Chapter 56: Black-Striped Dragon's Blood Tree
In the dining area, Yara couldn't help but exclaim, "That's salt!"
Shirley also couldn't resist saying, "Such pristine white salt must be incredibly expensive!"
Hearing this, Heru proudly remarked, "This salt is made by the Crimson Star Tribe themselves, and only Lord Enzo knows how to produce it!"
Besides the meat broth, there was also plenty of grilled meat.
However, this time the barbecue was not only seasoned with salt but also had some chili sauce added. Just the aroma alone made everyone's mouths water uncontrollably.
It smelled so good!
That was everyone's initial reaction upon catching a whiff of the fragrance.
...
On the other side.
Clara and Tia went to the Venom Tribe to invite Priest Lucy to a gathering.
Priest Lucy didn't refuse and arrived with Jessica and Rita.
Jessica's Insect of Life totem had already been fully formed. She could not only sense the life activities of various tiny insects, but also control them and even facilitate their evolution.
This greatly impressed Priest Lucy.
Jessica's talent had completely surpassed her own.
Thanks to Enzo's assistance, she had readily agreed to attend this gathering and had prepared a generous gift for Enzo as a token of gratitude.
Before long, Priest Lucy and her group arrived at the Crimson Star Tribe.
During the two-month-long rainy season, Priest Lucy had been studying the Scepter of the Barren Mountain. Although Jessica frequently visited the Crimson Star Tribe and would tell her about the changes there upon her return, the words spoken could never match the shock brought by witnessing it at this very moment.
Priest Lucy couldn't help but ask, "Is this really the Crimson Star Tribe?"
The well-organized buildings and facilities were truly impressive.
Clara smiled and replied, "Priest Lucy, this is indeed the Crimson Star Tribe! It's a tribe built by all the members of the Crimson Star Tribe together!"
Jessica chimed in, "Grandma, I've told you before that the camp of the Crimson Star Tribe is beautifully constructed, but you didn't believe me."
Priest Lucy chuckled awkwardly.
With Tia and Clara leading the way, the group then proceeded to Enzo's residence.
Enzo was busy ripening some plants.
While collecting ore materials earlier, he had discovered many edible vegetables, though he hadn't yet expanded their cultivation. However, using the power of his totem to ripen them allowed for some fresh tasting.
But Priest Lucy's attention was elsewhere.
She looked towards a peculiar fruit tree, her expression filled with astonishment.
Noticing Priest Lucy's reaction, Enzo handed the bamboo basket to Tia. Inside were freshly picked cucumbers, zucchinis, and dozens of apples. He then walked over to Priest Lucy and asked, "Priest Lucy, do you know what kind of tree this is?"
Priest Lucy nodded and sighed deeply, "The black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree?"
The unusual name puzzled everyone.
Enzo pressed further, "The black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree, what is that?"
Priest Lucy began, "This involves a very long legend..."
Before she could continue, Enzo interrupted, saying, "Since it's a long story, let's head to the dining area first. We can talk while we eat."
This decision was met with unanimous agreement.
As Enzo and Tia appeared with the group at the dining area, it erupted into enthusiastic cheers.
Everyone cheered Enzo's name, expressing gratitude for the wonderful life he had brought them. Enzo responded to their cheers without delay, simply saying, "Let the feast begin!"
The cheers echoed throughout the camp.
Enzo and his companions walked over to the spots prepared by Amy and sat down directly.
Tia picked up a cucumber and, using the sharp little knife borrowed from Brian, asked Enzo, "Enzo, should we add this directly too?"
Enzo chuckled, "Raw tastes good too."
Hearing this, Amy, Clara, and Jessica each picked up a cucumber and began eating.
When it came to food, Enzo was an unquestionable authority.
If Enzo said something was delicious, it undoubtedly was, a fact everyone agreed upon.
Watching this scene, Priest Lucy's weathered face softened into a gentle smile.
Then, she began recounting the story of the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree.
"In legend, the Seven Great Origins Creations birthed all things in the world. They are the origins of everything, the greatest miracles of the world, the fundamental pillars of creation. Beyond the origin totems, the intermingling of life gave birth to even more legendary beings, with humans being just one of the tiny existences."
"However, unlike other races, humans gained wisdom. "
"Over countless ages, they learned to use fire, craft tools, and hunt... Humans drove away fierce beasts and established tribes. Within these tribes, some individuals possessed powerful talents, able to sense supernatural forces. They became the priests of the tribes, guiding them towards strength."
