Druid Fairy

Chapter 80 Dividing the Treasure Beast, Nearly Ambush

Yunshui County is a superior county with a complete core power structure, and has several positions under its jurisdiction, including County Assistant, County Commandant, Registrar, Clerk, and Instructor.

Among them, the county constable was in charge of three classes of yamen runners: the ceremonial guards and criminal investigators; the fast guards for arrest and investigation; and the strong guards for garrison duty and tax collection.

The constables who came to Peach Blossom Village to detain the rioting refugees were from the fast squad, while the constables who kicked the ghosts were from the strong squad.

These violent institutions were often controlled by powerful clans in the county, their relationships intricate and complex, like a dense net that firmly covered the entire Yunshui County.

As the head of a county and also an immortal, Magistrate Liang was naturally unwilling to be controlled by these people, so he had no choice but to make a bold move to test the waters.

The title of Celestial Official, a mere "big pancake," is enough to garner many allies, especially since the three major families are not a monolithic entity.

Magistrate Liang casually waved his long sleeves, causing the mist of Ling Mountain to surge, and said calmly, "Ling Mountain has a spirit beast called the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer. This autumn hunt is to capture the spirit beast. Whichever side can bring the spirit antlers of the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer will win. The time limit is seven days."

This Lingshan Mountain is a resource of the county town. For him, if he cannot obtain full control over it, keeping it is not very useful.

Chief Zhao narrowed his hawk-like eyes and said, "Good!"

If the martial arts team representing the Zhao clan were to capture the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Liang Xianguan's prestige. He would no longer be able to interfere with the spies that the three clans had planted in the county town, and would only be able to act as a hands-off manager, completely sidelined by the three clans!
…………

"Fortunately, we are neutral."

Li Pingcan breathed a slight sigh of relief, looking at the green ribbon on his arm. Neither the three clans of the county nor the celestial officials had made things too difficult for the neutral force, which had the largest number of members.

As long as you maintain an average level during the autumn hunt and don't attract attention, there shouldn't be any problems.

He looked at the teams heading into the mountains, who, according to their assigned numbers, entered from different locations at intervals. This minimized resource competition in the early stages.

"In this sacred mountain, we are not only facing treasure beasts and spirit beasts, but we should be most careful of our own kind."

Li Pingcan felt a mix of emotions, including sadness and regret.

Wherever there are people, there is conflict; this seems to be an eternal truth.

Li Pingfu said in a low voice, "Try to keep your distance from other teams, especially those representing the three clans and the county magistrate."

Everyone nodded in unison.

After another two incense sticks' worth of time, the announcer finally called out their numbers. Li Pingfu took the lead and led the team into Lingshan.

'Such a rich spiritual energy!'

As soon as Li Pingcan entered, he felt a tightness as his whole body was enveloped by spiritual energy. In the past, he could only capture a few strands of spiritual energy on the mountaintop when the world was just beginning to open at dawn. Here, several strands of spiritual energy roamed freely.

In the druid's perception, the vigorous and thriving life force of this sacred mountain stretched out to its fullest extent, truly giving a sense of 'all things competing freely under the frosty sky'!
If one could cultivate immortality and meditate here, the efficiency would definitely be much higher than at Peach Blossom Mountain.

Judging from Magistrate Liang's nonchalant attitude, it's clear that the spiritual energy of Ling Mountain is nothing special to him, and he possesses a much better spiritual vein.

These celestial officials are really rich!
Suppressing the urge to absorb spiritual energy, Li Pingcan looked at his elder brother and the other martial artists. Although they also felt that the air was fresher and more comfortable than in other places, they did not have any other major reactions.

Li Pingfu assigned positions, saying, "My Black Tiger Kung Fu is strong, so I'll lead the way. Brother Shen's Azure Dragon Hand is flexible and versatile, so I'll leave it to you to bring up the rear."

In a team, the most dangerous positions are those leading the charge and those bringing up the rear.

The reason he chose Shen Xiaotian to oversee things was essentially because he didn't fully trust the other two martial arts school owners. Shen Xiaotian, on the other hand, was the most suitable candidate due to their close relationship.

