The next morning.

Fang He arrived at the meeting point again.

The members of the third group remained unchanged: team leader Zhou Qiang, teammates Han Laosan and Lin Qingshan, and that nervous young rogue cultivator.

Someone died yesterday.

Han Laosan lowered his voice, his expression more serious than yesterday, "Everyone be on your toes today. Patrolling is a matter of luck; if you're lucky, it's just a stroll, but if you're unlucky, it's your life."

Lin Qingshan silently inspected his equipment; a short knife had appeared at his waist, and a long spear was slung across his back.

Fang He also checked his talismans and pills, and they were all there.

"Set off."

Zhou Qiang gave a brief order.

The five of them followed the same route they had taken the day before and headed back to the coastline.

……

Northeast coast.

The sea breeze was colder than yesterday, and it felt biting.

Fang He walked along the rocks, still in the same group as Han Laosan.

"This way."

Han Laosan pointed to another route, "Today's patrol area is a bit further south."

The two walked slowly along the coastline.

Fang He's attention remained focused on perception.

His perception range is about 10% larger than that of ordinary cultivators. It may not seem like much, but it is quite useful.

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

About fifty feet ahead, among a group of reefs, the direction in which the seaweed was lying down was rather strange.

Under normal circumstances, seaweed should lie flat in the direction of the waves.

But that patch of seaweed was growing in the opposite direction.

It felt like it had been run over by something.

"Uncle Han".

Fang He spoke in a low voice, "There's something going on up ahead."

Han Laosan immediately stopped and looked in the direction Fang He was looking.

"where?"

"The seaweed on that rocky outcrop is lying in the wrong direction."

Han Laosan narrowed his eyes, his expression changing slightly.

"There is definitely a problem."

He tiptoed and approached cautiously.

Fang He followed behind, walking steadily on the slippery rocks without making a sound.

A look of surprise flashed across Han Laosan's eyes.

"Kid, you've got a firm footing."

It's the effect of being a skilled swimmer.

As the two approached the reefs, they discovered that a large patch of seaweed had been crushed, and several rocks showed obvious signs of friction.

"Sea creatures used to rest here."

Han Laosan squatted down to examine the marks. "Judging from these traces, they must have come ashore last night."

"And now?"

"It has already returned to the sea." Han Laosan stood up. "Judging from its size, it is at least a low-grade first-order sea beast."

He took out a brass whistle and blew it.

Team leader Zhou Qiang arrived quickly, examined the traces, and recorded the findings.

"Traces of marine mammals have been found for two consecutive days."

Zhou Qiang looked at Fang He, his eyes showing more approval. "Your perception is good."

Fang He bowed: "You flatter me, team leader."

Zhou Qiang nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Han Laosan said with a smile, "Brother, your perception is outstanding even in the patrol team. Keep up the good work, you'll have a bright future."

Fang He said a few modest words, but in his heart he felt somewhat fortunate.

……

The patrol continued until evening.

Nothing unexpected happened today, and we returned to the meeting point smoothly.

Fang He was preparing to return to the spirit field when a guard approached.

Fang He.

The guard's voice wasn't loud, but several rogue cultivators nearby immediately looked over.

"The captain of the guard wants to see you."

Fang He was taken aback: "The captain of the guard?"

"Come with me."

The guard turned and left, so Fang He had no choice but to follow.

The surrounding rogue cultivators all had different opinions.

Envy, curiosity, jealousy.

Han Laosan patted him on the shoulder and whispered, "That's good news. It's not easy to be noticed by the captain."

Lin Qingshan rarely spoke up: "The guard captain is a good person. You can learn something from him."

Fang He nodded and followed the guard toward the Zhou family office.

……

Side hall of the Zhou family office.

Fang He followed the guard inside and saw a man in his thirties standing in front of a map, examining it.

This man was tall and had a resolute face, exuding the air of a seasoned veteran.

As soon as Fang He stepped into the hall, he felt an invisible pressure rushing towards him.

It was a sense of oppression that came from the depths of one's soul, as if facing a ferocious beast.

Foundation Establishment cultivator?!

Is this the aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator?

Fang He's heartbeat slowed slightly, and her breathing involuntarily slowed down.

Is this the head of the guard?

Zhou Tieshan.

The man turned around and his gaze fell on Fang He.

Sharp, composed, as if able to see through people's hearts.

"You're Fang He?"

"Yes, Captain Zhou." Fang He bowed.

Zhou Tieshan sized him up for a moment and nodded slightly.

"Level three Qi Refining, originally a Spirit Plant Cultivator, renting spiritual fields from the Zhou family?"

