Shortly after, the team members finished handling the carcasses of the Tusked Boars on the ground. Nevertheless, their only spoils were the five boars they had successfully slain.
As for the Tusked Boar slain by Ling Feng, according to the regulations, it couldn't be considered part of the training achievements.
Ling Feng was not stingy either. Besides collecting the demonic core of the Tusked Boar king for himself, he distributed all the other materials among the team members. Although these contributions didn't count towards their achievements, obtaining some demonic cores was still a significant wealth for these Qi Formation stage disciples.
"Jiang Wanqing, lead the way." Seeing the others finish handling the spoils, Ling Feng turned back and said casually to Jiang Wanqing.
"I..." Jiang Wanqing hesitated, nibbling her lower lip, and after a brief silence, she said, "It's better if you lead the way."
"Hmm?" The surrounding team members were taken aback upon hearing Jiang Wanqing's words. The one who usually contradicted Ling Feng was now voluntarily suggesting that he lead the way?
Ling Feng gave a wry smile, not particularly surprised. At least this woman still had some sense and wasn't acting recklessly.
"Alright, everyone, follow me," Ling Feng nodded. He led them back along the route he had chosen, a distance of just a dozen miles that wouldn't take much time.
In the wilderness, the night is the most perilous time, as powerful predators tend to roam under the cover of darkness.
While Ling Feng himself didn't mind, undertaking a journey late at night was certainly not a prudent choice while leading so many rookie team members.
Fortunately, Ling Feng discovered a demonic bear's den before nightfall.
With the combined effort of ten team members, the demonic bear was swiftly slain. Following that, they took over the den, using it as their temporary camp for the night.
Luo Jianying lit a campfire at the cave entrance and arranged for the team members to take turns standing guard. It was evident he had practical experience in wilderness survival, making him the most composed and capable among all the disciples.
Around the campfire, team members with close bonds sat in pairs or small groups, engaging in conversations about the day's events. Each one shared a sense of joy, tinged with a hint of relief.
Resting against a nearby rock, Ling Feng sat cross-legged, cradling the Abysmal Inkblade. He activated the techniques of the Wenxian Qi Refining Technique to cultivate and regulate his energy. In the presence of everyone, he refrained from activating the Human Dao Eye to cultivate.
"Senior Uncle Ling Feng, this is for you."
Su Hongxiu approached with a cheerful smile, holding a wooden skewer with a deliciously grilled piece of meat.
Those were the bear paws of the demonic bear that had been recently slain by the group.
"Thank you," Ling Feng nodded, accepting the grilled meat. Although he had brought some dried rations, they couldn't match the satisfaction of freshly grilled meat.
The meat of demonic beasts differs from that of ordinary wild animals; it carries demonic energy that has a unique tempering effect on cultivators' physiques. The offspring of major clans and influential families have been consuming various types of demonic beast meat since childhood. Consequently, their physiques usually possess greater resilience compared to ordinary warriors.
During this moment, a distant and resonant roar suddenly echoed, accompanied by a breath that seemed to choke the air. In an instant, the cavern became exceptionally silent.
This kind of roar was unmistakably the majestic roar of the forest king, a tiger. Generally speaking, demonic beasts like fierce tigers possessed exceptionally formidable strength.
Despite the roar being in the distance, it was sufficient to instill fear in the inexperienced novices.
Ling Feng looked around the cave for a moment before asking, "Where's Jiang Wanqing? Why isn't she here?"
"Sister Jiang said she wanted to go for a walk outside, and it's been quite a while since she left," Su Hongxiu whispered in response.
"I'll go out and check. Don't wander around," Ling Feng said, giving his nose a rub before getting up and leaving the cave.
In reality, considering Jiang Wanqing's capabilities, there was no need for him to be concerned. He merely used the excuse to distance himself from the crowd, finding a secluded spot to activate the Human Dao Eye for cultivation.
After reaching the ninth stage of Qi Formation, the activation time for the Human Dao Eye has extended to fifty breaths. Additionally, when employing the methods outlined in the Chaotic Divine Emperor’s Secret Art to manipulate the body's six qi, there seemed to be a subtle indication that the second divine inscription was nearing condensation.
Ling Feng anticipated that as he advanced from the Qi Formation Realm to the Pulse Formation Realm, the second divine inscription would form. By then, he would gain two more potent abilities.
Emerging from the mountain cave, Ling Feng observed his surroundings and then proceeded towards a quieter area.
He walked a few hundred feet away from the cave entrance, maintaining a moderate distance. Being neither too close nor too far, this ensured that he could promptly return in case of any unexpected situations.
Suddenly, he noticed a faint rustling sound coming from a cluster of bushes not far ahead. The surrounding grasses swayed with a soft swoosh sound, as if some creature were moving around within.
Instinctively, Ling Feng turned his gaze in the opposite direction.
Within a thick cluster of bushes stood a girl adorned in purple, her back turned to Ling Feng. Faintly, he discerned some subtle trickling sounds.
Ling Feng's expression momentarily faltered, and he quickly averted his gaze. He had recognized the girl—she was none other than Jiang Wanqing.
While Ling Feng didn't see himself as a saintly figure, he certainly wasn't a peeping tom. As a physician, he had encountered bodies of both men and women, becoming thoroughly acquainted with human anatomy, so naturally, he harbored no inappropriate thoughts.
Jiang Wanqing seemed oblivious to the fact that she had unknowingly exposed herself, and remained unaware of the lurking danger.
In that instant, a dark silhouette swiftly maneuvered across the grass, entering the cluster of bushes.
"Oh no, it's a Five-Step Golden Ring Snake!"
Ling Feng's gaze sharpened; the Five-Step Golden Ring Snake wasn't a particularly powerful demonic beast, but its venom posed a significant threat. Martial practitioners, despite their skills, remained susceptible to such toxins, and those at the Pulse Formation Realm were no exception.
The target of the Five-Step Golden Ring Snake was Jiang Wanqing's delicate and unsuspecting jade-like foot.
Ling Feng uttered a low warning, raising two fingers and unleashing a burst of sword qi.
A fiercely sharp sword qi shot out, swiftly vanishing into the dense bush. Following that, a resounding 'boom' echoed as the head of the Five-Step Golden Ring Snake exploded. Its body writhed on the ground for a moment before losing all signs of life.
The entire sequence unfolded seamlessly, a testament to Ling Feng's extraordinary precision and swift execution.
Startled by the unexpected command, Jiang Wanqing jumped in her place. After a momentary pause, she quickly stood up, secured her belt, and drew her sword. Her phoenix-like eyes narrowed with intense focus.
"Who's there?" Jiang Wanqing's face flushed with anger. The voice from earlier was undeniably male. Could it be that she had been exposed?
"It's me." Ling Feng, devoid of any sense of being a 'peeper,' confidently stepped forward, raising his right hand.
"Ling Feng, it's you! You shameless peeping tom!” Jiang Wanqing gritted her teeth, a blend of shame and anger evident on her face. Her complexion darkened, resembling eternal mystic ice. Her phoenix-like eyes glared angrily at Ling Feng.
To think she had considered him a legendary figure during the day, only to discover he was such a shameless scoundrel!