restoring stamina was only possible if he reached level two.


    "Even just erasing this soreness is already amazing, how could we be disappointed?" (XG)


    "Yeah, what he said. Thanks, Xiu. I''ll treat you to some food when we get back to the village." (SJ)


    "Thanks, then I won''t be polite later and eat my fill. Here, enjoy." (YX)


    Yan Xiu conjured three balls of green water with double the size from before. The floating balls of water slowly floated inside of Yan Xiu and the rest''s mouth. The refreshing sensation held on longer and when it disappeared, it brought thee soreness in their body along with it. The three finally able to really relax.


    Yan Xiu was just about to close his eyes and slept for a bit when he caught sight Bai Yuan gaze. His gaze was saying ''It''s unfair that only master and those brats drink it! I want to drink too!''


    "Uho ho uho! (Master, I''ve worked hard! I want to drink green water too!)" (BY)


    "Yes, Xiao Yuan has worked hard. Here you go." (XY)


    Yan Xiu conjured a ball of green water as big as an adult''s head which Bai Yuan gulped down in two bites. Thinking that he had conjured one for Bai Yuan, why not conjured more for the rest of the group?


    He conjured three more balls of green water the sizes of three mouthfuls for Xiao Musheng and the rest.


    "Head hunter and seniors, it''s not much but please. It''ll take away your weariness." (YX)


    "Thanks, little Xiu. Ah, this is just perfect." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen gulped it down and enjoyed as the weariness in his body dissipated bit by bit. The numbness in his arms also disappeared. He was pleasantly surprised by the effect, it was better than he thought.


    Xiao Musheng looked at the floating green ball in front of him with a little surprise but quickly returned to normal. He drank the water and appreciated the mint taste. He wasn''t hurt or tired, so he could only taste the flavor, not the benefit.


    Liu Feng, on the other hand, was shocked by seeing the ball of green water. In fact, he had been shocked from the first time Yan Xiu conjured the green water but was speechless.


    Green Water Healing spell?! And the size of it?! He heard from the other support hunter, they were only able to conjure green water at that size after a month or more after learning the spell. Three weeks barely passed and not only did he learn the spell, he already could conjure it with such volume?!


    "Drink it, you''ll be in for another surprise." (CH)


    Chen Hanchen smiled smugly. How''s that, my apprentice is a genius, isn''t he? Chen Hanchen could imagine the shock and defeated expression the two support hunter''s expression when they found out later. If this guy reacts like this, I bet the two of them will show a much more wonderful expression.


    They always say that I''m an idiot, now that you two are beaten by a junior, I wonder if you can still say that later, thought Chen Hanchen while smiling wretchedly. Looking at Chen Hanchen''s despicable smile, Liu Feng knew he was up to no good but he was too lazy to care.


    Liu Feng turned his focus on the green ball and gulped it down. The freshening mint sensation engulfed his taste bud and slowly spreading around his whole body, revitalizing his whole body. Liu Feng licked his lips, he like the mint taste of the water. Wait... Taste? It had taste?! Wasn''t it supposed to be tasteless?


    Liu Feng had drunk the green water once in the hunt when he ate something bad, it was tasteless. But this green water had a taste and not to mention the effect was better than what both the support hunters conjured. How could this be? Wait, it can... For a spell or skill to have a different effect than normal.


    Liu Feng peeked at the Yan Xiu. The boy was already sleeping, his young face looked incredibly cute when he was sleeping. Looking at Yan Xiu who was sleeping, Liu Feng could hardly believe the things he had achieved. Taming a demon beast stronger than him was already amazing enough and now this?


    Judging by teacher''s reaction, it seems he had yet to realize it. I need to tell him later, thought Liu Feng. His weariness gone, he leaned to the tree comfortably and shut his eyes for a quick nap.


    When evening came, the three boys were still sleeping and couldn''t wake up. The test exhausted them more than they thought. They couldn''t afford to stay another night at the forest and no reason to, so they decided to just carry them.


    Bai Yuan carried Yan Xiu on his back, Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu were carried by Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng respectively. Xiao Musheng ran in front leading the group. Thus, Yan Xiu first trial hunt came to an end.

 36 Rest 2

    The butcher room was clean and orderly. There was no bad smell and the tools we''re well-maintained. To ensure hygiene and quality, Lu Rianli made sure that the room was cleaned after every use.


    Xiao Musheng put the One-horned Bull''s parts on the butchering table while the still intact but bald Gudol Birds carcasses were hung upside down by a hook attached to their feet. Looking at the marvelous sight of quality meat, Lu Rianli were itching to show his skills.


    He grabbed a long knife and splashed it with water before sharpened it a little on a whetstone. Without looking at Xiao Musheng he said.


    "So, how do you want to cut it?" (RL)


    This was how it usually goes. The hunter was neither a cook or a butcher. They could bleed and butcher their prey on the field. But it was too much to demand them to cut the meat too. They could do simple cuts like steak cuts but anything more was not part of their training or duty.


    So they usually asked a butcher to cut the meat for them or butcher some prey they could not butcher themselves. There were a few butchers in the village and Lu Rianli was the best butcher. So the hunter usually went to Lu Rianli first for butchering work and only went to the other butchers when Lu Rianli was busy or unavailable.


    "Keep one of each for distribution later. Just keep the bulls for now. The cooks will come for it later, I''ll leave it to them on how to cut it. As for the birds, debone one of them and cut the feet and head for the other. I want to make it a stuffed chicken." (XM)


    In the village, every two weeks the hunters would distribute free meat to every family. The hunters we''re, after all, a villager too. They wanted to help the village, now that they had the ability too. Although not much, it was a very much appreciated help.


    Because of this, Lu Rianli also tried to help too by providing his best service. The villagers returned the favor by helping the hunters or their families as best as they could. For example, the villagers all pitch in to help make the feast to welcome the hunter team a success. Some help decorating and some help cooking for the feast.


    "Stuffed chicken, it''s Xiao Long''s favorite, isn''t it? Got it, leave it to me." (LR)


    Xiao Long was the name of Xiao Musheng''s only son.


    Lu Rianli started getting busy, he first moved the meat and other parts of the bulls into the freezer. In terms of keeping the quality of meat, the spatial ring of Xiao Musheng which stopped the time of everything in it was better. But it was more than enough to have a freezer for a village butcher. After storing one of the Gudol birds inside the freezer, Lu Rianli grabbed his knife and started deboning one of the chicken. It was already being bleed and their organs were taken out, making the process much easier for Lu Rianli.


