Yunling Prefecture,
Within the spacious and comfortable lounge of the Prefecture Investigation Bureau.
Ghost Hunters conversed in twos and threes, or sat alone, sipping the provided beverages. The adjacent smoking area was filled with swirling clouds of smoke, resembling a scene from an immortal realm.
"So many Ghost Hunters, it's my first time seeing so many awakened individuals."
"Not all of them, I suppose. Some aren't awakened but possess the means to deal with ghosts... of course, such people will awaken eventually, if they manage to survive."
"With so many Ghost Hunters here, could it be that all the Ghost Hunters in Yunling Prefecture have been summoned?"
"Not all of them, but likely close to it."
"I'm from Silver City, how about you, brother?"
"I'm from Xihong City. The local Investigation Bureau told us there was a big job, so here I am."
"Wait a minute, something feels off. What kind of job requires so many Ghost Hunters... Damn it, could it be the Investigation Bureau intends to make a move against us hunters?"
"Unlikely, unlikely. If the Investigation Bureau truly wanted to do something to us, why would they gather us all here? This is modern society, after all. Unless you hide in the deep mountains and old forests, the Investigation Bureau can find you with ease."
"That's true, so it's important to abide by the law. Thanks to the Investigation Bureau, how else could we make so much money? Just by taking on missions, we can live like millionaires."
"As for danger? Where in this world is there no danger? At least as Ghost Hunters, we can buy some new equipment from the Investigation Bureau and have the power to protect ourselves against ghosts."
Everyone present were Ghost Hunters, a profession that walked on the edge of a knife.
Most had stumbled onto this path due to various reasons involving ghosts, but there were also some lucky ones who awakened by chance. These individuals often possessed strong awakening abilities, allowing them to quickly carve out a name for themselves in this circle.
The circle wasn't large. Many Ghost Hunters had experience working on missions with others, leading to familiarity. Old hunters, in particular, knew the renowned hunters of Yunling Prefecture like the back of their hands.
"Look over there, it's 'Ghostfire Hand' Hu Gaofeng, he's here too."
"And 'Nine Heavens Flying Daggers' Mo Zhengyang!"
"Masters, truly masters! It's said that Hu Gaofeng can conjure a ghostly hand of fire, ferocious and powerful, capable of crushing ordinary ghosts with one hand."
"Mo Zhengyang is even more mysterious, controlling flying daggers with the speed of wind, killing ghosts unseen."
"Alas, compared to them, our abilities seem a bit lacking."
"However, Ghostfire Hand and Nine Heavens Flying Daggers are still not the strongest hunters in our Yunling Prefecture."
"That's right."
An old hunter sighed.
Between hunters, there was often a sense of rivalry. It was hard to say who was stronger between Ghostfire Hand and Nine Heavens Flying Daggers.
"But in our Yunling Prefecture, there is one hunter who is universally acknowledged as the strongest. Not a single old hunter would dare to disagree."
"I once undertook a mission with that hunter and witnessed a terrifying ghost being utterly obliterated. I was completely convinced. We are not on the same level as him. No, we are like people from different worlds, the gap is too vast."
"I wonder what his awakened ability is, and how he trained to become so powerful."
"Here he comes!"
"As expected, it's 'Cracking Fist Martial Saint' Xing Jinglei!"
Cracking Fist, a description of his combat style.
Martial Saint, due to his profound fist techniques and unparalleled strength within Yunling Prefecture, even the Prefecture Investigation Bureau had no match for him.
The old hunters gazed.
The rookie hunters marveled in awe.
Beneath the adoring and reverent gazes, Xing Jinglei strode in, his heart undisturbed.
Untroubled.
The number one Ghost Hunter of Yunling Prefecture? A prominent strongman in the entire Donghuang? Mere empty titles!
He couldn't even pass a simple trial.
Unwilling to accept this, Xing Jinglei had been attempting it from last night until today. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw himself being killed by those swordsmen.
He was not strong enough.
Far from strong enough to surpass the veterans of the 'Xin Huo' organization.
The hunters and investigators of Yunling Prefecture? Xing Jinglei never considered comparing himself to them. As a Xin Huo warrior, it would be too disgraceful to be proud of being stronger than these individuals!
If he were to strive for anything, it would be to become the second strongest in Xin Huo!
Shortly after Xing Jinglei's arrival, the personnel from the Yunling Prefecture Investigation Bureau finally appeared, with a Deputy Director personally attending.
