Chapter 78: Giant Kudzu Root

Chapter 78: Giant Kudzu Root

Along the way, apart from the small prey caught by Comet, they didn't encounter any large animals. They only saw a group of giant dragonflies hovering in the air, each as big as a bird, with transparent and light wings spanning over a meter.

As Comet pounced, the dragonflies scattered in alarm.

Ren Duoduo felt a bit regretful: "Such large dragonflies, if made into specimens, would be as big as kites, right?"

Qin Sheng, however, was somewhat afraid of butterflies. Every time he saw the colorful patterns on butterflies, he felt a sense of horror. He interjected, "If butterflies were this big, it would be really scary."

Ren Duoduo said, "If butterflies were this big, how big would their caterpillars be?"

Qin Sheng: "..." He got the creeps all over!

By the time they reached the observation station, they were close to the peak. As the altitude increased, the air became fresher, and the vegetation grew more lush. It was almost noon, and they planned to set up camp at the observation station and arrange for nearby exploration and herb gathering in the afternoon.

Qin Sheng marveled, "The air here is so good, it's like drawing in the spiritual essence of the mountains and rivers. Are we actually cultivating immortality now?"

Zhou Yun said, "This place used to be a Taoist grotto-heaven. They were truly cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "We're here, wait a moment."

With a wave of his hand, he conjured several whirlwinds across the flat ground. The whirlwinds crackled with a faint blue light and swiftly swept into the observation station. Soon, countless wild birds, mountain rats, and various snakes and rabbits scattered and ran into the mountains.

Ren Yuefei sighed, "This is so practical, really useful."

Tang Anchen took the key and unlocked the door, saying, "The captain usually has us send people in first to clean up."

Qin Sheng said, "Doctor Zhou and Duoduo aren't like us rough guys who can handle anything." Ren Yuefei had a few bodyguards go in first to check around, ensuring everything was safe before letting the main group enter.

The Yanling observation station was actually a comprehensive site integrating scientific research, monitoring, and environmental protection. It was used daily by relevant departments' researchers for wildlife observation, environmental monitoring, and meteorological and astronomical observations.

The observation station had a small courtyard surrounded by concrete walls, with an observation platform and observation tower built around the walls. The three-story building in the middle had a kitchen, living room, and bathroom on the first floor, dormitories, offices, and laboratory areas on the second floor, and observation and monitoring areas on the third floor, equipped with wildlife monitoring devices, meteorological data monitoring, air quality detectors, astronomical observation equipment, etc. There was still an observation platform on the rooftop.

Zhou Yun and Duoduo looked at the floor plan downstairs, where there were also some displays of wildlife and plant science.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Previously, this place was equipped with telescopes, microscopes, high-magnification infrared telephoto cameras. See if they are useful. There are also temperature, humidity, and wind speed measuring instruments. Although they were abandoned after the apocalypse, we didn't touch them. The surveillance equipment in the control room can still play some videos, clearly capturing the growth and hunting processes of some mutated plants and animals from hidden cameras in the wild."

Zhou Yun was excited: "That's very precious research material on mutated plants and animals." Although he was a medical student, who doesn't love watching animal documentaries?

Guan Yuanfeng smiled: "The Psychic Research Institute said the same and took a copy for themselves." He indeed saw a look of disdain on Zhou Yun's face and laughed, "I thought you might be interested, so I had Jiang Rongqian make a copy on a portable hard drive for you. I'll have him give it to you when we get back."

Zhou Yun nodded in satisfaction.

Ren Yuefei came down and said, "I checked, the generator can supply power normally. There are two rooms on the second floor and two rooms on the third floor that can be used. The guard room at the entrance has two people on duty. Duoduo, the bodyguards I brought, and I will stay on the second floor. You, Doctor Zhou, Little Tang, and Xiao Qin can stay on the third floor. How about that?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "That's fine."

Everyone carried their luggage and racks upstairs. Tang Anchen took the wild chickens, mountain rabbits, and goats caught by Comet to the kitchen and started stewing. Since the apocalypse, the special forces often came here when they entered the mountains and had set up an efficient stove, bringing some gas, briquettes, and firewood up here for backup.

Soon, the bodyguards Ren Yuefei had brought came to lend a hand. The bodyguards he brought this time were all psychics and quite young. They quickly got along with Tang Anchen and Qin Sheng, and their laughter echoed all the way to the top floor.

Standing on the rooftop, gazing at the distant scenery, Zhou Yun couldn't help but smile.

