Volume 2: The Growing Flame Chapter 46: Hunter Association
Yunling Prefecture,
State Bureau of Investigation, in the spacious and comfortable lounge.
The evil hunters were either chatting in groups of three or four, or sitting alone, drinking the drinks provided here. The smoking area next door was full of people puffing out smoke, creating a fairy-like scene.
"There are so many evil hunters. This is the first time I've seen so many awakened ones."
"Not entirely. Some people are not awakened but have the means to deal with evil... Of course, such people will awaken sooner or later if they can survive."
"There are so many Ghost Hunters. Could it be that all Ghost Hunters from Yunling Province are here?"
"All of them are impossible, but I guess they are not much different."
"I'm from Silver City, how about you, brother?"
"I'm from Xihong City. The local investigation bureau told us there was a big deal, so here I am."
"Wait, I don't think something is right. What kind of business requires so many evil hunters... Shit, could it be that the Bureau of Investigation wants to target us hunters?"
"Not really, not really. If the Investigation Bureau really wanted to do something to us, why would they gather all of them together? You have to know that this is modern society. If you don't hide in the mountains and forests, the Investigation Bureau will definitely find you if they want to."
"That's right, so we have to obey the law. It's also thanks to the Investigation Bureau, otherwise how can we make so much money? We can live like rich people just by completing missions."
"As for danger? There is danger everywhere in this world. At least as evil hunters we can buy some new equipment from the Investigation Bureau, so we can protect ourselves against evil."
Everyone present is a strange hunter, a profession that walks on the edge of a knife.
Most of them are exposed to evil for various reasons and embark on this path accidentally, but there are also some lucky ones who awaken unexpectedly. These people often have stronger awakening abilities and can easily make a name for themselves in this circle.
The circle is not big, and many Guixie hunters have had the experience of cooperating with others on missions. After a while, they became familiar with each other, and the old hunters are even familiar with all the famous hunters in Yunling State.
"Look over there, it's 'Wisp Hand' Hu Gaofeng, he's here too."
"And there is 'Nine-fold Flying Knife' Mo Zhengyang!"
"Masters, they are all masters! It is said that Hu Gaofeng can transform into a ghost fire hand, which is ferocious and powerful. He can strangle ordinary evil spirits to death with one hand."
"Then Mo Zhengyang is even more mysterious. He controls the flying knife to come and go like the wind and kills evil spirits invisibly."
"Ah, in comparison, our abilities are a bit lame."
"But the Will-O'-Ghost Hand and the Nine-Layer Flying Knife are still not the strongest hunters in our Yunling Province."
"That's right."
An old hunter sighed.
Hunters often refuse to admit defeat. It is hard to say who is stronger between the Will-O'-the-Ghost and the Nine-Layer Flying Knife.
"But in our Yunling Province, there is a hunter who is recognized as the strongest. No old hunter dares to deny it."
"I once went on a mission with that hunter. I saw the terrifying evil being beaten to death. I was completely convinced. We are not on the same level as him. No, it's like we are from two different worlds. The gap is too big."
"I don't know what kind of awakened ability , or how he trained to become so powerful."
“Here it comes!”
"Sure enough, the 'Splitting Fist Martial Saint' Xing Jinglei is here!"
Splitting fist is a description of his fighting style.
He is called the Martial Saint because of his unfathomable boxing skills and unrivaled strength in Yunling Province. Even in the Yunling State Investigation Bureau, no one is his match.
The old hunter looked over.
The novice hunter exclaimed.
Under those pairs of admiring and awe-inspiring gazes, Xing Jinglei strode in with no waves in his heart.
There is no wave.
The number one evil hunter in Yunling Province? One of the most powerful people in the entire Donghuang? It's just an empty title!
He couldn't even pass a simple test.
Xing Jinglei, who refused to believe in evil, had been rushing around since last night until today. Every time he opened his eyes or closed them, he saw the scene of being killed by those swordsmen.
He is not strong enough.
It is still far from enough to surpass the senior predecessors in Xinhuo.
Hunters and investigators from Yunling Province? Xing Jinglei never thought of comparing himself with them. As a Xinhuo warrior, it would be too embarrassing for him to be complacent just because he was stronger than these people!
If you want to do it, be the second strongest one!
