Chapter 686: The Blackstone Association
Chapter 686: The Blackstone Association
"Ladies and gentlemen, with Brother Chen's addition, our hunting expedition has been smooth. We've already hunted five Monster Beasts, and I'm considering hunting two more. What do you all think?"
When it came to crucial decisions regarding hunting, even Fengxing Shenjun couldn't make unilateral decisions. After a moment's thought, he turned to the other members of the Fengxing Association and asked for their opinions.
The members of the association, including Imperator Guanglie, exchanged glances, each deep in thought. After a brief moment, they responded.
"With Brother Chen's help, hunting two more shouldn't be too difficult. But the Wuxiang River is perilous, and the more Monster Beasts we hunt, the more likely we are to attract the attention of even stronger beasts. Hunting two more might mean we can't even bring back these five."
"Hunting one or two more should still be within the safe range, I believe."
"If we can harvest two more Monster Beasts, and Brother Chen gets an exclusive share of the harvest, I have no objections."
The opinions of the numerous Shenjun were divided. Some believed that continuing the hunt would increase the risk, while others thought the risk was manageable. After gathering everyone's thoughts, the majority agreed to hunt one or two more Monster Beasts.
Fengxing Shenjun then turned his gaze back to Chen Mu.
"As a newcomer, I'm not familiar with the local rules. Since everyone is in agreement, I have no objections."
Chen Mu nodded slightly, responding to Fengxing Shenjun.
Chen Mu's knowledge of Wuxiang City and the Wuxiang River was limited to what others had told him, and there were still many unknowns. Naturally, he wouldn't interfere with the decisions made by Fengxing Shenjun and the others.
"Alright, then. Everyone, let's put in a little more effort and hunt two more Monster Beasts."
Seeing Chen Mu's agreement, Fengxing Shenjun smiled and addressed the members of the Fengxing Association.
"It's all for Source Stones; what hardship could there be?"
The Shenjun of the Fengxing Association responded in unison, and they set off once more.
...
The Bank of the Wuxiang River.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!!
Continuous explosions echoed along the riverbank as over ten Shenjun from the Fengxing Association unleashed their full power, bombarding a Monster Beast resembling a rhinoceros with triangular features.
The triangular rhinoceros bellowed furiously, enduring the combined Void Suppression Force of Chen Mu and Fengxing Shenjun, yet it hadn't lost all mobility. It struggled to move forward towards the Wuxiang River.
Step, step, step...
The rhinoceros's hooves seemed incredibly heavy, and each step was a challenge. As it trampled along the riverbank, deep hoofprints were left behind. It was now only seven or eight zhang away from the river's waters.
Typically, hunting parties would abandon the pursuit of a Monster Beast if it came within three zhang of the Wuxiang River, as it was too dangerous. There was a high risk of being attacked by other beasts suddenly emerging from the river, and even the possibility of falling into the river.
Three zhang was considered the bare minimum safe distance.
At this moment,
The triangular rhinoceros, despite being suppressed by Chen Mu and Fengxing Shenjun, and bombarded by the other Shenjun, continued its arduous approach towards the riverbank. If it managed to get within four or five zhang, the hunting expedition would likely fail.
"Infinite Tianhe!"
"Exhaust the Universe!"
The numerous Shenjun were also giving it their all, and some even resorted to desperate measures!
This triangular rhinoceros could withstand the combined suppression of Chen Mu and Fengxing Shenjun, indicating that its life essence was a level higher than ordinary Monster Beasts. Its larger size also meant it was more valuable, potentially worth more than five ordinary beasts combined!
If they could successfully hunt this triangular rhinoceros, the expedition would be a resounding success. One hunt could be equivalent to three regular hunts, and upon returning, they could exchange it for a substantial amount of Source Stones, ensuring a stable cultivation period!
With such a lucrative opportunity, no one could resist the temptation or hold back their efforts.
Even Fengxing Shenjun joined the battle, maintaining his Void Suppression Force while also employing Creation School techniques to impede the rhinoceros's progress.
Standing beside Fengxing Shenjun, Chen Mu also kept his eyes on the triangular rhinoceros.
As a master of the Void School at the Ninth Heaven Perfection, he still had reserves of power. If he unleashed his full suppression abilities, he could match the combined might of two or three Fengxing Shenjun.
Although the triangular rhinoceros possessed formidable vitality, if Chen Mu unleashed his full power, it would undoubtedly be immobilized.
Eight zhang...
Seven zhang...
