"Moreover, I have already stepped into the Mid Spirit Sea Realm and will likely break through to the Spirit Soul Realm before long; I am in urgent need of a high-quality spirit soul."
With this in mind, Ye Han decided to head to the Spirit Beast Valley to try his luck. Not long after, he changed into light travel attire and set off alone toward the northern part of Yan City.
...
In the north of Yan City, the Spirit Beast Valley: With its high mountains and deep ravines, it is infested with countless spirit beasts, earning it the reputation of a paradise for monsters. Not far away, veiled by a thin layer of mist, a sprawling mountain range loomed in and out of sight. Between the mountains, streams babbled, and countless towering ancient trees stood, permeating the air with the scent of the wild. These ancient trees were tall and straight, their history spanning ages, while on the jagged rocks, countless ancient vines wound like coiling hornless dragons.
Although the Spirit Beast Valley was secluded and seemed devoid of human presence, it was not actually untraversed. Because it was not far from Yan City, groups often organized themselves to come here to hunt spirit beasts. These organizations were known as Spirit Hunter Mercenary Groups. By noon, no fewer than ten such mercenary groups had arrived in groups to enter the Spirit Beast Valley. These mercenary groups usually consisted of five or six people, carrying various spirit tools to venture deep into the valley and hunt spirit beasts. Once a beast was captured, they would extract its essence blood, spirit soul, and beast bones, taking them together to the Tianyan Market to sell in exchange for a handsome sum of cultivation supplies. The piece of beast bone Ye Han had previously purchased at the Tianyan Market had come from the hands of just such a mercenary group.
On the north side of the valley, seven mercenaries carrying spirit bows were walking toward the valley entrance.
"Senior Brother Lu, that Black Wind Mercenary Group is truly lucky. I heard they hunted a wounded Spirit Sea Realm spirit beast a few hours ago and earned tens of thousands of spirit stones." A youth with a mouth like a thunder god looked unconvinced.
Beside him, a woman in red spoke with an arrogant expression: "They just had good luck. Our Lone Wolf Mercenary Group is the strongest in all of Yan City. We cannot lose to the Black Wind Mercenary Group this time. Once we enter the valley, we must hunt a spirit beast of the same level."
Hearing this, the other mercenaries nodded, secretly bolstering their spirits. At that moment, on a giant rock high above, a figure was observing this group.
"These mercenary groups have been roaming here for years; they must be very familiar with the Spirit Beast Valley."
Ye Han frowned. He glanced around; the terrain of the Spirit Beast Valley was complex and shrouded in fog year-round, so venturing deep alone would likely lead to getting lost. Therefore, joining a Spirit Hunter Mercenary Group was a good method. Thinking this, Ye Han leaped suddenly from the giant rock, rushing down the steep slope like a sprinting cheetah.
*Whoosh!*
"Who's there?!"
A vigorous figure suddenly charged down from the side slope. The members of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group quickly became alert, pointing their spirit bows in unison.
"Huh? Why is it someone alone?"
The members of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group frowned and lowered their bows.
"Which mercenary group are you from?" asked the blue-robed youth in the lead, walking toward Ye Han with a deep voice. This youth was the captain of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group and the eldest son of the Lu family of Yan City, Lu Qingshan.
"I am not part of any mercenary group. I only wish to enter the Spirit Beast Valley to hunt spirit beasts. But since this is my first time here, I don't know the complex terrain and fear getting lost, so I intended to join your Lone Wolf Mercenary Group. I wonder if that is possible?" Ye Han cupped his hands toward Lu Qingshan and spoke truthfully.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, a harsh laugh rang out.
"How ignorant. You want to barge into the Spirit Beast Valley alone? Even our mercenary groups have to be extremely careful. It is full of crises; if you encounter a powerful spirit beast, I fear you won't even have a bone left to gnaw on."
The person speaking was the arrogant woman in red, Lu Xue. She sized Ye Han up, and seeing that he was even younger than her, her eyes were filled with disdain. Lu Qingshan frowned; he rarely saw cultivators who dared to enter the Spirit Beast Valley alone. To enter alone required at least the strength of the Spirit Sea Realm. Yet, the youth before him seemed four or five years younger than him; how could he possibly be a Spirit Sea Realm powerhouse?
"This..." For a moment, Lu Qingshan felt caught in a dilemma.
