Under the moonlight, Shen Feng stood atop the mushroom forest, observing the events unfolding in the clearing. Countless mushroom-headed beasts were locked in a desperate struggle. The open ground had transformed into a battlefield, with the mutated beasts fighting without any discernible factions, engaged in a chaotic free-for-all.
Witnessing this scene, Shen Feng was filled with doubt, unable to comprehend why these mutated beasts were fighting. He saw everything from weak, mutated rats to elephants over thirty meters tall. The difference in strength was palpable, and even a free-for-all wouldn't explain an increase in their combat power.
Shen Feng couldn't make sense of the situation. It was said that whenever a helicopter approached the red glowing areas within the mushroom forest, the light would suddenly vanish. Shen Feng had assumed there was some grand secret hidden within the mushroom forest, but upon arriving, he found only a group of mutated beasts engaged in a chaotic brawl.
Shen Feng sat atop a mushroom, watching the melee below with a placid expression. The outcome of battles within the forest was, in reality, already determined. In fights among mutated beasts, whoever possessed the larger physique usually had the advantage. In this particular battlefield, the largest creature was the mutated elephant.
Therefore, Shen Feng concluded that the giant elephant was destined to win. The mushroom forest couldn't even conceal its massive frame; with every step, it knocked over the giant mushrooms around it. Under such circumstances, the elephant's combat power was formidable.
However, Shen Feng's prediction proved to be wrong. While the elephant was indeed using its trunk to kill many mutated beasts, it was suddenly attacked. It was a king cobra, over twenty meters long, a length even ordinary pythons rarely reached. The king cobra stayed behind the elephant, avoiding direct confrontation. As the elephant was attacking a mutated tiger, it suddenly leaped forward, sinking its fangs into the elephant's hind leg. The long, venomous fangs pierced the elephant's thick skin, and the king cobra began to inject its venom furiously. King cobras were already known for their potent venom, and in this ambush of the colossal mutated elephant, it released all the venom from its venom sacs.
Upon being bitten, the elephant immediately felt the pain. It turned its head and saw the venomous snake on its hind leg, then went berserk. It used its trunk to rip the king cobra from its leg and stomped down on it. A crunching sound echoed from beneath its leg as blood splattered. When the elephant lifted its leg, the king cobra's head had been crushed into pulp. This was the consequence of enraging the elephant. Even at twenty meters long, it was insignificant against the elephant's sheer size and strength.
Seeing this, Shen Feng knew that even such a powerful elephant was likely doomed. The king cobra's venom contained neurotoxins that acted quickly, and the elephant had no antivenom. It would surely die.
Shen Feng's guess was entirely accurate. After the king cobra died, the elephant began to sway. Ultimately, under the siege of the other mutated beasts, it met a tragic end. The largest mutated beast in the area had perished so ignominiously.
"In a free-for-all, anything can happen. Also, one must be wary of those who use poison," Shen Feng mused silently.
The chaotic battle soon concluded, with a mutated wildcat emerging as the victor. This wildcat had not performed particularly outstandingly during the earlier stages of the fight. At the beginning of the battle, it had remained on the periphery of the battlefield, while the more powerful mutated beasts clashed. By the end, the formidable mutated beasts had all been killed. The mutated wildcat, however, had been ambushing throughout the latter half of the fight and had managed to survive. Although it bore many wounds, it was still alive.
After the battle ended, the surrounding mushrooms, which had been emitting light, gradually dimmed. The wildcat was the last surviving mutated beast on the scene. All the corpses on the battlefield became its food, and the wildcat began to tear into them ravenously, as if trying to consume them all.
Witnessing this, Shen Feng was reminded of a related legend. In many legends concerning the Miao people, there is a practice known as "Gu" raising, where various insects are placed in a jar. The insects fight until only one remains, which is then considered the "Gu King." This insect is said to be the most ferocious and possess the strongest venom.
The situation Shen Feng was observing was identical to this legend, except that instead of insects, mutated beasts were confined. After their struggle, the strongest among them was chosen, holding the same status as a Gu King. The fallen mutated beasts would become food for the victor.
"Gu raising? Is this something a mutated fungus can do? Does this mutated fungus possess its own consciousness? Otherwise, why would it selectively cultivate mutated beasts?" Shen Feng suddenly realized. Previously, everyone had viewed the mushroom forest as a simple adversary. However, the situation had evolved to this point. To continue believing that fungi were merely primitive organisms would be a grave mistake.
"No wonder we have suffered such losses in battle. It turns out that even if the opponent is a low-grade fungus, it possesses intelligence. When facing an intelligent being, our strategies are easily deciphered," Shen Feng understood with sudden clarity. At this moment, he had surmised the true nature of their enemy and quickly retreated.
