A Level 1 Divine Nest has three chambers, each capable of accommodating a specific life form.
If Zhang Yuan can find three life forms and fill all the chambers,
his strength will undoubtedly undergo a tremendous leap.
Truly reversing the fate dictated by the heavens!
However, among the billions of creatures, only a rare few can be acknowledged by the Divine Nest.
Otherwise, Zhang Yuan would not have just activated the Divine Nest now!
He first dismissed the deer carcass on the ground— the gene body must be a living form, and then he carefully searched the ground, eyes wide open not to miss any life.
Suddenly, a few ants entered Zhang Yuan's sight.
These ants were large, about the size of a thumb, entirely black and shiny, with curved mandibles.
They were obviously attracted by the scent of blood, quick to climb to the deer's wound, and together clipped off a large piece of tender flesh with their sharp mandibles.
One of the black ants then bit deeply into the flesh, dragging it towards its nest.
An ant capable of dragging deer meat dozens of times heavier than itself!
Their efficiency and immense strength were astonishing to Zhang Yuan, making him realize he'd found his target.
Without any hesitation, he swiftly pressed down on the meat-dragging black ant with his left index finger!
In the next moment, the Divine Nest Badge on the back of his hand emitted a faint glow, and an ancient spell suddenly surfaced in Zhang Yuan's mind, silently unfolding at the tip of his tongue.
The black ant under his fingertip suddenly vanished, and the badge turned scorching hot.
[Host: Zhang Yuan]
[Divine Nest: Level 1 (15%)]
[Host: Level 1 Black Giant Ant (1%) / 2x Strength]
[Qi Blood: 74/75]
[Source Material: 0]
Success!
The Divine Nest Badge returned to normal, but Zhang Yuan could feel that one of the chambers now housed a claw-bearing black giant ant.
This gene body contained by the Divine Nest can also be called an Extraordinary Life Form.
It not only grants Zhang Yuan double the strength but can also be upgraded through nurturing feeding.
Bringing even greater abilities!
Zhang Yuan couldn't help but clench his fist, waving it in excitement to vent his inner thrill.
His original strength was quite significant, and once enhanced by double amplification, killing a wild boar would be no problem.
His combat power also multiplies!
Suppressing his excited emotions, Zhang Yuan reached down and grabbed the deer carcass on the ground.
The gene bodies contained by the Divine Nest need feeding to upgrade, and their "feed" is exactly the "Source Material".
Currently, Zhang Yuan doesn't even have 1 point of "Source Material", but he knows how to obtain it.
Sacrifice prey!
Offering the trophies of his own hunting to the Divine Nest is the only way to gain "Source Material".
This deer in front of him is undoubtedly a suitable sacrifice.
"Yuanwa'Er~"
The moment Zhang Yuan's fingers touched the deer carcass, an eerie voice suddenly reached his ears.
Zhang Yuan instantly withdrew his hand, as if touching a piece of red-hot iron.
The hairs on his body stood on end, a chilling coldness surged from his feet to his head, and he felt as if he had plunged into an ice cellar, nearly paralyzed.
Realizing the danger, Zhang Yuan suddenly bit the tip of his tongue, regaining control over his body through the sharp pain and hot blood.
He stood up abruptly, drawing the Firewood Knife with his right hand.
He turned to face the unknown fear!
Yet ahead was empty; apart from trees and grass, there were no signs of life, only the creek quietly flowing.
But Zhang Yuan's vigilance only increased.
He was well aware that he likely encountered something eerie.
This is the price of venturing deep into the mountains!
"Yuanwa'Er~"
The same voice sounded again.
Zhang Yuan looked up abruptly, spotting a crow perched on a tree branch!
The entire crow was pitch-black, tilting its head with scarlet eyes locking with Zhang Yuan's gaze.
After a moment, the crow suddenly opened its mouth and spoke in human tongue: "Yuanwa'Er, Yuanwa'Er, you eat the meat, I eat the intestines, caw caw!"
