Outside the sect

The towns and villages scattered throughout the world were bastions of civilization, protected by the watchful eye of government forces and fortified by towering walls and vigilant guards. Within these urban centers, citizens sought refuge from the dangers that lurked beyond their borders, relying on the strength and authority of their leaders to safeguard their lives and livelihoods.

Yet, it was the sects and academies that stood as the true guardians of humanity, their territories marked by imposing boundaries and fortified defenses. Within the confines of their domains, disciples trained tirelessly to hone their martial skills, while elders, leaders, and patriarchs wielded their formidable auras to repel the threat of higher-ranking beasts and malevolent forces.

The aura emitted by these revered figures was a potent force, serving as a barrier against the encroachment of danger and chaos. It instilled a sense of security and stability within the sect's territory, ensuring that disciples could pursue their cultivation without fear of external threats. Indeed, the elders, leaders, and patriarchs were the linchpins of sect security, their presence symbolizing strength, authority, and protection.

As Frank stepped into the imposing halls of the library, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. The library, feared by many for its vast repository of knowledge and its daunting aura of intellect, held the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past and glimpsing into the future. Armed with information about future events and the evolution of beasts, Frank knew that delving into the depths of the library's archives would be crucial for their upcoming mission.

Their task—to collect monster materials and resources for the creation of potions and cultivation pills—was no small feat. Paired with another novice hunting team from a different minor sect, the success of their mission depended on their ability to gather as many resources as possible. Every monster material, every resource gathered would be invaluable in bolstering their sect's strength and advancing their cultivation.

As Frank perused the shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls, he felt a sense of urgency and determination wash over him. With each piece of knowledge gleaned from the library's vast collection, he grew more confident in their ability to succeed in their mission. The future of their sect rested in their hands, and Frank was determined to do whatever it took to ensure their success.

As Frank delved into his research on the surrounding biomes, he discovered a wealth of information about the diverse ecosystems that lay beyond the boundaries of the sect. Each biome possessed its own unique characteristics and inhabitants, shaped by the influence of the elemental sect and the forces of nature.

The mountain biome, with its rugged terrain and towering peaks, was home to a myriad of creatures adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitude. Rare and precious minerals could be found hidden within its rocky depths, coveted by craftsmen and alchemists alike for their mystical properties.

In contrast, the plains biome stretched out in vast, open expanses, teeming with diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. Here, the elemental sect's influence manifested in the form of vibrant flora and fauna, each species imbued with the essence of earth, fire, water, or wind. It was a landscape of beauty and abundance, where hunters and gatherers roamed in search of bountiful resources.

The ocean biome, with its endless expanse of water and untamed depths, held a wealth of secrets waiting to be discovered. From the shimmering coral reefs to the mysterious abyssal trenches, the ocean was a realm of wonder and danger, its depths concealing treasures and perils beyond imagination. Underwater plants and creatures thrived in this elemental domain, their existence intertwined with the ebb and flow of the tides.

The Spear technique, honed through countless hours of training and refinement, had become a formidable weapon in the hands of Frank and JJ. With the ability to control the wind, each slash of their spears ignited the flames of their movement technique, unleashing a torrent of scorching fire with each strike. And when combined with the wind blade technique, their spears became deadly projectiles, launching blades of wind and fire with lethal precision.

With this newfound power at their disposal, the hunting squad could embarked on their mission with renewed determination. Frank, now an integral part of their team, seamlessly integrated into their ranks, his skills complementing those of his fellow hunters. Together, they formed a cohesive unit, each member contributing their unique abilities to overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

Accompanied by fellow disciples from various minor sects and guided by senior members of the sect, the hunting party set out on their mission, their numbers swelling to around 1500 strong. While individually these disciples may not possess overwhelming power, their collective strength lay in their sheer numbers.

The presence of disciples from different sects served as an opportunity for mutual cooperation and camaraderie. As they journeyed together, they would forge bonds of friendship and solidarity, learning to trust and rely on one another in times of need.

Moreover, the presence of disciples from different sects allowed for a unique opportunity to assess and compare the strengths of each minor sect. By working together and observing one another's skills and abilities, the disciples could gain valuable insights into the relative power and prowess of their respective sects.

As the hunting party departed, they did so without the luxury of fancy traveling machines reserved for more important assets of the sect. Instead, they embarked on their journey on foot, accompanied by other disciples from various minor sects and guided by senior members of the sect. The trip was arduous and lengthy, with the seniors offering occasional advice and pointers to the juniors along the way.

