Chapter 184: Grave
Lin Feng caught a whiff of the scent, and his expression instantly turned grave. The smell of blood told him a fight had definitely happened nearby.
Abandoning any thought of resting, Lin Feng continued forward without hesitation, but now he slowed his pace.
It was then that Lin Feng discovered that as he advanced, the stench of blood grew thicker. He even saw several corpses.
'It seems the people from those factions beat me to it.'
Noticing this, Lin Feng's expression grew a little more solemn. He glanced around. He wasn't far from the Red Flame Tree's location now, and he could already faintly hear the sounds of fighting from that direction.
A fight of this magnitude wasn't something ordinary factions could handle, and Lin Feng chose to circle around it without hesitation. His goal was singular: to find the Red Flame Fruit.
However, Lin Feng also noticed quite a few people nearby, which made him tense up. He didn't like trouble, but trouble always seemed to find him.
Lin Feng quickened his pace, his movements as agile and swift as a cheetah, but he remained ever-vigilant. This forest was filled with danger, and a single moment of carelessness could cost him his life.
After sprinting for about another fifteen minutes, Lin Feng finally stopped. Before him stood a towering mountain, over a thousand feet high.
He had reached the central region of Wo Hu Mountain, its largest mountain range.
This mountain range stretched for hundreds of miles. At its very center, on the summit of the great mountain, stood a colossal tree nearly thirty meters tall, piercing straight through the clouds.
Even from dozens of miles away, Lin Feng's vision was sharp enough to see it clearly.
He could also see a single, apple-sized fruit on its highest branch, its surface covered in red patterns.
The Red Flame Fruit.
'Good, I made it in time!'
Gazing at the great tree ahead, a sharp glint flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. He started forward. Now that he had found the Red Flame Tree, he had to ascend the mountain, as the Red Flame Fruit could only be picked from its peak.
Meanwhile, at the outer base of the mountain, dozens of Cultivators were gathered, every one of them looking cautious. Next to the great tree lay more than a dozen mangled corpses.
The dismembered bodies belonged to men and women of all ages. Some were even women, children, and the elderly, while others were well-dressed young adults. But without exception, all of them had died here.
Standing before these people was a handsome young man in a brocade robe, a style completely different from modern clothing. He held a blood-stained sword and had a burly, imposing build, but his eyes revealed a grim and savage light.
"Brother Li, this Red Flame Fruit is a rare fire-attribute Spiritual Medicine! If you get your hands on it, you'll benefit immensely. This is a huge opportunity!"
A young man in lavish clothes said this, his eyes gleaming with greed. He was the only Mid Stage of Innate expert in the group. Their bodies were also stained with blood and their clothes were in disarray, as if they had just survived a brutal slaughter.
"Hmph!"
Li Tian snorted coldly, his eyes filled with longing. He knew full well how precious it was, but unfortunately, the Red Flame Fruit was not meant for him. An elder in his family needed this kind of Spiritual Medicine.
"Brother Li, this Red Flame Fruit is a top-grade, fire-element Spiritual Medicine. Even without combining it with any mundane herbs, your strength is guaranteed to advance to the next level if you just eat it."
Another person chimed in. This man was also a Late Stage of Innate Ancient Martial Artist.
"Alright, that's enough."
"You've all accompanied me this time, and you won't be short-changed on your reward. But do not say another word about this medicine."
Before anyone could say more, Li Tian waved his hand dismissively, forcefully suppressing the greed that had just begun to swell in his heart.
He was well aware of the Red Flame Fruit's effects, but his family and his position wouldn't allow it. He didn't dare keep such a treasure for himself.
"Alright."
"Then we can only hope Brother Li remembers today's promise."
...
Hearing Li Tian's words, a flicker of disappointment appeared in their eyes. However, they all understood that they had no right to a treasure like this, so they quickly accepted it.
Lin Feng hid quietly in the shadows, listening to their conversation. 'So, to them, this Red Flame Fruit is a priceless treasure, but to me, it's just an ordinary Spiritual Medicine.'
'Although the Red Flame Fruit won't help me much, it's better than nothing. Besides, I'm still short one spirit-grade Spiritual Medicine, and this Red Flame Fruit barely qualifies.'
'But I don't plan on making a move just yet. It's better to just follow this group for now.'
'After all, there are quite a few of them, and they're all at the Late Stage of Innate. They're a bit stronger than me.'
'In this situation, even if I can kill enemies above my own level, I definitely won't gain any advantage against such terrifying numbers. In fact, I could easily get caught, and it just wouldn't be worth the risk.'
WHOOSH!
Just then, an arrow shot through the air, aimed straight for Li Tian at the front. His reaction was incredibly fast; he spun around just in time to block it.
BOOM!
The deafening explosion echoed through the valley, and Li Tian was thrown backward by the shockwave.
Lin Feng took advantage of the commotion to quietly move closer.
"Brother Li, what was that?"
"Is someone trying to steal the Red Flame Fruit?"
"Dammit! I've been holding back for so long, and someone finally dares to make a move."
...
Seeing this, the others also started cursing angrily, their faces filled with resentment. The Red Flame Fruit was simply too important to them.
The struggle for the Red Flame Fruit was a contest of sorts for them; whoever obtained it would prove their superior strength.
"Ignore them! We're continuing up. We have to get there before anyone else, or they'll beat us to it."
Li Tian's face was grim. He paid no mind to the sneak attack from the shadows. The Red Flame Tree's strange phenomenon had occurred right under their noses; it hadn't just appeared out of thin air. As long as they guarded this spot, their rewards would be substantial.
"Brother Li, this Red Flame Fruit isn't going to be easy to get. Anyone who dares try to steal it from you can't be weak. Why don't we wait for them to fight until both sides are injured? Then we can reap the rewards of their conflict. Wouldn't that be perfect?"
The young man from before spoke up. This was exactly what Li Tian had been worried about, but the temptation of the Red Flame Fruit was too great. If he missed this chance, it would be difficult to ever find one again. After all, the conditions for a Red Flame Fruit to mature were incredibly strict.