It had already been a month since the apocalypse began. Coincidentally, it was once again the day when mutated vegetables were harvested every five days, and also the day he went into the mountains to trade.
The level-three mutated plants he had traded with before didn’t have any special seeds for him this time, so he could only continue deeper into the mountains. At the same time, he pushed his affinity ability to the maximum, in case a high-level mutated plant or beast suddenly appeared and caught him unprepared.
A level-two mutated plant’s territory extends about three meters beyond its coverage area, while a level-three mutated plant’s territory extends about thirty meters beyond.
For example, the level-three mutated chestnut tree he first encountered had a trunk diameter of about three meters, with a canopy spreading roughly ten meters in diameter. Adding the extra thirty meters of territory, even walking in a straight line, he would have to travel at least seventy-five meters to leave its range.
Including the three level-three mutated plants he had traded with last time, he had already gone three hundred meters deeper into the mountains. In the past, he would never have dared to go this far.
But this time, his luck was good. He successfully traded for four special seeds and went another three hundred meters deeper.
He got a little carried away with trading and neglected the dangers of the forest. It wasn’t until a tiger’s roar and a series of wolf howls rang out that he snapped back to his senses.
Mutated beasts have extremely sharp senses, especially those deep in the mountains. Not knowing their levels and fearing that any rash movement might draw the fight toward him, he only dared to slowly retreat, not even daring to run.
Even so, he could still hear the sounds of running and howling getting closer and closer.
He was doomed!
Cheng Feng immediately looked around and spotted a level-three mutated pine tree nearby—the same one he had just traded with.
[Level 3 Mutated Pine Tree: Has concealment ability, usable three times a day for half an hour each time. Can attack with pinecones. Fruit is inedible.]
He quickly asked for help. “Good neighbor, I’ll give you five mutated vegetables. Can you let me hide in your tree?”
As he spoke, he immediately placed five mutated cabbages in front of the pine tree.
When the pine tree accepted the cabbages, he felt relieved. As long as it was willing to help, that was enough.
Just as he was about to climb the tree, its branches wrapped around him and lifted him onto a sturdy fork, hiding his figure while still giving him a clear view. The pine tree then activated its concealment ability and disappeared.
Cheng Feng patted the trunk in thanks and stayed completely still on the branch, because the mutated beasts had already entered his field of vision.
[Level 4 Mutated Tiger: Solitary mutated beast. Innate skills: Flight (Intermediate), Ice Spike Attack (Intermediate).]
[Level 4 Mutated Wolf: Pack-type mutated beast. Innate skills: Wolf Howl Attack (Intermediate), Swift Movement (Intermediate).]
[Level 3 Mutated Wolf: Pack-type mutated beast. Innate skills: Wolf Howl Attack (Low), Swift Movement (Low).]
He had only taken a casual glance, but unexpectedly saw detailed information about the mutated beasts. So his second ability could not only identify mutated plants but also mutated beasts?
He felt a bit speechless. But it made sense—this was his first time encountering mutated beasts in this life.
Powerful mutated beasts stayed deep in the mountains, while weaker ones were devoured as soon as they entered the territory of mutated plants. It was normal that he was only now discovering the full use of his second ability.
It seemed the name of this ability needed to change. Before, he called it “Mutated Plant Information Ability,” but now… it should be called “Identification Ability!”
While his mind wandered, one mutated tiger and four mutated wolves entered the pine tree’s territory.
Because their levels were higher than the pine tree’s and they were greater in number, the pine tree didn’t react. Cheng Feng also held his breath.
He guessed the wolf pack consisted of more than just these wolves. The others were probably below level three, so they hadn’t followed.
Among the four wolves, the single level-four mutated wolf was likely the alpha and the main force fighting the level-four tiger.
Both the wolves and the tiger were injured. The tiger’s worst wound was on its abdomen—a large gash with blood dripping down continuously. The wolves weren’t in good shape either: the alpha had a large chunk of flesh missing from its back, one wolf had lost an ear, another had a bloody hole in its hind leg, and another had a frozen wound in its abdomen.
Though all were covered in blood, neither side backed down. It was clear that the wolves were surrounding and attacking the tiger, but the tiger, knowing it had no escape, fought back bravely.
Unfortunately, Cheng Feng had stumbled into this battle by sheer bad luck.
Sitting on the branch, his legs nearly frozen, he still widened his eyes and watched the fight below.
It was truly shocking—more thrilling than many action movies!
The mutated tiger moved at incredible speed. As it exhaled, several ice spikes formed in midair and shot toward the wolves. Now he understood how those bloody holes on the wolves’ bodies had been made.
The wolves were no weaker. They were even faster, especially the alpha. If not for the contrast between its fur and the snow, he might not even have been able to track its movement.
With several smaller wolves assisting, the wolf pack clearly had the upper hand.
The alpha seemed to sense victory. A flash of triumph appeared in its eyes as it raised its head and began to howl loudly. The other wolves followed, and Cheng Feng saw the tiger’s steps begin to falter, with blood flowing from its ears.
Right—the howl attack!
But why wasn’t he affected?
Before he could react, he felt the pine tree beneath him begin to shake, clearly affected by the howl as well. He quickly crouched down and clung tightly to the branches, afraid of being thrown off.
Just as he thought the wolves would soon win, the situation suddenly changed.
The tiger suddenly sprouted wings from its back and flew into the air!
A snow-white tiger with massive white wings filled his vision—and then… it locked eyes with him!
The moment those lake-blue eyes fixed on him, Cheng Feng felt his blood freeze. So this was what a true beast’s gaze was like!
Even though the pine tree had activated its concealment ability, he was certain—the level-four mutated tiger had discovered him!
He didn’t know if his affinity ability would work against a level-four mutated beast, but a silenced gun had already appeared in his hand, and countless survival strategies flashed through his mind.
But contrary to his expectations, after glancing at him, the tiger seemed to make a decision.
It suddenly flew higher, enduring the wolf howl attack, gathering all its remaining power. With a thunderous roar that echoed through the forest, countless ice spikes formed and shot out in all directions toward the wolves.
The howling stopped instantly.
So powerful!