Chapter 52 Cooperation
Zhao Shan led Shen Lian and the others back to the guesthouse.
Shen Lian, Chen Yun, and Lin Feng successfully advanced to the top 32 and qualified to participate in the "Demon Hunting Trial".
This result is quite good in the history of Qinghe County's participation in competitions.
Inside the room, Zhao Shan looked at Shen Lian and the other two and said, "Of the thirty-two people who advanced this time, at least ten are at or above the fourth level of the Body Tempering Realm. The 'Demon Hunting Trial' is different from the arena battle; it not only tests individual combat strength but also survival ability, judgment, and teamwork."
"Teamwork?" Li Hu asked doubtfully. "Isn't it about each person working independently?"
Zhao Shan shook his head and said, "The Black Mist Forest is fraught with danger. First and second-tier demonic beasts are just the most basic threats. The Black Mist Forest has complex terrain, is filled with poisonous miasma, and there are other contestants competing with it. It's very difficult to make it to the end by fighting alone."
Shen Lian said thoughtfully, "Does the commander mean we can temporarily cooperate with contestants from other counties?"
"That's good." Zhao Shan nodded. "In previous 'Demon Hunting Trials,' there have often been instances of temporary alliances between counties. If the three of you can temporarily team up with contestants from other counties, your chances of survival will greatly increase."
Lin Feng said coldly, "I don't need to cooperate with anyone."
Zhao Shan glanced at him: "Lin Feng, you need to understand that if you are eliminated in the trial, all your points will be reset to zero. You might be able to hunt more low-level monsters alone, but when you encounter second- or even third-level monsters, the risk of fighting alone is extremely high. And once you are eliminated, no matter how high your points are, it will be useless."
Lin Feng remained silent for a moment, then stopped refuting.
Zhao Shan then handed them a more detailed document.
"This is intelligence I just obtained from the Demon Suppression Division of the State Capital," Zhao Shan said in a low voice. "It contains a partial map of the Black Mist Forest, as well as information on known dangerous areas and the distribution of demonic beasts."
Shen Lian took the booklet and began to examine it carefully.
The Black Mist Forest is located northeast of Qingzhou Prefecture, covering an area of several hundred miles. It gets its name from the gray mist that shrouds it year-round. The outer perimeter of the forest is mainly inhabited by first-tier demonic beasts, while the deeper parts are home to second-tier and even third-tier demonic beasts, making it extremely dangerous.
Several particularly dangerous areas were marked on the booklet with a pen.
Poisonous Valley, Blackwater Pool, Soul-Severing Cliff...
"Avoid these places unless absolutely necessary," Zhao Shan said, pointing to the map. "Especially the Poisonous Miasma Valley. The valley is filled with a purple poisonous miasma that, if inhaled, will cause your blood and qi to stagnate and your cultivation to be greatly reduced. Last year, two people accidentally entered it. Although they were rescued, their cultivation was completely destroyed, and they became crippled."
Chen Yun gasped, "Is it that dangerous?"
"The Demon Hunting Trial is designed to simulate real demon-slaying missions," Zhao Shan said in a deep voice. "Only those who can survive and complete the mission in this environment can better carry out demon-slaying tasks."
Shen Lian memorized the map and asked, "Commander, are there any restrictions on the points-based looting?"
"The only restriction is that you must not intentionally cause death," Zhao Shan said. "But fists and feet have no eyes, and many have been seriously injured in the trials over the years. If you encounter an opponent whose strength far surpasses your own, you should retreat when necessary. Preserving the jade talisman is the key."
"If the jade talisman is taken, will my points be reduced to zero?" Lin Feng asked.
"No, losing the jade talisman will only result in losing half of your points; the other half will be retained," Zhao Shan explained. "However, if the jade talisman is destroyed, all your points will be reset to zero. Therefore, protecting the jade talisman is just as important as hunting monsters."
Upon hearing this, the three of them became serious.
The complexity of the demon-hunting trial far exceeded their expectations.
"Alright, everyone get some rest today and conserve your energy." Zhao Shan stood up. "Tomorrow I'll take you to buy some essential supplies. In the Black Mist Forest, medicine, antidotes, dry rations, ropes... nothing is missing."
After Zhao Shan left, Shen Lian continued studying the map.
Although Li Hu and Wang Lin had been eliminated, they stayed by his side.
"Brother Lian, do you think there might be third-tier demonic beasts in this Black Mist Forest?" Li Hu asked curiously.
"There should be." Shen Lian pointed to the map. "This area is marked as 'Suspected Territory of a Tier 3 Monster.' Since it's marked, it means someone has encountered it in previous years."
Wang Lin clicked his tongue and said, "A third-tier demonic beast is equivalent to a being at least at the sixth level of the Body Tempering Realm. Even if the three of us join forces, I'm afraid we'll have a hard time dealing with it."
"So we must avoid these areas." Shen Lian's gaze was firm. "Our goal is to accumulate points and enter the top ten. There's no need to risk challenging third-tier monsters."
Chen Yun said softly, "Senior Brother Shen is right. Hunting a first-tier demonic beast only earns one point, while a second-tier demonic beast earns five points. We should focus on second-tier demonic beasts as our primary targets to gain points more quickly."
Lin Feng suddenly spoke up: "A second-tier demonic beast is generally equivalent to the fourth level of the Body Tempering Realm. It shouldn't be too difficult for us to deal with it."
Shen Lian nodded and said, "The premise is that we can find a lone second-tier demonic beast. If it's a group of second-tier demonic beasts, it's best to avoid them."
The five discussed until late at night, and only returned to their rooms when Zhao Shan came to urge them to rest.
The next morning, Zhao Shan led Shen Lian and the others to Baibao Street, the largest commercial street in Qingzhou Prefecture, to buy the items needed for the competition.
