Versatile Mage Chapter 3161 Live Life to the Fullest

"But school has only just begun for me," Chen Maiya pointed out.

"That isn't an issue. Lingling recruited me into the Clearsky Hunter Agency right when I started out. I’ve been a hardworking hunter there ever since. Combining study with real-world application is the best way to grow; it accelerates your progress and gives your path more clarity," Mo Fan said, offering his own history as an example.

While becoming a hunter had been instrumental in his development, he knew it carried far more peril than staying within the confines of a campus.

Fortunately, Lingling was a veteran in the field. With her leading the way, Chen Maiya would be in safe hands.

"If that's the case... we ought to begin with something manageable. After all, I am merely an Intermediate Mage," Chen Maiya said, her confidence growing.

"Simple jobs lack challenge and won't push your limits. Even with the receding tides, the eastern waterways are still infested with nests and lingering Ocean Demons. Currently, the World's Hunter Association, security forces, and various local magic groups are focused on a massive river restoration project. That will be our primary objective," Lingling stated, having already mapped out their strategy through careful research.

"Lingling, you're incredible!" Chen Maiya exclaimed. As a fresh college student, she often felt overwhelmed, making her deeply respect Lingling’s methodical approach.

"Lingling’s greatest strength is her attention to the smallest details. Never dismiss the missions she picks. Even if she appears to be hunting minor demons, they are frequently linked to terrifying plots or grave dangers. Even Zhu Meng from the Threat-Elimination Strategy regularly consults her for advice," Mo Fan noted.

Reviewing the tasks Lingling had selected, Mo Fan saw they weren't excessively difficult.

By partnering with Chen Maiya, Lingling intended to ease her into the lifestyle and help her gain experience. Lingling would establish a steady pace, identifying hidden threats through minor clues to prevent catastrophes before they erupted.

To do this, she required a teammate who, while perhaps currently lacking strength, possessed immense potential.

Chen Maiya fit the bill perfectly, and Lingling was certain she could mold her into a top-tier expert in no time.

"This is amazing! Lingling, I’m ready to work with you from today onward!" Chen Maiya agreed with a firm nod, feeling a surge of pride at being chosen as Lingling's partner.

"Mo Fan, do you recall those Salamanders we dealt with at Dongting Lake?" Lingling questioned.

"I do. Why do you bring them up?" Mo Fan replied with a nod.

"And the White Disastrous Cloud?" she pressed.

"Yeah, I remember that too. But aren't they separate species? One is an inland lake dweller, while the other belongs to the sea," Mo Fan noted.

"For ages, Ocean Demons and River Demons rarely crossed paths. However, data from the World's Hunter Association and findings from the Demon-Monster Research Institute show that oceanic genetics have begun polluting inland water demons. This 'contamination' has caused a spike in demon eggs within our river systems. These hybrids are crossbreeds between Ocean Demons and inland varieties, evolving into amphibians or even tri-environment species in recent years," Lingling detailed.

"Genetic contamination?"

"To put it simply, it is crossbreeding. Though 'crossbreeding' doesn't fully express the severity of the situation. It’s more akin to a mutation triggered by the union," Lingling clarified.

"That sounds alarming! Mutated creatures are notoriously difficult to handle. If we lack knowledge of their traits and powers, entire squads could be annihilated in an encounter!" Mo Fan said, his voice laced with worry.

"Which is precisely why we can't look away. Since you're unavailable to join the hunt, I’ll be taking Maiya. This phenomenon is still in its infancy, and the investigation will be long-term. If I discover a major crisis, I’ll contact you immediately," Lingling said.

"I understand. You aren't actually trying to dump me. That works; you and Maiya can scout things out. If it’s manageable, great. If you hit a wall, report to Zhu Meng. If he can't handle it, then call me." Mo Fan nodded in agreement.

Chen Maiya listened intently while finishing her ice cream.

The realization hit her that she had joined a truly elite circle. Her efforts weren't just for personal gain anymore; she might actually play a role in protecting major metropolises and the entire eastern coastline.

She was going to be tracking the mutated offspring of the sea and the rivers!

"I used to wonder why the Ocean Demons were so desperate to push into the inland rivers. Now, the motive is becoming clear," Lingling remarked.

