Famu ultimately gave up the idea of going to the King's Territory.
This is extremely dangerous.
He was certainly curious about temples and shrines, but curiosity often leads to uncontrollable things.
Everything around Famu is under control now, so there's no need for him to take risks. He even has the Slough allows him to enter the Muerjia Lands.
After bidding farewell to Kong Cui, he left Valzeya and arrived at another tributary, which was also Famu's destination.
This is the largest tributary of the Mara River, originating from the Akalai Mountains. It forms an arc that protects the Mara River from behind, hence it is called the Guardian River.
The Guardian River extends deep into the Akalai Mountains.
Following the shallows, Famu climbed into the Guardian River. At that moment, floodwaters rushed down from the mountains, and he moved against the current, intending to enter this mountain range.
The first two Furnace-Core Creatures encountered were here. Colin and Dutt had been fighting for twenty years around a foothill area of the Akalai Mountains. Famu believed that there might still be some ley lines here that had not been discovered.
During the rainy season, following the Guardian River made it much easier for Famu. He soon entered the deep mountains, the core area of the Akalai Mountains, which was covered with dense Oak Tree and Ke Trees with delicate canopies. Further away, the area was shrouded in mist.
"Kether, activate high-energy mode," Famu said.
"Received, Your Jiuxun." The Scepter responded swiftly.
"Good morning, Jiuxun. How can I help you?" the girl said in a rather cheerful tone.
"Search for Furnace-Core Creature in this area," Famu commanded.
"Received, starting search, searching..."
Famu swam slowly along the river. He slowed down, as the Scepter System, which had an exaggerated search range, was affected by the complex terrain. Slowing down allowed the Scepter to better adapt to changes in the terrain.
Often, when using the Scepter System's search function, Famu would have to wait a long time.
This time, however, the response came unusually quickly.
"Furnace-Core Creature have been found, level two, quantity four," the Scepter replied.
Famu was slightly surprised, "Four?"
"That's right, Lord Jiuxun. There are four Furnace-Core Creatures that can be detected in the core area of this mountain range. They are being compared with the gene pool, and the species has been identified as 'Pygmy Marmosets,' which pose no threat to you."
Famu realized the problem. "All four Furnace-Core Creatures are Pygmy Marmosets?"
This creature is harmless in the rainforest. As the smallest monkey in the world, it is probably like a toddler compared to the White-Faced Monkey. During the dry season when food is scarce, the White-Faced Monkey will even hunt Pygmy Marmosets for food, although the meat of the Pygmy Marmoset is probably only good for a snack.
These little monkeys mainly feed on tree sap and gum, and spend a lot of time using their teeth to gnaw on the bark of specific trees to obtain the sap.
Therefore, trees are their territory and kingdom.
"Yes, Your Excellency, Jiuxun One."
"Where exactly are these four Furnace-Core Creatures located?"
"Located directly north of your current river channel, the location has been marked. Is there anything else I can do for you, Your Jiuxun? I'd be happy to assist you," said the Scepter.
"Well done."
"No need to be so polite, Your Jiuxun, this is..."
"Turn off high-energy mode." Before the cheerful girl could finish speaking, Famu decisively shut down the Scepter that burned through the Earth Vein Energy.
This is a new energy-saving method developed by Famu. It eliminates the need to use the Scepter System for command throughout the entire process. The route is saved in the system and can be accessed in low-energy mode. Simple tasks like following navigation can be done with low energy, without wasting time on high-energy tasks.
At this moment, only cold, mechanical voices filled Famu's mind.
"Take a left turn ahead while following the planned route."
Black Typhon sank to the bottom of the water, setting off with the prepared route.
Arlen gnawed on the tree bark and sucked on the sap.
As a Pygmy Marmoset, its size is smaller than the face of its close relative, the White-Faced Monkey.
It is said that this cut was made by his great-grandfather, and it is now 20 years old, which has given it some special significance.
For example, it belongs only to the clan leader and is the symbol of the highest power in this canopy territory. Only the supreme leader who controls the entire Pygmy Marmoset clan is qualified to lie down and feed on this "sacred land".
To be honest, Arlen didn't like this opening at all. It smelled terrible. The sap that seeped out over the years and the fermentation of microorganisms made this family sanctuary smell like a mixture of excrement and urine.
Arlen took a few bites, but he couldn't eat anymore. He decided to eat some meat and shouted at his wife, who was perched on a tree branch above him.
"Lisa, give me a piece of meat, I really can't take it anymore!"
"You're the most meat-loving guy I've ever met," Lisa said lazily, tossing a bird carcass aside.
Arlen grabbed it, gnawed off its head, and started eating it with great relish.
"I'm really alive again," he said comfortably.
The branches and leaves on the tree rustled, and a few smaller Pygmy Marmosets emerged, like little mushrooms peeking out after the rain. Their pointed ears twitched, and with a powerful push of their hind legs, they leaped lightly between the slender branches.
Today is a rare family gathering day.
Besides Arlen's family, there were also visitors from other places.
On either side of this Sacred Land Tree, an Oak Tree Ke Tree, each with a Pygmy Marmoset hanging upside down from its top, watching the children playing and munching on fruit, the fruit being as large as their own bodies.
The Oak Tree spoke first, "The Dead Sun Armor Ross died on Tessa's territory, and his death has intimidated quite a few guys."
"Tessa won over Ross with ease, so why do you all seem so surprised?" Lisa asked curiously, perched on a tree branch.
The creature in the Oak Tree glanced at her. "How long has it been since you left Mount Akara? Haven't you kept up with any news?"
Lisa gave her husband Arlen, a reproachful look. She was convinced that Arlen knew about it, but he hadn't shared it with her.
For Pygmy Marmosets, new information is treasure; they make a living by selling information and obtaining resources for survival from other Furnace-Core Creatures.
Arlen was also somewhat bewildered. "Wasn't it Tessa who killed Ross? At least that's what I heard from the Mara River."
"Of course not," the Pygmy Marmoset on the Ke Tree spoke up, "It's an outsider."
"A black Typhon," said the Pygmy Marmoset in the Oak Tree.
"Yes, a Black Typhon, very strong, not of the Mara River, nor of the bloodline of the Bronze Tessa, an outsider, who killed Ross."
"Where did you get your information from?" Arlen asked.
"From Lord Chichio, as everyone knows, Lord Chichio never makes a mistake. We exchanged half of the rainy season's food for this information from him, and Lord Chichio agreed to delay in providing us with any further news for seven days and nights. This agreement will last for the entire rainy season."
"This is very valuable news," Arlen, somewhat surprised.
"We're brothers, Arlen, that's why I told you at the family gathering that these are free, consider them gifts for the party," said the Pygmy Marmoset in the Ke Tree. "And with His Excellency Chichio's approval, we've hit the jackpot!"