"The black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree is connected to a once powerful tribe that existed in the past."
"The tribe was called the Black Stripes Tribe."
"People of the Black Stripes Tribe adorned their arms with black patterns, which symbolized their spirit. They were incredibly powerful and had a penchant for conquering everything."
"Until they encountered another formidable legendary creature—the dragon!"
Priest Lucy's storytelling captivated everyone.
When she mentioned the dragon, Enzo was astonished. He asked, "There are dragons in this world?"
Priest Lucy shook her head. "I'm not sure if they actually exist. But legends suggest they might. However, in all my travels from the archipelago through the Blue Sea to the barren mountain, I've never seen such a legendary creature. They're said to be more powerful than giants like Cedric. Legend has it that their attacks could even destroy a mountain with ease."
Her description left everyone awestruck.
If such a legendary creature were to attack the Crimson Star Tribe, they would be defenseless.
But not everyone seemed concerned.
Jessica urged, "Grandma, what happened next?"
Priest Lucy continued, "Later, the Black Stripes Tribe battled the dragon and emerged victorious. They killed the dragon, but they themselves fell under its curse. No one knows exactly what curse befell the Black Stripes Tribe, but rumors spread of strange trees appearing in their camp. These trees bore fruits the size of human heads, with black patterns on both the fruits and the trunks. These trees came to be known as the black-striped Dragon's Blood Trees."
"There are also rumors that the ashes left behind after burning the leaves of the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree resemble the shape of a dragon."
As soon as Priest Lucy finished speaking, Clara swiftly went to collect leaves from the trees to bring back.
After the ashes left behind resembled the roaring form of a dragon.
Everyone marveled at the sight.
Enzo then asked, "Priest Lucy, what is the purpose of the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree?"
Instead of answering directly, Priest Lucy asked, "Enzo, do you know about the Gold Oak Tribe?"
Enzo replied, "I know a little."
Priest Lucy smiled and continued, "The core camp of the Gold Oak Tribe houses a Gold Oak Tree that has grown for thousands of years. The fruits of the Gold Oak Tree can enhance both physical strength and spiritual energy in humans. It's a true supernatural tree. Similarly, the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree also has its uses, but its fruits only affect fierce beasts. There's a high probability they can induce mutations in these beasts, transforming them into supernatural creatures."
No wonder it requires so much totemic power... It's a genuine supernatural plant!
Enzo exclaimed, suddenly realizing.
However, the fact that it could only enhance animals dampened Enzo's enthusiasm somewhat.
Priest Lucy then pointed out, "The black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree is much more potent than the Gold Oak Tree. In the jungle, fierce beasts are the true rulers. If you capture their offspring, tame them, and then use the fruits of the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree to advance them into supernatural creatures, you'll wield an immensely powerful force!"
Priest Lucy's words sparked a new idea in Enzo's mind.
Forming a team of supernatural creatures... That seemed like a very promising idea!
The Mpondo Tribe had their Giant Bone Wolf Riders. Maybe I could indeed form Boar Riders.After all, compared to Giant Bone Wolves, Boars are equally formidable.
Especially the Boar King, it was a supernatural being!
He reminded Amy to take note.
Amy nodded, understanding Enzo's intent was to guard against someone named Freya.
Unable to restrain herself, she asked, "Lord Enzo, is this Freya truly so terrifying?"
Enzo shook his head and replied, "Not terrifying, but very powerful."
Enzo couldn't be sure of Freya's current situation, but he sensed the life-force energy he had left on her was gradually diminishing, and at an accelerating rate. This meant Freya was getting rid of the Energy-devouring Worms sooner than expected.
This was bad news for the Crimson Star Tribe.
Moreover, Enzo was certain that Freya would command the Mpondo Tribe to come looking for him, and likely not just one tribe.
Thinking of this, Enzo turned to Priest Lucy and asked, "Priest Lucy, do you know of the Golden Lion Tribe?"
Priest Lucy's face turned grave as she asked, "Enzo, where did you hear about the Golden Lion Tribe? They are a forbidden tribe in the barren mountain area. Do not mention them lightly, as it could bring disaster upon us!"
Enzo replied, "Priest Lucy, your warning might be too late."
He then briefly recounted what had transpired, carefully omitting any mention of Bookstaver.
After listening, Priest Lucy fell silent.
She sighed and said, "Repelling the Golden Lion Tribe's candidate priest... Enzo, you continue to surprise."
After a moment, Priest Lucy asked, "Enzo, which level are you with now? Your power seems to have increased significantly."