Snow Lotus

七

Cries of recruitment echoed through the bustling marketplace. "Hunting strength-type spirit beasts! Need two more!" one hawker bellowed. Another countered, "Agility-type! Seven slots open, ten gold coin reward!"

The makeshift shops lining the forest edge resembled a small town market, overflowing with weapons, defensive gear, and all manner of provisions. Grandmaster, leading Tang San and Xue Li through the throng, stopped and asked, "Do you remember why I purchased everything back in Nodin City?"

Both children shook their heads in unison.

Grandmaster gestured towards the price tags displayed in the stalls. "Because here, everything is at least double the price. Surprised, aren't you, by this bustling marketplace at the edge of a forest? It's quite simple, really. Where there are spirit beasts, there's profit. Especially in these special national spirit beast hunting grounds. Spirit Masters are a wealthy lot, and there's no shortage of people eager to capitalize on that."

Tang San, his curiosity piqued, turned to Grandmaster. "What about those recruiters shouting? Are they forming hunting parties?"

"Spirit beasts are no pushovers," Grandmaster explained. "Even young ones, with just a few years under their belt, can unleash formidable power. That's why forming hunting parties is so common. Multiple Spirit Masters work together, each taking on a specific role. One might hunt their desired beast and claim its spirit ring, while others provide support: a Food System Tool Master ensures everyone's fed, a Healing System Tool Master keeps everyone healthy and recharged, an Agility System Battle Spirit Master scouts ahead, a Strength System Battle Spirit Master acts as a shield, and an Attack System Battle Spirit Master delivers the final blow. With these five parts working in sync, you have a complete team. But building that kind of coordination takes time – years of practice and absolute trust between members. One weak link, one moment of hesitation, and the whole team becomes vulnerable."

Xue Li, wide-eyed, asked, "So they lose because they're not strong enough?"

Grandmaster shook his head, a hint of coldness in his voice. "In the future, you might find yourselves needing to join a group like this. Strength is important, but there's one thing that matters even more: trust. You need to be able to turn your back on someone in that group, completely confident that they won't exploit that vulnerability."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Though Tang San and Xue Li didn't fully grasp the meaning yet, Grandmaster continued leading them deeper into the marketplace. The chaotic bustle faded as they approached the edge of the forest itself. Here, a sight that dwarfed the market's clamour unfolded before them.

Towering trees, their age evident in their immense size, encircled the forest's edge. A colossal steel fence, its tips gleaming menacingly, snaked around the perimeter. It easily topped ten meters in height, exuding an aura of unwavering strength. Beyond the fence, a hundred soldiers patrolled with unwavering discipline. Clad in meticulously crafted full-body armour, they clutched long spears, their formation as sharp as the weapons they held. These hundred steel warriors emanated a sense of deadly purpose.

Grandmaster lowered his voice. "Entering the Spirit Hunting Forest requires a warrant issued by the Spirit Hall. While some sneak in illegally, their chances of success are slim. These soldiers only guard the perimeter. Inside, Spirit Hall enforcers patrol constantly, checking warrants with ruthless efficiency."

Tang San, ever curious, asked, "So, who truly controls this forest: the Spirit Hall or the nation?"

Grandmaster's face hardened. "Never speak of such things outside," he cautioned. "I'll explain the relationship between the Spirit Hall and the nation later. Obtaining a warrant isn't difficult. First, the Spirit Hall needs to confirm you've reached peak stage power and require a spirit ring to advance. They also require sponsorship from at least three nobles."