Six zhang...
...
As the triangular rhinoceros inched closer to the riverbank, Chen Mu's right hand unconsciously lifted slightly.
If the rhinoceros managed to break through their blockade, he would consider taking action. He could tell that this beast was extraordinary, and like everyone else in the Yuan Jing, he sought resources and Source Stones.
If Chen Mu were to reveal his full strength and capture this Triangular Rhinoceros Beast, he could easily match Fengxing Shenjun in terms of harvest. Even if he only claimed two to three-tenths of the resources, it would still be a substantial gain.
Chen Mu was considering whether to expose his full capabilities for this Triangular Rhinoceros Beast on their first hunting expedition.
Just as Chen Mu was observing the Triangular Rhinoceros Beast gradually approaching the riverbank, coming within a fifty-foot range, and was about to make his move, the beast suddenly let out a painful bellow.
"Moo!"
After enduring the relentless bombardment from numerous Shenjuns, the Triangular Rhinoceros Beast had struggled for over twenty zhang along the riverbank, finally reaching its limit. One of its front legs suddenly buckled, and it knelt down.
Upon seeing this, Fengxing Shenjun and even Guanglie Shenjun were greatly encouraged.
"Excellent!"
The Shenjuns were overjoyed, each continuing to employ their methods and launching relentless attacks.
The Triangular Rhinoceros Beast's life force was indeed tenacious. Even after losing all mobility, it continued to bellow, enduring the attacks of the group and occasionally shaking its horns in retaliation.
After nearly two hours of fierce combat, the beast's bellows gradually weakened, and its life force began to dissipate and fade away. Finally, it toppled to the ground, unable to rise again.
Seeing the Triangular Rhinoceros Beast lying lifeless on the ground, the Shenjuns ceased their attacks.
Due to their physical bodies, some even showed signs of fatigue similar to ordinary humans, with beads of sweat on their cheeks and heaving chests. However, their expressions were filled with excitement.
"Hahaha!"
Fengxing Shenjun burst into laughter, quickly approaching the beast's corpse for a thorough inspection. After confirming its demise, he turned to Chen Mu instead of collecting the body.
"Brother Chen, you must have a way to collect items. I've already stored six beast corpses, and this rhinoceros is quite valuable. It's a bit risky to keep it all with me, so why don't you hold onto it for now?" Fengxing Shenjun suggested to Chen Mu.
Chen Mu nodded in agreement after a moment's thought.
Due to the unique nature of the void environment, even storing a beast's corpse was a significant burden. Fengxing Shenjun had reached his limit by storing six beast corpses without affecting his combat abilities.
To store one more would require additional energy to maintain his personal space, potentially impacting his fighting prowess.
Swish!
Chen Mu placed his hand on the beast's corpse, and with a gentle stroke, it vanished.
As he stored the beast's corpse in his personal space, Chen Mu felt a sense of 'heaviness,' akin to a hunter carrying his prey, akin to a tangible weight.
However, Chen Mu's cultivation was sufficiently high, and the heaviness from storing the rhinoceros was barely noticeable. He estimated that he could easily store a dozen or more without issue.
But if he were to store twenty or more, it might become too burdensome, affecting his combat abilities.
"Let's go."
"Our harvest is sufficient; it's time to return."
After witnessing Chen Mu store the Triangular Rhinoceros Beast's corpse, Fengxing Shenjun nodded and suggested, "Let's head back."
The other Shenjuns from the Fengxing Association naturally had no objections and were eager to return and divide the spoils.
Soon, the group set off, heading back towards Wuxiang City.
As they no longer needed to follow the riverbank, their journey became more relaxed, and the chances of beast attacks diminished.
"Brother Chen is truly blessed. On his first hunting expedition, he brings us a bountiful harvest."
Fengxing Shenjun chuckled, glancing at Guanglie Shenjun and the others, and said, "According to our previous proposal, Brother Chen will receive one-tenth of the harvest. What do you all think?"
The topic of dividing the spoils was brought up again, but even Guanglie Shenjun had no objections this time. He merely glanced at Chen Mu and replied, "I have no objections. Brother Chen's skills indeed warrant a tenth of the harvest."
This hunting expedition had been a complete success, with all seven beasts captured.
Especially with the last Triangular Rhinoceros Beast, without Chen Mu's assistance in suppressing it, Fengxing Shenjun alone would have been unable to contain it. The hunt would have failed, and the beast would have escaped back into the Wuxiang River.
