Early the next morning, after staying up most of the night, Zhang Ming took the Black Stone and quickly surveyed the island.
Sure enough, something terrifying had happened.
The Mushroom Forest in the Mysterious Valley had expanded considerably.
Fungal growths had sprouted all over the surrounding coconut trees. Great swathes of palm leaves fell from overhead, their bark turned black and yellow, and a dank, rotten smell filled the air.
These coconut trees actually had some ability to cleanse themselves. They had still been perfectly healthy just yesterday.
But now, multicolored spores were slowly spreading outward at a rate visible to the naked eye.
"This is bad..."
Zhang Ming dared not delay. He used Toxin Purge to remove any parasites that might be present while striding toward the limestone cave where the sea turtles lived.
An unmistakable air of agitation hung over the place. There were few turtles around; the large adults in their prime had probably gone out to hunt for offerings. Only the Old White Turtle was crawling anxiously back and forth.
At the sight of Zhang Ming, the Old White Turtle's expression brightened a little. The turtle shook that enormous head, as though finally finding someone to rely on.
"Do you need more offerings? I can help you hunt some big fish," Zhang Ming said hurriedly, picking up his Ice Spear. "The mushrooms are spilling out of the valley."
"Awoo, awoo..." The Old White Turtle slowly shook that enormous head.
After a long, laborious exchange, Zhang Ming finally understood, but his heart sank.
This time... they actually needed no offerings!
Because the two things at the center of the island would soon... settle their contest!
With the balance about to collapse, presenting more offerings would serve little purpose.
"Awoo, awoo." The Old White Turtle opened that broad