At Song Changsheng's words, everyone immediately gathered around him, gripping their magic tools and raising their guard. A trace of nervousness showed on their faces for although they had been in the forest for several hours, this was the first time they'd seen such a grave expression on Song Changsheng.
Holding his treasured gourd in one hand, Song Changsheng calmly called out in the direction ahead, "I am Song Changsheng. Whoever is out there, why not show yourself and state your business?"
From the distant underbrush, two figures stepped out both wearing beast-hide armor, one young and one middle-aged. Blood stained their bodies, and they looked quite fierce.
Song Changsheng narrowed his eyes. One was at the peak of Qi Refining, the other at the seventh level. In this area, such cultivation was respectable. But he didn't recognize them.
"So it's a member of a major clan. I am Shangguan Jian, the lead hunter of a monster-hunting team. Greetings to all," the young man at the seventh level said with a cupped-fist salute and a friendly smile.
Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow. Monster-hunting team?
"You're quite young to be a team leader. And your surname is Shangguan… Could your father be Shangguan Tieying?" Song Changsheng suddenly recalled someone.
During the clan's war with the Lieyang Sect, many monster-hunting teams had been conscripted. One of them included a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Shangguan Tieying, who died heroically beneath Cangmang Peak.
Could this be his son?
Shangguan Jian's expression dimmed as he nodded. "Yes, that was my father."
Song Changsheng understood at once and motioned for his group to lower their guard. "So you're Shangguan Jian. I thought your team was stationed in the north to deal with the beasts there what brings you into our trial zone?"
Shangguan Jian nodded. "We were tracking a high-tier first-rank chameleon. When we arrived, we saw you dispatch it with overwhelming force.
Originally, we intended to leave quietly, but it seems we were discovered by your keen senses. Rest assured we mean no harm."
"I see. In that case, we'll continue on our way. Until next time, Hunter Shangguan," Song Changsheng said politely, still keeping his guard up as he cupped his hands and led his group away.
Watching their figures disappear into the forest, the middle-aged man beside Shangguan Jian whispered, "That young man is already at the eighth level of Qi Refining, yet he fights with the poise and decisiveness of a veteran. His spiritual sense is also remarkably sharp. I'd wager he's the grandson of the clan patriarch."
Shangguan Jian nodded. "His name is Song Changsheng. I could sense the depth of his spiritual energy, and his magic tools were exceptionally powerful. Uncle Zhang, how confident would you be if you had to fight him?"
The man addressed as Uncle Zhang fell silent for a moment, then replied, "Less than thirty percent chance of winning."
Shangguan Jian's eyes flickered with surprise. Uncle Zhang was a peak Qi Refining cultivator, yet even he had less than a thirty percent chance?
"As expected of the Song clan's top-tier genius. Truly remarkable. Looks like we'll be seeing more of him in the future," Shangguan Jian murmured as he looked in the direction Song Changsheng had gone.
.......
"Cousin, how come that hunter was so young? Isn't the monster-hunting team all about strength?" someone asked Song Changsheng as they continued on their way.
Song Changsheng stayed alert to the surroundings as he explained, "His father was the former head of the monster-hunting team, a Foundation Establishment cultivator trained by the clan. He died in battle after answering the family's call during the war.
To honor his sacrifice, the clan appointed his son as the new leader. Didn't you notice the middle-aged man beside him? He's a peak Qi Refining cultivator but treats him with respect. With someone like that backing him, Shangguan Jian's position is rock solid."
"I see…"
Suddenly, a loud boom echoed through the forest, startling a flock of birds into flight. Song Changsheng's expression changed as he looked in the direction of the sound, frowning. "That's from Elder Song Changhu's area. Looks like a Tier-Two beast has appeared."
"A Tier-Two beast? Can Elder Changhu handle it?" someone asked worriedly.
"That's not something we should be concerned about. Keep moving," Song Changsheng said with a shake of his head.
"Yes, sir."
But before they had gone far, Song Changsheng's communication jade at his waist began to vibrate. He quickly took it off and infused it with a bit of spiritual energy to activate it. A panicked voice rang out from within:
"The Earthfire Sect is here send reinforcements immediately!"
A cold light flickered in Song Changsheng's eyes. Why would members of the Earthfire Sect be here? Could they be behind the recent strange occurrences?
There was no time to dwell on it. Song Changsheng and his group immediately rushed toward Song Changhu's location…
...
Meanwhile, Song Changhu and four others were locked in a standoff with a group of people clad in crimson robes.
There were over a dozen of them young and old surrounding a tall youth holding a folding fan. His eyes were narrow and sly, his chin pointed, and his thin lips curled in a sneer as he looked at Song Changhu and the others with utter disdain.
"Chang Tianhua, what is the meaning of this? This is Song Clan territory!" Song Changhu barked at the youth in the center, his face dark with anger.
"Oh, don't be so upset. This young master is just taking a stroll. What, is that a problem for the mighty Song Clan?" Chang Tianhua said with a mocking smile as he flicked open his fan with a snap.
"A stroll? You're not afraid you'll never leave!" Song Changhu shot back.
Chang Tianhua narrowed his eyes, his tone turning cold.
"Teach them a lesson. Just don't kill them."
"Yes, sir."
Several of his men grinned wickedly and charged toward Song Changhu's group.
"Hold the line and wait for reinforcements!" Song Changhu barked. The group quickly tightened their formation, clashing with the Earthfire Sect disciples in a fierce melee…
....
By the time Song Changsheng and his team arrived, Song Changhu and the others were already lying on the ground, barely clinging to life.
The attackers were all mid- to late-stage Qi Refining cultivators Song Changhu's team had stood no chance.
"Earthfire Sect you've got some nerve!" Song Changsheng shouted in fury.
"Finally, someone worth looking at," Chang Tianhua replied, licking his blood-red lips like a predator sizing up a rare prey. "You must be Song Changsheng. I've heard you said to be the most talented of your generation in the Song Clan. Looks like the rumors weren't exaggerated."
"Chang Tianhua, bullying the weak with numbers this is what the Earthfire Sect stands for?" Song Changsheng said coldly.
"They were rude to me. Just giving them a little reminder of their manners. Don't worry they're still breathing," Chang Tianhua said with a smug, condescending tone.
"Since when did my clan members become yours to discipline? Your Earthfire Sect doesn't have that right!" A killing intent surged in Song Changsheng's eyes.
Suddenly, Chang Tianhua clutched his stomach and burst into exaggerated laughter. As he laughed maniacally, he looked around and said, "Did you hear that? He said I don't have the right! Oh, that's rich best joke I've heard in ages."
He wiped fake tears from the corners of his eyes and lowered his hand to reveal a sinister smile.
"Looks like you haven't figured out how things are. You'll find out soon enough. Break one of his legs."
"Yes, sir!"
Several Earthfire Sect disciples sneered and closed in on Song Changsheng.
"Go… go now… they have too many," Song Changhu said weakly from the ground, his face covered in blood.
"Don't worry. They can't do a thing to me," Song Changsheng replied calmly, his expression like still water completely unfazed by the four opponents approaching him.