Lei Zhenshan and Lin Fengwu were well aware of this, but since they didn't have to take on high risks, they naturally had no objections.

The group formed a line and proceeded cautiously.

Li Pingcan stepped onto the damp, soft, withered grass, and the layers of frost quickly clung to his shoes. Fortunately, Qin had thought things through and had bought him a pair of leather shoes in advance to make them fit well and be comfortable.

He thought of his mother, and his thoughts wandered to another matter: the treasure-hunting bees.

To be on the safe side, he didn't plan to use the Treasure-Finding Technique or consume his luck to find the treasure beast, which would only increase the chances of something going wrong. After more than a year of nurturing, in addition to the queen bee, the brood bees had also transformed into treasure-hunting bees. Although they weren't as accurate as the queen bee in finding treasures, they still had a general target range, which could greatly improve the efficiency of treasure hunting.

The idea behind the Treasure-Hunting Bees is not to offer them to martial arts school owners for treasure hunting, but to leave these two offspring bees in Lingshan and, through spiritual sharing, to create a "treasure map"!
Even to cultivators, a straggling killer bee is nothing more than a stray, unremarkable creature that wouldn't attract much attention.

In the vast and boundless Ling Mountain, how could Magistrate Liang, a cultivator in the mid-stage of Qi Refining, possibly detect the special nature of a killer bee without being able to use his divine sense?
"We can't break through the restrictions of Mount Ling now, but that might not be the case if we cultivate immortality in the future. Ultimately, the restrictions of Mount Ling are more like a smokescreen than a true protective array; they're meant to guard against ordinary martial artists and some poor, independent cultivators who might try to take advantage of the situation."

'First, let the treasure-hunting bees search for treasures and draw up treasure maps. Then, wait for the opportune moment to seize all the treasures of Mount Ling!'

Even if the juvenile bees are lost due to an accident, the loss is only two treasure-hunting bees.

As long as a queen bee exists and there is enough time, treasure-hunting bees can be continuously bred.

Despite these thoughts, Li Pingcan did not rush to release the juvenile bees, deciding to play it safe and observe for a while longer.

…………

The first night.

After a day of looking at the green forest, everyone was a little dizzy. The situation in the mountains was complicated, and any rustling of the wind or movement would attract everyone's attention.

Excessive caution and excitement had taken a toll on their spirits, and apart from Li Pingcan's feigned exhaustion, most of the "followers" appeared somewhat tired.

"I clearly saw that golden monkey, how could it have gotten away?" Lei Zhenshan said with some regret.

Their goal was the treasure beast, but the spirit beast dared not touch it.

“The golden monkey is quick and agile, able to swing from tree to tree, and is familiar with its environment, so it’s not surprising that it’s hard to catch,” Li Pingfu said. “Our target is those large, land-dwelling treasure beasts.”

Large in size, high in value, and with enough flesh and blood.

Unlike birds of prey, land animals have a greater chance of breaking through ground encirclements, making them more successful hunters.

"what!"

Suddenly a woman screamed, and everyone tensed up. With several sharp "cracks," swords were drawn, and everyone looked toward Lin Xiaowu, who had screamed.

A centipede is crawling on my foot!

Lin Xiaowu was so frightened that her face turned pale. She leaned into Li Pingfu's arms and said in a coquettish voice, "Brother Pingfu, I'm scared!"

Everyone was silent.

A black centipede, about the length of a finger, was seen frantically burrowing into the dead leaves as it was disturbed.

I originally thought that the centipede with the Qi and Blood Seed would bite painfully, but it looks like an ordinary little centipede that poses no threat to martial artists.

"How many times has this happened today?" Li Yuan muttered unhappily.

In order to get Pingfu's attention, Lin Xiaowu would make a big fuss even about an insect the size of a fingernail.

Li Pingfu calmly brushed Lin Xiaowu's hand away and warned, "Miss Lin, don't be so startled and disturb everyone's rest."

