Chapter Thirty: Encounter

Liu Feng took the spirit stone and placed it in his storage pouch.

“When you first entered the academy, you were only at the fourth tier of the Qi Gathering Realm. I didn’t expect you to become so strong in such a short time,” Instructor Zhang Ning remarked with a sigh.

“My strength is still shallow; compared to those truly formidable individuals, I’m far behind,” Liu Feng replied earnestly.

“So young, yet so clear-minded and humble. Very good,” Zhang Ning said, his face showing approval.

Instructor Zhang Ying from Class Three approached and said, “The young man’s strength is impressive. Compared to other prodigies, you’re not lacking much.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Instructor Zhang. I know my strength is still quite weak.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing your performance in the upcoming class competition,” Zhang Ying said, patting Liu Feng on the shoulder before leaving the arena with Wang Jun.

“Next time, I won’t lose to you,” came Wang Jun’s voice as he jumped down from the stage.

“Very well, I’ll be waiting,” Liu Feng replied calmly.

“Keep working hard. I hope you’ll perform well in the class competition,” Zhang Ning said before leaping off the stage.

Liu Feng glanced at the large crater left on the dueling platform, shook his head slightly, and then jumped down himself.

Just then, Zhao Yang and a few others approached.

Liu Feng returned the spirit stones he had borrowed from them, counting them carefully.

Wang Yue smiled and said, “Liu Feng, not bad! I didn’t expect your strength to improve so quickly.”

“Our gap is getting wider and wider. I really don’t know how you train,” Wang Yang said, patting Liu Feng’s shoulder.

“In a few days we have the class competition, so let’s all work hard on our cultivation,” Zhao Yang said seriously.

“Liu Feng, you really put our class in the spotlight this time. I doubt Class Three will be so arrogant now.”

“That’s right, Class Three isn’t nearly as brash as they were earlier,” several students from Class One said excitedly as they approached Liu Feng.

In the last class competition, they had suffered a humiliating defeat. Now, with Liu Feng’s victory over Wang Jun, they felt a sense of vindication.

The students from Class Three, no longer as proud as before, drifted away dispiritedly.

“I still feel weak. I need to go cultivate,” Liu Feng said to Zhao Yang and the others.

“If you’re still going to train, I certainly can’t slack off,” Wang Yue said, heading straight to the training room.

Zhao Yang and Wang Yang also went to cultivate.

Liu Feng entered the training room, sat cross-legged, and began his practice.

True essence flowed through special pathways, constantly washing and tempering his body.

His flesh, organs, and bones were being refined and cleansed, impurities gradually expelled, and his constitution grew stronger and stronger.

He felt the injuries he had sustained during the duel rapidly healing; before long, his body was fully recovered.

Liu Feng realized that "Qi Potential Awakening" was indeed powerful—not only could it quickly heal injuries, but each time he recovered, his true essence became denser, and his physical strength increased.

Time always passed swiftly during cultivation. When Liu Feng opened his eyes, he found that night had already fallen outside.

He left the training room and made his way to the dining hall, ordered some food, and began to eat.

“Did you hear? This morning outside Chiyang City, a pack of Black Wind Wolves suddenly appeared and injured quite a few people from the city.”

“Yeah, the City Lord is furious. He wants to recruit strong individuals to eliminate these wolves, offering spirit stones and valuable elixirs as rewards based on the number of beasts slain.”

“I heard that many sects and academies have sent capable disciples, both for the rewards and to hone their survival skills and experience.”

A group of students gathered, discussing the day’s events.

Liu Feng was momentarily surprised by their conversation. He finished his meal quickly and left.

He planned to find Zhao Yang and the others to see what they thought about the situation.

On the cultivation square, Liu Feng spotted Zhao Yang, Wang Yang, and Wang Yue, and hurried over.

“Have you heard? This morning, Black Wind Wolves entered Chiyang City and injured many people,” Liu Feng asked.

“Yes, I heard. The City Lord wants to recruit people to wipe out those beasts,” Wang Yue replied.

“But the Black Wind Wolves are very strong. Ordinary people can’t kill them,” Wang Yang said, sounding worried.

“Are you planning to go?” Liu Feng asked.

“With my strength, it would be too dangerous. I’m not going to join the crowd. But you could give it a try,” Zhao Yang answered.

“We’re not going,” Wang Yue and Wang Yang said in unison.

“I was hoping we could go together for mutual support,” Liu Feng said regretfully.

After chatting a bit more, Zhao Yang and the others left.

Liu Feng returned to his dormitory.

“Liu Feng, are you going outside the city tomorrow to hunt Black Wind Wolves? I heard their strength ranges from the seventh to the ninth tier of the Qi Gathering Realm,” Li Feng asked.

“I discussed it with Li Feng, and we’re both planning to go tomorrow,” Wang Yun added.

“That’s great. I’m going too, so we can go together,” Liu Feng said happily.

“By the way, it’s been days since I’ve seen Zhang Chen. Do you know where he went?” Wang Yun suddenly asked.

“He said his family had matters to attend to, so he left in a hurry a few days ago,” Liu Feng replied.

“So that’s why I haven’t seen him for days,” Li Feng said, suddenly understanding.

“Rest up and prepare to hunt Black Wind Wolves tomorrow and rid the people of this menace.” With that, everyone went to bed.

The next morning, Liu Feng found Instructor Zhang Ning and shared his intentions.

Zhang Ning nodded slightly and said, “Be careful. If you find yourself in a situation you can’t handle, leave immediately.”

Liu Feng met up with Li Feng and Wang Yun at the academy, and together they headed toward the City Lord’s mansion in Chiyang City.

Upon arrival, they found a crowd already assembled—boys and girls aged fifteen to twenty.

“I heard the Black Wind Wolves are gathering fifty miles outside the city. Many passersby have already been injured.”

“The City Lord has already led a group out there, and we’ll be heading out soon as well.”

“When we get there, I’ll make those Black Wind Wolves flee in panic!”

“I’ll beat them so badly they’ll never dare leave the mountains again!”

Some spoke arrogantly, brimming with confidence, while others were full of energy and enthusiasm. There was no tension in the air.

“Where do these people get their confidence?” Liu Feng muttered, somewhat speechless.

“They’re all young—hot-blooded and inexperienced. It’s understandable,” Wang Yun said helplessly.

“Those speaking so boldly are all children of wealthy families. Their parents don’t strictly discipline them, so they act as they please and are used to thinking the world revolves around them,” Li Feng said, curling his lip.

Just then, a voice called out, “If everyone’s ready, let’s head out. When you return, you’ll be rewarded based on the number of Black Wind Wolves you kill.”

The speaker was a tall man about thirty years old.

He paused and continued, “But let me be clear: you must not act alone. You must form teams before hunting the Black Wind Wolves.”

With that, he led the way out of the city, and the crowd followed.

Soon, they approached the wolves’ gathering place. The leader signaled everyone to stop.

He said, “Form teams of ten, then head into the forest to hunt Black Wind Wolves.”

“You? You think you’re qualified to team up with us? Get lost!” an arrogant voice shouted at Liu Feng.