Chapter 19: Food Supplies and Mantle Mushrooms

Watching the food on the storage shelves at home gradually dwindle, Su Bai’s mood grew increasingly tense. She stood before the shelves, brow furrowed in deep thought.

Su Bai pinned her hopes on her skill, “Identification Eye.” “My Identification Eye can not only analyze monsters and items but can also identify food! Maybe I can use this ability to find some edible resources within the Mist Forest.”

With this thought, her spirits lifted slightly. She knew that although the Mist Forest was dangerous, it also harbored many undiscovered resources. If she could find some edible plants or animals, it might temporarily ease the food shortage.

Meanwhile, the soldiers next door were still bustling in and out, evidently engaged in some urgent mission. Through the window, Su Bai saw their serious expressions and hurried steps, as though they faced some difficult problem. However, she did not pay them much mind. She had done all she could by helping with their previous injuries; now, she needed to focus on herself. If she had spare strength, she would assist the soldiers, but for now, her priority was survival.

Zhang Yunqi had mentioned the safety zone before, which was appealing, but Su Bai understood that entering it meant facing various restrictions. As long as she could hold out in Linghai City, she had no plans to leave. “Only if this area becomes truly engulfed by the fog of the Mist Forest will I consider moving to the safety zone.”

Quickly packing her backpack, Su Bai set out once more toward the Mist Forest. This time, she chose a different entrance instead of the previous path. She had encountered the Mist White Moth before and decided it was safer to take another route.

“The level 10 Mist White Moth still gives me some pressure…” Su Bai murmured softly, her heart uneasy. The terrifying corrosive phosphor dust of that moth was unforgettable, almost impossible to face head-on. If she met it again, she wasn’t entirely confident she could escape unharmed.

“But as long as I’m careful and avoid its territory, it should be fine,” she comforted herself. She knew she couldn’t retreat out of fear, or the food shortage would only worsen.

Stepping outside, Su Bai looked up at the sky. Today, the fog seemed denser than before, and the distant Mist Forest appeared shrouded in a grayish-white veil, lending an oppressive atmosphere. She took a deep breath, adjusted her backpack, and strode toward the forest.

This time, Su Bai chose a relatively remote path. Though rugged and difficult, it was rarely traveled, reducing the chances of danger. She advanced cautiously, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, alert for any threat.

Upon entering the Mist Forest, Su Bai immediately activated her Identification Eye to search for edible resources.

Her gaze swept over the plants on the forest floor, various information flashing through her mind.

[Plant: Mist Grass]
Description: A common plant growing in the Mist Forest, non-toxic but bitter in taste, unsuitable for consumption.

[Plant: Silverleaf Vine]
Description: A vine with silver leaves, contains trace toxins, not recommended for eating.

Su Bai shook her head. Although she could not use it herself, that did not mean others couldn’t. She picked a few leaves and moved on.

Her eyes then caught sight of some brightly colored mushrooms near the roots of a large tree. She promptly used Identification Eye to check them.

[Plant: Poison Umbrella Mushroom]
Description: A highly poisonous mushroom. Ingesting it causes severe hallucinations, ultimately leading to death within the illusion.

“Sure enough, nothing in the forest can be eaten casually…” she sighed. Yet, a hint of excitement stirred within her. She gathered some of these poisonous mushrooms and carefully stored them in a separate bag.

Continuing her exploration, Su Bai hoped to find some safe food sources.

Along the way, she encountered several silkworm-like monsters, which she let her companions Pearl and White Jade handle, gaining additional experience.

Suddenly, Su Bai’s attention was drawn to a low shrub bearing several red berries that looked very tempting. She immediately used Identification Eye.

[Plant: Red Berries]
Description: Edible fruit growing in the Mist Forest, with a sweet and sour taste, rich in vitamins, suitable for human consumption.

Seeing a usable plant, Su Bai’s heart lifted. “Finally, something I can eat!”

She quickly picked a few red berries and carefully placed them in her backpack. While these fruits wouldn’t solve her food shortage entirely, they would at least ease the pressure temporarily.

The appearance of red berries also told Su Bai that survival resources did exist within the Mist Forest.

Just as she prepared to continue her search, a low rumbling sound suddenly echoed from afar. Her heart raced as she swiftly ducked behind a large tree, warily peering toward the source of the noise.

“Could it be the Mist White Moth?” Su Bai’s nerves tightened. She knew she couldn’t act rashly or risk falling into danger.

After a moment’s wait, she saw no sign of the moth but instead heard hurried footsteps approaching. Peeking out quietly, she spotted several soldiers rushing by, their faces tense and anxious.

They were Qin Yuke’s team.

“What are they doing?” Su Bai wondered briefly but quickly shook her head, deciding not to get involved. These soldiers must have their own mission here. Her priority was to find enough food, not to get entangled in their affairs.

Taking a deep breath, Su Bai pressed deeper into the forest.

Soon, she made new discoveries. Her Identification Eye once again proved invaluable, helping her locate two very useful plants: one specially suited for White Jade, the ice silkworm baby, and the other a food source for herself.

[Plant: Poison Vine Mulberry Tree]
Description: A toxic vine tree whose leaves carry poison. When silkworm monsters consume it over time, the silk they produce also becomes poisonous.

[Plant: Steamed Bun Mushroom]
Description: A peculiar spiritual plant with a texture and taste resembling steamed buns. Eating it can satisfy hunger.

Reading these descriptions, a flicker of joy shone in Su Bai’s eyes.

“I didn’t expect to find such practical resources in the Mist Forest.”

“Poison Vine Mulberry Tree… this is practically food made especially for White Jade!” Su Bai thought. Although White Jade already possessed ice elemental powers, if it could consume the leaves of this tree, it might further enhance its abilities, even allowing its silk to carry poison. This would greatly boost its combat strength.

“With that, White Jade could play an unexpected role when it matters most,” she mused quietly.

She quickly approached the Poison Vine Mulberry Tree and began harvesting its leaves.

Then her gaze shifted to the Steamed Bun Mushroom.

Though unassuming in appearance, its description made Su Bai’s eyes light up.

“Steamed Bun Mushroom… with a texture and taste like steamed buns, it’s the perfect food source!” she smiled. She had been worried about food shortages, but unexpectedly, she found such a unique spiritual plant in the forest.

This mushroom could fill her stomach and provide a comforting taste, truly a treasure for survival in the wilderness.