Chapter Thirty-Four: The Onslaught of the Beasts

The main force was ready. At the commander’s signal, the Iron Shield Adventurer Team followed the Herb Gathering Team into the forested expanse of Starcrest Mountain. This journey would take them deep into the mid-section of the woods, where they could encounter packs of mid- to late-stage Level Two beasts, with a slim chance of meeting even a Level Three demon beast. Thus, the Herb Gathering Team had hired numerous adventurer squads to clear a safe path.

Among these adventurers, Chen Mu’s strength was only average. The strongest among them was Huang Tianwu, leader of the Blood Wolf Adventurer Team, whose power had reached the peak of the Late Foundation Realm. Huang Tianwu occupied the center of the group, enjoying the respect of even the Herb Gathering Team members—his presence was akin to that of a celebrity.

The Iron Shield Adventurer Team was assigned to guard the left flank, ensuring the safety of the herb gatherers. Vigilant as always, Chen Mu was not overly concerned, for he could rely on Rou’er’s spiritual sense to scan for danger; if any beast appeared that was too powerful to handle, he would warn the team in advance to alter their route.

Along the way, they encountered several minor attacks and disturbances from demon beasts, each resolved without a single injury. By midday, after several hours of trekking, fatigue settled in and the group camped to rest. Chen Mu leaned against a tree, chewing on his prepared rations to restore his energy.

Li Mu Tian sidled over towards Chen Mu and whispered, “Do you know what the Herb Gathering Team’s target is this time?”

Zhao Dongren, Zhou Miaomiao, and the others all shook their heads.

Chen Mu answered directly, “No. They only told us to protect the Herb Gathering Team.”

Li Mu Tian grinned, “You don’t know, but I do! I’ve got a friend who works at the pharmacy. According to him, the Blood Wolf Adventurer Team discovered a Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus during their last exploration of the mid-section of Starcrest Mountain!”

Yan Jin, usually silent, exclaimed in surprise, “The Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus—the one that can regenerate flesh and bone, even for those at the Core Realm?”

“That’s right,” Li Mu Tian replied. “Apparently, picking the Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus requires special methods, so Huang Tianwu didn’t harvest it himself, but asked the pharmacy’s Herb Gathering Team for help. They’ve already agreed to split the harvest; the lotus will be shared between them, while we’ll only get some coins. They take the meat, we get the soup.”

“Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus…” Chen Mu murmured. He knew of this rare herb, having read about it in the sect’s archives. Its petals were uniquely colored, blending crimson into violet—a striking sight.

Though the lotus’s medicinal effects were remarkable, it held little appeal for Chen Mu. He believed the vitality released by his black pearl surpassed even that of the legendary Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus.

After chatting a while longer and finishing their meal, everyone felt rested enough to continue. The main force set out again, with Chen Mu sticking close to the far left, ready to handle any emergencies.

Two hours of exploration left the party weary and impatient with the endless greenery. As they were about to pause once more, Chen Mu shouted, “A beast pack is approaching! Their average strength is mid-level two, and there are more than forty of them!”

He had received the warning from Rou’er’s spiritual sense. The sheer number prompted him to alert the group immediately.

A wave of confusion swept through the ranks. Looking at Chen Mu, some scolded him, “Kid, are you sleepwalking? Where’s this so-called beast pack?”

“Afraid, are you?” another chimed in. “You’re young and not particularly strong. Who knows how you got this commission—never been in the woods, I’d wager. Spreading baseless panic isn’t a good thing.”

“Exactly. Who do you think you are, a legendary Soul Realm cultivator? Able to detect precise numbers and cultivation levels? Stop causing trouble and mind your own post.”

Huang Tianwu glanced at Chen Mu but paid him no further heed.

Chen Mu’s sincere warning drew only mockery and rebuke from the other adventurers, but he ignored them, immediately telling the Iron Shield Adventurer Team, “Prepare for battle! The beast pack will be here soon.”

