Chapter 1667: Chapter 898: Destined
No one expected that Su Liqian’s attempt to help would inadvertently create an opportunity for them to strengthen their camaraderie. It was truly a case of trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice.
A disgruntled Luo Tuo, with a cold snort, thought about how he should perform well during the upcoming investigation to properly show himself.
In the Giant Wood Forest, there are many trees and numerous paths. These are the thoroughfares permitted by Nature, the main routes for the Giant Wood Clan to move about.
These thoroughfares connect the various camps and the tribe’s Secret Realm, with the exception of one location that is inaccessible—the Bihua Spirit Pond, which has been guarded within the Tree God Barrier for millennia.
Due to the Tree God Barrier, the Bihua Spirit Pond is afforded absolute safety.
Those not in the clan cannot forcibly enter.
Every year, the Giant Wood Clan selects five outstanding clan members to enter the Tree God Barrier and retrieve a small vial of Spiritual Pond Water from the Bihua Spirit Pond as a reward for excellence.
This tradition not only encourages the younger generation to strive for progress but also ensures more capable successors for the Giant Wood Clan. By taking just five small vials each year, the pond naturally replenishes itself, ensuring it remains unaffected. It is also Nature’s reward for the clan’s millennia-long guardianship of the forest.
The delicate fragrance of Su Liqian’s body wafted gently in the breeze, and Lin Feng could feel a refreshing scent envelop him.
Suddenly, Hua Shengmi spoke up: "Lin Feng, how come you’re turning so lecherous? I used to think of you as a gentleman."
Only then did Lin Feng realize the aroma was the scent from Su Liqian’s clothing.
Seeing Hua Shengmi teasing him, Lin Feng retorted, "If you’re jealous, why don’t you take a sniff yourself?"
Hua Shengmi could certainly feel the pleasant fragrance, otherwise, he wouldn’t tease Lin Feng in this way. Lin Feng’s retort left Hua Shengmi speechless.
Not long after, the group arrived at the camp.
The area was desolate, filled with the aftermath of a raging fire. The three of them were completely stunned by the sight of the decimation before them, with nothing available to serve as clues.
The camp, along with all traces, had been blown into a gigantic crater by a powerful blast. The surrounding soil was devastated by the impact of the explosion, and if it rained, the area would turn into a water pit, posing a safety hazard for the tribe’s children.
"I must report this to the Clan Leader, so someone is sent to fill this deep crater. Otherwise, the children might accidentally fall in, and when it rains heavily, the accumulated water could potentially lead to drowning incidents," remarked Luo Tuo, speaking with meticulous logic, thoroughly considering the tribe’s safety.
Upon hearing Luo Tuo’s words, Lin Feng nodded repeatedly and proceeded towards the crater.
Lin Feng found several Fire Stone Fragments in the soil beside the rising groundwater. The soil had gradually turned moist.
Lin Feng bent down, picked up a Fire Stone Fragment, and examined it closely. As he flipped the brown fragment back and forth in his hand, he attempted to discern any clues, possibly about the material of the Fire Stone and the fuel used for ignition.
However, since the energy had been depleted, it was difficult to identify anything significant. Nonetheless, he recognized the material—formed from a substance known as "arsenic sandstone," blended with a particular property. Its strength came from the crushed "arsenic sandstone," which allowed for gaps in the Fire Stone to absorb the fire oil, reaching maximum intensity and destructive power.
Su Liqian joined Lin Feng in the crater, standing beside him with a graceful and intelligent demeanor, appearing as the perfect pair.
Luo Tuo caught up to them from behind, looking at the Fire Stone Fragments in Lin Feng’s hand and stated,
"Isn’t this material only found in the Wave Valley?"
"Wave Valley?" Lin Feng and Su Liqian both turned to look at Luo Tuo, who had approached them.
Luo Tuo, seeing he had garnered everyone’s attention, felt a sense of pride, thinking he finally got his moment in front of Su Liqian.
Indeed, this guy wasn’t all bluster, capable of quick, effective action.
By then, the three were riding their horses and reached Wave Valley. Nestled within the loess mountains near the desert area, Wave Valley was formed by layers of the more loosely composed arsenic sandstone, creating its wavelike valley terrain.
"This is the origin of that material," said Luo Tuo atop his horse, pointing to the red earth before Lin Feng and Su Liqian.
"The soil throughout Wave Valley has a bright red color, akin to containing toxins, while the surface loess seems compacted, exceptionally hard. Its nature makes it an excellent material for crafting Fire Stones. When combined with special medicinal clay, nitric acid, and sulfur, and infused with high-purity fire oil thrown skyward, it ignites into a blazing Fireball in the air," Luo Tuo explained while leading Lin Feng and Su Liqian over.
Lin Feng and Su Liqian listened intently, and after Luo Tuo’s explanation, they exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
Lin Feng and Su Liqian were on the same page regarding laying an ambush here. Though Luo Tuo considered it risky, he still coordinated with Lin Feng and Su Liqian, bringing his men along.
