Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 283: Chapter 162: Red Cloud Mountain Range_2

He chose a task to hunt a type of Blood Beast called the Enchanted Hedgehog in the Red Cloud Mountain Range. The task description was very detailed, not only outlining the Enchanted Hedgehog’s capabilities, physical characteristics, and weaknesses, but it also included a thorough, idiot-proof map.

The map was so detailed that even someone like Gu Sheng, completely unfamiliar with the Holy Pill Sect, could accurately locate the destination. Truly considerate design.

This task offered a reward of fifteen Contribution Points. Gu Sheng checked the map and noted that the Enchanted Hedgehog’s activity range wasn’t too far from War God Peak. If luck was on his side, he could likely return the same day.

The process for claiming a task in the Merit Hall was not complicated—simply select the task and bring the task slip to the registration desk at the entrance.

After registering, Gu Sheng followed the map’s directions and descended War God Peak, heading north. After about a quarter-hour of walking, he saw a solid, thick city wall.

The wall was patrolled by many people, and Gu Sheng noticed that in addition to watchtowers, there were also numerous large ballistae mounted on the wall. This level of defense wasn’t any different from a heavily fortified city.

At the base of the wall was a small house with closed doors and windows. Though it seemed inconspicuous, Gu Sheng felt a deeply oppressive aura emanating from within!

The aura far surpassed Chen Ke’s, leading Gu Sheng to speculate that there might be a Marrow Refining Realm expert inside!

”It seems the Red Cloud Mountain Range isn’t all peace and harmony.”

Judging by the walls and stationed guards, clearly they were trying to fend off the beast tide in the Red Cloud Mountain Range. Even with the abundance of experts in the Holy Pill Sect, they had still built such a sturdy wall, evidently having suffered great losses in the past.

”Guess I better not go too deep in.”

Gu Sheng made up his mind—he wouldn’t venture too far in alone.

Below the wall, the city gate was open, and no one was checking exiters. After passing through the gate, Gu Sheng tied the quiver to his waist, took out his Stone-breaking Crossbow, and hoisted the wooden crate housing the Thirst Blood Axe before heading onward.

The Red Cloud Mountain Range was vast, rich in resources. It had many medicinal herbs and Blood Beasts, and within the Red Cloud Prefecture it counted as a natural treasure trove. The two sects, three gates, and even the Governor Mansion all had designated entrances to the mountain range.

The Red Cloud Mountain Range was a mix of danger and opportunity. If lucky, one might find valuable fruit or rare materials—an absolute fortune. Offering such treasures to the sect might even warrant immense rewards and raise one’s status significantly. But besides opportunity, the dangers were countless: complicated terrain, numerous Blood Beasts, and power players of various factions mingled within—a moment of carelessness could easily lead to betrayal or robbery.

Gu Sheng had often hunted in Cang Mountain while living in Gu’s Manor, so he was far from unfamiliar with such situations. To him, the Red Cloud Mountain Range wasn’t much different from Cang Mountain, aside from the heightened danger. However, his strength had also grown significantly—he was far from stagnant. As long as he remained cautious, Gu Sheng was confident he wouldn’t fall victim to a robbery. In fact, if anything, he’d be the one doing the robbing!

Many tasks based on War God Peak required entering the Red Cloud Mountain Range. Along the way, Gu Sheng spotted numerous disciples clad in Holy Pill Sect uniforms. Several small teams of Blood Refining Realm practitioners approached him, asking if he’d like to join a group. Gu Sheng politely declined all invitations—after all, his task involved hunting a Copper Bone Realm Enchanted Hedgehog. Forming a team with them would be no help at all and would only slow him down.

The Enchanted Hedgehog’s activity range wasn’t far from the Holy Pill Sect’s entrance. After 40 minutes of walking, Gu Sheng reached the area marked on the map.

The task description explained that the Enchanted Hedgehog had an exceptionally keen sense of perception due to its unique nasal structure. To avoid alerting it, Gu Sheng activated his Snake Breath Skill to the fullest while also engaging the Shadow Concealment Skill.

Although his Shadow Concealment Skill wasn’t very effective yet, Gu Sheng didn’t mind—treating it as an opportunity for practice.

After wandering the area for half an hour, Gu Sheng finally spotted an Enchanted Hedgehog near a small pond!