    It was not that different from deboning a chicken, it was just a matter of size. He first cut the head and feet off before starting. When he''s done, chicken bones with bits of meat still clinging on it laid on the right while bone-free fowl meat on the left. The meat didn''t differ much in appearance from when there was still bone in them, a proof of Lu Rianli good skill. As for the other one, it was even easier. He just needed to cut the head and feet and done.


    Looking at the chicken heads and feet, Lu Rianli couldn''t help but recalling delicious dishes using them.


    "Brother, can I have the chicken heads and feet?"(LR)


    "Hm? Sure, what are you gonna make with it?" (XM)


    "I want to make a dish little Xiu''s mother taught me once, it was called Phoenix Claw using the feet. For the head, I''m just gonna fry it and eat it with some homemade chili. It''s simple but delicious." (LR)


    Just imagining the glistening red chicken feet almost made him drool. Hearing the keyword little Xiu''s parent coming out from Lu Rianli''s mouth, Xiao Musheng couldn''t help but ask.


    "Brother Rianli, are you close with Yan Xiu''s parent? How come I never met them or heard you mention them before?" (XM)


    "Ah”­ about that”­." (LR)


    Lu Rianli stumped, in his mind, he slapped his loose mouth. Looking at Lu Rianli''s expression, Xiao Musheng thought that Lu Rianli was deliberately hiding the info about Yan Xiu''s parent, the question was why. A family that has the power and resources to build such a seal, why were they staying in this small village. Not long after, Lu Rianli sighed.


    "It''s been a year and you might be able to help little Xiu search for his parents. Brother Yan came to this part just a few years ago and made his house outside the village. He was an easygoing person with vast knowledge. The person himself said he was just a farmer but what kind of farmer can make seals and has such wit?


    With his knowledge, he helps around the village and quickly adapt to the village. His wife, sister Yan, was beautiful and gentle. She was a genius cook too. Most of the recipes Shan''er knew were taught by her.


    They were good people, all the villagers like them." (LR)


    Xiao Musheng soon found something wrong in the story.


    "Wait, if the villagers all know them, how come I never met or heard them?" (XM)


    Lu Rianli mentioned that the couple was known by all the villagers but it was weird that Xiao Musheng never met them.


    "It''s because brother Yan explicitly said to never mention him or anything related to him to you and the hunters." (LR)


    "Did he ever say why?" (XM)


    "Yeah, he said he didn''t want you, an ex-disciple, or anyone related to you to know about him. Do you use to learn from someone, brother Musheng? Maybe he knows your master." (LR)


    "How could that be? I was just a stray cultivator, who would want to teach me?" (XM)


    Despite him saying that Xiao Musheng was shocked inside. Ex-disciple. To others, the word didn''t have any meaning but to Xiao Musheng and his son, the word has other meanings.


    Xiao Musheng shuddered, how did he know? he thought. The mystery of Yan Xiu''s parent deepened.


    "Bother Musheng, what''s wrong?" (LR)


    Lu Rianli''s voice surprised the pondering Xiao Musheng. He quickly changed the conversation without showing anything on his face.


    "It''s nothing. Oh another thing, I have another carcass that needs to be butchered. But it''s a little too big, let''s go outside." (XM)


    "Oh, what is it?" (LR)


    "You''ll see." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng walked out of the room with Lu Rianli following from behind. Lu Rianli was interested in the carcass and quickly forget about the last conversation.

 37 Rest 3

    In the back of Lu''s house. Xiao Musheng was about to take out the Baller''s carcass out of his spatial ring when Lu Rianli asked.


    "Wait, brother Musheng. The beast, is it big? And did you bleed it already?" (LR)


    "Ah, it''s big and we didn''t have the chance to bleed it. Don''t worry, I can hang it myself." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng thought that Lu Rianli asking because he thought that they wouldn''t be able to hang the Baller with just the two of them. But Lu Rianli wasn''t thinking of that.


    "Then please wait a minute, I''m gonna take something that will make things easier for us." (LR)


    As he said that, Lu Rianli went back inside and came back soon. He was holding a basin half as tall as him and double his width. He put down the basin, inside it was a red ball the size of an adult head. There were five needle-like protuberances on the surface of the ball, it was a curious thing.


    Xiao Musheng looked at it and couldn''t make tails of it at all. Besides the red ball was a transparent sheet. Lu Rianli spread the sheet and asked Xiao Musheng.


    "How big is the beast?" (LR)


    "About three to four meters." (XM)


    Lu Rianli input the number on the corner of the sheet, there were buttons with numbers on it at the corner of the sheet. When he poured Zhenqi into the sheet, it enlarged according to the number input into it. Xiao Musheng looked at the sheet with interest. What a convenient thing. The ability to shrink and enlarge, it was something he saw on a magic tool. Like a magic tent that can shrink to miniature size and enlarge to its original size.


    "Brother Rianli, what is this?" (XM)


    "Hehe, it''s something I asked brother Yan make. It''s a lifesaver, with just this sheet I can handle monsters that are too big for my butcher room. Now, come take out the carcass of the beast." (LR)


    Xiao Musheng nodded and held the spatial ring with his arm over the sheet. With a thud, the Baller carcass landed on the sheet. Lu Rianli''s eyes lit up seeing the carcass. He put the basin near the carcass and took out the red ball.


    He aimed the ball at the carcass and inserted his Zhenqi into the ball. When the ball is filled with enough Zhenqi, a red light came out from the crimson ball and scanned the carcass. After that, the five protuberances shot out with a long thick tube connecting it to the ball.


    The five needle-like protuberances pierced the Baller carcass, Lu Rianli then put the ball inside the basin. As dark red blood sucked out of the Baller carcass, it flowed to the tube and into the ball.


    A hole opened up on the ball and the blood flowed out, slowly filling up the basin. Xiao Musheng looked at the ball with marvel. With such a device, handling prey on the hunt would be so much easier.


    "Brother Rianli, do you have another one of this device? Can I borrow one?" (XM)


    "Hahaha, as expected you recognize the value of this thing. But unfortunately, I only have one of these. So I can''t lend it to you." (LR)


    "I see, that''s a shame." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng was disappointed. He really wanted the ball. With the ball, he won''t have to search for a tree to hang the prey and could easily handle any prey.


    After a while, blood was drained from the baller''s body. Brandishing his knife, Lu Rianli went around the carcass. After finding a gasp in the hard skin, Lu Rianli stabbed his knife in. The baller''s body already loosened up after it''s death, so the sharp knife easily pierced the skin.


