"Tiger Howls in the Wild." Eagle Zhen Feiyan revealed a hint of admiration, then added, "I think you will soon see Senior Brother Shanye."

"What?" Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest was completely perplexed. "Junior Sister Feiyan, you certainly know how to joke. Senior Brother Shanye is clearly in seclusion practicing; how could he possibly be here?"

"Exactly. The martial arts tournament is just around the corner, happening every four years. Senior Brother Shanye should be focusing on his training, not strolling around," Yuan'er echoed, equally confused by Eagle Zhen Feiyan's words.

"It's not just your Senior Brother Shanye; my senior brother, Kuangren, as well as Senior Sister Feixue from the Dragon Abyss Sect and Senior Brother Tianxia from the Xiongba Sect, will all be coming here."

This time, it wasn't just Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest; everyone nearby was stunned into silence.

"What is going on?"

"Miss Feiyan, this isn't a joke. The four great masters appearing here simultaneously—is the tournament going to be held here?" a nearby Shabak member couldn't help but ask.

"Whether it's a joke, you will know soon enough," Eagle Zhen Feiyan replied. "Because tomorrow at noon, they will arrive. As for their purpose for coming here, I cannot yet disclose it. It’s definitely not to host some martial arts tournament. I came here solely to notify the disciples cultivating here under the Eagle Zhen Sect to gather early and await further instructions."

"Ah, this is huge news!"

"The four young masters converging at Zhumu Great Hall—what could possibly be the reason?"

"What a grand mobilization! Are they planning to storm the lair of the Zhumu Cult Master?" someone analyzed immediately.

"That makes sense. Thinking about the Zhumu Temple, perhaps only the Zhumu Cult Master himself would compel them to unite and take action."

"That’s plausible."

"If that’s the case, we're in for quite a show."

"That’s hard to say; the Zhumu Cult Master isn't easy to deal with."

"That’s exactly why it will be a good show!"

"We don't know for sure yet; let's not jump to conclusions."

"I think it’s definitely correct."

Putting aside their chatter, Yan Luo and I were equally astonished by this news. Initially, we suspected Eagle Zhen Feiyan might be lying, but upon careful thought, she wouldn't bother running out here for no reason just to spread falsehoods. Therefore, her words were likely true. As for the purpose of their visit, it remained unknown. I instinctively glanced at Yan Luo, only to see her looking down, deep in thought about something.

"Right, Senior Brother Shanhun, why don't we see any disciples from our Eagle Zhen Sect?" Eagle Zhen Feiyan inquired.

"You mean Senior Brother Tianyun and the others?" Despite his shock from the news Feiyan brought, Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest hadn't forgotten to try and charm the beauty before him. "They are still cultivating in the Zhumu Pavilion."

"Yes, we ran into them in the Zhumu Pavilion a while back," Yuan'er added. "We only came out of the Pavilion to replenish some supplies."

"I see," Eagle Zhen Feiyan continued. "Then could you tell me which Zhumu Pavilion they are in?" One must know that the Zhumu Pavilion comprises nine vast, interconnected underground complexes, similar in scale to the Zhumu Great Hall, forming a labyrinthine network. Not only are the terrain and passages complex, but the number of monsters inside is also astonishing. Thus, without considerable strength and a detailed map, it’s unwise to venture in casually. However, it is the most suitable training ground for Rangers who have reached the initial stages of the Red Moon level, so it wasn't strange for Feiyan's fellow disciples to be training there.

This morning, we took the most direct route, a path clearly marked on the Ranger’s Handbook map as relatively safe. For a long time, Rangers entering and exiting the Zhumu Great Hall had placed detailed signposts at various intersections, allowing us to reach the Great Hall easily by following the markers. We were unaware of the other training locations, although the Handbook did mention that provided one had sufficient strength, the Zhumu Pavilion was undoubtedly the optimal place for cultivation. We ourselves had planned to find a suitable Pavilion to continue training after replenishing necessary supplies in the Great Hall. However, Yan Luo seemed inclined to stay and witness the excitement. I shared that inclination; after all, seeing the four young masters, usually so elusive, gathered together was a rare sight, making one eagerly anticipate it.

