Scavenger Cultivator

CHAPTER 14

Nodding, Saibot began applying the silt without hesitation. He glanced at Luan Tooth, sensing her expertise in poison techniques.

Litcht continued, explaining their journey's intricacies. "Learn what you can. We jump over certain spots because decomposed leaves indicate an absence of beasts. Areas we traverse have beast feces, signifying safety. Detours avoid dangerous scents detected by Barbaric Ghost's keen nose."

Barbaric Ghost grinned at Saibot, acknowledging his gaze.

"The silt contains night lizard skin, masking our scent and instilling fear in other creatures," Litcht concluded, his body fully coated in silt. Litcht kept on, unraveling the complexities of their expedition. 

"Absorb what you may. We leap over certain areas due to decayed foliage, marking a lack of beasts. Paths we tread bear signs of animal waste, indicating security. Detours sidestep perilous odors detected by Barbaric Ghost's acute sense of smell."

Saibot finished his preparations. As he rose, Cross, passing by him, decided to offer advice despite his earlier doubts about Saibot joining them.

"Keep an eye on your mutation points," Cross stated indifferently. "The forbidden zone is dense with anomalous substances, so stay vigilant. If your mutations exceed the limit, no one can save you."

Saibot acknowledged, having already noted this concern. He sensed the high density of anomalous substances in the forbidden zone, though it was milder than in the city ruins. 

Yet, the accumulation of anomalies in his body was causing a faint, persistent ache in his mutation point, even without active cultivation.

To alleviate the discomfort, he placed a white pill in his mouth, allowing it to dissolve slowly rather than swallowing it immediately.

Soon, the Lightning Arrow Team finished applying silt to camouflage themselves. After a brief inspection, they resumed their journey, albeit at a slower pace, with weapons at the ready.

Saibot observed their arsenal: Barbaric Ghost wielded a fine steel shield and mace, Litcht favored a pair of boxing gloves, Cross carried a longbow, and Luan Tooth brandished a serrated dagger.

During his recent reconnaissance of Rock Head, Saibot had gleaned additional knowledge. He learned about the classification of weapons into magic treasures, runic treasures, and ordinary treasures. 

While magic treasures were rare and imbued with formidable power, runic treasures were more accessible. Ordinary treasures, made from unique materials, were the most common.

As they ventured deeper into the forbidden zone, they encountered minor obstacles, easily dispatched by Barbaric Ghost or Cross's skillful archery. Luan Tooth's spells also proved effective, momentarily incapacitating their foes.

During a confrontation with a venomous snake, Saibot demonstrated his capability by swiftly neutralizing the threat. Observing Saibot's competence, Cross shared some of his expertise, recognizing Saibot's potential.

"Newcomers," Cross began, "the forbidden zone may seem perilous, but for seasoned veterans like us, safety is assured unless we encounter three specific scenarios."

He elaborated on the dangers of unfamiliar mutated beasts, the ominous singing voice, and the treacherous labyrinth fog. Luan Tooth supplemented the discussion, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude against the fog's corrosive influence.

Barbaric Ghost interjected with a grim reminder of hostile sneak attacks, prompting Luan Tooth to further explain strategies for navigating labyrinth fog.

However, Litcht abruptly silenced the discussion, sensing imminent danger. As the group braced themselves, they faced a formidable adversary: a pack of black-scaled wolves, their eyes gleaming with malice.

The Lightning Arrow Team, realizing the dire situation, prepared for battle. Yet, as Litcht stepped forward, emitting a powerful surge of spirit energy, the wolves hesitated, their attention fixated on him.

"Let's move!" Cross commanded, his gaze scanning the Lightning Arrow Team as they retreated swiftly. Luan Tooth and Barbaric Ghost followed suit, withdrawing from the impending confrontation with the black-scaled wolf pack.

Saibot observed Litcht's advance toward the wolves, his body radiating a powerful aura that instilled fear in the pack. Though Saibot remained rooted in place, he gripped his iron stick, a glint of determination gleaming at its tip.

"Kid, ever wondered why Litcht leads us?" Cross's voice echoed from a distance, amidst the chaos.

"It's not just his superior cultivation level," Cross continued, "but his ability to take charge and make split-second decisions in danger."

In the midst of Cross's explanation, a resounding boom echoed as he felled a towering tree, swiftly followed by similar actions from Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth. Together, they created a makeshift barricade, leaving a narrow passage through which they swiftly departed.

Litcht, meanwhile, surged into the heart of the wolf pack, unleashing devastating blows with each encounter. Though outnumbered, his prowess was evident as he battled fiercely.

Sensing the urgency, Cross urged Saibot to join them. Understanding the Lightning Arrow Team's strategy, Saibot dashed to join Barbaric Ghost, who stood his ground, shielding their retreat.

As the battle raged on, Saibot observed from a safe distance, ready to spring into action if needed. Amidst the chaos, Litcht emerged, battered but resilient, retreating to regroup with his comrades.

Witnessing the orchestrated retreat, Saibot recognized the Lightning Arrow Team's coordination and trust, essential for survival in the perilous forbidden zone.

As the cycle of defense continued, Saibot remained vigilant, observing the fatigue evident in his teammates. 

Each member played a crucial role, their cooperation paramount for survival.

During the ongoing battle, Saibot stayed back, keeping a watchful eye and preparing to join the fray if necessary. 

In the midst of the chaos, Litcht appeared, visibly worn but unwavering, falling back to reunite with his fellow team members.

Observing the synchronized retreat, Saibot acknowledged the Lightning Arrow Team's unity and reliance on each other, vital for navigating the dangerous forbidden zone.

As the defensive rotation persisted, Saibot stayed alert, noting the exhaustion creeping over his companions. 

Every member contributed significantly, their teamwork proving essential for their continued existence.

Observing their resilience, Saibot marveled at the camaraderie of Fire Possoms' teams, a testament to their strength in adversity.

With Cross's weary passage, Saibot sensed hesitation, a sign of their precarious situation.

In the heat of the battle, Saibot hung back, staying vigilant and poised to jump in if needed. Amidst the chaos, Litcht emerged, worn but resolute, retreating to regroup with his teammates.

Noticing the coordinated fallback, Saibot recognized the Lightning Arrow Team's unity and interdependence, crucial for navigating the perilous forbidden zone.

As the defensive cycle continued, Saibot remained attentive, observing the fatigue creeping over his comrades. 

Each member made a substantial contribution, underscoring the importance of their teamwork for survival.

"I'm capable," Saibot responded firmly, understanding the implication.