    A few hours later, Lu Rianli wiped the sweat on his forehead. The baller''s carcass already stripped of his hard hide, the flesh exposed for all to see. The Baller''s organ already extracted and sitting on the side. He used a cleansing spell to clean the carcass after he removed the organ.


    "Let''s see how it tastes first." (LR)


    Lu Rianli cut two small chunks of meat.


    "I''ve prepared the fire." (XM)


    Xiao Musheng sat in front of a bonfire holding two long iron skewers, he expertly pierced the meat with the skewer and stabbed the skewers near the fire. He rotated the skewers from time to time, to make sure the meat roasted evenly.


    Juice dripped from the meat as it turned brown, the smell of the meat was a little off but they thought it was because it didn''t have any spice. Xiao Musheng pulled the skewers off the ground and gave one to Lu Rianli, the two gave the meat a big bite.


    Firm. The meat was really firm. That was the two first impression of the meat. Then the gamy smell hit them, a strong gamy smell. The two frowned but kept chewing until they tasted the natural sweetness of the meat. After the first bite, they didn''t take another bite.


    "This”­ can we serve this?" (XM)


    Said Xiao Musheng as he gazed at the meat while frowning. Lu Rianli thought with a finger on his chin.


    "It should be fine. If we cut it to a small bite-size and use spices to hide the smell, it should taste okay. We can let some of the cooks experiment with it first." (LR)


    Xiao Musheng nodded at Lu Rianli''s answer.


    "Yeah, this guy has many meats on its body anyway. No problem using some. Then brother Rianli, can I trouble you to cut some of the meat and distribute it to the cooks?" (XM)


    "Sure, leave it to me." (LR)


    Answered Lu Rianli as he began to cut the meat of the Baller. He went for the arms first, then the legs and lastly the body and head. Xiao Musheng wasn''t interested in watching anymore, so he excused himself. He walked back to the hunter headquarter when he reached the place, there was already someone waiting for him, the village chief.

 38 Rest 4

    Walking closer to the village chief, Xiao Musheng asked.


    "Why are you waiting here, village chief? You can just call me if you need to talk. Come in, it''s cold here." (XM)


    The village chief, Zhang Wen, was not a cultivator, he was a normal old man. Wearing old clothes and a walking stick in his hand, the long-bearded old man was sitting on top of a rock.


    "Ohh. I''m not so old that I can''t walk anymore and it''s not that cold." (ZW)


    Xiao Musheng helped the old man up and led him inside the hunter HQ. Inside a room, they sat facing each other. Xiao Musheng made tea for the old man and himself. As he served the tea, he asked the old man.


    "So, what is it?" (XM)


    Zhang Wen took a sip of the tea.


    "Nothing important, just want to tell you the cooks for the feast are already decided. The ingredients for the feast is already prepared, right?" (ZW)


    "Of course. Please tell them to pick it up from the Lu." (XM)


    "I''ll tell them." (ZW)


    The old man took another sip of the tea with no signs of standing up.


    "Is there anything else, chief?" (XM)


    "Actually, yes." (ZW)


    Zhang Wen stopped drinking and straighten up, his face serious. Xiao Musheng also grew serious.


    "I''m sure you know that there is a disciple recruiting event in two months from now at the Firehowl city, right?" (ZW)


    Hearing what Zhang Wen said, Xiao Musheng expression hardened. Of course, he knew. How could he not know?


    "I''m planning to send children from the village to participate in the event. I hope you will company them on the trip, can you do it?" (ZW)


    "Chief”­ I”­" (XM)


    Zhang Wen put his hand up to stop Xiao Musheng.


    "Child, I know and feel sorry for what happened to you in the past. But I''m sure you understand, what happened to you in the past will not necessarily happen to the children if they enter a sect.


    You were clueless and did not know any better in the past, but I hope you will use your knowledge and experience to guide the children. So that they will not go through what happened to you. Entering a sect will give the children a better future and resources than staying in the village.


    I know I ask something hard from you, so you don''t need to answer me right now. Just think about it and tell me your answer later. Well, I''ll excuse myself. Thanks for the tea and don''t need to see me off." (ZW)


    The old man stood and went away. Xiao Musheng still sitting on his chair, thinking about the things the old man said. A piece of memory he thought he had forgotten flashed in his mind, Xiao Musheng frowned and reached for his stomach. The concealed wound on his stomach and back felt hot. His heart beat faster and cold sweat drenched his back and forehead.


    He forcefully suppressed the memory and calm himself. His heart calmed down and he wiped the cold sweat with his sleeve. He leaned back on the chair and gazed at his spear on the wall. Hand on his forehead, Xiao Musheng sighed. There was a struggle in his eyes.


    @@@


    At night, the world dyed black as the moon hung in the sky. Yan Xiu slowly raised his body and sat on the bed. He scratched his head and yawn, his heavy eyelids opened and saw the dark sky. Grumbling sound came from his stomach, rubbing his empty stomach, Yan Xiu came down from the bed. He washed his face and changed his clothes before heading to the kitchen.


    He wanted something filling but easy to make. He checked the ingredients and saw some Yellow Potatoes, there was also some eggs and sausages. He knew what to make now.


    Yan Xiu grabbed some eggs, put it into a pot with water and set the fire to high while waiting for the water to boil. In the meantime, he peeled the potatoes, he peeled a lot since he needed to make his and Bai Yuan''s portion. Neither of them is a light eater. He then cut them into four pieces before boiling them.


    When he heard boiling sound from the egg pot, he put out the fire and set the pot aside. He drained the hot water and poured in cold water to quickly cool the eggs. After peeling them, Yan Xiu cut the eggs into two and put it in a bowl. He took out another pan and fried ten sausages.


    When the sausages were done, Yan Xiu checked on the potatoes. He poked the potatoes and felt the softness is just right. He put out the fire and drained the water. Yan Xiu poured out the potatoes into a bowl after dicing them. He then quickly melt some butter with milk and stirred until the butter melt. Pouring the butter and milk into the diced potatoes, he took out a cooking utensil his mama called potato masher. His mama told him that if he made mashed potato, he needed to use the potato masher to mashed and mix the potato with the milk and butter. After mixing, Yan Xiu added salt and pepper to adjust the taste.


    He put the mashed potatoes and sliced hard-boiled eggs onto the table with the sausages. Bai Yuan was already waiting on the table, he already smelled the fragrance of the food a long time ago and waited expectantly for the food. Yan Xiu chuckled.


