Chapter 401 Holy-Winged Ivory Minister (1/2)

Up ahead, Gao Peng could hear the sounds of human activity. Along the way, Stripey's huge form had garnered stares from passers-by in black robes who hurried past them alongside their familiars.

Probably shouldn't have Stripey out in broad daylight. He stands out like a sore thumb, thought Gao Peng. Stripey stood at least 200 feet tall, which was almost as tall as a high-rise building.

Worried that Stripey might give away their positions to the Golden Hands, Gao Peng said, ”I'm sorry, Stripey, but I'm afraid you're going to have to stick to the less crowded areas for a bit.”

Stripey nodded. ”All right. Whatever you say, Gao Peng,” it said cheerily. Gao Peng felt a twinge of guilt as he watched Stripey lumber away.

For convenience's sake, Gao Peng decided to bring only Goldie, Da Zi, Desolion, and the White Steel Bladed Beast along to the next human settlement that was marked on the map. He had his other familiars on standby on Stripey's back for the time being.

After walking approximately 20 miles, they finally reached a small town that was encircled by a metal fence. As they drew closer, they could see that a strange plant had entwined itself around the fence. It had thick, dark green leaves and fine white spines across its stem. It also had blue flowers growing out of certain places.

Gao Peng instantly recognized what it was: a Blue-flowered White Ground Vine. It wasn't a Plant-type monster, but rather an ordinary plant that was known to flourish in colder climates. The white spines on its stem, which contained a type of paralytic toxin, were sharp enough to pierce through leather.

Most of the buildings in the town were of the short and stunted variety. Their roofs were gabled, as heavy snowfalls weren't uncommon there in the winter. Flat roofs weren't suitable for such weather conditions, as the accumulation of snow could cause the roofs to cave in.

The streets were presently bustling with people. Stalls were set up on the roadside, selling all kinds of roasted fruits and meats of questionable origin.

Every chunk of meat was caked in all kinds of seasoning and sauce. An intoxicating aroma wafted from the stalls.

”Monkey brains, get your monkey brains here while they're still hot for just 2,000 Desert dollars! Five hundred Desert dollars if you want seconds!” shouted one of the vendors who was wearing a black-bottomed floral cap.

”Today's specialty: the roasted paw of a mountain bear that I just caught in the mountains, covered with a thick layer of honey sesame sauce. Come get it while it's still hot!”

”Freshly-caught Red-clawed Ghost Vines here. You won't find prices like mine anywhere else!”

The place was in an uproar. People thronged the streets. The vendors' street cries filled the air.

Unlike the markets Gao Peng had visited in the past, which sold all kinds of daily necessities, from clothing to medicine, all kinds of monsters and other resources seemed to be sold here. The town's denizens relied on the monsters that lived in the region for their survival.

”Mister, mister, I'm hungry. Have some sympathy for me, please. Could you spare me some change?” said a boy in dirty rags as he pulled on Gao Peng's sleeve.

Gao Peng looked at the boy impassively. ”Sorry, I don't have any money on me.”

The boy pouted.

”Nor do I have any sympathy for you, boy.”

The boy widened his eyes.

”Scram,” Gao Peng growled menacingly.