"I'm scared!" Lin Xiaowu blinked her watery eyes. "I'm not scared because Brother Pingfu is here."

Everyone was speechless.

Lin Fengwu was speechless. In her younger years, she had a strong personality and neglected to discipline her daughter. It was one thing for her to act childishly on ordinary days, but to cause trouble at such a tense time was really foolish.

She felt a little regretful. If it weren't for the fact that she had some talent, she would have wanted to match her daughter with Li Pingfu.

If I had known he was so disrespectful, I would have kept him locked up at home.

But it's too late to regret now.

After this incident, no one dared to let Lin Xiaowu keep watch at night, which allowed her to get a good night's sleep.

…………

The next morning.

The group continued eastward, venturing deeper into the forest. As the forest grew denser, the wild grass grew taller, obstructing their view.

Li Pingcan paused, as the passive, animal-friendly behavior conveyed a new message.

【Name: Purple Teeth Teasing Pig】

[Mood: Raging]

……

At the same time, Lei Zhenshan pointed to a dark, muddy object and said, "This is the excrement of a large beast."

He approached and examined it closely. When he saw that even insects and ants were avoiding the dung, his expression became excited: "It's the dung of a precious beast!"

“That’s right.” Li Pingfu crouched down and found two rows of hoof prints among the decaying leaves. He whispered, “It’s a hoofed animal. Judging from the marks on the tree trunks around here, this animal is fierce and huge, probably weighing between 300 and 500 pounds.”

Li Pingcan couldn't help but admire them. He had an affinity for animals and could directly learn some information about beasts, but his elder brother and Master Lei relied on their life experience to judge what kind of ferocious treasure beast it was, which was quite remarkable.

'It seems that relying entirely on skills can lead to the limitations of ingrained thought patterns.'

He secretly became alert and quietly wrote the name and location of the treasure beast on his elder brother's palm. Li Pingfu understood, pondered for a moment, and formulated a plan for the encirclement based on the relative strengths of the two beasts.

……

"Roar!"

The faint sound of snapping branches could be heard. A hundred feet ahead, a brownish-black wild boar with bristles like steel needles was munching on mushrooms. Its back was bulging, and two deep purple tusks at its mouth were ferocious and terrifying, like the sharp spikes of two tridents.

"It's actually a purple-tusked boar."

Lin Fengwu's expression changed slightly; her Fire Dance technique was most disadvantageous against such a ferocious creature.

Lei Zhenshan's expression turned solemn as he looked at the bow and arrow behind Li Pingfu. "Long-range weapons are useless against this kind of tough-skinned beast unless the arrows can hit its eyes."

At a distance of a small target in a complex mountain forest, this is not something that can be easily accomplished.
Even the most skilled archer, capable of hitting a target from a hundred paces, may not be able to achieve a precise shot.

"Give it a try first; you won't regret it."

Li Pingfu took the bow and arrows off his back, held them in his hand, and said:
"After I finish shooting the arrows, no matter what the situation is, Brother Shen, go around to the back and block the retreat, Master Lei, set up the net on the left flank, and Master Lin, support us! The rest of you, block the iron net."

Having said that, he pressed his palms down three times, signaling everyone to hold their breath and proceed slowly. As they drew nearer, the Purple-Toothed Pig seemed to sense something, grunted uneasily twice, and suddenly looked up.

It's now!

At a distance close enough to be spotted, Li Pingfu drew his bow to its fullest extent and fired an arrow that pierced the eye of the Purple-Toothed Boar with a "whoosh," hitting the bullseye.

"It actually hit the target."

While Lei Zhenshan found it unbelievable, he suddenly realized he was getting used to it, since Li Pingfu always managed to surprise him.

"Take advantage of this opportunity and strike while the iron is hot."

Without a word, the martial arts school owners swarmed forward.

Shen Xiaotian stepped onto the "Azure Dragon Nine-Bend Step," sliding along the rock wall to the depression, his Cloud-Piercing Hand ready to strike.

Lei Zhenshan channeled the White Tiger Force into his palms, his eyebrows, hair, and beard bristling, his fists and palms exuding a terrifying aura.

