Chapter 12: My Female Lead Goes Up {Three}

Huo Bu said: “We don’t know what these evil spirits are, only that herdsmen have been frequently losing cattle and sheep recently. We’ve sent witches to stake out the area several times. They only saw several long-armed black shadows dragging away the livestock at incredible speed, then swiftly escaping into the mountains. No matter how they chased, they couldn’t catch up – the tribal witches simply couldn’t match the speed of those evil spirits. Once, a witch finally managed to catch up to one of those things but returned empty-handed in the end. The most terrifying part is that after returning, that witch’s eyes somehow turned green, and he went mad, choking anyone he saw without letting go. He’s already strangled several herdsmen to death. We had no choice but to tie that witch up. Recently, the number of lost cattle and sheep from herdsmen’s homes has been increasing. That’s why I’ve come to beg Master to trouble yourself with going to the Grass Sea Tribe to help handle this matter. The herdsmen of Grass Sea Tribe will surely be grateful for Master’s kindness.”

After listening to Huo Bu’s account, Weng Tong lifted the teacup from the table and took a gentle sip: “Hmm, I already know what kind of evil spirits these are. Tomorrow I’ll bring some people and return to the Grass Sea Tribe with you.” Then Weng Tong put down the teacup and softly called for “Feng Chi” outside the Humble Abode.

Feng Chi responded and entered, kneeling on one knee: “Master.”

Weng Tong said indifferently to Feng Chi: “Later, pass down the order. Tomorrow, we will go to Grass Sea for night hunting.”

Feng Chi however asked: “Master, every tribe has its own witches. Even if they can’t handle it, there’s still the Venom Gu Office. Why does Master need to personally intervene this time?”

Weng Tong raised her eyes and gave Feng Chi a cold look: “Hmm, this matter isn’t easy to resolve. These aren’t simple wandering ghosts. Although Li’er holds the Witch Gu Token of the Venom Gu Office, she’s still young after all. I’m not at ease letting her go alone. Just pass down the order. And see Prince Huo Bu out.” Having said this, Weng Tong continued burying herself in the reports from various regions and spoke no more.

Seeing that her master had already decided, Feng Chi didn’t dare ask further. But in his heart, Feng Chi particularly detested going to Grass Sea, even though it was once his hometown. It was also a place that brought him immense pain. So, he wished that place would become more chaotic, preferably remaining in perpetual turmoil. Thinking of this, Feng Chi felt a surge of bitter resentment hard to suppress.

He said coldly to Huo Bu: “Prince Huo Bu, please!” Feng Chi deliberately made a gesture of invitation.

Seeing Feng Chi’s tone and movement, which seemed like a polite way of asking him to leave, Huo Bu had no choice but to stand up and walk out. Reaching the doorway, he turned back to look at Weng Tong several times before following Feng Chi out of the Humble Abode to the front hall. Feng Chi asked the servants in the front hall to escort Huo Bu out of the Venom Gu Office. Before leaving, Huo Bu turned back to look toward the Humble Abode once more, then reluctantly left the Venom Gu Office and returned to the Relay Station. Watching Huo Bu’s infatuated gaze toward his master, Feng Chi’s hatred suddenly surged. Originally, Huo Bu’s father was Feng Chi’s parents’ killer – both of Feng Chi’s parents died at the hands of Huo Bu’s father. Now, with old and new grievances coming together, Feng Chi couldn’t help but secretly develop killing intent.

The next day, Feng Chi selected over twenty Death Cultivators from the Medicine Pavilion to accompany Weng Tong, the young mistress Weng Li who was only eleven years old, and Huo Bu’s group, heading toward the Grass Sea.

The journey from Sky Pillar City to Grass Sea took approximately two to three days. If it were only Weng Tong and the other cultivators from the Venom Gu Office, they could have traveled via Sword Kinesis. However, since they were accompanied by Huo Bu and his group of ordinary people, they had no choice but to proceed slowly on horseback. It was three days later when they finally arrived at Grass Sea. The place earned its name from the vast, ocean-like expanse of grassland. In the Yelang region, Grass Sea was the most prosperous territory aside from Yelang itself. Due to its lush water and grass, it attracted many herdsmen, making it far wealthier than other tribes.

Upon reaching Grass Sea, Weng Tong instructed everyone to first settle the camp. They were to prepare some food and eat, after which they would prepare for the night hunt. After arranging everything, Weng Tong noticed that Huo Bu was still lingering with their team.

