Initially, many netizens had questioned students joining Patrol Squads. But after witnessing this scene, they all fell silent.

Especially when Southgate Garrison users recognized the red-haired girl leading the charge as Qu Xuelin’s granddaughter—countless voices erupted: “Having the Qu family in Southgate Garrison is a blessing for all its people!”

Streamers noted Qu Yi was only third-tier.

Still, for a sixteen-year-old freshman, reaching third tier was impressive!

After all, the Dragon Realm had over three hundred thousand Demonhunters below third tier—many awakened years ago.

Yet Qu Yi, also third-tier, charged straight into a horde of bloodthirsty direwolves of equal rank!

Such courage was truly rare.

Freezing or retreating in fear? That was normal.

Facing so many same-tier demons for the first time—fear was only human.

But while all eyes locked on Qu Yi, no one noticed five massive bloodthirsty direwolves trembling uncontrollably on the battlefield.

Ye Thirteen withdrew his icy gaze from the five fifth-tier direwolves and turned toward Qu Yi.

He valued her deeply. Though a girl, she carried a spirit many boys lacked.

The future of Dragon Realm’s Demonhunters needed people like her—people to carry the torch.

Hands in pockets, Ye Thirteen stood calm. Behind him, five hulking direwolves crouched like miniature mountains.

All around loomed countless demons that made seasoned warriors flinch.

Yet he leisurely pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a slow drag.

He wouldn’t intervene. Qu Yi and the others might get hurt—but this was growth.

They had reasons not to retreat. They had resolve.

Survive this battle, and they’d transform—into true Demonhunters.

And he’d be there to catch them if they fell.

Truth was, if they mastered fear and learned to cooperate—not just within squads, but between squads—seventy third-tier direwolves weren’t unbeatable.

So… could they reach that level today?

Smoke curling from his lips, a flicker of anticipation glinted in Ye Thirteen’s eyes.

Blazing Step!

Golden Slash!

Shield Charge!

Fierce Fist!

...

Melee members of the seven student squads unleashed signature moves the moment contact was made, repelling one or even two direwolves per strike!

But seventy direwolves surged forward relentlessly.

Qu Yi slashed one mid-leap, then spotted a third-tier priestess girl in peril nearby.

She stomped her boot—a faint red glow flashed.

Becoming a crimson streak, she cleaved the direwolf lunging at the priestess, utterly exposed.

Blood sprayed. Qu Yi landed firmly.

“Hold formations! Protect your teammates!” she shouted.

“Got it! Thanks!”

Her squad immediately shielded the priestess.

Qu Yi pivoted back to her position.

Lai Yingxin remained safe under Han Xiangxue’s guard.

After cutting down two direwolves, Qu Yi stood back-to-back with her two best friends.

“Xiangxue, go all out! Ease the pressure!”

“Mm, watch me!”

Han Xiangxue spun, eight yellow talismans flashing in her hands.

With a motion like a celestial maiden scattering blossoms, she tossed them skyward.

The talismans ignited into eight fireballs, plummeting into the tightly packed direwolf horde.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A third of the wolves howled in agony.

Students gulped, hearts racing.

“That’s insane!”

“Eight fireballs instantly? Like eight mages!”

“Is this a Talisman Master’s power?”

“Terrifying!”

“Talisman Masters forever!”

...

Chatter erupted. Han Xiangxue’s strike had visibly lightened the load on other squads.

But her face paled slightly from the strain.

Lai Yingxin rushed over, uncapped a potion, and poured it into her mouth.

Within seconds, Han Xiangxue felt energy surge back.

“What was that?”

Lai Yingxin grinned. “Energy recovery potion. Uncle requested this third-tier batch for you. He said a Talisman Master’s strength—unmatched burst—is also a weakness. This potion’s the safety net. He calls it a Talisman Master’s ‘second life.’ Pretty accurate, huh?”

Han Xiangxue frowned. “How have I never heard of it?”

Lai shrugged. “It was developed six months ago, added to Patrol Squad resources just last month.”

Han Xiangxue’s brow tightened.

*Ye Thirteen… who are you?*

*As heir to Dragon Realm’s premier Talisman Master family… how did you know this before I did?*

“Focus!” Lai Yingxin nudged her gently. “Go help Yiyi! She’s overwhelmed!”

Lai’s eyes stayed locked on Qu Yi, locked in fierce exchange with multiple direwolves.

Qu Yi often held monsters solo before—but this was different.

Han Xiangxue snapped back, rapier raised.

“Yiyi, I’m here!”

Qu Yi swept her blade in a wide arc, clearing space. Side by side with Han Xiangxue, they faced the snarling pack.

Behind them, Lai Yingxin’s staff glowed with soft white light—ready to support the moment danger struck.