Zhang Yuan immediately felt a great sense of relief and lowered the Firewood Knife in his hand.
He indeed encountered an anomaly.
The crow on the tree was the anomaly.
But anomalies come in countless types, many of which, if not provoked, are harmless to humans.
Some anomalies even cooperate with people!
This crow anomaly obviously bore no malice towards Zhang Yuan, merely begging for food.
Without any hesitation, Zhang Yuan grabbed the deer carcass on the ground, skillfully slicing open the abdomen with the Firewood Knife.
He scooped out all the viscera and washed his bloody hands clean in the creek, lifting the gutted prey, he nodded towards the crow anomaly on the tree.
Although Zhang Yuan didn't know how this anomaly knew his childhood name, he didn't mind giving up the viscera as protection money in exchange for safety.
Zhang Yuan even suspected he might have intruded on the crow anomaly's territory.
Thus, sharing his catch seemed only appropriate.
Hoisting the deer and picking up the Firewood Knife, Zhang Yuan walked towards the outer mountains without looking back.
He had endured enough thrills for today and couldn't continue.
The crow anomaly on the branch quietly watched Zhang Yuan disappear into the woods, its scarlet eyes flickering with mysterious light.
After a while, it spread its wings and descended onto the pile of viscera, feasting on them heartily.
Amidst the forest, Zhang Yuan walked briskly.
When he finally broke out of the dense woods, basked once again in the scorching sunlight, the lingering shadow in his heart significantly faded.
Glancing back at the path he came from, Zhang Yuan adjusted the prey on his shoulder and quickened his pace towards Chen Family Village.
For some reason, he always felt eyes watching him from behind.
Until he returned to the village.
Only then did Zhang Yuan's feeling completely dissipate!
"Mother!"
Pushing open his home door, Zhang Yuan impatiently removed the bamboo tube, stepping forward to hand it to Mother Zhang, who was weaving straw sandals in the yard.
"Please drink this."
The bamboo tube contained deer blood, not much, but highly valuable as a body tonic.
Years ago, Mother Zhang labored day and night to raise Zhang Yuan and consequently developed chronic health issues, remaining frail ever since.
Over the years, Zhang Yuan has done everything he could to lessen his mother's burdens while finding ways to nurse her health.
Yet his efforts are limited, and he cannot fundamentally solve the issue.
"Yuanwa'Er."
Mother Zhang was so pleased to see Zhang Yuan return safely, she quickly put down the sandals and accepted the bamboo tube.
She drank the deer blood down in one go.
Mother Zhang knew that refusing was futile as Zhang Yuan could be stubborn, and she didn't want to upset him.
In her heart, there was nothing more important than Zhang Yuan's safety.
As long as Zhang Yuan was safe and sound, everything was good!
After drinking the deer blood, Mother Zhang's pale and worn face regained a bit of color, visibly improving.
This brought both relief and sorrow to Zhang Yuan.
His mother was only in her thirties, yet she looked like she was in her fifties or sixties.
Her health had deteriorated far too severely.
Burying his sadness, Zhang Yuan smiled and said, "Mother, I caught a deer in the mountains today. Let's have stewed venison, it's been a while since I last had my fill of meat."
His usual prey consists mainly of small animals like rabbits and pheasants.
Most of his catches were handed to Hunter Gao with a portion, and the majority was exchanged in the county for rice, oil, salt, and sewing supplies.
He rarely had the chance to eat his fill of meat himself.
Zhang Yuan initially intended to sacrifice the deer to the Divine Nest to obtain Source Material, but the appearance of the crow anomaly changed his plan.
He decided to feast first today and venture back into the mountains tomorrow!
"Okay."
Mother Zhang, as always, complied in every way.
Soon thin smoke rose above the thatched cottage, the pot containing venison, clear water, and ginger slices was set on the stove, and it wasn't long before the rich aroma of meat filled the air.
Lending the humble abode a touch of homey warmth.