However, Lu Xue was blunt and rejected him directly: "Our Lone Wolf Mercenary Group is one of the strongest in Yan City. To join us, one needs at least the strength of the Seventh Layer of Spirit Spring Realm. Do you think you have that qualification? We aren't so stupid as to take on a burden."
Hearing this, Ye Han couldn't help but frown. Looking at Lu Xue's delicate face, he felt no goodwill toward her at all. In particular, her arrogant, condescending attitude was disgusting. However, Ye Han sneered inwardly; the strongest member of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group, Lu Qingshan, was only half a step into the Spirit Sea Realm. If he could join, he would definitely be a major help. It was just a pity that these arrogant mercenaries had poor judgment.
"If that's the case, then forget it." Ye Han showed no emotion on his face.
"If this little brother doesn't mind, you can join our Tiemu Mercenary Group." At this moment, a hearty voice came from behind. They saw another group of mercenaries dressed in black walking toward the valley entrance from not far away.
"The Tiemu Mercenary Group has come too!" Seeing this group of men in black, the faces of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group turned ugly. Rivalry existed between these mercenary groups, and the Tiemu and Lone Wolf groups held a significant grudge against each other...
***
Chapter 30: Tiemu
At the west valley entrance, another aggressive group arrived. This group was the members of the other mercenary group—the Tiemu Mercenary Group. Ye Han looked on with curiosity and immediately noticed their attire was somewhat peculiar. This group was all wearing fur coats, their skin dark and rough, their limbs well-developed, resembling indigenous primitives. The burly man in the lead was broad-shouldered, with rugged features and strong, powerful muscles. He was the leader of the Tiemu Mercenary Group—Tiemu.
"Tiemu, you've come too?" Lu Qingshan said with deep hostility.
Tiemu’s voice was as deep as a bell. He looked at Lu Qingshan and snorted, "Lu Qingshan, last time your Lone Wolf Mercenary Group used despicable means to poach a Ninth Layer of Spirit Spring Realm spirit beast that our Tiemu Mercenary Group had hunted. That score hasn't been settled yet, so of course we had to come."
"Hahaha, what a joke. The spirit beasts of this valley don't belong to your Tiemu Mercenary Group. Whoever gets their hands on them, they naturally belong to." Lu Qingshan raised his eyebrows and said shamelessly.
It turned out that a month ago, the two major mercenary groups had held a hunting competition here, and the Tiemu Mercenary Group’s wounded prey had been intercepted by the other party. Hearing Lu Qingshan's words, the group behind Tiemu all clenched their fists in anger.
"What, do you want to start a fight here?" The members of the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group looked provocative. However, Tiemu frowned and reached out to stop his brothers, who were full of fury. He knew it was unwise to clash here before any beasts were hunted. Tiemu’s gaze fell on Ye Han, and he laughed heartily, "Little brother, if the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group won't take you, we will. If you don't mind, you can join our Tiemu Mercenary Group. We just happen to be short-handed. And don't worry, you'll have a share of whatever we hunt this time."
Ye Han looked at Tiemu; the man was rough and straightforward, looking much more pleasant than Lu Qingshan, so he said, "Tiemu-ge is straightforward; of course I am willing."
"Good!" Tiemu patted Ye Han’s body, secretly sending a surge of Spiritual Power to test him. A normal person would likely have been shaken by this power. But Ye Han remained smiling, standing perfectly still.
"Oh?" Tiemu was secretly surprised. He had intended to test Ye Han's strength, but it seemed this little guy's strength was unfathomable. Ye Han knew full well that Tiemu was testing him intentionally. However, Tiemu’s cultivation was the same as Lu Qingshan's—only a half-step into the Spirit Sea Realm—so how could he measure Ye Han's true depth?
"Your Tiemu Mercenary Group really will take any third-rate trash, aren't you afraid of lowering your standing? Heh, Commander Tiemu, I fear you will lose to our Lone Wolf Mercenary Group again in this hunt." Lu Xue tilted her chin and teased.
"Haha, it is your Lone Wolf Mercenary Group that has eyes but fails to recognize talent, handing us such a powerful teammate. I should be thanking you." Tiemu laughed, unbothered.
"Him?" Lu Xue looked at Ye Han with contempt and curled her lip. Just a seventeen-year-old kid—how strong could he be?