Seeing Chen Mu’s grave expression, Zhou Miaomiao shrank back and asked, “Brother Chen, is there really a beast horde coming?”

Chen Mu simply nodded.

Zhao Dongren, having seen Chen Mu’s prowess the previous day, believed him and promptly ordered, “Everyone, assume combat readiness!”

Those nearby watched the Iron Shield Team enter battle mode with confusion—some scoffed, others thought they were making a fuss over nothing.

But before the group could react, a commotion arose from the right front—the unmistakable sound of demon beasts charging. A troop of Silverback Ghost Apes burst forth, catching the adventurers off guard.

“They really came…” Li Mu Tian and the others swallowed nervously.

In the chaotic battle, injuries occurred swiftly. Thanks to their preparations, the Iron Shield Team was not so beleaguered. Chen Mu distinguished himself, slaying a Silverback Ghost Ape with just three or four sword strikes, his scorching aura driving away all manner of evil spirits.

Having dispatched his immediate foes, Chen Mu joined other battle circles, wielding his Sunset Sword Style to ease the burden on his fellow adventurers. But even so, casualties ensued.

The Silverback Ghost Apes excelled at close combat—any weak cultivator caught within reach was torn apart. Some were crippled by a single punch; others were dragged across the ground and brutalized.

Observing the situation while guarding the Herb Gathering Team, Huang Tianwu realized things were dire. He ordered the Blood Wolf Adventurer Team to protect the herb gatherers, then entered the fray himself.

After nearly half an hour of fierce fighting, the apes, seeing themselves outmatched, fled in all directions.

Four adventurers lay dead, six lightly wounded, and one gravely injured. Fortunately, every member of the Iron Shield Team emerged unscathed.

As Chen Mu oversaw post-battle arrangements, Huang Tianwu strode over and asked, “How did you know the beast pack was coming? If you tell me, I’ll pay handsomely.”

Chen Mu glanced at him, replying, “That’s my secret. I won’t disclose it.”

Huang Tianwu frowned. “Your strength is impressive. How about joining my team?”

“No, thank you.”

Having been rebuffed, Huang Tianwu snorted coldly and returned to his post.

Once the group was reorganized, they set out again, heading for the Scarlet Violet Flesh Lotus deep within Starcrest Mountain.

As night fell, the adventurers halted and began setting up camp. Chen Mu sat by the fire, roasting the day’s hunted provisions, chewing quietly, and then dried and stored the remaining meat for future rations.

Members of the other adventurer teams discussed the day’s events, occasionally glancing over at Chen Mu. Their failure to heed his warning had led to casualties, leaving them uneasy. Yet none would admit their error aloud, and a subtle hostility toward Chen Mu began to grow—a fact he soon noticed.

Zhou Miaomiao patted Chen Mu on the shoulder. “Brother Chen, today was truly satisfying. Remember their smug faces earlier? After the beast horde struck, every one of them was silent and crestfallen.”

Yan Jin, usually reserved, sighed. “If not for your warning, we’d have suffered casualties too. So many beasts, attacking suddenly—it’s no wonder we were caught off guard.”

“Indeed, Brother Chen has real skill, able to sense enemy attacks. I suspected as much yesterday, since he could find just the right number of beasts when needed,” Zhao Dongren added.

Chen Mu waved his hand dismissively. “Just a minor trick, nothing worth mentioning.”

He had, in fact, exaggerated his abilities. With Rou’er’s unparalleled Soul Sense scanning the area, how could anything escape detection? Rou’er’s cultivation was sealed, but her soul remained unbound—on the Yuan Yao Continent, no soul could surpass hers.

Late into the night, the adventurers took turns standing guard, allowing most to rest. Sleep was crucial, for another day’s journey awaited them.

The fire was extinguished; the night was tranquil, filled with the sound of cicadas—a reminder that it was still summer, or at least late summer.

Chen Mu sensed something uncanny in the depths of this forest, so different from human settlements. He could not pinpoint exactly what, but the feeling lingered.

He drifted into sleep, counting the stars above.