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Elder Cultivator - Chapter 60

Published at 9th of February 2024 05:58:23 AM


Chapter 60

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Chapter 60

Forming a makeshift torch and lighting it up wasnt difficult. It was doubtful if it would be able to burn away any of the strange moss, especially while fresh, but at least it would provide light. While any of the three cultivators could find their way around in the dark well enough by sensing the walls, they couldnt actually see in the dark. Hidden dangers might still lurk unsensed. Especially of concern was more of the strange moss, despite the energy it gave off.

The good news was that the cave did not stretch back very far beyond the initial bend. The bad news was the rest of it was covered in the strange moss, and more than just the walls of the cave there were a few figures. One human and several small wolves- perhaps almost normal sized, but their proportions indicated they were pups. Details were harder to make out under the cover of the moss, but they still felt alive. More than the other wolves had been, at least.

Catarina grimaced. I dont know if we can save them but we need to destroy this moss no matter what. Growing on and into things like this

I have no disagreements, Hoyt said, But practically, its difficult. There are already so many spores outside, wed have to burn down the whole forest basically.

Hmm, Anton intoned while he thought. Is that correct, though? Look here. The moss only starts where the sunlight would never hit. It might not survive sunlight without inhabiting an animal.

Its not windy, Catarina said. The spores wont have gone far, in either case. I can destroy it.

Should I go get the others? Hoyt said. Or at least tell them whats happening?This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Catarina nodded. Pete can help. But first, we should check each other. It sticks to energy. After looking over each other and their equipment, they found no remaining traces of spores. Even so, they took ten minutes to let Catarina set up a first, smaller formation. They could see what it did to patches of the moss on the corpses of one wolf, shriveling it away into a grey powder in a single minute. Any spores they had on them while they stood in the area would have suffered the same fate. Targeted destruction of immobile foes is simple. It actually wasnt faster than attempting to burn each bit, though there were less side effects and they could be certain they encompassed the whole area.

Ill be off to get the others, then, Hoyt said. Ill stick to the same path.

Ill come with you part of the way, Anton said. To watch for some older spores. Catarina, I presume you can handle yourself here?

The group stayed for the night in the cave- more towards the entrance than in the back with the dead-grey piles that had once been a terrible moss. Anton arranged to take watch for the first half of the night, with Hoyt taking the latter. One night a couple hours short on sleep wouldnt be a problem, and theyd had sufficient time to recover their energy after the battles and supporting the formation to feel comfortable.

-----

In the morning Anton awoke to the stirring feeling of unfamiliar energy. It was slow and methodical, not sudden but it still startled him awake. Hoyt nodded to him, then inclined his head towards the cultivator they had rescued. He appeared to have survived the night, and was slowly cultivating. It was unclear if he had regained consciousness or not. Anton was aware he circulated a small amount of energy automatically, perhaps a bit more now that he was in Spirit Building.

On the other side Catarina was curled up next to the wolf pup. The creature had ragged and bloody patches as well as carved out bits of fur. It looked like a real mess but it still lived. The formation Catarina had made still trickled just the slightest bit of her energy in a circuit throughout the beast.

Anton signalled to Hoyt to watch things while he went off to hunt. A few rabbits or small birds would do. He also surveyed the surrounding area carefully, seeing no other signs of the moss. Just the regular kind. It was quite visually different, and normal moss grew quite contentedly on trees instead of into animals.

When he returned, he found the cultivator and the others were fully awake. The young man inclined his head. He tried to clasp his hands together, but winced as his bad arm signalled to him its inability. I was told that you were the one who spotted signs of my struggle from the road. Thank you for coming to my rescue. I am Lev. I have no family name, but I am a disciple of the Grasping Willows. We are located a few days from here. I came on a mission to verify the sightings of strange beasts and well. He shrugged- which clearly also hurt. I think I found them. I have little to give you as a reward, but I should at least be able to give you the pay for my mission. I will request more from the sect, but I cannot guarantee anything.

Anton looked at Catarina and Hoyt. They seemed pleased enough with him. Not that he planned to deny the man common courtesy regardless. If it is not too far as you say, we would be glad to escort you there. We were heading to the northeast

How fortunate indeed, Lev said. The Grasping Willows are along the road in that direction, though off a side road some ways.

Im not sure if its fortune with only really two ways along the road, Anton said, But it was fortunate that we found you less than two days after the attack. It could have easily been just a bit longer.

And then we wouldnt be having this conversation. So I am quite grateful for your eyes, and your willingness to help someone you hadnt even seen, Lev inclined his head once more.

Anton was also quite pleased with how things had turned out. At least the young man seemed decent enough, though of course how could he act differently when surrounded by those he didnt know? Then again, Anton had encountered the truly arrogant type. Having good relations with a disciple of a local sect should be of benefit to them- and if he was truly a decent person, even better.




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