Chapter 147: A Bountiful Harvest

Chapter 147: A Bountiful Harvest

The sky was crystal clear, and the sunlight on the plateau was bright, but the temperature remained cool.

Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun stood high on a mountain beside the valley, looking down at the valley below.

On both sides of the canyon were dark brown lava rocks, with some pine trees growing on them, sturdy and lush. Zhou Yun sat on a rock nearby, holding a tablet and checking information about rabbit habits. Comet, the dog, lay beside him, basking in the sun with his eyes closed.

Guan Yuanfeng stood with his legs slightly apart, operating a drone to explore below. A fierce, biting wind blew, but Guan Yuanfeng remained focused on the exploration, his posture steadfast.

Looking at Guan Yuanfeng's straight and powerful legs, his robust back, and his lean waist, Zhou Yun's mind wandered, recalling how they had bathed in the pure volcanic lake the night before, exhausted from the day's battles and the long journey.

The plateau's snow reflected a clear light, and under the moonlight, their wet skin gleamed with a tight, muscular texture. The scars on Guan Yuanfeng's firm waist and abdomen, and the lines of his body, as if carved from marble, full of strength and beauty, were truly unforgettable.

Guan Yuanfeng suddenly turned his head, frowning: "We've checked almost everything. The entrances scanned by infrared are all small, not like the lair of a king-level mutated rabbit."

Zhou Yun recalled the appearance of the mutated rabbit and the size of the crystal core, thinking: "The original size of the volcanic rabbit was quite small, similar to a mouse. Even mutated, it wouldn't grow much larger."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "But the volcanic spiders are enormous. I thought the king-level mutated creatures here would also be large?"

Zhou Yun recalled some speculations and research conclusions about Psychic plants and animals from his previous life, explaining: "Insects are small in size and light in weight, so their energy utilization efficiency is high. To adapt to environmental changes, they quickly convert the Psychics they obtain into body size growth."

"In most environments, insects don't have access to much energy, as there are other originally dominant creatures competing for energy. That's why we don't see such large spiders outside."

He gestured: "I once saw very large fireflies in the Jiuyi Mountains, their abdomens glowing like lanterns."

"The volcanic energy here is incredibly abundant, which is why such huge volcanic spiders were born."

"Beasts, however, have different survival strategies. They are larger in size and have complex physiological structures, so their energy utilization efficiency is relatively low, and their body size changes are not as significant as insects."

"And humans, intelligent creatures, also do not show significant changes in body size."

He smiled and glanced at Guan Yuanfeng's body: "I guess it's because different species, in their evolution, subconsciously choose different evolutionary directions based on their survival strategies."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "There are too many small entrances. How do we investigate them?"

Zhou Yun thought for a moment: "A cunning rabbit has three burrows. In the future, it would be more convenient to make energy detectors based on the principle of the mimosa. But now, there are too many burrows, and they are all interconnected. Moreover... this rabbit might be both earth and fire Psychics."

"Because the entrances are so small, it likely uses earth Psychics to tunnel in. Rabbits are also nocturnal animals, so it's not easy to find them during the day."

Guan Yuanfeng frowned tightly: "Then finding it will be tough. We need to find a way to lure it out. But if it can earth-tunnel, it can escape at any time."

Zhou Yun fell into deep thought. How did a fire-Psychic mutated rabbit that can earth-tunnel fight to a stalemate with the volcanic spider?

The spider web... it must have been able to stick to it, preventing it from earth-tunneling. That must be it.

Zhou Yun's face lit up: "I've got it!"

The morning glory vines intertwined in the air, forming a large circular cage, and within the red flowers and green leaves, the spider web from the lair was soft as gauze, tightly wrapping the entire cage.

Zhou Yun stood on the hillside, gently lowering the cage into the valley, while Guan Yuanfeng entered the valley with Comet.

The tornado shrank and became more controlled, swirling and rushing into all the previously detected hidden rabbit burrows, quickly delving deep into the tunnels.

