Chapter 249

Chapter 249: The Road to the Hunting Ground!

There were more and more monsters.

Ji Huan originally thought that only those who received invitations could enter the hunting ground, but now it seemed not to be the case. As long as they had the ability, other monsters who wanted to try their luck in the hunting ground could also come over.

Centered around the tent area that Ji Huan and the others had set up early in the morning, many makeshift small tents gradually appeared nearby. These tents belonged to the late-arriving monsters. Most of these monsters were hunters. For them, if they were lucky enough to hunt a valuable magical beast in the hunting ground, the money from selling the beast might cover their annual expenses. The magical beasts from the Aputuo Hunting Ground were easy to sell. Even if the big shots in the inner zone didn't fancy them, they could still fetch a decent price by selling them to ordinary magical beast traders. Even if they failed to hunt anything… it was not a big deal. It would still be great to bring something out of there. Besides, for young monsters, especially those in the northeastern and northern regions, being able to hunt in the Aputuo Hunting Ground held great significance. No matter how young they were, once they could hunt a prey in Aputuo, even an ordinary one, it marked their "adulthood." Therefore, many northern monsters came here every year specifically for their coming-of-age ceremony.

Aside from these hunters, larger tents had also been erected around the area. These tents naturally belonged to the magical beast traders who had found ways to get in. Although they did not have the right to invite, they were well aware of the value of the hunting ground's prey. The big shots in the inner zone were not interested in everything, nor would they accept any trash. Whatever the big shots deemed as "trash" would naturally fall into their hands.

Ahem—

Although scavenging didn't sound like a respectful title, the monsters outside couldn't quite grasp the intricacies. As long as they could produce something from Aputuo, they would naturally be regarded as monsters with connections!

Within just two short days, the tent area had expanded by twice its original size!

However, it wasn't just monsters that had come during this period.

Ji Huan was awakened by the screams of monsters outside early in the morning. Soon, someone entered to report that the monsters in the camp outside were under attack by a group of magical beasts.

Not only monsters were aware of the impending opening of the Aputuo Hunting Grounds; magical beasts also seemed to have sensed it through some mysterious means. Just like the monsters, they flocked from all directions.

"Nieye sipped his tea calmly upon hearing the news. "We're fortunate to reside in the inner camp, where official protection ensures its safety. If it were no different from the outside monsters, the invitation would be worthless."

Though he initially found the beverage called "tea" somewhat bitter, he eventually appreciated its unique qualities after consuming more.

"Nevertheless, magical beasts that can reside in the inner camp don't really need protection," he said, taking another sip. Mr. Nieye then presented his little pet, sharing the remainder of his tea with "Little LV."

By noon that day, Ji Huan and the others enjoyed fresh magical beast meat – outsiders had already begun hunting nearby beasts for sale.

Just as the monsters that could reach this place were above average in strength, so were the magical beasts. Besides hunting, they captured these creatures. Even if they couldn't catch those within the Aputuo Hunting Grounds, capturing those on the outskirts and attaching the Aputuo name would still fetch a good price.

While the inner camp remained tranquil, the outer camp was already bustling with hunting activities!

Although outer camp monsters couldn't enter the inner camp, it didn't hinder them. They had their own means of obtaining information about the inner camp. Soon, Ajin's massive bounty proclamation also made waves in the outer camp. Young hunters, fueled by dreams of gold, gleamed with anticipation, while all the magical beast traders eagerly awaited the hunters' return with more prey...

In this atmosphere of tension, anxiety, and anticipation, on the second evening of Ji Huan's arrival at the hunting area, during dinner, a monster suddenly approached.

"Mr. Ji, the path to the Aputuo Hunting Ground is about to open. You now have two options: remain in the camp and wait or enter the Aputuo Hunting Ground for sightseeing and hunting," the monster explained, revealing an emblem on the corner of his robe indicating his affiliation with the central white tent. "If you choose to hunt, please take this. It's a special protective device crafted for the high bounty issuer. In case of danger, simply ignite it, and the magical beasts within the hunting ground will automatically retreat. Moreover, the nearest hunter will immediately rush to your location."

"Of course, there will be a fee for successfully rescuing your Hunter," the creature said, respectfully pulling out a large box from its chest. It even opened the box to show that it was safe: inside was a dark, round bead that resembled a Chinese medicinal pill.

Entering the hunting grounds is typically to acquire magical beasts on priority, but for someone like you, the one who issues the highest bounties... I believe it would be more advisable to await outside the hunting grounds. All monsters will instinctively choose to leave the finest prey for you. Rest assured, when the hunters depart from the camp, we will assign dedicated personnel to safeguard it. Furthermore, the dining facilities and entertainment within the camp will operate as usual.

With a gentle smile, the creature carefully closed the box and passed it to the guardian figure standing by, who was clearly there for protection. Then, it bowed respectfully and withdrew.

After he left, House handed the box to Ji Huan. Unable to resist, Ji Huan picked up one of the "balls" inside. It wasn't stone nor metal; the object felt more like something molded from clay. Ji Huan was about to sniff it but caught sight of the terrified expression on Hei Dan, who was crouched by his leg.

Ji Huan froze, and as he lifted his gaze to survey the surroundings, the expressions of the other creatures were evidently askew. Among them, Ajin's countenance was the most composed, though Ji Huan noticed that he had also taken a step back when he opened the box.

A lightbulb suddenly lit up in his mind, and he thought he had an idea what this might be.

Ji Huan: =-=

Isn't it just feces?

When they lived in the mountains, to deter wild beasts from entering their courtyard, the neighboring villagers would often go to great lengths to obtain wolf feces – he was well aware of that.

Nevertheless, Ji Huan went to wash his hands thoroughly.

The box eventually ended up in Hei Dan's backpack, under Ji Huan's care.

