"Mutated plants?" Xu Nuo asked immediately, "What kind of mutated plants could injure you both so badly?"
Ge Qing thought for a moment, "In fact, we didn't get a clear look at the plant's true form. It was too fast, and its attack power was formidable."
"Moreover, there was this scent emanating from it, which had a certain mental weakening effect. Escaping was already an incredible feat.
We couldn't see its true form, but as third-tier ability users, we were completely overpowered. I suspect that mutated plant might have reached the fourth tier, and I guess it could be a mutated rose."
"Mutated rose?" Xu Nuo frowned, knowing that before the apocalypse, such plants were mainly decorative, but now, hearing from Ge Qing, this plant had formidable offensive capabilities, which puzzled him. "Why do you think that?"
"First, because wooden thorns were flying from the plant, and the damage from these attacks was severe. Second, the scent it gives off is somewhat similar to the rose fragrance I've known, but mixed with something else, almost like the smell of blood!
Third, the area is full of villas, where ornamental plants are common, and roses were especially favored. It wouldn't be surprising to find roses there!"
Ge Qing, with a frown, continued, "Considering all these points, the most likely culprit is a mutated rose, which seems to have adapted to hunting for prey, hence the bloody scent.
Of course, I can't confirm this absolutely; we're just speculating without having seen it clearly. I remember you're interested in mutated plants; are you thinking of investigating this?"
Xu Nuo considered that Park Su was now a mid-tier third-tier ability user, and though it would take some time to advance to the fourth tier, perhaps they could strengthen his abilities on the way back, find more crystals for him to absorb, and he might reach the fourth tier by then.
They could potentially pass by and claim this high-damage ability plant for themselves. Ge Qing, seeing Xu Nuo's thoughtful expression, kindly warned, "If you really want to study it, be very careful. Its attack power is definitely more than you'd expect."
Xu Nuo nodded, "Don't worry, I know. But I'm not in a rush to provoke it now, especially since Lu Shang is injured, and you probably aren't in the mood for our gathering.
However, we've already sent out the invitations, and other friends will come. You can stay here, take good care of him, and we'll bring you dinner later tonight."
Ge Qing had already felt much more at ease when Xu Nuo confidently stated that Lu Shang's injuries were superficial and would heal quickly.
Nevertheless, with his lover still in a coma, attending the celebration was out of the question. Rather than bringing a bad mood to spoil others' celebrations, he would stay and guard Lu Shang, so he naturally accepted Xu Nuo's arrangement.
After leaving the hospital with Xu Nuo, Park Su couldn't help but ask, "Is he really okay? You weren't just saying that to comfort Ge Qing, were you? He didn't look okay at all."
Xu Nuo, with a furrowed brow, responded, "I'm not one for lies. He should be thankful it was a mutated plant and not zombies; if it were zombies, I couldn't have saved him, and he'd have turned.
Now it's just excessive blood loss; though the injuries look severe, none are fatal. I quietly channeled some spiritual energy into him; he'll be fine with some good food and proper rest."
Park Su nodded, then added, "But in this apocalypse, getting good food isn't easy either!"
Xu Nuo chuckled, "If he weren't in this apocalypse and hadn't become an ability user, such severe injuries might not have allowed him to reach the hospital. Everything has its pros and cons. Don't overthink it; let's head back. Lu Xia must be waiting at the door by now."
Park Su nodded in agreement, and upon returning home, they indeed found Lu Xia with the note, sitting at the doorstep with Chen Jingxuan beside her. Park Su apologized for the situation with Ge Qing and Lu Shang.
Lu Xia was understanding and took her child inside to play, helping with dinner preparations, only to be playfully shooed out of the kitchen by Xu Nuo who claimed it was their private space. She then enjoyed some leisure time.
Originally, Park Su and Xu Nuo had only these four friends at Base S; with two in the hospital, the gathering wasn't as lively. They decided to keep it simple.
However, since Lu Shang needed nourishment, Park Su prepared all the health-boosting supplies they had, ensuring Chen Jingxuan had a good meal as well. They then packed some for the hospital.
Lu Xia, curious about the couple, joined them to visit, handing Xu Nuo a list of names she had prepared earlier. Xu Nuo skimmed through it, not familiar with the individuals but noting their abilities and tiers.
