Chapter 8: The Frenzy of Magical Beasts

The single-horned steed was the most common means of transportation on the Holy Mang Continent. Though it couldn’t compare to the spirit eagles soaring across the sky, it had the advantages of speed and affordability. Available for rent or purchase at every relay station, it was favored by many—especially the mercenaries.

Shen Duo took the reins of one. In truth, the single-horned steed was much like the horses of her own time, save for the hard horn protruding from its brow and that it was considerably swifter. Back in her days with the armed police, she’d received special equestrian training, so riding such a beast posed no difficulty.

With a graceful swing, Shen Duo vaulted onto the horse’s back and sat upright. Lei Hang watched her mount with a smile, cracked his whip, and set off first along the main road. Shen Duo followed close behind.

The cold wind whipped her cheeks, causing her black robes to billow and her dark hair to fly behind her. The scenery on either side of the road sped past in a blur. A genuine smile blossomed on Shen Duo’s face; this was the first time since arriving in this foreign world that she’d felt such freedom. She let herself be swept away, carefree and unburdened, reveling in the sensation.

The wildness in her bones awakened. Shen Duo flicked her whip, and with a spirited neigh, the single-horned steed surged ahead, overtaking Lei Hang. The two of them raced as if in a contest, exhilaration coursing through them.

Before long, they had covered nearly half the distance. Slowing their pace, Shen Duo gazed at the winter landscape around them. Snow still capped the distant mountains, glimmering under the sunlight. “Thank you, Brother Lei, for your help today,” she said.

That blue-green phantom energy was something only Lei Hang could wield. She had heard of him back in the main city of the Shen family—how this man had become a Grand Illusionist at fifteen, and in just two years advanced to Spirit Illusionist. Now, at eighteen, he had already reached the rank of six-star Spirit Illusionist. It was believed he’d become a Sky Illusionist before the age of twenty. While his achievements didn’t quite match the continent’s greatest genius, Feng Jun, Lei Hang was nonetheless among the very top talents on the Holy Mang Continent.

Lei Hang laughed heartily. “It was nothing. Don’t give it another thought, Shen Duo.”

“By the way, why is your mercenary group stationed at the edge of the Katla Forest?” she asked. Mercenary groups like the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps—one of the continent’s top ten—wouldn’t gather in one place unless the Mercenary Guild had issued a significant mission.

Lei Hang’s thick brows drew together, his tone turning grave. “There’s about to be a beast tide in the Katla Forest. Our group was tasked with helping to repel it, so we hurried here. Shen Duo, once you’ve delivered your package in Klee Town, come find me at the camp. My father says this beast tide won’t be simple—there are many high-level beasts mixed in.”

Shen Duo’s expression grew somber. Beast tides were periodic assaults on human settlements by magical creatures, sometimes minor, often involving only low-level beasts. But if a large-scale beast tide erupted, it required a massive mobilization to resist—hence the issuance of mercenary missions. Such tides were usually led by high-level beasts, sometimes even divine beasts—mysterious and rare, with few ever seen, let alone possessed, on the continent.

Beast tides were also a lucrative opportunity for mercenaries. After slaying the beasts, they could harvest magical crystals and valuable body parts. Some would even capture suitable beasts to be tamed by beastmasters—though hiring a beastmaster was expensive, and ordinary people rarely did so.

Shen Duo readily agreed. She was curious to see what a major mercenary group looked like, and to witness the spectacle of a beast tide. She might even manage to slay a few low-level beasts herself and exchange their crystals for some gold.

They pressed on without rest toward Katla Forest, arriving at last before night had fully fallen. It was late, and Klee Town still lay some distance from the forest’s edge. With magical beasts most active at night, Shen Duo decided to deliver her package at first light.

Following Lei Hang to the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps' encampment, even Shen Duo—well-acquainted with the grandeur of modern armies—couldn’t suppress her awe. Tents glimmered with soft light as far as the eye could see, stretching along the forest’s edge. Mercenaries clustered before the tents in groups of three or five, devouring meat, quaffing ale, and talking boisterously. The female mercenaries were just as uninhibited as the men.

As Lei Hang made his way through the camp, many greeted him enthusiastically. When they saw Shen Duo at his side, a few of the more roguish mercenaries even whistled and joked, “Young Master, off courting girls, are you?”

Even with her thick skin, Shen Duo couldn’t help but blush. Thankfully, the twilight hid it.

She looked at this warm, lively crowd and smiled sincerely. “Brother Lei, are all these people from your Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps?”

Lei Hang shook his head, smiling, and gestured around them. “This area is our Blazing Flame encampment. Over there is the Lava Mercenary Corps. That section belongs to the Gale Mercenary Corps…” He rattled off the names of six or seven groups in one breath. Clearly, far more than just the Blazing Flame Corps had answered the call.

No wonder the camp stretched beyond her sight. It also meant this beast tide was no ordinary event. As Shen Duo pondered her reply, several burly middle-aged men strode over. The crowd of mercenaries parted respectfully, greeting them as they passed.

Seeing them, Lei Hang grinned and leaned down to explain quietly to Shen Duo, “Those coming our way are my father Lei Lie and my two uncles, Lei An and Lei Bai.”

Shen Duo paused. As the men drew closer, she could make out their features. The three bore a familial resemblance—tall and powerfully built, though Lei Lie’s gaze was the sharpest, while his brothers' faces were a touch softer.

“Hang’er, you’re back. How did you fare with the task I assigned you today?” When Lei Lie reached them, he cast only a passing glance at Shen Duo before focusing on his son, clapping him on the shoulder and questioning him sternly.

Lei Hang’s expression soured; he hadn’t expected his father to ignore his friend. Glancing at Shen Duo, he was about to introduce her when Lei Lie abruptly cut him off. “Zhengwu, since your young master won’t speak, you tell me—how did things go today?” Lei Lie barked the question at one of the men following behind Lei Hang.

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