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Chapter 252 Arctic Customs: Ghost Hunting Grounds! (Update 45 of 2 words, please vote!)

This name came out.

The shoulders of those figures gazing into the distance from the railing seemed to tense up slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Although they still didn't turn back, a sense of apprehension and solemnity spread through the air like invisible ripples.

The Federation's Number One Assassin!
The weight of this title is no joke.

To earn such a fearsome reputation in the meat grinder of the Arctic front, one's methods, strength, and mentality are enough to chill anyone's heart.

But an even greater question arose in Fang Qingyu's mind.

Why would such a person be the lord of Liuli Guangcheng?
Why did Senior Yan Shouzhen remain so tight-lipped about this, only telling them "you'll know when you get there"?
The mere fact that the name is intimidating seems insufficient to explain Master Yan's silence.

Su Wanqing clearly noticed the deeper confusion in Fang Qingyu's eyes. A hint of helplessness crept into her mischievous smile, and she lowered her voice slightly, as if sharing a little secret:
"Lord Jiang's hobbies are rather unusual."

Fang Qingyu frowned slightly: "Special?"

Su Wanqing didn't speak again, but naturally took out her phone, tapped the screen quickly with her slender fingers, and then turned the screen towards Fang Qingyu.

The screen's light reflected in his gleaming eyes, on which a line of small text was clearly displayed:
She likes girls.

Fang Qingyu's expression froze instantly.

Even though he had weathered countless storms and possessed an iron will, he was still somewhat stunned by this blunt and absurd information.

The city lord of Liuli Light City, the Federation's number one assassin. Is he fond of women?

This stark contrast left Fang Qingyu momentarily at a loss for how to react.

I subconsciously asked a follow-up question.

How old is she now?

Su Wanqing put her phone away, as if she had just sent an insignificant message.

She turned her gaze back to the vast sea, her delicate fingers gently resting on her smooth chin as she pondered, a few strands of hair brushing against her cheeks in the sea breeze.

"Hmm," she hesitated for a moment, then held up four slender fingers and shook them. "Forty, right? But..."

She changed the subject, her eyes filled with pure admiration for the genius.

"She broke through to the Martial Saint realm at the age of twenty-nine. So, her appearance has remained frozen at that peak, at that most beautiful time."

Twenty-nine years old! A martial arts master!
Fang Qingyu's pupils suddenly contracted, becoming as small as needles.

The impact of these four words is far stronger and more direct than that of "hobby" mentioned earlier.

The Martial Saint, aged twenty-nine.

what does this mean?
This signifies unparalleled talent and an extraordinary comprehension of the path of martial arts.

Throughout the history of the Federation, only a handful of people have been able to reach the threshold of a third-tier Martial Saint before the age of thirty, and each one is a legend who illuminates an era.

Looking at the turbulent emotions surging in Fang Qingyu's eyes, Su Wanqing nodded understandingly: "Very powerful, right? And..." She paused, lowering her voice even further, with a hint of mystery, "There are rumors that she may already be at the fourth level. However, her strength has always been a mystery, and no one can truly see through it. She rarely goes all out, but every time she does, the result leaves everyone speechless."

四阶
Fang Qingyu felt a chill run down his spine again.

This is beyond the scope of his current clear understanding.

Currently, the third-tier Martial Saint is the pinnacle of human martial arts.

Information about the fourth order.

Fang Qingyu knew almost nothing about him.

After the initial shock, a more crucial question emerged.

Fang Qingyu tried to suppress the information about being a "29-year-old martial arts master" and "liking girls" for the time being, and looked sharply at Su Wanqing:
"Then how did he get the title of 'Number One Assassin in the Federation'?"

Why would a city lord, a super strong person suspected to be at the fourth level, be associated with the identity of an "assassin" who walks in the shadows?

This is so contradictory.

Su Wanqing's relaxed expression faded somewhat, and her eyes became serious.

"Because she really was a killer."

Su Wanqing's voice was calm, yet each word was clear: "And those killed were all formidable targets."

"The most sensational time was when she infiltrated the depths of the far north ice plains alone and locked onto a 'peak-level Abyss-class' Fate Demon, the 'Frost Silent Lord,' which was entrenched near the 'Howling Ice Abyss.' That Fate Demon's power was almost integrated with that extremely cold dead land, and it commanded countless Fate Demon armies, making it one of the biggest threats to the defense line. The Federation organized several large-scale encirclements, but all ended in failure and heavy losses."

Su Wanqing's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible reverence.