As the tornado delved deeper into the caves, the mutated rabbits were driven out, jumping out from different burrows, and were then herded by Comet into the large rabbit cage, where they were stuck in the corners by the freshly hung spider web.

As the rabbits were being chased by Comet in a panic, the ground in the valley suddenly churned like boiling water. A fat, giant red-haired rabbit burst out of the ground, appearing out of thin air in the valley. Its size was larger than a normal rabbit, but only as big as Comet, not as huge as the volcanic spider.

Its body was covered in soft, fluffy orange-red fur, its eyes like red gemstones, and the whole rabbit looked as if it was enveloped in warm sunlight, cute and soft.

Guan Yuanfeng did not let his guard down. He drew his bow, the arrow crackling with electricity, but Zhou Yun's voice came through the built-in intercom in his helmet: "That fur is so beautiful. It would be a shame to burn it. It's best to capture it alive and put it in the cage."

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

He put away his bow and arrow, but the fire rabbit across from him kicked off with its hind legs, launching itself toward him at an astonishing speed, its sharp claws gleaming with a golden-red hue.

Guan Yuanfeng swiftly dodged. With the enhancement of his wind-based psychic ability, his body moved faster than an ordinary person's. Meanwhile, the comet rushed forward, opening its mouth: "Roar!"

A blazing fireball shot toward the fire rabbit, but the rabbit instantly conjured a flame shield, effortlessly neutralizing the fireball's damage. With a whoosh, it disappeared on the spot. The next moment, it reappeared right in front of the comet. Fortunately, the comet was also extremely agile, moving like lightning and quickly evading.

Zhou Yun stood above, watching as Guan Yuanfeng skillfully retreated to the entrance of the cage. The plump rabbit, seemingly clumsy, likely seeing so many of its rabbit offspring inside, darted straight into the cage.

The vines of the honeysuckle, having captured their prey, suddenly tightened. The cage's wide-open door was swiftly sealed by the vines, and the entire massive cage was hoisted into the air.

Mid-air, countless rabbits of various sizes inside the cage were wrapped in spider silk. No matter how they thrashed and shook, they couldn't escape the soft, expansive cage.

Guan Yuanfeng looked up and locked eyes with Zhou Yun, who was standing on the hilltop, manipulating the vines. Zhou Yun waved at him, clearly in high spirits.

Such a large cage couldn't be moved back to the Xining Base on their own; they would need help to handle it. Zhou Yun entered the valley first, gathering mutated plants such as volcanic algae and moss into his collection box.

Guan Yuanfeng drove to a signal-covered area and called Fu Shaogang.

Soon, Fu Shaogang arrived in person with a helicopter, a team of soldiers, and experts from the Xining Research Institute. He directed the lifting and transportation of the massive cage of rabbits back to the base. When he saw the enormous volcanic spider's exoskeleton, he couldn't stop smiling.

He arranged for people to quickly collect samples from the spider's lair while discussing with Guan Yuanfeng: "These rabbits are great. Why not turn this valley into a breeding ground for mutated fire rabbits?"

Guan Yuanfeng nodded: "The ones we caught, arrange for someone to airlift them back to Guixu City for me. There are still plenty left in the caves here; you can handle them as you see fit."

"Also, regarding the spider eggs and such, we’d like some of the spiderlings. We’ll share the research results."

Fu Shaogang readily agreed: "No problem. Just assign a point person to coordinate with us."

He rubbed his hands together, smiling: "It’s rare for us to establish such a promising industry here. I even regretted not asking you about Guixu City’s industries for guidance when I saw you the other day."

Zhou Yun, who had just finished discussing the collection plan with the experts, walked over and overheard. He smiled and said, "I didn’t know you and General Guan were such close friends. We’ve indeed been distant. Guixu City is also struggling with energy issues. We could definitely exchange resources and collaborate."

Fu Shaogang was momentarily stunned. Zhou Yun extended his hand for a handshake, introducing himself with a smile: "I am Lord Dongjun, the city lord of Guixu."

Fu Shaogang was overjoyed, shaking Zhou Yun’s hand vigorously: "So it’s Lord Dongjun in person! What an honor! Tonight, I must treat you properly. You’re not busy, are you? Let’s head back to the city."

