Chapter 265: The Hunt for the Spirit Mountain Dragon.
A fleet of sand ships, varying in size, formed a procession, sailing through the sands like a sea under the wind.
At the very center of this fleet was a large sand ship named Peak Mountain Ball.
This sand ship had a specially designed Strike Dragon Gun mounted at its front, tailored specifically for the Peak Mountain Dragon. It played a crucial role during every Harvest Festival in repelling these dragons.
Jie Jie was currently perched atop the mast of the Peak Mountain Ball, observing the nighttime sandstorm.
Untroubled by any grand destinies, he simply came along to join the spectacle once he saw the dragon-striking fleet setting out with great fanfare.
“Sandfish spotted! The Spirit Mountain Dragon is ahead.”
The Compiler, holding a telescope, had detected the movement of the sandfish. These creatures, which swam through the sands like fish, always moved in groups following the Peak Mountain Dragon. Spotting them meant the Spirit Mountain Dragon was very near.
As the Spirit Mountain Dragon stirred up vast amounts of sand dust, everyone aboard the sand ships donned protective masks and goggles against the storm. Many hunters already wore full-coverage gear, unfazed by the blowing sands.
Besides the common hunters, this operation also deployed the Fortress Guard Unit. Their equipment was more uniform and advanced, forming the main force to confront the Spirit Mountain Dragon and prepare for any unknown monsters.
Among these hunters, the most imposing figure stood at the bow of the ship—a guild-affiliated elite hunter. His equipment differed slightly from the standard issue of the Fortress Guard Unit, incorporating more materials from the Peak Mountain Dragon.
In Jie Jie’s eyes, this guy looked every bit like a boss, and the others on the ship showed him great respect.
As they approached the Spirit Mountain Dragon, some sand ships damaged by it became visible.
Apart from the main fleet led by the Peak Mountain Ball, there was also a vanguard fleet tasked with slowing down the Spirit Mountain Dragon.
Unlike its breath weapon, the harassment from the hunters was merely an itch for the Spirit Mountain Dragon, not enough to make it change its course or dive.
But when the itch became uncomfortable, the Spirit Mountain Dragon would spew massive rocks from its jet vents.
These rocks were like cannonballs to the sand ships. If hit too many times or struck vulnerable structures, the ships would inevitably be damaged.
Some ships on the edge of the main fleet slowed down, either to help damaged ships rejoin the battle or to evacuate injured hunters.
Unless the Spirit Mountain Dragon’s path headed towards Loke Clark, the guild’s mission objectives primarily focused on collecting materials and ores from the Spirit Mountain Dragon, effectively minimizing casualties.
Even so, it was unavoidable that some hunters would be buried beneath the sands.
At least, they died fighting a super-large Ancient Dragon, not dying obscurely in the wilderness.
The vanguard fleet had already hit the Spirit Mountain Dragon with Restraining Crossbows. Though impossible to stop the dragon with just those crossbows, they ensured the sand ships wouldn’t fall behind as the dragon occasionally sped up.
“The Spirit Mountain Dragon’s two giant fangs are broken; it must have been from battling another super-large Ancient Dragon. Incredible!”
The main fleet’s Peak Mountain Ball had reached the side of the Spirit Mountain Dragon, and the heavily damaged ships from the vanguard fleet began to retreat.
Jie Jie flew into the sky, overlooking this chase battle, marveling at the hunters’ flexible tactical responses.
Ballistae, Restraining Bullets, cannons, and the ship’s gunners.
Large and small ammunition fired one after another, but few could actually harm the Spirit Mountain Dragon.
However, if even one hit the dragon’s wounds, drawing its attention and slowing it down made it worthwhile.
For the hunters, dealing with the Spirit Mountain Dragon was already a well-practiced routine. This scarred Spirit Mountain Dragon was practically a gift from nature.
As a subspecies, the Spirit Mountain Dragon only differed from the original Peak Mountain Dragon by having a precious Colorful Crystal on its spine. Much of the experience gained from hunting Peak Mountain Dragons could be directly applied here.
“With the injuries on its body, this task should be quite easy.”
The hunter at the bow joined in the bombardment of the Spirit Mountain Dragon, and the others were happy to hand over their positions to him.
“He’s our Chief Hunter of the Loke Clark Guild, who won first place at this year’s Harvest Festival!”
Noticing the Compiler’s curiosity, a hunter helping adjust the angle of a cannon spoke up.
“I’m flattered.”
The hunter chuckled, his voice young.
Gifted hunters possess sharp senses and motor nerves, quick reflexes may sound simple, but they require immense talent.
Talent, combined with experience and courage, makes an elite hunter.
“Spirit Mountain Dragon diving, beware!”
Just then, the elite hunter severed the Restraining Crossbow ropes on the Peak Mountain Ball and shot out a Signal Flare.
Jie Jie in the air saw the signal flare and noticed simultaneously that the Spirit Mountain Dragon was beginning to dive. Two sand ships that didn’t notice the signal were directly flipped over by the dragon’s pull.
With better luck, there might still be a chance to cut the ropes; with worse luck, the ships soared high with the Spirit Mountain Dragon’s leap and crashed apart upon landing.
Blood stained the sandy ground red, one of the Spirit Mountain Dragon’s retaliations against the hunters.
“BOOM BOOM BOOM!”
The loud sound of the bronze drum aboard the Peak Mountain Ball rang out, signaling the challenge to the Spirit Mountain Dragon, aiming to draw its attention.
The Peak Mountain Ball was a specially made large dragon-hunting sand ship, using the sturdy bones of large monsters as its keel and resilient wood for the hull.
Continuously improved and strengthened by advanced technology, it wasn’t as easily destroyed as other sand ships.
Equipped with a Strike Dragon Gun and more powerful firepower, along with elite hunters onboard, it drew the Spirit Mountain Dragon’s focus onto itself, effectively reducing casualties on other ships while inflicting more damage.
The sharp and rough sound of the bronze drum was highly penetrating, even making Jie Jie in the air furrow his brow.
The Spirit Mountain Dragon’s small side eyes locked onto the largest Peak Mountain Ball and began attempting attacks.
Massive stones mixed with sand sprayed out from the jet vents, lacking precision but overwhelming in quantity, always managing to hit the sand ships and cause destruction.
One of them struck the Peak Mountain Ball, yet only caused it to sway slightly. The Fortress Guard Unit members aboard, equipped with standard-issue long spears, guarded the edges of the ship to cushion the impact of the rocks.
On the other side of the Spirit Mountain Dragon, several sand ships that had caught their breath began moving closer to the dragon.
From the sky, Jie Jie observed the Spirit Mountain Dragon approaching one side of the Peak Mountain Ball, while sand ships on the other side were also closing in. It seemed like the hunters were starting to tighten their circle.
He wanted to see if the hunters could effectively wear down the Spirit Mountain Dragon’s stamina and keep it contained. If there was a chance, he wouldn’t mind obtaining a Dragon God Jade to try.
After resting for a few days, the Míng Dēng Lóng’s energy had recovered significantly.
266
