Around this hunting ground, there were thousands of stone seats. However, these originally empty stone seats were now filled with thousands of people pushing and shoving to sit down, stretching as far as the eye could see. The atmosphere made it clear that this hunt was indeed the biggest event in Qingyang Zhen in recent years.
The Lin family contingent, led by Lin Zhengtian, proceeded directly into the center of the hunting ground. This was also the best viewing area; from here, one could not only see the dense forest below but also the scene on the large platform.
Most of those allowed into this area were influential forces within a hundred-mile radius of Qingyang Zhen. These forces also had decent relations with the Lin family, so upon arrival, they all came forward to greet them, eventually being received by a smiling Lin Zhengtian.
After a brief exchange, Lin Zhengtian led everyone to their seats. As they sat down, they could also see the Lei and Xie families taking their seats. However, the Lei and Xie families merely glanced at the Lin family before looking away. Although their demeanor appeared relaxed, their hearts were filled with disdain for the Lin family's presence here.
Naturally, Lin Zhengtian had no inclination to explain anything regarding this cold attitude. Over the years, the struggle had been fierce; if he hadn't possessed some cunning, the Lin family would have long since been beaten into utter submission and driven out of Qingyang Zhen by these two families. Therefore, while the Lei and Xie families harbored hatred for the Lin family, Lin Zhengtian's animosity towards them was no less intense.
After the Lin family contingent settled into their positions, many other forces appeared behind them, making the surrounding atmosphere even more lively.
Lin Dong also took a seat on a stone bench, his gaze fixed on the dense forest below. Vaguely, he seemed to hear the fierce roars of wild beasts.
Lin Dong paid no mind to the wild beasts in this forest. With his current strength, unless he encountered a true demonic beast, ordinary wild beasts could do nothing to him.
Demonic beasts were terrifying existences compared to wild beasts. It was said that even the weakest demonic beast could easily tear apart cultivators below the Seventh Layer Body Tempering realm. Furthermore, some powerful demonic beasts not only possessed intelligence but could also wield energy, creating incredibly destructive power.
However, it was said that demonic beasts dwelled deep within the great mountains, and with the area here teeming with people, no demonic beasts would appear. Therefore, the greatest opponents in this hunt were still the other participants, who would undoubtedly resort to all sorts of tricks to snatch the identity tokens from one another.
Of course, all cunning ploys are utterly feeble in the face of true strength. Now, Lin Dong possessed such standing and confidence.
As Lin Dong surveyed the dense forest, he suddenly noticed something unusual about the atmosphere of the hunting ground. When he turned his head, he saw a group of people pushing their way into this area. On the chests of their clothes, they all wore the same emblem.
"Mad Blade Martial Hall!"
As the fastest-rising major power in Qingyang Town, the appearance of the Mad Blade Martial Hall undoubtedly attracted many gazes.
Lin Dong's gaze swept over the group of people on horseback, then settled on the figure at the very front. It was a man with a muscular and robust physique, his face extremely cold. On his face, there was also a scar that added a few degrees of ferocity to his aura. At his hip, a long, slender object was wrapped in black cloth; judging by its appearance, it was undoubtedly a long saber.
"That person is the Hall Master of the Mad Blade Martial Hall – Luo Cheng. The rapid rise of the Mad Blade Martial Hall could not have happened without him. He is also a master of the Heavenly Yuan Stage; if I'm not mistaken, I'm afraid he has already reached the late Heavenly Yuan Stage, not far from the Yuan Dan Stage. Looking across all of Qingyang Town, there are probably no more than five people who can contend with him."
Right beside Lin Dong, Lin Xiao said in a low voice.
Lin Dong was a little surprised to hear this and nodded slightly. He didn't expect Luo Cheng to be so formidable.
"The year he wanted to establish the Mad Blade Martial Hall in Qingyang Town, both the Lei and Xie families came forward to cause trouble. At that time, he directly challenged Lei Bao to a fight. In the end, he forcefully withstood three of Lei Bao's palm strikes, and he also landed a saber strike on Lei Bao's chest. That desperate, all-out resolve forced both families to back down."
"Haha, this Luo Cheng's temperament is extremely fierce, and he's also incredibly protective of his subordinates. That's why the Lei and Xie families don't dare to go too far with the Mad Blade Martial Hall. These guys truly refuse the toast and prefer the forfeit."