    "Let''s eat." (YX)


    The mashed potato was creamy and filling, the eggs and sausages compliment nicely with the mashed potato. The two of them eat with relish. After cleaning, Bai Yuan went out and lazed around in his bed. Yan Xiu trained and cultivate before going to sleep again.

 39 Foraging 1

    In the morning, Yan Xiu sitting cross-legged in the field after doing his morning chores and breakfast. He cultivated earnestly and felt he was getting close to the next stage. Flying around him was a little stream of green water. Yan Xiu finally reached the second stage of Green Water Healing Spell. Yan Xiu moved his hand and the stream of green water flew above the field before scattering like rain. It mostly fell upon a small sprout.


    Yan Xiu opened his eyes and looked at the empty field with only Glass Lime, which was still a little sprout. He tilted his cute little head. He wanted to plant new crops but he needed to go to the city to buy the seeds. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the time.


    But the truth, Yan Xiu just didn''t want to go. It was a long and rough road to the city. The last time he went there with Lu Rianli, he collapsed from exhaustion when he reached home.


    Yan Xiu looked at the field again. Leaving it empty like this was not an option but he also didn''t want to go to the city. His eyes gazed at Bai Yuan, who was lying languidly on his hammock while occasionally sipping green water from a bucket like wine. Yan Xiu just gazing at Bai Yuan before an idea appeared in his mind.


    Trees!


    Yan Xiu abruptly stood up. Yes, trees. Before, he was growing vegetables only, and buying the seed from the city was because that was his only choice. A tree sapling was too expensive and he had no way to transport it without spending more money. But now that he could go to the forest, couldn''t move some of the fruit trees from the forest to his home? And it was not limited to trees, he could hunt or forage for other bounties. The forest was just like a treasure box! There was also Bai Yuan to help him.


    "Xiao Yuan, let''s go to the village!" (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    Hearing Yan Xiu''s call, Bai Yuan got off from his hammock and drank the rest of the green water in a big gulp. After burping, Bai Yuan went to Yan Xiu and put him on his shoulder before running to the village.


    When they entered the village, they met Chen Hanchen. He was carrying a bag full of meat wrapped in leaves.


    "Senior." (YX)


    Yan Xiu got down from Bai Yuan and greeted Chen Hanchen.


    "What are you doing?" (YX)


    "This? I''m distributing the meat to the villagers. This is one of us, hunter''s, task." (CH)


    "I see. Can I help?" (YX)


    "Haha, I''m almost done. I''ll count on you next time." (CH)


    Yan Xiu nodded.


    "Then, senior. Can I ask something? Is it okay if I take the trees in the forest?" (YX)


    "Trees?" (CH)


    Chen Hanchen was confused by Yan Xiu''s question. Trees? Why did he want one? Chen Hanchen remembered Yan Xiu''s garden. He thought that Yan Xiu probably wanted to try planting trees now.


    "It should be okay. Foraging in the forest is normal and it''s not like you''ll uproot the whole forest. But be careful, okay?" (CH)


    "Okay! Then, bye-bye senior! Let''s go back, Xiao Yuan!" (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    With Yan Xiu on his shoulder, Bai Yuan rushed back home. Looking at the two disappearing figures, Chen Hanchen shaped his head.


    "Energetic kids." (CH)


    He then resumed his work.


    @@@


    The two went back quickly, Yan Xiu went to the garden and toward the shed. It was a wooden shed the size of two rooms connected to the house. It was where Yan Xiu''s papa used to store anything related to gardening. It was different from the storage where he stored other misc items.


    Yan Xiu went inside and saw rows of gardening tools hanging on the wall. The bigger tools like carts and other things lined tidily on the floor. Yan Xiu grabbed a foldable cart and brought it out. He folded the cart open, it was bigger than the cart he used to deliver vegetables. It was big and wide enough for four adult pigs sitting on it. It also had four wheels for stability and strength. It also has an inscription on it that made it tougher and harder to break. Yan Xiu told Bai Yuan to pick up four big buckets stacked together and load it on the cart.


    Yan Xiu picked up two big spades and put it inside the bucket, he also picked up a pruning shear and a few sheets of old burlaps. He also put a pair of sharp machetes and ropes inside the bucket. Looking at the equipment on the cart, Yan Xiu thought if he missed anything. He went to his parent''s room and took out a thin book from the bookshelf, the book was titled "Guide to transplanting trees and plants."


    Yan Xiu opened the book and read it. Yan Xiu quickly read the book and memorized the steps to transplant trees and plants. He put the book back and ran to the garden. He picked up a spade and dug a hole in the garden, he put a distance between the hole and field. Yan Xiu recalled the Bananut Tree size and started digging. He stopped when he thought it was big and deep enough. He put the mountain of soil near the hole and dug up more holes with various sizes. Bai Yuan just sat there watching him. Yan Xiu let him be because Bai Yuan would work hard later.


    Yan Xiu stabbed the spade down. He wiped the sweat on his forehead and jumped on the cart.


    "Xiao Yuan, let''s go!" (YX)


    "Uho!" (BY)


    Gripping the handle of the cart, Bai Yuan pushed the cart and headed toward the forest. Because of the size of the cart, it was difficult moving around in the forest with the trees and whatnot. Bai Yuan pushed the cart slowly and carefully before they finally reached the Bananut tree.


    The appetizing sweet smell lingered in the air. The yellow tree was there with fruits dangling on it. They got closer, Bai Yuan jumped and plucked two plump fruits before handing one for Yan Xiu. It was a tacit understanding between them to consume the bananut fruit first before they started working. The thick taste of milk, banana, and cheese engulfed Yan Xiu, it was an addicting taste. The two finished the fruit in no time. Bai Yuan was about to reach for another but was stopped by Yan Xiu. There were five fruits left and Yan Xiu planned to use it to make something special for the welcoming banquet tonight.

 40 Foraging 2

    According to the book, recklessly digging the tree would hurt it and affect its productivity. Thankfully, there were many different ways to uproot the tree with minimal damage listed in the book. Such as how to calculate how deep to dig and how to cut the roots.


    Other than that, there were other tips written in the book. Like it was better to wait for when the tree laid dormant in the autumn or winter before moving it, as to not damage the tree''s ability to lay fruits.


    Obviously, Yan Xiu couldn''t wait that long. The other ways include injecting the tree with wood element qi frequently before and after it was dug. Giving the tree nutritional liquid was another way.


