Published: February 5, 2025
As they descended from the hillside, the legs of the others were trembling slightly.
There was no way around it; below them were hundreds of Grade 2 magic beasts. For these few people, who would flee at the sight of just two beasts, the contrast was overwhelming.
After two days of recovery, Ye Zhongming's injuries had improved significantly. The meat from the Grade 2 magic beasts he had consumed had also aided in his recovery. Although he still needed some time to fully heal, at least he no longer needed a cane to walk. In fact, Ye Zhongming felt ready to engage in a not-too-intense battle.
When they reached the edge of the valley, a mixed odor of faint blood and a strong, fishy smell rushed into their nostrils, causing several people to frown.
The smell was indeed quite unpleasant.
Choosing a direction, the six of them entered the valley.
At this moment, most of the Cloud Hoofs were no longer standing; instead, they lay sprawled on the ground, panting heavily. Their red fur was dripping with something that was either sweat or blood, and they made snorting noises as faint white mist rose from their nostrils, their eyes bloodshot.
Many Cloud Hoofs were lying on their sides, having already lost or about to lose their lives. They had either been killed in the struggle for mates or had overindulged in tender grass, causing their bodies to overheat and collapse.
Some Cloud Hoofs noticed the invading humans and attempted to rise to attack, but after struggling several times, they found their limbs too weak and could only fall back to the ground, issuing warnings that lacked any real intimidation. To Ye Zhongming and the others, these warnings sounded more like feeble groans.
"Stay away from the living Cloud Hoofs; start with the dead ones and dig out their magic crystals," Ye Zhongming ordered. Yet, he himself did not move, standing behind and watching, his gaze shifting among the group, clearly warning them.
If he discovered any acts of greed, Ye Zhongming would not hesitate to deal with them ruthlessly, even if it meant targeting Tang Tian and his sister.
He had no need for team members with divided loyalties, and none among them were precious enough to evoke any soft feelings in Ye Zhongming.
At this stage, Grade 2 magic crystals were strategic resources, and Ye Zhongming would not allow anyone to entertain any thoughts of greed regarding them.
Initially, the few people were somewhat jittery, afraid that any Cloud Hoof might suddenly attack, which would spell their doom.
However, they soon realized that the effects of the fallen red juice were very good. The surviving Cloud Hoofs, driven wild by their instincts, were genuinely exhausted and had no capacity to resist. They could only watch helplessly as their kin were killed and their magic crystals extracted, emitting low growls to express their anger.
Gradually, the group's courage grew. The Cloud Hoofs posed no threat at all, and with their confidence bolstered, their efficiency improved. They began excitedly extracting the magic crystals, knowing full well that these did not belong to them but still relishing the experience of being 'experts'.
The sense of accomplishment always brought pleasure.
Yet sometimes, excessive joy can lead to tragedy.
One member of the elite martial team, caught up in the excitement of digging, spotted a dying Cloud Hoof nearby and thought of killing it to extract its magic crystal.
Unfortunately, as he approached, the Cloud Hoof, with its last ounce of strength, unleashed its innate skill – Leap Strike, sending the evolver flying far away. When he crashed to the ground, his torso was completely crushed. After two weak groans, he breathed his last, the Grade 2 magic crystals he held scattering around like paper money for the dead.
Tang Tian and the others rushed over, realizing their companion was beyond saving.
Under the powerful strike of a Grade 2 beast, an unguarded one-star evolver was indeed very vulnerable.
"Don't touch the living Cloud Hoofs!" Ye Zhongming coldly commanded from behind, his expression grim. With only a few people capable of working, losing one would significantly reduce their efficiency. He was unsure if the commotion would attract other beasts, so the sooner they wrapped things up, the better.