With the dung pellet pendant hanging on him, Hei Dan appeared somewhat uneasy. However, thinking that it was something entrusted to him by Jiujiu, the little monster steeled himself and bore with it!

The power of money was immense. Though they were subordinates who had followed Mr. Nieye, the substantial bounty order led the official staff to notify them first. It wasn't until Ji Huan finished washing his hands that Mr. Nieye from the neighboring room came over.

"The hunting ground is about to open!" Mr. Nieye still held a skewer of meat in his hand, clearly having received the news during dinner.

"Are you going?" Ji Huan asked him first.

Mr. Nieye shook his head. "It's too risky inside. Even though I brought guards, it's safer to wait outside."

Ji Huan nodded in understanding. Mr. Nieye had come for their sake. If there were real dangers within, there was no need for him to take unnecessary risks.

As for them...

He looked at Ajin.

Not just him, almost all the monsters in the room turned their gazes towards Ajin – for the monsters of Ye Falar, hunting was a crucial skill they mastered soon after birth. They had grown up hearing tales of Aputuo, which fueled their desire to test their abilities within the hunting grounds.

Beneath the watchful eyes of all the monsters, Ajin nodded. "I'll go in, but not everyone. Just a portion of our forces will suffice."

He smiled. "It would be a pity not to explore it since we're here, wouldn't it?"

Mr. Nieye expressed his understanding and conveyed the message to Ji Huan and the others before taking his leave. "If you plan on entering, get ready quickly. I won't disturb you further."

After Mr. Nieye left, Ji Huan swiftly prepared for their departure.

Ji Huan's family, Naji, Little Grey, and Mr. Aximu were naturally going in. In addition, Abu was chosen by Wu to accompany them.

Amidst the envious gazes of the monsters staying behind, the group of eighteen monsters, led by Ji Huan, left the tent.

Outside, it was a sea of people!

All the monsters who had been resting in their respective tents had come out! Many of the surrounding tents were now empty, as every monster seemed ready for action!

Those around them were monsters with invitations to the inner camp, and farther away, Ji Huan could see the heads of the outer camp monsters bobbing in the crowd.

Ji Huan's group was led to a more forward position. As they walked along the way, the monsters they had visited previously greeted them. Apart from the greetings, Ji Huan also received various "balls."

"Accept it, and do take extra care when you're inside! If you encounter any danger, just activate this. If I'm nearby, I'll rush to your rescue without delay!"

Almost all the hunters had given them "balls," of course, excluding the colossal blade monster. Even the seemingly aloof Black had sent over a black ball.

It seemed that the allure of a substantial bounty was truly immense! With such a reward at stake, it was likely that none of the monsters present would wish for their demise. In a way, they had unintentionally become the safest monsters within the entire camp in terms of security.

As an accomplished translator of both Chinese and English fiction, specializing in the elegant rendering of danmei—also known as BL or boys' love—fantasy novels, I am tasked with translating the passage that precedes this very instruction. However, since no specific text has been provided for translation, I shall craft an original piece that encapsulates the essence of a fantastical danmei story, infusing it with the grace and subtlety characteristic of the genre.

It seems that after being ambushed by all those monsters, Ajin has devised the highest level of "survival code."

Baring oneself to the gaze of all monsters was one rule, and intertwining one's interests with those of all monsters was the second.

With this in mind, Ji Huan entrusted all the "balls" to Hei Dan for "safekeeping." He, on the other hand, began to inconspicuously survey the path they would soon take.

They were in an icy tundra.

Three sides were boundless white, with only one side not being land but sea.

Yes, it was the sea.

At first, Ji Huan didn't notice because the sea surface was frozen solid. It wasn't until someone in the outer camp accidentally pierced the ice while setting up a tent and fell into the icy waters, subsequently being devoured by a terrifying underwater monster, that he realized one side of the ice was the frozen surface of the ocean.

But so what? He wasn't exactly a person with a rich imagination; he truly couldn't fathom what would happen next.

Considering their current positions, could it be that they were expected to walk across the frozen sea?

There weren't any paths on the sea, and the ice above wasn't particularly sturdy. Surely not?

Full of doubts, Ji Huan wasn't one to ask questions at the slightest uncertainty.

Holding Hei Dan close, he stood silently behind Ajin, still pondering over the path to the hunting ground.

Just then, a loud cracking sound echoed from ahead.

Followed by a second, a third...

"The ice on the sea surface is cracking," House whispered, as if answering his unspoken question, describing the scene before him.

Ji Huan lifted his gaze to look out at the sea. As House had said, large chunks of the ice on the surface suddenly split apart, revealing beautiful sapphire-blue lightning amidst the white expanse. The cracks grew wider and wider, gradually exposing the entirety of the seawater beneath!

Countless underwater monsters seized the opportunity to emerge for a breath of fresh air. Gazing at the colossal bodies and razor-sharp teeth of these sea beasts, Ji Huan couldn't help but shudder in fear. Could it be... that they were expected to trudge across this pack of sea creatures?

But clearly, that wasn't the case!

As the surface of the sea reappeared, the water began flowing once more. Soon after, inexplicably, the water receded on a massive scale. When the water level dropped to a certain point, a path suddenly emerged beneath it!

It wasn't particularly wide, nor was it perfectly flat, but it was indeed a genuine path!

A path beneath the sea floor!

Ji Huan's slender eyes widened slightly.

"It's now! Hurry and cross the sea!" Someone shouted, and the monsters suddenly sprang into action!

The one at the forefront started running swiftly. The robes on its body were suddenly gripped tightly, and Ji Huan found himself being lifted by Ajin.

Hastily clutching Hei Dan in his arms, Ji Huan followed the group of monsters onto the submerged pathway leading to the hunting grounds!