Ultimate Magus in Cultivation World-Chapter 266: Hunt II

The team returned to the academy under the soft glow of lanterns, muscles aching and clothes dirt-streaked, yet each of them carried a quiet confidence. The courtyard was empty, save for Tian Lei, who leaned against a post, watching them with his usual calm intensity.

Ling guided the group toward the strategy hall, her steps measured. She could feel the weight of responsibility settle over her again, but there was also a new steadiness, a knowledge that her team could handle whatever came next—if they remained synchronized. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Inside the hall, Tian Lei gestured for them to sit, spreading out the maps and markers that detailed the surrounding forests and northern cliffs.

"Today," he began, voice low but firm, "you faced a Duskfang—a predator capable of reading your movements and responding with deadly precision. You subdued it without fatal injury, which is commendable. But tomorrow, your lesson will not be about restraint—it will be about endurance and adaptability."

Han Yi ran a hand through his hair, exhaustion evident.

"…So, another hunt… but worse than tonight?"

Tian Lei's gaze swept over the group.

"…Exactly. You will face multiple high-level predators simultaneously. Fast, cunning, and relentless. Not one, not two, but a coordinated group. Your skills, teamwork, and patience will all be tested to the limit."

Mu Chen leaned on his staff, thoughtful.

"…We'll need traps, ambush points, and coordinated positioning. And we can't rely on strength alone this time."

Yue nodded slowly.

"…We'll need perfect synchronization… one wrong move, and it could be fatal."

Lei Feng's grin was small, almost imperceptible.

"…Finally… a real challenge that can push us to our limits."

Tian Lei spread the map across the table, pointing to a narrow canyon in the northern cliffs.

"These predators—Shadowfang Alpha pack—use the terrain to their advantage. Ambush from above, attack from the sides, retreat and lure you into traps. Your goal is to contain and subdue as many as possible without losing anyone. Observation and adaptability are key. Step by step… together. Fail to do so, and the canyon will claim you."

Ling studied the map, tracing paths with her finger.

"…We'll need signaling, spacing, and terrain control. Everyone must know their role and anticipate each other's moves. Step by step… together."

Tian Lei handed out equipment: reinforced ropes, smoke grenades, traps designed to slow and restrict movement, and rations for extended tracking.

"Use every tool wisely. These predators will not wait for mistakes. Return successful… or not at all."

That night, the team prepared in quiet concentration. Han Yi honed his footwork and staff maneuvers, Mu Chen practiced defensive sweeps and counter-strikes, Yue perfected precise attacks and repositioning, Lei Feng studied trap deployment and terrain advantages, and Ling coordinated the entire team, running drills and scenarios in their minds.

By the next dawn, the team was at the edge of the northern cliffs, the canyon yawning ahead, shrouded in mist. The forest below was alive with subtle movement, faint sounds that hinted at the presence of the Alpha pack.

Ling inhaled sharply, meeting each member's gaze.

"…This is it. Step by step, together. Watch the terrain, anticipate every move, and trust each other completely. The pack is intelligent. One isolated strike, and it will exploit it. Step by step… together."

With synchronized movement, the team descended into the canyon, each step deliberate, senses alert, eyes scanning the shadows. Somewhere ahead, the Alpha pack waited, ready to test the limits of their training, their patience, and their unity.

The real hunt was beginning.

The canyon closed in around them, walls rising sharply on either side, jagged rocks casting long, uneven shadows in the early morning light. Mist clung to the floor, muffling their footsteps and amplifying every distant rustle. Ling led the group carefully, scanning for movement while keeping the team spread but in visual contact.

"Spacing," she whispered, voice low but steady. "Flank points ready… anticipate the first strike. Step by step… together."

Han Yi moved along the left edge, staff held ready.

"…I can hear them… subtle shifts in the mist. They're watching, waiting for a mistake."

Mu Chen crouched on the right, staff tapping the ground to sense vibrations.

"…Multiple directions. They're surrounding us, but cautious. Not foolish yet."

Yue stayed close behind Ling, dagger gleaming faintly in the filtered light.

"…Any sudden movement, we respond instantly… together."

Lei Feng had climbed a low ridge, eyes sweeping the canyon floor and rock faces.

"…Three visible… maybe more hiding above. They'll test us before committing to attack."

A sudden, sharp snap echoed from the cliffs above. All five froze. Amber eyes glimmered from a ledge, then vanished. The pack was positioning, circling silently, intelligent and patient.

Ling signaled with a subtle raise of her hand.

"Don't engage yet… bait them toward the narrow passage ahead. Control the terrain. Step by step… together."

The lead Shadowfang Alpha lunged, a flash of claws aimed at Han Yi. He sidestepped, swinging his staff to deflect the strike, forcing the predator to rebound. Mu Chen intercepted from the right, sweeping low, redirecting the Duskfang's momentum while Yue darted around, distracting it with precise strikes to sensitive points along its flank.

Lei Feng triggered a pre-set trap—ropes and nets that tangled a second Shadowfang momentarily, slowing its advance. The team pressed forward carefully, corralling the pack toward the narrow pass.

Ling's voice was sharp and controlled.

"…Contain… do not overextend… anticipate each movement. Step by step, together."

The pack lashed back, striking with claws and teeth, darting unpredictably. Han Yi and Mu Chen blocked in perfect coordination, Yue moved with fluid precision to avoid bites while forcing the lead predator backward. Lei Feng leapt to anchor another rope, restraining a third Shadowfang from flanking.

Minutes passed like hours, every motion calculated. Finally, the pack was funneled into the canyon's choke point. The team acted in unison, binding legs and tails, pinning each predator carefully without lethal force. Growls and hisses echoed off the canyon walls, but the Alpha pack was restrained, alert and dangerous but unable to attack.

Ling exhaled, lowering her hand, her voice calm but commanding.

"…Step by step… together. Control the environment, trust your team, anticipate every move. That is how survival works."

Han Yi leaned on his staff, chest heaving.

"…Step by step… we did it."

Mu Chen allowed a brief smile.

"…Coordination, patience… it saved us again."