    Yan Xiu didn''t have a wood element qi but he had nutritional liquid. He conjured a stream of green water and splashed it around the tree. As if a starving man smelled food, the tree''s root sucked the green water quickly. Yan Xiu put his hand on the Bananut tree trunk and felt the tree filled with vitality, every part of it was brimming with qi. This means it worked. Yan Xiu then climbed the tree and cut some of the leaves while bending some downward. Bai Yuan passed him the rope, Yan Xiu tied the leaves gently just enough so it won''t hurt it.


    Yan Xiu climbed down, he took a spade and estimated the size of the root ball before he dug. He dug around 25 inches deep, avoiding the major roots and cutting the minor roots cleanly. He told Bai Yuan to hold the tree while he took the old burlap and wrapped the tree''s root with it.


    (Maybe some more green water will help it stay healthy in the process.) (YX)


    Yan Xiu conjured green water and wet the burlap, he then helped Bai Yuan carrying the tree onto the cart. Yan Xiu looked at the tree while smiling.


    "Xiao Yuan, from now on we can eat Bananut at home." (YX)


    "Ooh Ooh! (Great!)" (BY)


    "Let''s go search for more." (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    Yan Xiu hopped onto the cart and held the Bananut tree in place. Bai Yuan pulled the cart as they moved around the forest, searching for more trees and edible flora.


    Yan Xiu harvested many wild vegetables and mushrooms but he had yet to have other trees to plant on his field. While he did find some, they were all too big for them to move. They also encountered some beasts but they didn''t kill the beast, just fought them off.


    They had an ample reserve of meat and today was focused on greens, so they wouldn''t hunt anything today.


    Parched, they head for the river. Yan Xiu drank slowly while Bai Yuan dunk his head into the water. Then Yan Xiu''s eyes caught something across the river. Tall green plants growing near the river, clumping together. It was a cluster of bamboo. Yan Xiu excitedly crossed the river and went to the bamboos.


    The deep green color of the bamboo with long thin leaves, every bamboo stalk was as thick as an adult''s fist. Yan Xiu caressed the bamboo, it was smooth and slightly cold. And the most important thing about the bamboo was the small sprout hidden under the shadow of the tall adult stalks. Unlike the adult, the young bamboo shoot was light green in color. As luck would have it, Yan Xiu found some bamboo shoots ready for consumption.


    Yan Xiu quickly went back to the cart, he took a spade and went back to the bamboo. Curious, Bai Yuan followed him. Using the spade, he cut the bamboo shoots that were 15cm or 10cm tall. He recalled that his father said that bamboo shoots are the tastiest at this length. Yan Xiu stabbed his spade to the ground, behind him was the harvested bamboo shoots. There were thirteen bamboo shoots, Bai Yuan looked at the bamboo shoots.


    Uho uhoo? (Master picked this, so it should be delicious stuff but why does it smell like dirt?) Thought Bai Yuan as he took a sniff of the bamboo shoots.


    "Xiao Yuan, place this on the cart and bring me one bucket please." (YX)


    "Uho. (Okay.)" (BY)


    Swiftly, Bai Yuan took the bamboo shoots to the cart and came back with a bucket. Yan Xiu took a deep breath and filled the bucket half full with green water.


    "Xiao Yuan, grab this group of bamboo and hold it steady. If I said raise, raise it gently, okay?" (YX)


    "Uho! (OK!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan grabbed the bamboo gently while Yan Xiu stabbed his spade deep into the ground near the bamboo clump. He felt around and slowly positioned his spade under the bamboo root clump.


    "Synchronize your movement with me." (YX)


    "Uho! (Got it!)" (BY)


    "Then, Raise it." (YX)


    Yan Xiu slowly rocked the root clump up and Bai Yuan followed up by pulling the bamboo up. After the root clump was pulled out completely, he quickly transferred it into the bucket filled with green water.


    "Good, with this we''re finished. Xiao Yuan put it on the cart." (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    They walked back to the cart, Yan Xiu hopped onto the cart and let the bamboo stalk leaned on him. Looking at the darkening sky, Yan Xiu sighed.


    "Xiao Yuan, let''s go home. We still need to prepare for the welcoming party." (YX)


    Yan Xiu would search for another tree to put in his garden again later. He needed to cook the dish he planned for the welcoming party plus a new dish using the bamboo shoots.


    "Uho uho hoho? (Master, do those dirt-smelling things taste delicious?)" (BY)


    "Dirt? You mean the bamboo shoots? It''s delicious, it just needs some preparation." (YX)


    "Uho? Hoho? (Really? Can I eat it later?)" (BY)


    "Sure, tonight is a celebration, you''ll get to eat a lot tonight. That''s why we need to get back quickly so we can cook and prepare, I''ll be counting on you." (YX)


    "Uho! Uhouho! (Leave it to me! I''ll get us home quickly!)" (BY)


    "Still, be careful, okay? There are many things on the cart." (YX)


    "Uho! (I know!)" (BY)


    Energized, Bai Yuan grabbed the handle of the cart and ran toward home, expertly evading the trees.

 41 Welcoming Party 1

    Riding on the cart, Yan Xiu saw the disappearing woods. One of his hands held the Bananut tree and the other on the Bamboo. He was satisfied with his gain. Although he only got two new things to plant in his garden, a tree, and bamboo, it was enough for now. Bai Yuan ran fast but carefully so that the cart didn''t rock too much.


    When they were near the village, Yan Xiu told Bai Yuan to stop by the village. The village was in a festive mood, a big long table was laid in the center of the village. And the smells of food filled the village. There were villagers hanging lanterns. Everyone was looking forward to the welcoming party tonight. If he was not in a hurry, Yan Xiu would help prepare for the party with the villagers.


    Yan Xiu went shopping while Bai Yuan sat near the cart. Children gathered around him as they played with him. After a few minutes, Yan Xiu came back with a bottle of rice wine, some fruits, and two blocks of tofu. Dispersing the children, the two of them went home.


    The cart stopped in the garden, it was already dusk. Yan Xiu went down and placed the wine and tofu in the kitchen before coming out again.


    "Let''s get all this down and plant them so we can make the dish for tonight." (YX)


    "Uho! (Let''s go!)" (BY)


    With Bai Yuan''s help, Yan Xiu moved the Bananut tree to the hole he dug before. The Bananut was bigger than Yan Xiu thought, so he took a spade and dug again. When the hole is bigger and deeper, Bai Yuan removed the burlap and lowered the tree into the hole. Yan Xiu filled the hole with earth securely so the tree wouldn''t fall. He then showered the tree with green water.


