Chapter 23: The phantom boar

With his enhanced vision and heightened perception, Tang Jian released the bowstring, sending the arrow flying towards the target. Time seemed to stretch as the arrow soared through the air, its trajectory guided by Tang Jian's newfound accuracy.

To the astonishment of both Tang Jian and Instructor Long, the arrow struck the bullseye with pinpoint precision. The target quivered from the impact as the surrounding students and instructors turned their attention towards the remarkable feat.

A mixture of shock and awe filled the Practice Hall as everyone witnessed Tang Jian's exceptional display of archery. Even those who had doubted him were now left in awe of his newfound skill.

Instructor Long, his previous arrogance replaced by genuine admiration, approached Tang Jian with a newfound respect. "Impressive, Tang Jian. It seems you're not as frail as you appear," he admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Tang Jian nodded, his confidence bolstered by his successful demonstration. "Thank you, Instructor Long. I believe that with this technique, I can continue to improve my archery skills and prove that appearances can be deceiving."

Feeling a surge of excitement and determination, Tang Jian left the Practice Hall, his mind focused on a task he had forgotten. He hurriedly made his way to the outer gates of the academy, where two guards stood watch.

"Little student, do you have the outing pass? If you want to leave the academy, you require an outing pass to obtain permission; otherwise, we won't be able to let you through the gates," one of the guards politely asked.

Tang Jian rummaged through his pouch and discovered a peculiar wooden badge. He showed the badge to the guards, who examined it closely. "I see, since you have the outing pass, I will allow you to leave the academy. Enjoy your time outside and be cautious of thieves," the guard said, bidding farewell to Tang Jian with a friendly smile.

As Tang Jian ventured outside, he couldn't help but reflect on the preparations he had made, courtesy of his acquaintance Zhao Zhiming. "It's a good thing I had Zhao Zhiming arrange these things for me. Without his help, it would have caused me a lot of trouble. I should be more considerate of him in the future," Tang Jian murmured, a sinister smile crossing his face.

With a sense of purpose, Tang Jian embarked on a swift journey, driven by a specific destination. After running for a while, he arrived at the outskirts of a dark forest—a place he had ventured into many times during hunting trips with his father. Observing his father's hunting techniques and practicing his skills, Tang Jian had become capable enough to hunt low-level beasts.

He cautiously made his way into the forest, progressing closer to its center, where many spiritual beasts used to reside. However, Tang Jian knew better than to approach the heart of the forest, as his presence would likely be detected by high-level spiritual beasts, marking him as an intruder.

Tang Jian took out a map and a wooden box from his pouch, studying the map intently. After a brief search, he halted in front of a particular cave. Scanning the area, he confirmed its safety before entering. With careful movements, he dug a small hole in the middle of the cave and buried the wooden box he had been carrying. Ensuring he left no footprints behind, Tang Jian exited the cave, his task completed.

On his way back, a captivating sight caught Tang Jian's attention—a fight between two low-level demon beasts. Concealing himself behind a bush, he watched the battle unfold.

"What great luck I have. Regardless of the outcome, I will be the one to profit from this fight," Tang Jian whispered to himself, eagerly anticipating the spoils.

The clash was between a low-level phantom boar and a green viper, both evenly matched. The fight stretched on, initially favoring the green viper. However, the green viper met its demise under the weight of the phantom boar's heavy legs, though not without inflicting serious wounds.

As Tang Jian observed the aftermath of the battle, he noticed the effects of the viper's venom taking hold of the weakened boar. The creature grew progressively weaker, its movements becoming sluggish and uncoordinated.

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Recognizing this rare opportunity, Tang Jian seized the moment to test his skills once again. With the boar's attention fixated on its deteriorating condition, he saw a chance to take down the formidable beast and claim it as his own trophy.

Notching an arrow onto his bowstring, Tang Jian took aim at the weakened phantom boar. His muscles tensed with anticipation as he released the arrow, watching it streak through the air with speed and accuracy, finding its mark in the boar's vulnerable spot.

The arrow pierced deeply into the creature's hide, eliciting a pained, guttural grunt. Weakened by the venom and the fresh wound, the phantom boar thrashed about. Tang Jian knew he had to act swiftly to finish the job.