The pond’s surroundings were open with no trees for cover. Sunlight shimmered on the surface of the water, creating a picturesque view. The hedgehog, covered in spines, its nose prominently raised, lay on its back sunbathing.

The Enchanted Hedgehog wasn’t very large, not much different in size from an ordinary domestic pig. It measured just over a meter in length and weighed about three hundred pounds.

Its appearance was considered more striking than regular hedgehogs—its spines were multicolored, reflecting a faint halo under the sunlight, showcasing a dreamy, vibrant aura.

Thanks to the Snake Breath Skill, the hedgehog hadn’t noticed Gu Sheng. It continued sunbathing by the pond, occasionally rolling over and dipping its head into the clear, sweet water for a drink, its piggy face full of contentment, oblivious to the imminent danger.

”Heh, you’re one pampered beast! Living better than I am,” Gu Sheng muttered in self-mockery. Ever since arriving in this world, he’d been like an unceasing spinning top, perpetually focused on earning and cultivating, never enjoying any proper rest. Seeing the hedgehog’s leisure, he lamented that his life was less indulgent than this pig!

Gu Sheng quietly withdrew an arrow and loaded it into the Stone-breaking Crossbow.

The spikes on the Enchanted Hedgehog weren’t just for show—they served both offensive and defensive purposes. When sensing danger, the spines would interlock, forming an effective armor. Only its head and belly were spine-free.

The hedgehog was currently sunbathing on its back, conveniently exposing its soft, vulnerable belly to Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng aimed at the hedgehog’s heart and immediately pulled the crossbow trigger.

Due to the design of the Stone-breaking Crossbow, the weapon made a loud sound upon firing. The hedgehog, alerted by the noise, turned quickly and interlocked its spines.

The arrow struck the armor-like interlocked spines with a muffled thud, snapping a few spikes and causing a trace of blood to flow from the hedgehog’s body. However, its timely reaction prevented significant damage, and the shot merely wounded it superficially, neither critically nor fatally. Instead, the hedgehog was riled and angered.

Gu Sheng had pushed the Snake Breath Skill to its maximum; even someone like Lu Junyi wouldn’t detect its flaws, let alone the Enchanted Hedgehog.

Upon sensing that Gu Sheng was merely a Blood Refining Realm Perfect practitioner, the hedgehog roared furiously, its multicolored spines abruptly standing upright. The arrow lodged in its spines was forcefully expelled.

Its eyes burned with outrage. Clearly, it was enraged at having its sunbathing interrupted by Gu Sheng. Rear hooves dug aggressively into the ground while its nostrils emitted two thick puffs of white vapor.

After releasing a furious howl, the hedgehog launched itself toward Gu Sheng like a projectile. Its speed was so startlingly fast that the air practically shimmered with motion trails.

Gu Sheng was taken aback by the hedgehog’s speed—far faster even than his First-level Rapid Rush state. With no time to dodge, he had no choice but to swing the crate from his back to shield himself.

”Clang!”

The hedgehog collided with the crate, shattering the fragile wood into pieces. Its sturdy head struck the Thirst Blood Axe inside with a resonant clang, sending Gu Sheng flying over ten meters.

Fortunately, Gu Sheng had reached the Copper Bone Realm, his physical resilience formidable. Otherwise, this single blow would’ve been unbearable for an ordinary Blood Refining Realm Perfect practitioner.

The hedgehog’s brilliant spines, despite their beauty, were coated in a highly potent toxin. A mere scratch would be enough to cloud one’s consciousness within moments.

The hedgehog’s speed, combined with their close proximity, allowed no time for Gu Sheng to aim or reload his arrows.

Faced with such a predicament, Gu Sheng decisively abandoned the Stone-breaking Crossbow, tossing it far away to avoid damage from the battle’s aftermath.

After all, the weapon wasn’t cheap—breaking it would sting.

Grasping the axe’s handle with one hand and its blade with the other, Gu Sheng swiftly assembled the Thirst Blood Axe. With a light spin and a satisfying click, the weapon was ready.

Holding the massive axe, Gu Sheng glanced at the still-undazed hedgehog and laughed: ”It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper close-quarters fight. Time to stretch my muscles with you!”