Lin Fengwu held a cold iron dart soaked in anesthetic, and slowly shifted it as the wild boar's head slightly lifted.

In an instant, the crisp sound of crushing dead leaves suddenly exploded!

The wild boar, in pain, charged suddenly, its 400-pound body slamming into the gap in the encirclement like a cannonball, where Li Pingfu stood blocking its way!
Then, Ziya Liaozhu raised its two front legs high, its purple teeth gleaming coldly, as if it intended to crush Li Pingfu to death.

Li Pingfu narrowed his eyes. Known for his strength, he retreated instead of advancing. His feet moved back and forth, creating afterimages. He leaped lightly in the air and spun around with a diagonal step, bumping into the lower back of the purple-toothed pig. His thick, tiger-skin-like hands grabbed the right purple tooth, then pressed down on the entire pig's head and forcefully flicked and swung it!
The purple-toothed boar paused, its initial momentum twisted as it was redirected. Its massive body couldn't stop in time; its hooves slipped, and it tumbled to the ground like an out-of-control carriage. With its momentum still intact, it crashed into four or five trees before finally losing all its strength.

"Brother Li, what a skillful trick!"

Shen Xiaotian gave a shout of praise, seized the opportunity and leaped up, his Azure Dragon Cloud-Piercing Hand aimed straight for the wild boar's cervical spine. Unexpectedly, the beast's ferocity did not diminish, and it twisted its body and shook its head, its tusks scraping against the iron wrist guards and sending up a string of sparks.

Seeing this, Li Pingfu nimbly stepped around most of the pig's head, and with his arm and the force of his whole body, he struck the spine with all his might. The sound of bones cracking could be clearly heard, and the wild boar convulsed and howled in agony.

Just then, Lei Zhenshan channeled his White Tiger internal energy into his fingertips and pulled out the heart of the Purple Tooth Pig with a single palm strike.

Don't waste your hard work!

Lin Fengwu tossed out a specially made copper pot, and Lei Zhenshan's short knife precisely pierced the heart ventricle to collect the blood. The group moved with the skill of a master butcher, carefully sorting and bagging the precious materials.

"A good haul." Shen Xiaotian was beaming with joy. Things are valued for their rarity. Treasure beasts are already rare, and even ordinary small beasts cost a hundred taels of silver, let alone a purple-toothed piranha that grew up in the Spirit Mountain and had a huge body.

Each of the four martial arts schools received fifty to sixty catties of meat, excluding the inedible parts.

The larger the beast, the more likely it is to produce "exotic treasures". With a little crafting, its pair of purple fangs can be a pair of excellent weapons!

Everyone looked relieved.

Seeing that the battle had ended without serious incident and his elder brother was safe and sound, Li Pingcan relaxed slightly. Suddenly, he frowned. Based on the animal-friendly signal, someone was approaching!

"alert!"

Upon receiving a tacit hint from his younger brother, Li Pingfu suddenly shouted in a low voice.

The martial arts masters were slightly taken aback. Although they didn't understand why, the tacit understanding they had developed in battle made them instantly stand in their respective positions, forming a battle formation to help each other.

After waiting a moment, a shadowy figure approached and swayed in the forest.

Shen Xiaotian suddenly reached out with his Azure Dragon Hand, grabbed a short martial artist, and shouted towards the hidden spot in the mountains and forests: "You cowardly coward, show yourself now!"

"Rustle, rustle."

Several figures no longer concealed themselves, revealing their forms. The leader, wielding a large sword and clad in soft armor, wore an arrogant and condescending gaze.
"Pantao Town is such a small place, yet the martial artists here have such keen senses. Why don't you release our people at once?"

The captured short scout shouted, "We are from the Zhao family! Why don't you release your grandfather respectfully?"

Li Pingcan's mind stirred slightly. These martial artists were well-equipped, arrogant, and carried the unique arrogance of the powerful and wealthy. Could they be core members of the Zhao family, or martial artists recruited by the Zhao family?