The commotion originally caused by the Drunkard and Eagle Zhen Feiyan abruptly subsided due to a single statement from Feiyan. Now, everyone’s attention was fixed on the impending arrival of the four experts in the Zhumu Great Hall.

Discussions erupted everywhere. Masters of the younger generation like Dragon Abyss Feixue were renowned across the entire continent, especially among young Rangers—their fame was absolute. In terms of popularity, they definitely surpassed modern movie stars, because this was a world where strength reigned supreme. Of course, in terms of sheer power, Dragon Abyss Feixue and the others might not be the absolute strongest; their 'strongest' designation applied only relative to other young masters. Above them existed supreme masters like Jian Li, but these individuals were invariably middle-aged or older. To the younger Rangers of this world, their existence felt too ethereal, almost legendary, appearing unattainable and distant. That realm did not belong to the young Rangers, so the age proximity of Dragon Abyss Feixue and his peers made them the idols willingly accepted and admired by the younger generation. This was similar to modern movie stars: ask a high schooler today about Teresa Teng or Danny Chan, and they might not know, but ask who Jay Chou is, and almost everyone would know—that’s the distance created by generational gaps.

Furthermore, established noble families and prestigious sects spared no effort in cultivating their young disciples. Helping these disciples make a name for themselves across the continent was a crucial component. The reason why Dragon Abyss Feixue, Eagle Zhen Kuangren, Tiger Roaring Shanye, and Xiong Ba Tianxia became the figures commanding the continent’s attention wasn't solely due to their extraordinary innate strength; the tireless promotion by the Four Great Sects played an inseparable role. It was certain that they were destined to become the successors of their respective sects, and the fame accumulated now would play a vital role once they inherited the positions of Sect Master.

In modern times, isn't training successors for family businesses done using the exact same method? Once sufficient renown is amassed, the rest naturally falls into place. The only regret was that among the top ten young masters of this generation, no disciple from the Dragon Shadow Villa could be found. This didn't mean the Villa hadn't settled on an heir, but if that heir’s strength proved insufficient, the Dragon Shadow Villa would never present him to the world. To lack the necessary strength and be ridiculed was something Jian Li, the Sword God, absolutely could not bear to endure.

Judging by Jian Li’s attitude toward me, he held high hopes. However, since I wasn't a direct descendant of the Jian clan, I couldn't expect to become the heir to the Dragon Shadow Villa. Yet, I was certain that if I achieved success in my studies later, I would certainly hold a respectable position within the Villa. Although I wasn't personally interested in fame, power, or status, relying on the massive backing of the Dragon Shadow Villa offered many benefits. At the very least, I was certain that once my identity was revealed, even Shabak would have to seriously consider the Dragon Shadow Villa behind me before causing me trouble.

Stripped bare, the connection between Jian Li and me was merely one of mutual utilization. However, this utilization was voluntary for both sides and carried a warm, human element. At least, I could sense that both my Master and my senior brothers cared for me as a junior brother—provided I possessed the strength that earned their recognition. If I hadn't displayed such immense potential for growth, Jian Li wouldn't have invested so much energy in me.

..........................

In just a brief moment, my mind raced through numerous possibilities. Yet, one couldn't entirely blame me; I had simply watched too many modern dramas. With just a little mental effort, one could easily see the underlying nature of things.

"In Zhumu Pavilion Number Seven," Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest’s voice pulled me from my reverie as I was lost in thought. "Why don't we accompany you? The monsters in the Zhumu Pavilion are astonishingly numerous; it’s too dangerous for you to go alone."

