Chapter 24: Unexpectedly Not Li Juefeng

"The location for this practical training hunt is excellent, but it’s a rare opportunity, so things are moving quickly. We’ll be taking armored vehicles out of the city at noon. The Secret Realm’s influence on Qingmu Town might disappear in half a month, so every extra day we spend hunting is a win. The Demon Beasts are all within a manageable power level, so there’s nothing to fear."

"During the hunt, you should stick close to Jiang Qiu. He’s the lead student for Site Eight and has the authority to coordinate your actions."

"There are casualties in the practical training hunt every year. We always have lone-wolf students who get an arm bitten off by some Low Tier Demon Beast that pops out of nowhere. Value your lives—don’t be that stupid!"

"Also, Jiang Qiu is half the reason you’re getting this prime opportunity in the first place. Don’t waste it and come back from the hunt without having made any progress!"

As spit flew through the air, every student from Site Eight stared at Jiang Qiu, dumbfounded. They were completely stunned, as if waking from a long dream to find the world had changed.

It’s always been a tradition for the practical training hunt to be led by the strongest, so by all rights, Li Juefeng should have been the first choice this year.

’Who would have thought it would be Jiang Qiu’s turn?’

On the edge of the crowd, Xie Kuang’s face fell as he clenched his fists. Cowering at the back, Hu Ye’ye pressed her fingers to her chest, her heart racing. At the front, Wang Guanjia’s eyes widened as he let out a long, heavy breath. Beside him, Liu Zili pursed her lips and balled her hand into a fist, a bright light reflecting in her round pupils.

A mix of complex emotions flickered across their faces.

Jiang Qiu took a step forward, his Bright Eyes calm. "I hope everyone will follow my lead as much as possible during the practical training hunt."

’Leading... It’s the burden of being the top student from Site Eight. It’s the responsibility that comes with receiving a portion of Wusu Fragrance just for participating in this hunt.’

’But in my eighteen years of life, I’ve never been able to fit into a group.’

’I only fought my way into Site Eight to pass the college entrance exams. I don’t even know everyone’s names. How many people will really be willing to listen to me?’

’These words are just a formality...’

At that thought, Jiang Qiu subconsciously wanted to glance at Wu Shan beside him to see his expression, but he stopped himself.

"Alright."

Suddenly, a voice, as crisp and clear as a stone dropped into a still pond, sent ripples through Jiang Qiu’s heart. He turned and his gaze landed right on the two dimples at the corners of Liu Zili’s mouth.

"Mm."

Wang Guanjia grunted in agreement. Zhang Shan licked his lips and yelled out, "We’ll listen to Brother Jiang!"

Instantly, more than half the students began to chime in with, "I’m with Brother Jiang!" Only a few holdouts at the back mumbled along, their voices too quiet to be clearly heard, just trying to blend in.

They were the same ones who used to look down on Jiang Qiu, who had followed Xie Kuang’s lead in taking subtle jabs at him. It was all about going with the flow, after all.

Who would’ve thought Jiang Qiu would actually snatch the leadership spot from Li Juefeng? The students who had been on the fence that morning now found their resolve crumbling. They wanted to join in, but their faces burned with guilt. They kept stealing glances at the conspicuous Jiang Qiu at the very front. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to notice them...

"..."

Jiang Qiu’s gaze swept over the crowd before finally landing back on Liu Zili. An almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of his lips.

"Alright, that’s enough. If you have preparations to make, go home and get ready. Bring everything you need for wilderness survival. If you need to buy anything last-minute, register with Jiang Qiu now." Wu Shan glanced at the silent, head-bowed Xie Kuang, then slapped a large hand on Jiang Qiu’s right shoulder. PAT. PAT. "A full kit is four thousand. You won’t be able to get some of these necessities anywhere else on such short notice."

"..."

Jiang Qiu looked up, meeting the man’s fierce, one-eyed face, and his lips twitched involuntarily.

’Four thousand... that would wipe out my account, leaving me with practically nothing...’

’But this is my first time outside the city. The wilds are full of dangers. Going in without proper preparation is just asking for trouble.’

After a moment of deliberation, he asked, "Sir, doesn’t the lead student get a subsidy?"

"You have to pay, too."

...