Baibao Street is lined with shops selling all kinds of items needed by martial artists.
Weapons, armor, elixirs, talismans, materials from demonic beasts...
The variety of items is dazzling and overwhelming.
Zhao Shan was clearly familiar with the place and walked straight into a shop called "Wandan Pavilion".
The shopkeeper, a plump middle-aged man, greeted Zhao Shan with a smile as he entered: "Chief Zhao, long time no see! What would you like to order this time?"
"Thirty bottles each of Healing Pills, Qi-restoring Pills, and Detoxifying Pills," Zhao Shan said directly. "In addition, ten each of Mind-Cleansing Talismans and Miasma-Expelling Talismans."
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up: "Alright! I'll go get it right away!"
While the shopkeeper was getting the goods, Shen Lian looked around the shop.
The counter displays various elixirs, ranging from ordinary first-grade elixirs to precious third-grade elixirs, with prices varying drastically.
A bottle of Grade One Healing Pill costs only ten taels of silver, while a bottle of Grade Three Healing Pill costs five hundred taels.
"Commander, these pills..." Shen Lian hesitated.
Zhao Shan laughed and said, "Don't worry, these expenses will be covered by the county government. You are representing Qinghe County in this battle, so naturally we can't let you pay out of your own pockets."
The shopkeeper quickly packed up the pills and talismans: "Chief Zhao, that's three thousand seven hundred taels in total. As usual, I'll round it down to three thousand five hundred taels."
Zhao Shan paid with silver notes and distributed the supplies to the three men: "Keep these safe; they could save your lives in a critical moment."
After leaving Wandan Pavilion, Zhao Shan took them to purchase specially made dry food, water bags, ropes, fire tinder, and other necessities for wilderness survival.
By the time the shopping was finished, it was nearly noon.
The four of them found a restaurant to dine at, and as soon as they sat down, they heard a murmur coming from the next table.
"Have you heard? Chu Chunqiu and Xiao Chen might team up for this demon-hunting trial!"
"Really? Aren't they the favorites to win? If they team up, do the others still have a chance?"
"It's said that the Chu family and the Xiao family have reached some kind of agreement, but the details are unclear. However, if they really join forces, they will probably dominate most of the top ten spots on the leaderboard."
Shen Lian couldn't help but frown. If the rumors were true, then the difficulty of this demon-hunting trial would increase significantly.
Chu Chunqiu and Xiao Chen are both favorites to win the championship. Their strength is terrifying, and they did not unleash their full potential in the arena battle.
The collaboration between Chu Chunqiu and Xiao Chen is undoubtedly a powerful alliance.
"Don't worry too much," Zhao Shan said in a low voice. "Top geniuses are often arrogant, and even if they cooperate temporarily, they will eventually part ways. You just need to stick to the original plan and proceed steadily."
After the meal, Zhao Shan led the three back to the guesthouse.
Just as I entered the gate, I ran into Chu Wen from Baiyun County.
"Brother Shen," Chu Wen greeted him with a smile, "Congratulations on your advancement."
"Brother Chu, congratulations!" Shen Lian clasped his hands in greeting.
Chu Wen glanced around and lowered his voice, "Brother Shen, may I have a word with you in private?"
Shen Lian nodded, and the two walked to a secluded spot in the courtyard.
Chu Wen got straight to the point: "Brother Shen, I would like to cooperate with you in this 'Demon Hunting Trial'."
Shen Lian looked at the other party and said, "Brother Chu is very powerful, why do you want to cooperate with us?"
Chu Wen smiled wryly and said, "To be honest, I'm the only one from Baiyun County to make it into the top 32 this year. Entering the Black Mist Forest alone is too risky. As for the teams from other counties, they either already have established allies or are too strong. If I join, I'll only become a subordinate."
He paused, then continued, "I've observed Brother Shen's fighting style; his swordsmanship is exquisite, and his control over his strength is superb. Miss Chen is agile, and Lin Feng's attacks are ruthless. The three of you together are well-rounded in both offense and defense, making you ideal partners."
Shen Lian pondered for a moment: "What can Brother Chu bring us?"
"Intelligence," Chu Wen said solemnly. "Although Baiyun County is a small county, it has participated in the Grand Competition for generations, and its understanding of the Black Mist Forest is greater than yours. In addition, I am skilled in tracking and setting traps, which will be of great use when hunting demons."
Upon hearing this, Shen Lian was indeed somewhat tempted.
Chu Wen is quite powerful, and he also has the intelligence and support they desperately need, making him a good partner.
"I need to discuss this matter with Junior Sister Chen and Lin Feng," Shen Lian said. "If they agree, we will cooperate."
Chu Wen nodded and said, "That's only right. Please give me an answer as soon as possible, Brother Shen."
After the two parted ways, Shen Lian immediately found Chen Yun and Lin Feng and conveyed Chu Wen's idea of cooperating.
Chen Yun pondered for a moment and said, "Chu Wen is an upright person with a good reputation in Baiyun County. Coupled with his methods, cooperating with him would indeed be beneficial to us."
Lin Feng said coldly, "The more people there are, the more points will be awarded."
"But hunting efficiency will also increase," Shen Lian analyzed. "With four people working together, we can challenge stronger monsters and get higher scores. Moreover, Chu Wen is good at tracking, which can help us find monsters faster."
Lin Feng remained silent for a long time before finally snorting, "Cooperation is fine, but if he drags my feet, I'll leave immediately."
Shen Lian looked at Chen Yun, and Chen Yun nodded in agreement.
Therefore, Shen Lian found Chu Wen and established a cooperative relationship. They also agreed to meet in the "Deadwood Forest" area after entering the Black Mist Forest.