"No one knows exactly how she did it. All that is known is that she disappeared for a whole month. A month later, just when the Federation's higher-ups were about to give up hope, she returned. What she brought back was the core fragment of the 'Eternal Frozen Soul Crystal' of the 'Frost Silent Lord'. That peak-level Abyss-class Fate Ghost that terrified countless people was completely destroyed. And she escaped unscathed."

Fang Qingyu's breath hitched slightly.

Deep into the heart of the far north ice plains, where the Fate Demon resides, to assassinate a terrifying being equivalent to a peak third-tier human.
The dangers involved are terrifying just to imagine.

This is not something that can be accomplished by strength alone; it requires unimaginable patience, stealth skills, precise timing, and an extremely cold heart.

“That’s not all,” Su Wanqing continued, her voice even softer, yet heavier.

"There are also some unverified rumors circulating, but they have never been refuted by any truly powerful voices. It is said that she has taken action to eliminate more than one third-tier powerhouse who betrayed humanity and joined the Fate Demon camp, and even some who are suspected to be reincarnated gods, but whose positions are extremely dangerous and may pose a great threat to humanity."

She looked at Fang Qingyu and said, word by word, "These targets, without exception, have all disappeared. They left no trace and did not trigger any large-scale conflict that could shake the Federation."

"It's as if they never existed."

"Over time, among the true high-level circles and the top experts on the Arctic front, the title of 'Federation's Number One Assassin' naturally fell on her head. Because she did things that others dared not even think about, or simply could not do."

Fang Qingyu fell silent.

This is a legendary figure whose strength is unfathomable, yet who also has extremely personal hobbies.
It is indeed difficult to describe and define in simple terms.

But this way.

Their choice of Liuli Guangcheng provided them with an extra layer of security.

After all, if the city lord is strong, he can't just watch his city be captured and destroyed.

"Thank you for your explanation, Miss Su."

Fang Qingyu solemnly thanked Su Wanqing, as this information was crucial.

Su Wanqing smiled and waved her hand: "It was nothing. In the future, I might need Captain Fang's help in Liuli Guang City."

Her words were half true and half false.

The two chatted briefly and exchanged their room numbers on the ship.

At this moment, a middle-aged man dressed in clothing with distinctive Su family patterns hurriedly walked from the elevator entrance and respectfully whispered a few words to Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing nodded and smiled apologetically at Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei: "I have something to attend to, so please excuse me. See you in Liuli Light City."

"See you in the City of Glazed Light."

Fang Qingyu nodded.

Watching Su Wanqing's slender figure disappear into the elevator, Fang Qingyu took Jiang Wei's hand and said, "Let's go down too."

The elevator goes down.

As soon as Fang Qingyu opened the door, he saw Wei Banmeng, Chu Kuanglan, and Lu Jiuyuan standing in the elevator lobby like three guardian deities.

Wei Banmeng's cold face remained expressionless.

But those eyes stared intently at Fang Qingyu, as if silently accusing him.

Chu Kuanglan crossed his arms, looking bitter and resentful, with the corners of his mouth turned down, as if he had just been owed millions.

Lu Jiuyuan held his knife, staring sharply at Fang Qingyu, though he didn't say anything.

But the aura of "Captain, you're so unfair" almost solidified into a tangible form.

Fang Qingyu felt a chill run down his spine, and a small sense of guilt welled up in his heart.

The scene at the training ground did indeed suggest a "strategic retreat," leaving his teammates there to deal with the enthusiastic crowd.
"cough."

Fang Qingyu coughed lightly and forced an awkward smile.

He took two steps forward and, without saying a word, pushed Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan toward the elevator next to him. "Come on, come on, I just found a great place. I'll take you there to relax and calm your nerves!"

Wei Banmeng raised an eyebrow slightly, her cool voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible fatigue and curiosity: "What place? More 'lively' than the training ground?"

Fang Qingyu had already pressed the elevator button. Looking at the pale white skull logo lit up on the screen, he said in a low voice, "A place where we can 'experience' the atmosphere of the Arctic front in advance."

"Experience the Arctic front?" The three of them were taken aback at the same time.

"Ding--"

The elevator doors opened, and a completely different wave of heat, mixed with a deafening roar, rushed towards us!

"Kill him! Kill him!!"

"Tear it apart! Charge!!"

"Don't be a coward! Cut its neck!!"

"Roar--!!!"

Frenzied shouts, beast-like roars, the sharp clang of metal clashing, the death thud of some creature.
Various sounds, like boiling lava, instantly filled the entire elevator car.
What comes into view is a huge circular space.

It resembles a massive, sunken gladiatorial arena in the style of the ancient Roman Colosseum.

At the center is a circular arena, over 100 meters in diameter, enveloped by a high-intensity, transparent energy field.

