AST 2368 - Terrestrial Tarantula (1/2)
Upon hearing Priest Purewood’s reply, Qing Shui did not hesitate and spoke forthrightly, “I want those two Ancient Blue Topaz Leopards.”
Ancient Blue Topaz Leopards were Ancient Beasts so they naturally had many treasures on them. Their skin, bones and intestines were all very valuable. It would be a waste on ordinary people as they couldn’t use them.
Priest Purewood was also a medicine master. The Ancient Blue Topaz Leopard was not his goal coming in here, but he did want something from it. However, since Qing Shui had requested, he did not hesitate. He answered, “I can promise you that but I’m afraid other people may intervene later.”
Of course, Qing Shui understood that he was referring to the Demon Gate and laughed, saying, “That’s but a trifling matter. As long as you allow it, no one else will dare to intervene.”
“Ok, we have a deal then. If there happens to be people who want to intervene, I will help you to defend against them,” Priest Purewood said confidently.
Forest!
There was a vast expanse with a sea of trees in front of them. The trees were all massive, at least ten meters high. The tree trunks were not straight but spiraling, brimming with vigor, and exuding timelessness.
There was quite a distance between each tree and every one of them was distinct; just like huge umbrellas, making them very pleasant looking from afar. Such a scenario was unprecedented. It was almost as if they had been pruned before.
“Be careful, everyone. This place is called the Death Forest. It is filled with many unknown dangers. It won’t be too late to pull out now,” Priest Purewood gave out a last warning to the people present.
Quite a number of people had backed out previously, even though it turned out to be not really dangerous, so very few people decided to pull out this time. However, the words “Death Forest” did end up making some people go back. Although there were indeed many treasures ahead, it was too much of a risk to put their lives on the line, for the sake of fortune. One needed to survive to enjoy those treasures.
……
…...
“AH!”
A sound of screeching. It had been just an hour since everyone entered the forest when an enormous colorful spider appeared from the ground and bit off the lower body of a warrior. It took no time to engulf the remaining body parts and disappeared into the ground again.
The person only managed to screech once the whole time but many people around still managed to catch it.
It was a Terrestrial Tarantula
Many people began sweating. Terrestrial Tarantulas were roughly 10 meters large, with toxins of their own, able to freely travel underground, and even conceal their presence perfectly. They were experts at ambushing weaklings.
“I’m out. It’s impossible to stay in this bloody place.”
More than 10 people had been ambushed by the spiders in three hours. This place seemed to be Terrestrial Tarantulas’ territory. Now, someone was unable to tolerate it and wanted to pull out; this sentiment received widespread affirmation.
These people were initially here to try and take advantage of any crisis for personal gains anyway, but they soon realized that they were the most vulnerable here, and were victims of the spiders who had brought up leaving.
Priest Purewood did not oppose but instead nodded and said, “Anyone can pull out at any time.”
A group of people began their return trip. Safety was still a question, but their chances were still much better than if they had continued. These people began to envy those who left early.
“It’s getting dark already. Everyone can rest here. Let’s recharge for one night and continue the journey tomorrow,” Priest Purewood said to everyone as he looked at the sky.
They walked to a relatively high slope filled with very hard rocks. There were no trees around the area, allowing for a wider line of sight. The Divine Palace group set up tents and basic formations.