Lin Dong nodded slightly. Luo Cheng and Lin Zhentian both built their careers from scratch, but their paths were somewhat different, and their personalities were also completely dissimilar. Luo Cheng was fierce and ruthless, while Lin Zhentian secretly concealed his talents and quietly developed. But no matter what, both of them possessed true capability.
Just as Lin Dong and Lin Xiao were speaking in low voices, the people from the Mad Blade Martial Hall also approached. Lin Zhentian stood up and cupped his hands in greeting to Luo Cheng. In response to Lin Zhentian's greeting, a stiff smile also appeared on Luo Cheng's cold face. Over the years, due to the ostracism from the Lei and Xie families, the relationship between the Mad Blade Martial Hall and the Lin family had, on the contrary, grown quite close, and wasn't bad at all.
"Heh heh, it seems you are indeed participating in this hunt."
Just as La Cheng and Lin Zhengtian were exchanging greetings, a figure also approached Lin Dong. It was none other than Wu Yun, who had appeared at the Trading Hall previously.
Lin Dong also had a good impression of Wu Yun, and immediately nodded with a smile.
"When the hunt begins, if there's an opportunity, let's cooperate. Lei Li and that little brat Xie Yingying will definitely join forces, and facing two of them alone would be a bit troublesome."
Wu Yun chuckled.
Lin Dong also nodded slightly at Wu Yun's suggestion, not refusing it in the slightest!
"This must be the Lin Dong you mentioned, the one who withstood a punch from Lei Li?"
La Cheng, who had been standing nearby chatting with Lin Zhengtian, suddenly turned his head, looking at Lin Dong as he spoke.
"Lin Dong pays his respects to Hall Master La."
Lin Dong scratched his head, then spoke respectfully.
La Cheng's somewhat sharp and discerning gaze swept over Lin Dong briefly, before he finally nodded slightly and spoke:
"A promising talent. The Lin family is blessed."
Hearing this, Lin Zhengtian stroked his beard, his face also brightening. He knew that La Cheng's judgment had always been exceptionally sharp, and to receive such an evaluation was truly no easy feat.
La Cheng was clearly not a man of many words, so after a brief exchange, he took his leave, then led the contingent from Savage Blade Martial Hall to their designated seats.
And from beginning to end, he never once glanced at the Lei and Xie families, nor did the thought of going over to greet them cross his mind. While Lin Zhengtian might grudgingly perform such courtesies, La Cheng held them in utter contempt.
Once the Savage Blade Martial Hall had settled into their seats, almost all the major powers in Qingyang Town had arrived. Thus, as the sun gradually rose higher, Lei Bao also stood up. His deep-set eyes swept across the crowd, and with a slight cough, the clamor around the hunting grounds subsided. The Lei family still commanded considerable influence in the vicinity of Qingyang Town.
"Everyone, today marks Qingyang Town's most bustling occasion. I won't elaborate on the hunting rules. Only those who collect ten identity tokens may ascend that platform, for that is where the champion of this hunt will be decided."
Lei Bao's deep voice, infused with his Yuan Power, echoed throughout the hunting grounds, ensuring everyone could hear him clearly.
"All families have already received their identity tokens. Next, I invite all the younger generation to bring their family's identity tokens into the hunting grounds and prepare to begin the hunt!"
"Dong-er, take this identity token. Be careful."
Lin Xiao glanced at Lin Zhengtian, and seeing him smile and nod, only then did he take out a dark yellow wooden token from his chest. Carved on the token was the character "Lin" along with some patterns.
Under the admiring gazes of everyone in the Lin family, Lin Dong solemnly accepted this identity token. Lin Zhengtian giving him this token clearly meant he was to be the one to contend for the Lin family's position.
After stuffing the wooden token into his chest, Lin Dong nodded slightly, saying nothing further. He looked over, seeing many figures streaming into the beast hunting ground, then took a deep breath and advanced two steps to its very border.
Just as Lin Dong was about to step in, Lei Li and Xie Yingying, not far away, also slowly advanced. Lei Li glanced at Lin Dong, then suddenly gave a thumbs-down gesture, his lips also moving slightly.
Although no sound reached him, Lin Dong knew from the shape of his lips what Lei Li was saying: "Time to pay your debt."
At Lei Li's words, Lin Dong chuckled softly, his own lips whispering something before he turned and stepped into the beast hunting ground.
Watching Lin Dong's figure, Lei Li's eyes narrowed slightly, and he chuckled softly. He, too, recognized Lin Dong's words.
Lin Dong had said:
"I'll wait for you."