"Yes."

"I have read your inspection reports from the past two days."

Zhou Tieshan's voice was calm: "We have continuously discovered traces of marine mammals, which have keen senses. They move nimbly in the reef area and are highly adaptable."

He paused, a hint of appreciation appearing in his eyes.

"A promising talent."

Fang He remained modest: "Captain, you flatter me. I just did my best."

Zhou Tieshan smiled faintly, a smile that was brief and fleeting.

"Come to the training ground at 7:00 AM tomorrow."

"I'll teach you some methods to deal with sea monsters."

Fang He's heart skipped a beat.

"yes!"

……

The next morning.

Fang He arrived at the training ground on time.

This is where the Zhou family guards train daily. The area is spacious, with various weapon racks and training equipment placed around it.

Zhou Tieshan was already waiting.

Several marine mammal specimens and remains were placed beside him, some intact, others only partially intact.

"They're here."

Zhou Tieshan beckoned, "Come and take a look at these."

Fang He stepped forward.

Upon closer inspection, these marine mammal specimens are larger than expected.

A sea creature resembling a shark, about ten feet long, with dark red scales covering its body and distinct blood-red stripes on its fins.

A turtle-shaped sea creature with a thick carapace, as if cast in iron, and short, thick, and powerful limbs.

There is also a piece of remains that looks like the head of some kind of eel-like marine mammal, with its mouth split open and covered with sharp teeth.

There are more than a dozen species of marine mammals commonly found in this area.

Zhou Tieshan pointed to the specimens and began to explain, "These three pose the greatest threat."

"Bloodfin Shark, Tier 1, Mid-grade."

"Iron-Shelled Turtle, Tier 1, Low Grade".

"Splitterfish, Tier 1, High Grade".

Fang He listened attentively.

"Sea creatures may be strong, but they all have weaknesses."

"The bloodtip shark's weak point is three inches behind its gill slits..."

Zhou Tieshan demonstrated the attack angle and the way force was applied.

"Remember, when dealing with sea monsters, skillful technique is worse than brute force."

Fang He observed carefully, simulating the attack scene in his mind.

Three inches behind the gill slits of the bloodfin shark... the crevices in the shell of the iron-shelled turtle... the depression in the head of the split-mouthed eel...

These experiences are far more valuable than anything he could figure out on his own.

"There's also the importance of teamwork," Zhou Tieshan continued. "You're all independent cultivators, used to fighting alone, but when dealing with sea beasts, teamwork is even more crucial."

"The timing of the ambush, key points of coordination, and retreat signals are all important..."

He looked at Fang He, his gaze serious.

"You are still independent cultivators, so survival comes first, killing enemies second."

"Only by coming back alive can we have a future."

Fang He nodded solemnly.

"Yes, Captain of the Guard. I understand."

Zhou Tieshan looked at him and suddenly asked, "What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"

"Green Wood Technique, a basic wood-based skill."

Have you learned any offensive spells?

Fang He shook her head: "Not yet."

"Your perception is an advantage."

Zhou Tieshan said, "But having awareness alone is not enough; you also need the ability to protect yourself."

"Go back and learn a wood-based attack spell, either vine spell or thorn spell will do, depending on your perception."

Fang He nodded: "Yes."

……

The training lasted for more than half an hour.

Zhou Tieshan then explained the habits of marine mammals and coping techniques, which Fang He listened to attentively.

That's all for today.

Zhou Tieshan said, "Go back and digest this properly. The next inspection might not be easy."

Fang He felt a chill run down her spine and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your guidance, Captain."

He turned and left the training ground, walking back along the path.

The habits, weaknesses, and coping strategies of marine mammals...

Knowledge swirling in the mind is more practical than any martial arts technique.

Fang He felt a sense of respect.

This person came from a background of independent cultivation, yet he was able to gain the Zhou family's favor through his strength, marry into the Zhou family, change his name to Zhou Xing, and successfully establish his foundation. He truly has real skills.

As Fang He walked and pondered, she heard footsteps behind her.

"Hey kid, wait a minute."

Fang He turned around and saw Han Laosan.

"Uncle Han?"

Han Laosan caught up with him and patted him on the shoulder.

His expression was somewhat complicated, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Zhou Tieshan personally teaching you shows that he has high hopes for you."

Han Laosan lowered his voice, his tone serious.

"but……"

"Those who are highly regarded are often sent to the most dangerous places."

Fang He was stunned for a moment.

Han Laosan had already turned around, humming an unknown tune, and slowly walked away...

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