Half an hour later, they arrived at a valley.

"Is that the Saltfrost Tree?"

Zhang Ping stared in astonishment at the massive white plant at the center of the valley.

The Saltfrost Tree stood about seventy meters tall, with a thick trunk covered in a layer of crystalline frost. The entire valley floor was coated in a layer of salt surrounding the tree.

But now, the pristine white salt was tinged with crimson.

Around the valley, countless Mutated Beasts were locked in fierce combat—Mutated Wolves, Mutated Dogs, and Mutated Monkeys, among dozens of recognizable species. There were also many grotesque forms that defied identification.

Using his Wind Whisperer ability, Zhang Ping realized the Mutated Beasts in sight were not the only threats. Hidden along the valley's perimeter were other Mutated Beasts with intelligence rivaling humans, along with several Human Awakeners lying in wait. Everyone was biding their time.

Zhang Ping glanced at the Saltfrost Tree's canopy, where around twenty fruits were visible.

"Sisi, did you really manage to snag one of those fruits before?" he asked doubtfully, eyeing the dense crowd of Mutated Beasts in the valley.

Liu Sishan whispered back, "I said I tried to grab one. Did I ever claim I succeeded?"

"..."

Thinking back, Zhang Ping realized she had indeed never said she had gotten one.

"I’ll get the fruit you need," Liu Sishan said, her voice calm. "Your task is to kill that rabbit."

Following her gaze, Zhang Ping spotted the Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit crouched in a corner of the valley, its red eyes locked on the fruits atop the Saltfrost Tree.

"A rabbit? That’s manageable," Zhang Ping thought, relieved. He hadn’t expected to cross paths with the same runaway rabbit here.

But in the next moment, he realized something was off. Behind the Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit, another pair of ears appeared, followed by more and more.

Suddenly, a swarm of Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbits emerged from behind the larger one.

This wasn’t just one rabbit—it was an entire warren!

Zhang Ping looked at Liu Sishan in disbelief. "Sisi, you knew about this, didn’t you?"

"Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbits live around Saltfrost Trees," she explained. "The presence of a Saltfrost Tree ensures the growth of Hydrochloric Grass, which is their food source."

Zhang Ping frowned. "I might’ve been able to handle one, but a whole swarm? I feel like I’d drown in their saliva."

"Don’t worry. These rabbits reproduce too quickly. Every time the Saltfrost Tree bears fruit, they charge the battlefield, thinning their own numbers in the process," Liu Sishan reassured him.

The behavior reminded Zhang Ping of lemmings engaging in mass suicides.

"Now's the time. Move!"

...

"Dognose is making his move. Let’s go!"

...

"Roar, roar, roar!"

...

Zhang Ping’s ears were filled with the clamor of various factions.

In the distance, seven or eight Awakeners emerged from behind rock formations, bypassing the main battlefield. Working together, their abilities combined to form a rainbow-like staircase.

Under the moonlight, a female Awakener dashed up the shimmering steps toward the Saltfrost Tree's canopy.

Elsewhere, several burly men hurled axes attached to wires, which transformed into thick ropes upon latching onto the tree. The men swiftly climbed the ropes, racing toward the canopy.

"Roar!"

A group of massive white apes burst from a fissure in the valley wall. Any Mutated Beast in their path was swatted aside, crushed, or trampled underfoot.

At the same time, a twenty-meter-long white serpent emerged from beneath the salt, devouring swathes of Mutated Beasts with its gaping maw.

The Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbits launched their charge as well.

The swarm crashed into the fray, creating a bloodbath. Mutated Beasts struck by their Aqua-Eroding Bullets let out agonized screams, their flesh dissolving from the acidic impact.

Blood and gore covered the ground, and the ferocity of the battle filled the air with a thick, misty haze of blood.

"Go!"

Liu Sishan conjured four water spheres around her as she spoke, then leapt forward. Ice materialized beneath her feet, forming a path as she descended.

Zhang Ping followed suit, jumping from his vantage point. He grabbed onto a rock outcrop and moved swiftly toward the largest Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit.

This rabbit was clearly not the same one he had fought earlier.

As he closed in, he activated his Identification Skill.

[Identification Complete]

【Mutated Beast: Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit – Leader】

【Race: Mutated Rabbit】

【Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐】

【Lifespan: 35】

【Level: Intermediate Mutated Beast】

【Grade: 10】

【Talents】

【Aqua-Eroding Bullet: Capable of ejecting a highly corrosive liquid from hidden sweat glands in its ears.】

【Water-Storing Fur: Stores liquid within its fur, releasing it when necessary.】

Powerful Hind Limbs: Possesses terrifying leg strength.】

【Rapid Reproduction: Reproduces far faster than normal creatures.】

After reading the stats, Zhang Ping felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. He couldn’t believe he was about to fight a rabbit and doubted his chances of victory.

But he was already here.

Backing out now would be too humiliating.

The Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit leader was larger than a typical rabbit. Now, it stood alone in the clearing, motionless. Zhang Ping landed nearby, quickly grabbing a saltfrost-covered rock and charging toward the Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit leader.

In an instant, the seemingly still creature sprang into action. With a powerful kick of its hind legs, it shattered the rock Zhang Ping was holding. The force sent him flying backward, landing heavily on the ground.