He took the list, planning to organize them into formations based on their attributes, and informed Lu Xia that their departure might be slightly delayed.
After all, when Park Su was unconscious, Ge Qing and Lu Shang had helped them considerably. Now with Lu Shang injured, they couldn't just leave him behind for a supply run, especially with potential emergencies Ge Qing might not handle alone. They would wait until Lu Shang was more recovered to set out.
Lu Xia agreed, appreciating Xu Nuo's character, though she hoped the delay wouldn't be too long, as their supplies were limited, and some might need to take on other tasks if the wait extended.
Xu Nuo responded with a smile, "Fate binds people together. If they can't join us, it just means our destinies aren't aligned. But for those willing to come with us, I'm prepared to share half of my personal gains with everyone."
Lu Xia was taken aback by such a generous promise, questioning its fairness given Xu Nuo's likely pivotal role in their group. "Won't that be too unfair to you? With you giving up so much, is this expedition still worthwhile?"
Xu Nuo laughed, "Don't worry about me; I won't engage in losing deals. What I lose, someone will make up for."
He glanced at Park Su, who was packing the food containers. This trip was partly to repay a favor to Park Su; resources and crystals were just bonuses. Otherwise, he wouldn't have considered bringing along those lower-tier strangers.
Park Su, sensing Xu Nuo's gaze, thought he was impatient and quickly sealed the containers, saying, "All set, let's go!"
Lu Xia, though puzzled by their dynamic, didn't pry further, sensing it was a matter of affection between them. They all left the house together.
During this visit, Lu Xia found Ge Qing quite likable, and their conversations warmed their relationship. Over the next few days, they took turns visiting and helping Ge Qing care for Lu Shang.
Lu Shang's recovery was quicker than anticipated; he woke up within two days and by the fifth day, was walking freely, discharged from the hospital to continue his recovery and cultivation with zombie crystals at home.
By the 10th day, Lu Shang's body had recovered to the point where he seemed almost uninjured, prompting Xu Nuo to put their planned expedition back on the agenda.
When Lu Shang and Ge Qing heard of this, they immediately requested to join. Xu Nuo was initially reluctant, considering the burden of ten less capable members was already significant. The uncertainty of the dangers outside made him hesitant to take on two more. However, Ge Qing and Lu Shang assured him that as third-tier ability users, they could manage some protection for the lower-tier members, allowing Xu Nuo and Park Su more freedom to act alone and reduce their burden. In dangerously high-risk situations, they knew not to interfere, having worked with Xu Nuo before. Under their insistence, Xu Nuo agreed, thinking that with them, he might occasionally take Park Su for a hunt.
Thus, a team of fifteen set out, with Xu Nuo having planned the route meticulously, moving from closer to further locations and back in a non-repeating loop.
Their first stop was a nearby town, which had already been scavenged by many ability user teams. Xu Nuo, however, was not ready to give up. In his view, teams without significant strength would only skim through hastily. With two large pickup trucks (rented) and five civilian vehicles, not filling them to capacity would be a disservice to himself and to Park Su's admiration for him.
The remaining ten members had joined largely due to Lu Xia's influence. Lu Xia, though new to her abilities, was well-known among ability users for her strength, having surpassed the second tier. She confidently vouched for the capabilities of the two leading the expedition, promising a fruitful journey with low risk.
Initially, those selected were quite excited, but the repeated delays of ten days dampened their enthusiasm. Seeing the youthful, almost novice-like appearance of Xu Nuo and Park Su as leaders made them question Lu Xia's judgment. They appeared more like those who needed protection rather than protectors.
However, knowing Xu Nuo intended to share half of his personal gains, they held back their criticisms, recognizing his good intentions. Thus, they followed Xu Nuo's instructions obediently as they ventured into the town, just three kilometers from Base S.
Several team members had visited this town before, knowing it wasn't particularly dangerous but also not rich in resources due to its proximity to the base, making it a first choice for scavenging. This led to some disappointment, with doubts about what they might collect on this trip.
If resources were scarce, they hoped to hunt more zombies for crystals to trade for other necessities. But soon, they would realize their judgment based on appearances was premature.