Chapter 891: Adjusting the Water, Encountering Silver Frost
Chapter 891: Adjusting the Water, Encountering Silver Frost
On the lakeshore, Chao Ming perched near the suitcase, occasionally climbing nearby trees to observe the lake and its surroundings. The relic hung beneath its neck, swaying gently with its movements, emitting a comforting warmth.
The light in the Converged Land was usually soft and dim, as if veiled by a layer of silk. However, on rare occasions, it could become more intense and translucent, as it was today. The gentle and bright light shone down, causing the lake's surface to shimmer with ripples.
Half an hour later, the lake suddenly churned, and waves of water surged outward as if something was about to burst from beneath.
Chao Ming lifted its head and then soared into the air, hovering above. A thunderous noise erupted, and a massive object broke through the water's surface, rising about a dozen meters high before crashing down onto the lakeshore, sending a spray of water droplets in all directions.
Chao Ming flew a bit higher, avoiding the scattered water. Below, the waves near the shore surged violently, and after a while, a figure emerged from the water and slowly made his way to the shore. The rolling waves seemed to hit an invisible reef, shattering into pieces, but the surging tides couldn't hinder his progress.
Chao Ming chirped happily in the air.
Chen Chuan, holding the Snow Lady Sword, walked steadily onto the shore, his body completely dry due to the biomagnetic field. He approached the creature.
This was a Multieye Manta, as described in the encyclopedia. Its massive body spanned over twenty meters from wingtip to wingtip, and it was seven to eight meters long. While in the water, it could absorb large amounts of water to expand its size, intimidating and deterring other fierce aquatic creatures. It was said that it could grow to three to five times its original size.
Its back was covered in hundreds of eyes, which could emit a faint glow underwater. This glow, combined with a certain gas it emitted, had a powerful hypnotic effect, causing creatures to experience various hallucinations and surrender to their predation.
Chen Chuan drew his short blade and sliced open a spot near the creature's gills, retrieving a sac—the source of the hypnotic gas.
This gas could also affect fighters, so one had to be cautious. If not properly guarded against, it could easily lead to being affected. However, it could be traded at medical companies or the Fighter Council for valuable growth spirit potions.
Chen Chuan took out a specially prepared insulated bag from his suitcase, ideal for carrying mutated tissues and organs. He carefully stored the sac inside and then began searching for the high-energy nutrients he needed.
The most nutritious part of the Multieye Manta was the mutated tissue connecting its numerous eyes—a delicate, thread-like structure. Once cooked, it had a texture similar to high-quality tendons, making it one of the few things that didn't need to be eaten raw. Chen Chuan was looking forward to a change in flavor.
However, collecting these threads was a tedious task. Each one had to be carefully extracted to prevent the nutrients from dissipating. Even with the assistance of the biomagnetic field, it took over ten minutes to gather all the mutated threads and divide them into over twenty bundles on a clean, detached membrane.
Chen Chuan took out a small pot he carried with him, filled it with water, and regulated his breathing, causing his body to emit high temperatures. In no time, the water boiled, and he added one of the bundles. With just a few gentle rolls, a mouth-watering aroma filled the air, even without any seasoning.
Chao Ming couldn't resist and flew closer. Chen Chuan smiled and used chopsticks to offer some to Chao Ming. After eating, Chao Ming flapped its wings and flew away, returning a while later with several black crow eggs.
Chen Chuan recognized them as nutritious but not exceptional eggs with a delightful flavor. Apparently, Chao Ming had remembered this from the encyclopedia.
Chen Chuan patted Chao Ming's head, noticing its growth over the past few days. Its feathers were vibrant and layered, its front claws sharp, and its strong hind legs, hidden beneath its tail feathers, exuded a sense of power. Chao Ming had become quite intimidating to other creatures.
Despite its age, Chao Ming was still in its growth phase, and with ample nutrition, it would continue to develop.
Chen Chuan cracked the eggs and made a simple fried egg dish, placing it on top of the mutated threads. He savored the meal, feeling a warm sensation throughout his body. The mutated tissues were the essence of the Multieye Manta, and the absorbed nutrients alone made him feel like he could sustain his cultivation for days without hunting.