At this moment, a bloody scene is unfolding on the stage.

A burly man, covered in blood and bulging with muscles, wearing only tattered leather armor, was wielding a massive, chipped axe and fighting fiercely against a ferocious demon that resembled an enlarged saber-toothed tiger but was covered in ice-blue bone armor and spewing icy breath!

The burly man was covered in deep, bone-revealing claw marks, dripping with blood. He was already staggering, but his eyes were like those of a wounded wild beast, filled with a frenzied rage and reckless savagery.

Each swing of the axe was accompanied by a resolute determination to perish together with the enemy.

The Ice Armored Saber-Toothed Tiger Demon was also in bad shape; one of its hind legs seemed to have been severely injured, making it move somewhat sluggish. Its ice-blue bone armor was covered with axe marks, seeping with dark green, viscous blood.

Surrounding the central arena are tiers of spectator seating, rising up like stadium stands.

The hall was packed with all sorts of people.

There were soldiers wearing camouflage combat uniforms, exuding a fierce aura.

There were Arctic hunters wrapped in thick animal hides, their eyes as sharp as those of eagles.

There were wealthy businessmen or powerful figures dressed in fine clothes, yet equally excited, waving their fists.

There were even some children who looked no more than seven or eight years old, held in the arms of adults, staring wide-eyed at the bloody battle, their little faces showing no fear but only excitement and fervor.

Everyone was as if they had been injected with adrenaline, shouting at the top of their lungs.

"Ghost Hunting Grounds!"

Chu Kuanglan gasped, uttering three words in a muffled voice, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock.

Wei Banmeng and Lu Jiuyuan's expressions also darkened instantly, their brows furrowing.

How could such a place exist within the territory of the Federation?
And this is happening on the "Ark of Hope," a vessel representing the Federation's highest level of technology?! And it's being brazenly allowed to exist there?!
They imprisoned the demons of fate, forcing humans to fight them for their own amusement and entertainment.
This created a violent conflict between the beliefs they had been taught since childhood and the Bureau of Sanctuary's iron-fisted mission to eradicate all threats from spirits.

Looking at their fellow human being on stage, covered in blood and struggling to survive like a wild beast, and then at the frenzied audience around them, a strong sense of unease and anger surged in their chests.

Fang Qingyu led them through the bustling crowd and found a relatively secluded corner sofa area to sit down.

The deafening noise was somewhat blocked out, but the brutal scene of the battle in the arena was still clearly visible.

He understood his teammates' feelings and explained in a deep voice, "This is a project created by the locals on the Arctic front. It is said to have originated from the idea of ​​getting children used to the horror of the demons from a young age, and cultivating their hatred for the demons and their fighting instincts in a relatively 'safe' environment. It can be considered a special 'custom' that has been fostered by the special environment in the Arctic."

He paused for a moment, then glanced at the victor on the field who had finally seized his chance, shattered the head of the Ice Armored Saber-Toothed Tiger with a single axe blow, and roared like a beast while raising his blood-soaked axe high, amidst the frenzied cheers that seemed to lift the dome of the crowd.

"There are advantages and disadvantages. It's normal for us people who are fighting to the death with ghosts in the rear cities to feel uncomfortable when we see our enemies, who should have been torn to pieces, becoming playthings in the stands, and when we see our own kind fighting for survival or money to please the audience."

Fang Qingyu's voice was calm, revealing little emotion. "But from another perspective, this place does provide a 'safer' training ground than going directly to hunt. With strong individuals in charge, it serves as a buffer zone for newcomers who have never truly faced a Fate Ghost, or for those who want to hone specific skills."

He looked at Wei Banmeng and Lu Jiuyuan, whose brows were still furrowed: "This is the climate and environment of the Arctic, part of the survival strategies that people there developed when their lives hung by a thread. We cannot simply judge right or wrong using the standards of the rear. If something exists, it must have its own soil."

The implication is clear.

Understand, but don't necessarily agree.

Seeing it and knowing it is enough.

There's no need to argue about right and wrong at this moment.

Wei Banmeng and the other two remained silent as they watched the staff quickly clear away the corpses of the Life Demons and the nearly exhausted victors, then bring out a new Life Demon, a Lava Giant Lizard exuding a ferocious aura, and a young challenger eager to try his luck, wielding two swords.

Cheers rang out again.

They forced themselves to calm down and tried to observe from the perspective provided by Fang Qingyu.

Indeed, setting aside the moral discomfort, the rules here are simple and brutal, yet they also reveal an extreme pragmatism and the law of the jungle.

This may well be a microcosm of the survival logic at the very bottom of the Arctic front.