"Indeed. This isn't something we can ignore. Maiya, I'm entrusting this heavy responsibility to you." Mo Fan instinctively reached out to pat her head.

However, realizing Chen Maiya was no longer a child but a tall, elegant woman, he quickly pulled his hand back.

"I'll follow Lingling’s instructions to the letter," Chen Maiya promised.

"And what about you? What are your plans?" Lingling asked.

"I'm heading to Antarctica a few times. The Antarctic Emperor has returned to the peak of its power. The Holy Judgment Court previously suspected it was the mastermind behind the global tides of the Ocean Godly Horde, but it turned out the Antarctic Emperor was actually a victim. Now that it's recovered, it’s freezing massive swaths of the sea, lowering water levels and giving our coasts a breather. I need to establish some sort of rapport with it," Mo Fan revealed.

"Wait? Don't we usually try to eliminate those Roof of the World emperors? Why try to befriend one?" Chen Maiya asked, clearly puzzled.

"Maiya, the world relies on a delicate balance. The Antarctic Emperor, the Lord of Sahara, and the Ocean God act as checks on one another. If the balance tips too far, it triggers catastrophic wars between demons or against humanity. Sometimes, rather than killing them when they are vulnerable, we have to protect them to maintain that equilibrium. But we also have to ensure they don't grow too dominant," Mo Fan explained.

"Oh, I see. I assumed we should just wipe them out once we had the strength," Chen Maiya admitted.

"Have you ever thought about why human wars have decreased in this era? It’s because the threat of demons keeps us unified. Without them, nations with powerful magic would likely turn on each other. Wars between humans can be far more gruesome," Mo Fan said.

Chen Maiya nodded slowly, processing this new perspective she had never considered before.

"Don't stress over those big-picture issues. We'll take care of them," Mo Fan comforted her.

"Understood. I'll focus on my Cultivation so I can be of help later," Chen Maiya said.

...

The moment Mo Fan stepped into the spicy lobster joint, his mood lifted.

The place had been forced to shut down during the Ocean Demon invasion, but it had miraculously reopened once the threat subsided.

"Old Zhao, you look like a ghost. Did that yacht party drain the life out of you?" Mo Fan asked, noting Zhao Manyan’s pale complexion.

"That Galaxy of the Yin Energy God is cursed. Being in there for so long sapped my vitality," Zhao Manyan complained.

"How do you expect to chase girls across the globe if you're this haggard?" Mo Fan teased.

"Don't worry about me. I’ve got a family tonic that’ll have me back on my feet in no time. It’s powerful stuff. Want some? You might not be as wild as I am, but with so many female friends, a little boost wouldn't hurt. We aren't in our early twenties anymore, you know," Zhao Manyan suggested.

"I’m perfectly fine, thanks. Maybe you should offer some to Mu Bai? Actually, never mind, he’s probably okay," Mo Fan said.

"Speaking of him, where is he?" Zhao Manyan asked.

The three had arranged a lobster and beer hangout, but Mu Bai was nowhere to be seen.

"He mentioned having to assist a friend," Mo Fan said.

"A friend? With his personality, who would tolerate him besides us?" Zhao Manyan scoffed.

"Hehe. It's a married lady from the Mu family," Mo Fan whispered.

Zhao Manyan’s eyes widened as he caught the drift.

"So that’s his preference? Let me guess... is it Mu Xumian?" Zhao Manyan asked with a devious smirk.

"Mu Ningxue told me that while they aren't related by blood, she is technically his aunt." Mo Fan shared the laugh.

"An aunt? That’s scandalous!" Zhao Manyan beamed, happily peeling a lobster as he soaked in the gossip.

"We can't keep calling him a 'cunning virgin' if this is true."

"Let's go with 'aunt's pet' instead," Zhao Manyan quipped.

Mo Fan chuckled, shaking his head at Zhao Manyan’s lack of filter.

"Who exactly is an aunt's pet?" a melodic, captivating voice interrupted.

Mo Fan turned to find a woman in a sheer black dress sliding into the seat beside them.

The translucent fabric offered glimpses of her pale skin and flawless figure, a sight that left many onlookers breathless.

"Ye Cuihua!" Mo Fan blurted out in shock.

"It's Ye Meng!" Asha'ruiya corrected him sharply, her eyes flashing with irritation.