After a while, he went to the lake to clean the pot, not using the biomagnetic field, but doing it himself. This made him feel like he was back at Yang Zhi's home, with that same sense of contentment after a satisfying meal.
At this moment, he couldn't help but think of his aunt's family in the Central City. It had been almost a month since he entered the Converged Land, and he wondered how his aunt and uncle were doing there. The two little ones should have started school by now, and learning new things was always a joy. He imagined they were having a wonderful time.
He planned to collect some animal and plant specimens on this trip to broaden their horizons and, if possible, bring back some rare and harmless creatures.
As for his aunt and uncle, he had already decided on the perfect gift for them. The Converged Land had a plant called Eternal Spring Grass, which bloomed with delicate flowers and could keep one in a cheerful mood. It also had the ability to repair damaged body parts and was incredibly resilient, capable of growing even outside the Converged Land.
However, he hadn't seen any during his journey, so he planned to keep an eye out for it on his way back.
The bottom of this lake actually had many more treasures, and he felt he could stay here for a couple of days. Since the hunted creatures here had higher nutritional value, he didn't need to spend the entire day searching for prey. He could also take this opportunity to rest and recuperate.
He spent two days by this lake, mostly resting and adjusting. On the third day, he set off again, feeling refreshed and energized.
As he traveled, the terrain gradually became more elevated. After a day's journey, he stopped for the night to cultivate. After mastering another Great Bright Light Style, he looked into the distance, illuminated by the dawn light, and realized he was standing on an elevated mountain. Before him lay a vast plain.
In the distance, he spotted a sharp, conical mountain spewing thick smoke, resembling an active volcano. However, the Converged Land was not as simple as it seemed. Some environments resembled those outside, but their underlying nature was different. For instance, the smoke could be from the spontaneous combustion of high-energy algae, producing a unique and spectacular sight.
Where high-energy algae thrived, there were often unique and special creatures. He had a hunch that he would find something worthwhile there.
On the plain, he noticed intermittent patches of light white mist drifting by, almost endless. These were actually swarms of insects, creating a breathtaking and wondrous scene in the Converged Land when viewed from a distance, ignoring their true nature.
He calculated the distance and decided that with a bit of haste, he could reach the other side of the mountain before noon. He called out to Chao Ming, and soon they were running across the ground, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
As he had anticipated, he arrived at the foot of the mountain just before noon. The temperature was scorching, and the mountain above was charred black with flickering red-hot embers.
The air was filled with tiny, fluffy particles, which were insects that fed on the remnants of burned high-energy algae. Numerous birds fluttered about, pecking at these insects, creating a noisy, chirping cacophony.
Chen Chuan's heart stirred as he recognized these birds as Golden Essence Birds. They had a peculiar habit of bringing back rare minerals and plants, then building sturdy nests with their saliva. Over time, a substance called Silver Frost, an anomaly membrane, would form on these nests.
He glanced at another mountain peak nearby, the direction from which the Golden Essence Birds had come. Sure enough, he spotted flickering white lights there, undoubtedly the Silver Frost. As his gaze followed the mountain's circumference, he realized almost the entire mountain was covered in it.
This Silver Frost was a valuable high-energy nutrient, essential for the Ancient State Sect's special alchemy formulas. The Ancient Imperial Family had long monopolized these resources due to their control over the Converged Land's most fertile areas. The Great Harmony Republic sometimes had to acquire them through underground channels.
To his surprise, there was an abundance of Silver Frost here. Having spotted it, he couldn't let the opportunity pass.
He withdrew the shoulder strap of his suitcase and slung it over his shoulder, heading towards the mountain.
As he walked, he noticed flocks of white Golden Essence Birds resembling cranes. These were the mutated forms of Golden Essence Birds, tasked with defending against external threats. As he approached, the large birds began to squawk and issue warnings.
But soon, their cries became shrill, high-pitched, and urgent. Chen Chuan paused, certain that he hadn't yet entered their warning zone. Chao Ming, circling high above, also let out a warning chirp.
Chen Chuan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a slender figure with massive wings at the edge of the sky.
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(End of Chapter)
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