Shortly after Xing Jinglei arrived, people from the Yunling State Investigation Bureau finally showed up, including a deputy director who was present in person.
He explained the mission and reward for this time.
"Hell's Gate defense mission? There is such a terrible disaster."
"The rewards are generous, but you have to be alive to spend them."
"Facing the evil tide head-on, this is too terrifying."
"Not necessarily. We have quite a few evil hunters, as well as investigators."
Looking at the evil hunter in front of him, the deputy director said, "Don't worry, everyone. Our investigation bureau has a complete response plan for the Hell Gate, and we have experience in sniping. As long as you obey the instructions on the battlefield, it will not be difficult to resist the evil."
"What's more, when disaster strikes, we can hide once, twice, or three times, but can we hide forever?"
"When cities fall one after another, and the world becomes a hunting ground for evil, where should you and I go?"
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
"On a larger scale, it is about protecting the world and the country. On a smaller scale, it is about protecting your family. I don't think anyone wants to see a strange evil tide rushing into the city."
"If the world is destroyed, if the country is destroyed, can we still survive alone?"
Many evil hunters fell silent.
Many of them choose this path for money.
But they also have family and friends, and are part of the masses.
Watching the evil spirits destroy their homeland? I don't want to! I don't want to! I can't!
My heart will not be at peace.
You will never be able to hold your head up for the rest of your life!
When the world is destroyed, I won't be able to survive either!
"Director Yan is right. I, Lao Wang, will take this mission!"
"Even if there is no reward, I will go this time."
"Gincheng is my hometown. How can I watch the investigators charge ahead while I hide behind them?"
"If my daughter asks me about this in the future, I can tell her that daddy is also a hero."
In this atmosphere, no one backed down.
Director Huang was very pleased.
But today's purpose is not just that. Taking this opportunity, he said, "I know that many people are unwilling to join the bureau and yearn for the free and easy life they have now. For this reason, our investigation bureau has established a new department - the Hunter Association."
"The Evil Hunters who join the association can freely accept missions on weekdays. They can accept some missions with higher pay and more confidentiality. We will not restrict them. They just need to accept the call-up during special times like today."
"Don't be so quick to refuse. Let me talk about the benefits."
"In addition to the mission rewards, the association's hunters can also enjoy additional benefits. Awakeners can get a villa for free. It is located in our specially planned home for awakeners and has strong security. You don't have to worry about evil spirits invading. You can also bring your family to the community."
Many people were attracted by this benefit.
When it comes to their hearts, many people are worried about the safety of their families.
But it’s not over yet, Director Huang threw out another bait.
"In addition, the Association's hunters can also obtain training priority and purchase the latest awakened equipment. Don't underestimate this equipment, it can increase your strength by two levels."
Director Huang clapped his hands.
Two investigators brought up weapons.
Knives, swords, guns... At first glance, they don't seem special, but Director Huang smiled and said, "You can try them all."
A strange and evil hunter immediately stepped forward with a look of shock.
Then came the second, third, and fourth, as if it was contagious.
“This weapon…”
"Can't non-association hunters buy it? Even if it costs a little more money."
Will-o'-the-Wisp Hu Gaofeng asked.
Director Huang shook his head. "There are very few weapons like this. Even our investigators can't get many of them. But as long as the association hunters have enough mission points, they can exchange and purchase them."
"Your daily life will not change. Even the recruitment missions will still be well rewarded."
"You can think about it carefully."
Some people joined on the spot for their families.
Those who want to improve their strength are also very interested, and the fact that association hunters can still accept tasks freely and will not be arbitrarily commanded is also praised by many hunters.
Not so resistant anymore.
Xing Jinglei did not comment.
It was already a sign of his restraint not to show a look of disgust.
He is the one who carries the torch.
No matter how much money the investigation bureau gives, it will be useless.
He was just a little curious, so like other hunters, he walked forward, picked up a sword, tried it, and was stunned.
Turning the sword over and over again, Xing Jinglei fell into deep thought.
It looks a little familiar.
Perhaps, probably, possibly, seemingly... this sword is the "ordinary, standard sword" in their salary exchange list.
We can't say they are exactly the same, we can only say they are completely the same!
But is this all the bargaining chip the Investigation Bureau has?
He had already used "advanced standard weapons".