With the volcanic algae secured and two powerful mutant beasts captured, Zhou Yun replied cheerfully, "Then we’ll impose on General Fu."

The three of them boarded the helicopter back to the Xining Base, while Fu Shaogang arranged for two team members to drive their car back.

When they landed, they noticed another helicopter on the tarmac. Fu Shaogang’s deputy came over to explain: "General Ye from the Lindong Base is here. Originally, you were supposed to personally receive him today, but you were out. Now, regarding tonight’s banquet..."

Fu Shaogang waved it off: "Let the new Deputy Governor take care of it. I’m busy here."

The deputy nodded and left.

Guan Yuanfeng looked at Fu Shaogang: "General Ye?"

Fu Shaogang explained: "Ye Lihui, the father of the young master from the Ye family we rescued yesterday. He’s here to personally thank the Xining Base for saving his son. I heard he’s Ye Yuqing’s uncle. I already told him it wasn’t me who saved him—it was you. But since he’s here, I was planning to extract as much as possible from them. Now that you’re here, I’ll naturally prioritize you."

He led Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun to the car and headed straight for the military guesthouse. Along the way, he chatted: "It’s strange, though. I heard Ye Yuqing is sick. He didn’t even attend the year-end review. But no matter how sick he is, after I helped him so much, he should at least call to thank me, shouldn’t he? In the past, even though he was insincere, he was always thorough. He’d never leave such a loose thread. It’s odd."

Zhou Yun smiled: "Perhaps he’s seriously ill and bedridden."

Fu Shaogang shrugged: "Maybe. I was planning to subtly inquire tonight. But now that you’re here, Ye’s affairs aren’t our concern. Let’s focus on enjoying ourselves first."

Fu Shaogang was indeed very talkative, chatting non-stop in the car about everything from the scenery and industries of Xining to the current political situation of the alliance. He also mentioned the newly appointed Deputy Governor: "He’s clueless, and as soon as he arrived, he wanted to review personnel appointments and dismissals, resumes, and financial income and expenses, not even bothering to be discreet. As for the psychics he picked, he probably worried an ordinary person wouldn’t last long. Haha."

Zhou Yun said, "I heard that Guixu City also appointed one, named Du Zonghan. I wonder what kind of person he is."

Fu Shaogang replied, "Many new officials in the alliance are mostly psychic descendants of powerful families, gradually being selected."

As they spoke, they arrived at the guesthouse. Fu Shaogang personally guided them to the dining room and added, "Speaking of which, the father of the Luo family's young master we rescued the day before actually called to thank me. But Luo Shouchang showed no gratitude at all. I was so annoyed that I called Luo Shouchang, hoping to get some benefits. That guy actually said whether we saved him or not, anyone using his name in the future should be treated as a con artist, and told me not to bother. He even sarcastically suggested I take more ginkgo biloba to avoid being scammed in my old age, damn it!"

Zhou Yun laughed.

Guan Yuanfeng asked, "You actually tolerated that?" This didn't seem like Fu Shaogang's style.

Fu Shaogang said, "I told him it was you who saved him, and I would send some ginkgo biloba to you, telling you it was his suggestion. He immediately panicked and softened, explaining to me that he had long been at odds with his family and had a bad relationship. He also asked why you came to Xining Base, and I said of course it was for friendly exchanges, and any cooperation wouldn't include him. He got so worked up, making all kinds of promises that any project cooperation should include Sanchu too. Hehe, later he will definitely come begging to you."

Guan Yuanfeng: "..." What a classic case of the fox using the tiger’s power. He glanced at Zhou Yun, afraid he might find the socializing tiresome, but Zhou Yun was listening with great interest. When he saw Guan Yuanfeng looking at him, he curiously looked back, seemingly a bit puzzled.

On the dining table was a steaming hot pot, surrounded by various deep red raw meats and side dishes. Fu Shaogang smiled and said, "Today is a full yak feast, part of our genetically modified yak industry, which has great cooperation prospects. Please, help yourself."