June 19.
While Iris remained in a state of continuous upheaval, Iver and the others had already crossed the Narcissus Territory.
There was no clear border between the Narcissus Territory and the Parthian Ancient Kingdom. Or rather, the true border was so clear that it could be recognized at a glance.
The eastern side of the Narcissus Territory—that is, the former Narcissus Principality—was a desolate Dense Forest.
There was a strange dampness here. It smelled like soil, yet also like blood. It was mildly poisonous to ordinary people. Though not fatal, it would leave them weak and listless. That was why, despite the abundance of resources here, the forest had seen almost no logging or harvesting.
According to the guide, a certain kind of mushroom grew abundantly here—she was a Parthian and did not know what kind of mushroom it was.
Zhu Tang, however, recognized it.
"That's Black Ant Fungus. We call it Corpse Monarch."
The gray-robed wizard answered with his eyes closed, "It's a relatively rare ritual material. This mushroom secretes a mucus that imitates the smell of a rotting corpse fermenting, attracting a special kind of black ant. Those black ants only eat the rotting corpses of animals. That's why the mushroom only appears in places where corpses are frequently found, and it quietly stays put without spreading.
"Incidentally, although it smells terrible and is mildly poisonous, it makes an excellent soup. Stewing it with tsaoko gives it a rich meaty flavor. As long as it's cooked thoroughly, there's no problem. Where we come from, people gather these mushrooms and sell them every spring."
The Eastern wizard was currently sitting in Iver's luxurious carriage, playing chess with Sherlock.
Because there were simply too many people traveling together, Yulia had worried that the journey would be too noisy. Thus,