The silvery-blue radiance and information impact within the crevice gradually subsided.
Lin Yao leaned against the cold, damp earth wall, chest heaving violently, his three tails unconsciously curled tightly at his sides, the blue lights at their tips flickering erratically like a disordered heartbeat. The crystalline ice-cone-like claw blades that had flashed at his right fingertips had retracted, but the faintly heated pale silver markings remaining at the nail roots, along with the fragmented images and inherited sensations flooding his mind, proved that everything just moments ago was no illusion.
He quickly opened his skill panel.
The text description for **[Foxfire Ancestor's Breath (Bloodline Skill/Passive)]** appeared quietly, with a new line of small text below: **[Skill activated through bloodline resonance; did not trigger server-wide announcement mechanism.]**
**[Silvermoon War Dance Inherited Memory (0.1%)]** also didn't trigger a system broadcast.
Lin Yao's heart stirred. It seemed that system announcement triggers leaned toward "players achieving certain significant accomplishments within the regular game framework through specific actions (like releasing skills)." Abilities obtained through excavating hidden plots, contacting ancient relics, and activating deep bloodline were classified as "background story progression" or "personal encounters," and didn't necessarily broadcast server-wide.
This was good news. It meant he had cards he could keep hidden.
The slight loosening of **[Bloodline Conflict]** (-28%, +18%) was also a tangible benefit. Though the magnitude was small, it proved this "bloodline excavation" path was correct.
He carefully collected all the **[Moonlight Moss]** and **[Silverleaf Grass]**. The silver markings remaining at his fingertips heated slightly when touching these materials—the gathering process was exceptionally smooth, as if these plants had natural affinity toward him.
**[Obtained: Moonlight Moss x7, Silverleaf Grass x5.]**
**[Combinable usage detected…]**
After securing the materials, Lin Yao checked the crevice again, confirming nothing was missed. He climbed out and returned to the forest. Sunlight filtered through leaf gaps—the viper had long vanished. He alertly rotated his ears, nose lightly sniffing, confirming safety before selecting a direction and continuing upstream along the creek.
While running, he carefully experienced the subtle changes brought by **[Foxfire Ancestor's Breath]**. The world's sounds and light-shadow seemed to have an additional filter he'd previously overlooked. He could more clearly distinguish the rustling of wind through different leaves, vaguely sense the weak "water vapor spiritual light" (perhaps this was the skill description's "blurred perception of natural energy flow") carried in the stream's flow. His paw pads' feedback on ground vibration and humidity also became more acute.
This wasn't merely enhanced perception, but deeper environmental information extraction—tremendously beneficial for evading danger, tracking prey, or counter-tracking.
He opened the in-game forum to check external developments.
The homepage remained lively, but posts about him had somewhat cooled, pushed down by new dungeon discoveries, equipment shows, and player conflict threads. However, those core threads still floated in the hot topics section:
**[Technical Re-analysis: 'Enchanting Howl' Suspected Emotion Trigger Coefficient—On Hidden Links Between Charm Attributes and Combat Skills (With Slow-Motion Frame Analysis)]**
(Posted by: Data Fox, Views: 1.12M, Replies: 48K)
**['Foxmotion' Missing Over Two Game Hours! Major Groups Search Unsuccessful, Suspected Departure from Emerald Forest East District! Latest Coordinate Bounty (Reward: 10 Silver or Equivalent Supplies)!]**
(Posted by: Information Broker, Views: 890K, Replies: Hot Discussion)
**[Warcry Regiment's 'Mountain Tyrant' Speaks: Anyone Providing 'Foxmotion's' Valid Location Gets One 'Roaring Valley' (Level 5 Elite Zone) Carry Run!]**
(Posted by: Mountain Tyrant Lackey #1, Views: 670K)
**[Nature's Whisper 'Forest Trace' Team Has Ventured Deep into Whispering Valley, Suspected Rare Herb Point Discovery, No Response to 'Foxmotion'-Related Rumors.]**
(Posted by: Passing Treant, Views: 450K)
**[Shadow Society's 'Night Shadow' Maintains Silence, But Members' Activity in Shadow Zones Increases—Purpose Unknown.]**
(Posted by: You Can't See Me, Views: 380K)
Lin Yao quickly browsed. Technical analysis was getting deeper but hadn't touched the core yet. Bounties and search orders had arrived as expected—the reward was quite attractive to newbie-period players. Mountain Tyrant's bounty was simple and brutal, fitting his style. Forest Trace's team seemed focused on their own exploration, raising his opinion of that White Deer-kin another notch. The Shadow Society's silence was more concerning.
