Outside the discussion hall was a flat and grand plaza.
At this moment, quite a number of people were already gathered on the plaza, with Luo Hong and Luo Heng standing at the center.
Everyone's expressions were somewhat solemn—this Hunting Festival had stakes of immense importance for all three families.
One could say that this battle determined the future of the entire family!
"Father, Uncle!"
Luo Cheng and the other two walked over.
Luo Hong said, "This time, the Hunting Festival relies on you. Strive to achieve good results."
Luo Heng added, "Forget about first place. Your goal is to surpass the Qi Family and take second place; this way, the losses to the family will be minimized."
"Uncle, why do you have to boost the morale of others?"
Luo Cheng chuckled and said, "First place belongs to our Luo Family!"
First place!
Upon hearing this, those around were slightly moved, some showing bitter smiles on their faces.
Youthful arrogance, indeed!
They had already heard that Qi Ting of the Qi Family recently broke through to the Body Tempering Ninth Layer, and Lin Yun of the Lin Family had broken through to the Ninth Layer months ago, wielding a Six-star Martial Soul.
By comparison, Luo Cheng, Luo Zhixing, and Luo Qingwan clearly had weaker foundations.
"First place…"
Luo Heng froze for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "I'll await your good news then."
The gap was evident, and naturally, he didn't believe Luo Cheng and the others could take first place. However, it wasn't appropriate to dampen their spirits at such a moment.
Luo Zhixing and Luo Qingwan exchanged glances, both feeling that Luo Cheng was being overly ambitious.
Even if he broke through to the Ninth Layer, defeating the Lin Family and Qi Family would still be exceedingly difficult.
Luo Cheng didn't explain further; the truth would reveal whether his words held weight.
"Haha, everyone's here, let's set off then!"
A hearty laugh rang out as Luo Mingshan strode out with tiger-like steps.
Luo Hong looked at Luo Mingshan with suspicion and concern, "Father, your injury?"
Luo Mingshan smiled and said, "I've already recovered! Not only that, but I've broken through the barrier of my previous realm and reached the Peak of the Third Stage of Tongxuan Realm!"
Luo Mingshan's face showed a healthy glow, and his voice was full of vitality.
The Spirit Elixir from Lingyun Pavilion was indeed extraordinary. In just two days, not only had it healed his injuries, but his cultivation had advanced further! Even his vitality was more robust!
"The Peak of the Third Stage of Tongxuan Realm!"
Everyone present was astounded at first, then overjoyed.
Among the three prominent families, Tongxuan Realm experts were few and far between. The only person who had reached the Peak of the Third Stage was Lin Canglang, the Lin Family Head!
"Congratulations, Family Head!"
"Congratulations, Grandpa!"
Luo Cheng was also thrilled; he hadn't expected the Dragon Scale Elixir Pills to be so potent.
"Father, what exactly happened?"
Luo Heng and the others were puzzled.
Luo Mingshan smiled and said, "I'll explain later. Since everyone's here, let's set off now!"
Before long, Luo Cheng's group was on their way out of the city.
The Hunting Festival's location every year was in Moon Ring Valley, twenty miles outside Qishan City.
Moon Ring Valley was an enormous valley, shaped like a crescent moon. It encompassed dozens of miles of unspoiled forest and extended into the Black Cloud Mountain Range, home to numerous One-star Demon Beasts.
The content of the Hunting Festival involved the younger generation of each family entering Moon Ring Valley within a fixed time frame to hunt Demon Beasts, with final rankings determined by the number of beasts hunted.
The starting point of the festival was on a mountainside at the edge of Moon Ring Valley.
The mountaintop had been artificially transformed into a high platform, equipped with numerous spectator seats, offering a full view of the valley.
"So this is Moon Ring Valley…"
It was Luo Cheng's first time participating in the Hunting Festival, and he stood on the high platform, gazing into the distance.
In front of him lay a low-lying valley, lush with vegetation and encircled by perilous peaks. From afar, the entire valley resembled a crescent moon, with mysterious beast roars occasionally emanating from within.
"When the festival begins, you'll need to enter the valley to hunt the Demon Beasts inside."
"One-star Advanced Demon Beasts are equivalent to five Intermediate Demon Beasts, while one Intermediate Demon Beast equals five Low Level Demon Beasts. To achieve good results, you'll need to venture deeper into the valley to hunt higher-level beasts."
