Shrouded Sky - Chapter 28 - Mysterious Fruits

In ancient Chinese texts, the legendary Peng bird is often mentioned. For instance, the “Central Wilderness” chapter of the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Commentary on the Water Classic both describe this creature. However, the most renowned depiction comes from Zhuangzi’s Free and Easy Wandering:

“In the northern sea, there is a fish called Kun. Kun is so large that no one knows how many thousand li it spans. It transforms into a bird named Peng. The back of Peng is so vast that no one knows how many thousand li it covers. When it rises in anger, its wings are like clouds hanging from the sky.”

Zhuangzi’s vivid and grandiose prose paints the Peng as a divine bird capable of soaring ninety thousand li into the sky, leaving readers in awe. Clearly, such a creature defies natural laws; no bird could possibly be that immense. This is an example of ancient Chinese literature’s penchant for hyperbole. Yet, it’s puzzling that many other ancient texts also reference the Peng bird, often asserting its existence with unwavering certainty, albeit describing it as smaller than in the legends. This raises intriguing questions: Did such a divine bird truly exist in the distant past?

As Zhou Yi and his companions watched the golden silhouette vanish behind a cliff, they were all visibly shocked.

“That’s the legendary divine bird!” many exclaimed after their initial stupefaction. The sight of it tearing apart a giant elephant and effortlessly snatching what seemed like a mere hare was astonishing. Its colossal size and immense strength left everyone dumbfounded.

Cade, speaking earnestly yet hesitantly, said, “That giant bird… belongs to the order Falconiformes. It’s a… new species, a… monumental discovery.”

“Get lost!” Pang Bo was exasperated by this foreigner’s insistence on scientific reasoning. “Think about how we even got here.”

“Pang Bo, mind your attitude,” Li Xiaoman said, displeased. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she glanced at him.

“I wasn’t talking to you…” Pang Bo muttered.

“Where exactly have we arrived?” After calming down, everyone pondered this question. Traveling through the desolate universe to the region of the Big Dipper, they’ve entered a mysterious world. Could this truly be the abode of the gods? Survival became their immediate concern, with the future uncertain and requiring careful planning.

Many clutched relics of deities, but at this moment, all divine artifacts had lost their luster. Some were even cracked, bearing fissures that signified their complete destruction. The last remnants of divine power had been absorbed by the ancient bronze coffin. Now, these relics were no more than scrap metal. Yet, no one discarded them, hoping they might one day regain their divine glow and become their greatest asset if restored.

A stomach growled.

Someone’s hunger became evident, causing embarrassment among the group. People began to move, seeking secluded spots to relieve themselves.

“Too proud to admit it…” Pang Bo scoffed. “At least I had the foresight to leave my mark at the Heavenly Palace’s ruins on Mars. Even after centuries, it’ll stand as one of humanity’s greatest testimonies to space exploration!”

“Pfft!”

Ye Fan, mid-sip of water, spat it out, nearly dropping his bottle.

“Bro, don’t say such things while I’m drinking water. It’s dangerous.”

Others, unable to tolerate their banter, moved away to handle their own needs in peace.

Pang Bo laughed heartily, then deliberately coughed loudly in a particular direction, causing someone behind a tree to shiver, making their task even more challenging.

He chuckled mischievously, then picked up two stones and threw them. From behind the vines came Li Changqing’s angry shout:

“Who did that? Who’s so shameless?”

Accompanied by Liu Yunzhi’s annoyed grunt.

Seeing Pang Bo pick up another stone, aiming towards Li Xiaoman’s direction, but Ye Fan quickly intervened.

As everyone returned, Pang Bo adopted a serious demeanor, then dragged Ye Fan to explore the mountaintop, hoping to find some wild fruits.

Although Ye Fan had collected a large bag of divine crocodile meat at the five-colored altar on Mars, neither of them wanted to resort to eating it unless absolutely necessary.

“There’s a spring ahead,” Pang Bo suddenly announced.

Just a few dozen meters ahead, several thick old vines surrounded a clearing where a one-meter-square spring flowed gently, resembling divine nectar.