The top students from all eight sites went home to prepare. Most headed for the residential districts, their faces beaming with excited smiles. A scattered few, however, disappeared into the Shantytown, their faces grim.

’Four thousand... gone just like that...’

Jiang Qiu hoisted a brand-new black pack onto his back. A simple dagger on his belt swayed with his hips as he ticked off items on his fingers. "One pack, one lighter, a dagger and belt, one kilogram of Demon-exorcising Powder..."

"...and the healing and anti-fatigue medicine that makes up half the cost—Blood Boiling Liquid."

He casually pulled out a small glass vial. The scarlet liquid inside sloshed, glinting under the sun. A thumb-sized vial cost at least two thousand, but it was an essential medicine for hunting outside the city.

This stuff could heal wounds, replenish blood, and provide a burst of energy. In many cases, it could be a lifesaver.

"It’s just a little expensive."

Jiang Qiu shook his head and slowly pushed the vial back into his pocket.

He rounded the corner to his home, quickly dumped out the wastewater from the medicinal bath that had been steeping for hours, and pulled out the new soap and towel he’d bought on the way.

SWISH SWISH SWISH—

Basin after basin of clear water turned murky. The air around the large wooden tub filled with the lemon scent of soap.

Two hours passed quickly. After wiping the last few water streaks from the inside of the large wooden tub, Jiang Qiu stood with his hands on his hips. His eyes were as clear as a freshly wiped mirror. "Nothing left to prepare. Guess I have time to clean Liu Zili’s tub..."

He casually pulled his phone from his pocket. His eyes widened. "It’s already twelve! We meet at one. I need to hurry to the school cafeteria for lunch..."

He glanced at the large wooden tub, then grabbed his pack. He snatched the new belt with its hanging dagger from the pleather sofa and fastened it around his waist. "I guess I’ll return the tub after the practical training hunt."

CLICK.

The door clicked shut. Preparations were complete.

...

On the wide road in front of Eighth Middle School, a line of imposing black armored vehicles crouched by the curb like tigers ready to pounce. A growing crowd of students gathered outside the security cordon, a sea of bobbing heads and a cacophony of noise.

"Whoa, is it time for the practical training hunt already? It’s a whole month earlier than last year!"

"Yeah, I heard Secret Realms have been popping up more frequently outside the city lately. A lot of high schools are fighting over the good spots. Who knows how the one we got this year will be."

"Who cares what it’s like? It’ll probably be the same as always. The real question is, how many Demon Beasts do you think Li Juefeng will kill? He’s a genius who’s already mastered the Ancient Martial Spear Technique. He’s gotta be able to take down at least a hundred..."

"Quiet, quiet! They’re coming out!"

At a low shout, more and more students turned towards the doors of the elite training hall. Led by two deans, the teachers emerged at a steady pace, their presence powerful enough to part the sea.

The students following them looked like soldiers from an ancient army. A forest of long spears rested on their shoulders, rising and falling with their steps. Most wore black shirts and Light Armor. Some even had sturdy shields strapped to their left arms or steel helmets on their heads. Even the few from poorer backgrounds, who only had an iron plate hanging from their chests, still carried a sharp, imposing air.

At the sight, the eyes of the ordinary students shone like the sun, glinting with undisguised envy.

Then, they noticed the student striding at the very front. The hem of his black shirt fluttered in the wind. On his shoulder, he carried a spear shaft tipped with a Double Arc Blade Spear Head. His left arm was bare, swinging naturally with his gait. He stood out from the rest like a crane among chickens, his bearing exceptional.

"What’s going on? Who’s that leading them? It’s not Li Juefeng!"

"Holy crap, is he not wearing any protective armor? He’s going on the practical training hunt with just a basic pack, a dagger, and a spear? Since when did our class have someone like that!"

"So where’s Li Juefeng? There’s no way he’s skipping the practical training hunt, right? I didn’t hear anything about him being badly injured..."

"You don’t get it, do you? Li Juefeng gets five portions of Wusu Fragrance every month, and he uses it all in one day. The backlash from that is intense. This hunt was organized too quickly, so he’s probably still in recovery."

"But doesn’t that mean he’ll have less time to hunt than everyone else?"

"What’s to worry about? We’re talking about Li Juefeng!"