"In that case, why are these demonic beasts intent on going there? Even some of our sect disciples rushed over," Duncan asked confused.
"In cultivation world, danger always accompanies opportunities. You are only thinking about demonic beasts and plants that gained sentience. What about the fruits that are born in a region that is covered in such rich spiritual energy? What about the herbs that are growing there? Wouldn't they all have matured and mutated into spirit herbs and spirit fruits?" Foodie Chen asked sarcastically.
"In that case, there will be a lot of herbs over 100 years or even a thousand years in there," Duncan said as he realized the crux of the issue. "No wonder those beasts fought over who entered first. The beast that entered first will have a large variety of options to choose from."
Duncan's heart started beating faster as he realized how incredible this opportunity was. If he could get his hands on two or more 100-year-old herbs, then his cultivation will increase drastically. The medicinal properties and spiritual power in them would aid him greatly.
"You will only die if you only think about it that way," Foodie Chen snorted causing Duncan to look at him suspiciously. "Don't look at me like that, when is a spirit herb or spirit fruit not accompanied by a guarding spirit beast? Sometimes, even demonic beasts take to guarding a particular herb that will help them advance when they are not yet mature enough."
"The situation there isn't different from what is out there. So, right now, there will be a ferocious fight going on inside there for the top spirit herbs and spirit fruits. Things are never simple in the cultivation world. Before looking for opportunities, look for dangers accompanying them. You will survive longer that way," Foodie Chen advised seriously.
"Thank you, senior brother," Duncan bowed gratefully as he knew what his senior brother said was right. "I will keep your advice in my mind."
"I kinda like you," Foodie Chen chuckled. "Otherwise, I wouldn't waste so much saliva on you. No one has ever scammed food from me like you did. So, consider this my reward."
"Thank you," Duncan's eyes twitched slightly.
"You can call me Senior Brother Chen. My name is Chen Wangjie," Foodie Chen said magnanimously.
"This junior's name is Duncan, senior brother," Duncan introduced himself.
"I know, your master was kind enough to remind me several times," Foodie Chen said with a fake smile causing Duncan to cough awkwardly.
Silence ensued the duo as they both stood there drinking wine and watching the gates closely. There was no moment for a long time before one of the bolder demonic beasts moved slowly towards the gates. Seeing it move, several demonic beasts in the surroundings started moving as well.
"I don't know why these beasts are going there. I understand the temptation is huge, but aren't they seeking their own death by doing this?" Duncan asked confusedly.
"Not exactly," Foodie Chen said chugging his wine. "What is actually happening is these beasts are allowing some time for stronger existences to head a little deep inside the Grotto Heaven. Once the stronger beasts are no longer in the vicinity of the gates, these beasts will go over as well."
"Hmmm, but why? If all the spirit herbs or spirit fruits are already harvested by the stronger demonic beasts and the disciples who came from our sect, isn't it just a waste of time?" Duncan asked.
"Simple, the kind of herbs that will be useful for me won't be useful for the disciples that went in earlier. Our power levels are different. They will only look at spirit herbs above 1000 years old. On the other hand, spirit herbs that are not yet 1000 years but above 100 years will be very useful to me," Foodie Chen explained calmly.
"In that case, what about this spirit fruit senior brother?" Duncan asked taking out the spirit fruit he had palmed from Shen Wulong's fiancé.
Foodie Chen squinted his eyes and sniffed a little.
"No wonder those monkeys were always coming after your bag," Foodie Chen chuckled causing Duncan to be stunned a little. "This spirit fruit is called Daylight Fragrance Fruit. This fruit emits a unique aroma when it is daytime. It will draw spirit beasts of Level 2 and below to your location."
Duncan's face turned pale as he realized that this spirit fruit could possibly have led him to his death. If a situation like with the monkeys happened with Level 2 beasts, he would be done for.
Duncan also realized that Shen Wulong's fiancé must have known about this. Duncan had indeed been a little surprised when she didn't even comment on him palming this spirit fruit. He thought that she felt it was too petty to comment and left it at that. But, who knew that this spirit fruit had such a hidden danger?
That insidious woman must have known the effects of the fruit in daylight and had not warned him at all. She most probably wanted Duncan to be hunted down by demonic beasts.
And that was the thing that actually happened as well. He had been hounded by demonic beasts all through the day. This spirit fruit was most likely the culprit behind that.