Guan Yuanfeng came up just as Zhou Yun took off his helmet and goggles. Perhaps he was a bit hot from climbing, so he also took off his tactical vest, removed his neck guard, unbuttoned his collar to reveal his fair neck, and rolled up his sleeves, exposing his slender forearms.

He said helplessly, "This place isn't completely safe. You should still wear your helmet on the rooftop."

Zhou Yun turned to look at him: "With you here, let me take a breather... Do you always gear up like this when you head into the mountains?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Yes, proper attire is beneficial for them... This year, it's been hot when we entered the mountains, and we encountered a group of poisonous ants. One team member didn't fasten his belt tightly, and they got in. They were mutated poisonous ants, and he was in so much pain he even wanted to commit suicide, so we knocked him out. The team doctor injected him with a sedative to keep him asleep, and we found someone with wood psychic abilities to perform detoxification before he got better."

Zhou Yun sighed, "No wonder you and Su Jiaoning said that even though the wound would heal, the pain and fear wouldn't be forgotten."

Guan Yuanfeng: "You've been paying close attention to our talks." He thought Zhou Yun had avoided listening out of dislike.

Zhou Yun said, "I'm afraid you might casually agree to something for others again. You always undervalue yourself."

Guan Yuanfeng: "No, I cherish these legs very much, yours."

It was still broad daylight, and although the temperature was a bit cool, the sunlight was bright. Zhou Yun only felt his ears heating up and, to hide it, put on his helmet: "I'll head down to check things out."

Seeing Zhou Yun put on the helmet, Guan Yuanfeng thought he had been persuaded and felt a bit regretful: "I'll keep watch here, you don't need to wear the helmet, it's really hot. Little Tang and the others are cooking downstairs, no rush. I came up to ask where you'd like to go this afternoon. There's a map on the wall here."

Zhou Yun turned to look at the cement-carved map on the wall of the third-floor observation platform, which showed the maps of several nearby peaks. After studying it for a while, he said, "This afternoon, let's just walk around the mid-mountain area of the main peak to familiarize ourselves with the terrain. I'll first find a few herbs to show everyone how to collect and transplant them."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded: "I've cleaned up the room downstairs, come down and see if there's anything else that needs to be done."

Zhou Yun went down to check. He and Guan Yuanfeng shared a room. The room was small, with two small iron bunk beds for the mountain researchers. Guan Yuanfeng had already made both beds with military green sheets and pillows, placed thin quilts, and swept the floor and table clean.

He felt a bit embarrassed: "I just went upstairs to get some air, and you've already tidied up."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "The special forces have some bedding here. I was concerned you might not be comfortable with it, so I used the clean ones I had used before for you. But you probably brought your own, so you can add another layer."

He noticed Zhou Yun had a bit of a cleanliness obsession, probably a professional habit. During their days together in Danlin City, he noticed that besides the orderly home, the simple furniture and floors were always kept spotless.

Zhou Yun said, "No need to add another layer, this is fine. We don't need to be so fussy when we're out."

Guan Yuanfeng smiled, seeing Zhou Yun take off his helmet again, it seemed he was really a bit hot: "Rest in the room for a while, I'll head down to check things out and then come back to get you."

Zhou Yun nodded.

When Guan Yuanfeng went down, Zhou Yun walked to the window. For safety, the window was fitted with stainless steel bars and a tightly secured stainless steel screen. He opened the screen layer and then released the trumpet vine.

The trumpet vine immediately snaked down the courtyard wall, extending into the dense forest.

He lay down on the iron bunk bed, closed his eyes, and used the vine's perspective to hunt for valuable herbs.

When Guan Yuanfeng came up, he saw Zhou Yun had taken off his jacket, wearing a shirt lying on his side on the bed, his nose bridge straight, eyelashes covering his eyes, sleeping very peacefully, with some strands of hair on his forehead slightly messy, a bit sweaty, and his cheeks slightly red.

After a morning of hiking, he didn't have the heart to wake him, so he simply pulled the thin quilt over him.

When lunch was ready, Zhou Yun opened his eyes and saw that Guan Yuanfeng had returned at some point, sitting with his back to the window on a folding chair at the table, carefully flipping through a map. The chair was really too small for him, with his legs crossed to one side.

On the table were two lunch boxes, one with rice and the other with dishes.

As soon as he moved, Guan Yuanfeng immediately looked over: "Awake? I brought up the food. If you still feel tired, sleep a bit more. I heard from Ren Yuefei that Duoduo also fell asleep, we'll move at three."