    Done with the tree, he looked for holes that fit the bamboo. He chose the one on the edge of the garden, near it was a small creek. Bai Yuan slowly planted the bamboo down and Yan Xiu filled the hole and water it with green water. Now, Yan Xiu just needed to tend the two and hope it grew fine just like it was in the wild.


    "Great, we''re done here. Let''s make the dishes, I''ll make something special tonight." (YX)


    "Uho? ho? (Special? What is it?)" (BY)


    "It''s a secret." (YX)


    "Uho. (Master, tell me.)" (BY)


    Yan Xiu grinned.


    "Nope, but I''ll let you taste it first." (YX)


    "Uho! (Master, I love you!)" (BY)


    "Hahaha, then help me bring the Bananut fruits and the bamboo shoots to the kitchen." (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan gathered the Bananut fruits and bamboo shoots in his arm, he then walked to the kitchen. Yan Xiu stayed behind to clean the spade and return the cart and everything back to the shed.


    With the cart packed inside the shed along with the rest of the tools, Yan Xiu went to take a bath and changed his clothes. Clean and refreshed, Yan Xiu entered the kitchen. Bai Yuan was sitting on the floor, waiting for the special dish. Yan Xiu laughed.


    "Xiao Yuan, go take a bath. The dish will be ready when you come back." (YX)


    Bai Yuan looked at his dirt-stained body and nodded, he walked out. In the way, Bai Yuan was in doubt. What dish can be cooked so fast? He thought. After living with Yan Xiu, Bai Yuan understood that cooking needed time, so he was confused about what dish could be ready in a short time.


    Back in the kitchen, Yan Xiu drained the Bananut''s juice and put it into a container. He separates the meat and juice, he would use the juice. The meat would serve as a snack. There were two mature ones, he kept it for making another dish later. He took out a device his mother called blender, he poured some coconut juice in and took the fruit he already washed beforehand.


    He only bought two types, one was sour fruit with purple skin and yellow meat called Yunar fruit. The other is a sweet black fruit called Kirno. He took the Yunar fruit, it was as big as an adult''s fist. He skinned the fruit and exposed the yellow meat, he divided the fruit in two using his hand and took the small seed in the center of the meat. He threw the meat into the blender and blended it until it became smooth.


    He dipped his finger in and tasted the yellow blend, in addition to the sweet milky taste there was a refreshingly sour taste. Nodding, he took out two molds called popsicle mold. He opened the lids of the molds and poured the blend in, he put the lids back and inserted a stick through the hole in the lids. He carefully put the two mold into the big icebox, now he just needed to wait for it to freeze. These two molds made twelve popsicles.


    He did the same with the Kirno fruit, it was easier with Kirno fruit. The four Kirno fruits, as big as a baby''s fist, didn''t need to be skinned. He directly put it into the blender. He took out new molds and repeated the process. With this, one of the dishes for the party was done. It was too simple to be called a dish, it was more like a snack or dessert but it was at least a unique one. In the village, only his family knew and had the tools to make one.


    Yan Xiu tidied up the kitchen and went to cook the second dish. He took the bamboo shoots and cut the bottom part of it. He peeled tough outer layers to reveal the white soft part. He also trimmed the bumpy part of the bottom. It was tedious work but he knew the end reward would be sweet. A dozen minutes later, a clean Bai Yuan came back while Yan Xiu was still struggling with the bamboo shoots.


    "Ah, Xiao Yuan, you can take the mold out of the big icebox, it''s the colorful one. It should be done by now, pick one." (YX)


    Said Yan Xiu without looking at Bai Yuan.


    "Uho! (Got it!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan opened the big icebox and looked at the molds, he looked at it for a moment before choosing randomly.

 42 Welcoming Party 2

    Bai Yuan put the mold on the table and sniffed it, a cold sweet smell drifted into his nose. It''s sweet! Thought Bai Yuan. After asking Yan Xiu how to eat it, Bai Yuan opened the lid and pulled one of the sticks. The black popsicle made its appearance. Bai Yuan sniffed it again, the sweet smell was denser. Yan Xiu told him that the best way to eat popsicle was to lick it first before putting it in his mouth and biting it bit by bit. Bai Yuan licked it and the foreign cold sweet taste exploded in his mouth.


    He exclaimed and licked his lips before shoving the popsicle into his mouth, the cold sensation and sweet taste filled his mouth. The same milky taste of Bananut, the unique sweet taste of Kirno fruit blended perfectly with the cold, it provided a new experience for Bai Yuan. he bit the tip and sucked on it. He really liked the cold sensation in his mouth.


    "Uho hoho! (master, this is really tasty!)" (BY)


    "Hehe, later I''ll make you something even better." (YX)


    "Ho?! (Really?!)" (BY)


    "Of course." (YX)


    Yan Xiu laughed, he already finished peeling the bamboo shoots. He took out a pot and boiled the bamboo shoots with a bit of salt. While the bamboo shoots boiled, he took the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes. He also cut the mushrooms, then he took out a bowl and mixed chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. In another bowl, he dissolved some starch with water. He took out a wok, added oil, and proceeded to stir-fry the tofu cubes when the oil was hot.


    When the tofu turned brown, he set it aside. The bamboo shoots were done boiling. He took them out and let it cool. He used three and kept the rest, he then cut the bamboo shoots in strips. The wok was cleaned before adding oil when the oil was hot, he put in chopped garlic. Stirring until it was aromatic, he entered the mushroom and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for a minute, he pushed the vegetables to the side and added the sauce and starch. Stirring quickly to thicken, add the tofu and he heats it all thoroughly. The stir-fry was done.


    He took out a big bowl and poured the stir-fry in. The browned mushroom and bamboo shoots looked pleasing to the eyes, the rich smell whets the appetites. Finished with his popsicle, Bai Yuan turned his sight to the stir-fry. He was about to reach out for it but his hand was slapped by Yan Xiu.


    "No. This is for tonight. You can eat at the party later." (YX)


    "Uhouho? (Can I just have a taste, master?)" (BY)


    "No." (YX)


    Bai Yuan sulked, Yan Xiu smiled and patted his head.


    "Just bear with it for a little, okay? You can eat this and many other dishes later at the party, okay?" (YX)


    "Uho.. (Okay..)" (BY)


    Yan Xiu thought that this may be what it felt to be a big brother. He was an only child, he felt lonely when his parents disappeared. While there were the Lus that was close to him and the new friend he knew after becoming a hunter, they weren''t able to fill the hole in his heart. But then Bai Yuan came, filling his heart. He felt close to Bai Yuan because of their connection and his house no longer felt empty with Bai Yuan.


