The meeting point designated by the Mu Family was inside the Hunter Alliance's main hall.
When Mu Nianbing and Lingling arrived, most of the others were already there.
At the front stood a young man about twenty-five years old — handsome, sharp-eyed, and radiating an unmistakable air of arrogance.
He was clearly the Mu Family's client.
Aside from the few people accompanying him, there was also a four-person hunter squad — all mid-level mages.
"Does it really take this many people just to capture a servant-level monster?"
Mu Nianbing couldn't help but mutter inwardly.
"Are you the hunters sent by Qingtian Hunting House?"
The young man gave Mu Nianbing and Lingling a once-over. When his eyes landed on Lingling, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
So young?
"That's right," Mu Nianbing replied calmly. "When do we depart?"
"Since everyone's here, let me introduce myself first." The man straightened his posture with practiced confidence. "My name is Mu Ye, eldest son of the Mu Family."
The pride in his voice was almost tangible, and he made no effort to conceal it.
Mu Nianbing's lips twitched slightly. So this is the Mu Family's young master? He's even more flamboyant than Zhao Manyan on his worst day.
After a round of brief introductions, the team departed toward the outskirts of the city.
"Hey! I think I've seen you before. Aren't you from Pearl Institute?"
A petite girl suddenly jumped beside Mu Nianbing, her large eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Mu Nianbing turned to glance at her — and immediately froze.
Good heavens… what is she eating to grow like that?
He coughed lightly, trying to maintain composure. "Mm."
He'd already guessed her identity. With that energetic personality and… unforgettable figure, there was no mistaking her — Ai Tutu.
Still, there were a few days left before school resumed. How did she know him already?
"You're really the 'Great Devil,' right? I saw the video of your Beast Battle competition!"
Ai Tutu's eyes shone with excitement — like a fan meeting her idol — though her gaze carried a hint of mischief.
"Uh…"
Mu Nianbing suddenly regretted answering. Great Devil? What kind of ridiculous nickname was that?
Sure, it acknowledged his strength, but couldn't they have come up with something less… embarrassing?
"Ai Tutu!"
Before Ai Tutu could bombard him with more questions, a tall red-haired woman stepped forward and pulled her away by the arm.
"Sister Mu, this is Mu Nianbing! Don't you think it's such a coincidence?" Ai Tutu said eagerly, clinging to the other woman.
Mu Nujiao cast Mu Nianbing a composed glance. She, too, had seen his battle recordings. His strength had been remarkable even then — far beyond his peers.
Now, a year later, he had likely grown even stronger.
Being scrutinized by both girls, Mu Nianbing wasn't sure whether to feel proud or uncomfortable.
It felt less like admiration and more like being observed through the glass of a zoo enclosure.
Especially from Ai Tutu's expression — that confirmed it.
Two hours later, their group arrived at their destination.
As they approached, Mu Nianbing noticed that the ground beneath their feet had begun to split — faint cracks appearing and spreading rapidly in all directions.
By the time they reached the rocky foothills, the entire area was veined with fissures glowing faintly red.
"The fire element here is so dense… could there be a Fire Spirit Seed nearby?"
Mu Nianbing stepped closer to Lingling and asked quietly.
Lingling didn't respond immediately. She took out a compact measuring device and tested the surroundings before shaking her head.
"There's a powerful fire source here, yes — but it's not a Spirit Seed."
Mu Nianbing's expression turned thoughtful.
So that's why Mu Ye brought this many hunters.
There had to be a powerful fire-type monster nearby — likely a Great General-level creature, though probably not Commander-level.
After all, Mu Ye himself was only a newly advanced high-level Fire Mage. His control over high-tier magic was still rough.
Dealing with a Great General would already be difficult for this lineup — a Commander-level creature would be near suicide.
Normally, taking on a Commander-class monster would require at least three or four high-level mages working together.
Unless Mu Ye's head was filled with molten rock, he wouldn't take that risk knowingly.
Mu Nianbing's gaze darkened as he approached Mu Ye.
"This wasn't in the contract. If there's a Great General-level monster involved, it counts as a hidden clause. I'll need additional compensation."
Mu Ye hesitated for a moment, then sighed, realizing he could no longer hide the truth.
"You're right. There is an adult Lava Turtle here. But as long as you help me capture one of its offspring alive, I'll double the commission."
"Lava Turtle?"
Lingling's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Mu Nianbing asked.
He had never heard of such a creature in any of his monster studies.
"This Lava Turtle species has an exceptionally high bloodline. Some individuals can reach the Commander level upon maturity. Even if this one isn't quite there yet, it's still extremely dangerous," Lingling explained gravely.
"This mission is too risky. We should back out."
Her tone was unusually serious, and she even grabbed Mu Nianbing's arm to emphasize her point.
The other hunters, overhearing her explanation, began to falter as well.
They knew their limits — taking down a normal Great General was doable with teamwork. But a peak Great General close to Commander-level? That was a death wish.
"Sister Mu, isn't your brother being a little reckless?"
Ai Tutu's face paled. She had only just mastered intermediate magic — she'd wanted to hunt a small demon beast before starting at Pearl Institute, not face something that could flatten a squad of hunters.
Mu Nujiao frowned deeply. Her brother had said nothing about this beforehand. If she had known how dangerous it was, she would never have brought Ai Tutu along.
"Wait… are you sure this information is accurate?" Mu Ye's voice wavered slightly. He had assumed the Lava Turtle was just a typical Great General.
But now that they had come all this way, turning back wasn't an appealing option either.
Besides, he was also a Summoner. The Lava Turtle's attributes matched his perfectly — taming it would be a tremendous gain.
A beast with such a powerful bloodline was an opportunity he couldn't bear to pass up.
"As long as you all help hold it off while I complete the Fire Constellation, I'll handle the adult Lava Turtle myself. Once it's done, I'll triple your payment."
Confidence gleamed in his eyes.
No matter how strong the Lava Turtle was, it was still a Great General. Surely it couldn't withstand his high-level fire magic.
Tempted by the promise of triple reward, the four hunters quickly agreed. A bit of danger seemed reasonable for that kind of payoff.
Mu Nianbing, however, looked at the cracked, glowing earth — and the heavy, fiery air pressing around them — and quietly activated his Ice Element.
Something told him this hunt would not be as simple as Mu Ye believed.