Zhou Yun: "..." Unintentionally, he was treated like little Duoduo in Guan Yuanfeng's eyes, but he couldn't say he had gone to find herbs, so he just smiled: "It's okay, is this the map of Yanling? Any thoughts?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Tomorrow we'll go to Deer Tail Gully for that new wheat seed. There's a small stream nearby, formed by melted snow from the mountaintop. There should be many herbs around, the scenery is beautiful, and there are relatively fewer wild animals."

Zhou Yun got up and ate the simple lunch, praising: "Good." He had also seen the small stream earlier, with many butterfly flowers nearby, very beautiful.

At three, the team members gathered on time downstairs, fully armed. Duoduo was still bleary-eyed, holding a pack of milk, squatting next to Comet rubbing his ears. After assembling, Guan Yuanfeng gave some precautions, pairing up in twos, not to stray far from the main group, carrying walkie-talkies and signal flares, to immediately fire a signal flare if anything happened, others not to rush, slowly retreat and gather for rescue, safety first, then checked the equipment again before setting off.

Among the mountains and forests, tall and straight trees with dense foliage were lush and green.

The team, carrying backpacks and holding weapons, carefully navigated through the jungle in search of herbs. Birds sang in the mountains, clear and melodious, with some unknown beasts calling in the distance.

They set down collection boxes and baskets by the stream as a gathering point. The streamside was dotted with charming butterfly flowers and balsams, much to Ren Duoduo's delight. The water's edge was alive with lush, vibrant flowers, attracting butterflies and bees, while ripe fruits of raspberries and blackberries were scattered like gems among the grass.

Under Zhou Yun's guidance, they focused on picking mutated herbs. Zhou Yun specifically brought a tablet for them to take photos and search the herb compendium, which provided corresponding introductions. Useful mutated plants identified through the tablet's search were dug up and brought back.

The mountains were rich in medicinal plants. Whenever they saw plants with exceptionally lush branches, flowers, fruits, and leaves marked with distinct silver energy veins, they dug them up first and consulted Zhou Yun back at the stream. Indeed, most of them turned out to be medicinal.

From afternoon till evening, they combed through half the mountain's forest, harvesting a variety of mutated wild herbs such as Eucommia, Motherwort, Indigo, White Bone-setting Herb, Acorus, Sumac, Smoke Tree, Mugwort, Osmanthus, Artemisia, and Dock.

During the herb gathering, hidden among the grass, venomous snakes, grasshoppers, and mutated mantises posed occasional threats. However, being psychics and with Comet around, the troublemakers mostly ended up as Comet's meal.

Qin Sheng brought back two large and lush mutated fennels, their green, thread-like leaves with clear silver veins and bright yellow flowers, exuding a strong fragrance. Qin Sheng laughed heartily, "This one's huge! It could make dumplings for many meals!"

Ren Duoduo asked, "Is this a vegetable?"

Zhou Yun replied, "It's also highly medicinal. Fennel contains anethole, which has anti-inflammatory properties and some effect in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells. It's rich in dietary fiber, which can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Ancient prescriptions often used it to treat stomach ailments, dispel cold and relieve pain, regulate qi and stomach, and it also has some effect on tuberculosis and cough."

Guan Yuanfeng glanced over, "Old Yao's latest research paper focused on the efficacy of this mutated fennel in treating gastric ulcers. Later, it was preemptively published by a student bought off by the Psychic Research Institute. Wasn't that the senior who installed surveillance cameras you mentioned last time?"

Zhou Yun: "..." He looked at Guan Yuanfeng somewhat sourly, "Teacher even told you about this." The teacher hadn't told him the specifics of what was stolen, and he didn't ask in detail, fearing the teacher would be upset.

Guan Yuanfeng looked at him, a smile in his eyes beneath the goggles, "Just casual talk. It seems Old Yao is quite resentful that the Special Forces always took the Psychic Research Institute along for scientific resources wherever they went."

Zhou Yun: "..." So the teacher was subtly criticizing the Psychic Research Institute.

Originally paired in twos, Zhou Yun suddenly stood before a plant with lush green vines and purple pagoda-shaped flowers.

Guan Yuanfeng noticed the silver veins on the leaves, "What's this?"

Zhou Yun said, "Kudzu, a good thing. Kudzu roots can be used as medicine and as food during famines. But digging them out is probably troublesome. Even without mutation, wild roots can weigh dozens to hundreds of pounds. Now mutated, the entire underground area here is likely filled with their roots. But it's also a good thing. Take the roots back, have the wood psychic ability users stimulate their growth, then cut and plant them in large quantities."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "No problem, you forgot we have earth psychics." He pressed the intercom to call Tang Anchen over. Zhou Yun added, "Call Duoduo over too, such large kudzu roots are rare."