He particularly noted the post about Silvermoon Fox-kin hidden traits, finding new "sighting reports" in replies:
"At Whispering Valley's west cliff face, seemed to see reflections similar to Silverleaf Grass, but surrounded by a swarm of 'Valley Giant Bees'—didn't dare approach."
"Moonlight Moss? I smelled something similar near a very deep cave entrance, but there was a strong fishy odor inside—didn't dare enter."
"Flowing Moon Ore? Heard from a dwarf-kin miner (rolled Blacksmith—such luck) that he picked up a 'stone glowing with moonlight luster' in the downstream riverbed gravel, but system identification showed 'energy dormant'—doesn't know how to use it."
These fragmented pieces of information were valuable. Whispering Valley was indeed a resource point, but also accompanied by danger (giant bees, fishy caves). Lin Yao silently took note.
He closed the forum and focused on traveling. With **[Foxfire Ancestor's Breath]**'s assistance, he could always sense small beast or low-level monster activity zones ahead, cleverly avoiding unnecessary combat. The fox clan's agility made his running silent, and his three tails' balance provision in complex terrain was remarkable.
About half an hour later, the stream widened, the sound of water beginning to mix with some hollow echoes. The mountain势 on both sides gradually rose, trees grew denser and more shadowy, sunlight struggled to penetrate directly, and ambient lighting noticeably dimmed. The air filled with thick water vapor, humus, and a certain… faint, sweet floral pollen scent.
Whispering Valley—arrived.
Lin Yao slowed his pace, hiding his body behind massive tree fern fronds, carefully observing.
Before him stretched a wide valley surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient trees. The stream became gentle here, forming multiple shallows and small pools. The valley's plant species were distinctly different—more luminescent fungi, giant trumpet-shaped flowers, and hanging vine curtains like drapes. Some insect-type monsters (glowing moths, beetles) flew through the air or among flower clusters.
Player numbers were far fewer than at spawn points, but those visible seemed higher level (mainly 2-4), better equipped, mostly forming 2-4 person teams cautiously exploring or fighting.
Lin Yao's gaze quickly locked onto the valley's western cliff base—a steep rock face covered in deep green vines. There, several plants with slender silver-gray leaves that still emitted faint moon halos even in the dim environment swayed gently in the breeze.
Silverleaf Grass! More than one plant! And they looked more robust than those in the crevice!
But as forum posts mentioned, near that cliff section, seven or eight fist-sized, yellow-black striped **[Valley Giant Bees]** (Level 3, Group-dwelling) with dangerous cold gleams on their stingers circled. They buzzed loudly, clearly guarding several hive-like protrusions on the cliff—obviously highly territorial monsters.
Approaching directly meant suicide.
Lin Yao's ears turned toward another direction. He smelled that sweet pollen mixed with a trace of familiar cool sweetness—coming from deeper in the valley, a pitch-black cave entrance half-concealed by hanging vines. Moonlight Moss's scent drifted from there, but simultaneously mixed with an unsettling, damp-cold fishy odor.
Two resource points, both with troublesome guardians.
He needed weapons. More importantly, he needed a plan.
His gaze swept the battlefield environment—trees, shrubs, a rising earthen slope not far away, and… the moon in the night sky.
A bold and dangerous plan instantly formed in his mind.
He pulled out two items from his inventory: remaining **[Moonlight Moss]** (small amount) and that **[Elite Creature Essence (Weak)]** obtained from killing the Viper. The essence emanated cold energy fluctuations—perhaps it had special attraction or intimidation toward certain creatures.
