Early the next morning, Lin Junxian prepared a boat and all the necessary supplies for demon hunting.
"Based solely on the clues President Lin provided, it's hard to determine what kind of sea demon we're dealing with," Ai Jiangtu said, frowning as he studied the limited information in his hand.
"By the way," Mo Fan asked, "are the Hunters in Feiniao City just for show? A sea demon problem like this has been unsolved for so long?"
Feiniao City seemed fairly prosperous — at least a second- or third-tier coastal city. Surely, there were a few Advanced Mages available?
"You can't say that," Jiang Yu replied, adjusting his glasses with a scholarly air.
"Sea demons are far more ferocious and cunning than land-based ones. If you run into a tribe, even an Advanced Mage would struggle to survive."
"Exactly," added Nan Jue. "And there aren't just one or two species in the sea — there are countless vicious ones. Most Hunters wouldn't dare venture into open waters to hunt them."
"Hmph, enough about that," Mu Nianbing said with a wave of his hand. He walked over to Ai Jiangtu, who was studying a map.
"Captain," Ai Jiangtu pointed to a small island, "the last extermination squad was ambushed by sea demons here — on this rocky island. They suffered heavy losses while resting overnight."
"Then let's head straight for that rocky island," Mu Nianbing ordered decisively.
With the Water Element Mage's acceleration magic, the boat quickly sped toward their destination.
On the Island
The island lived up to its name — rocky, barren, and desolate. It stretched wide enough that it would take a few hours to explore completely.
Even before setting foot ashore, they could see the remnants of the previous team: broken tents, torn clothing, scattered medicine boxes — grim reminders of what had happened.
"Nan Rongni, you're a Healing Mage," Mu Nianbing instructed calmly. "You don't need to go ashore."
Nan Rongni, with her gentle demeanor, nodded obediently. Her soft-spoken, friendly nature made her seem reliable.
If Mu Nianbing didn't already know her true nature, he might've actually trusted her.
But he was well aware that her quiet exterior hid something far more calculating.
"Mu Tingying, you stay here and protect her," Mu Nianbing added.
"Why me?!" Mu Tingying protested immediately, her tone sharp with dissatisfaction.
This was the team's first training mission — an important opportunity for each member to prove their worth.
Even though she was an official member and unlikely to be eliminated, the performance score still mattered.
It affected future evaluations, instructor support, and the distribution of resources.
"What? You have a problem with my command?"
Mu Nianbing's gaze turned cold as his eyes swept over her. The pressure in his tone made Mu Tingying's heart skip.
She bit her lip, glaring at him in silent resentment. But she wasn't foolish enough to challenge him openly.
"No… no problem," she finally muttered through gritted teeth.
Mu Nianbing didn't need mind-reading to know what she was thinking — it was written all over her face.
Although Mu Tingying was arrogant and jealous, her schemes were shallow.
Nan Rongni, on the other hand, was far more dangerous precisely because she hid her thoughts so well.
Still, Mu Nianbing wasn't deliberately targeting Mu Tingying. He simply thought she was better off staying behind.
If she went ashore, she'd likely spend more time sneering than fighting — and he didn't need that distraction.
The others had no objections.
As National Team Captain and their strongest mage, Mu Nianbing's authority was absolute. None of them were foolish enough to oppose him.
A Private Moment
After landing, Mu Nianbing divided everyone into groups to search for signs of sea demons.
He took Mu Ningxue with him toward the far side of the island.
As soon as they reached a secluded area among the rocks, Mu Nianbing turned toward her with that familiar glint in his eyes.
"No, not here… they'll be here soon," Mu Ningxue whispered, her voice soft but flustered as she grasped his wrist.
Mu Nianbing knew she didn't like being outdoors like this, so he didn't push it. Instead, he gently lifted her chin and lowered his lips to hers.
Caught off guard, Mu Ningxue resisted for barely two seconds before melting completely into his embrace.
When they finally parted, her fair cheeks were flushed pink, and her lips trembled faintly as she caught her breath.
Seeing her in that shy, alluring state, Mu Nianbing couldn't help but wish he could "discipline" her properly then and there.
But his sharp senses suddenly picked up Ai Jiangtu and the others approaching. He sighed inwardly and let go.
The Hunt Begins
Moments later, Ai Jiangtu and his group arrived.
"Captain, we caught a Crimson Raptor Demon," Ai Jiangtu reported, dropping a struggling young demon onto the ground.
A massive invisible hand of mental energy held it in place, preventing escape.
Ai Jiangtu mainly cultivated the Space Element, and his spiritual power was formidable — perhaps even surpassing Mu Nianbing's in raw control.
A mere Servant-level creature like this was nothing to him.
At that moment, Nan Jue noticed Mu Ningxue's reddened cheeks. Combined with the faint sound she'd heard earlier, her expression turned knowing.
Those two had clearly been doing something they shouldn't have.
"Well done," Mu Nianbing said smoothly. "We also found a few earlier — but I handled them."
No one questioned his words, though Mu Ningxue quietly shot him an annoyed look.
Suddenly, Mu Nianbing's eyes narrowed. The Crimson Raptor Demon's abdomen was abnormally swollen.
With a flick of his finger, a silver arc of light sliced it open.
Everyone froze in horror as a corroded infant's corpse rolled out from within.
Mu Nianbing calmly lifted the tiny body and walked to the shore, washing away the filth before handing it to Zhao Manyan for purification.
"How… how could there be an infant here?" Nan Jue asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.
The others' faces darkened. It was impossible for an infant to appear on a demon-infested island — meaning it had been brought from the city.
Even in coastal cities, where sea demon attacks were common, this was monstrous.
A Servant-level Crimson Raptor Demon sneaking into the city, killing a child, and escaping unnoticed?
Impossible.
Mu Nianbing remained calm. He had already examined the corpse — the infant's heart was missing.
Which meant the child hadn't been killed by the demon… but by humans.
And not just any humans.
"The Asian Magic Association," Mu Nianbing murmured under his breath.
First, they had taken the child's heart.
Then, they had thrown the corpse to the sea demon to cover their tracks — ensuring the truth would be buried beneath the waves.
...
Author's Note:
Versatile Mage: Heir of the Frozen Throne — Part 1 & 2 is now fully completed with 150+ chapters and available on my Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your support and love for this story 💙