Even with the previous six beasts, there was no guarantee of capturing them all, and some attempts might have ended in failure.
Chen Mu's presence not only increased their success rate but also enhanced their overall harvest. With seven beasts captured in a single hunt, it was only fair that he received a tenth of the spoils, and the other Shenjuns had no objections.
"Alright, that's settled then. From now on, Chen, you'll also get a tenth of the harvest from your hunts."
Fengxing Shenjun made the decision.
Chen Mu stood quietly by the side, observing without any objections. Just as he was about to respond, a faint light flashed in the depths of his eyes, and he glanced diagonally towards a distant direction.
Fengxing Shenjun also immediately sensed the anomaly and slowed their group's pace.
In the distance, on the desolate riverbank, a group of dark shadows appeared, swiftly approaching. These shadows weren't monster beasts but a group of Shenjun, far more numerous than Fengxing Association's members. There were at least thirty of them!
"It's the Blackstone Association."
"Damn, we've run into them again."
Many of the Shenjun from Fengxing Association, including Guanglie Shenjun, frowned and showed displeasure.
Fengxing Shenjun's expression also turned grim as he stared at the approaching Blackstone Association members.
"Haha, it's Fengxing brother, we meet again."
The leader of the Blackstone Association, Blackstone Shenjun, stepped forward with a smile and greeted Fengxing Shenjun, "It seems you've had a bountiful harvest, Fengxing brother. Are you heading back to Wuxiang City?"
Chen Mu's eyes flashed with a faint light as he looked at the overwhelming number of Shenjun from the Blackstone Association.
Blackstone Association! He had just learned about them from someone nearby. They were also a hunting team, but much stronger than Fengxing Association, with three Dual Pulse Full Perfection experts. They had even stolen prey from Fengxing Association before!
Within Wuxiang City, killing was prohibited, but outside, there was no authority to stop plunder and looting. Strength was the only law, and since Blackstone Association was more powerful, every encounter with them had been unfavorable for Fengxing Association.
If they met Blackstone Association at the start of a hunt, it wouldn't be too bad. They could simply take a different route and avoid them. But meeting them now, when Fengxing Association was returning with a full harvest, made it difficult to resolve peacefully.
"Blackstone."
Fengxing Shenjun glared at Blackstone Shenjun and coldly responded.
Blackstone Shenjun looked at the Fengxing Association members and sneered, "Alright, no more chit-chat. Since we've met, you should offer some greeting gifts. I won't ask for much, just three monster beast corpses. That shouldn't be a problem for you."
"Two."
Fengxing Shenjun coldly replied, "No more."
Fengxing Shenjun's response caused the Blackstone Association members' eyes to turn frosty as they surrounded Fengxing Association, ready to attack. The Fengxing Association members were also on high alert.
The atmosphere turned icy.
Blackstone Shenjun narrowed his eyes, staring at Fengxing Shenjun for a long time before suddenly laughing, "Fine, for Fengxing brother's sake, two it is."
He wasn't sure about Fengxing Association's harvest, but in the past, they usually only caught about five monster beasts. Asking for three at once was indeed beyond Fengxing Association's tolerance. Although Fengxing Association was weaker, the gap wasn't insurmountable. If a real battle broke out, Blackstone Association would also suffer losses.
Considering the losses and gains, there was no need to fight over one monster beast corpse. It was already an unexpected gain to safely obtain two from Fengxing Association.
Swish!
Fengxing Shenjun gave Blackstone Shenjun a cold look and threw out two monster beast corpses, leaving them on the riverbank. Then, he led the Fengxing Association members around Blackstone Association and continued on their way.
Blackstone Shenjun narrowed his eyes, watching the departing backs of Fengxing Association.
"Their state seems unusual. Perhaps they had an extraordinary harvest. We might be able to take more." One of the members spoke up.
Blackstone Shenjun turned to look at the two monster beast corpses on the ground and slowly shook his head, "Even if they had an extraordinary harvest, it might not be some rare flowers and grasses. Maybe they just hunted two more monster beasts. Moreover, there's an unfamiliar figure in their group. Their increased harvest might be due to his presence. Without knowing his specific information, there's no need to take the risk of fighting them. It's better to just take the two corpses."
"That's true."
Hearing Blackstone Shenjun's words, another Shenjun beside him also nodded thoughtfully.
The Blackstone Association members watched as Fengxing Association left, then they quickly averted their gazes and continued along the Wuxiang River.
(End of Chapter)
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