Fang Qingyu brought them here not only to let them experience this completely different atmosphere in advance, but also for a more practical reason.

His gaze swept quickly over the newly appeared lava giant lizard on the field.

Then I glanced at the preview image of the next appearing ghost that was scrolling on the electronic screen next to me.

"Sawtooth Venom Jellyfish", "Shadowblade Mantis", "Swamp Spitter".
Several different forms of life ghost images, all of which exuded the same aura, flashed by.

Sure enough, some fish slipped through the net!
Fang Qingyu was certain.

This trip was worthwhile. Before reaching the City of Glazed Light, this place might be a good place to replenish skill points.

Just then, the young man with two swords on the stage was in grave danger under the ferocious attacks and high-temperature lava breath of the lava giant lizard. His left arm was burned and his movements were in disarray.

He was about to be devoured by a lizard!

Without further hesitation, Fang Qingyu raised his hand and beckoned to a waiter standing nearby, dressed in a Ghost Hunting Ground uniform.

"Hello," Fang Qingyu's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly pierced through the surrounding noise, "I want to register."

The young waiter paused for a moment, seemingly doubting that he had misheard.

The guest in front of me looked so young and handsome, with a calm demeanor, quite different from those regulars who were either gamblers or had fierce faces.

He subconsciously asked to confirm, "Sir, you mean you want to sign up for the war?"

"Correct."

Fang Qingyu nodded, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The waiter, seeing Fang Qingyu's calm and composed gaze, felt a sudden unease. His professional instincts kicked in, and he immediately pulled out a registration board and electronic pen: "Yes, sir! Please register your name and skill level so we can match you with a suitable opponent."

"Fang Qingyu".

Fang Qingyu gave his name, and then calmly wrote in the strength level column: "Martial Arts Grandmaster".

"A martial arts master?!" The young waiter's hand trembled, and he almost dropped his electronic pen. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Fang Qingyu's excessively young face.

A second-tier Grandmaster?! Such a young Grandmaster?!

He forced down the turmoil in his heart and forced a respectful but stiff smile: "Please wait a moment! I'll process it for you right away!"

After saying that, he turned around almost simultaneously and ran quickly towards the back-end management area.

Not long after, the waiter returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a well-tailored black suit who exuded composure.

The middle-aged man's gaze swept across Fang Qingyu's face, then quickly passed over Wei Banmeng and the others beside him, a look of understanding and seriousness flashing in his eyes.

He strode forward, a warm yet respectful smile on his face, and bowed slightly.
"Mr. Fang! It's a pleasure to meet you! I never expected you to grace our Ghost Hunting Grounds with your presence! I'm Wang Hai, the person in charge here." He handed over a gold-embossed business card with both hands, his attitude extremely humble.

Are you sure you want to participate? Given your status and abilities.

His meaning was clear: why should someone as important as you personally get involved?
Fang Qingyu took the business card, casually placed it on the table, and asked in a flat tone, "What, you can't participate at the second level?"

"No, no, no! Of course you can!"

Wang Hai quickly waved his hand, his smile widening, conveying a sense of honor that his humble abode had been honored.
"Our Ghost Hunting Grounds warmly welcomes top experts like yourself to provide guidance! It is our honor!"

He immediately handed over a specially made tablet computer. The screen lit up, displaying a detailed catalog of fate ghosts and real-time selectable individual information, with a wide variety of categories and rich illustrations.

"Mr. Fang, which one would you like to challenge? We'll arrange it for you right away! We guarantee it will be the one in its best condition and the most challenging target!" Wang Hai said solicitously.

Fang Qingyu took the tablet and swiped quickly. His goal was very clear.
The grayed-out illustrations on the map are not yet lit up.
A lurking undercurrent? I've never killed one of them.

Ice Crystal Insects? I've never killed one.

A thousand-eyed variant? Okay, that's it.

……

Fang Qingyu's fingers tapped rapidly on the tablet, almost without hesitation.

They specifically target those with unfamiliar names, strange appearances, and those that are clearly rare or special, and all of them are at the initial stage of the second rank.

One, two, three, ten
As Fang Qingyu's selections increased rapidly, Wang Hai's enthusiastic, slightly obsequious smile gradually froze.

Fine beads of cold sweat began to appear on his forehead, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly uncontrollably.

As Fang Qingyu tapped the fifteenth target, his finger still swiping across the screen, Wang Hai finally broke down. The muscles in his face trembled slightly, and his voice was noticeably hoarse and incredulous:

"Mr. Fang! What's wrong with you??"

He pointed to the densely packed red selected marks on the tablet, feeling his heart pounding in his throat.

How could he challenge more than a dozen second-tier early-stage Fate Ghosts in one go?

