Chapter 016: Hunting

“So, your only chance is to obtain the Source of Gods. With your strength, as long as you get it, you can break through to the Saint level within three years. If Kris can hold on until then… then she will have a chance to survive… So, Aldas, this is your only chance—whether for yourself, for Kris, or for Roland Academy… My demand of you is to use every means possible to obtain the Source of Gods… Do you understand?”
A rare seriousness appeared in Bruce’s eyes, his expression extremely grave.
Aldas’s gaze grew even more resolute. He nodded slowly and then said, “Teacher Bruce… may I see Kris for a moment?”
Bruce nodded. “Sure… but not for too long. You understand what I mean.”
With that, Bruce stepped back a few paces. A glow emerged in his hands, and then he somehow grabbed a thick iron chain and pulled it slightly. A sound of “clang—clang—clang” echoed as a crack appeared in the floor of the bell tower. A marble platform was slowly raised, surrounded by chains covered in green patina, testifying to its existence over many years.
On the platform stood a translucent crystal coffin, covered in intricate runes that combined with a pale green magic circle on the platform, emitting a faint life force.
Those who knew such things might recognize it as an advanced elf magic: Life Suspension. Only this magic could halt a person’s metabolism, extending their life by a hundred times its normal duration. Yet those under this magic could only remain in a deep sleep. Once they left the magic circle, the lost time would catch up with them within three days.
The toxins in Kris’s body continued to devour her life force, and only this magic could barely keep her alive. Without it, Kris would likely have already turned into a withered skeleton.
Although Chenchen had removed some of the toxins from Kris’s body that day, it was only a temporary solution. The remaining toxins had now spread throughout her body. Her life force was being eroded, and nothing in the world could save her—except for the Tears of Angels.
Aldas looked at her porcelain-like, pale face and slowly stretched out his hands, trembling, as if holding the most precious porcelain.

But before his hand could reach halfway, Bruce stopped him, saying in a low voice, “Have you forgotten again? You can’t touch her… unless you have the Tears of Angels right now…”
Oldas’ expression darkened. With a soft sigh, he stepped down from the stone platform and said solemnly, “Teacher Bruce, I leave Kris in your care.”
Bruce smiled slightly and replied, “Go ahead. I know how to take care of her…”
Oldas let out a deep sigh, but moments later, it turned into anger. He stared in the direction of Mordor, unsure whether he was speaking to himself or to someone else…
“Dufan! I, Oldas, will take your life!”
Watching Oldas, Bruce also sneered. He murmured to himself, “Oldas, don’t blame me… as long as you can obtain the Source of Gods… as long as you can get it…”
…
The early spring weather was still a bit cold, but for the northern lands, it was already considered mild. Early in the morning, the entire city of Mordor came to life.
Governor Brandon seemed to have received some orders, as he lifted the city curfew. The streets were no longer filled with fierce soldiers, and thus the city regained its vitality.
The citizens of Mordor were unaware of what had happened these days, but such was the life of ordinary people—so long as it didn’t affect them, what was the point of any changes?
Compared to the past, they were more concerned about the present. For example, at that moment, several vendors at the city gate kept grumbling.
“Ugh! How many groups are there already today? Why do those nobles act like they’ve taken some kind of stimulant and rush out? And those noble ladies—each one dressed like a courtesan from the red-light district. If it weren’t for their expensive clothes, I’d think they were just girls looking for trouble!”
“Yes! Yes! If it were them, I’d pay even a gold coin!”
“What nonsense are you talking about? There are noble ladies selling themselves in the red-light district too, but they charge a hundred gold coins per night. And since you’re not a noble, you can’t even enter!”
Laughter erupted among the crowd—laughter that any man could understand. They watched the nobles passing by and kept talking, but who among them didn’t dream of wearing such splendid clothes?
After all, this was a crazy era.

“Hey, what on earth could those noble lords be doing outside so early in the morning?” one vendor finally asked.
Another smiled mysteriously and said, “Don’t you know? It’s said that Young Master Du Fan has invited all the nobles in the city for a hunt. Just imagine how grand this must be!”
A wave of meaningless envy arose among the crowd. After all, such a hunting ground wasn’t accessible to just anyone.
In this era, there weren’t as many places for nobles to entertain themselves as in Du Fan’s previous life. Hunting not only allowed them to relax but also improved their horsemanship and archery skills. It even gave them a chance to show off in front of their beloved noble ladies—activities that nobles had always loved.
There were countless hunting grounds of various sizes in Emperor Gavin’s capital, and many similar ones in the southern regions. But in the north, due to the perpetual ice and snow, having even one hunting ground was already a luxury.
And this sole hunting ground in the north was located outside Modo City. It was said that the governor invested a considerable amount of money each year to maintain it.
Near the hunting ground, the northern army had already set up several large camps. A total of three thousand troops had been sent this time. While one thousand were tasked with protecting the attending nobles, the rest surrounded the forest on all sides.
This was part of the hunting tradition—firstly, to prevent prey from escaping, and secondly, for security reasons. Such events had always been perfect opportunities for assassins and thieves. The soldiers guarding the forest were instructed not to let anyone in or out. Anyone who tried to force their way in, even if they were nobles, would be killed without hesitation.
Of course, it was another matter when a noble sought protection.
At this very place, a grand banquet was underway.
Since Du Fan had planned this deliberately, he invited all the nobles of Modo. Some who were even sick came despite their frail condition.
Red carpets were laid out in front of the camp. Noble ladies and ladies-in-waiting chatted softly and smiled, while the noble young men were mostly dressed in hunting attire. Their servants carried various hunting bows, giving them a fierce appearance.

These men, well, they don’t know exactly why Young Master Du Fan invited them here for a hunt today. But considering that the Green family is a martial dynasty, perhaps Young Master Du Fan wants to build his own team, that’s why he’s… recruiting people for this hunt to test us. If one can attach themselves to the Green family, the benefits in the future are obvious! So most nobles are ready to perform well today. Even the elderly who can no longer ride horses force their sons and grandchildren to get ready—this is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity! Fortunately, the people of the North are bold; even nobles know something about horseback riding and archery. Otherwise, Du Fan’s hunt would be a complete failure. As for the noble ladies, though they can’t hunt, they’re all dressed up in gorgeous outfits. Their gazes sweep across the scene, almost all fixed on Du Fan! Normally, noble ladies wouldn’t come so early to such events. If they do, they choose the right time—preferably after the men have finished hunting, arriving late but still able to see their heroic figures… As for why these noble ladies came so early today… it’s not hard to understand. It’s said that Young Master Du Fan doesn’t have a fiancée yet… so there’s one less person around him. This chance to rise to prominence is once in a thousand years… So, everyone knows exactly what these noble ladies are here for. Moreover, even if they can’t win over Young Master Du Fan, any general in the Northern Army would make a good match. With luck, they might even meet some Temple Knights—this is a woman’s dream!!! As for the noble wives, their thoughts are quite normal… Though I’m married, which noble doesn’t have a lover or two? I’m pretty and good in bed—once I get them on my side, I’m sure I can handle that young master… Hehehe… With all these thoughts combined, the entire hunting ground becomes bustling with activity. Only the cold expressions of the Northern Army’s cavalry draw attention—this… is more than just a hunting ground.