The bright moon hanging high in the night sky gilded the dense, verdant forest with a layer of silver light. Accompanied by the rustling of the branches and leaves, several figures moved quickly in the moonlight, their loud conversation filled with the competitive spirit of young people.
Beside an inconspicuous giant tree, a dark shadow suddenly darted out, as if startled by the commotion, and hurriedly tried to escape.
"There!"
"Watch me!"
In a frenzy to seize this hard-won prey, the young people rushed forward, unleashing a variety of artifacts and magical techniques in one direction.
The sparks that flashed during the attack were like a campfire, illuminating the once pitch-black jungle and completely waking up the owls and snakes that were sleeping there, causing them to flee the battlefield in a panic.
Then, several figures arrived at the location where the attack was about to land.
"Huh? Where is it?"
A faint, gentle white light flew past them, seemingly harmless yet incredibly fast.
The white light fell on the open ground not far from the group of young people, but it triggered a shrill scream. A dark shadow rose from the ground, its gaping maw, still reeking of blood, spewing out a foul stench, proving that it had just had a hearty meal.
"It's a Gluttonous Demon! Be careful!"
However, after a brief moment of panic, the young people regained their confidence and prepared for battle, but reality seemed to have no need for them to take action.
The demon struggled for only a few breaths under the control of the white light before it tore into pieces, turned to ashes, and completely dissipated.
In the blink of an eye, a woman stood where the demon had vanished.
The silver brocade robe with its bound sleeves accentuated her heroic and spirited appearance, a stark contrast to her seemingly delicate and indifferent features.
The cuffs were adorned with auspicious cloud patterns, identical to those of one of the people present.
She drew an arrow from behind her and used magic to shoot it into the night sky. Silver auspicious clouds and fireworks exploded, making the night sky even brighter.
"Ling Ying, your Ling family is likely to take the lead again in this Demon Hunting Tournament."
As one of them spoke, he patted his companion, who was dressed in a purple robe with auspicious cloud patterns on the cuffs.
——
The Demon Hunter Tournament began hundreds of years ago.
Humans struggle to survive in a world overrun by demons, always playing the role of prey, only able to offer slight resistance to the torment and pursuit of monsters. Very few people are truly capable of fighting against demons.
Until one day, no one knows exactly when, someone invented magic that humans could learn and created magical artifacts that could severely damage demons, which changed the situation.
Humans gradually gained the ability to restrain demons, no longer being prey to be slaughtered by demons, and began to actively hunt demons, completely becoming the hunters.
However, for any skill that requires learning, there are always people who excel at it and others who know nothing about it.
Those skilled in this art are known as exorcists.
However, if they encounter a powerful demon, most ordinary exorcists are still unable to handle it and can only rely on capable individuals.
Those with ability are ranked according to their status and social standing, and thus, families that exorcise demons are formed.
They possess greater abilities, better resources for training, receive offerings from the local people, and protect the people under their rule.
In order to train the family's children to avoid bringing shame to the family, and to clean up the areas where demons appear, as well as to compete for that elusive reputation, the Demon Hunting Tournament, held once every five years, came into being.
The Demon Hunting Tournament is extremely important to every noble family and every member of that family.
——
"What a pity, this point isn't on your head. But take it easy, Lingyan, you are the undisputed champion of our generation—wait, that's what my father said!"
Beneath the seemingly playful banter lay a hint of malicious provocation.
"Hmph! I don't need you to guess what I'm thinking."
Ling Ying wasn't oblivious to these people's intentions; they simply wanted to incite a conflict between him and Ling Yan so they could profit from it.
It was just that, since they were both hailed as geniuses, why couldn't he compare to Ling Yan? This was something he found particularly hard to accept.
"Lingyan!"
He stormed forward and shouted angrily.
"What's up?"
Seeing that it was that petty, troublemaking cousin of hers again, Lingyan sighed with a headache.
"Although you killed this demon, you wouldn't have been able to gain this advantage if we hadn't scared it out."
"Really? You lured it out? Are you sure you weren't led there by this thing?"
Ling Yan glanced at her cousin, who seemed a little slow-witted, and smiled slightly before extending her hand in front of him.
"I saved your lives, so I'll give you each one hundred taels of silver, thank you!"
"You, you, you!"
Ling Ying looked at him in disbelief, never expecting that coming to seek justice would turn her into the one being chased for debt.
"Miss Ling, that's not how it works, is it?"
The other young people felt a chill run down their spines. Remembering how they had been exploited by this devil and beaten until their buttocks were bruised when they got home, they quickly joined forces with Ling Ying, determined to seek justice for themselves.
