C23 Instructor

"The Jade Peak Mountain Range isn't vast, but it's where your training will take place over the next seven days. After that, you'll venture into the range without us. During the subsequent three days, you'll need to train independently and collect parts of Devil Beasts as proof of your achievements."

"A Level 1 Devil Beast is worth one point, while a Level 2 fetches ten points."

"Upon your return, we'll rank you based on the points you've earned. The top three scorers will receive a Level 2 Pill, while the bottom seven will be awarded a Level 1 Pill."

"During this week, it's crucial to learn how to navigate between the inner and outer zones of the Jade Peak Mountain Range."

"Don't assume that the deepest parts of the range are necessarily the inner areas. Yes, that's often the case, but the range is dense with foliage, some thick enough to completely obscure the sun."

"Believe me, in those conditions, you could easily lose your bearings. A moment's inattention could see you wandering deep into the mountains."

"And given your current level of strength, if that happens, death is all but certain."

"Also, you'll need to learn how to identify the exits and remember your path. Otherwise, you risk circling endlessly within the range, unable to find your way out."

Instructor Lin spoke with a stern face, his seriousness casting a palpable tension among the young trainees, including Han Lin and Han Feng, who couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

Han Feng gazed at the towering trees of the Jade Peak Mountain Range, which, despite the sweltering summer heat, emanated an eerie chill, almost as if they were monstrous Devil Beasts lying in wait.

Unbeknownst to Han Feng, these woods had claimed the lives of many Mortal-rank Martial Cultivators.

Observing the scene with a mix of nostalgia and amusement, instructors Han Yongxing, Lin Da, and Fann Lee exchanged knowing glances and shared a quiet chuckle. "Every year, it's the same story. We were just as green once upon a time. But look at us now..."

Their smiles hinted at a shared history of naivety, transformed by the harsh realities of countless battles and bloodshed.

Clearing his throat, Instructor Lin addressed the group, "Now, are there any questions?"

Han Lieh immediately inquired, "Instructor Lin, what's the score for taking down a Level 3 Devil Beast?"

Instructor Lin gave him a peculiar look before chiding, "With your current abilities, you're barely equipped to handle a Level 2 Devil Beast. Han Lin might be the only one among you capable of challenging something more formidable."

"You think you can hunt a Level 3 Devil Beast? That'll happen when the sun rises in the west!"

Chastened by Instructor Lin's rebuke, Han Lieh's spirits sank, and his face flushed with embarrassment.

A Level 1 Devil Beast is on par with the Early Period of Mortal Rank, while a Level 2 matches up to the first four Main Bloodlines of the Middle Period. As for a Level 3 Devil Beast, it's comparable to the latter four Main Bloodlines of the Middle Period.

Only a warrior who has unlocked at least the fifth Main Bloodline stands a chance against such a creature.

On the fringes of the Jade Peak Mountain Range, a Spotted Tiger with a patterned coat lay in wait, salivating at the sight of a group slowly approaching.

As they drew near, the Spotted Tiger pounced, aiming for the lead person.

But fear overtook the beast as it sensed an overwhelming aura emanating from the group's leader—an aura it had only encountered deep within the Jade Peak Mountain Range.

A sharp cry later, the Spotted Tiger was wracked with pain, then numbness.

Instructor Lin laughed lightly, "See that? In the mountains, Devil Beasts will always conceal themselves for a surprise attack, unlike the tamed ones you practice with back home."

"If you're not vigilant, you might just end up as Devil Beast dung."

The young martial cultivators, initially fearful, now felt a wave of revulsion at the thought of such a grim fate.

And then...

Han Lin spoke gravely, "Instructor, what level is this Spotted Tiger?"

They hated to acknowledge it, but the Spotted Tiger's fierce presence had truly rattled them.

Han Feng's face took on a serious cast, "This Devil Beast's ambush makes my sparring with Gu Ba seem like child's play in comparison."

Instructor Lin scoffed, "This Spotted Tiger is merely the runt of the Devil Beast litter, a Level-1 Devil Beast at that. It doesn't even rank as Top-grade among its peers."

"Yet, the Spotted Tiger has reached this stage of growth, indicating it has seen its fair share of combat. The shock you feel from its bloody aura is understandable."

"Let's face it, you've never been exposed to real bloodshed. The Devil Beasts you've trained with in the family have all but lost their will to fight. Any family Devil Beast that sets foot in the Jade Peak Mountain Range would be reduced to prey and droppings for the local Devil Beasts in under a month."

"It's only Level-1?!" Han Lin and the others gasped in disbelief. The Devil Beast that had intimidated them was nothing more than a Level-1!

Their faces soured as their pride lay in ruins.

Han Feng inhaled deeply, chastising himself, "I wasn't much stronger before. My previous life was truly wasted."

With a wry smile, Han Feng reflected, "In my past life, I was just an average Joe, never having taken a life. I'm really no different from Han Lin and the rest in that regard."

"You must push through the next ten days of training!"

"Now you see why we put you through training before the trial," Instructor Lin explained.

"The trial will take place in the Jade Peak Mountain Range as well. Without proper training, the outcome of the trial would be..."

The thought left everyone looking even more distressed, realizing that probably fewer than half would make it out alive.

Instructor Lin's smile returned as he said, "We've barely scratched the surface of the Jade Peak Mountain Range. The Devil Beasts are sparse here, but deeper in, they'll be much easier to find. Soon, you'll all have the chance to face off against them."

A sense of resolve washed over the group.

Before they set off, Instructor Lin approached a tree and drew a horizontal line with his dagger. Pointing to the mark, he asked, "Do you understand the purpose of this?"

They pondered, furrowing their brows, but Han Feng, with his years of past life experience, instantly recognized it. "This mark ensures we can tell if we've circled back to the same spot."

Upon hearing Han Feng's explanation, the group of young men came to a realization.

Instructor Lin expressed his surprise, "Han Feng, you're aware of this?"

With a sheepish chuckle, Han Feng replied, "I used to pester my father to tell me stories when I was a kid."

Understanding dawned on Instructor Lin, who responded, "Ah, I see now."