CHAPTER 402: CHAPTER 392: THE ANCESTOR OF THE SILLY ROE DEER

As Han Qiwu approached, he saw an endless field of white grass. Some of the white grass had already blossomed with small white flowers. Without human interference here, they scrambled freely for sunlight and water, sprawling across the wetlands.

"We’re definitely getting a ton of white grass roots this time. Let’s boil them all and bottle them up when we get back." Han Qiwu grinned and crouched down near a clump of white grass, pulling out its root with a swift motion and rinsing it in the nearby water.

The tender, pale white grass root looked quite similar to fish mint roots from afar, but once brought closer, the difference was clear. White grass roots were mostly long and cylindrical, while fish mint roots were flatter and rounder. Their scent was also drastically different—one being odorless and the other heavily fishy.

[White Grass Root]

[Stamina Value +20]

[Health Value +20]

[Special Effect - Cool Down: When brewed into a drink, it cools the blood and significantly boosts fire resistance]

[Note: White Grass Root is medicinal and not for common consumption]

Han Qiwu glanced at its stats and laughed, "This special effect is insane! Cooling the blood, just like that?"

If a hot-blooded youth drinks this, they’d turn into a cold-blooded youth.

As for the note:

Han Qiwu decided to ignore it.

Who among common folk would mine lava caverns anyway?

This stuff was meant to be drunk like water—and eaten like snacks.

Seeing his master approach, Little Prince excitedly spread his bear arms wide and lunged forward to give Han Qiwu a big hug.

Of course, Master must’ve missed me and came specifically to see me!

So touched!

"Get off, get off! You’re covered in mud!" Han Qiwu complained, pushing Little Prince away. "How’s today’s harvest looking? Where’s the meat bird?"

"Coo, coo, coo!"

At his words, the meat bird perched atop the white grass stood up and flapped its wings, showing off its muddy feathers as proof it hadn’t been lazy.

"What are you doing lying up there? Get down and start working! Look at how much Little Shui has already picked!" Han Qiwu felt sorry for Little Shui and bent down to scoop it up.

The well-behaved Little Shui had deliberately placed its two dirty paws on its sides, gently nuzzling Han Qiwu’s chest with its head.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Clearly, Little Shui was also thrilled to see Han Qiwu around.

Han Qiwu stroked Little Shui’s head and carefully cleaned its little paws with the nearby lake water. Seeing all of this, jealous Little Prince pouted and belly-flopped into the water, splashing everywhere.

It was jealous.

The sight made Han Qiwu laugh heartily. Holding Little Shui’s paw, he waved it and said, "Little Shui’s evolving soon—clean paws are safer. You, on the other hand, have thick skin and rough flesh. You’ll just get dirty again later after washing, so don’t throw tantrums. Come on up; I’ll get you some honey."

Hearing this, Little Prince obediently climbed ashore. It initially wanted to sulk at Han Qiwu a bit longer.

But the honey offering was too tempting.

While Little Shui enjoyed the paw-cleaning spa treatment and Little Prince savored its honey feast, the meat bird perched atop the white grass began throwing its own tantrum.

"Coo-coo-coo!"

The meat bird suddenly flapped its wings, pointing toward some animals hidden twenty meters away beneath the white grass.

Han Qiwu, following the sound, looked over. His eyes lit up.

Those animals look somewhat familiar—almost deer-like.

Whether they were what he thought would only be clear upon closer observation.

Han Qiwu casually plucked a white grass needle, chewing on it as he muttered, "Keep an eye on them. If they don’t cause trouble, ignore them. Let’s focus on gathering white grass roots and needles first."

"Roar!"

"Squeak, squeak!"

"Coo, coo!"

One person, one bear, one bird, and one otter dug in full force, quickly gathering over fifty batches of white grass roots and needles.

Han Qiwu stored his harvest in his inventory, while the three companions placed theirs on the white grass for collection later.

"Thump, thump, thump, thump!"

Suddenly, the sound of running came from beside them.

Han Qiwu turned to look, startled to see the animals in the distance now storming toward them in groups of three to five at a surprising speed.

Scooping up Little Shui, Han Qiwu warned loudly, "Watch out! Everyone, dodge quickly!"

Little Prince and the meat bird immediately scattered to find cover.

"Thump, thump, thump, thump!"

The herd of deer-like animals raced in and went straight for the piles of white grass roots and needles.

They knew exactly what they wanted, moving swiftly. Each animal grabbed a small bundle, and before long, everything gathered by the three companions was gone.

After snatching it all, they didn’t pause, continuing to sprint away toward the direction behind Han Qiwu.

"Stealing my stuff and thinking you can run off?" Han Qiwu wasn’t having it. He whipped out his Ice Bomb Slingshot and lobbed an explosive snowball.

The snowball hit the middle of the herd, detonating dramatically.

"Boom!"

To Han Qiwu’s surprise, the herd froze at the sound of the explosion. All their tails puffed up in fright, turning white.

Even the tails formed heart shapes!

[Ancient Dwarf Deer]

[Attack Methods: Charging, Group Charging]

[Note: Now Extinct]

So they really are dwarf deer.

Han Qiwu chuckled. Though the Ancient Dwarf Deer were extinct, their close relatives—the dwarf deer—still roamed Eurasian Continent today, commonly known as foolish roe deer.

"I’ve heard that roe deer are extremely curious. Ancient Dwarf Deer should be the same," Han Qiwu said, intrigued as he waved an ice bar in his hand.

Under the sunlight, the ice bar gleamed brightly, even emitting sparkles.

Sure enough, nature couldn’t change its ways. Seeing the sparkling ice bar, the Ancient Dwarf Deer stood still, scrutinizing it curiously as they shuffled closer.

Their curiosity even outweighed their concern for their injured companion.

The deer that had been hit by the explosion earlier was now unable to stand, lying there motionless.

"Let me put you out of your misery. Next life, don’t steal things—it’s not nice." Han Qiwu took long strides forward, leaped high, and smashed the poor deer into white light with his ice bar.

Seeing the white light, the other deer’s eyes brightened, and they tottered even closer to Han Qiwu.

Han Qiwu: "..."

You can’t be this dumb, can you?

He decided not to pick up the dropped loot for now. Heading over to a nearby deer, he sprinted toward it quickly.

Spotting Han Qiwu running toward it, the Ancient Dwarf Deer retaliated by accelerating for a charge.

"Now that’s what I’m talking about." Han Qiwu nodded in approval, rolling sideways at the exact moment they crossed paths and swinging the ice bar forcefully to break its leg.

"Roar!"

"Coo-coo!"

"Squeak-squeak!"

Watching their master’s clean and efficient moves, the three pets cheered loudly.

The meat bird, in particular, was the most enthusiastic.

It had been observing earlier and spotted feeding marks from these animals on the white grass, which is why it had chosen to keep watch there.

"Little Prince, help me encircle them. No one’s running after robbing from me!"

"Roar!"

Over the next ten minutes, flashes of white light repeatedly lit up around Han Qiwu.

"Pant, pant,"

Covered entirely in mud, Han Qiwu panted heavily, peeling his clothes back to examine the bruise on his chest. "Still overestimated myself—next time, I have to wear the Ice Armor."

Catching his breath, he leaned on his ice bar, walking over to collect his battle spoils from the spots of white light.

[Ancient Dwarf Deer Meat]