This hard shell was probably much like the skin of an ordinary cactus. But these cacti were far too enormous, so naturally their outer skin had become extremely thick. And in a place where the sun blazed so fiercely, it was easy for that skin to become dry and hard from the heat.
But for freaks like Gulman and Li, the hard shell of these cacti was nothing more than something they could tear open with a casual hand. Once the shell was ripped apart, the cactus would spurt out a milky-white liquid. Since the group had entered the desert without bringing any supplies, Li boldly tasted some of it. The instant numbness that spread across his tongue told him that the white liquid was completely inedible.
The liquid was poisonous. Though the toxicity was not particularly severe, consuming a large amount was definitely out of the question. Gulman, however, was an exception. He was remarkably interested in the milky-white liquid and was exceptionally enthusiastic about drinking it.
Just as Li had expected, Gulman rushed beneath the cactus, reached out, and tore open its outer skin. He then cupped the gushing liquid in his hands and gulped it down. Gulman had previously lain on top of the cactus and licked it, but the group later discovered that while the milky-white liquid was inedible, the flesh itself could be eaten. As an ingredient, it was actually quite delicious.
The only regret was that the cactus flesh did not keep well. It would basically rot after a few hours and give off a smell similar to excrement.
Still, although these cacti were not densely distributed, they would always come across one or two after walking for half a day. All things considered, they did help replenish the group's rations.
The liquid came