He announced the mission at hand and the rewards.
"A defense mission at the Gate of Hell? Such a dreadful disaster."
"The rewards are generous, but one must be alive to spend them."
"Facing a ghost tide head-on, that's too terrifying."
"Perhaps not necessarily. We have quite a few Ghost Hunters, and the investigators too."
Looking at the Ghost Hunters before him, the Deputy Director spoke, "Everyone, do not worry. Our Investigation Bureau has a complete response plan for the Gate of Hell, and we have experience in repelling them. As long as you follow orders on the battlefield, resisting the ghosts will not be difficult."
"Moreover, when disasters strike, we can hide once, twice, thrice, but can we hide forever?"
"When city after city falls, and the world becomes a hunting ground for ghosts, what will become of you and me?"
"With great power comes great responsibility."
"On a larger scale, it's about protecting the world and the nation; on a smaller scale, it's about protecting your own family. Surely you don't want to see a ghost tide surge into the city?"
"If the world is destroyed, if the nation is destroyed, can we survive alone!"
Many Ghost Hunters fell silent.
The reason many of them embarked on this path was indeed for money.
But they also had families and friends, and were part of the masses.
To stand by and watch ghosts breach their homes? They did not want to! They were unwilling! They could not!
Their consciences would not be at peace.
They would never be able to hold their heads high!
When the world was destroyed, they themselves would not be able to survive!
"Director Yan is right, I, Old Wang, accept this mission!"
"Even without any reward, I will go this time."
"Silver City is my hometown, how can I stand by and watch the investigators charge forward while I hide behind?"
"When my daughter asks in the future, I can tell her her father was also a hero."
In such an atmosphere, no one flinched.
Director Huang was very pleased.
But his purpose today was more than just this. Seizing this opportunity, he spoke, "I know many people are unwilling to join the Bureau and yearn for the freedom they currently enjoy. To that end, our Investigation Bureau has newly established a department – the Hunter Association."
"Ghost Hunters who join the Association can freely accept missions, including those with higher rewards and greater secrecy. We will not restrict you, only requiring you to accept conscription during these special times."
"Don't rush to refuse, let me tell you about the benefits and treatment."
"In addition to mission rewards, Association hunters will enjoy additional benefits. Awakened individuals will receive a villa free of charge, located within our specially planned Awakened Home, which possesses strong security measures. You need not worry about ghost incursions, and you can also bring your families to live in the community."
This benefit enticed many.
It struck a chord with them; many were concerned about the safety of their families.
But it wasn't over yet. Director Huang dangled another lure.
"Furthermore, Association hunters will receive priority in training and can purchase the latest awakened equipment. Do not underestimate this equipment; it can elevate your strength by two tiers."
Director Huang clapped his hands.
Two investigators brought forward weapons.
Knives, swords, guns… at first glance, they seemed ordinary, but Director Huang smiled, "You can all try them out."
A Ghost Hunter stepped forward immediately, his expression filled with surprise.
Then came the second, third, and fourth, as if contagious.
"This kind of weapon…"
"Can only Association hunters purchase it? Even if we pay more?" Hu Gaofeng, the Ghostfire Hand, asked.
Director Huang shook his head, "The quantity of these weapons is very limited. Even many of our investigators can't get their hands on them. However, Association hunters can exchange and purchase them as long as they have sufficient mission points."
"Your daily lives will not change, and even during conscription missions, there will be rich rewards."
"You can consider it carefully."
Some, for the sake of their families, joined on the spot.
Those who wished to improve their strength were also very interested. The fact that Association hunters could still freely accept missions and would not be arbitrarily commanded was also praised by many hunters.
They were less resistant.
Xing Jinglei made no comment.
Not showing a look of disdain was already a form of restraint for him.
He was from Xin Huo.
No amount of money from the Investigation Bureau would matter.
He was merely curious. Like other hunters, he stepped forward and picked up a battle saber, tested it, and was stunned.
Turning the battle saber over and over, Xing Jinglei fell into thought.
It looked a bit familiar.
Perhaps, maybe, possibly, it seemed like… this battle saber was the 'Standard Model Combat Saber' from their Xin Huo exchange list.
It couldn't be said to be a perfect match; it was simply identical!
However, was this all the Investigation Bureau had to offer?
He was already using 'High-Grade Standard Weapons'.