Versatile Mage

 Wang Hua enjoyed being fawned upon by Zhao Manyan, especially when he learned that Zhao Manyan and Chen Yi were close relatives. He definitely needed Zhao Manyan’s help to improve his image around Chen Yi.

 It would be great if he managed to win Chen Yi’s affection. First of all, Chen Yi was definitely his type. He had been trying to win her over for some time. On top of that, he did not expect an ordinary-looking Mage like Chen Yi to have such a formidable background. Her father in Shanghai was extremely rich, and was also a member of the renowned Zhao Clan!

 Wang Hua did not understand why Chen Yi would bother living here when she had such a wealthy family, but nevertheless, he had to take hold of the opportunity!

 “Is your friend close to your sister?” Wang Hua asked.

 “Not really, but I think she has a good impression of him,” Zhao Manyan said.

 Zhao Manyan was not lying. He knew Chen Yi admired Mo Fan. As for whether she had any affection for him, Zhao Manyan believed if Mo Fan flirted with her, she would not reject him…

 Wang Hua immediately frowned. It was clearly not good news!

 ——

 The mountain range extended continuously into the distance, covered by thick woods and deep valleys. The trunks of the trees rose into the blue sky. Normally, a sight like this was only possible deep in a mountain that would be crawling with demon creatures and no sign of humans around, but it was less than a hundred kilometers away from Yantai City. It was a great surprise!

 The group followed Wang Dakuo’s lead and hiked past the deep valleys. They would occasionally see a few demon sparrows flying between the branches in the canopy while letting out alarmed cries, but it was more common for them to bump into Hunters chasing demon creatures in the mountain.

 Luckily, the mountain and the forest were pretty big. As they ventured deeper, it became more unlikely for two groups of people to be caught staring at one another with astounded faces when they were expecting danger to show up.

 “It really feels like the Hunter Competition,” a plump man in the group said.

 “Guo Muzhuang, we almost forgot that you’ve taken part in the Hunter Competition before. Weren’t you disqualified shortly after the competition started? I heard you fainted after being scared by someone’s Summoned Beast. HAHAHA,” Wang Hua replied.

 The others burst out laughing too after hearing Wang Hua’s words.

 Guo Muzhuang immediately blushed. He argued, “At least I took part in it. Were you even qualified for it?”

 “We are from the Magic Association. Why would we bother taking part in the Hunter Competition?”

 “We are paid better than those uncivilized people. We didn’t have to eat and live in the wild, either. Do you really think we would be jealous that you are a Hunter who once took part in a Hunter Competition?” a man named Chen Binbin, who seemed to be quite close to Wang Hua, spoke up.

 1Speaking of the Hunter Competition, Mo Fan was once interested in it, too. However, he somehow missed it after he was caught up in the calamity of the Ancient Capital, and was preoccupied with the World College Tournament.

 It was quite a pity. Mo Fan did think of taking part in the Hunter Competition. It would be a great place to demonstrate his strength!

 But then again, the people of the Magic Association did not seem to have much respect for the people of the Hunter Union. It just did not happen in certain places.

 Most members of the Magic Association had great power, since they were in charge of the Awakening and development of Mages, and the distribution of resources. The Magic Association was like the law enforcer among Mages. Strictly speaking, the Hunters were under their jurisdiction, too!

 ——

 “Stop making noise.” Wang Dakuo was a reserved man. The others immediately went quiet after his curt order.

 He knelt down and picked up a stalk of grass from a bush that resembled the ball-shaped tail of a rabbit. He observed it closely.

 “Blue and white like a brick, with the shape of dandelion and a stem like a screw; it must be the Dandelion Grass!” Lingling appeared beside Wang Dakuo out of nowhere. Her voice disturbed his thoughts.

 Wang Dakuo was about to lose his temper, but was startled when he realized what Lingling had just said. He blurted out sourly, “Why would a little girl like you know about the Dandelion Grass?”

 Lingling snatched the Dandelion Grass and blew at it. The blue-white seedheads flew into the sky like snowflakes, and drifted deeper into the woods.

 “We should be able to find the Giant Purple Linden by following them!” Lingling declared.

 Wang Dakuo was stunned. He never thought a girl around the age of ten would be so familiar with the secrets of the Dandelion Grass!

 The Dandelion Grass was no different than the other dandelions on the mountain, but if it was blue-white with a stem that resembled a screw, it meant that the Dandelion Grass was feeding on the oil of the Giant Purple Linden. Therefore, once they found the blue-white Dandelion grass, it meant they were getting closer to the Giant Purple Linden!

 The seedheads of these Dandelion Grass were attracted to the Giant Purple Linden. In the absence of wind, the drifting seeds would be able to guide them to the Giant Purple Linden!

