In the dense, tranquil forest, the leaves suddenly rustled, and several figures leaped from the branches, their bodies nimble like agile apes. With a few more bounds, they quickly vanished at the end of the branches. “Halt!” Among the fleeting figures, the leading figure abruptly raised his palm, and the four figures behind him nimbly landed on the tree trunk, then cast bewildered glances at the black-robed young man ahead.
“What’s wrong?” Hu Jia’s gaze swept around but found no signs of disturbance, and she muttered in confusion.
“Someone is coming. We should hide,” Xiao Yan’s eyes were fixed intently to the left. His exceptional soul perception endowed him with remarkable survival skills in the jungle. He could sense movements that others couldn’t, an advantage that was invaluable in this hunting contest.
Upon hearing Xiao Yan, except for Xuner, Hu Jia and the others were somewhat surprised. They hadn’t sensed any approaching presence, but seeing Xiao Yan’s expression and recalling his position as the team leader, they nodded slightly and simultaneously darted into the dense underbrush below.
About five minutes after Xiao Yan and his group concealed themselves, a faint sound of wind breaking through the air came from the nearby dense woods. Then, five figures gradually appeared, stopping not far above where Xiao Yan and his companions were hiding, their sharp eyes scanning the quiet forest.
Through the gaps in the trees, Xiao Yan and his team observed the five senior students from the inner courtyard. Judging by the aura emanating from them, these individuals were all around the level of a one-star Great Fighter. Although they were formidable, they were still a notch below Xiao Yan’s group. Additionally, Xiao Yan and his team were not rookies; thus, they remained silent and undetected. The five senior students, finding nothing, eventually left.
As the five departed, Bai Shan began to stir, intending to stand up. However, Xiao Yan’s expression changed slightly. “Don’t move!”
“Why so impatient? They’re gone.” Bai Shan retorted, displeased with Xiao Yan’s reprimand. But despite his words, he refrained from making any significant movements.
Xiao Yan ignored him, keeping his gaze fixed on the spot where the five had disappeared. Seeing his actions, Bai Shan and the others hesitated, then followed his line of sight.
The silence in the forest continued. After about three or four minutes, the branches where Xiao Yan and his team were looking at suddenly trembled, and the same figures reappeared, much to Bai Shan’s frustration.
“There’s no one. You’re just being paranoid. We can’t waste time like this.” One of the figures, upon seeing no movement, turned to a lean, green-clothed youth and said.
Called Liu Mu, the youth nodded reluctantly. “I have a wood attribute battle qi, so my senses are more acute in the forest. It must have been a false alarm. Let’s go.”
With that, the five figures retreated into the woods.
“Those inner courtyard students are indeed not ordinary,” Xiao Yan said, standing up slowly. If not for his soul perception, they would have been caught unawares.
Hu Jia and Wu Hao, even Bai Shan, now had a touch of respect in their eyes. At least, when they failed to detect the other team, Xiao Yan anticipated it and led them to safety.
“Let’s go. We’re not sure of our location after that chaotic run. If we keep rushing around blindly, we’ll end up in trouble,” Xiao Yan said, frowning.
“I think we should try to get some information about this forest and the strength and numbers of the senior students participating in the hunt. Otherwise, we might end up trapped without knowing the enemy’s strength,” Xuner suggested.
Bai Shan, Hu Jia, and Wu Hao exchanged glances, then nodded. Xiao Yan pondered, “Let’s proceed. If there’s an opportunity, we might target a senior student team. We aren’t like those ordinary teams. As long as we’re careful, we can take out one of them.”
“Isn’t that too risky?” Bai Shan shook his head, disagreeing.
“Grinding the axe won’t delay the cutting of firewood. If we wander aimlessly in this vast forest, we’ll be delayed by stronger senior teams. And look how they covet the ‘Heavenly Fire Energy.’ I think it’s extremely important in the inner courtyard. If they can take ours, why can’t we take theirs? A little risk is worth it to avoid regret later,” Xiao Yan said, waving the black crystal chip.
Hu Jia and Wu Hao’s eyes gleamed, considering the idea. After a moment, they nodded, “We can give it a try.”
Seeing their agreement, Xiao Yan sighed with relief and turned to Bai Shan, “What about you?”
Bai Shan’s expression fluctuated, then he gritted his teeth. “Fine, let’s try. But if anything goes wrong, you, as the leader, will take the rear.”
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, ignoring the last remark. “Let’s go. It’s better to be the hunter than the prey.”
Xiao Yan led the way, and the group followed closely.
Over the next few hours, they encountered three teams but avoided confrontation due to proximity. In a dense grove, Xiao Yan and his team watched another senior team pass overhead, and he sensed yet another team nearby. To ensure safety, they held back.
Xiao Yan gestured, and the group fell silent once more. Soon, the senior team left, and Xiao Yan was about to move when he felt the other team halt. “Move,” he ordered, and they dashed northward.
After a few minutes, Xiao Yan and his team stopped, observing a clearing where ten figures were in a fierce battle. In just a few minutes, five freshmen were defeated, surrounded by five relaxed seniors.
Xiao Yan’s team looked to him for a decision. His eyes narrowed, and his soul perception flared, confirming the situation. “Hmm, great luck today. This is the second batch of freshmen we’ve encountered. Three more ‘Heavenly Fire Energy’ units, excellent,” one of the seniors chuckled, licking his lips.
“Thank you, junior brothers. Come challenge us in the inner courtyard if you dare. Of course, you need enough ‘Heavenly Fire Energy’ to do so,” the blue-robed youth laughed, waving his crystal card.
“Let’s find the next target,” he said, motioning to his companions. But as they turned, a calm voice rang out from the trees. “No need to look. We’re right here.”
The blue-robed youth and his team were startled. Shouldn’t these freshmen be running away like mice?
“Oh, pretty girls. Boys, be gentle. Don’t leave a bad impression,” the blue-robed youth teased, eyeing the two girls.
“What about the other three?” a companion asked.
“We’ll teach them a lesson. Freshmen, you’ll see blood today. This is the most efficient way to understand your place in the inner courtyard,” the blue-robed youth sneered.
“Two-star Great Fighters, one each. Don’t delay. Finish quickly. Remember, none should escape,” Xiao Yan reminded his team.
They nodded, and their battle qi surged. In an instant, they appeared in the clearing.
The blue-robed youth and his team were shocked. These freshmen were far stronger than expected!
“Damn, we’re in trouble. Why are they so strong?” the blue-robed youth thought, signaling his team to retreat. But before he could, a black shadow appeared before him, and he struck with a powerful punch.
The black shadow spun, and the air crackled with a sharp, explosive sound. The punch was faster and stronger, striking the blue-robed youth with a force that filled him with horror. Lifting his gaze, he saw a cold, clear face and a pair of dark, inky eyes.
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