Upon returning to the camp, Shen Feng shared his observations and suspicions with Qian Bufei, stating earnestly, "We must change our thinking now. Before, we only wanted to forge a path through the mushroom forest, but we never considered what would happen if the fungi within possessed intelligence."
Qian Bufei was equally astonished by Shen Feng's account. He hadn't expected things to be this way. The enemy they faced was already engaged in Gu raising. It was no wonder that all the mutated beasts encountered in the forest were of level four or higher. This implied that there were other secrets within the mushroom forest.
"I understand. I will thoroughly investigate the situation in the mushroom forest. Before… I was too complacent. I will reflect on my actions. I request Mr. Shen Feng's assistance in scouting the forest. In the future, I will repay you handsomely. Of course, you may use the Yunnan-Burma Road for as long as you wish. This is my promise, and it also represents the will of Yunnan Province," Qian Bufei stated solemnly.
Ever since four thousand soldiers had been infected by the fungi, Qian Bufei had realized he had suffered a significant defeat, something unimaginable before. Qian Bufei, a scion of a prominent family and a natural esper, had always been proud. Previously, when facing Shen Feng, he would often address him as "Lord Fengshen" and "Mr. Shen Feng," appearing humble, but his arrogance was ingrained. Pride often led to looking down on others, especially fungi that many biologists considered to be very low-grade.
Therefore, judging by Qian Bufei's actions concerning the mushroom forest, he had initially paid it no mind. However, as time passed and Qian Bufei suffered repeated failures, his arrogance gradually began to dissipate.
At this time, many people in Yunnan Province had begun to express dissatisfaction with the operation led by Qian Bufei. The capture of the port was generally supported by everyone in the province, but the departure from Ruili had drawn widespread criticism.
"Knowing full well about the mushroom forest in Ruili, you still failed to learn your lesson and chose to confront it head-on. Now, over four thousand people have been infected by fungi. Let's see what you do next."
"At this point, why continue to stubbornly engage the mushroom forest? Is the border only accessible by one road? Can't you find a detour? Speed is of the essence in warfare."
"I believe the commander in charge this time is problematic. Intentionally challenging a difficult situation is clearly like a moth flying into a flame. We need to replace the commander quickly. The current commander is either foolish or malicious, making inexplicable choices."
Many people in Yunnan Province began to criticize. Although they didn't explicitly blame Qian Bufei, any discerning observer knew these remarks were directed at him.
In the past, Qian Bufei, being from a prominent family, was always attended by bodyguards. He had also become an esper among the first wave during the apocalypse. Under such circumstances, with his inherent pride, he would not have tolerated such severe criticism. However, now, the disastrous defeat was a fact, and without any achievements, Qian Bufei could not speak with his usual assertiveness.
Ultimately, Qian Bufei earnestly explained the recent events, not to shirk responsibility, but to request more time from the Yunnan provincial leadership. He believed that victory would be achieved once the rainy season arrived. Ruili was situated in a tropical region, and the rainy season arrived earlier there than in other places. As long as they could stall for time, victory was certain.
Qian Bufei knew that he was only one opportunity away from success and from achieving widespread fame. This opportunity could not be missed; it had to be seized.
Shen Feng was surprised that Qian Bufei, such an arrogant individual, had become so humble at this juncture. After careful consideration, Shen Feng nodded in agreement.
However, Shen Feng directly asked, "I can help you; that's no problem! But first, you must tell me what your esper ability is. If you don't reveal your ability, how can I trust you?"
Qian Bufei hesitated for a moment, then led Shen Feng aside and said, "Mr. Shen, my ability is decay! That is, I can apply my ability to objects, accelerating the rotting process caused by bacteria and fungi, ultimately leading to the object's decomposition. However, this is my ultimate trump card, and it can only be effective during the rainy season. It cannot afford to fail. Please keep this absolutely confidential. If it is exposed, it will not be as effective the second time."
Upon hearing Qian Bufei's explanation, Shen Feng was genuinely surprised that such an ability existed in the world. He surmised that this ability likely belonged to the nature element. While its combat power might not be exceptional, it would likely be effective against the mushroom forest.
Shen Feng then inquired, "Can it truly work? Don't let it fail when the rainy season arrives, or it will be a waste of everyone's time."
Qian Bufei stated with absolute certainty, "It will definitely work, Mr. Shen, please rest assured. I have already conducted experiments. The mutated fungi here are also decomposed by bacteria, and my ability will be effective once the rainy season arrives."
Upon receiving this news, Shen Feng pondered for a moment and said, "Since we need to ensure success, I will help you. I need to call Chongqing. In a while, several espers will arrive, and they will assist us."
"Thank you, Mr. Shen. With Chongqing's help, we can achieve victory in this operation." Qian Bufei was overjoyed. If Shen Feng was still willing to help him fight at this time, it would be wonderful. Chongqing was the region with the most espers in the southwestern area.