"This..." Eagle Zhen Feiyan looked somewhat hesitant. Others could easily see that Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest had taken a liking to the beautiful Eagle Zhen. And how could Eagle Zhen Feiyan fail to understand this? But perhaps there was no better alternative right now. The Zhumu Pavilion was not a place one could safely traverse alone. The density of monsters there surpassed even the Pincer Worms and Scorpions in the Centipede Cave. Being surrounded would lead to absolutely terrifying consequences. Yan Luo and I wouldn't have dared to cultivate in the Zhumu Pavilion if not for our specialized combat combination.

"I appreciate the offer," Eagle Zhen Feiyan nodded slightly.

"Heh heh, not at all," Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest exclaimed excitedly.

"It’s nothing, just on the way; after all, we need to notify the other senior brothers too," Yuan'er said, glancing thoughtfully at Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest.

Eagle Zhen Feiyan merely smiled, then asked, "I still don't know Junior Sister’s name."

"My name is Yuan'er," Yuan'er added after a pause.

"Yuan'er," Qian Yue, standing next to me, immediately stared at Yuan'er with a peculiar look. "Tiger Roar Yuan'er—that name is quite imposing!"

Pfft! Yan Luo and I nearly fell over laughing. Qian Yue's talent for causing trouble was truly unmatched. It seemed these two girls were destined rivals; they hadn't stopped bickering since they met.

"Hmph, if you don't understand, don't speak nonsense!" Yuan'er said, exasperated. "I am currently an Inner Hall disciple and haven't received my sect artistic name yet. Stop trying to label me; even if I were to get one, I wouldn't use that name." Names on the Marfa Continent come in several types; a person can possess multiple names throughout their life.

Take me, for instance. At home, my mother and Chen Feng both called me Xiao Man. But when I ventured out to roam, I reverted to my original name, Xingchen. Of course, Xingchen was my name from my past life, and even that might not be my true name, since as an orphan, I didn't even know my surname. The kind aunties at the orphanage found me one star-filled night by the entrance, so they simply named me Xingchen.

After reaching adulthood, one can take another name besides the one given by parents, though most people use only one name their entire lives. Only individuals with special circumstances choose to adopt a new name when venturing out in adulthood, and Rangers are precisely such people. When a person first steps into the Ranger world, the first thing they must do is choose a Heroic Name—the name used as a Ranger. This name can be anything you choose; once registered with the Ranger Guild, it will accompany you for life. A person can even have several Heroic Names, provided they don't mind the hassle. Each Heroic Name functions like an account; everything you do is recorded under it, provided the Ranger Guild can investigate it. Generally, no one can evade the Guild's investigation. As the continent's oldest organized body, the Ranger Guild's development today can be described as having eyes and ears everywhere. If my identity as 'Blue Lightning' were exposed as Xingchen, every action I've taken would be registered in my file. The Ranger Guild assesses individuals' deeds to compile various rankings, and the registered person can choose whether to make this public or keep it secret. Rangers seeking fame simply need to submit their glorious accomplishments through the Guild to become renowned. Naturally, I wouldn't use such things as a bargaining chip for fame. But can my deeds truly be hidden from the Ranger Guild? Honestly, I have no confidence in that.

In the Ranger world, a person's fame and strength usually have a direct positive correlation. The more famous a Ranger, the more opportunities they have to be noticed by employers, leading to more chances to earn money.

Choosing a Heroic Name has another purpose. When you choose to become a Ranger, you are also choosing conflict, much like the Jianghu (martial world) of ancient China, where one is often bound by circumstances—Ren Zai Jianghu, Shen Bu You Ji (A person in the martial world, not in control of themselves). As a member of the Jianghu, one must constantly face danger. Sometimes this danger is directed at oneself, but more often, it brings terrible disaster upon one’s family and friends.

