Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1275 - 619

Fang Cheng turned the few Blood Cores of varying sizes in his hand, a rough estimation forming in his mind.

It was clear that the likelihood of a Blood Core's formation, and its overall quality, directly correlated with the inherent strength of the originating Mutant Beast.

The more formidable the Mutant Beast, the larger the Blood Core it would condense, and the purer the Life Energy contained within its crystalline structure.

This very Life Energy crystal was the most sought-after "sustenance" for those monstrous Black Monsters that lurked within the tempestuous storms.

Reaching back, Fang Cheng felt for the pack on his back. He unzipped a side compartment and deposited the three recently acquired trophies.

Adding the two smaller Blood Cores he had unearthed earlier, his collection now numbered six.

He cradled the slightly dull bead, partially consumed by a Black Monster, in his palm, its faint warmth and leaking energy a subtle sensation.

For a Martial Artist's True Qi cultivation, such an item served as an exceptional tonic.

Furthermore, for the average person, it likely possessed immeasurable potential for fortifying the body and potentially awakening Superpowers.

This was the only logical explanation for the military's significant investment, even collaborating with the Noah Organization on a clandestine research project to delve into this world's mysteries.

As Fang Cheng lost himself in contemplation.

Every soul in the hall remained utterly still, their postures humble, refraining from making the slightest sound.

Beyond the occasional, earth-shattering tremors from above, the underground chamber was enveloped in an unusual quietude.

"Gu-luuuurp——"

A sudden, resounding gurgle from churning intestines broke the profound silence.

Fang Cheng's head swiveled towards the noise.

He observed Pike, his gaze fixed upon the mangled remains of the Crawling Beasts scattered on the ground. Pike's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, a glistening strand of saliva at the corner of his mouth.

For individuals who had subsisted for years on meager rations of moss, fungi, and rats in the desolate wastelands, these several hundred kilograms of fresh, high-order beast meat represented a veritable treasure trove, an irresistible, fatal allure.

Kael, who had been tending to Roken's injuries on the ground, looked up at the sound.

Spotting the boy sprawled shamelessly near the Crawling Beast's carcass, Kael swiftly moved over, delivering a sharp slap to the back of Pike's head. He lowered his voice, his tone sharp, "Take your eyes off that. That's the lord's kill. Are you tired of living?!"

Fang Cheng adjusted the strap of his marching pack, his gaze briefly flicking to Pike's hollowed stomach before he casually remarked, "These beasts are too substantial for me to carry. You and the others can divide the meat amongst yourselves."

"Huh, seriously?!"

Pike's head snapped up, his eyes suddenly blazing with an intense fervor.

Fang Cheng offered a slight smile and a nod, "Just leave me about ten jin so I can sample it. That should suffice."

With this confirmation, Pike let out an unreserved whoop of joy.

He immediately drew the chipped Dagger from his waist and, with intent, aimed it at the spine of the nearest Crawling Beast, poised to strike.

"Hold on, don't just blindly hack at it!"

Ira, witnessing this, hurried forward and seized Pike's wrist.

She wiped a streak of dirt from her face with her sleeve, then pointed to a swollen sac beneath the creature's spine, indicating, "That's the Crawling Beast's poison gland. Puncture that, and the entire portion of meat is ruined."

"You should insert the knife from the nape of the neck, cutting downwards, carefully avoiding the internal organs. The meat in this region generally contains the least radiation contamination..."

"Ira is correct. Step aside, let me handle the cutting."

Kael also approached, drawing his cleaver and taking Pike's place while issuing instructions, "You, go spread out those relatively clean tarps over there. Get them ready to wrap the meat."

Under expert direction, coupled with Kael's adept skill, the half-ton Crawling Beast was efficiently processed.

However, this efficiency presented a delightful predicament.

The sheer volume of meat was simply too much to transport.

Moreover, two additional beasts of comparable size lay nearby.

Kael selected the plumpest hindquarter, carefully removed about ten jin of meat, and secured it tightly with hemp rope, forming a slipknot.

He carried the substantial package of beast meat over to Fang Cheng, presenting it respectfully with both hands and bowing his head, "My Lord, this is the portion you requested. However... there is an overwhelming abundance of meat. The few of us are unable to haul it all."

"My plan is to take a portion now, mark this location, and then arrange for the camp's transport team to return tomorrow to retrieve the remainder."

Fang Cheng nodded in agreement, offering no objections.

As he reached out to accept the meat, a thought crossed his mind, and he casually tossed the damaged Blood Core he held into Kael's hand, saying, "This is for you."

Kael scrambled to catch it.

Upon realizing the nature of the object in his grasp, his knees nearly buckled, and he almost collapsed to the ground. "A Third-stage Blood Core?! My Lord... th-this is far too valuable!"

"Consider it a deposit for your services as a guide."

Fang Cheng lightly brushed the dust from his attire and then gave his instructions.

"I'm not acquainted with this territory, and I require a trustworthy guide to show me around for a while."

"Yes, my lord." Kael's face turned a shade of crimson. Clutching the Blood Core firmly in both hands, he responded with palpable excitement, "It is our squad's utmost honor to lead the way for you. I give you my word, we will not falter in the slightest!"

Without delay, he turned and signaled to his companions, quickening their departure. Ira rapidly produced several rolls of bandages, and through the confines of the protective suit, she managed to roughly secure Roken's fractured arm. Pike clenched his jaw, straining to heave a substantial meat bundle, weighing several dozen jin, onto his back. Already lean and wiry, the immense burden caused him to bend so low that he resembled a bow. With every laborious step, his frame swayed precariously, much like a turtle burdened by a colossal stone, presenting a rather amusing spectacle. Roken, now standing, couldn't help but chuckle as he playfully taunted, "Careful there, little Pike, lest your bones give way. If this arm of mine wasn't currently incapacitated, when would you ever get the chance to handle such strenuous lifting?" Pike stiffened his neck, retorting defiantly, "I'm not that fragile! Once I consume more beast meat and enhance my physique, I will undoubtedly surpass you in both height and brawn!"