Chapter 35: Power of the Crystal
Back in the underground cave, no significant changes were detected. However, everyone inside was busy; some were making tools, and others were repairing weapons, cleaning, and processing supplies. The division of work was very thorough and orderly. Du Tao was undoubtedly a rare talent when it came to administration. In the days following their departure, he not only prevented others from panicking but also rallied and organized the people, from hunting and gathering to fair distribution of food to creating makeshift tools and weapons… he organized everything and left no logistical task unintended.
Even if Xiao Yu returned a week later, not much would have changed as long as no unforeseen event befell the group or the cave. The situation could improve steadily rather than deteriorate.
Du Tao found that the number of people that returned was less than a dozen, and it was evident that the others would never return. He felt a little sad, but what was encouraging was that each one of these individuals who returned had undergone earth-shattering transformations. The strength of the weakest among them was not much different from Jiang Xiaowen’s when she first left with others. While Han Kexin and the others three, being the strongest bunch of the group, all advanced to the elementary level. The team became much more solid with this lineup.
Du Tao double-checked Huang Jianmin’s new group’s information. To his amazement, this collection of individuals included police officers, nurses, doctors, laborers, and chefs, just enough to fill the team’s vacancies.
In order to celebrate the return of everyone and welcome all new members that joined them, Du Tao decided to take out the stored meat and fresh wild vegetables. With the iron and clay pots they found in the goblin village, they could finally get rid of the burden of eating roasted meat every day. After all, it was mostly undercooked, stale, charred, and black, and it caused many to lose their appetites at first sight. This night, though, was different, as people gathered around the bonfire and enjoyed a tasty, fragrant stew. Huang Jianmin and the others were still a bit apprehensive at first, for fear that they had escaped the wolf’s den just to enter the tiger’s mouth, but after the night had passed, their dangling hearts felt at ease, and they fell in love with this place, willing to stay in the team permanently.
After everyone had settled down, they spent the next two days recuperating and regaining their energy, resting in the underground cave all day long except when they had to go out hunting and gathering wild food. Xiao Yu’s injuries were entirely healed thanks to Han Kexin’s help, and his body had adjusted to its best condition after a full day of rest. He now felt that it was the best moment to fuse with that crystal of inheritance.
Xiao Yu changed into light, clean clothing, went to a somewhat secluded cavern and asked Jiang Xiaowen to guard the cave’s entrance.
Jiang Xiaowen was happy to help and asked, “How long will it take you to gain the skill?”
“It takes a few hours to fuse, and I may go into a deep slumber to do so. I really don’t know for sure, but since this is not a high-level inheritance, it won’t take long.” Xiao Yu paused and reminded: “Remember that interrupting someone during that process is completely forbidden; if disturbed, there will be serious consequences ranging from wasting all prior efforts to seriously hurting or even crippling the individual.”