Take me, for instance. If I had used my real name while roaming the Ranger world, after slaying Crimson Flood Dragon and Huayu, I would undoubtedly have attracted countless enemies. Based on my name, they might have traced it to my mother—the consequences are unimaginable. Even now, I am grateful that my identity remains well-hidden. Perhaps only Yan Luo and that person from Yan Town know my true identity; even Long Xin and the others are unaware. This isn't because I’m intentionally keeping secrets from them. It's because there’s an unspoken rule on this continent. Ranger culture has permeated every corner of the Marfa World for centuries. Regardless of the era, hiding one's identity has always been the top priority for Rangers, unless one simply doesn't care. Take the most common means of communication, for example: when I acquired my Ranger Token, a dedicated mailbox was bound to it, with the mailbox number matching the Token's ID. When I travel somewhere and wish to be reachable, I only need to post a notice on the local Ranger bulletin board, and my number is recorded there. If someone sends me a letter, it reaches me quickly. The sender can choose anonymous delivery, making it impossible for ill-intentioned people to track them down—it’s equivalent to modern electronic mail. This prevents leaving any clues for malicious parties due to casual carelessness, thereby sparing family and friends from disaster. This is common knowledge across the continent; thus, everyone, consciously or unconsciously, adheres to it. This is just one facet of Ranger culture; there are many, many others.

Changing names is typically something children from common backgrounds do. Lacking powerful backing, and needing to protect their families’ safety, they have no choice but to do so.

If these common disciples happen, by chance, to become disciples of certain prestigious sects, they will receive another name representing the sect upon completion of their apprenticeship. Take the Young Master of Shabak whom I killed; his real name was Mo Yankong. Because he practiced the Dragon Abyss Sect's Huayu Sword technique, his sect bestowed upon him the name Dragon Abyss Huayu when he graduated. Once a person possesses a sect name, it signifies their capability to roam the world and venture into the Ranger profession. Their name, along with their deeds, will have a significant impact on the sect. Conversely, possessing a sect name grants them various conveniences while adventuring. Generally, anyone bearing a sect name has proven their cultivation has reached a certain standard, and the name also identifies their affiliation. Usually, upon learning an opponent's sect name, the first thought is the frantic retaliation their sect would exact if the opponent were killed. This is another crucial function of the sect name—it acts like a protective talisman. Unless the enmity is deep, opposing parties are hesitant to fight to the death, as it might provoke a direct conflict between two sects. No one wishes to bear such consequences.

The terms Inner Hall Disciple and Outer Hall Disciple denote the difference between those who have completed their apprenticeship and those who haven't. An Inner Hall Disciple signifies that their strength is insufficient, requiring them to focus on intense cultivation within the Inner Hall and preventing them from adventuring outside.

An Outer Hall Disciple naturally refers to those who have earned their sect name, whose strength is recognized, and who can formally graduate. At this point, if they wish, they can accept official posts arranged by the sect and contribute their strength. Alternatively, they can choose to leave the sect and forge their own path in the wider world.

Speaking of sect artistic names, I imagine if I ever officially graduate, my name would certainly begin with 'Dragon Shadow' and end with 'Xingchen.' Meaning, once I graduate, my sect artistic name would be Dragon Shadow Xingchen.

Thinking about it, that name sounds quite decent.

Of course, if possible, I would prefer to receive the title of 'Sword God,' in which case my name might change to 'Dragon Shadow Sword God,' much like my Master Jian Li now. Jian Li is his real name because he has no need to conceal anything; 'Sword God' is the respectful title bestowed upon him by the world. However, his current sect artistic name is likely Dragon Shadow Jian Li. Before obtaining the 'Sword God' title, his sect artistic name was Dragon Shadow Jian Li.

In conclusion, names on the Marfa Continent indeed carry a lot of significance.

"In Zhumu Pavilion Number Seven," as I was daydreaming, Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest’s voice startled me back to reality. "Why don’t we accompany you to look for them? The monster population in the Zhumu Pavilion is astonishingly high; sending you alone is too dangerous."