    Yan Xiu smiled and cleaned the cookware while Bai Yuan sat staring at the stir-fry. After he was done cleaning the kitchen, Yan Xiu went to the storage and came back with a blue box. Inside the blue box was the same inscription as the one inscribed on the ice big box. Yan Xiu filled the box with his Qi and activated the inscription, cold air came out of the box. He put the popsicles molds inside the box and closed it.


    "Let''s go, Xiao Yuan take the small cart." (YX)


    "Uho! (Okay!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan pulled the small cart while Yan Xiu was on the cart holding the stir-fry bowl and the blue box. They went to the village. Before they even reached the village, they already saw the bright light of the village. The gate was adorned with lanterns and a banner that said "Welcome Back"


    Bai Yuan looked at the lantern, interested. Back when he was living in the wild, bright light like this was something he avoided. Since it usually signaled that there were humans there and they might attack him. Now that he could look at it closely, he felt it was beautiful.


    The big long table was now filled with all kinds of meat dishes. The meat was from the beasts they hunted, the Black Bulls and Gudol Birds. Grilled meat, fried drumstick, braised beef, and many more. It was an amazing spread. Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan stopped near the table, Yan Xiu put his stir-fry on the table along with the blue box. The two of them admired the spread when someone tapped Yan Xiu''s shoulder.


    Yan Xiu turned around, It was Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu.


    "Yo, how are you, Xiao Xiu?" (XG)


    He patted Yan Xiu''s shoulder as he said that.


    "I''m feeling great, how about you?" (YX)


    "Hahaha, as you can see, I''m fit as a fiddle!" (XG)


    "Alright, stop patting him so hard. It''s good to see you, Xiao Xiu." (SJ)


    "You too, Jingu." (YX)


    Yan Xiu smiled. The three hadn''t seen each other after the last hunt and now that they gathered together, it finally hit them that they were no longer a trainee but a real hunter.


    "Now that we are a hunter, we can go with the hunting team when they go out later. I can finally get away from the village!" (XG)


    Xin Guodan''s word made Shuang Jingu and Yan Xiu felt excited too. Yan Xiu''s goal to become a hunter was not just to become stronger but also to go outside the village to search for clues of his parents. Now he finally had that chance!

 43 Welcoming Party 3

    The three chattered excitedly, talking about what kind of beasts they would encounter or the strange place they would visit. In the middle of their talk, they saw Xiao Musheng walking toward the village gate with Chen Hanchen and Liu Feng following him. The villagers saw them and began walking toward the village gate. Yan Xiu was confused. Xin Guodan became even more excited and dragged Yan Xiu along with him to the village gate, Shuang Jingu and Bai Yuan chased them.


    "Guodan, what is going on?" (YX)


    "The team is back!" (XG)


    Yan Xiu finally realized what was going on, everyone moved to welcome the team. The village gate was crowded, Xin Guodan and Shuang Jingu stood on tiptoe and craned their necks to see the village gate better. Yan Xiu didn''t need to do such a thing, Bai Yuan was taller than everyone here, Yan Xiu climbed on his shoulder and he got a clear view of the village gate.


    In the dark night, everything was still. Waiting for a dozen minutes, Yan Xiu heard the faint sound of a group running while Bai Yuan already heard it earlier than Yan Xiu. A group of people entered the village from the gate and stopped before Xiao Musheng. There were fourteen people carrying different weapons, in the lead was a young man with a spear on his back. His features were sharp and handsome like a dashing hero. When Yan Xiu looked closely, the young man closely resembled Xiao Musheng.


    Yan Xiu knew the young man but only his identity and name, the son of the head hunter, Xiao Long. Xiao Musheng looked at the team, despite the rough state of their clothes and weapons, they were smiling with satisfaction.


    "Looks like you had a good hunt, good." (XM)


    The team let out a laugh. Xiao Musheng smiled.


    "The village has prepared a feast for all of you. Eat and drink to your heart''s content." (XM)


    Said Xiao Musheng as he opened his arm.


    "Welcome back." (XM)


    The team saluted Xiao Musheng.


    "We''re back!"


    The village erupted with cheers. The team dispersed to hug their family and their family welcomed them back. The Xiao pair of father and son looked at each other with smiles, Xiao Long came forward to his father''s open arm for a hug. Looking at the touching reunion in front of him, Yan Xiu felt his sour. He imagined such a scene every day even in his dream, where his parents came back and he could hug them and be with them again.


    Beads of tears pooled in his eyes, he quickly hid his face and wiped the tears off. This was a happy moment, he couldn''t be sad. Bai Yuan felt Yan Xiu fluctuate emotion and called worriedly at him.


    "Uhouho? (Master, are you okay?)" (BY)


    Yan Xiu smiled at Bai Yuan and patted his head. There were still some tears in the corner of his eyes.


    "I''m okay. I just got something in my eye." (YX)


    Bai Yuan still looked worried at Yan Xiu. After reuniting and talking with their family a bit, they moved toward the long table. Bai Yuan''s presence was not something that could be ignored. The villagers already grew used to it but not the team, they looked at Bai Yuan and noticed the small boy riding on his shoulder.


    Yan Xiu already wiped his tears, he noticed that everyone on the hunter team was looking at him. A little shy and nervous, he smiled a little and waved his hands. The cute gesture of the cute boy instantly hit the hearts of everyone from the hunter team, especially the female hunter.


    They momentarily forgot about Bai Yuan, they waved at Yan Xiu with a smile of their own. Near the long table, there were some people setting up a big bonfire with a stand for cooking on top. Yan Xiu was curious, were they going to cook something?


    While the bonfire was prepared, the members of the hunter team went back to their home to change their clothes. They couldn''t attend a feast dedicated to them with their clothes in a poor state, right? They quickly changed their clothing before returning.


    Not far from the bonfire, Xiao long was standing with his hand extended in front of him. People make some space in front of him, looking at the copper ring at his finger, Yan Xiu had a guess what he would do.


    A mountain of carcass suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Blue bird with a blade-like wing, red bovine with three legs, scale-less silver snake, there were all beasts that Yan Xiu have never seen. There were also fruits beside the mountain of carcass, all of it was foreign to Yan Xiu.


    As expected, the ring was a spatial ring, thought Yan Xiu.