This isn't a challenge, this is downright sabotage.

Even if you are a peerless master, this is just too outrageous!

Fang Qingyu finally stopped pointing, raised his head, and looked at Wang Hai, whose face was pale and whose forehead was covered in sweat.

This was the first time he had shown such a faint smile since entering the Ghost Hunting Grounds, a smile that made Wang Hai's heart stop.

"Okay, that's all for now."

Fang Qingyu's tone was as relaxed as if he were ordering food at a restaurant, "Bring them all together."

Together?!
Wang Hai's vision went black, and he almost fainted on the spot.

He felt like he was dancing on the edge of a cliff, with the untouchable Captain of Project Hidden Dragon, a rising legend in the Federation, on one side, and the rules of the Ghost Hunting Grounds and the wrath of his employer on the other.

He opened his mouth, but his throat seemed blocked, and he couldn't say a word. He looked to the waiter next to him for help.

The waiter was also pale-faced and at a loss.

Just when Wang Hai felt like he was about to suffocate.

A deep voice came from the miniature earpiece he was wearing.

Wang Hai's tense body relaxed instantly, as if he had grasped a lifeline.

Taking a deep breath and forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, he gave Fang Qingyu a smile that was more like a grimace, yet unusually respectful:
"Okay! Mr. Fang! Absolutely no problem! We will definitely meet your requirements!"

“However…” He wiped the cold sweat from his brow and added, “The targets you’ve selected are diverse, scattered across special cages in different areas. Safely transferring them and releasing them simultaneously into the main arena will require some time for coordination and security checks, approximately half an hour. What do you think…?”

Fang Qingyu nodded, indicating his understanding: "Okay, I'll wait."

He hadn't expected the other party to conjure up a dozen or so ghosts of life immediately.

"Please have a seat! I'll arrange it right away! Just let me know if you need anything!"

Wang Hai felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He quickly bowed and retreated, disappearing hastily into the backstage passage as if a ghost were chasing him.

Once Wang Hai's figure disappeared, Chu Kuanglan, who had been holding back his laughter, finally couldn't help but burst out laughing, slapping the sofa armrest hard:

"Hahaha! Captain! You didn't see the expression on Manager Wang's face just now, it was like he'd seen a ghost, hahaha! That was hilarious!"

Even Wei Banmeng's usually aloof face showed a rare hint of suppressed laughter.

He shook his head: "I bet he's never encountered an 'order' like this in his entire life."

Fang Qingyu shook his head and chuckled. In truth, he hadn't expected the other party to actually agree.

After all, that requirement is indeed a bit much.
Yes, it's asking the impossible.

However, since the other party accepted, he was naturally happy to reap this huge wave of skill points.

He relaxed and leaned back into the soft sofa, his gaze fixed on the new round of bloody battle in the arena below. Deep within his molten gold pupils, however, lay a calm anticipation.

The deafening noise of the Ghost Hunting Grounds seemed to become background noise.

Deep in the backstage area, Wang Hai was speaking into a communicator, reporting in a hurried yet respectful tone, his forehead still damp with cold sweat.

"Yes, boss, it's definitely Captain Fang Qingyu from Project Hidden Dragon!"

"He requested to challenge fifteen Tier 2 Initial Realm Fate Ghosts simultaneously; I have already sent the list."

"Yes! Yes! I understand! Safety first!"

"We absolutely guarantee that the transfer process will be foolproof!"

"Okay! Okay! Also, boss, Captain Fang selected some of the rarer varieties from our inventory, what do you think?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the communicator, followed by a low laugh, a laugh with an indescribable meaning, as if someone had discovered something extremely interesting.

"A rare breed? Ha, give it to him! Give him as many as he wants! Prepare the venue to the highest standards. Tell everyone below to keep their eyes peeled. Record every single detail. Especially his fighting style, habits, and strength characteristics—don't miss a single thing!"

Wang Hai's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately replied, "Yes, boss! I'll keep an eye on it myself!"

"Ah."

The voice on the other end of the communicator paused, then became playful and profound.

"This Captain Fang is quite interesting. It seems Lord Jiang won't be bored this time."

　A huge, huge thank you to the generous donor, Pig Da Bao, for the 5000 Qidian Coins!
　　Xiao Qiu knelt down in gratitude!

　　And here, I'd like to ask for monthly votes again. I'm still a bit short of 1000 monthly votes this month.

　　I thought that with such a high update frequency, there shouldn't be any problems, so I didn't ask for monthly tickets in the chapter titles or at the end of the chapters, for fear of affecting the reading experience of the readers.
　　But now I really have to ask for monthly votes, sob sob!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)