 Only avid scholars would know the connection between the Dandelion Grass and the Giant Purple Linden. Wang Dakuo was initially planning to show off in front of the younger generation while mocking the Hunters for trying to look for a Giant Purple Linden aimlessly in the woods. To his surprise, Lingling had ruined it all!

 How could he possibly show off how knowledgeable he was if a ten-year-old girl already knew it? He let out an awkward cough and urged the rest of the group to follow him.

 ——

 Without any surprise, the group managed to find a Giant Purple Linden by following the blue-white seedheads of the Dandelion Grass. They saw a Giant Purple Linden standing out among the trees across a fault. Under the sunlight, its complicated branches reflected a purple light, while its leaves had a stunning purple glimmer, as if they were breathing!

 “So this is the Giant Purple Linden. It’s so pretty!” Chen Yi marveled at the sight.

 “The tree has several thousand leaves. There isn’t much difference between the leaves in the canopy and the other leaves, how are we supposed to find the leaves that are the demon crests?” a Maga in the group asked.

 “The demon crests of every Giant Purple Linden are different, so many people think it’s almost impossible to identify them. However, if you spend some time observing a Giant Purple Linden, you will be able to tell which leaves are the demon crests. They will only grow on certain branches that secrete tree oil, so the first thing you have to do is to find the oily branches!” Lingling pointed at the Giant Purple Linden. There was indeed a branch that seemed to be covered in a layer of waxy substance. It was difficult to notice without looking for it on purpose.

 Wang Dakuo’s expression darkened, but he did not interrupt.

 “What next? There are still almost a thousand leaves on a branch!” Mo Fan pressed.

 “Put the seedheads close to the branch. The leaves that they are circling are most likely the demon crests,” Lingling pointed at the seeds of the Dandelion Grass.

 “That’s if we can find the Dandelion Grass in the first place!” Wang Dakuo coughed.

 Guo Dazhuang followed Lingling’s instructions. He climbed up to the Giant Purple Linden and sprinkled a bunch of seedheads of the Dandelion Grass. He soon locked his eyes on a leaf.

 He plucked the leaf from the branch. The Giant Purple Linden immediately emitted purple light and a rustling noise.

 Guo Muzhuang quickly backed away and regrouped with the others, panting heavily.

 “Elder, I feel like something is watching me. I think there’s something guarding the tree,” Guo Muzhuang said.

 “The Giant Purple Linden is normally protected by the creatures that reside close to it. The demon crests aren’t that important to the Giant Purple Linden, so it doesn’t really affect the tree if you pluck them. The creatures are more interested in the fruits of the Giant Purple Linden. As long as you don’t touch the fruits, the creatures will just turn a blind eye,’ Wang Dakuo said.

 “Oh, it scared the shit out of me. Does that mean our operation isn’t dangerous at all?” Guo Muzhuang said.

 Wang Dakuo shook his head, “The Giant Purple Linden is like a shelter for demon creatures. Not every demon creature prefers to avoid troubles. Some fierce creatures will try to kill you as soon as you are within a thousand meters of the Giant Purple Linden, let alone give you a chance to pluck its leaves!”

 “Seriously?” Guo Muzhuang broke out in cold sweat.

 “If you’re scared, I’ll pluck the leaves next time,” Wang Hua said. He was obviously trying to show off.

 “Mm, Wang Hua is stronger, so he can handle himself better if there’s any danger. However, keep in mind not to use your magic unless it’s necessary, and don’t step into the vicinity of the Giant Purple Linden recklessly. It might bring greater trouble to the rest of the team,” Wang Dakuo advised.

 “Isn’t it easier if we do it together?” Chen Binbin asked with a smile.

 Wang Dakuo glared at him and snapped, “Just do as you’re told!”

 “Alright… I got it!” Chen Binbin’s expression darkened. He had no idea why Wang Dakuo had to be so angry at him.

 Mo Fan was curious when he heard Wang Dakuo being so serious all of a sudden. He subconsciously looked at Lingling.

 Lingling was about to speak when they heard a cry of agony from a certain direction.

 The cry echoed among the woods, sending chills down the spines of the group. What exactly happened to the person that had uttered such a ghastly cry?

 “Let’s check it out!” Wang Dakuo said unhappily. He led the group in the direction of the cry.

 The others quickly followed. They could feel a breeze coming from the same direction they were heading to. They felt uneasy when they noticed a strong scent of blood!

 “It turns out there’s more than a Giant Purple Linden here,” Lingling said.

 “Shouldn’t it be safe if we just collect the demon crests?” Mo Fan said.

 “Even though the demon crests aren’t that important to the Giant Purple Lindens, there’s still a chance for a tragedy to happen if people are too careless. You shouldn’t underestimate the danger that a Giant Purple Linden can attract. Even you might struggle against it!” Lingling said.