Despite the challenges of the journey, the atmosphere among the disciples remained peaceful and cooperative. They engaged in spars and occasional parties, bonding with one another as they traveled. However, as they ventured further from the safety of the sect, the presence of beasts became more prevalent, serving as a constant reminder of the dangers that awaited them beyond the sect's borders.

The seniors carefully selected disciples to engage in combat with the beasts they encountered, providing opportunities for the juniors to hone their skills and demonstrate their prowess. Each disciple eagerly awaited their turn to prove themselves in battle, knowing that their performance would be scrutinized by the seniors.

Each domain had a specific ecosystem of monsters, some predators some pray. Frank and his minor sect had taken the ogres-centered hunting domain cause their fire would be more effective, and their spear technique was more effective against humanoid creatures.

As Frank and his team arrived at their designated hunting domain near an ogre settlement, they were briefed on the characteristics and behavior of ogres. Knowing the dangers they faced, their strategy was to pull a scout ogre from the settlement and engage in a series of hunts to improve their skills and efficiency.

Equipped with a dimensional cube provided by the sect, the team set out to gather resources and treasures from their hunts. This cube, larger on the outside than on the inside, was essential for transporting the valuable resources back to the sect, as well as for retrieving the bodies of any fallen disciples.

Their mission was twofold: to hunt the ogres for resources and to test their abilities in combat. Each encounter with the ogres presented an opportunity for the disciples to refine their hunting techniques and strategies, as well as to demonstrate their courage and skill in battle.

As they embarked on their hunts, Frank and his team remained vigilant, knowing that they faced formidable adversaries in the ogres.

The ogre, towering at two meters in height and one meter in breadth, was a formidable opponent as it approached the trap set by Frank's hunting squad. Despite their species typically reaching the fourth rank stage, some individuals exceeded these limits, posing an even greater threat to the disciples.

As the ogre drew near, concealed by the tall grass, the members of the hunting squad prepared themselves for the impending confrontation. Each member had been assigned to different groups based on their strength and abilities, allowing for a diverse range of approaches to dealing with the ogre.

The scouting and bait unit, tasked with luring the ogre into the trap, successfully fulfilled their role, drawing the creature closer to the waiting disciples. With bated breath, Frank and his team remained hidden, ready to spring into action as soon as the ogre entered their trap.

As the ogre stepped into the designated area, the disciples sprang into action,

The ogre proved to be a formidable adversary, its strength and speed surpassing that of any beast they had encountered before. However, for the strongest unit led by JJ and Frank, along with two other disciples renowned for their prowess, this challenge was well within their capabilities.

With their coordinated efforts and strategic targeting of the ogre's weak points such as the eyes, inner ear, and mouth, they swiftly subdued the beast. Despite its ferocity, they managed to exploit its vulnerabilities, ultimately delivering the decisive blow. JJ, showcasing his exceptional strength and skill, dealt the final strike, solidifying their victory over the ogres.

The disciples were all dispatched to explore and find some Qi-infused plants and herbs while the strategists came up with a plan on how to directly attack the ogre settlement.

The hunting squad devised a strategic plan to effectively deal with the ogre settlement. Their approach involved surrounding the settlement while setting fire to the tall grasses and the walls, creating a fiery barrier that would drive the ogres out in fear of being engulfed in flames. Additionally, the lack of oxygen caused by the fire would further disorient and weaken the ogres, making them easier targets for the disciples.

To prevent the ogres from bottlenecking and overwhelming the teams at the front, multiple exits were created, allowing the creatures to escape the burning settlement. This not only facilitated a more controlled engagement but also ensured that the hunting squad could effectively manage and mitigate the threat posed by the ogres. With meticulous planning and coordinated efforts, they were prepared to confront the ogres head-on and emerge victorious.

As the disciples positioned themselves around the settlement, tension hung heavy in the air, anticipation building with each passing moment. JJ and Frank took up positions at the front gate, their resolve unwavering as they prepared to face the impending onslaught of ogres. In the cover of darkness, they knew they had the advantage, leveraging the creatures' limited night vision to strike swiftly and decisively.

With a unified battle cry, echoing through the night, the disciples launched their attack, their spirits ablaze with determination. It was a testament to their loyalty and dedication to their sect, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their home. Despite the inevitability of casualties, they stood united, ready to confront the dangers that lay ahead and emerge victorious against the formidable foes.

In the chaos of battle, JJ and Frank led the charge, their weapons raised high as they braced for the clash with the ogres. Each disciple fought with unwavering courage and strength, their hearts set on protecting their beloved sect at all costs. As the battle raged on, the disciples remained steadfast, their determination unyielding in the face of adversity.