Chapter 7

"Last night... you were the one who treated me," the man asked, rooted in the same spot. Zhao Yang looked at him with a peculiar expression, as if silently asking, 'What do you think?' He didn't respond and simply helped the man sit back down on a stone chair. Once the man was settled, Yang decided to hunt for some animals to eat. As he moved about, gathering items for hunting, the man's eyes never left him. They followed Yang's every movement.

"Thank you," the man finally spoke as he watched Yang walk further away from the cave. Zhao Yang heard the words but remained neutral, glancing briefly at the man before continuing on his way deep into the forest.

Nearly two hours later, when Zhao Yang returned, he found the man cultivating. Yang had managed to find some suitable prey to cook, though he wished he could have obtained more. His hands were already full after acquiring the rabbit-like beasts. Initially, Yang hadn't held much hope for success, considering the large migration of beasts he had witnessed. It seemed unlikely that smaller game would be found at the base of the mountain. However, luck was on his side, and he secured four rabbit-like beasts.

While Zhao Yang skilfully prepared the rabbits, the man finished his cultivation and stared at Yang in astonishment. Having been here for almost two days, he had tried searching for food despite his injuries, but his efforts had been fruitless. It was difficult for him to believe that Zhao Yang, who had only arrived a day ago, could venture out and find sustenance so quickly.

Sensing the man's gaze upon him, Zhao Yang finished processing two of the rabbit-like beasts, saving the other two for later. "What's the matter? Won't this be enough?" he asked, assuming the man was staring because he hadn't brought back sufficient food. Upon hearing Yang's question, the man couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. Rising from the stone chair, he approached Zhao Yang, who wore a confused expression.

"This is the inner part of the forest. Despite being at the mountain's base, dangerous beasts still roam here. I'm just surprised that you were able to find food so quickly and without getting injured," the man remarked, examining the meaty rabbit-like beasts. Satisfied with what he saw, he nodded. When he looked back up, he noticed Zhao Yang standing frozen in a daze. Only when he felt a hand shaking him did Yang snap out of it.

"Did... did you say this is the inner part of the forest?" Zhao Yang exclaimed, almost shouting at the man. The man appeared taken aback by Yang's outburst but slowly nodded. Observing the man's affirmation, Zhao Yang couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. He was in the inner part of the forest, one step closer to obtaining the Shada Flower.

Filled with joy, Zhao Yang couldn't help but burst into laughter as he walked, his laughter echoing through the surroundings. The man watched him with concern, seated on the stone chair next to a stone table. 

It was evident that people used to inhabit the cave, given the various items scattered inside. Observing Zhao Yang roast the rabbit meat, the man's eyes remained fixed on him, puzzled by his elation.

After the meat was cooked, Zhao Yang skewered two pieces onto sticks and sat on another stone chair near the table. He handed one stick to the man. With a wide grin still on his face, Zhao Yang began devouring the meat, but the man hesitated, unable to take a bite. Seeing Yang relish the meat so much made him feel even hungrier. He cautiously sampled the meat, which practically melted in his mouth. Now he understood why Zhao Yang had been enjoying it. They finished their meal, but they seemed to have overlooked something crucial, water. Zhao Yang had forgotten to procure some.

Suddenly, Zhao Yang's face turned red as if he had recalled something embarrassing. He felt the urge to bury himself in the ground and never resurface. Since the beast tide occurred, he had completely forgotten that he was a water elementalist. As long as there was water nearby, even underground, he should be able to extract it. Coughing lightly, Zhao Yang stood up, reaching into his space bag to retrieve a jug. Focusing his energy, he scanned the surroundings for any water source. Once he found one, he used his hands to manipulate the water, bringing it in front of him. Purifying it with his other hand, he poured it into the jug.

From his space bag, Zhao Yang retrieved cups and poured two servings of water—one for himself and the other for the man. The man silently observed Yang throughout the process, from beginning to end. Taking the cup, he drank the water without a hint of concern. 

"Are you not worried I might have tampered with it? You drank it so casually," Zhao Yang asked, shocked by the man's unquestioning consumption. The man simply smiled, meeting Yang's gaze as he sipped the water.

"What is there to fear? Unless... did you truly do something to the water?" The man raised an eyebrow, questioning in return. Zhao Yang shook his head, settling back into his seat and drinking his cup of water.

A whole week had passed. During this time, Zhao Yang diligently attended to the man, checking on his injury day and night to prevent infection. He went out every day to hunt for food and gather water. Over the course of the week, Zhao Yang learned some details about the man. His name was Li Jun, and he was 23 years old—just seven years older than Zhao Yang himself. "Younger than I expected," Zhao Yang thought, initially assuming the man would be much older based on his demeanor. He was surprised by the maturity displayed by someone of only 23 years.

After being cared for by Zhao Yang for a week, Li Jun had fully recovered and was stronger than ever. During that time, Zhao Yang had confided in Li Jun about his purpose for coming to the forest. Grateful for his life-saving actions, Li Jun pledged to join him in the search for the Shada flower, and they agreed to set out together once the week was over. 

Prior to their departure, Zhao Yang reorganized his space bag to accommodate any other rare herbs and plants they might come across. With their preparations complete, Zhao Yang and Li Jun embarked on their journey. Li Jun seemed more familiar with the area than Zhao Yang, so the latter simply followed his lead. 

After two days of traversing the inner part of the forest, they encountered a steep hill. Atop the hill stood a solitary flower—the Shada flower. Just the sight of it filled Zhao Yang with exhilaration. However, there was one problem—they had no means of reaching the top of the hill. Although Zhao Yang possessed knowledge of how to employ his elemental powers, he was not yet an expert.