Da Xuan Martial Saint

The Wasteland Mountains.

To call it a mountain was an understatement; the massive mountain body was more accurately described as a sprawling mountain range.

From afar, one could see that the entire Wasteland Mountains range was a deep brown color; vegetation was scarce, mainly found at the foothills and within the valleys, and the types that did grow were those typically resistant to drought.

"The Wasteland Mountains..."

Chen Mu stood on a high slope, hands behind him, gazing into the distance at the Wasteland Mountains.

The barrenness of this range was due to the extremely arid soil throughout the region, from the surface down to the depths. Even in the rainy season, this area would see little rain and little water, hence there were no villages nearby.

"You should form into groups and patrol along the line," Chen Mu instructed the two Black-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office, along with some of the Yu Family Protectors and county constables behind him.

As there were no villages near the Wasteland Mountains, patrols did not need to approach the mountains closely. They only needed to station fixed personnel on some high grounds with clear views and have mobile patrols in more complex areas.

Chen Mu's current location was about ten miles from the nearest village, a distance that would allow for tiered reporting should any demon creature emerge from the Wasteland Mountains, and a quick response could be made.

"Yes, my lord," replied the two Black-Clothed Guards respectfully, leading the group of Yu Family swordsmen and constables in two different directions towards the left and right sides into the distance.

Only Chen Mu remained at the location, along with one Yu Family swordsman and one county constable, standing on the high slope.

Because the vegetation wasn't dense in this vicinity, standing on this high slope allowed one to take in a vast area at a glance and spot any demonic creatures that might appear almost immediately.

The county constable stood carefully to one side.

"There's no need to be too tense. Keep your sight broad, and don't overlook any demon creatures that might pass by," Chen Mu advised the constable, his tone gentle.

"...Yes," the constable quickly responded.

His nervousness wasn't surprising; the status gap between him and Chen Mu was significant. However, he was also excited at the prospect of serving alongside Chen Mu. If he could earn some merit, catching Chen Mu's eye, it would be a rare opportunity in his life.

Thus, he was fully alert, his gaze sweeping across the land from his high vantage point, careful not to miss anything.

In contrast,

The Yu Family swordsman was much more at ease.

Chen Mu watched from the high slope for a while until the two Black-Clothed Guards he brought with him had disappeared from view, only then did he turn around to look towards the distant Wasteland Mountains.

Suddenly,

The Yu Family swordsman spoke softly, "My lord, it seems to be a demon creature."

"Mmm, I see it," replied Chen Mu calmly, his gaze also following the direction where, at the far end of his sight, a blurry shadow could be vaguely seen repeatedly leaping through a sunken ravine.

Although it wasn't clear, the creature's movements were unlike those of ordinary beasts; it was more likely a demon of some kind. However, it was still quite far away, so Chen Mu only took a few glances before turning his attention away.

During times of demon unrest, there is often no need to be overly proactive, as demons, agitated and enraged, will approach on their own.

Chen Mu continued to survey the area, while the Yu Family swordsman occasionally glanced towards the demon creature. About an hour later, the shadow that had been leaping around in the wilderness ravine suddenly disappeared.

When he caught sight of it again, he saw that it had left the ravine and was advancing towards the high ground.

The Yu Family swordsman's gaze sharpened.

Soon,

he saw the demon creature approaching – it was a Leopard Demon with a reddish-orange body and black spots, blending in well with the colors of the Wasteland. It was incredibly fast, and if one didn't pay close attention, it would be easy to lose track of it.

"My lord, it seems to be a Fire Rock Leopard. Should I go and handle it?" The Yu Family swordsman didn't shift his gaze, focusing intently on the Leopard Demon that was rapidly approaching, and spoke softly to Chen Mu.

Fire Rock Leopard.

It was a Second Rank demon creature, something within his ability to handle.

However, his words received no response. A moment of surprise later, from the corner of his eye, he saw that Chen Mu had vanished from the rocks on the high slope.

By the time his gaze returned to the Fire Rock Leopard charging towards them, he saw Chen Mu, now dressed in green clothes, already standing in its path.

"ROAR!!!"

The Fire Rock Leopard's demonic eyes were wild with fury as it let out a ferocious roar at Chen Mu. It then leaped into the air, rushing at Chen Mu with a gust of wind and swinging its sharp claws, attempting to tear Chen Mu apart.

Click!

A very faint noise was heard.

Chen Mu's right hand formed into the shape of a blade, and he deftly struck at the Fire Rock Leopard's neck. With just one blow, the creature's pouncing form stiffened mid-air. After crashing to the ground, its body began to twitch and gradually lost all signs of life.

Chen Mu reached out and picked up the twitching, not yet fully dead Fire Rock Leopard as if lifting a small cat. He carried it back to the high slope and tossed it aside.

"Prepare it for roasting, we'll keep it for tonight's meal," Chen Mu said indifferently.

The Yu Family swordsman quickly agreed and started to process the Fire Rock Leopard's body.

Once the Yu Family swordsman had finished with the Fire Rock Leopard, Chen Mu casually picked up a piece of cooked meat to taste. The flavor was somewhat average, causing his brow to furrow slightly, but he still ate the entire piece.

As the sun set low and night gradually fell,