Chapter 142 – White Insects (1/2)

Translated by Idontreallycare

On this massive layer of ice, only Shao Xuan could be found.

In all four directions around him, there was only silence.

Normally, the environment here was covered in fog, obscuring the vision, and from time to time, various cries could be heard. Maybe the sounds were caused by the movements of giant creatures. Or maybe it was the act of them gnawing on the columns of ice.

Yet now, the cries that echoed in the past have now disappeared.

This had left Shao Xuan with a feeling of desolation.

On the other hand, after the disappearance of these giant eagles, Shao Xuan decided to explore this layer of ice. Upon arrival on this block of ice, due to the surrounding giant eagles, Shao Xuan did not dare to walk freely. Now, as the eagles have even flown away, he did not need to be this mindful.

Even if his vision had been obstructed, capitalizing on when the fog scattered, he had already made a mental map of his surroundings.

He only had to be a bit careful as this wasn’t anything major.

Walking to the peak of this ice sheet, because of his habits, he made very little sound. Adding to the fact that his current surroundings were absolutely silent, subconsciously, Shao Xuan had made sure he made little to no sound.

Even though his movements were very cautious, his speed was not slow.

Approaching the precipice where the giant eagles roosted, Shao Xuan decided not to go any further and instead proceeded horizontally.

To make sure he would not fall into a chasm, Shao Xuan had moved away from the edge.

Although Shao Xuan had calculated the vertical height of this peak, the horizontal distance could not be found out. Even if it had been when the fog had scattered, Shao Xuan would still not be able to determine such.

On the ice layer, the footprints of various giant creatures could be seen, and the ice columns they gnawed on had marks, some large, some small.

On this trip, Shao Xuan had also seen quite a few gigantic ice columns. Naturally, these ice columns would attract the attention of the giant eagles, as seen by the marks that were left on them. The majority of these marks were on the top of the columns. Approaching the bottom of the columns, only a few marks could be seen, if any at all, which showed that the giant eagles prefered not lowering their heads to eat.

As Shao Xuan proceeded, he suddenly caught scent of a jeering sound. Although it wasn’t loud, due to the silent surroundings, this sound was quite obvious.

This noise wasn’t that of the giant eagles. When the giant eagles moved around, they carried around with them a heavy feeling, as if they didn’t have to be fearful of anything. At this moment, this sound caused Shao Xuan to immediately become cautious.

Gradually, the silhouette of a long creature grew clearer and clearer.

Snake?

No, this wasn’t a snake.

This creature was not at the length of a snake. Furthermore, the movement of this creature was different. Upon a second glance, this creature seemed like an insect.

Stone worm?

In mountainous areas, stone worms are a frequent sight.

Yet quickly, Shao Xuan realized he was wrong.

This creature actually wasn’t a stone worm. Rather, it looked like the larvae of butterflies.

This insect was thicker than Shao Xuan’s thigh. Approaching four meters long, this creature was completely white. It had a round head, and connecting the head to the body, there was a “neck” that could constrict and contract.

Briefly looking at it, it seems that apart from it being a larger size, disregarding that they seemed to be butterfly larvae, there were no differences than that of a stone worm. But taking a closer look, Shao Xuan discovered many differences.

Through Shao Xuan’s experiences, the butterfly larvae he had hunted had three abdomens with four pairs of feet and one tail. Yet this worm in front of him had three segments with three pairs of feet and three tails.

The abdomens and the tails had hooks, while their feet had suction cups. Previously, the sound that Shao Xuan had heard was the worm crawling across the ice layer.

What a strange worm.

Shao Xuan didn’t expect that he would encounter this creature in such a frigid environment. Generally speaking, these worms should live in a warmer, more temperate climate.

Not being able to determine if this worm could attack, Shao Xuan did not make any movements. He just stood behind the ice column and observed the white worm that was slowly crawling closer.

After crawling a bit, it stopped. Using its feet and tail to prop its front section up, it appeared as if it recognized something and then proceeded to crawl in that direction.

The worm actually changed its direction to proceeded directly towards the ice column that Shao Xuan was hiding behind.

Had he been discovered?

Becoming alert, he noiselessly put his hand on the handle of his sword.

However, the worm stopped in front of the ice column, and Shao Xuan started to hear crunching sounds.

Feeling the tremors travelling across the column, Shao Xuan knew that the worm was gnawing on the ice.