Chapter Thirty-Eight: Entering the Deep Mountains

“Let’s go in!” Gu Xiaoyao didn’t want to waste any more time lingering at the forest’s edge; her spiritual energy wasn’t yet strong enough to envelop the entire woods. Fortunately, the entire area was covered in trees and wild grasses, the whole mountain blanketed in greenery. Walking deep into the mountains, she didn’t have to worry about losing her way. To Gu Xiaoyao, this place was a paradise for those gifted with plant-based abilities—here, she could use every single plant to accomplish whatever she wished. Once her spiritual energy was restored to its peak, no forest, no matter how treacherous, would frighten her.

“All right, let’s go,” Dahua replied, her tone a bit timid. Realizing this, she quickly straightened her back, trying to muster her courage.

As the two stepped into the heart of the mountains, Gu Xiaoyao began to use her plant powers to search for any wild game nearby. The dense undergrowth rustled with occasional sounds. Bent low, Gu Xiaoyao moved carefully through the thicket, pausing from time to time to listen intently.

“This place really is different from the mountains at the outskirts. It actually feels pretty wild in here,” Dahua murmured, rubbing her hands together; the air seemed colder the deeper they went. She gripped her basket tightly and involuntarily edged closer to the slender figure ahead of her.

“Stop,” Gu Xiaoyao whispered, waving her hand. Dahua halted immediately.

Crouched in the grass, the two watched a gray rabbit nibbling at wild grass just ahead. It was so plump! The lush vegetation of this forest had fattened the rabbits well—its cheeks jiggled with each bite.

“Damn, I should’ve brought some gear,” Dahua muttered, frustrated.

“We’ll surround them—each of us can get one rabbit,” Gu Xiaoyao said, unwilling to let such fresh meat slip by. Besides, whatever extra game they caught could be sold back in town.

With their plan agreed upon, they set about encircling the rabbits. Gu Xiaoyao paused about two meters from her target, machete in hand, eyes fixed unblinkingly on the prey, all distractions cast aside.

Dahua, looping around to the other side, was clearly less experienced. As she crept closer, the rabbit noticed her.

“Ah…” Dahua blurted before she could stop herself.

Gu Xiaoyao, crouched low, reacted instantly—she darted forward, predicting the rabbit’s escape route. Her machete flew from her hand, striking one rabbit’s hind leg, while the other was tackled and caught in her arms.

The scent of blood could easily attract larger predators. Without delay, Gu Xiaoyao picked up the injured rabbit.

“You’re incredible—I’m honestly in awe,” Dahua exclaimed.

Emerging from the grass, Dahua looked a little embarrassed; it was her fault for startling the rabbits. “You should take both rabbits. I almost let them get away.”

When working together, it was important to share the rewards. After cleaning off the blood, Gu Xiaoyao handed one rabbit to Dahua.

“We came in together, and we agreed to split them. This one’s yours,” she said.

Dahua took the rabbit, eyes shining with admiration. “Thank you, sister-in-law! I’ll make sure to pull my weight later.”

Leaving the thicket, Gu Xiaoyao spotted several edible wild greens. In her mind, anything non-poisonous could be eaten—even if, to Dahua, some of them looked no different from weeds.

“Sister-in-law, these aren’t even real wild vegetables!” Dahua protested.

“As long as they’re not poisonous, they’re food. And besides, these are perfectly edible,” Gu Xiaoyao replied. She believed that stocking up on supplies could never be a mistake. On their way through the grass, they’d even stumbled upon some wild duck eggs—a lucky bonus.