Chapter 72: Chapter 72: You’re All Too Weak

Liu Hai slowly scanned the crowd, then began to speak:

"The Black Beast we’re hunting this time is a species called the Black-toothed Pig. They mainly hide in a forest to the northwest of the city.

"Their strength is average, mostly at the Bull Skin Realm, but there are a few at the Stone Skin Realm as well.

"However, don’t let your guard down. While a single Black-toothed Pig isn’t very strong, they tend to appear in packs.

"Therefore, it’s best if you don’t split up. Form a single team to hunt! Otherwise, if there are casualties, we won’t be able to get there in time!

"Of course, the Government Office isn’t letting you hunt for free. For every Bull Skin Realm Black-toothed Pig you kill, you’ll receive one point. For every Stone Skin Realm Black Beast, you’ll get five points.

"Afterward, each point can be exchanged for ten taels of silver! As for any Black Crystals you find, they belong to whoever killed the beast! You can keep the Black Crystals for yourselves or sell them directly to the Government Office, and we will buy them back at market price!

"Furthermore, the person with the most points at the end can come to the Government Office and choose any complete Qi Blood Realm Technique! As for the counting method, you just need to cut off the right ear of the Black-toothed Pigs and we’ll tally the final count!"

After hearing what Liu Hai said, the crowd immediately broke into a commotion.

The chance to choose any complete Qi Blood Realm Technique was incredibly appealing to the vast majority of Martial Artists!

Jiang Che was also eager to give it a try. ’If I can get my hands on an Iron Body Skill, my combat abilities will become even stronger!’

A disciple from one of the Martial Arts Halls asked doubtfully:

"Chief Liu, after these Black Beasts die, their bodies decompose easily, turning into a puddle of pus within a few hours. How are we supposed to preserve the ears?"

"It’s simple. You just need to use this!"

Liu Hai took out a cloth pouch, which contained some green powder.

"This is a special Medicinal Powder with antiseptic properties. It can keep the beast ears from decaying for a full day! Once you cut them off, just put them in this bag."

After he finished speaking, the constables began distributing the Antiseptic Bags and small knives for cutting.

"Oh, right. It would be best for you all to have a temporary leader. Otherwise, once a fight breaks out and things get chaotic, it’ll be easy for people to get lost."

Liu Hai’s gaze swept across the crowd, then he suddenly pointed at Jiang Che and said,

"Jiang Che, you’ll be the leader!"

"Me?" Jiang Che was a little surprised.

"That’s right. Are you willing?" Liu Hai said with a smile.

Jiang Che frowned. He didn’t really want to get involved in other people’s business, but since Liu Hai had suggested it, he could only nod.

"I disagree!" Suddenly, a tall young man stepped forward.

His Qi Blood was exceptionally vigorous, and he appeared to have already reached the Peak of the Stone Skin Realm!

"It’s Xiong Hui! Xiong Hui from the Thunder Shock Martial Arts Hall!" Someone seemed to recognize him.

"Is that the Xiong Hui who’s said to be the strongest in the Stone Skin Realm and the most likely to break through to the Iron Skin Realm this year? So it’s him?" someone asked in surprise.

"That’s right. His Thunder Shock Palm is extremely fierce and powerful! I heard that during a previous exchange meet, he actually defeated three Peak Stone Skin Realm Martial Artists in a row!" the person continued.

Hearing the crowd recognize him, Xiong Hui’s lips curled into a slight smile.

He pointed at Jiang Che and said disdainfully,

"On what grounds is he the leader? This guy’s Qi Blood has only just reached the Early-stage of the Stone Skin Realm! I refuse to accept it!"

"Yeah! Why him?"

"Is this guy even capable?"

Others chimed in with their objections.

With their vigorous Qi Blood, Martial Artists were often a competitive and prideful bunch.

Seeing someone with a lower Realm than them being appointed leader, they instantly felt indignant.

Liu Hai frowned and said,

"Jiang Che’s Realm may not be high, but his practical combat experience is extremely rich! Besides, there are no extra benefits to being the leader, so what’s the point in fighting over it? Enough. Don’t say another word. It’s settled!"

His voice contained a trace of Strength, instantly stunning the crowd into silence.

Although Xiong Hui still looked unconvinced, he backed down.

"Alright, get going. Remember to be back before dark! Also, if anyone gets unexpectedly injured, don’t push yourself. Leave immediately!"

Liu Hai reminded them once more.

"Yes, sir!"

The group then began to head out of the city.

Suddenly, Liu Hai called out to Jiang Che.

"Little Brother Jiang, sorry to trouble you again! I wouldn’t have been at ease with just this group, but with you here, it’s a sure thing!" he said with a laugh.

"I saw some people at the Peak of the Stone Skin Realm among them. Their strength is impressive. They might even be stronger than me!" Jiang Che replied with a smile.

"You kid, now you’re just being modest! These fledglings who have only ever trained in a Martial Arts Hall? They’re useless no matter how high their Realm is!" Liu Hai said dismissively.

"By the way, Chief Liu, what if someone wanders off and refuses to follow orders?" Jiang Che asked.

He didn’t mind being the leader, but it would be troublesome if someone decided to do something stupid and wouldn’t listen to his advice.

"Don’t worry about it. If that happens, they’ll have brought it on themselves. You won’t be held responsible! I’ll take care of everything!" Liu Hai said domineeringly.

Jiang Che nodded. Since Liu Hai had said as much, he had no more reservations.

The group soon arrived at the edge of the small forest to the northwest.

The forest was dense, making it impossible to see what was inside.

The ground was covered with a thick layer of dead branches and fallen leaves.

Various animal droppings were scattered about.

Most were from birds, but some seemed to be from larger animals.

"Everyone, be careful. Try not to get separated!"

Jiang Che first used his Sensing carefully, but the Omen didn’t signal any danger.

Still, he didn’t dare to let his guard down.

’I may be strong, but the others don’t have as many life-saving techniques as I do. If they encounter a high-Realm Black Beast, they might not survive. As the leader, I still have to look out for them.’

Xiong Hui snorted coldly and strode directly into the woods.