C21 Hunting

Wang Lang's abrupt move caught Shen Yun and Zhu Qi off guard.

Yang Hu hadn't even had time to process what was happening when the dagger was already swinging toward his chest.

"Don't blame me for being heartless. To the outer court disciples, you servant disciples are as worthless as dogs," Wang Lang sneered. He seemed to relish the thought of his dagger plunging into Yang Hu's chest, which gave him a twisted sense of pleasure.

However, events did not unfold as he had envisioned.

The figure who had been watching the fight with amusement sprang into action. His speed was astonishing. In a mere moment, he was upon Wang Lang.

Chu Lin's eyes were icy, his expression detached. His gray robe, typical attire for a servant disciple, billowed in the wind, lending him an air of grace. In that instant, he drew his sword and struck.

Blood sprayed. In the split second before the dagger could reach Yang Hu's chest, Wang Lang's arm, dagger in hand, was severed.

Wang Lang screamed in agony, clutching his severed limb before collapsing in a faint from the intense pain.

Yang Hu, still shaken, clutched his chest and glared at the fallen Wang Lang. Had it not been for Chu Lin's timely intervention, he would likely be dead.

"He has no respect for human life. He got what he deserved!" Chu Lin stated coldly, not even glancing at the unconscious Wang Lang.

Shen Yun involuntarily stepped back in the face of Chu Lin's displayed prowess, which was clearly superior to his own.

Zhu Qi's complexion turned ghostly white. The overwhelming force of Chu Lin's attack had been palpable; she had only experienced such an oppressive aura from the captain of Heaven's Edge.

While they were frightened, both Shen Yun and Zhu Qi felt a sense of relief. They were fortunate to have remained spectators; otherwise, they too might have been lying dead.

"Tiger, let's go," Chu Lin said, helping Yang Hu to his feet and preparing to leave.

"Please, wait!" Shen Yun finally managed to call out, his voice strained.

"What is it?" Chu Lin looked back.

"Wang Lang was foolish and has offended both of you. I offer my apologies on his behalf," Shen Yun said, bowing respectfully to Chu Lin and Yang Hu.

"Do you have anything else to say?" Chu Lin asked, his patience wearing thin. He was skeptical that Shen Yun had called out to him solely to apologize.

A flicker of hesitation passed through Shen Yun's eyes before he appeared to reach a momentous decision. Suddenly, he dropped to one knee before Chu Lin and pleaded, "The hunt is set to take place at Raven's Pass this time, and it's going to be far more perilous than in previous years. I implore you to take me with you!"

"Hunting?" The mention of the hunt caught Chu Lin off guard, prompting a questioning glance towards Yang Hu.

"The hunting grounds are at Raven's Pass this year!" Yang Hu nodded with a contemplative air, leaning in to quietly fill Chu Lin in. "It's a trial organized by the presbyters of the outer court for the disciples, held triennially. Most disciples from the outer court participate. I've heard that they can trade their spoils for incredibly valuable rewards, like pills, martial skills, or even the chance to become a direct disciple of a presbyter. Previously, the hunts were held elsewhere. I never expected this year's to be at Raven's Pass."

"That does sound promising," Chu Lin murmured, his interest piqued. He was eager for the substantial rewards, particularly the martial skills. His recent spar with Yu Qing had given him a firsthand appreciation for their worth.

Regrettably, the hunt was open only to outer court disciples.

"I'm sorry, but I'm merely a servant disciple." Chu Lin firmly declined Shen Yun's request and walked away with Yang Hu.

Shen Yun's expression darkened. He was convinced that Chu Lin was just making excuses. With Chu Lin's formidable abilities, he was surely among the upper echelon of the outer court. How could he be just a servant disciple?

But Chu Lin was adamant, leaving Shen Yun no choice but to watch their silhouettes vanish into the woods.

Rising to his feet with a sigh, Shen Yun approached the unconscious Wang Lang and swiftly pressed several points on his body to stem the bleeding. A look of regret crossed his face as he lamented, "I had hoped that with our combined strength, we could have reaped some benefits from this hunt. I never anticipated Wang Lang would suffer a broken arm right at the outset."

"The senior brother was actually merciful. Wang Lang harbored intentions of killing him. Had the senior brother truly wished to end his life, we wouldn't have stood a chance against him," Zhu Qi reflected, her expression complex as she remembered the effortless grace with which the senior brother had drawn his sword.

Chu Lin, unaware of the conversation that had transpired between Shen Yun and Zhu Qi, proceeded with caution alongside Yang Hu. His senses, several times keener than the average person, allowed them to deftly avoid several teams along their path.

"It's incredible how many people are out here hunting," Chu Lin mused internally. They had traveled less than ten miles, yet his senses had already detected over ten groups, the largest numbering more than twenty individuals.

"It makes sense that Yu Qing, the captain of Heaven's Edge, along with the Fat and Thin Duo, showed up in Duskhaven. Everyone's eager to join the hunt," Yang Hu said, his face lighting up with sudden understanding.

"That means there must be quite a few from Heaven's Edge around here," Chu Lin responded, nodding in agreement.

"Chu, we need to tread lightly. I've heard that Heaven's Edge can be quite overbearing. In previous hunts, they've been known to rally their forces and steal the spoils from other disciples," Yang Hu said gravely, protectively clutching the pocket hiding the Emerald Viper beast core.

A subtle smile played at the corners of Chu Lin's lips. "Tiger, since we're already at odds with Heaven's Edge, let's give them a taste of their own medicine."

Yang Hu gave Chu Lin a puzzled look, but as he caught the sly smile on Chu Lin's face, realization dawned on him, and he burst into laughter. "I've got it!"

"So, enlighten me—what have you figured out?" Chu Lin prompted.

"We'll turn the tables and snatch their loot! We'll find Heaven's Edge members nearby and take their belongings. If we're stronger, we'll take what's theirs. If not, we'll make a quick escape. How's that for a thrill?" Yang Hu declared, slapping his chest with bravado.

"As future luminaries of the martial world, we can't stoop to such crude behavior," Chu Lin chided, looking at Yang Hu with a mix of amusement and disapproval.

"You're absolutely right, Chu," Yang Hu conceded with an embarrassed chuckle, then asked with a hint of modesty, "So, how shall we go about stirring the pot?"

"We'll mete out justice in the name of righteousness and punish these wrongdoers," Chu Lin proclaimed, puffing out his chest with a noble air. "So, let's go ahead and relieve them of their possessions!"