First came the heart, the liver… and finally the first-tier crystal was found inside the snake's gallbladder.
Perhaps this big snake was the same species as the small one they had encountered at the base's entrance before. The first-tier crystal from its gallbladder was also fire-elemental. The crystal was entirely red, yet it shone unusually bright under the dim, half-dark sky. Its size, however, was tiny. With just this one crystal, only one weapon could be made.
Lao Gao glanced at it and asked, "Didn't you say before that Thunder-type abilities can make other weapons too? This single crystal can't make other weapons, right?"
After saying this, Lao Gao felt a chill run through him. "It can't be that these things are everywhere, can it?"
Brother Zhang handed the first-tier crystal to Lao Gao. Before the mission, he had already said that anything found here belonged to them. Moreover, this big snake had originally been killed by the four of them, so the crystal should naturally belong to them as well.
After passing the crystal, Brother Zhang replied, "It won't be everywhere, that's for sure. But in dense forests like this, there are indeed quite a few. We should just be glad that these things can only stay here, otherwise…"
Otherwise, wouldn't everything already be in chaos?
Lao Gao passed the crystal to Lan Jin. He did not state it outright, but it was clear that he wanted Lan Jin to store it in her spatial pocket. Outside of that space, they could not be fully at ease.
Brother Zhang was not surprised by this scene. Back at the base, he had faintly sensed that everyone seemed to lean slightly toward Lan Jin.
Night deepened, and after the sun had fully set, this place would only grow more dangerous. He hurriedly said, "Let's get down the mountain quickly. We cannot stay here overnight."
Indeed, this place was unsuitable for spending the night. Still, the main task for the four of them was not forgotten. Lan Jin asked, "We came here to clear weeds, right? Should we come back tomorrow?"
"Let's talk after we get down the mountain."
With that, Brother Zhang urged them to descend quickly.
The moonlight was already dim, and after traveling a short distance, the mountain path became completely dark. They had flashlights, but they only illuminated the immediate path and made it impossible to move quickly. With untreated internal injuries, their descent slowed even more.
They had thought it would take until midnight to get down, yet after climbing a small hill, they suddenly saw a trail made with glow sticks. Not only did it illuminate the dark mountain path, it also pointed out the correct way to prevent them from getting lost.
Huang Jinghe asked, "Who did this? Very smart."
Smart, yes, but the glow sticks were too bright and glaring up close. Still, having a correct path for descent was far more important, so no one cared about the glare.
The route was winding but fortunate. On the way, they did not encounter a single mutated creature.
Finally, when they reached the steep stairs they had used before, just as they poked their heads out, commotion arose below. Several large flashlights immediately shone toward them and then illuminated the path they needed to descend. When the five of them were confirmed safe, someone shouted in excitement, "Captain, you all returned safely! We were so worried."
Of course, there was reason to be worried. The situation had been extremely dangerous, but surviving and returning was the best outcome.
After Brother Zhang reached the bottom, many people hugged in relief.
As for the four of them…
They were completely exhausted, collapsing onto the ground without the desire to move. Even reaching this point was not the end. There was still more mountain path to descend. They gritted their teeth and continued downward.
After finally reaching the base, the first priority was to have the military doctor examine the five of them. The most seriously injured was Brother Zhang, whose internal organs suffered varying degrees of damage. Fortunately, none of the injuries hit vital points; otherwise, they would never have made it down the mountain path.
The doctor sighed, "You really are lucky. If it had been slightly worse, you might not have made it down today."
Ling Jiang, Huang Jinghe, and Lao Gao had relatively minor injuries. A short period of rest would suffice.
The lightest injuries belonged to Lan Jin.
Lan Jin had eaten the lotus rice from the spiritual spring, which cleansed the marrow. With impurities removed, not only was her strength greater, but her body's resistance and healing ability were exceptional.
For example, in terms of resistance, Lan Jin could endure the same attack much better than an ordinary person. Others might suffer severe wounds, but she would experience far less damage.
As for healing, drinking the spiritual spring water would instantly heal injuries. Even without drinking, after marrow cleansing, her already minor injuries healed rapidly over time.
The process did not take long. Others might need a month, but for her, just a few hours were enough.
This was why the military doctor found Lan Jin's injuries to be the lightest. During the climb, she had already self-healed most of her wounds. Though her injuries were light, no one doubted her ability. It was only natural that she was strong; after all, she had Thunder-type powers.
Seeing the five of them were not too badly hurt, everyone finally relaxed.
With relief came the most important thing: food.
After a full day of combat, they were truly exhausted. Lan Jin did not want to chat with anyone, taking her bowl to a corner to sit alone. Seeing her withdraw, Ling Jiang hurried over, followed by Lao Gao and Huang Jinghe.
Lan Jin said, "You don't need to follow me. I am too tired. Don't want talk. If not so hungry, I wouldn't even open mouth."
"Same here. Also afraid to drink spring water, afraid injuries heal and they see it when checked," said Lao Gao.
"No problem. Already checked. If they check again later, even better. Can say body heals fast. Better than suffer silently. Can drink before sleep."
Lao Gao and Huang Jinghe nodded in agreement.
Just as the four prepared to eat, the previously rescued chubby girl hobbled over with her bowl.
She looked at the four and asked, "Can I sit here?"
They nodded. Ling Jiang moved aside, and the girl sat down.
The chubby girl asked, "Are you the new ability squad from the base?"
Ling Jiang swallowed and replied, "No. Just passing by, took temporary task. Will leave afterward."
The girl looked surprised. "Ah, so you're not staying here?"
Lao Gao replied, "No. We will leave once injuries recover."