Tang Anchen, paired with Qin Sheng, arrived quickly, and Ren Yuefei brought Ren Duoduo over. Ren Duoduo asked curiously, "What's the use of kudzu roots? For soup?"

Zhou Yun explained, "Rich in starch, they were a lifesaver during famines. They can be sliced and dried or pounded to extract kudzu powder, similar to lotus root powder. Mass planting them at the base can also serve as food. With the harsh post-apocalyptic weather, not many crops survive."

"Don't be fooled by the modest foliage above ground; its root system is highly developed, packed with starch and dietary fiber."

Ren Duoduo asked, "Isn't it a pity to dig up such a large plant?"

Zhou Yun replied, "Kudzu grows aggressively. Some countries even use chemical herbicides to eliminate them. They grow rapidly, their dense vines smothering other vegetation, stealing sunlight and nutrients, making it hard to maintain pastures."

"If this mutated kudzu continues to grow, its roots could dominate the entire mountain, competing for nutrients. Just like psychics need more food, mutated plants also require more psychic energy to grow and evolve, of course..."

He glanced at the other quietly growing trees and plants on the mountain, "Other mutated plants will also compete and fight."

He sighed, "This is the law of the jungle—natural selection at its finest."

Ren Yuefei patted Ren Duoduo's shoulder, "Digging this up and transplanting it will yield high quantities, often hundreds of pounds of roots. If we face another zombie siege like last year, having these mutated kudzu at the base could save many lives."

Ren Duoduo nodded, "Then hurry up and dig, Dad. If it's so big, will we finish before dark?"

Ren Yuefei: "..."

Zhou Yun said, "Let's see Little Tang's work."

Tang Anchen closed his eyes tightly, hands clenched, half-squatting, his hands resting on the exposed thick root of the kudzu, palms emitting a faint brown light.

The ground beneath his hands began to tremble slightly, as if awakened by an invisible force, the soil churning like boiling water.

His temples bulged with veins, sweat glistening, as he let out a loud shout, "Rise!"

The soil surged like waves, spitting out the massive, tangled kudzu roots, which rose slowly and floated on the churning ground. The deep brown, fibrous roots were intricate and delicate.

These winding roots were long and tough, with rough and thick outer skin, varying in thickness and interwoven like a spider's web, complex yet perfectly intact as they emerged from the soil, unscathed, resembling a magnificent root sculpture.

At the center of this giant web, a dark green wood crystal core glowed. Judging by its size and quality, it was likely of king-grade quality.

Ren Duoduo clapped so hard her palms turned red, exclaiming, "Uncle Tang is incredible!"

Zhou Yun directed, "Cut off the outer roots, trim the branches and leaves, and collect the flowers—they have medicinal value as well. Keep only the main stem and primary roots, and be careful to preserve the wood crystal core."

Qin Sheng volunteered, "I'll do it!"

With a wave of his hand and his eyes closed, everyone fell silent. The sound of sharp, rapid whooshes filled the air as countless thin, sharp flying knives shot from his palms, glinting coldly like snowflakes, heading straight for the massive kudzu. The knives pierced through the leaves, cutting the roots, and the vines fell, leaving only the main stem. Purple flowers scattered across the ground, and the thick, sturdy roots were sliced into numerous pieces, leaving only a short section around the wood crystal core.

Qin Sheng was met with thunderous applause from Ren Duoduo and cheers from the guards.

They refilled the hole with soil, watered it thoroughly, and loaded the roots onto a handcart to transport back to the observation station. The remaining massive roots, estimated to weigh several hundred pounds, were also prepared for transport.

Ren Yuefei and Guan Yuanfeng discussed the division of spoils, "First, store them at the observation station. Half goes to the special ops team, and half to Jing Nan. You take charge first, and I'll arrange for someone to transport them later."

Zhou Yun chuckled, "Why go through all that trouble? It’s a waste of energy. Let's leave all of it for the special ops team. You can take a few thick ones and have Duoduo use a rooting spell to plant them in nutrient soil to take back. I'll take this large root to my herb garden in Beiming. I'm sure I can cultivate a lot before winter, and then I'll send some to you from Beiming."

Ren Yuefei was satisfied, "Alright, it's a deal. But, you'll need to hitch a ride on my helicopter back, right? Why don't you take Comet and visit Jing Nan first? After all, Old Guan is staying in Central Base, and you have nothing urgent to do back there. I'll arrange for someone to take you to Beiming later—it's just a day's drive."

