Chapter 9: Hunter

Novaridge City sprawled across a vast expanse, home to hundreds of thousands. At its heart stood the Martial Arts Hall, an imposing complex dedicated to training young warriors. It covered an immense area, boasting countless practice arenas and specialized facilities.

The purpose of the Invinciblean was clear: to cultivate elite fighters and unearth exceptional talents for the imperial court and the powerful sects. Its students rarely ventured outside unless they were local residents.

In this world, martial artists held a place of prominence, and there were countless ways to amass wealth. Some, like alchemists, profited handsomely from their craft—raw spiritual herbs worth mere hundreds of taels could double or triple in value once refined into potent elixirs.

Then there were the Array Masters, experts in creating powerful formations for attack, defense, and cultivation—each one exorbitantly priced. And the forging masters, the artisans behind the weapons wielded by warriors, were revered and sought after.

These three professions stood at the pinnacle of martial wealth, yet they remained out of reach for most. Talent, inheritance, and the guidance of renowned masters were indispensable prerequisites.

Dustin Li knew that among his peers in the Martial Hall, some hailed from extraordinary bloodlines, dedicating themselves to alchemy, formation mastery, or weapon forging. Their monthly expenditures alone reached tens of thousands of taels—an amount he could scarcely fathom.

For warriors like him, there was another path. One that promised both danger and opportunity.

The hunter's path.

Across the mountains and swamps roamed beasts and monsters—creatures born with formidable physiques and unique abilities. Their hides, bones, and blood held immense value, fueling the demand for skilled hunters.

But hunting wasn't just about slaying monsters. The wilds were filled with hidden treasures—rare elixirs, precious minerals, and mystical artifacts coveted by alchemists, magicians, and blacksmiths alike.

Novaridge City housed a Hunter's Guild, a place where those seeking fortune and battle gathered. Becoming a hunter wasn't easy. The minimum requirement was reaching the fifth level of Body Refinement. In the past, Dustin Li had been too weak to even consider it.

But now?

If he wanted to accelerate his cultivation, he had no choice.

Hunters could accept missions from the guild, earning rewards upon completion. They could also form teams, venture into the wilds, and sell their spoils for profit. The most successful among them rivaled the wealth of alchemists and forging masters.

Determined, Dustin Li made his way to the Hunter's Guild, located in Novaridge City's bustling downtown—the wealthiest, most vibrant district. Towering above the streets, the guild's emblem gleamed: two crossed swords, a symbol of strength and survival.

As he stepped inside, a wave of powerful energy washed over him. Warriors filled the vast hall, their weapons glinting under the lantern light. Conversations were loud, boisterous. Bloodlust lingered in the air.

Masters.

Through his refined perception, Dustin Li could gauge the life force of those around him. Many were eighth- and ninth-level Body Refinement warriors. Compared to them, his fifth-level strength was laughable. A mere fledgling.

The moment he entered, the chatter shifted.

"Hah! Look at this kid—still got baby skin. What's a runt like you doing in the Hunter's Guild?" A burly, ninth-level warrior pointed at him, laughing. A crossed-sword badge gleamed on his chest, marking him as an official hunter.

"Probably a student from Martial Hall. Maybe he just wants to show off a hunter's badge to his classmates."

"Does he even know what it takes to become a hunter? Kid, this ain't a game. You fail the test, you don't just go home crying—you might not go home at all."

"Should we place bets? I say he won't even last five minutes!"

Dustin Li ignored their taunts, his gaze sweeping the hall. Despite the jeers, he felt something stir deep inside him.

This... this is what I want.

The raw energy, the danger, the freedom. These warriors lived on the edge, defying death with every hunt. And instead of fear, he felt exhilaration.

Maybe I was born for this.

Clenching his fists, he strode toward the front counter, where a beautiful woman greeted him with a practiced smile. The moment she saw his youthful face, her expression flickered with surprise.

Still, she maintained her composure. "Little brother, how can I help you?"

Dustin Li's eye twitched. Little brother?

Pushing down his irritation, he replied, "I'd like to apply to become a hunter."

The woman blinked. "What?"

"I want to apply to become a hunter," he repeated firmly. "My name is Dustin Li."

For a moment, she seemed unsure whether to take him seriously. Then, chuckling softly, she said, "Alright, little brother Dustin Li."

He scowled.

Laughter erupted from the nearby hunters.

"Hah! Shannon, don't tell me you've taken a liking to this kid?"

"The number one beauty of the Novaridge City Hunter's Guild—picking a baby-faced rookie? Impossible!"

"Shannon, come on, look at him. You deserve someone strong—like me."

Amid the jokes and laughter, Shannon's lips curled into a smirk. "If you want to be my man, come back when you're a four-star hunter."

Groans filled the hall.

"Four-star? Damn! Guess I don't stand a chance."

Meanwhile, Dustin Li slammed his palm on the counter. "I said I want to apply!"

More laughter followed.

Shannon, however, grew serious. "Dustin Li, becoming a hunter isn't a joke. For your own safety, I suggest you reconsider."

He frowned. "Why? Is it that dangerous?"

A warrior scoffed. "This kid doesn't even know the basics. Go home, kid. This life isn't for you."

Shannon sighed. "Listen, it's not just about meeting the requirements. You have to pass a trial. And it's not a sparring match—it's real combat. Against a monster."

Dustin Li's eyes burned with determination. "I understand. I still want to take the test."

The room went silent.

"Are you serious?" a hunter muttered.

"Three years ago," another man said, "a seventh-level student from the Martial Hall attempted the trial. He died. Since then, only eighth-level or stronger candidates have passed. Do you even know what you're getting into?"

Shannon hesitated. "Dustin Li, you're still young. You can wait a few years—"

"I've made up my mind."

A gruff voice cut through the tension. "Hah! I like his guts!" A muscular man with a thick beard—Tatum—grinned. "If you pass, you can join my team!"

Another man sneered. "Please. This kid? If he passes, I'll chop off my own head and use it as a ball!"

"You wanna bet, Kaira?" Tatum growled.

Dustin Li tuned them out. His focus was on the papers Shannon placed before him—an application form and a waiver, stating the guild wasn't responsible if he died.

He signed without hesitation.

With the stroke of a pen, his fate was sealed.

A guild official stepped forward. "Follow me to the assessment grounds."

As he walked away, Kaira slammed his palm on the table. "I'm betting against this brat! Tatum, do you dare?"

Tatum kicked back his chair and grinned. "Damn right I do!"

And just like that, the entire guild watched as a reckless bet was made—on the life of a boy determined to carve his own path.