With a cold tone, Weng Tong said, “Prince Huo Bu, you should return to your Propaganda Office. We can handle things here.”

But Huo Bu was reluctant to leave. With a shameless smile, he replied, “Master, I’ve never seen a night hunt before. I’m just curious, can I follow you to take a look?”

Weng Tong’s expression remained icy as she responded, “No! The night hunt is no child’s play. It’s too dangerous for an ordinary person like you.” After speaking, she glanced at Feng Chi and added, “Escort Prince Huo Bu away.” Then she turned to instruct the Death Cultivators to arrange the tents.

Huo Bu, seeing Weng Tong’s cold demeanor, had no choice but to give up. He left with clear reluctance. Feng Chi watched Huo Bu’s retreating figure, a slight curl forming at the corner of his mouth, before quickly following him.

As soon as the hour of Xu arrived, the Shadow Cultivators gathered in front of Weng Tong’s tent, awaiting their assignments. Weng Tong addressed them, “Tonight, we hunt Mountain Goblins. Mountain Goblins enjoy imitating humans and are skilled at confusing minds. If anyone is bewitched by a Mountain Goblin, there is no cure—they must be killed. So, everyone must remember to keep your mind calm. If you encounter a Mountain Goblin’s bewitchment, immediately place a Calming Talisman over your heart and shut off your five senses. We will split up shortly and hide outside the livestock pens of the herdsmen’s homes. Only when you see a Mountain Goblin dragging away livestock should you act. We don’t yet know how many Mountain Goblins there are, so it’s best for each of you to hold your position. If you encounter a Mountain Goblin and find it difficult to handle, immediately send a distress signal—do not overestimate your abilities. If you see a distress signal, those nearby should go to assist. Remember to conceal your auras well; those Mountain Goblins have keen senses.”

The cultivators replied in unison, “Yes.”

After assigning the tasks, Weng Tong suddenly realized that Feng Chi had not arrived for the assembly. She asked, “Why is Feng Chi not here? Does anyone know where he went?”

All the cultivators shook their heads and said, “We don’t know.” Just as Weng Tong was about to send someone to search for him, she saw Feng Chi galloping over on horseback.

Feng Chi dismounted and knelt on one knee, saying, “My Lord, this subordinate is late.”

Weng Tong looked down at him, her brow slightly furrowed with displeasure. “Where have you been? Do you not know that during a night hunt, tardiness and laziness are unacceptable? Have you forgotten the rules of the Shadow Cultivators?”

Feng Chi hurriedly replied, “This subordinate would not dare. I was only patrolling the surroundings to prevent any unexpected incidents tonight.”

Weng Tong stared at him with cold eyes for a long moment before saying, “I will note tonight’s incident for now. If there is a next time, you will be punished accordingly. Take your team and find a place to hide.”

Feng Chi quietly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, stood up, and retreated. He then led his team of Shadow Cultivators to their hiding spots.

Behind a low stack of hay, Weng Tong hid with young Weng Li and three Shadow Cultivators.

Weng Tong glanced at the surrounding herders’ houses, then turned to the three Shadow Cultivators beside him and said, “The livestock of these herders might be attacked. The three of you should temporarily split up and hide. If you notice the Mountain Goblin appearing and realize you can’t defeat it, immediately send a distress signal. Wait for assistance before regrouping and acting together. Remember, do not act alone out of recklessness.”

“Yes,” the three Shadow Cultivators acknowledged the order. They then dispersed and went hiding.

Weng Tong, with young Weng Li, continued hiding behind the haystack, his eyes fixed intently on the livestock pen, not daring to slack off.

The Mountain Goblin: Resembling an ape in appearance, it has a single leg, long arms, and immense strength. Its speed is extremely fast, rivaling that of a cheetah. It enjoys imitating humans and is adept at using its gaze to bewitch people’s minds, making them obey its commands. It belongs to the demon category.

As time passed bit by bit, suddenly Weng Tong sensed a rustling sound behind him. He quickly closed his eyes and listened for a moment, thinking to himself, “It’s not an Evil Spirit, nor is it the Mountain Goblin.”

So, Weng Tong called out softly, “Who’s there? Show yourself!” In a moment, Huo Bu and his attendant slowly crawled out from the grass nearby.

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