Bear School Astartes

This piece of black technology "missile" launched from the hands of the hooded monk isn't very powerful.

A full explosion could probably create a ball of flame about two meters in diameter.

However, the power scattered chaotically in all directions can't be compared to the power concentrated by the protection shield of the Quen Rune.

Lann's left hand activated the Quen Rune, blocking most of the dispersing power, leaving only an almost ninety-degree angle of dispersion.

This is the estimated limit of the Quen Rune's endurance in Mentos's estimation.

The fireball, with a two to three meters diameter, was gathered together, erupting into a whole cone-shaped jet of flames!

"Boom!!!"

The surging wave of flames swept past Iwami Yixin's clothing.

The frail old man showed no signs of panic or astonishment; on the contrary, the flames seemed to make the battle more interesting for him.

"Haha! It really is lively!"

To the Sword Saint, the wave of fire was merely lively, but for the many monks and Chaos Wave Group members enshrouded in that cone-shaped jet, it was a moment of horrifying screams as the flames brushed over them.

"Ooohhh!!!!"

"Aahhhh!!!!"

The high temperature of the flames caused their skin to melt, sticking wetly to the remnants of their clothing.

The wet feeling was not water but the fluid leaking from their broken skin and tissues.

After the wave of fire passed, even a gentle breeze felt like blades cutting into their flesh.

Meanwhile, the Alchemy Bomb that Lann had thrown into the air was just about to finish burning its fuse.

A soft "pop" sound could be heard.

The sound didn't explode violently, but the light it emitted was blinding.

The Alchemy Bomb — Dancing Star. A magical version of a flashbang.

Due to the three of them fighting back to back, while the crowd surrounding them was facing them.

Thus, Lann threw the Dancing Star without any reservation.

The dazzling light, specially adjusted, poured out, even making the hooded monks standing high up shed tears, unable to open their eyes.

Lann's left hand gently moved a finger, and a mechanical "click" came from within the arm armor.

Without delay, three quick, faint breaking sounds were heard, as supersonic bullets struck three hooded monks high above.

Their bodies, like rag dolls, were lifted half a meter by the bullets from below before tumbling down crookedly.

The most dangerous and annoying remote demolition experts were all eliminated!

If one sees him holding a katana with fierce swordsmanship, they'd think he's purely a warrior... well, that truly underestimates the profession of a Demon Hunter.

Magic Seals, Bombs, Potions, Ranged attacks... Lann had all these ready to use the moment he decided to take out all the monks at the Immortal Peak Temple.

This was not a mutually agreed upon, measured swordplay duel.

I'm... hunting monsters!

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh," sounded behind Lann; Iwami Yixin was not even shaken for a second by the flashbang.

His blade, without hesitation and crisply, slit the throats of the remaining Gun Masters.

The last one was disarmed of his Double-Bladed Glaive with one hand and stabbed in the chest with the other.

There was a cold snort from beneath the tengu mask, presumably because his adversary couldn't even hold onto his weapon, and in Iwami Yixin's eyes, deserved death.

The remaining minor soldiers were all wiped out by Old Robert, who remained in a state of berserk from start to finish.

The minor soldiers, having lost their vision after the Dancing Star exploded, lost their agility advantage.

Old Robert's greatsword and strength were perfectly suited for clearing minor soldiers.

The battlefield, once filled with the wails of battle cries and sword clashing, gradually grew quiet.

The wounded were being dispatched one by one, so even the feeble moans grew fewer and fewer.

Eventually, all that remained was the sound of boots stomping on the bloody mud and the noise of someone's hands and feet stepping over bodies.

This open space, specifically chosen as a venue for this slaughter, could indeed be called vast.

However, with nearly a hundred bodies piling up, it was challenging to even find a spot to step.

The blindness effect of the Dancing Star lasted only about a dozen seconds, but it was enough to deprive these people of their last chance to escape.

The killing efficiency of the three was evident.

Human blood flowed like a babbling brook, with blood-red maple leaves drifting down from trees, landing on the blood stream and slowly floating away.

"Ha, it indeed was a good way to stretch the muscles and bones."

Iwami Yixin, slightly out of breath, still stood tall, a result of his long practice in Breathing Through the Torso.

"Hmm, just from this battle, I feel like I could live another three days!"

Lann, holding the katana upside down, thrust it into the heart of a severely burned monk beneath his feet, then skillfully withdrew it.

His words to Iwami Yixin were as cold as his blade.

"That's a delusion, Lord Yixin. At your age, you're just consuming what's left; how could you extend your life?"

"Take my advice, when we're done today, go find a skilled pharmacist for proper care. You might eke out a few more years."

The two were already well-acquainted and admired each other's swordsmanship, allowing for jokes to be exchanged naturally.

The frail old man chuckled and chose not to continue bickering with Lann.

Ignoring his attire, he seemed just a gentle ordinary elder, not showing a hint of his recent bloodthirsty demeanor.

The heavy iron boots landed, steadily walking away.

After the fight, Old Robert reverted to this deadpan demeanor.

No, that's not entirely accurate. Because all three knew the battle wasn't over yet.

"Your ninja hasn't sent any updates for a long time. Did he escape? Was he killed?"

Iwami Yixin, while adjusting his slightly breathless breathing, walked and inquired with Lann.

The Demon Hunter's katana was already heavily notched, appearing quite battered.

Human flesh is notoriously difficult to cut, and combined with bones and ligaments... it grinds down one's blade even more.

The structure of Japanese swords also dictates that their edges aren't exactly durable.

Iwami Yixin's sword remained undamaged mainly because it was a renowned blade in the entirety of East Japan.

Iwami is known for producing high-quality iron ore; such material quality differences have even earned the local iron the name "Golden Steel," to differentiate from inferior imports.

The Golden Iron Dragon-Slaying Blade is undeniably a family heirloom-grade weapon.

"Black Conical Hat Li wouldn't run."

Lann shook his head, his mind recalling Black Conical Hat Li at the wooden bridge in front of Immortal Peak Temple, seemingly giving him a briefing as if he were making final arrangements.

That fellow, even if it meant dying, wouldn't retreat in shame.

"Something must have... happened?"

Speaking of this, the Demon Hunter pursed his lips.

Already aware of the dangers at Immortal Peak Temple, a ninja, seeking redemption, might inevitably be reckless. Encountering trouble was quite ordinary.

But then, a sharp whistle sounded from a nearby building.

Lann looked up towards it. It was Black Conical Hat Li's signal.