"If I were you, I would consume it soon. Because, when daylight arrives, this spirit fruit will attract a lot of Level 2 beasts in this region towards you. Then, you can only run for your life," Foodie Chen said casually not paying much attention to it.
Duncan thought what his senior brother said was indeed right. He didn't want to experience another day like the one he did yesterday. Apart from the few minutes when he broke through in his martial arts, the entire day had been miserable.
And this time, it will be Level 2 beasts that will be coming after him. Duncan had already experienced the terror of a Level 2 beast in the form of that demonic snake. He wouldn't live past the day if he held onto this fruit one more day.
But, the spirit energy in this fruit was a bit too much for him to consume directly. Duncan didn't know if using it to create blood wine will cause some other problems. He didn't want to experiment with his life on the line. Suddenly a thought flashed in his mind and his smile brightened.
"Senior brother, is this fruit valuable to you?" Duncan asked with a bright smile.
"Not much, I am at the peak of Spirit Sea realm. This fruit isn't valuable to me at all," Foodie Chen said mercilessly. "Why don't you consume it yourself?"
"I am afraid, I will be unable to handle the energy in this. Can senior brother help me with this issue? Can you trade a gourd of wine for this fruit?" Duncan asked revealing his true motive.
"Hmmph, you really are audacious. You want to scam another gourd of Jade Jasmine Wine for this measly spirit fruit. Dream on, I have not settled account with you for scamming my first gourd, you have designs on getting more from me, eh? You really are bold, junior brother," Foodie Chen snorted angrily.
"Um… is your wine really expensive?" Duncan asked curiously.
"The Jade Jasmine Wine is made up of high-grade spirit fruits. One gourd of this wine is practically equal to that of fifteen of those spirit fruits in your hand," Foodie Chen sneered.
Duncan felt his heart throb hearing his senior brother's words. Even though the wine that was gifted to him by the senior brother who dies earlier was potent enough, its taste couldn't match the wine he had scammed first. So, Duncan had always been looking for an opportunity to scam more from this senior brother of his ever since he laid eyes on him again.
However, the reality looked like it didn't favor him much. This senior brother was being a little cautious of him and it would be hard to scam anything further from him.
"Senior brother, show this junior brother a path of life," Duncan asked humbly realizing that he couldn't scam any more wine out of this senior brother.
"Simple, either throw away the spirit fruit or enter those gates before daylight. In there, the fragrance of this measly spirit fruit wouldn't do much among the multitudes of herbs and spirit fruits," Foodie Chen enjoyed watching this junior brother of his bash his head a bit.
"So, are we entering there, senior brother?" Duncan asked curiously.
"We? Even if I enter what makes you think I will bring you along?" Foodie Chen asked snidely.
"Ummm… we are fellow disciples from the same sect… I could probably…" Duncan dragged a little with a sheepish smile.
"You thought you could tag along with me and gain something, huh? Junior brother, you really are a sly one. Don't worry, we will enter, but just not now," Foodie Chen said looking ahead.
"Right now, demonic beasts at Level 4 are entering the gates. If we go in now, we will be attacked by them and will probably die a miserable death. Let's wait until the end of the next batch, I will bring you in. After that, it is up to your luck," Foodie Chen said as his joking demeanor vanished.
"Wouldn't you be beside me, senior brother?" Duncan asked hastily.
"Even if I want to, I can't. There will be a space restriction in these types of relics from the past era. Once we enter, we will be separated. Everyone who enters will be sent to different places. Unless you have insight into space, you won't be able to control where you are sent to," Foodie Chen said seriously.
"If your luck is good, then you will be sent to a safe area. If not, you will be transported in between two demonic beasts fighting. Pray that your luck will be good enough," Foodie Chen said causing Duncan to gulp in fear.
"In that case, I better stay out here senior brother," Duncan said hastily.
"You have no choice but to come in with me," Foodie Chen said nonchalantly. "This region is surrounded by Level 2 demonic beasts. The moment I leave, you will be attacked by them en masse. It would have been a possibility if you haven't taken out that fruit. But now, it is a surety."
Duncan's face blackened upon hearing that statement.
*****
A/N: Hey folks!
Make sure to add this book to your collection and vote with your power stones to show your appreciation for this work.
You can also check out my other book [Booking Glory] and see if it is to your liking.
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