Chapter 51: The Luofeng Canyon
Approximately five hundred miles to the south of Jiuxian Mountain lies a canyon known as the Luofeng Canyon, which serves as the destination for the current expedition.
In general, when martial sects establish their schools and sects, they opt for locations rich in spiritual energy. However, these areas are often densely populated by demonic beasts.
Demonic beasts enhance their powers by devouring the vital essence of humans, while humans, in turn, hunt these beasts to collect various materials. Both sides become each other's prey, rendering entry into the realm of demonic beast activity highly dangerous.
Nevertheless, in order to sharpen their disciples and bolster their practical combat skills, martial sects frequently send experienced disciples in the Pulse Formation Realm to guide newly admitted members on external expeditions. This approach not only functions as a means of training but also serves to guarantee their safety.
Tasks involving the close-range hunting of demonic beasts are relatively low in danger.
Upon reaching the level of a disciple in the Pulse Formation Realm, undergoing the sect's training tasks and venturing into dangerous territories alone is when true life-threatening challenges in training emerge.
Of course, there are always exceptions.
Given that this is a form of training, inherent risks are inevitable. Being cautious is crucial, as the threat of death is present at all times.
In the martial world, the survival rule is simple: the strong survive, and the weak are eliminated!
...
Ling Feng and the team, led by Jiang Wanqing, advanced at full speed. After half a day of travel, they ultimately reached the vicinity of the Luofeng Canyon.
After joining the sect, these rookies were experiencing their first venture outside for training, each one radiating excitement with a glint of enthusiasm in their eyes.
Ten teams ventured into this area for training simultaneously. The team that accumulates the highest combined value from hunting demonic beasts and gathering spirit flowers and herbs will secure the victory.
However, unless the team members face a life-threatening situation, the two team leaders are not permitted to proactively assist them in hunting demonic beasts.
They can organize and guide team members but are prohibited from offering direct assistance.
"We've arrived."
Ling Feng double-checked the map and, with a sweeping gaze, observed the varied terrain with undulating features. The air carried a noticeable dampness, and the ground was littered with layers of dry, yellowed leaves.
The entire canyon, pierced by a network of intricate rivers spanning several thousand miles, created an environment that appealed to most demonic beasts. Amidst the dense forest, echoes of tiger roars and ape cries subtly reverberated, filling the air with a primitive and wild atmosphere.
"Once we enter the canyon, everyone must remember, no one is allowed to venture alone!" Jiang Wanqing's gaze scanned the ten team members as she spoke with a stern expression.
The strength of these team members varied; the most powerful among them was at the fifth level of Qi Formation, while the weakest was only at the second level.
They are also quite young, with ages ranging from fifteen to eighteen years old.
In Jiang Wanqing's view, these 'youngsters' are too young and naive!
As Jiang Wanqing finished speaking, the team members' eyes shifted towards Ling Feng, seemingly anticipating his instructions.
Ling Feng, feeling a bit resigned, cleared his throat and said nonchalantly, "Just follow Senior Sister Jiang's lead."
On the contrary, he prefers to go about things independently.
"Understood! Did everyone hear that? Senior Uncle Ling Feng said no going alone!" A young man with a square face exclaimed from within the team.
This person was named Luo Jianying, the oldest and strongest among them.
"Understood!" The other team members nodded in agreement. Particularly, Su Hongxiu, the young girl, kept her eyes on Ling Feng, her head bobbing like a woodpecker.
Jiang Wanqing's expression faltered. She had clearly given the instruction herself; when did it become Ling Feng's order?
"Hmph!" Jiang Wanqing snorted lightly, scheming to seize an opportunity to make it clear to everyone who the true leader was!
Ling Feng? The sect leader only values him because of his connection with the young lady from the Cangqiong Sect, and that's why he's entrusted with such an important task.
Unaware of why Jiang Wanqing, this young girl, seemed to have an inexplicable grudge against him, Ling Feng glanced at the map. He identified a location where only first-tier and second-tier primary demonic beasts roamed and calmly stated, "Follow me!"
"Absolutely not!" Jiang Wanqing clenched her teeth, taking a quick step to stand in front of Ling Feng. Pointing in the opposite direction, she said, "I've led teams into the Luofeng Canyon several times, and we've always entered from this side. If you choose this route, there won't be much to gain!"
"Is that so?" Ling Feng touched his nose, unaware that his map differed from the one in the woman's hands, and that his was the optimal route!
"Absolutely!" Jiang Wanqing nodded with unwavering confidence. "With my experience, there's no way I'm wrong!"
Luo Jianying, Su Hongxiu, and the other disciples let out a sigh, "Ah, here we go again!"
Typically, the two team leaders leading a team would cooperate with each other, but this Senior Sister Jiang had consistently contradicted Ling Feng!
For instance, on the journey here, had it not been for Jiang Wanqing's insistence on taking a detour, claiming it would avoid danger, they wouldn't have ended up being the last team to reach Luofeng Canyon. It's noteworthy that the other nine teams had already entered the canyon and begun their training.
Shaking his head, Ling Feng uttered in a calm tone, "Alright, you lead the way."
Observing the map, Ling Feng realized that if they proceeded a short distance ahead, he could later circle back to his intended route. He chose to let Jiang Wanqing have her way for the time being. Ling Feng believed that after encountering some difficulties, she would naturally become more sensible.
"Hmph!" Jiang Wanqing wrinkled her nose, shot Ling Feng a glare, and thought, "Don't think that allowing me to lead a few times means I'll forgive you!"
"Everyone, follow me!"
With a wave of her hand, Jiang Wanqing led the group down a narrow path on the right side of the canyon, advancing along the course of the river.
During the late autumn, the majority of flowers and plants had already turned a dry yellow, with waist-high dried grass scattered all around, and as the wind swept through, it resembled waves of golden ripples.
It is in these terrains where the ground is obscured that hidden dangers often lie in wait.
Ling Feng shook his head; Jiang Wanqing is making a fuss for no reason!
Walking at the rear of the team, Ling Feng remained vigilant, carefully observing the surroundings. As the leader of the expedition, he felt a sense of responsibility for the safety of these 'kids.'
He had forgotten that he was, in fact, one of the newcomers who entered the sect at the same time. In this group, there were even those who had joined before him.
Perhaps it's the result of having experienced more, his mindset has matured.
"Wow, what a beautiful scenery this is!" cheered a female disciple, unable to contain her excitement as she admired the surroundings.
The male disciples around immediately chimed in, and a politely spoken young man laughed, "Absolutely, the scenery here is truly breathtaking. When I get back, how about I paint a picture of autumn leaves for Junior Sister?"
"Wow, Senior Brother, you can paint too? That's amazing!" The female disciple exclaimed, immediately breaking into applause and cheers.
Shaking his head, Ling Feng observed that these individuals didn't appear to be here for training; rather, they gave off the impression of tourists.
There was not a hint of vigilance, nor any sense of danger!
No wonder the sect arranged such training; They truly need the experience of shedding blood to mature.
Just then, the grass on the left side rustled with a faint swish. Ling Feng immediately spotted a Tusked Boar, a rather ordinary second-tier demonic beast.
The Tusked Boar charged in rapidly. Jiang Wanqing promptly unsheathed her sword, cautioning, "A demonic beast is approaching!"
"Demonic beast? Where? Where?"
The disciples' faces turned serious as they hastily drew their weapons. Engrossed in their playful banter, they had failed to notice the evident danger closing in.
If it weren't for Jiang Wanqing's alert, despite their capability to handle the Tusked Boar, casualties might have occurred.