"Even if we've fallen into their trap, even if Miss Ling isn't here, with our skills, we shouldn't be unable to kill a Gluttonous Demon."
"Hmm—that makes sense. At least there are a few people with broken arms and legs. So, let's give you a discount: ninety-nine taels!"
“Miss Ling, that’s not how you calculate it! At most, fifty taels—that’s all I have.”
"You bunch of idiots! She stole our prey, and you're already haggling over the price?"
Seeing that a group of people were being led astray, Ling Ying couldn't help but shout loudly, then turned around and glared fiercely at Ling Yan.
"Lingyan, that's enough, or else—"
"Otherwise what?"
Ling Yan still wore a seemingly harmless smile, but her narrowed eyes were devoid of warmth, clearly indicating that she was not the type to be genuinely threatened.
"Without Miss Ling, you would probably be shattered into pieces by now."
Another man floated down to the ground, seemingly having been there for some time.
He was dressed in a solemn-looking black robe, with gold thread embroidered on the sleeves and hem.
"Mr. Chu."
The young people, who had been arguing with flushed faces, instantly calmed down as if doused with a bucket of ice water, transforming back into polite gentlemen and bowing respectfully to the man in black robes.
Chu Cheng came from the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion, which is the reason why they are willing to respect him.
As the safe area expanded, tribal settlements began to exchange goods and resources, gradually evolving into states.
If powerful families cannot govern a country, then those skilled in governance should govern it. This is a truth that humanity has recognized over hundreds of years of development as the way to perpetuate the race.
There was originally no Imperial Preceptor's Mansion. A hundred years ago, a great demon appeared in the world, and the fate of the human race was in imminent danger. Someone turned the tide and suppressed it.
In recognition of his contributions, the royal family bestowed upon him the title of Imperial Preceptor and granted him the privilege of establishing his own residence and housing his retainers.
The Imperial Preceptor, with his merits and abilities, deserves to be a role model for all demon hunters in the land.
In a short time, countless people came to join them. The Imperial Advisor selected the elite among them, built the Imperial Advisor's Mansion, to protect the safety of the capital and to rid the world of evil.
In other words, the original Imperial Preceptor's Mansion was composed of the most outstanding geniuses among the demon exorcists.
Currently, only the most talented exorcists are qualified to join the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion.
Therefore, those from the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion naturally deserve the respect of these aristocratic scions.
"Chu Cheng, what are you doing here?"
The only one present who didn't show him respect was Ling Yan.
Looking at Chu Cheng's pretentious manner, her beautiful eyebrows couldn't help but furrow.
"I am the supervisor of this Demon Hunting Tournament."
Faced with her blunt question, Chu Cheng was not angry. Instead, he toned down his imposing manner and spoke to her gently and kindly.
Although this scene was commonplace, Ling Ying couldn't help but clench her fists.
Chu Cheng really thought he had hidden his little thoughts well, and his fawning over others had reached the point where it was obvious to everyone.
If it weren't for his status, Ling Yan would have already overthrown countless suitors like him.
"Oh—I see. You continue monitoring, and you continue hunting. I've already met my target for the year, so I'll take my leave now."
Lingyan nodded perfunctorily, unwilling to say another word to him, and couldn't wait to escape this place of uncertainty.
"Hey! Miss Ling!"
Seeing the beauty about to leave, Chu Cheng couldn't help but feel anxious. Just as he was trying to find some reason to follow her, he was interrupted by a sudden tremor in the ground.
"What happened?"
Was it an earthquake?
"no."
Lingyan stopped in her tracks and turned around to face the center of the mountains.
Under the cover of night, the highest peak swayed incessantly, as if a monster were trembling and trying to stand up.
What is that?
Chu Cheng turned his attention to the strange movements of the mountains and rivers, his brows furrowed, and he reached his right hand to his lower back, gripping his magical artifact tightly.
"Mr. Chu, how many people have come with you this time?"
Ling Ying asked with a serious expression, no longer concerned with his open and covert struggles with Ling Yan.
"What?"
Chu Cheng was somewhat confused.
"This is a mountain demon; it can use any mountain to its advantage. The most urgent task is to get everyone out of here."
Ling Yan resisted the urge to roll her eyes and forced herself to explain.
The people in the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion are all like immortals who have transcended worldly affairs. Apart from being good at beating demons, they have almost no ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
"I see!"
Chu Cheng then realized what was happening and quickly sent out a signal to his companions to take everyone away from the mountains.