Chapter 78 - 78 Monster Hunting Gift_1

Chapter 78 Monster Hunting Gift_1

Translator: 549690339

Da’hu had reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement nearly a year ago, but his luck was bad, missing the Monster Hunting Ceremony by just a few days, preventing him from becoming a Monster Hunter and thus unable to hunt monsters in the mountains.

Shuanghu and Xiaohu had about the same aptitude; although they were playful, they were still diligent in their cultivation, so within a year, they also made successive breakthroughs, reaching the sixth level of Qi Refinement.

The Monster Hunting Ceremony was held in front of the ancestral hall, where Da’hu, the two others, and some other cultivators who had just reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement, participated under the auspices of some respected elders.

The Monster Hunting Ceremony was rather complex, beginning with the burning of incense, and worshipping heaven and earth. Afterward, a blood oath was taken, cutting open the palm with a knife and dripping blood into wine, which was then raised in a cup for a collective toast.

The elder spoke some words, but Mo Hua was too far away to hear clearly, only catching a general idea of what was said.

The meaning was that as Monster Hunters, though not related by blood, the blood oath was a pledge, and drinking this wine together signified mutual support—bleeding together, exerting strength together.

Monster Beasts were several times more formidable than cultivators; if there was no unity, one could not survive the life of a Monster Hunter. It was too easy to lose one’s life, becoming prey to the Monster Beasts.

After the blood oath, the newly initiated Monster Hunters were each given a Monster Hunting Token by the elder.

The Monster Hunting Token was said to be made from the bones of special Monster Beasts, only the size of a baby’s fist, and pale white in color.

Every cultivator who became a Monster Hunter received a Monster Hunting Token. Every time a Monster Beast was killed, a blood-red pattern would appear on the Token, becoming more prominent the more Monster Beasts were slain.

A Monster Hunting Token covered in patterns could be seen as a Monster Hunter’s merit.

Each of the three, Da’hu, Shuanghu, and Xiaohu, received a Monster Hunting Token, dripped their fresh blood on it, and then hung it around their necks.

The blood-stained Monster Hunting Token would accompany a Monster Hunter for life; some hunters even treasured their Token as much as their lives, preferring to lose their lives rather than the Token. Losing the Token meant losing one’s past and achievements in Monster Hunting, as well as the entirety of a Monster Hunter’s life.

After the blood oath and distribution of the Monster Hunting Tokens, the Monster Hunting Ceremony came to an end.

Throughout the event, the expressions of Da’hu and the others were tense, and only now did they relax.

They were dressed in new Taoist robes and rattan armor, wielding brand-new Pu Blades in their hands.

The Taoist robes were made of ordinary fabric, cheap but sturdy. The rattan armor and Pu Blades, however, were Spiritual Artifacts; the armor could protect vital veins, and the blades were used to slay Monster Beasts, considered the most common Spiritual Artifacts among Monster Hunters.

Uncle Meng was not wealthy and had used up almost all his savings to fully equip the three of them with these items. From now on, they would have to rely on these Spiritual Artifacts to support themselves.

“And later on, we might not be able to play with you ever again...” Xiaohu added quietly.

After saying that, the three of them looked downcast again.

“It’s okay, in a year or two, maybe I’ll also reach the sixth level of Qi Refinement, and by then, I could become a Monster Hunter too and then I could go to the mountains with you guys,” Mo Hua said.

“Oh right, of course!” Xiaohu said happily.

“Of course what?” Shuanghu rolled his eyes at Xiaohu, then looked at Mo Hua with a bit of concern, “You’re not healthy and you’re not following the path of Body Cultivation. Being a Monster Hunter is dangerous, and Uncle Mo won’t agree. You should become a Formation Master instead, which has higher status, earns more Spirit Stones, and doesn’t involve fighting.”

Da’hu nodded quickly, “Being a Formation Master is good!”

Xiaohu echoed, “Yeah, being a Formation Master is good!”

“Alright, then I’ll consider becoming a Formation Master first. If another opportunity arises, or if I can pursue Body Cultivation, then I’ll consider being a Monster Hunter,” Mo Hua said.

But after thinking about it, he realized that he probably didn’t have any talent to be a Monster Hunter. He was frail, and the Cultivation Technique he learned placed emphasis on Spiritual Power. If he really became a Monster Hunter, one close attack from a Monster Beast could easily rip him apart, and he might not survive...

Mo Hua felt a bit regretful, as he was quite drawn to the idea of the bold and free style of Body Cultivation practitioners, who were brave and carefree.

Unfortunately, he was born weak and never had the chance.

Mo Hua patted his waist pouch, “Today I’ll treat you guys to Liu’s street-side osmanthus cakes as a farewell treat.”

The mention of food invigorated the three boys.

“But you’re always treating us, it doesn’t seem fair,” Shuanghu said somewhat embarrassedly.

“Don’t worry, once you become famous Monster Hunters known far and wide, after you’ve killed lots of Monster Beasts and earned a lot of Spirit Stones, you can treat me to something delicious then!”

Upon hearing this, the three boys felt their spirits rise, and they nodded together, “Okay!”

The worries of a moment ago swept away, they walked to the cake shop with their heads held high and an air of confidence.

After eating the cakes, the day was getting late, so it was time to go home.

Before leaving, Da’hu reminded Mo Hua, “Be careful when we’re up in the mountains. If anyone bullies you, make sure to tell us, and we’ll come back to fight for you.”

Touched, Mo Hua smiled and said, “Okay, it’s a deal!”