Chapter 130

Wangchuan had long since lost count of how many times he had drawn and released his iron-reinforced bow.

Alternating hands, shooting from both sides, he had already slain hundreds of venomous and non-venomous snakes alike.

Zhao Heiniu could no longer endure it.

It was his first time experiencing such an intense battle. His right arm could barely draw the bowstring anymore. He retreated to the rear, and another First-Rank Martial Artist stepped forward to replace him.

Old Qiu.

Wangchuan remembered him as a member of the First Land-Clearing Team. In his early thirties, with an honest face and taciturn demeanor, his Archery was decent—likely at Entry-Level Mastery—but he had not cultivated any more advanced archery arts.

His hit rate while moving was average.

After missing several shots, he simply put away his bow, drew his long blade, and focused on chopping down venomous snakes dropping from above or lunging forward to cut them down directly. In doing so, he eased some of Wangchuan’s pressure.

As expected of a veteran from the First Land-Clearing Team, Wangchuan thought. They were adaptable.

But the reprieve did not last.

The journey was far too long.

Injuries mounted along the way.

Although they had anti-venom medicine, most people could not fully recover. None were fighting at peak condition.

Seeing everyone grow increasingly fatigued, Zhao Heiniu moved to the front and surveyed the terrain.

“Change routes!”

“I’ll take you this way… There’s a cave over there. There’s a narrow path inside that cuts through. We might be able to shake off these snakes for a while.”

Wangchuan’s eyes lit up.

“Old Qiu, Senior Dalong, what do you think?”

Old Qiu and Monk Dalong had already witnessed Zhao Heiniu’s capabilities and understood that a hunter knew the mountains better than anyone. After brief hesitation, they agreed.

“Alright!”

“Captain Zhao, lead the way.”

“Everyone, follow!”

“Sister Yuan, leave a signal for Captain Bai.”

“Understood.”

Sister Yuan, round-faced and steady with the sword—no less capable than Captain Zhang Xiaoxiao—nodded.

Following Zhao Heiniu, they advanced some distance before plunging into a vine-covered cave entrance.

The cave was cool and damp. Rock walls hemmed them in. Though narrow, two people could walk abreast.

“Move quickly!”

“We should be able to leave the snakes behind.”

Zhao Heiniu reminded them.

Without hesitation, they filed inside.

A mass of venomous snakes surged after them—

Only to be smashed apart by Monk Dalong’s staff, which swept through and broke seven or eight serpents in a single strike.

The cave twisted and wound for over a li.

But there were no snakes inside, no uneven terrain. They emerged swiftly on the other side.

Outside the exit, the number of snakes had indeed decreased significantly, and the mountain path widened.

“Go!”

“Before they realize where we are, get out of the mountains!”

Morale rose instantly. They sprinted over two mountain ridges and soon entered the mining area—Wangchuan’s old workplace.

It was midday. Yet the miners from Blackstone Village were not digging. Instead, they were outside, searching the ground for something.

“Brother Lin!”

From afar, Wangchuan spotted Lin Dahai—the man who had first guided him into the game.

Lin Dahai froze, then looked up in delight.

“Wangchuan!”

“How did you…”

“Whoa!”

“Land-Clearing Team Captains…”

Only then did Lin Dahai notice the powerful figures behind Wangchuan and Zhao Heiniu. He gaped.

“I… I’m catching snakes,” he stammered.

“There are so many snakes in the mountains today. A few people were bitten in the mine tunnel… so we stopped digging. Snake gallbladders are valuable, and the skins and meat can sell for dozens of Copper Pieces. It’s better than mining.”

“What happened to you all?”

He noticed many among Wangchuan’s group were injured.

“No time to explain.”

“Everyone from Blackstone Village, leave the mine tunnels immediately and return to the village!”

Zhao Heiniu issued the order.

Lin Dahai did not dare delay. The miners quickly gathered, baskets on their backs, and ran toward the village. Their baskets swayed, filled with dead snakes. It was clear they would earn well today.

Here, the paths diverged.

“Captain Zhao, take them back first.”

“I’ll wait here with the others for Captain Bai.”

“Understood!”

Fearing that the conflict with the Five Poison Sect might spread to Blackstone Village, Zhao Heiniu wasted no time and escorted the villagers back.

Monk Dalong, Qin Jinguo, and Zhang Xiaoxiao decided to head a short distance back toward the mountains—partly to rendezvous with Captain Bai, partly to kill a few more snakes for Experience Value.

Wangchuan frowned and stepped forward.

“Everyone.”

“The Five Poison Sect is no ordinary third-rate faction. If their experts arrive, it will be difficult for us to escape unscathed. There is no need to risk our lives for a bit of experience. And if Captain Bai encounters danger, the few of us would only be a burden rather than help.”

“I suggest we withdraw first. Return to the city and await news.”

Instructor Yu and Lin Xun immediately agreed.

“Hall Master Su is right.”

“I also support retreating first…”

As the leader of the Gold Farming Group and Lin Xun both sided with Wangchuan, and with several injured Martial Artists echoing the sentiment—

“Yes, Captain Bai told us to leave first. Staying may only cause more trouble.”

“With Captain Bai’s strength, even if she cannot defeat the Five Poison Sect expert, she can retreat safely. Frankly, we were the ones who slowed her down.”

“True.”

“We are injured and not at our best. Let us return to the city to recover.”

In the end, the three captains followed the consensus and chose to return to Huishui County to await Captain Bai’s summons.

They headed straight to the medical clinic upon arrival.

Wangchuan led his group back to the hall and sought out Physician Liao to detoxify and treat the snake-bitten disciples.

Before long, news arrived from Captain Bai.

After holding off the Five Poison Sect expert for some time and seeing the signal left by Sister Yuan, Bai Jingtang broke through and exited the mountains. She had already returned to Huishui County.

She summoned all First-Rank Martial Artists to gather at the docks.

The entire First Land-Clearing Team, the captains of the Second and Third Teams, and Qin Jinguo assembled swiftly.

Wangchuan was also invited. He selected an unused large ship, and they convened in the cabin.

Bai Jingtang’s complexion was pale, but she bore no visible wounds, which eased everyone’s hearts.

“Today’s snake pit clearing operation has failed.”

“This was my mistake.”

Her first words took full responsibility upon herself.

Before anyone could offer comfort, she raised a hand to stop them.

“Listen to me. I did not expect a Five Poison Sect branch helm to be hidden in the mountains behind Blackwind Stronghold. This was an intelligence oversight by the studio. As the team responsible for land clearing, the First Team cannot shirk responsibility.”

Silence fell.

“We have offended the Five Poison Sect. Those who cultivate sinister arts and specialize in poison are notoriously narrow-minded. I fear they may seek revenge against you in the future. Remain extremely vigilant.”

“But do not be overly worried. Within the city, they would not dare act recklessly.”

“The authorities turn a blind eye to many Jianghu factions, but they have no goodwill toward the Five Poison Sect. I will report the existence of this branch helm to the Prefectural Government. That may divert their attention.”

“However, you First-Rank Martial Artists must be cautious. Snake Elder may not remember the Quasi-Martial Artists, but he will certainly remember the few of you.”

“Especially you, Wangchuan.”

“Our Land-Clearing Team is itinerant and does not fear targeted retaliation. But you remain in Huishui County. Be extremely careful. Do not leave the city casually.”

Her tone grew more severe.

Wangchuan’s heart tightened.

“Yes.”

“Wangchuan will remember Captain Bai’s instruction.”

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