Luo Mingshan explained the rules of the festival to Luo Cheng and the other two, then added:
"Although Intermediate Demon Beasts are the most common in the valley, there are still top-tier Advanced Demon Beasts. You must be extremely cautious! If you encounter an opponent you cannot defeat, do not act recklessly! Even if you lose the competition in the end, I do not wish for anything to happen to you."
"Understood!"
Luo Cheng and the others committed the rules to memory.
At this moment, the high platform was already packed with people.
The Qi Family had arrived earlier, led by a slightly rotund middle-aged man with a perpetual smile on his face. He was Qi Fusong, the Qi Family Head.
Beside Qi Fusong were several younger members of the Qi Family, including siblings Qi Ting and Qi Dong.
"That guy really showed up!"
Qi Dong's eyes burned with fury as he spotted Luo Cheng among the crowd. He turned to Qi Ting and said:
"Sis, make sure you teach him a lesson later! I want him bedridden for half a month—no, an entire month!"
Qi Ting pinched Qi Dong's cheek affectionately and smiled indulgently, "Don't worry, have I ever let you down?"
As she spoke, Qi Ting also glanced coldly at Luo Cheng, her gaze icy.
The incident at the Jade Betting House, where she'd failed to knock Luo Cheng out with one punch due to carelessness, had utterly disgraced her. This matter would not be settled so easily!
"Qi Ting seems quite fixated on you."
Luo Qingwan smiled at Luo Cheng.
Luo Cheng shrugged, "Being good-looking has its disadvantages."
Luo Qingwan chuckled softly, surprised that Luo Cheng could still be so carefree at a time like this.
At this moment, several figures approached, led by a middle-aged man in elegant attire.
The middle-aged man was robust, his gaze fiercely sharp, exuding an overwhelming sense of authority in his every gesture. It was clear he was someone accustomed to wielding power.
"Luo Family Head, I heard you were injured and have yet to visit you. But judging by your complexion now, you seem to be in good health." The middle-aged man smiled at Luo Mingshan.
Luo Mingshan was slightly surprised before saying, "Just a minor injury, thank you, City Lord, for your concern."
The middle-aged man was none other than Yun Daojiang, the City Lord of Qishan City. Not only did he wield imperial authority and command the city's troops, but his personal strength was unfathomable!
Rumor had it that Yun Daojiang was connected to a prominent family in the Imperial City of the Great Yue Dynasty, making him leagues above the three major families.
Typically, Yun Daojiang resided in the City Lord Mansion, rarely appearing—practically a dragon whose face was seldom seen. He had never participated in previous Hunting Festivals!
This time, not only had he arrived in person, but he had actively inquired about Luo Mingshan's injury, which left Luo Mingshan greatly astonished.
It wasn't just Luo Mingshan—everyone present was immensely surprised.
The City Lord's tone shifted as he smiled, "May I ask, which one is your grandson, Luo Cheng?"
Luo Mingshan was slightly stunned and immediately said, "Cheng'er, quickly come and greet the City Lord."
"City Lord."
Luo Cheng stepped forward but directed his gaze toward Yun Daojiang's back at Yun Mengli.
Yun Mengli was still dressed in white, her face veiled, standing there with an ethereal elegance like a fairy banished to the mortal realm. She nodded gently toward Luo Cheng.
The City Lord appraised Luo Cheng and praised, "Truly a fine young man, with exceptional talent. I look forward to your performance during the festival."
"Thank you for the compliment, City Lord." Luo Cheng bowed respectfully.
The members of the Luo Family were all baffled, wondering why the City Lord held Luo Cheng in such high regard.
After exchanging pleasantries, the City Lord and Luo Mingshan sat together.
"Luo Cheng, what's going on? You seem to know the City Lord Mansion's exceptional young lady." Luo Qingwan asked curiously.
Luo Cheng replied, "Met her once before."
"Just once?"
Luo Qingwan blinked mischievously, adding playfully, "I don't think it's that simple. The City Lord clearly came here specifically for you and praised you highly."
Luo Cheng was speechless. He was certain Yun Mengli had told the City Lord about what had transpired in the Black Cloud Mountain Range.
"Haha, Luo Mingshan, you've arrived so early! Unfortunately, festival rankings aren't determined by who arrives first."
Before Luo Mingshan and the others could sit down, a domineering laugh filled the platform.
"The Lin Family has arrived!"
Everyone's gaze turned in the same direction.