CHAPTER 76: CHAPTER 76: TURNS OUT IT WAS FOOD DELIVERED TO OUR DOOR

"You absolutely must not!"

Qian Fang originally thought that his Junior Brother Li was calm and calculated, so why did he suddenly want to eat this mysterious fungus?

If anything happened to Junior Brother Li, he would absolutely not be able to accept it.

"Uh, I wasn’t planning to eat it either." Li Ye retracted his gaze.

Then he turned to Zhou Qiumai and said, "Taoist Friend, could you find any random animal? I want to test this thing."

"Sure." Without a second thought, Zhou Qiumai ordered someone, and soon a plump pig was brought over.

The pig saw the candied fruit on a stick made of fungus threads in Li Ye’s hand.

"Oink oink!"

Its small eyes unexpectedly filled with joy, and it eagerly rushed up to gobble it up, finishing it cleanly in just a few breaths.

"It can really eat it, huh." Zhou Qiumai was surprised; this pig was specifically bred to distinguish between poisonous and non-poisonous substances.

Its ability to discern food was much stronger than that of a cultivator.

As long as it was willing to eat, it meant the thing was edible and probably tasted good too.

"Maybe it’s more than just edible." Li Ye looked at the panel displaying the statuses of [Accelerated Growth] and [Satisfaction], and suddenly had a bold idea.

He looked at Zhou Liqiu and said, "Taoist Friend, how many animals in your family need feeding? Bring them all here and have them finish off all these fungi!"

"I’ll do it right away." Zhou Liqiu, also without a second thought, immediately arranged for people to herd the livestock here, while Li Ye also began preparations as the livestock were being gathered.

The fungi needed to be completely lured to a safe location.

During this process, Qian Fang and the other cultivators did their utmost to assist, making the task relatively smooth, soon leading the fungi to a safe position.

Although the fungi were pitch-black, various dishes were laid out there.

Even after the cultivators took away the prepared dishes, the remaining fungi would once again absorb spiritual qi and draw some power from the Miner Ghost, producing more delicacies.

From a distance, Li Ye could sense the fungi’s bubbling joy—as if they were saying that finally someone was willing to eat the food they made.

As one after another of livestock was herded in and began to feast voraciously, the fungi became even more exuberant.

It squirmed frantically, forcibly piercing into the Miner Ghost’s body, using more spiritual power and nutrients as its own nourishment.

Various humanoid fungi tirelessly kept up with the pace of these famished animals, like chefs at a banquet.

This scene left everyone silent.

They initially thought they would have to go through a hard battle, but unexpectedly, the situation was reversed as if it was delivering food.

Moreover, it relentlessly attacked the Miner Ghost, continually providing food.

The Zhou Family’s cultivators who were responsible for taming and watching over the livestock exclaimed in surprise, "They’re actually putting on weight!"

"This... Is it about to give birth to a calf?"

"Why are so many eggs being laid!"

For the first time today, those in charge of raising livestock in the Zhou Family found themselves in chaos.

They quickly moved the unwilling livestock to an open space, some attending to births, others gathering eggs.

The scene suddenly became somewhat strange.

"...Junior Brother, you truly are amazing."

Qian Fang was at a loss for words, as he would have certainly used a thunderous technique to suppress those fungi directly if he were in charge.

"Senior Brother, you must be more cautious."

Li Ye gently picked up a bean and handed it to Qian Fang: "See, crush it carefully."

"Hmm?" Qian Fang took out a box, placed the bean inside, and a surge of flame naturally erupted, instantly burning the fungi to ash.

However, at the moment the fungi were destroyed, an extremely terrifying ferocity spewed forth from the fungi, almost damaging the jade box.

This development greatly shocked Qian Fang.

"My magical artifact is at least a Third Tier, specifically for handling difficult objects.

That means the resentment can even approach Fourth Tier, how is it so terrifying?"

Li Ye showed a "just as expected" expression and said:

"From my guess, the fungi may want to offer us food, and if we destroy it, that situation would occur.

After all, the earth provides us with endless food, yet some waste it, and the resentment accumulated is unimaginable."

"According to that logic, the Earth Demon Ginseng can even plot against us, things might become more troublesome," Qian Fang frowned.

A spirit plant with the ability to scheme is the most terrifying, as the harm it can cause is immense, especially when it stands on the opposing side and we are completely unaware of its condition.

"I think it’s an opportunity."

Li Ye already had a plan in mind and said directly: "Since these fungi are under the control of the Earth Demon Ginseng, they should be closely connected with it, otherwise, how could they suppress such terrifying resentment.

So if we properly utilize these fungi to exhaust their power, wouldn’t it be possible to consume the power of the Earth Demon Ginseng simultaneously?

According to my thought, even if we can’t capture it directly, having the fungi fight each other would be a decent tactic.

Most importantly, Senior Brother, you also saw the signs of growth in the livestock after consuming these fungi. Not making good use of these fungi is simply wasteful!

Capturing it and handing it to the sect would be a great achievement, wouldn’t it?"

With the opportunity right in front of them, it was naturally not to be missed.

In this regard, Qian Fang apparently didn’t think as deeply as Li Ye, but after being reminded by him, his eyes also brightened.

Just as Li Ye said, since the fungi have this effect, they would surely be useful when brought to the sect.

"Indeed, it was something I hadn’t considered," Qian Fang said, folding his hands toward Li Ye.

He laughed, "Uncle Ling Ji said this place is to be arranged by Junior Brother, so go ahead and arrange it. If it doesn’t work out, at worst, we’ll call for Uncle’s help."

"The reason I have such a bold idea is that I have your help, along with that of all the juniors and Senior Uncle backing me up. Regardless of success or failure, there will be a share of credit for everyone involved."

He offered a salute to all his fellow disciples around him, a gentle smile on his face, along with his increasingly natural and elegant aura during this period, truly like a breeze caressing the face.

Poor these people, scolded by Qian Fang lately for their incompetence, hadn’t experienced such a warm treatment, and they quickly said:

"Senior Brother Li, just give your orders!"

"We don’t understand these peculiar fungi, so we’ll rely on Senior Brother to take care of it."

"Senior Brother, what’s the next step?"

Li Ye shook his head and looked into the distance, "This matter also needs the Zhou Family’s assistance. If handled properly, we may not even need to turn to other families anymore.

Let’s see how many livestock these fungi can feed."

He waved at Zhou Qiumai in the distance and quietly said a few words to him.

Upon hearing Li Ye’s instructions, Zhou Qiumai immediately went to where the Lady Dowager resided to relay Li Ye’s requirements completely:

"Taoist Friend Li wants the Zhou Family to take the lead and invite other families to bring over their livestock, charge a reasonable entrance fee, and then let them eat and drink as they please."

The Lady Dowager, leaning on her draconic cane, quietly watched her great-grandson with an expression of curiosity:

"Then why come to ask me? Qiumai, your friend has already presented the benefit before you.

I put this matter in your hands, and you must make your own decisions, or else will you come to me for everything in the future?

Go on, you represent the Zhou Family in inviting neighboring families. All collected Spirit Stones should be turned over to Li Ye, without the slightest misappropriation.

You must keep a close watch on this matter, and if anyone dares to reach out and take, cut it off immediately; that is my command."

"Yes!"

Zhou Qiumai understood the Lady Dowager’s meaning, unable to contain his happiness, he left with great strides and high spirits.