"This..." Eagle Zhen Feiyan seemed hesitant. Others could easily discern that Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest had developed feelings for the beautiful Eagle Zhen, and she certainly understood this. However, perhaps there was no better option available now. The Zhumu Pavilion was not a place one could safely pass through single-handedly. The monster density there surpassed even the Pincer Worms and Scorpions in the Centipede Cave. Being surrounded would lead to absolutely terrifying consequences. Yan Luo and I wouldn't have dared to cultivate in the Zhumu Pavilion if not for our unique combination of combat techniques.

"I would be most grateful," Eagle Zhen Feiyan nodded slightly.

"Heh heh, no trouble at all," Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest said excitedly.

"It's nothing, just on the way; after all, we need to notify the other senior brothers too," Yuan'er said, looking thoughtfully toward Tiger Roaring Mountain Forest.

Eagle Zhen Feiyan just smiled before asking, "I still don't know Junior Sister's name."

"My name is Yuan'er," Yuan'er added after a moment's thought.

"Yuan'er," Qian Yue, standing beside me, immediately stared at Yuan'er with a strange expression. "Tiger Roar Yuan'er—that name is quite imposing."

Hah! Yan Luo and I nearly collapsed. Qian Yue’s aptitude for stirring up trouble was truly first-rate. It seemed these two girls were natural rivals; they hadn't stopped sparring since meeting.

"Hmph, if you don't know, don't talk carelessly," Yuan'er retorted in frustration. "I'm an Inner Hall disciple right now; I don't have a sect artistic name yet. Stop trying to label me arbitrarily. Even if I were to get a sect name, I wouldn't use that one." Names on the Marfa Continent have several classifications; a person can possess multiple names throughout their life.

For instance, at home, my mother and Chen Feng both called me Xiao Man. But when I set out to explore, I reverted to my original name, Xingchen. Of course, Xingchen was the name from my previous existence, and even that name might not be my true one, as, being an orphan, I didn't even know my surname. The caring aunties at the orphanage discovered me one night when the sky was filled with stars at the entrance, so they simply named me Xingchen.

After reaching maturity, one can choose another name apart from the one given by their parents, although most people use only one name their entire lives. Only individuals with unique statuses often choose to take a different name when they go out into the world as adults, and Rangers fall exactly into this category. When a person initially steps into the Ranger world, the first required step is to choose a Heroic Name—the moniker used while operating as a Ranger. You can name this anything you wish; once it is filed with the Ranger Guild, this name will accompany you forever. One can also hold several Heroic Names, as long as you don't mind the inconvenience. Each Heroic Name functions like an account; everything you do will be recorded under it, provided the Ranger Guild can track it. Generally, no one manages to hide anything from the Ranger Guild's scrutiny. As the continent's most ancient guild organization, the Ranger Guild's current reach can accurately be described as omniscient. Take me: if my identity as 'Blue Lightning' were discovered to be Xingchen, every deed I've committed would be logged in my file. The Ranger Guild assesses each person’s actions to determine appropriate rankings, and the individual can choose whether to make these records public or keep them confidential. Rangers eager for fame simply need to announce their great achievements via the Ranger Guild to naturally gain renown. Naturally, I wouldn't use such matters as leverage for fame. But can my deeds truly escape the notice of the Ranger Guild? Honestly, I have zero confidence in that.

In the Ranger world, a person’s renown and strength generally maintain a direct proportional relationship. The greater a Ranger's fame, the more opportunities they have to be selected by employers, and thus, the more avenues for wealth creation open up.

Actually, choosing a Heroic Name serves another purpose. When you elect to become a Ranger, you are simultaneously choosing conflict, akin to the martial world of ancient China, where one is often compelled by circumstance—Ren Zai Jianghu, Shen Bu You Ji. As a figure of the martial world, one must always be prepared to face danger. This danger is sometimes directed at oneself, but more often, it brings terrible disaster upon one’s kin and friends.

