Chapter Four: Predation (Part Two)

Kuangchi and the long-haired, elderly-sounding mutant quietly hid to the side, watching the commotion without daring to speak. No one knew how the creatures on this planet had detected the disturbance here, but the number of beasts gathering around the volcano was steadily increasing. Dozens of enormous flying monsters had appeared, along with several dozen wingless beasts that could glide through the air at low altitude. Even a fool could tell these monsters were not ordinary. According to human understanding, creatures that could fly without wings were considered top-tier beasts. If such a creature could break free from planetary gravity and travel into space, it would be classified as a cosmic-level monster.

The place where Kuangchi and his companion stood was an excellent vantage point. In just a few dozen minutes, a dozen or so mutants covered in white fur had gathered around them. Though all were clearly surprised and curious about Kuangchi, none approached him with questions; instead, they all carefully hid behind rocks.

After half a day, the volcano finally ceased its eruption. Once the hundreds-of-meters-high volcano stilled, its mouth froze over in an instant, and the so-called bugs and ants vanished without a trace. With the volcanic source gone, the thousands of beasts roaming the mountains would make short work of any remaining surface insects.

When the monsters finally scattered, the first mutant who had approached Kuangchi stood up, glanced around, and said, “Old friends, you’re all here. It’s been some time since our last meeting.”

No one responded; all eyes were fixed on Kuangchi, who met their gazes with a calm smile, bowing politely to these clearly extraordinary mutants.

After a long silence, one among them finally spoke. “Young man, where are you from?”

The first mutant that Kuangchi had met burst out laughing. “Old friend, you’ve misjudged him. He’s not one of us from the Forgotten Star—he’s an exile! Do you know what an exile is?” He laughed even louder.

A few startled exclamations rose from the group. The man who had spoken before scrutinized Kuangchi for a long moment. “I told you, there’s no one so young and powerful among the Forgotten Star’s primitives. An exile… Of course I know what an exile is. Just because it’s been centuries since one’s come here doesn’t mean I don’t know, you old ghost.”

The first man laughed again. “All right, let’s talk later. We mustn’t forget why we’re here. Let’s save the rest for after we return to the city.” He turned to Kuangchi. “Young man, why don’t you show us what you can do?”

Kuangchi hesitated, then asked, “What would you like me to do?”

The mutant smiled and pointed at a few beasts in the distance. “Those creatures are worth a bit. Kill them for us.”

He paused, then added, “It’s said that the exiles’ divine beasts are incredibly strong and mysterious. We’ve always been curious. Why don’t you use your divine beast? Show us what it can do.”

At this moment, Kuangchi was actually in a state of fusion with Xiaohua, though Xiaohua’s vines were hidden from view. He looked out at the three beasts the mutant had indicated. Each was about six to seven meters tall, with hulking bodies and a vaguely fish-like appearance. Two of them had five legs, and one had only three.

Throughout the past ten days, Kuangchi had refrained from acting rashly, uncertain of the abilities of the planet’s monsters. Now, with these obvious super-experts nearby, he was eager to test the strength of the creatures on this world.

He studied the three beasts carefully, then glanced at a few others wandering nearby. “Seniors, if I fight these three, will the others join in?”

The first man shook his head. If not for their different clothes, Kuangchi would have had trouble telling them apart. All had faces covered in long hair, stood about his height, and were broad-shouldered like him.

He’d seen these three creatures in battle before. Most beasts here relied on physical attacks—claws and fangs. Some of the wingless, gliding monsters could also unleash energy attacks, firing energy waves from a body organ—much like humans’ release of internal force. Some emitted these from their mouths, others from a hole in their heads or a horn, and some from their limbs.

These three were different from the motionless monsters Kuangchi had encountered before. As soon as he drew within fifty meters, all three swung their massive heads toward him; one let out a deep, grating growl.

Kuangchi was not about to stop now. He knew he’d have to survive on this planet, and the mutants behind him were clearly influential or powerful figures. Even if he lost, he needed to leave a good impression. Besides, he felt confident he could handle these three.

The mutants, however, did not seem to share his confidence, following a dozen meters behind.

As he closed to within twenty meters, the three beasts suddenly charged straight at him, defying his expectations.

They didn’t seem very intelligent. When they were just ten meters away, several blue-green vines shot up from the ground, instantly wrapping around their forelimbs, flipping all three beasts onto their backs.

Kuangchi seized the opportunity, channeling his Heavenly Wound Fist and delivering a powerful blow to the nearest monster’s back.

To his shock, the force of his punch rebounded, slamming back into his own fist before he could react. He quickly withdrew, retreating to the mutants’ side and looking down at his right hand.

The back of his hand had already swollen. When he’d struck the beast, the force he’d delivered had been bounced straight back into his own body, catching him off guard and making him punch himself.

The others all stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing together.

Someone called out, “He actually used his fist on a Tuo beast! Ha!”

Another, still chuckling, handed Kuangchi a small porcelain vial. “Apply this. In a thousand hours or so, it should heal.”

“A thousand hours?” Kuangchi exclaimed in surprise.

Another explained, “Not only does the Tuo beast reflect energy, but it carries an energy-based toxin that rebounds along with the force. Only the blood of the insect-ants can counteract it. In fact, most creatures here have this energy toxin—even we do, though in much lower concentrations.”

A third added, “The divine beast really is as mysterious and powerful as the legends say. But let’s stop playing around and split up to hunt the insect-ants. Who knows when the next wave will come, or if we’ll make it in time. No more delays.”

Everyone nodded, and without another word, they dispersed in small groups. Only the first mutant remained with Kuangchi.

As Kuangchi looked at him, the mutant said, “Young man, we’d best not waste time either. The insect-ants are valuable—essential for surviving on the Forgotten Star. You’re lucky to have arrived during this event, so you should try to catch one or two to take back.”

Today, when I say it erupts, it erupts… Heh heh…