He crushed a small amount of Moonlight Moss, smearing the juice on the essence's surface, then used **[Moonlight Ricochet]**'s technique to silently shoot this essence mixed with moonlight scent toward a dense shrub cluster on the battlefield's flank, away from Cang Ye!
The essence traced a low arc, disappearing into the shrubs.
Momentary silence.
Then—
"Buzzzzz—!!!"
That shrub cluster violently shook! Immediately after, seven or eight fist-sized **[Night-Walking Ghost-Face Moths]** (Level 3, Group-dwelling, sensitive to special energy) surged out, stimulated by the essence and Moonlight Moss's mixed scent into fury! They seemed to treat the essence as a provocative intruder, or were attracted/enraged by the weak elite creature aura, instantly falling into a berserk state and charging toward the nearest life forms—the five attackers!
"What the hell?!"
"Damn! It's Ghost-Face Moths! Why are they actively attacking us?"
"Watch out! Their phosphor powder is toxic!"
The five players immediately fell into chaos. Night-Walking Ghost-Face Moths weren't high level, but numerous with strong harassment from their phosphor powder—catching them off guard thoroughly disrupted their encirclement formation. The Rhino-kin's thick hide could temporarily withstand it, but the Hyena-kin and one Boar-kin already had several moths clinging to their faces, frantically swatting at them in panic.
Cang Ye's ice-blue wolf eyes flashed with bewilderment, but his combat experience was rich—he immediately realized this was a golden opportunity! He growled low, not retreating but advancing, his target the Hyena-kin who was exposed while swatting moths! Wolf claws carried frost wind, viciously slashing toward the opponent's heart!
"Puchi!" Claws pierced flesh! Critical hit!
The Hyena-kin screamed, HP instantly bottoming out, staggering backward in terror.
Lin Yao moved! He didn't charge toward the battlefield center but ghosted around the perimeter, targeting that harassing Leopard-kin prowling outside! This guy was agile and threatening—must be eliminated or contained first!
The Leopard-kin was irritated by the moth swarm when suddenly sensing a sinister wind from his rear-left! He startled, relying on feline instinct to flash sideways!
However, Lin Yao's attack didn't aim for vital points. His swung **[Claw of the Howling Wolf]** with faintly flickering blue light traced an arc through air, but at the last moment changed from slash to slap, using the broad axe face to heavily strike the Leopard-kin's lower back just as he landed unsteadily!
"Wham!" A dull striking sound.
The Leopard-kin was slapped into a stumble—damage wasn't high, but balance was completely broken! Simultaneously, the axe's special effect **[Wolf Howl]** triggered! Though without Moonlight Tempering enhancement and effects were weak, it still made the Leopard-kin feel a moment of dizziness and heart palpitations, actions slowing another half-beat!
"Who?!" The Leopard-kin angrily turned, seeing a silver-gray fox wielding a battle axe, golden amber vertical pupils cold as blades in the moonlight.
Lin Yao didn't answer, feet executing steps from inherited memory—slightly crude yet rhythmically peculiar—his form flickering as if attacking from the left, but when the Leopard-kin moved to block, he eerily changed direction again, the battle axe sweeping diagonally toward the opponent's dagger-wielding arm!
The Leopard-kin barely dodged but was already forced into continuous retreat by Lin Yao's elusive footwork and rapid feints, completely unable to spare attention for flanking Cang Ye.
The battlefield situation instantly reversed!
Cang Ye's pressure greatly reduced, he erupted with full force, claw shadows flashing as he thoroughly eliminated the injured Hyena-kin, then pounced on another flustered Boar-kin.
The Rhino-kin tried to rescue but was blocked by several maddened Ghost-Face Moths and Cang Ye's deliberately guided battle circle.
Lin Yao, relying on his superior agility (17 points) and peculiar footwork, kept the Leopard-kin firmly tied down. Though his axe wasn't lethal, each attack made the opponent extremely uncomfortable, and **[Wolf Howl]**'s weak interruption effect occasionally triggering made the Leopard-kin want to cough blood in frustration.