"Tiemu, then let's see which of our two groups loses this time." Lu Qingshan looked provocative, sparks flashing in his eyes. Behind them, the brothers of both groups glared at each other, gritting their teeth.
"Hmph! Let's go!" Lu Qingshan snorted, turned, and led his group into the Spirit Beast Valley.
"That guy is truly rampant!" Watching Lu Qingshan's back, the brothers of the Tiemu group gritted their teeth.
"Little brother, this is our Tiemu group’s Tiewu. He is especially skilled with a blade and once easily decapitated a Seventh Layer of Spirit Spring Realm Mad Lion Tiger with a single stroke. If you don't understand anything, you can ask him..." Tiemu introduced the cold-faced, blade-wielding youth to Ye Han. Tiewu, despite his cold demeanor, nodded to Ye Han. "This is Tielan..."
Before long, Tiemu introduced the members of the mercenary group to Ye Han one by one. The mercenaries didn't oppose Ye Han’s joining, nor were they particularly happy; after all, they felt Ye Han's strength might not be enough for their group. But only Tiemu knew that this youth before them might not be someone to be trifled with.
"Let's go in. This time, we must hunt more spirit beasts than the Lone Wolf Mercenary Group." With that, the rugged men took Ye Han and rushed into the valley.
...
In the dense forest, ancient trees towered toward the sky. The fallen leaves on the ground had accumulated over years to a thickness of over a foot, feeling extremely soft underfoot. At this moment, Ye Han and the Tiemu group had slowly entered a patch of deep forest. This patch was overgrown with weeds and looked mysterious and eerie under the shroud of mist. The Tiemu mercenaries held bone spears, cautiously lying in wait within the grass, occasionally glancing around.
*Rustle, rustle, rustle.*
Just then, a sound came from the bushes not far ahead.
"Shh, a spirit beast!" Tiewu signaled for everyone to be quiet, then locked eyes with Tiemu, Ye Han, and the others. They stepped cautiously, surrounding the bushes from four directions.
"It's a pack of Iron-Backed Wolves." Ye Han pushed aside the weeds and saw about seven or eight wolves with silver fur. Their strength was roughly between the Seventh Layer of the Spirit Spring Realm, which was quite strong.
"Move!" Tiemu signaled to the group.
*Boom!*
The mercenaries raised their bone spears, which shot out like beams of white light with a *whoosh*.
*Thwack!*
*Awooo—*
One Iron-Backed Wolf was pierced through, pinned to the muddy ground along with the spear, blood gushing out as it howled.
*Roar!*
The remaining Iron-Backed Wolves were startled, baring their fangs and claws at Tiewu and the others before pouncing.
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
The Tiemu mercenaries erupted with powerful Spiritual Power, engaging the pack in a fierce and intense melee.
*Awooo!*
The Iron-Backed Wolves were no pushovers. They tilted their heads and howled toward the sky, seemingly summoning the surrounding pack. One wolf lunged at Ye Han; Ye Han dodged, and with a *thud*, a giant rock was torn apart by the wolf's claws.
"Brother Ye, get back!" A deep voice called out; Tiewu was rushing over with his blade. He moved with murderous intensity, pouncing on the wolf, pinning it to the ground, and slashing his blade across its throat.
*Thwack—*
Blood sprayed, and the wolf's head fell.
*Awooo! Awooo!*
Just as the Tiemu group was about to claim victory, sounds of howling erupted from all around, extremely loud.
"Not good, the pack has been summoned." Ye Han frowned, realizing the danger.
*Rustle, rustle, rustle.*
Sure enough, before long, rustling sounds came from the surrounding grass. Hundreds of Iron-Backed Wolves with eerie green eyes appeared, surrounding the entire Tiemu Mercenary Group.
"Oh no..." At this moment, Tiemu’s face changed drastically.
***
Chapter 31: Slaying the Iron-Backed Wolf King
"Oh no..." Tiemu and the others' faces changed drastically. They scanned their surroundings, hearing only the rustling of grass as one Iron-Backed Wolf after another appeared. These wolves snarled and growled; there were at least several hundred of them!
"Everyone, huddle together!" Tiemu shouted. The members quickly shot back, forming a circle back-to-back, scanning the surroundings with vigilance. At this moment, they were no longer the ones surrounding the Iron-Backed Wolves; they were being surrounded!