Drawing a second arrow, he quickly released it, striking the boar once again with lethal precision. This time, the arrow found its mark in the creature's vital organs, ensuring a swift and decisive end to its suffering.

As the phantom boar finally succumbed to its injuries, Tang Jian approached the fallen beast, his heart filled with a mixture of triumph and respect. He acknowledged the strength and resilience of the creature, recognizing the challenge it had posed.

Drawing another arrow, Tang Jian inserted it into the phantom boar's body, seemingly engaging in a gruesome act of mutilation. However, his true intention was to extract the beast core, a valuable item that could be sold in the market for a considerable sum of gold coins.

As night fell, Tang Jian returned to the academy, his mind still buzzing with the excitement of his successful hunt. However, he knew that his duties as a student were not yet complete. He had Alchemy classes to attend, where he would further develop his skills in the mystical art of elixir-making.

Heading to the Alchemy Hall, Tang Jian entered the spacious classroom filled with the scent of herbs and various alchemical ingredients. The room was dimly lit, with rows of wooden workbenches lined up, each equipped with an array of glassware, burners, and alchemical tools.

Inside the Alchemy Hall, Senior Sister Zhang Wei, a senior student known for her expertise in alchemical concoctions, greeted Tang Jian with a warm smile. Intrigued by his recent endeavors, she approached him, her eyes shining with genuine interest.

"Ah, Tang Jian, it's good to see you. I heard there was quite a commotion during the archery practice earlier. Care to share your experience?" she inquired, her voice brimming with curiosity.

Eagerly, Tang Jian recounted the events of the practice, from his initial miss to the astonishing shot that hit the target with unparalleled precision. Senior Sister Zhang Wei listened intently, nodding in appreciation of his skills.

Impressed by his abilities, Senior Sister Zhang Wei decided to share some alchemical insights with Tang Jian. She explained the potential applications of certain beast cores in potion-making and how they could enhance the effectiveness of specific remedies. Tang Jian eagerly absorbed the knowledge, grateful for her guidance.

With newfound knowledge, Tang Jian proceeded to the refining room, ready to put his skills into practice. Upon entering the room, he found Hall Master Chen Hui engrossed in her refining process. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and ingredients, creating an atmosphere of focused concentration.

Sensing Tang Jian's presence and noticing the lingering odor of the phantom boar, Hall Master Chen Hui paused her work and turned her gaze towards him, her expression both stern and curious.

"Tang Jian, what brings the scent of a phantom boar into my refining room?" Hall Master Chen Hui questioned, her voice firm and unwavering.

Tang Jian, feeling slightly uneasy under her penetrating gaze, quickly responded, "Hall Master Chen Hui, I apologize for the scent. While obtaining a beast core for my alchemy class, I must have unintentionally come into contact with a phantom boar. I assure you, it was for educational purposes and to understand its properties better."

Hall Master Chen Hui scrutinized him for a moment, her discerning eyes analyzing his words and demeanor. She was well aware of the mischief Tang Jian had been involved in during the archery practice earlier, but she decided to give him an opportunity to explain himself.

With a raised eyebrow, she replied, "Tang Jian, I find it quite coincidental that you managed to encounter a phantom boar during your quest for a beast core. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt for now. Remember, honesty and integrity are the foundations of our practice. Ensure that your actions align with these principles."

Tang Jian inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Hall Master Chen Hui's understanding. He nodded earnestly and said, "Thank you, Hall Master Chen Hui. I will strive to uphold the principles of our craft and act with honesty and integrity."

Encouraged by her response, Tang Jian turned his attention to the refining equipment in the room. He selected the necessary ingredients for a low-level pill he had been practicing and began the meticulous process of refining.

With each precise movement and careful measurement, Tang Jian focused his concentration and channeled his energy into the refining process. The room remained silent except for the occasional sound of herbs being ground and the soft flicker of flames beneath the cauldron.

As Tang Jian immersed himself in the refining task, he found a sense of tranquility and purpose. The refining room became his sanctuary, a place where he could refine not only his skills but also his character.