Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior-Chapter 194 - 146: Treasure Saber Acquired, Hunting for the Demonic Beast’s Trail!

"Alright."

As Su Mu nodded slightly, he also noticed something. Li Jiang and Li Yuanshan both carried the surname Li; one symbolizing mountain, the other river, they were likely father and son.

Moreover, Li Jiang and Shangguan Qing, who appeared today, did not bear the surname Zhang, and both stood at a certain distance from Zhang Jin and Zhang Feng. It's likely that there are factions within the Hongmen Martial Arts Hall, with the Zhangs forming one faction, and others another.

At Li Yuanshan's words, the hall suddenly fell silent. The young man in front of them was unexpectedly another 'leading instructor' in this expedition. Li Yuanshan, being the second instructor, respectfully addressed him as Mr. Li.

Li Jiang and Shangguan Qing now cupped their fists towards Su Mu in formality, their expressions very respectful without any trace of disdain. Clearly, these two knew some details about Su Mu.

"Greetings, Mr. Li."

Su Mu nodded slightly to them in acknowledgment, thus making his greeting. Neither of them found this unusual, both aware of the sparring five days before.

They understood Li Feiyu's impressive prowess. Those of great skill are revered as teachers; Li Feiyu, being a senior, naturally deserved such demeanor.

"Since everyone is here, let's set off then!"

...

Departing from the north gate of Changfeng County, they were quickly greeted by the vast stretch of the Qifeng Mountain Range as the party moved quickly towards the mountains.

"Rumor has it that Mr. Li is 'Unparalleled in Boxing and Stick Skills,' and he has deep expertise in saber techniques. If I get the chance, I'd really love to spar with him!"

Li Jiang gazed intently at Su Mu, who was leading the team. A battle enthusiast, Li Jiang loved engaging with strong opponents; sparring was a frequent pursuit besides his cultivation at the martial arts hall.

Shangguan Qing also observed Su Mu with considerable curiosity, eventually fixating her gaze upon the long saber at his waist. Su Mu had found the scabbard he had forged earlier too conspicuous, so he spent some time in recent days making a more modest-looking one from locust wood.

"It's said that the long saber was a treasure forged by Master Blacksmith of Qingyun County at the request of Zhang Jin. No one knows what kind of exceptional blade it is!"

"And if Mr. Li truly possesses unparalleled skills in boxing and stick, why isn't the long stick in sight?"

The two whispered to each other, their faces puzzled.

In fact, not only these two, but even Li Yuanshan shared the same curiosity. Yet, among those present, only those witnessing him slay Zhou Tiande saw him wield the stick.

They ventured ten miles into Qi Peak Mountain along a trail when Li Yuanshan raised his hand to halt. He reached inside his coat to retrieve a map with multiple red circles marked.

"We're currently here. Our target is the four locations where traces of Demon Beasts have been spotted. I plan to split into two teams: I'll lead Zhang Jin, Zhang Feng, and eight others, while the remaining will be led by Mr. Li. How does that sound?"

"Very well, since Instructor Li trusts me, I'll follow your suggestion."

The mission was meant to assess the younger generation at the martial arts hall. Li Yuanshan clearly held closer ties with Li Jiang and Shangguan Qing, choosing to lead Zhang Jin and Zhang Feng to avoid suspicion.

Besides, Su Mu leading a team would allow him to collect Demon Blood from Fire Attribute Demon Beasts, easing Su Mu's actions.

He handed the map over, pointing at two red circles on it. "Mr. Li, these two locations have had sightings of Fire Attribute Demon Beast activity. Please lead the team there."

"In the depths of Qifeng Mountain Range, miasma spreads at night, and this Anti-Miasma Pill counteracts the poison of miasma."

Li Yuanshan then handed over some pills to Su Mu, including miasma pills, and powders for healing and repelling snakes and insects.

"We will regroup here before dusk in three days."

"Alright."

Li Yuanshan swiftly executed the plan, taking his team along one mountain path, while Su Mu led his down another.

The mountain trail was rugged; by the time they reached the dense forest where sunlight didn't penetrate, a faint gray haze started permeating the air, which Su Mu recognized as the miasma.

The disciples of the Hongmen Martial Arts Hall promptly took an Anti-Miasma Pill. Typically, a single pill protects against miasma poison for three hours. Each member had a bottle with thirteen pills, enough for three days, with one extra to spare.

Having undergone his fourth Refining Force, Su Mu condensed a Strength Pill. Now, the Pill Force flowed naturally within him, making him immune to the miasma poison. However, to avoid attracting attention, Su Mu took a pill once he confirmed there were no issues.

By midday, when a mountain breeze passed, Su Mu's nose detected an unusual fishy stench mixed within.

"Everyone, follow me this way."

"Yes!"

Shangguan Qing and Li Jiang exchanged glances. At this point, the team had searched but found nothing; they might as well follow Li Feiyu's lead.

Ten individuals ventured through the vast Qifeng Mountain Range, and half an hour into their pursuit, Shangguan Qing spotted something. She crouched down, using a short blade to clear away weeds, revealing some peculiar tracks.

"These must be the crawling marks of a certain Demon Snake. They appear fresh, so the Demon Snake likely moved in this direction."

As Shangguan Qing spoke, her tone carried a mix of amazement and doubt, unsure if Li Feiyu was guessing or indeed had a method for tracking Demon Beasts.

"Alright, let's continue the search in this direction."

After advancing a dozen miles, a strong odor filled the air. Bones started appearing in the forest, soon piling into mounds.

Among them were the remains of wild boars, wolves, and human corpses. Su Mu's gaze fell upon those emitting a fresh stench, a body encapsulated in a ghostly green slime, its flesh and hair corroded—a sight that was nauseating.

"It appears there is indeed a Demon Snake nearby. This happens when swallowed whole and expelled before digestion completes."

Moving further, more incompletely digested remains came into view. Su Mu sniffed the air, confirming this was where the smell was strongest—if not the snake's lair, then surely its feeding ground.

Rather than venturing deeper to search for the Demon Snake, it was better to lie in wait here.

"This is likely the Demon Snake's lair. We don't need to delve deeper; let's wait for the Demon Snake to return here."

"Prepare for battle; I'll cover you."