The moment he finished speaking, he felt the weight of his daughter’s and Guan Yuanfeng’s stares.

Zhou Yun said, "No rush. When the Spring Festival holiday comes, Captain Guan should have some time off to return home. By then, Duoduo will be on break too, right? We'll bring Comet to visit Jing Nan then." As his words fell, Ren Yuefei felt the piercing gazes shift away.

Seeing that the day's harvest was more than enough, they loaded the various herbs and kudzu roots into baskets and woven bags, placed them on handcarts, and prepared to wrap up. Unexpectedly, they ran into a group of wild boars drinking by the stream. The boar king, with its long, sharp tusks, charged straight at Ren Duoduo, clearly targeting the weakest prey.

Amid Comet's furious barking and the fire dragon it spewed, Guan Yuanfeng reacted first, waving his hand to summon a gust of wind to repel the boars. Almost simultaneously, Zhou Yun cast an ice ring freezing spell. Amid the icy shards, Guan Yuanfeng unleashed a chain of dark blue lightning.

Only the leading boar, after being struck by lightning, still struggled to break free from the ice and continued to charge forward. Zhou Yun followed up with another frost freeze, and Ren Yuefei stepped forward, swinging his long blade to decapitate the boar.

Qin Sheng, still holding his flying knives, stared in shock at the charred, fragrant boars and the headless boar on the ground.

Ren Yuefei, with a hint of surprise, chuckled, "Doctor Zhou is truly full of surprises."

To cast two massive frost spells in quick succession, trapping a king-grade mutated beast—this was likely fourth-tier strength. In his few days at the Jiuyi Mountains, he had mainly seen Comet's ferocity but hadn't expected Zhou Yun himself to be so powerful, and to coordinate so seamlessly with Guan Yuanfeng. No wonder he dared to venture into the Jiuyi Mountains alone, despite his seemingly frail appearance.

Ren Duoduo stared in shock at the ice block, then at Zhou Yun, who stood calmly nearby, full of questions. Zhou Yun glanced down at her and smiled slightly.

That evening, back at the observation station, they cooked a feast of wild boar meat, and everyone ate heartily.

The remaining meat was frozen by Zhou Yun using a freezing spell.

Looking at the platform filled with drying kudzu root pieces and the mountain of frozen wild boar meat in the kitchen downstairs, Guan Yuanfeng sighed, "We've only just entered the mountains and already have so much. There's no more space. I'll call Xiao Jiang to bring a few psychics to help. Luckily, we cleared the path today, so it'll be easier for them to come in."

Ren Yuefei lamented, "You special ops team are lucky... this will last for days."

Guan Yuanfeng replied, "Your pig industry is quite prominent, isn't it?"

Ren Yuefei sighed, "Who can afford to eat them now? In these times... we trade them for energy and food. You're from a big base; you don't understand our struggles. Every trip to the sea is a gamble with our lives. The mountains don't grow much food either. Last year was so cold, the crops froze to death."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "It's the same for us. That's why we brought people into the mountains—to hunt and replenish our food stores. We also cleared some coal from the mines to take back, or else we'd freeze to death in summer. But it's been a while since we last came. Recently, everything has been focused on the city lord conference, and rations have been tight. The base is doing its best, but it's hard for everyone."

Ren Yuefei said, "Which base has it easy? We all rely on the mountains and rivers to survive. Honestly, we don't need to worry about others; we can manage just fine on our own. The world’s too messed up—who can save anyone?"

He seemed to be hinting at something, or maybe it was just a casual comment.

Guan Yuanfeng went quiet. He chatted with Ren Yuefei a bit longer before they went their separate ways downstairs to their rooms. As he entered his room, Guan Yuanfeng saw Zhou Yun, fresh out of the shower, his hair still wet. Zhou Yun was blow-drying Comet in the room, a large-toothed comb in hand. Comet sat there, head tilted and eyes half-closed, purring contentedly.

Guan Yuanfeng came over and said, "Dry your hair first so you don't catch a cold. Comet's a Fire Psychic, after all."

Zhou Yun laughed and held up the hair dryer. "Check this out—a high-end hair dryer, snagged from the Jiuyi Mountains hotel. Go ahead and shower—you'll love it. Little Tang just brought you a bucket of hot water."

Guan Yuanfeng felt a wave of relief. The outside world was a mess, full of weird and unsettling stuff, but in this small room, happiness and calm were pure, simple, and right there for the taking.