Ultimate Magus in Cultivation World-Chapter 263: Train XXIII

The team returned to the training grounds after their long practice, muscles sore but spirits steady. Ling gathered them in a small clearing.

"Good work today," she said, her tone calm but firm. "You all maintained coordination and alertness. That's exactly what I expect in the field."

Han Yi wiped sweat from his brow.

"…Felt good… finally moving without tripping over each other."

Mu Chen tightened his staff strap.

"…Edges are easy in practice, harder out there."

Yue adjusted her pack, nodding.

"…We're ready for more."

Lei Feng stretched, cracking his shoulders.

"…Let's hope whatever comes next isn't as careful as us."

Ling's gaze sharpened.

"Not hoping. You'll find out soon enough."

A sudden whistle echoed from the nearby ridge. Tian Lei emerged, flanked by two junior scouts from the academy. His expression was serious.

"Ling, your team has completed the valley exercise," he said. "Now, it's time for your first real mission. You will be sent out to hunt and subdue a target monster. One at a time. Survival and coordination are key. No hesitation."

Han Yi's eyes widened slightly.

"…A real monster? Already?"

Mu Chen's grip tightened on his staff.

"…We trained for this. Step by step."

Yue exhaled slowly.

"…I've seen simulations… this is different."

Lei Feng smirked, though his eyes betrayed focus.

"…Time to see if our practice paid off."

Tian Lei gestured toward a path that led into the forest beyond the valley.

"The target is a Voidclaw—a medium-level predator, aggressive but not impossible. You must locate it, track it, and bring it down. Work together. Step by step, stay alert, and follow Ling's lead."

Ling nodded, stepping forward.

"Understood. Everyone, check your gear. Water, packs, weapons ready. We move as one."

The team formed up, following the path Tian Lei indicated. The forest grew denser, shadows stretching across the uneven ground. Every rustle and snap of a twig drew their attention.

Han Yi whispered,

"…First real hunt… stay sharp."

Mu Chen scanned the edges with his staff.

"…Eyes everywhere. Keep spacing."

Yue mirrored Ling's movements, remaining silent.

"…Together."

Lei Feng moved slightly ahead, pointing out patches of disturbed earth.

"…Signs of movement… could be it. Step lightly."

The forest opened into a small clearing. Broken branches and paw prints marked the center. Ling crouched, motioning the team down.

"Footprints lead toward the north ridge," she said. "Spread slightly, but maintain visual contact. We can't afford mistakes. Step by step."

The team advanced cautiously, following the trail. A low growl reverberated through the trees. Leaves trembled. The Voidclaw was near.

Han Yi stiffened.

"…There! Movement by the boulder."

Mu Chen raised his staff, eyes sharp.

"…Wait… observe before striking. Don't rush."

Yue's fingers brushed her dagger, ready.

"…Together."

Lei Feng stepped forward, spotting the beast.

"…Voidclaw. Medium size… quick, claws like razors."

The creature's eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. It crouched low, muscles coiling. Its tail flicked, striking the ground with a warning. The hunt had begun.

Ling signaled silently, raising a hand.

"Circle slowly… keep spacing… anticipate movement. Step by step, together."

The team moved with practiced coordination, trained reflexes now put to the ultimate test. Every step counted. Every breath was measured. The forest itself seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the clash between hunter and prey.

The first real hunt had begun.

The Voidclaw's growl deepened, a low, rattling sound that echoed through the trees. Its eyes tracked the team, narrowing as it sensed movement. Ling's hand remained raised, signaling the team to hold their positions.

"Step lightly… approach from different angles… do not let it corner us," she whispered.

Han Yi moved closer to the left flank, staff poised.

"…Eyes on its claws… ready to react."

Mu Chen crouched slightly, staff sweeping near the ground to detect any sudden lunges.

"…It's watching. Don't give it a reason to strike first."

Yue edged behind a fallen log, dagger ready, shadowing Ling.

"…Together… wait for my signal."

Lei Feng moved to a higher vantage point on a small mound, observing the Voidclaw's stance.

"…Tail flicking… it's calculating… patience."

The creature lunged suddenly, a blur of dark fur and snapping jaws aimed toward Han Yi. Reflexes honed from training kicked in; he sidestepped just in time, swinging his staff to block the strike. The Voidclaw hissed, claws scraping the dirt where he had been a moment before.

Ling signaled again, guiding the team's movements.

"Now… converge from both sides… step by step… together."

Mu Chen moved in, his staff sweeping in a wide arc, forcing the beast to retreat slightly. Yue darted in from the other side, dagger aimed carefully at the Voidclaw's shoulder, grazing its fur but leaving a shallow cut. The creature roared in frustration, circling them, eyes glinting with predatory intelligence.

Han Yi adjusted, keeping spacing between himself and the beast, baiting it toward a natural choke point in the trees.

"…Here… funnel it," he murmured.

Ling nodded, guiding the team silently.

"Push it toward the clearing… don't overextend… anticipate its moves."

The Voidclaw lunged again, faster this time, snapping toward Yue. She rolled to the side, stabbing at its flank as she passed. Mu Chen's staff connected with its side, staggering it just enough for Lei Feng to strike with a calculated kick to its hindquarters. The coordinated assault worked—the creature was forced backward, struggling to maneuver in the trees.

Ling finally gave the hand signal to finish the attack.

"Now… immobilize!"

The team acted in unison. Han Yi struck its legs with a staff swing to destabilize it. Mu Chen jabbed at its forelegs, keeping it off balance. Yue leapt forward, delivering precise strikes to pressure points along its sides. Lei Feng dashed in, using momentum to pin its tail and prevent another strike.

With a final coordinated push, the Voidclaw fell, panting and growling but restrained. Ling stepped forward, her gaze calm but authoritative.

"…Team… maintain control. Step by step… together… it's still dangerous until fully subdued."

The team circled, keeping eyes on the struggling predator as it calmed under careful containment. Sweat dripped down their faces, but adrenaline buzzed in their veins.

Han Yi exhaled sharply.

"…We… did it. Together."

Mu Chen allowed himself a brief nod.

"…Step by step… worked perfectly."

Yue sheathed her dagger, eyes still on the Voidclaw.

"…First real hunt… survived… learned."

Lei Feng wiped his brow, grinning despite the strain.

"…Not bad for our first encounter. Step by step indeed."

Ling looked at the team, pride in her gaze.

"Remember this feeling. Coordination, patience, awareness—that's what keeps you alive. Today, you hunted a Voidclaw. Tomorrow… it may be something far worse."

The forest seemed to exhale along with them, leaves rustling gently as the team regrouped. They had survived their first real hunt—and learned the importance of discipline, coordination, and trust in each other.

Tian Lei's whistle sounded again from the ridge, signaling their success. Ling turned to lead the team back toward the academy, their first true lesson in the field complete—but the valley of real dangers lay ahead, waiting.