Although everyone in this new world wants to contribute by fighting fierce beasts and foreign races, after some time, it's impossible to avoid conflicts entirely. Differences in temperament inevitably lead to disputes. This doesn't change simply because one has embarked on the path of cultivation. People still have to eat and survive, which naturally creates disparities—and where there is disparity, conflict is bound to arise.
All things considered, those from the underworld or outlaw circles are inherently unstable factors.
After the privatization of resources, many lacked skilled trades and couldn't earn more wealth. This led to inevitable gaps in ability and income, a reality that doesn't need to be avoided. After all, without comparison, without disparity, there's no drive to improve.
"These people from the greenwoods and rivers—the outlaws—carry a wild, untamed disposition. That kind of temperament is the hardest to restrain. If there's a way to control it, good. But if not, it will eventually lead to chaos. In this new world, the previous restrictions no longer apply. So, let us impose new restraints upon them. Their instability stems from idleness. Since that's the case, why not give them something to do—keep them busy, and they won't have time to stir up trouble."
Jia Xu said this calmly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Wenhe, are you suggesting we recruit them into the Tongtian Pavilion as offerings or retainers?" asked Huang Chengyan, musing aloud.
"Absolutely not," Jia Xu replied without hesitation. "The Tongtian Pavilion is a vital foundation of Xuanhuang City—it's where we cultivate true talents and elites. Only true experts and gifted individuals may enter. We must preserve its significance. Ordinary people must not be allowed in."
"You mean to establish a new institution to manage these people?" asked Yi Tianxing, catching on to the idea.
"Exactly."
Jia Xu nodded slightly. "Besides the villagers in the settlements, many human survivors still exist in the wilderness, suffering deeply. Some have fallen into the hands of foreign races, others are trapped in isolation, or enduring terrible conditions. These idle outlaws—rather than let them stir unrest—why not send them out into the wilderness? First, they can hunt beasts. Second, they might find survivors. Third, it occupies their energy while earning them rewards and income. It's killing three birds with one stone."
It was well-known that the wilderness still held many human survivors, constantly at risk of death from fierce beasts or alien invaders. Even Yi Tianxing couldn't fully solve this. The Lighthouse Strategy drew survivors toward the city, as shown by the steady flow of newcomers. But sending out large, organized search teams wasn't feasible—it would drain resources and produce uncertain results. Armies are better suited for group combat, not scattered searches. However, sending skilled outlaws with forest and combat experience made perfect sense.
"They're naturally suited for wilderness survival and skirmishes," Jia Xu added.
"Indeed," Wu Yong agreed. "In fact, we shouldn't limit this only to the outlaws. Even ordinary citizens should be allowed to participate. This would simply be another identity, a profession, a way to earn money and rewards."
"Good. Then let us add one more hall to our current institutions: the Hall of Virtue, Hall of Merit, Treasure Hall, Gourmet Hall, Heavenly Register Hall, Heavenly Medicine Hall, Heavenly Craft Pavilion, Tongtian Pavilion, Military Strategy Pavilion, and Six Doors Division. With this new one, we'll have seven halls, three pavilions, and one division."
Yi Tianxing nodded. "We'll call it the Hunter Hall. It will be task-based, providing bounty missions in exchange for rewards. Missions will include hunting beasts, gathering intelligence, rescuing survivors, and more. Rewards will include Eternal Coins, rare items, and even Merit Points. As for the Hall Master, we'll leave the position vacant for now until a suitable candidate arises."
His decision was swift and decisive—no hesitation.
The Hunter Hall would have no entry threshold. As long as one was a cultivator, anyone could become a Hunter—be it a commoner, soldier, or outlaw. All were welcome to venture into the wild and hunt.
"Still," said Huang Chengyan, nodding cautiously, "the hall's internal management must be well thought out. We must not allow it to become a source of chaos. If left unchecked, it might operate outside the bounds of law, which would be unacceptable. It must remain within our control."
Immediately, everyone began intense discussions about the Hunter Hall's structure:
How to categorize hunter ranks
Whether to issue official hunter badges or licenses
What rights and responsibilities hunters would have
Everyone contributed their thoughts earnestly, motivated by a desire to make Xuanhuang City stronger and better. There was no hidden agenda—just sincere effort to perfect the rules.
Unfortunately, the city still lacked talent, especially in legal and judicial affairs. Its current laws merely maintained order. In the future, a comprehensive legal framework would become vital.
An hour later, the meeting concluded.
That very same day, a public notice was posted in the city.
People swarmed to read it.
"Look! It's about the new Hunter Hall. The Lord plans to build it and post bounty missions. Complete them, and you get rewards and treasures!"
"Anyone can join—no status requirement. Even a commoner can become a hunter! Plus, you're not obligated to take missions. You can still farm or run a business freely. No restrictions!"
"I'm joining! I've been itching to fight for ages. Now I can earn money, sharpen my combat skills, and help defend humanity—all at once!"
"Perfect! I always wanted to help but couldn't handle the discipline of the army. I'm more of a free spirit. But now, I can contribute without joining the military!"
"Exactly. We used to roam the martial world, follow greenwood rules. Army life just doesn't suit us. But this—this is our place. The Hunter Hall!"
The announcement caused cheers and laughter. Many young men who'd hesitated to enlist now had an outlet that suited their temperament. There was no longer any hesitation.
Crowds shouted that they would register as bounty hunters.
Clearly, the Hunter Hall resonated deeply with the people.
Construction of the new hall began within days, carried out at lightning speed.
Meanwhile, new details emerged:
Hunter Ranks:
Black Iron
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Everyone starts as Black Iron. By completing missions and passing trials, one can advance to higher ranks.
🟨 Note: Ranks indicate a hunter's reputation and achievement level—not necessarily cultivation level, though they often correlate.
It also served as a status symbol, appealing to those with ego and ambition, especially among outlaws.
Mission Difficulty:
Ranked using a star system
One-Star (easiest)
Up to Nine-Star (most dangerous)
Low-ranked hunters cannot accept high-star missions—a built-in protection system to avoid unnecessary deaths.
The launch of the Hunter Hall sent ripples through the city.
Many were excited and eager to join.
Meanwhile, Yi Tianxing sat in his rear courtyard, idly toying with a jade talisman, his thoughts distant.
"The Starry Sky Wandering Talisman. Husband, are you planning to use it for astral travel?" Cai Yan leaned gently on his shoulder, blinking curiously.
"Yes," Yi Tianxing replied with a nod. "This talisman is an incredibly precious artifact. It may not mean much to roaming merchants, but to us, it could be invaluable. Even if it's just a spiritual projection, I can still explore other lands, observe cultures, study their conditions—it's not much different from going there myself."