Chapter Thirty-Two: The Hunt Begins

After handing over the chip containing the hunting ground program to the tournament control center, Fang Nian and Xia Moye hurried back to the audience stands.

“How’s it looking, Fatty? Any celebrities among the contestants?”

To ensure fairness and prevent bribery, the identities of the hunting team members had been kept strictly confidential before the tournament, only being revealed to the public right before the competition began.

Fatty stroked his chin and nodded, a slight arch in his brow.

“This year’s hunters are quite strong overall—almost all of them have cleared F-level hunting grounds. There are four seeded contenders: Xiao Xueluan from District 16, Li Jian from District 12, Han Jue from District 10, and…”

Fang Nian paused in surprise.

“And who else?”

Fatty let out a bitter laugh.

“Your old acquaintance, Fang Jie from District 4.”

At the mention of that name, Fang Nian’s body gave a subtle shudder, and a hint of murderous intent flickered in his eyes. Xia Moye, noticing the change in his gaze, asked gently,

“What is it? Do you know him?”

Fang Nian gritted his teeth and nodded, while Fatty sighed heavily.

“More than just knowing each other—they have a deep-rooted grudge, the kind that’s etched into the bones.”

Hearing this, Xia Moye, recalling the Fang family of District 4, seemed to understand but chose not to press further. Instead, she took Fang Nian’s arm and smiled softly.

“All right, the tournament is about to begin. Let’s focus on the competition.”

Fang Nian was startled by her gesture. Although Xia Moye had taken his arm before, it was always out of necessity.

But this time…

A warm feeling rose in Fang Nian’s heart, and the coldness in his eyes faded significantly. He nodded gently to Xia Moye.

Then, with the sound of a cannon blast, the first theme pushed by the Mi Family’s hunting ground, “Extinction,” officially launched, marking the start of the hunting tournament.

According to the tournament rules, before each hunting ground goes live, hunters are randomly drawn from the pool of one hundred, matching the number required for the challenge. The massive three-dimensional projection at the scene broadcasts the hunt in real time.

Afterward, the evaluation committee scores and rates the hunting ground based on its design, the hunters’ performance, and various other factors. To ensure the hunting grounds can still be used in the market afterward, certain critical elements—such as password solutions—are appropriately concealed during the broadcast.

Moreover, following the principle of not using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, the tournament differentiates between the selection of hunters. Seeded hunters are not chosen for non-seeded hunting grounds, meaning the four top hunters cannot be drawn until the seeded rounds begin.

The first hunt concluded after just fifteen minutes. “Extinction” received a final score of 65, rated G-level—a passable performance that satisfied the Mi Family’s team.

With “Extinction” concluded, the tournament switched to multiple simultaneous competitions. Although the event would span several days, less entertaining hunting grounds were quickly skipped, since over a hundred hunting grounds were competing and most spectators came for the seeded matches.

Days slipped by, and the marathon-like tournament ran for three days. By the dawn of the fourth day, all ninety-eight non-seeded hunting grounds had completed their runs. The best result came from the Jiang Family’s multiplayer “Dawn” in District 16’s East City, which earned a score of 78 and an F+ rating.

Such a result was above average in District 16’s hunting circles. The Jiang Family staff erupted in cheers, and the atmosphere soared. Everyone knew the seeded hunting grounds were finally about to appear.

As Vice Governor Li Hong of District 16 took the stage, the audience—silent for three days—exploded into thunderous applause. They knew the main event was about to begin.

Fang Nian leaned over to Fatty.

“Do you know this governor?”

“I do. That’s Li Hong, appointed two months ago. I don’t know much about his character, but I’ve heard he’s close with the Xu Family, especially Xu Fan. Those two are often seen at nightclubs together—my men have spotted them more than once, and Xu Fan always pays the bill.”

Fang Nian offered a wry smile.

“Of course, you don’t fight officials as a commoner. Xu Fan is as slick as they come, always involved in shady dealings and cozying up to those in power. I wonder if they’ll play any tricks in the competition. I don’t believe the Xu and Jin families will behave themselves.”

Fatty spread his hands helplessly.

“We’ll have to take it as it comes. There’s nothing I can do now; we haven’t been in District 16 long enough. Instead of worrying about that, you should be more concerned about your dear old friend.”

At these words, Fang Nian glanced at a pale, scholarly youth seated among the seeded hunters.

“Fang Jie?”

“Yes. He worked hard to drive you out of District 4. I hear most of your family’s assets ended up under his father’s control—they’re quite powerful now. Remember how you clashed with them over your grandfather? They’d have loved to see you dead. If he sees you here, might he…”

Fang Nian waved a hand, cutting Fatty off.

“So what? If he really thinks I’m afraid of him, he couldn’t be more wrong. This grudge will be settled, just not yet. Don’t worry—I know what I’m doing. I won’t expose his secrets until I’m fully prepared.”

As he spoke, a strange smile crept onto Fang Nian’s face.

“But it’s absolutely necessary to give him a little warning during this tournament.”

…

After a lengthy and ceremonial opening, Li Hong announced the start of the seeded hunting rounds.

There were five seeded families: the Tong Family of West City, the Xiao Family—giants in hunting ground props—and the three titans: the Xia, Jin, and Xu families. The representatives had already drawn lots for the order: Tong, Jin, Xiao, Xu, and finally, Xia as the closing act.

It was a favorable draw. As the finale, they’d attract more attention. Hunters would also be more fatigued, meaning those entering the arena would be more attuned to the state of the competition. Everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly.

Yet Fang Nian couldn’t shake his unease, sensing an invisible hand looming over him, ready to strike at any moment.

The rules for the seeded teams differed slightly from the ordinary rounds: each group required at least one seeded hunter, but there was no upper limit. For example, if a round needed eight hunters, at least one must be a seeded contender, but the rest could also be drawn from among the seeds.

Luck played a considerable role—perhaps as much as thirty percent of the outcome.

Soon, the Tong Family’s representative finished the draw, and they ended up with a seeded hunter: Xiao Xueluan from District 16. The younger brother of Xiao Xuefeng, Xiao Xueluan had chosen a different path—eschewing the tedium of managing hunting grounds and inventing mechanisms in favor of the thrill of the hunt itself.

Indeed, Xiao Xueluan was exceptionally gifted. Backed by the Xiao Family’s wealth, he quickly made a name for himself among District 16’s hunters, earning the title of prodigy by clearing an F-level hunting ground at just twelve years old.

Now, at twenty, he was even more seasoned, his eyes shining with determination.

“He looks far more agreeable than his brother—seems to have a good character. If we ever build a team, he’s someone worth recruiting.”

Once all eight selected hunters took their places, Li Hong gave the command, and the seeded hunt officially began.