Chapter Fifty-Two: The Strange Young Man

When something unusual occurs, there must be something amiss! Qin Feiyang surveyed his surroundings, his gaze settling on a certain spot along the left street.

There, a burly man hurried along, alone and anxious. Qin Feiyang drew his Azure Snow sword, leapt onto the street, and silently crept up behind the man, pressing the sword's tip against his back. He whispered, "Don't turn around, don't make a sound, or I'll kill you on the spot!"

The man's body trembled, his face instantly drained of color.

"Tell me," Qin Feiyang demanded, "where are the people from Black Bear City?"

"They've all gone outside the city," the man replied.

"All gone outside?" Qin Feiyang frowned. "Why?"

"It's the annual hunting tournament," the man explained in detail. "Everyone's gone to join the excitement..."

It turned out the hunting tournament was organized jointly by the Martial Palace, Pill Palace, Treasure Pavilion, and the City Lord's Mansion—the four major powers. Held every other year, the event had become a tradition in Black Bear City, and also a rare opportunity for advancement. If one could distinguish themselves in the tournament, they might catch the attention of the four powers. Naturally, there were rewards as well. However, there was a restriction: only those below the Martial Lord rank could participate—Martial Lords and above were barred. Only martial artists and practitioners below that level were eligible.

Having understood the situation, Qin Feiyang did not trouble the man further. He withdrew silently, and by the time the man cautiously turned to check, Qin Feiyang had vanished without a trace.

Outside the city lay a vast plain. At this moment, it was teeming with people, their cheers thunderous. Beneath the city walls, a broad platform had been erected, upon which sat fifteen figures. The City Lord, the heads of the Martial Palace, Pill Palace, Treasure Pavilion, and the City Lord's Mansion—the four titans of Black Bear City—occupied the front row. Behind them sat the heads of the city's prominent families, with the Mu, Jiang, and Ling families at the forefront.

Flanking the platform stood a dozen armored guards, upright as flagpoles, their sharp gazes scanning the crowd, maintaining order. Below the platform, rows of youths stood at attention, both male and female, energetic and radiant. They were the younger generation of Black Bear City—scions of noble families and ordinary households alike, but without exception, all martial artists.

Though the tournament did not bar ordinary people, the hunting grounds were in Black Bear Mountain, a place rife with fierce beasts and wild animals—certain death for any ordinary person. Thus, no one foolish enough would dare enter.

After leaving the city, Qin Feiyang concealed himself in the branches of a distant tree, shrouded by dense leaves, quietly observing.

"The City Lord has words to speak! Everyone, quiet!" Suddenly, a guard shouted loudly. The crowd fell silent at once.

A middle-aged man in the front row rose and walked to the edge of the platform. Qin Feiyang looked on. The man stood seven feet tall, clad in resplendent attire, his stride powerful, his gaze intense and dignified.

"The annual hunting tournament begins anew," he declared. "Are you all excited? Ready to rush to Black Bear Mountain?"

"But calm yourselves and hear me out, for this year's rewards are richer than any before!"

"After discussions between myself, the heads of the Martial Palace, Pill Palace, and Treasure Pavilion, the first-place winner this year will receive one million gold coins!"

"The second place, five hundred thousand!"

"Third place, two hundred thousand!"

"Fourth through tenth, fifty thousand each!"

"And furthermore..."

"The champion will also receive a type of pill flame!"

Before the City Lord could finish, the crowd erupted.

Even Qin Feiyang's heart was inflamed. "Pill flame! One million gold coins!" What did he need most right now? Clearly, gold and pill flames! Although he had two hundred thousand coins saved, he would need much more in the future, especially for the character technique, which required vast amounts of coins. If the progression quadrupled, the fourth stroke would need thirty-two thousand Gathering Qi Pills, not to mention the fifth and sixth strokes! All required money. Two hundred thousand coins were far from sufficient.

As for pill flames, they were essential for refining medicine, and each type was incredibly precious. Even the most ordinary pill flame was highly sought after. Yet pill flames were mostly controlled by the Pill Palace—without joining, obtaining one was harder than climbing to the heavens. Whenever a pill flame appeared, it prompted a frenzy among the powerful. With his current strength, Qin Feiyang could not compete.

Therefore, he had to participate in this hunting tournament. Pill flame—he must obtain it!

Once the City Lord finished, he returned to his seat and began murmuring with the other three titans.

"The rewards have been announced," said the guard. "Now, is there anyone else who wishes to join the hunting tournament? If so, please come forward to register."