Take my situation: if I had ventured into the Ranger world using my real name, after slaying the Crimson Flood Dragon and Huayu, I would undoubtedly have attracted countless enemies. Based on my name, they could potentially trace matters back to my mother—the resulting outcome is something I cannot begin to imagine. Even now, I rejoice that my identity remains well-concealed. Perhaps, besides Yan Luo and that individual from Yan Town, no one else knows my true identity; even Long Xin and the others are unaware. This isn't because I am intentionally guarding secrets from them. Rather, there is an established tacit rule across the continent. Ranger culture has deeply permeated every facet of the Marfa World over centuries. At all times, hiding one's identity is placed above all else by Rangers, unless one is entirely indifferent. Consider the most common form of communication: when I received my Ranger Token, a dedicated mailbox was linked to it, bearing a specific number that also served as the Token's identification. When I arrive in a new area, if I wish for others to locate me, I simply post a notice on the local Ranger bulletin board, and my number is recorded there. If someone sends me a letter, it is delivered swiftly. The sender can opt for anonymous delivery, effectively preventing even the most determined parties from tracing them—it functions much like modern email. This circumvents leaving any subtle traces due to occasional carelessness that might lead to disaster for family and friends. This point has become common knowledge across the continent, so everyone, whether intentionally or not, abides by it. This is merely one side of Ranger culture; there are countless other aspects.

Changing one's name is usually a practice adopted by those from commoner backgrounds, as they lack strong patrons and must prioritize their families' safety.

If these commoner disciples happen, by some fortunate coincidence, to become disciples of certain esteemed sects, they are granted another name representing the sect upon the completion of their training. For example, the Young Master of Shabak I killed was named Mo Yankong. Because he cultivated the Dragon Abyss Sect's Huayu Sword technique, his sect bestowed upon him the name Dragon Abyss Huayu upon his graduation. Once a person possesses a sect name, it signals their capability to venture out and traverse the Ranger world. Their name, along with their actions, will carry significant weight for the sect. Conversely, possessing a sect name provides numerous advantages when navigating the Ranger world. Typically, anyone bearing a sect name has already achieved a certain level of cultivation, and the name also declares their sect affiliation. Usually, upon learning an opponent's sect name, the immediate thought is the fierce retribution their sect would exact if the opponent were killed. This is another critical role of the sect name—it serves as a protective charm. Unless the conflict involves a profound, irreconcilable hatred, the opposing parties are reluctant to fight to the death, as it risks inciting a full-scale confrontation between two sects. Nobody wants to shoulder such repercussions.

The terms Inner Hall Disciple and Outer Hall Disciple denote the distinction between those who have completed their formal training and those who have not. An Inner Hall Disciple indicates insufficient strength, requiring them to redouble their practice within the Inner Hall and forbidding them from venturing out.

An Outer Hall Disciple naturally refers to those who have acquired their sect name, whose strength is validated, and who are formally ready to graduate. At this juncture, if they choose, they can accept official duties assigned by the sect and contribute their capabilities. Alternatively, they may opt to leave the sect and build their own success externally.

Regarding sect artistic names, I believe if I were ever to officially graduate, my name would surely start with 'Dragon Shadow' and end with 'Xingchen.' Meaning, once I complete my training, my sect artistic name would be Dragon Shadow Xingchen.

Reflecting on it, that name seems rather pleasing.

Of course, if the opportunity arose, I would prefer to earn the title of 'Sword God.' Then my name might shift to 'Dragon Shadow Sword God,' much like my Master Jian Li today. Jian Li is his given name because he needs no concealment; 'Sword God' is the honorary title the world grants him. However, his sect artistic name is currently likely Dragon Shadow Jian Li. Before achieving the 'Sword God' appellation, his sect artistic name was Dragon Shadow Jian Li.

One has to admit, names on the Marfa Continent carry a great deal of complexity.