*Awooo!*
Howls echoed through the valley. Ye Han scanned the area quickly. These wolves were not very strong, mostly below the Fifth Layer of the Spirit Spring Realm, but their strength lay in their sheer numbers. There were only eight of them; facing hundreds of wolves, even a Spirit Sea Realm cultivator would be exhausted to death if dragged into a prolonged battle.
"Big brother, what do we do now?!" Tiewu gripped his blade, his palms sweating, his voice tense. The other members were panting heavily, their bodies taut, some even turning pale with panic.
Tiemu clenched his fists, his determined gaze revealing a hint of ferocity. He knew that if they didn't fight their way out, the entire Tiemu Mercenary Group would be lost here!
"Fight our way out to the left!"
*Boom!*
Tiemu roared, his fists shaking as a wave of Spiritual Power exploded toward the pack. He blasted forward, his fists slamming down with all his might. With a *thud*, blood sprayed into the air as two Iron-Backed Wolves fell dead.
*Awooo! Awooo!*
The pack turned enraged, baring their sharp claws and fangs as they swarmed.
*Boom, boom, boom—*
Hundreds of wolves surged forward; the scene was magnificent and terrifying. The ferocious wolves snarled and lunged at Tiewu and the others. In an instant, the mercenary group was trapped.
*Thump!*
Ye Han clapped his palms together, sending a palm print of spirit light roaring outward, shattering a wolf into a mist of blood and scaring the others into retreating.
"These wolves have decent intelligence..." Ye Han raised an eyebrow, murmuring to himself. He noticed that not many wolves were actively attacking him; they were watching him with wariness, clearly sensing he was not someone to be trifled with. However, Tiemu and the others were being bitten and clawed by the pack.
*Thwack!*
"Ah!" A roar of pain rang out. Ye Han looked over to see Tiewu’s arm torn open by a wolf. The other circles of combat were no better; Tiemu and the others were covered in blood, their bodies marred by the wolves' sharp claws.
"Fall back!" Tiemu, eyes bloodshot, roared.
*Boom, boom, boom—*
A moment later, the group retreated, panting heavily, forming a circle back-to-back once again. They realized they couldn't break through!
"Damn it!" Tiemu clenched his fists, deeply blaming himself. He shouldn't have provoked this pack of revenge-obsessed Iron-Backed Wolves. At this point, the other members were filled with despair and a touch of grim determination. Aside from Ye Han, everyone else was injured and their Spiritual Power was nearly depleted.
Ye Han looked at the miserable Tiemu and spoke in a low voice, "Brother Tiemu, I have a way to make these Iron-Backed Wolves retreat on their own."
"What way? Let's hear it!" Tiemu said, his gaze fixed on the pack, fearing they might pounce at any moment.
"Do you see that grey-brown wolf on the giant rock? I suspect that is the Iron-Backed Wolf King. As long as we kill that king, the pack will collapse on its own and retreat." Ye Han pointed to the left. Less than three hundred meters away stood a giant rock. Perched atop it was a majestic, giant wolf. Its mane was glossy, its teeth sharp, and its imposing presence clearly marked it as the king!
"Kill the Wolf King?" Tiewu and the others forced a smile, their faces pale. Not to mention whether they could break through the pack to cover the three hundred meters, even if they reached it, they might not be able to handle the king. The Wolf King had the strength of the Peak of Spirit Spring Realm. If Tiemu were in his prime, he might have been able to defeat it one-on-one, but now, it was clearly impossible.
"Brother Tiemu, watch closely." With that, Ye Han smiled slightly. He quickly mobilized his Spiritual Power, a heavy force crushing outward. His golden Spiritual Power surged, and he stamped his foot.
*Boom!*
His figure shot out like a golden bolt of lightning, moving with incredible speed!
*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—*
*Roar!*
Seeing Ye Han charge toward the Wolf King, the rest of the pack went wild and lunged toward him. Tiemu and the others were stunned; they hadn't expected Ye Han to have the courage to charge at the Wolf King!
"Brother Ye, get back!" Tiemu recovered and shouted at Ye Han, his face changing drastically. But at that moment, Ye Han was stepping lightly upon the heads of the wolves, moving with lightning speed.
*Awooo!*
The surrounding pack bared their claws and pounced.
"Seeking death!" Ye Han snorted coldly. Golden Spiritual Power spread over his arms, making them look as if they were cast from solid gold.