Ultimate Magus in Cultivation World-Chapter 264: Train XXIV

The team returned to the academy grounds, walking steadily along the forest path, their steps quieter now, more deliberate. The adrenaline from the hunt slowly faded, leaving a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration.

Tian Lei was waiting at the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed, eyes scanning the returning group. Ling approached him, the team falling into formation behind her.

"Report," Tian Lei said, voice calm but sharp.

Ling stepped forward.

"The target was a Voidclaw, medium-level, aggressive. We tracked it, engaged carefully, and immobilized it without casualties. Coordination and spacing were maintained throughout. Step by step, together." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Tian Lei nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

"…Good. That's the minimum I expect. You executed it well—but there's more to learn. A single Voidclaw is one thing. Multiple predators, varying terrain, or larger targets… that will test you differently."

Han Yi shifted his weight, wiping sweat from his brow.

"…We can handle it. Step by step."

Mu Chen added, gripping his staff tighter.

"…We learned a lot. Observation, patience… timing."

Yue's voice was calm, almost reflective.

"…Together. Communication… it mattered more than strength."

Lei Feng smirked but glanced at Ling with respect.

"…I didn't think we'd work that smoothly on the first try."

Tian Lei's eyes flicked toward the forest beyond the academy.

"Your next mission will be tougher. One monster is a controlled environment. Next time… you'll track a pack of Shadowfangs. Fast, cunning, and relentless. They hunt in coordination. You will need everything you practiced today—and more."

Ling nodded, acknowledging the challenge.

"…Understood. We'll prepare. Step by step, together."

Tian Lei gave a short whistle, and two junior scouts emerged, each carrying a small crate.

"Supplies for the next field exercise. Potions, bindings, traps, and rations. You'll need them for endurance, strategy, and survival."

The team divided the supplies efficiently, checking gear and ensuring everything was in place. Ling oversaw each step, making sure the team remained focused despite the exhaustion.

Once ready, they assembled at the edge of the forest, the shadows of trees stretching long in the late afternoon.

Tian Lei addressed them one last time.

"Remember this: the first hunt taught you coordination and patience. The next will test adaptability and foresight. Keep spacing, communicate, anticipate, and act as one. Step by step, together. Fail to do so… and the forest will not forgive."

Ling inhaled, letting the words settle in the team's minds. She looked at each member, determination reflected in their eyes.

"…Let's move out," she said. "Step by step… together."

With that, the team stepped into the forest once more, the path ahead darker, more unpredictable. The pack of Shadowfangs awaited, cunning predators that would challenge everything they had learned. But the team was ready—or at least, as ready as any could be for the dangers lurking in the wilds beyond the academy.

The hunt had ended, but the real lessons were only beginning.

The forest seemed to close in around them, shadows thickening as the sun dipped lower. Every rustle, every snapping twig set nerves on edge. Ling led the team silently, each step measured, eyes scanning, senses alert.

"Spread slightly, but maintain visual contact," she whispered. "They hunt in packs… one strike can draw the rest. Anticipate movement. Step by step, together."

Han Yi moved to the left, staff sweeping low.

"…Nothing yet… but I feel them watching."

Mu Chen crouched, gripping his staff firmly.

"…Footprints, broken branches… the pack is near. Stay ready."

Yue moved close to Ling, dagger at the ready.

"…Together. Watch each other's blind spots."

Lei Feng climbed a low ridge, eyes scanning through the trees.

"…Shadowfangs… at least three, maybe more. They coordinate… patience is key."

A rustle to their right. A pair of glowing eyes appeared briefly between the bushes before disappearing. The team froze, breaths shallow.

Ling raised her hand.

"Wait… observe first. Step by step."

Another rustle, closer this time. A Shadowfang darted between the trees, crouching low, tail flicking. Its companions followed, circling silently. Fast, lean, eyes sharp, muscles coiled like springs ready to strike.

Han Yi whispered,

"…Here they come… follow my lead."

Mu Chen tightened his grip, staff at the ready.

"…Don't let them flank. Keep spacing."

Yue mirrored Ling, dagger ready.

"…Together. React to each movement."

Lei Feng's hand rested lightly on a trap he had set earlier.

"…If we can guide them… maybe one at a time."

The lead Shadowfang lunged at Han Yi, claws slashing through the underbrush. He sidestepped, striking its shoulder with the staff. It yipped in frustration but darted to the side, circling.

Ling signaled for the team to split, each taking a flanking position.

"Isolate… coordinate… step by step. Don't overextend."

Mu Chen swung his staff at a second Shadowfang attempting a pincer move. Yue darted forward, striking at weak points while avoiding the claws snapping behind her. Lei Feng triggered a small trap, a net that briefly entangled one of the pack, giving the team a momentary advantage.

The pack regrouped quickly, snarling and hissing, clearly intelligent and cautious. Ling's eyes narrowed.

"…Predict their movements… push them toward the clearing. Use terrain to our advantage. Step by step, together."

The team advanced carefully, weaving through trees and rocks, forcing the Shadowfangs toward a narrow valley where escape was limited. Each strike was measured, each movement synchronized. The forest echoed with growls, snaps of claws, and the team's controlled footfalls.

Han Yi blocked a vicious swipe and countered with a staff strike, staggering one Shadowfang.

"…Step by step…" he muttered, almost to himself.

Mu Chen jabbed at the pack's leader, keeping it distracted while Yue struck at the side flank, forcing it back. Lei Feng dashed, pinning another in place temporarily.

Finally, with a coordinated push, the lead Shadowfang faltered, tripping over a root. The others hesitated, growling but wary of the team's precision. Ling moved forward, hand raised, and spoke calmly,

"…Immobilize, but do not underestimate them. Step by step, together."

The team struck in unison, taking care not to injure the Shadowfangs fatally, binding them carefully with ropes and using their environment strategically. After tense minutes that felt like hours, the pack was contained, panting, alert, but subdued.

Ling exhaled, scanning the area.

"…We did it. Step by step. Together. Remember this… a coordinated pack is far more dangerous than a single target. Adaptability and foresight win the hunt, not brute strength."

The team regrouped, adrenaline still high, but their movements more confident than before. This second hunt had tested them in ways the Voidclaw never could—strategy, coordination, and improvisation.

Tian Lei appeared from the ridge once again, a rare smile breaking his stern expression.

"…Well done. You survived a coordinated pack. Tomorrow… the challenges only grow. Prepare yourselves."

Ling nodded to her team.

"…Rest now, study the terrain, and review tactics. The forest will keep testing us—but step by step, together, we'll survive."

The sun dipped below the horizon as the team made their way back, shadows stretching long behind them. The lessons of the forest were harsh—but invaluable. And the team knew the next hunt would demand everything they had—and more.