Chapter 57: The Brothers' Shock

The next day, several important buildings in the family grounds had a new announcement posted outside, attracting a crowd of curious family members.

"Organize demon hunting squads and enter the mountains to hunt demons!"

"Participants will be rewarded with varying amounts of merit points based on their cultivation level. All spoils from the hunt will be divided among the team members. Minimum requirement: Qi Refining level 5 and above. Interested participants should sign up at the Law Enforcement Hall."

The crowd was abuzz with discussions about the announcement.

"The Luoyun Mountain Range isn't as safe as our family grounds. There are many demons, and entering it below the seventh level of Qi Refining is quite risky."

"But isn't Fifth Granduncle leading the team? With ten people per team, as long as we don't encounter a second-level demon beast, the risk shouldn't be too high."

"That's true, but the probability of encountering a second-level demon beast isn't low. The reward is high, but so is the risk. I'd rather take on a few guard duties."

"That's true, but the reward is indeed tempting. As long as we don't encounter a second-level demon beast, the gains will be substantial. Unfortunately, I already have tasks to complete, so I can't join the first batch."

The conversation continued, with some family members agreeing with the cautious approach while others were tempted by the high rewards.

At this moment, Lin Tianhong, who had recently reached the fifth level of Qi Refining, arrived at the Merit Hall, intending to take on some family tasks. Seeing the crowd, he was drawn over by the commotion.

The onlookers greeted Lin Tianhong politely, and he returned their greetings with equal politeness.

After reading the announcement, Lin Tianhong began to ponder. The family's Law Enforcement Hall frequently organized small-scale expeditions into the outskirts of the mountain range to clear the area around Qingzhu Mountain. These were generally safe and low-risk.

Having just reached the fifth level of Qi Refining and now able to refine Spirit Origin Pills, he considered taking on some safer alchemy tasks. The rewards were good, but he had never experienced real combat. This seemed like a valuable opportunity.

However, he was deeply conflicted about whether to participate.

"Right, Sixth Brother has a high cultivation level and has taken on guard duties alone. I should seek his opinion. He might also want to join!"

With this decision, a smile appeared on Lin Tianhong's face as he bid farewell to the crowd and headed toward Lin Tianming's courtyard.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Lin Tianhong arrived outside Lin Tianming's courtyard.

Lin Tianming was just about to leave for the Law Enforcement Hall to sign up for the demon hunting squad when he saw Lin Tianhong descending from the sky.

"Sixth Brother, are you going out? I have something to ask you."

Lin Tianming was surprised but quickly invited Lin Tianhong into the courtyard. The two sat opposite each other.

"Second Brother, what brings you here? Whatever it is, if I can help, I won't refuse!"

"Have you heard about the family organizing demon hunting squads to train in the Luoyun Mountain Range?"

"I know about it. I was just about to head to the Law Enforcement Hall to sign up for the demon hunting squad."

Hearing this, Lin Tianhong was delighted.

"Great! I came to ask if you wanted to go together. Now we can fight side by side!"

Lin Tianming was surprised. There weren't many family members willing to take on such risks, preferring safer tasks, so Lin Tianhong's eagerness was unexpected.

"Let's not delay. Let's go sign up now."

The two of them left the courtyard together and headed to the Law Enforcement Hall.

Along the way, many family members were discussing the demon hunting expedition, but Lin Tianming and Lin Tianhong did not stop to join the conversations.

Soon, they arrived outside a blue-gray building—the family's Law Enforcement Hall. Without hesitation, they entered the hall.

Inside, Lin Tianfeng was present. Seeing Lin Tianming and Lin Tianhong, he immediately approached.

After exchanging greetings, the three sat down together.

"Second Brother, Sixth Brother, are you here to join the demon hunting squad?"

Lin Tianhong replied, "Yes, Tianming and I want to join the squad. Have you signed up, Big Brother?"

"Of course, I've already signed up with Fifth Granduncle. Including me, we've got five people signed up so far. If you both join, we'll reach ten, and we can set off."

Lin Tianming was surprised. It seemed most family members were wary of the risks and reluctant to participate.

"Big Brother, let's go sign up."

"Alright!"

Lin Tianfeng was excited. He loved adventure and had joined the law enforcement team early on, gaining rich experience in combat.

Many family members had grown accustomed to a peaceful life, preferring stability. While caution was a virtue, losing the spirit of adventure could hinder cultivation progress. The family needed members who were willing to take risks.

The three of them got up and went deeper into the hall, where they met Lin Shiji.

Lin Tianming and Lin Tianhong greeted him with respectful bows and stated their intentions.

Lin Shiji was surprised, having expected Lin Tianming to join but not Lin Tianhong.

With a calm expression, Lin Shiji asked seriously, "This isn't like the smaller expeditions before. This is real combat with demon beasts, and there's a risk of encountering second-level demon beasts. Are you sure you're prepared?"

Lin Tianming and Lin Tianhong answered in unison, firmly, "We're prepared."

Lin Shiji recorded their names on a piece of beast hide, took their family tokens, and added twenty merit points for Lin Tianhong and thirty for Lin Tianming.

"Alright, you're registered. You'll be in the first squad, departing in seven days from the Law Enforcement Hall."

"The family's additional merit rewards have been given to you. Use these days to prepare, especially with pills and talismans. The expedition will last a while, and injuries are inevitable, so make sure to bring enough supplies."

"Yes!"

The three of them left the hall.

Outside, Lin Tianfeng and Lin Tianhong chatted excitedly, boasting about how many demon beasts they would slay, making Lin Tianming smile.

"I'm going to the Merit Hall to exchange for some talismans and pills. Do you two want to come along?"

"Big Brother, I'll go with you."

"Big Brother, you two go ahead. I've already prepared."

Lin Tianming took out two bottles of pills, the high-quality Spirit Origin Pills he had refined, and gave them to his brothers.

"Sixth Brother, thank you for your kindness, but as your elder brothers, how can we accept this?"

"Exactly, I'm also an alchemist and don't lack pills. You should keep them."

"I have plenty of pills. This is just a token of my appreciation. Please accept them."

After Lin Tianming insisted, his brothers finally accepted the gift.

The three exchanged smiles. Lin Tianming cupped his hands in farewell and flew off on his sword.

After he left, Lin Tianfeng took out a pill, looking surprised.

"Second Brother, look at this Spirit Origin Pill. Isn't it different?"

Lin Tianhong inspected it, his body trembling in shock.

"This... it really is different. It feels like the medicinal power is significantly stronger than regular Spirit Origin Pills."

As an alchemist, Lin Tianhong had successfully refined Spirit Origin Pills a few times and could easily tell the difference in quality. If these were Lin Shigong's work, it was understandable. But if Lin Tianming had made them, it was astounding.

As they calmed down, the two headed to the Merit Hall together.