No wonder they were so confident; when their attempt to ambush them failed, they dared to brazenly demand that they release the people.

Shen Xiaotian looked aggrieved, staring at the "Zhao" character embroidered on the group's clothes, feeling as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a mouthful of excrement.

Having been a powerful figure in Pantao Town for half his life, he was threatened by a mere brat today. But a higher-ranking official can crush a lower-ranking one, so what could he do but let him go?
Otherwise, would we really have a conflict with the Zhao family?
Power, what a wonderful thing!
"Brother Shen, please release him." Li Pingfu remained calm and bowed to the Zhao family, saying, "I have offended you greatly today, please forgive me, Young Master Zhao."

Zhao Yunbo smiled and gave Li Pingfu a satisfied look.

He was searching for the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer when he discovered that these people had just killed a Purple-Toothed Boar. He had an idea and planned to ambush them to seize the treasure and finish the job quickly.

But now that they've been discovered, all their previous plans have come to naught, and they can't waste their energy on irrelevant people.

"You're a good guy, I'll give you a chance. Come to my Zhao family in Yunshui and mention my name, Zhao Yunbo, and I'll make you the head of the guards."

The Zhao family has high standards, and the head of the guards is a position that ordinary martial artists would rather die for. He considered himself to be doing a favor.

"Thank you for your kind words, Young Master Zhao." As always, Li Pingfu neither refused nor hurriedly agreed, remaining humble and composed.

This attitude made the Zhao family members look at him with new respect, finding the country boy quite interesting.

Unfortunately, he wasn't clever enough and didn't offer the Purple Tooth Pig to them, limiting his future prospects.

"Let's go."

Zhao Yunbo didn't pay much attention. He waved his hand and, seeing that there was no profit to be made, quickly led the Zhao clan members away from the place.

…………

"These Zhao family members are going too far!"

After Zhao Yunbo had been gone for a long time, Shen Xiaotian lowered his voice and complained.

It was obvious that they were almost ambushed, but Li Pingfu's early warning averted this unforeseen crisis!
"Thanks to Brother Li, whose piercing eyes have left no trace for any 'evil spirits'!"

Having always been overshadowed by his juniors, Lei Zhenshan had previously resigned himself to his fate and comforted himself with the idea that he was "used to it." But this time, he was truly convinced.

Lei Yunyun looked at Li Pingcan with admiration and said, "Your brother is amazing!"

"Of course." Li Pingcan praised his older brother without reservation.

Li Pingfu felt somewhat helpless. What was so great about him? The real power lay with his underlings, but he couldn't say that out loud.

He changed the subject, saying, "Let's leave this place first, and then divide and eat the treasure beast on the spot."

Lei Zhenshan agreed.

They were all just going through the motions and had no intention of competing for a top ten ranking. They would simply distribute the hunted beasts as they came, which was why Lei Zhenshan brought his youngest daughter, who was at the peak of the Bone Realm.

Those who are near the water get the moon first; good things should not go to outsiders!
The more times it changes hands, the more changes occur.

The group quickly changed positions, lit a campfire, and roasted the pork.

Li Pingcan took a bite of pork belly. His older brother had excellent knife skills; he could slice it thinly with a dagger. He rolled it up with some lightly blanched wild vegetables and ate it. It was fatty but not greasy, and the aroma filled his mouth.

It was only lightly sprinkled with salt, yet it tasted far better than the usual tavern signboard.

He devoured them one after another, his appetite enormous. The flesh and blood of the treasure beast gradually nourished his body, generating internal energy and surging power, making him feel warm all over.

For a time, all that could be heard was the sound of people eating and drinking heartily. Even Lin Xiaowu, who wanted to maintain her "ladylike" image, was devouring the precious meat.

The martial artists, exhausted from half a day's work, finally found some peace and quiet to enjoy this joyous feast of harvest.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Shen Xiaotian suddenly looked at them and said:

"Brother Li Xian contributed the most to this hunt, so I wonder if everyone agrees to give him these purple tusks?"

(End of this chapter)