Beside the spring grew over a dozen half-meter-tall small trees with broad, emerald-green leaves shaped like human hands, resembling multi-armed little figures. Each tree bore a single red fruit at its top, resembling cherries but as large as chicken eggs.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo pushed through the vines, approaching quickly. Even from a distance, the rich aroma of the fruit made their mouths water. Having gone without food for a day and a night, they were starving. If they couldn’t find anything edible soon, they’d have to force themselves to eat the divine crocodile meat.

“This smells amazing. I’ve never encountered such a fragrant fruit.”

Up close, the aroma was even more intoxicating. Even the scent of a thousand-year-old wine cellar would be overshadowed.

“Such a strong fragrance—could it be poisonous?” They hesitated, knowing that the most vibrant and enticing fruits are often the most toxic.

“Regardless, it’s so fragrant that even if it’s poisonous, I want to taste it. I can’t stomach those disgusting worms that once burrowed into human brains.”

“Why don’t you try it first? You’re strong and healthy; if it’s poisonous, you can handle it.”

“I think you’re tougher and more resilient—perfect for testing poison.”

Despite their predicament, they remained cheerful, facing the unknown world with optimism.

Ye Fan picked a bright red fruit, holding it in his hand. It looked incredibly tempting, translucent like a red gemstone.

At that moment, Pang Bo also picked a shiny red fruit. “I can’t resist anymore. This aroma is too enticing. I’m going to try it.”

“Let’s try it together.”

Both took a small bite simultaneously. As the glossy red skin broke, a rich, fragrant aroma filled their senses, invigorating their entire bodies.

“Delicious!” Pang Bo exclaimed, almost wanting to swallow his fingers. Juice flowed abundantly, red and fragrant, filling the air with its scent.

“I’ve never tasted such a delicious fruit. Maybe it’s because we’re so hungry?”

After finishing the first fruit, they waited a moment, feeling more energized without any adverse effects.

“No poison.”

“Then let’s continue!”

They sat by the one-meter-square spring, devouring the fruits ravenously, juice splattering. Starving, they couldn’t get enough of the sweet fruits.

However, after eating four each, they stopped. Ye Fan said, “Let’s save some for Yiyi and Ziling.”

“Of course. They must be starving too.”

These half-meter-tall trees were lush and extraordinary, but each bore only one fruit at the top. Around the spring, there were only thirteen such trees, leaving just five shiny red fruits.

Pang Bo took a deep breath, leaned down to sniff the spring, and said, “Strange, this spring water also has a hint of fragrance.”

Ye Fan scooped some water, noticing a faint aroma. “These trees likely owe their unique fruits to this spring.”

Pang Bo drank several gulps, noting a subtle sweetness. “It’s slightly sweet and fragrant, but nothing extraordinary.” He emptied his water bottles to fill them with the fragrant spring water.

After resting by the spring, eating the fruits, and drinking some water, they picked the remaining five fruits. As they returned, Pang Bo whispered, “Do you feel more energized after eating the fruits? I feel revitalized.”

Ye Fan, also puzzled, nodded. “These red fruits are indeed special.”

By then, everyone had finished their personal tasks. Some were surveying the terrain, while others discussed their next steps.

As Ye Fan and Pang Bo approached, the rich aroma of the fruits immediately drew everyone’s attention. Many couldn’t help but swallow their saliva, their hunger evident.

“Yiyi, here you go. Eat up,” Pang Bo said, handing Liu Yiyi two bright red fruits that sparkled in the sunlight.

Li Changqing was standing not far away. As he caught a whiff of the enticing fragrance, he couldn’t hold back and said, “Pang Bo, where did you guys find those fruits? Hurry up and share them with everyone—we’re all starving.”

As he spoke, he walked over, acting as if he were completely entitled, seemingly having forgotten how, not long ago, he had maliciously targeted Ye Fan and nearly gotten him killed. Without hesitation, he reached out to grab the remaining three fruits in Pang Bo’s hand.