"Tricky customer! Fall back!" The remaining Boar-kin, seeing the situation deteriorate, shouted and simply turned to flee!
The Rhino-kin hesitated, then also took a claw slash across his chest leather from Cang Ye, roaring as he turned to lumber away.
The Leopard-kin Lin Yao had tied down, seeing his companions flee, had even less will to fight. He feinted once then explosively leaped backward using feline burst power, disappearing into darkness after several bounds.
The battle ended abruptly.
Lin Yao didn't pursue, stopping to catch his breath slightly, alertly watching the remaining Silvermoon Wolf-kin.
Cang Ye also didn't immediately relax. His ice-blue wolf eyes carried scrutiny and gratitude, looking toward Lin Yao—especially at the **[Claw of the Howling Wolf]** in his hand and that silver-gray fur clearly showing signs of hard combat. Blood still dripped from multiple wounds on his body, but his aura remained fierce.
"Thanks." Cang Ye's voice was somewhat hoarse, brief and to the point. He lowered his head, picking up a piece of stone flickering with ice-blue and silver-white patterns from beside the Hyena-kin's corpse—exactly the **[Frost-Marked Ore]**. He hesitated, then pulled two plants emanating chill from his inventory—**[Iceheart Grass]**—and walked toward Lin Yao.
"Payment." He handed over the Frost-Marked Ore and Iceheart Grass, ice-blue eyes looking directly at Lin Yao. "I'm Cang Ye. Silvermoon Wolf-kin, Level 4, class… Frostmark Stalker."
Lin Yao looked at the obviously valuable materials the other extended, then at Cang Ye's frank gaze. He didn't take the ore, only accepting one Iceheart Grass.
"Foxmotion. Silvermoon Fox-kin, Level 4." He paused, adding, "Class… it's complicated. That ore is your spoils." His voice carried the fox clan's magnetic quality, calm and steady.
Cang Ye's eyes flashed with surprise, then understanding. He pocketed the Frost-Marked Ore, gazing deeply at Lin Yao—especially at his fox ears and the tails behind him. "Silvermoon Fox… haven't seen one in a long time. Your footwork and that axe… very interesting." He'd obviously noticed Lin Yao's combat abnormalities and the axe's dissonance with his race.
"Your wounds need treatment." Lin Yao returned that Iceheart Grass, "This should have good healing effects." The Iceheart Grass was clearly more suitable for frost-attributed Cang Ye.
Cang Ye froze, shaking his head: "You saved me. This is thanks." His attitude was resolute.
Lin Yao stopped refusing and pocketed the Iceheart Grass. He glanced around: "This place isn't safe. Those guys might call more people back."
Cang Ye nodded: "I know a temporary shelter, relatively hidden, not far from downstream 'Shattered Moonlight Shore.' If you have no fixed destination, you can take temporary refuge." He extended an invitation—both as repayment and curiosity toward this mysterious, powerful fellow "Silvermoon" kin player.
Lin Yao considered briefly, then nodded in agreement. He needed downstream intelligence, and a temporary ally of considerable strength wasn't a bad thing. Especially since the other was also "Silvermoon" clan—they might have commonalities.
The two exchanged no more words. With Cang Ye leading, they swiftly left this blood-and-moth-phosphor-scented battlefield, melting into the deeper night and downstream valley mists.
Shortly after they left, several figures quietly returned. Leading was the Leopard-kin who'd fled earlier. He looked at the empty battlefield and his companion's corpse (already refresh-vanished), expression grim.
"Silvermoon Fox… and that axe… Report to Boss 'Mountain Tyrant.' Say we found 'Foxmotion's' trail—in Whispering Valley downstream. And he seems to have gained a helper."
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**(End of Chapter 03)**
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**[Current Status]**
- Level: 4
- HP: 118/132 (Minor consumption)
- Rage: 120/150
- Newly Obtained: Iceheart Grass x1, Silvermoon Wolf-kin Cang Ye's temporary alliance.
- Location: Heading downstream to hidden point with Cang Ye.
- Exposure Risk: Already discovered and reported by Warcry Regiment peripheral members.