Scavenger Cultivator

CHAPTER 13

"He's too young," the burly man grumbled.

Saibot remained silent, subtly shifting his leg to retrieve the dagger strapped to his calf. 

An uneasy feeling crept over him in the presence of these three individuals, each emanating a strength that surpassed even Rock Head from the previous day.

Especially the man with the bow, whose aura sent shivers down Saibot's spine.

"Barbaric Ghost, third level of Body Refinement*, with natural godly strength," Litcht announced, gesturing toward the burly man.

"Luan Tooth*, third level of Qi Condensation, capable of communicating with ferocious beasts. Most of the wild dogs in the campsite are her spies."

"Cross, fourth level of Qi Condensation, nearly unmatched within the same realm," Litcht continued, indicating each member in turn before turning to Saibot.

"Kid, second level of Body Refinement."

As Litcht spoke, the expressions of the team members grew solemn, and Saibot listened intently as the introductions unfolded.

"Let's eat first. We'll discuss as we eat," Litcht declared, picking up a piece of meat and leading by example. "I've called you all here because this year's spring harvest has been moved up. 

The camp leader has issued a mission regarding the seven-leaf grass. In addition to the original purchase value, the party with the highest harvest will receive three clear dust pills, far superior to the white pill."

Litcht's words sparked excitement in Barbaric Ghost and the others, who nodded in agreement. Saibot, unfamiliar with clear dust pills, inferred their superiority from Litcht's description.

"Since you're all on board, let's prepare. The kid will join us on this trip to the forbidden zone," Litcht announced, prompting curious glances from the team members.

Cross furrowed his brow. "Leader, the second level of Body Refinement is too weak. It might be impractical for us to take care of him while completing the mission."

"Everyone starts somewhere," Litcht replied, meeting Saibot's gaze. "Kid, it's your call."

"I can handle it," Saibot affirmed, aware of the five white pills in his pocket. Though he had little need for them, he recognized the importance of gaining experience in the forbidden zone.

With Cross's objections silenced, Litcht concluded, "Finish your meal. We'll reconvene here tomorrow morning and depart."

With that, Litcht rose and retreated indoors, leaving the team to their meal. Saibot quickly finished his food and retreated to his room, maintaining his vigilance toward strangers.

The night passed quietly for Saibot, who was well-prepared for the following day's expedition. As the group gathered under Litcht's lead, they attracted attention throughout the campsite.

A lone eagle circled overhead, while the Fire Possoms observed the Lightning Arrow Team's departure. Some even lined up near the carriages, drawn by rumors of a skilled doctor from Purple Earth.

Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth shared the news as they walked, revealing the doctor's reputation for healing injuries. Saibot's envy lingered as he observed from afar, but his focus soon shifted.

Another team approached—the Crimson Tale Team—its members exuding a savage aura. The captain, feasting on a dog's corpse, issued orders in a chilling tone, drawing Saibot's attention.

With heightened vigilance, Saibot and the Lightning Arrow Team prepared to embark on their mission, wary of the ominous presence that surrounded them.

Confronted with the Crimson Tale's challenge, the intensity of Luan Tooth's gaze sharpened, her eyes darting to Litcht.

Litcht's expression remained unchanged as he spoke calmly. "Cross."

Without a word, Cross grabbed his bow, swiftly drawing and releasing an arrow into the air. The arrow sliced through the circling eagle with a sharp sound, causing it to plummet to the ground between the two groups, blood spilling from its wounds.

Simultaneously, a member of the Crimson Tale Team staggered, coughing up blood as his countenance paled. The eagle belonged to him, a vessel for his spirit energy, which now rebounded against him with a severe backlash.

Though the Crimson Tale Team bristled with hostility, they were restrained by their captain. Rising from the dog's corpse, the captain locked eyes with Litcht, a silent exchange passing between them.

With a cold snort, Litcht spoke. "Let's go." He continued forward, followed by Luan Tooth and the others, including Saibot.

Sensing the tension between the two teams, Saibot stole a glance back at the Crimson Tale members. He knew they awaited Centuriox and Rock Head, who would never return.

Silently, Saibot redirected his attention, trailing behind Litcht and the team as they departed the campsite.

Though the forbidden zone seemed close, it proved a considerable distance on foot. After over an hour of walking, they spotted the dark jungle in the distance.

The forbidden zone's expanse appeared endless from afar, shrouded in mystery and danger. Despite the bright sun overhead, the jungle emitted an eerie aura, with thunderstorms brewing on the horizon, their lightning flashes illuminating the forbidding landscape.

As they drew nearer, Saibot felt a chill settle over him, sapping away the warmth from his body. They had entered the forbidden zone, where normalcy ceased to exist.

The bone-chilling cold stirred memories of the abandoned city ruins and the blood rain, prompting Saibot to tighten his grip on his iron stick, a familiar gesture from his time in the ruins.

Yet, unlike the crumbling cityscape, the forbidden zone presented a different kind of menace. Trees twisted grotesquely, their branches clawing at the sky, while the muddy ground seemed to swallow everything in its path.

Despite the hostile environment, the Lightning Arrow Team navigated with ease, their careful steps indicating familiarity with the terrain. Saibot observed closely, committing every detail to memory.

However, he also noted Litcht's occasional relinquishment of leadership to other team members, rotating between Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth. Despite their methodical progress, tension mounted with each step, gripping every member, including Saibot.

After hours of silent trekking, they halted beside a muddy patch, releasing sighs of relief. Luan Tooth dispersed medicinal powder into the mud, coaxing out hostile venomous bugs before applying the silt to their bodies.

Litcht turned to Saibot. "Did you memorize the route?"