C33 The Hunt Begins

"Mr. Ji, I've made up my mind. I'm going to head into the mountains with them!"

Qiu Xiya's gaze was fixed on Ji Zhong, filled with unwavering resolve.

"You!"

Without hesitation, Ji Zhong declared, "I'll accompany you!"

"Mr. Ji, you're coming too? What about your health?"

Qiu Xiya expressed her surprise, her concern for Ji Zhong's well-being clearly evident as she glanced at him.

"The danger has escalated recently. I won't have peace of mind unless I'm with you!" Ji Zhong spoke with an air of finality, his decision to follow Qiu Xiya and ensure her safety firmly made.

"Beauty, why would you want to join us on a hunting trip into the mountains?" Jiaang Lin asked, clearly baffled.

He had assumed that Qiu Xiya was acting on the village chief's orders to request his participation in the hunting party to safeguard the men, but the reality was not as Jiaang Lin had envisioned.

"Is there a problem? Isn't it a good thing that I'm willing to join you?" Qiu Xiya teased, batting her eyelashes at Jiaang Lin. "Shouldn't you be thrilled to have a beauty like me accompanying you on the hunt?"

Jiaang Lin quickly dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand, "Fine, if you want to come along, then by all means."

"Uncle Iron Tower, there's no issue with Mr. Ji and me joining you on the hunt, right?"

Qiu Xiya playfully swung Iron Tower's arm, which he bashfully withdrew. He responded, "Sure, come along. With him to protect you, you'll likely be safe."

"Absolutely! Mr. Ji is incredibly capable!" Qiu Xiya said cheerfully, while giving Jiaang Lin a playful glare. "Oh, and I don't need your protection!"

Jiaang Lin felt a mix of resignation and determination, silently vowing to himself that he'd get even with Qiu Xiya if the opportunity ever arose.

"Well, Immortal Master, if that's settled, shall we head into the mountain?" When Tie Ta spoke of the mountain, his demeanor shifted to one of utter seriousness, his presence transforming markedly.

Jiaang Lin recognized this aura as one that only seasoned warriors possessed.

Jiaang Lin's previous life as a special forces soldier had endowed him with a distinctive aura. When Tie Ta released his own powerful aura, even Ji Zhong couldn't help but give him a surprised glance, a testament to its intensity.

"Hold on a moment..."

Jiaang Lin stroked his chin, halting Tie Ta who was on the verge of announcing their departure. Tie Ta looked at Jiaang Lin, puzzled, while Ji Zhong's gaze also shifted towards him.

"If we depart now, the village will be defenseless," Jiaang Lin observed, his eyes narrowing. "I've pledged to safeguard North Mountain Village, so I must consider all potential threats. Being extra cautious is never a bad thing."

"Are you concerned about the Green Mountain Sect stirring up trouble?" Qiu Xiya inquired.

"It's not just the Green Mountain Sect," Jiaang Lin replied, shaking his head. "Have you all forgotten what Qi Yuan mentioned the other day?"

"What did he say?" Tie Ta asked, clearly perplexed.

"He warned us that a significant beast tide would erupt within about half a month, and three days have already passed. We need to take this seriously."

A sharp glint in Jiaang Lin's eyes revealed his deep contemplation of the matter.

"Should we then leave some people behind to guard the village?" Tie Ta asked, his hesitation evident. To them, mere mortals, the prospect of facing demonic beasts or the Green Mountain Sect was daunting, to say the least.

​