https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-Crystalline-Moss-Blood-Potion/13535478/
Chapter 52: The "High-Speed Identification" Trait, Half-Beast
Chapter 52: The "High-Speed Identification" Trait, Half-Beast
Over the next few hours, they scoured multiple stalls along Lizard Alley. Luo En’s razor-sharp identification skills steadily increased his 【herb identification】 experience points.
At a stall specializing in rare flora, he located the third item on his list—the Tongue Moss of the Thirsty Dead.
The substance resembled a shriveled gray tissue fragment, its surface crystallized into a dense lattice that exuded a faint, unsettling aura.
Its acquisition method was grotesquely brutal—just as Andie had described. Victims were bound in deserts until their bodies desiccated, after which specific tissues were harvested.
This inhuman practice rendered it unattainable through legitimate channels, forcing buyers to seek it in gray-market hubs like this.
The vendor was a hunched crone with jaundiced skin and sunken eyes so dark their pupils seemed invisible.
"This is genuine Tongue Moss of the Thirsty Dead, young man", the woman rasped, her voice parched like sun-baked earth. "Few even know its name, let alone recognize it. What’s your interest in such a thing?"
Luo En didn’t answer directly. He simply accepted the glass container, his fingers brushing its surface.
A searing thirst surged through him instantly, his throat burning as if scorched by fire.
This was the moss’s hallmark feature—it induced the agonizing thirst of the dying.
【Precise Identification Activated! Herb Identification Experience +2】
【Breakthrough! Herb Identification (Novice 50/50) → Herb Identification (Proficient 1/100)】
【Acquired Additional Trait: High-Speed Identification (Enhanced identification speed; slight accuracy boost)】
A peculiar clarity flooded his mind. Luo En sensed his herbal perception had vaulted to an unprecedented level.
Previously, he’d needed meticulous observation, touch—even taste—to verify a material’s authenticity.
Now, a single glance sufficed. Critical properties became immediately apparent, as though a once-blurry world had sharpened into focus. Complex patterns simplified, like a tangled musical score distilled into a haunting melody.
"What's wrong?" Andie whispered, noticing his sudden stillness. Her wary eyes scanned their surroundings for traps.
"Nothing. Just a breakthrough", Luo En replied, his composed exterior masking inner elation.
He concealed his excitement, returning his focus to the negotiation. "This is authentic and well-preserved. Ten Mana Shard Fragments—that’s my maximum offer."
"Ten?" The crone chuckled bitterly. "You know how rare this is? At least twenty—I’m being generous for your sharp eyes."
Luo En shook his head, placing the container back. "Market rates are clear. Even here, Tongue Moss of the Thirsty Dead won’t fetch over ten. Fifteen is my final offer—it’s still profit for you."
After haggling, they settled at fifteen Mana Shard Fragments—cheaper than expected.
With four key ingredients purchased, his coin pouch sagged noticeably. He’d spent dozens of fragments, nearly half his life savings.
"Need to earn more Mana Shard Fragments", he mused. "Maybe leverage my High-Speed Identification in the black market as an appraiser?"
As he secured the materials, Luo En caught an odd glint in the crone’s clouded eyes.
Not mere greed—but something darker, predatory. A butcher sizing up livestock.
"Stay alert", he murmured to Andie once they turned a corner. "That old hag isn’t just watching customers. She’s eyeing prey."
Andie nodded. "Few here are simple traders. They’re spies, hunters, informants."
Rounding another bend, Luo En’s spiritual senses prickled.
Without turning, he extended his spiritual energy, rippling outward.
"Followed", he said calmly. "Three Half-Beasts and a Goblin Scout trailing from her stall."
Andie’s hand drifted to her concealed dagger. "Half-Beasts? Problematic. Their physiology far surpasses humans. I could handle one, but three?"
"Don’t rush", Luo En’s lips curled. "Let them think we’re oblivious. See what they want."
Andie obeyed, trusting his judgment.
They meandered through stalls, feigning casual browsing. Meanwhile, Luo En’s spiritual energy tracked the four pursuers.
The Half-Beasts were monstrous—broad as oxen, their grayish skin stretched over corded muscle. Bestial faces jutted with tusks, yellow eyes glowing from deep sockets.
Their gear marked them as professionals: matching leather armor, battle axes at their belts. No ragtag thugs—trained mercenaries.
"Not ordinary punks", Andie muttered. "More like organized bounty hunters."
"Likely hired by that crone", Luo En said. "She’s decided we’re easy prey."
His eyes flicked to a narrow dead-end alley—a perfect kill zone.
"Follow me", he tugged Andie’s wrist, steering toward the alley.
She hesitated but complied.
(End of Chapter)
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