"I want to participate!" Qin Feiyang shouted without hesitation, leaping down from the tree and running straight towards the platform.

"It's Jiang Haotian!"

"He really is still in Black Bear City!"

All eyes turned instantly to Qin Feiyang.

"He's worth a hundred thousand coins—quick, surround him, don't let him escape!" Someone among the crowd shouted.

Thousands surged towards Qin Feiyang as though stimulated by excitement.

"Damn it!" Qin Feiyang cursed aloud, seeing the commotion, and quickly turned to flee. Pill flame and gold were important, but these people were even more terrifying. If he were surrounded, he might be torn apart!

"The bounty is now canceled—everyone, stop!" At that moment, a commanding voice rang out. Luo Xiong rose to his full height, his aura sweeping across the crowd! Those caught in his aura felt as if plunged into a thousand-year ice cellar, their bodies chilled, and instinctively halted.

Qin Feiyang glanced back at Luo Xiong, considered for a moment, then turned towards the platform. The crowd parted for him, though their suspicious gazes made him uncomfortable.

Passing Mu Fei, Mu Fei's eyes flashed coldly as he whispered, "Jiang Haotian, you dare show yourself? Once we reach Black Bear Mountain, I'll be the first to cripple you!"

Qin Feiyang ignored him.

Passing Jiang Wei, Jiang Wei remarked meaningfully, "A single month can change many things. This time, you're dead."

Again, Qin Feiyang paid no mind.

"Jiang Haotian, fame pales before experience. You're indeed extraordinary, but the hunting tournament isn't child's play—it can claim your life at any moment. Be careful," said a young man in purple as Qin Feiyang passed.

Qin Feiyang paused, looking at the youth. He was about fifteen or sixteen, features delicate, skin snow-white, eyes and long hair a celestial blue—an almost otherworldly appearance. He was more attractive than any beautiful woman; without an Adam's apple, many would mistake him for a woman at first glance.

Yet in those blue eyes, Qin Feiyang detected a sharp intelligence, showing he was no weakling.

"Thank you for the warning," Qin Feiyang said with a smile, then walked to the base of the platform and cupped his hands. "Younger Jiang Haotian greets all seniors."

The dozen or so leaders regarded him curiously.

Suddenly, Luo Xiong smirked, his tone laced with amusement and pride. "Boy, you've finally decided to show yourself!"

Qin Feiyang frowned. Was it his imagination, or was there a hint of scheming in Luo Xiong's words?

Luo Xiong wasted no further words, returning to his seat and directing the guards to distribute tokens.

The guards produced spatial bags and poured a heap of tokens onto the platform's edge.

"One per person—no fighting," said one guard coldly.

Qin Feiyang stood at the front, receiving the first token and examining it closely. Suddenly, two hands shoved him forcefully. Unprepared, Qin Feiyang crashed into the platform, his nose bleeding on the spot.

"Haven't you heard, good dogs don't block the road?"

"Since you've got your token, get out of the way and stop blocking everyone," came two mocking voices.

Anger flared within Qin Feiyang as he turned to see Mu Fei and Jiang Wei, arms folded, looking at him with scorn.

"What, you're still standing here?"

"Are you intent on provoking everyone?"

Their sneers were blatant.

"Jiang Haotian, if you don't move, don't blame us for tossing you out," said others behind them—youths who also eyed Qin Feiyang with displeasure.

Qin Feiyang glanced at them all and silently stepped aside. Yet deep within his eyes, a chilling gleam appeared.

He could tolerate once or twice for Luo Qingzhu's sake, but three or four times—then he would show no mercy!

Nearby, the otherworldly purple-clad youth glanced at Qin Feiyang, then at Jiang Wei and the others, a trace of ridicule in his gaze as he muttered, "A bunch of fools."

Half an hour later, every participant had received a token. The guards gathered and conferred briefly, then one stepped forward and bowed to the four titans. "There are 3,200 participants this time. Please give the order!"

"Let it begin!" Luo Xiong said with a smile.

The guard turned to the crowd, announcing, "As usual, ten days is the limit—set out immediately!"

"Go!" The crowd scattered, rushing towards the mountain range behind them.

Qin Feiyang blended into the departing crowd, but his attention remained fixed on the token. It was palm-sized, jet-black, without any inscriptions or markings, appearing utterly ordinary. Yet it surely held some significance. But what was it?

At that moment, the purple-clad youth noticed Qin Feiyang's curiosity, his eyes flashing with intelligence as he walked over. "If you don't even know the token's purpose, you must not be from Black Bear City—this is your first time joining the hunting tournament, correct?"