Chapter 25

Lu Jing didn't want to bother with the other person, his expression flat as he said, "Oh."

At this moment, Lóu Wǎnqīng's facial flush gradually faded, she steadied her emotions, a bit bashfully she said: "My name is Lóu Wǎnqīng, I'm a student of Yanghai Martial University, nice to meet you."

"Haha, Lu Jing, when you reach the station later just go back; if you don't have the strength of a proper Martial Artist, the guards won't let you enter Huashen Conglin."

Huang MáO chuckled and said: "Because recently the demon beasts in Huashen Conglin have often rioted, the state issued a new order: only those holding a Martial Artist badge may enter."

After speaking he tapped his chest, where a gleaming gold badge hung, engraved with two stars.

This is a Second‑Realm Martial Artist badge, representing the Martial Artist's strength and identity.

"Only Martial Artists holding a certified badge can enter?"

Lu Jing frowned slightly, his Martial Artist badge still being made; did he just make a trip for nothing?

"It's not only Martial Artist badge holders who can," Lóu Wǎnqīng thought and said: "During this time, hunting teams can still freely come and go, after all they rely on Huashen Conglin for their livelihood; not being able to enter is like losing their rice bowl."

Hunting teams are squads composed of Martial Artists and ordinary people, who year‑round roam Huashen Conglin hunting demon beasts.

Selling demon beasts at high prices to city suppliers is their job.

This job is likewise full of danger, comparable to dancing on a blade's edge; even high‑level Martial Artists have a high mortality rate.

Not to mention the ordinary people handling logistics and transport inside, they basically trade their lives for money, needing to replenish a batch of fresh blood before each hunt.

Lu Jing knew little about hunting teams; he looked across at Lóu Wǎnqīng and asked: "I don't know if there are any requirements to join a hunting team."

"You really have to go," Lóu Wǎnqīng said, somewhat surprised; with Lu Jing's strength going in would surely be more dangerous than safe, but she still told him how to join a hunting team.

"Not far from the entrance of Huashen Conglin there's a Hunters' Alliance; that's where hunting teams pick up missions and recruit, you can go try there."

Lu Jing nodded: "Okay, thanks."

At that moment, a pleasant chime sounded in the High‑Speed Rail; they had arrived at the station.

"Phew~ Looks like I need to make a trip to the Hunters' Alliance."

Stepping off the High‑Speed Rail, Lu Jing took a deep breath of fresh air.

I don't know if it's because we're close to Huashen Conglin, but the air here is exceptionally fresh.

"Lu Jing, do you want to walk with us?"

Beside them, Lóu Wǎnqīng, who had just gotten off the vehicle, asked.

"Oh dear, Wanqing, he's basically not on the same path as us; why bring him along? He's just a burden."

Huáng MáO seemed to have designs on Lóu Wǎnqīng; seeing the two walking close together, he grew dissatisfied with Lu Jing.

Before Lu Jing could speak, Lóu Wǎnqīng beside him already frowned and spoke.

"Wang Huan, what do you mean? Has Lu Jing offended you? It's just along the way; what's wrong with walking together?"

Seeing Lóu Wǎnqīng angry, Wang Huan hastily gave a sheepish grin and explained: "Wanqing, you misunderstood; I'm not just worried about wasting time on the road—our school commission has a time limit, and if we fail to finish we could lose credits."

Lóu Wǎnqīng glanced away, refusing to look at him, her face full of disdain.

Lu Jing watched Huáng MáO's fawning expression and almost laughed; these people are so boring.

"No need, I'll take a taxi."

Having said that, Lu Jing hailed a taxi at the roadside and headed to the Hunters' Alliance.

"Lu Jing......"

Watching Lu Jing get into the car, Lóu Wǎnqīng bit her lip, hesitant.

She really wanted to step forward and ask for contact info, but before she could make up her mind, Lu Jing had already shut the car door.

Watching the taxi gradually fade away, Lóu Wǎnqīng felt as if she had lost something important.

But thinking that Lu Jing is also headed to Huashen Conglin, maybe they'll meet again.

"Kid, we've arrived at the Hunters' Alliance."

As the vehicle slowly came to a stop, the driver turned back and reminded him.

"Mm."

Lu Jing nodded, picked up his backpack, and stepped out of the taxi.

Not far ahead stood a majestic building.

Before the building stood a stone pillar, engraved with the five large characters "Hunters' Alliance".

In front of the Hunters' Alliance were parked many large trucks, their bodies streaked with blood.

Even from a distance one could smell the pungent, fishy odor emanating from them.

Around there were many shops specializing in purchasing demon beast materials.

Crowds of hunters gathered together to haggle, the scene extraordinarily lively.

Lu Jing walked slowly into the alliance gates, and the view before him opened up.

The building as a whole is divided into three parts.

Recruitment zone, mission zone, rest zone.

Lu Jing had done his homework in advance while in the taxi.

He only needed to register his identity at the front desk, then he could enter the recruitment zone to look for a suitable hunting team to join.

Entering the hall, the people coming and going were basically all Martial Artists; Lu Jing sensed the fluctuations of their Blood Qi.

Most of them were Second‑Realm and Third‑Realm Martial Artists, with a few whose depth Lu Jing couldn't gauge, likely above Third Realm.

"Even if the mortality rate is higher, the pay is too good to resist."

Lu Jing thought to himself.

Before the hall stretched a long queue of people registering their identities; only after registering could they enter Huashen Conglin as hunting team members.

"Hey, kid, is this your first time here?"

Behind Lu Jing, a middle‑aged woman spoke up.

"Yes, how did you know?"

You look young; most young people are first-timers here.

This older woman seems bored, and she started chatting idly with Lu Jing.

"Why say that?" Lu Jing was a bit curious.

The woman explained: "Many young people think being a hunter is a job that can make big money, and those with a bit of skill come to try their luck."

They just don't know how dangerous this hunter job is; Demon Beasts are bloodthirsty, attacks are fights to the death, most young people die in there, and even those who luckily survive naturally dare not go back in!

Lu Jing nodded; what this older woman said indeed made some sense.

"It's your turn to register, little brother."

While chatting idly, Lu Jing had already lined up in front of the counter.

Just as Lu Jing was handing his ID to the counter staff, a sharp voice suddenly came from beside him.

"How come there are so many fearless students lately? Do they really think Demon Beasts grow by eating grass? It makes me have to wait in such a long line every time I come, wasting time!"

The words had barely fallen when a burly figure stepped in front of Lu Jing.

He was a middle-aged man with a fleshy face.

He didn't even greet anyone, just stepped past Lu Jing and handed his ID to the staff.

"I have urgent business, let me register first!"

Lu Jing was stunned; what era is this, still people with such low quality?

"You ahead, did I agree to let you cut in line?"

Lu Jing's eyes were icy, his tone devoid of any feeling.