As soon as the rabbit leader landed, it flicked its ears, releasing a barrage of Aqua-Eroding shots toward Zhang Ping. His arms went numb from the vibrations, and his head buzzed. Yet he didn’t dare lie still. Instinctively, he rolled away just as the corrosive sounds of sizzling filled the air from where he had been moments before.

Using both hands and feet, Zhang Ping scrambled to his feet, taking cover behind a nearby rock. Panting heavily, he inspected his arms. They throbbed with intense pain—so much so that he suspected fractures. It wasn’t just his arms; his chest felt tight and heavy, each breath growing more labored, accompanied by an itchy sensation.

He coughed, and to his dismay, spat out a blood clot. Internal injuries. Zhang Ping’s heart sank, but he knew this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Slapping his face to stay alert, he cautiously peeked out.

The Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit leader had not pursued him. Instead, it had returned to its original position, its eyes focused on the ongoing chaos where other Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbits were still fighting.

“That’s terrifying,” Zhang Ping muttered, exhaling in relief as he slumped down to rest.

He had to admit: this was his fault. Although the Aqua-Eroding Bullet Rabbit leader was undeniably strong, it wasn’t as formidable as the Skyborn Fox he had faced earlier.

Even lions go all out when hunting rabbits.

His mistake had been underestimating the opponent. Subconsciously, he had thought of himself as the hunter and the rabbit as prey. This mindset had made him complacent—a mistake he wouldn’t forget.

Zhang Ping sighed, watching from afar as Liu Sishan fought her way into the fray. Everywhere she passed, ice crystals formed. Her strength was evident; surrounded by Mutated Beasts, she was shielded by two water spheres that constantly morphed between boiling water, pure liquid, and solid ice. The fluidity of these transformations showed her mastery of defense.

Meanwhile, the female Awakener climbing the rainbow staircase neared the treetop, only to be intercepted by a massive eagle diving from above. She engaged the giant bird mid-air in a fierce battle.

The valley reeked of blood, with hundreds of Mutated Beast corpses scattered around. Zhang Ping couldn’t help but sigh. For a single Saltfrost Berry... was it really worth it?

Suddenly, a sharp phoenix cry pierced the air. Zhang Ping looked up to see a flaming bird streaking toward the Saltfrost Tree.

“A Fire Bird!” Zhang Ping sprang to his feet, his excitement palpable. He had always wanted equipment crafted from Fire Bird feathers—it would allow him to recover stamina anytime.

The Fire Bird darted at incredible speed. However, as it approached the Saltfrost Tree, a massive white serpent reared up, exhaling a plume of icy mist. The Fire Bird plunged into the frosty cloud, its flames dimming instantly. Letting out a mournful cry, it fell from the sky, landing near a White Ape. The ape’s massive hand swatted the bird, sending it flying before it rolled to the edge of the battlefield.

Zhang Ping’s heart pounded as he fixed his gaze on the Fire Bird’s lifeless body. How many feathers could I get from a whole Fire Bird?

Surveying the surroundings, he noted an Intermediate-Level Mutated Wolf nearby. Wearing the Assassin Ring, he reasoned that as long as he didn’t attack, he wouldn’t provoke it.

No problem.

Zhang Ping decided instantly, creeping cautiously toward the Fire Bird’s body. The closer he got to the battlefield, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. It felt like walking into a meat grinder—the air thick with the heat of clashing blood and qi.

He closed the gap. Now, only 20 meters from the Fire Bird. Crawling forward, he stayed alert for hidden threats.

Thud!

A deafening crash shook the ground as an enormous boar’s head landed in front of him. Its eyes still glimmered with ferocity. The head alone weighed at least a hundred pounds. If it had struck him, the consequences would’ve been dire.

Swallowing nervously, Zhang Ping circled the boar’s head. Something felt off, so he backtracked a few steps. Squatting next to the head, he pried its jaws open, revealing a black bead that rolled out at his feet.

What’s this?

Picking up the bead, he attempted to identify it, but each try ended in failure. He pocketed it for now and continued toward the Fire Bird.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning scorched the battlefield, carving a deep trench as it passed. The bolt narrowly missed the Fire Bird, but its body was now halved, with most of the feathers burned.

Hurrying, Zhang Ping grabbed what remained of the Fire Bird and bolted. The journey back was equally perilous. Blasts of light, fire, and lightning erupted around him, making the edge of the battlefield feel like its core.

Near the exit, a stray pebble grazed his back, leaving a bloody scratch.

Finally reaching the safety of the rock, Zhang Ping collapsed against it, gasping for air.

In just a few minutes, he felt as though he’d lived a lifetime.

Life-and-death situations are the greatest teachers, he thought, wincing as the saltfrost-covered rock aggravated his back wound.

Without tools or clean hands, he could only grit his teeth and endure the stinging pain.

Inspecting the Fire Bird’s remains, he sighed. The once pigeon-sized bird had lost most of its feathers, and the few intact ones were coated in white frost. The frost seemed fused to the feathers, raising doubts about their usability.

Next, he retrieved the black bead.

Identify!

Identification failed!

Identify!

Identification failed x666!

After countless failures, Zhang Ping was numb. This had to be the most elusive item he’d ever encountered. Yet the difficulty only heightened his anticipation.

Could it be a treasure?