    Looking at the yield of the hunter team, Xiao Musheng nodded proudly. Xiao Long grinned.


    "This is not the end yet, we still have herbs and the best yield, this." (XL)


    A big carcass appeared, it was bigger than any carcass that appeared before it. It was a beast with ash color saggy skin, there was moss growing all over its body. There was an ivy-like grass that grew on its round head, it had a big nose and small eyes.


    The villagers gasped when they saw the carcass, the hunter team member looked proud. Xiao Musheng also looked surprised. Then Yan Xiu saw Granny Shen ran toward the carcass but her focus was not directed at the carcass itself but the moss on the carcass.


    She touched the moss and tore some before smelling it, she nodded multiple times before running toward her house.


    "You even managed to find the rare Terkek, hahaha, good, good!" (XM)


    Xiao Musheng praised loudly, the villagers also praised the hunter team. Yan Xiu knew that the beast was valuable just by looking at the reaction of everyone. He was curious just what beast it was and why was it so valuable. Then he heard the villager''s conversation.


    Turned out, it was because the beast had another name, it was called a living medicine. The meat did not only taste good, but it could also energize the body and treat joint pain. The moss was even more incredible, it could be made into medicine with great healing properties. It was great for skin trauma and gash injury.

 44 Welcoming Party 4

    Finally knowing the beast''s usefulness, Yan Xiu understood everyone''s reaction. From the conversation, Yan Xiu also heard that the beast was hard to find. Yan Xiu stared at the beast, a rarely found beast, he was curious how it would taste.


    Then he saw Lu Rianli and some other villagers walk to the beast with a big butcher knife. They began butchering it, the beast was already devoid of blood, so it didn''t take a long time before they finished butchering it. Big pieces of the meat were roasted on the bonfire with only a sprinkle of salt for taste.


    The smell of the meat was unique, besides the heavy smell of meat, there was also the smell of medicinal herbs. While Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan were relishing the smell, Lu Hao came to their side.


    "It smells good, isn''t it?" (LH)


    Yan Xiu nodded while swallowing his saliva.


    "It''s something that is rarely seen even in the city, the hunter team is really lucky." (LH)


    "Is it really that rare?" (YX)


    "Yeah, that''s why we need to savor every bite." (LH)


    "Un!" (YX)


    Yan Xiu nodded while Bai Yuan was staring unblinkingly at the meat.


    "By the way, where''s aunty?" (YX)


    "She is here. Look, she''s over there." (LH)


    Lu Hao pointed, Xiao ShanShan was sitting not far from the crowd. She noticed Yan Xiu looking at her, she smiled and waved. Yan Xiu waved back.


    "Dad was afraid mom would bump with someone and get hurt, so he told her to not join the crowd and sit there." (LH)


    While they talked, the meat was done and distributed to everyone. A villager came to them and gave the three of them each a plate of meat. After being grilled the gamey smell of the meat lessened, the medicinal smell also helped hide the gamey smell.


    Yan Xiu looked intently at the browned meat, there was still a sizzling sound coming from the meat. He stabbed his fork in and it easily penetrated the soft meat, he took a little bite.


    The taste was close to beef but had a deeper taste, the salt made the meat more tasteful. There was a slight bitter medicinal taste but it was invigorating. The more he chews the more the taste came out. When he swallowed the meat, his stomach felt warm and the warmth spread to his whole body. The meat did not only provide enjoyment for his taste bud, his body also enjoyed the meat.


    While everyone enjoyed their meat in small bites, Bai Yuan finished his in two bites. Now he could only look enviously at other people''s meat. Fortunately for him, the feast began right after everyone finished their meat. With Terkek meat as the appetizer, people began eating with more gusto.


    Bai Yuan and Yan Xiu went around the long table, tasting every dish. First, they tasted the stir-fry Yan Xiu made. The bamboo shoot was crisp and the mushroom and tofu were soft, the two different textures blended together in the strong-tasting dish. After tasting the stir-fry, they made their way to taste all the dishes on the table.


    Grilled, steak, soup, stew, fried, so on. Bai Yuan and Yan Xiu are to their heart''s content. When they came back to their starting place, Yan Xiu saw many people eating his popsicles and they seemed to like it, especially the children.


    "Hello~"


    A girl''s voice called from behind Yan Xiu. When he turned, he saw a group of three girls and one guy. They smiled at him.


    One of the girls, a girl with short hair, went in front of Yan Xiu. She was the one who called Yan Xiu.


    "Hello, I''m Han Zili. What''s your name?" (HZ)


    "Hello senior, I''m Yan Xiu and he is my contracted beast, Bai Yuan." (YX)


    "Uho! (Hello!)" (BY)


    Han Zili smiled brightly.


    "So it is true! You really have contracted with a beast, amazing! Hey hey, can I touch Bai Yuan? Please!" (HZ)


    "O-oh, of course." (YX)


    Yan Xiu was a little overwhelmed by Han Zili.


    "Thanks!" (HZ)


    Han Zili began touching the fur on Bai Yuan''s arm and she liked how soft Bai Yuan''s fur was. The other went forward and introduced themselves. The one with long hair was called Tian Yu, the one with a ponytail was Wu Jier. The guy was Han Ao, he was Han Zili''s older brother.


    "Sorry about Zili, she was really excited and curious when she saw Bai Yuan. I hope she didn''t bother you." (HA)


    Said Han Ao apologetically, Yan Xiu answered while waving his hand.


    "It''s okay, senior. It didn''t bother me or Xiao Yuan." (YX)


    "Uho! (Right!)" (BY)


    Bai Yuan was already used to people wanting to touch him. Han Ao smiled.


    "Thank you and you don''t have to be so formal with us, just relax." (HA)


    "What he said and can I touch him too?" (WJ)


    "Ah, me too. I want to touch Bai Yuan too." (TY)


    With Yan Xiu and Bai Yuan''s permission, the three girls have a good time touching Bai Yuan''s silky fur.


    "By the way, what''s your role, Little Xiu?" (HA)


    "I trained as a disruptor but I also learned the green water spell as well." (YX)


    "Really? Then I''ll teach you about the green water spell tomorrow." (HA)


    Han Ao''s eyes lit up when he heard Yan Xiu learning about the green water spell. As a healer, he was eager to teach Yan Xiu so there would be a new healer.


    Han Ao thought Yan Xiu was still studying about the theory and Chen Hanchen had yet to tell him that Yan Xiu already learned the spell. He even reached the second level a few days ago!