Chapter 260: Moon Clam
Chapter 260: Moon Clam
More than a month ago, just after Gao Jing arrived in the Great Swamp, he killed a lone wolf.
Then he became the lone wolf.
Every day, he wandered the swamp’s edge, hunting, adventuring, training, honing his combat skills and will.
Gao Jing never chose opponents his own size, or even plant-eating beasts.
Wolf beasts, jungle panthers, hyenas, giant snakes, swamp lizards…
These savage beasts started at ten meters long, some reaching twenty or thirty.
Some had massive strength, some were lightning-fast, others were cunning, ambush predators, venom-spitters, or burrowers.
All kinds of beasts and the constant danger plunged Gao Jing into an incredible adventure.
He danced on the edge of life and death, pushing his limits in constant battles. He faced countless dangers and survived by sheer stubborn will.
During this time, he only returned to Qinghe City once.
He found Qing Lan and asked her to send a message to Shan Tai: don’t come to Qinghe City yet, but wait in Shan Yue Village instead.
Not until Gao Jing broke through his current stage!
He also bought the Hunter’s Atlas through Qing Lan. Using this book, he learned about Great Wilderness’s beasts and monster creatures, identified herbs and minerals, and studied harvesting methods.
Back in the Great Swamp, he now pushed deeper, hunting tougher prey.
Honestly, looking back now, Gao Jing himself felt it was unbelievable.
He’d actually pulled it off.
He’d lost count of his injuries and close calls—some survived only thanks to the Bronze Anchor’s power!
Occasionally, resting at night on a tree branch, he’d gaze at the endless starry sky.
He’d ask himself: Was it worth burning himself out like this?
In the Great World, Gao Jing was insignificant, yet in his Primary World, he stood above millions.
Why keep fighting instead of just relaxing?
The thought might shake him for a moment.
But over time, his will only hardened.
The harsh adventure sculpted his body and power; life-and-death tests forged a stronger mind.
His strength and spirit had now peaked, reaching their absolute limit.
One step away from a breakthrough!
Hunting the Swamp Black Crocodile was Gao Jing’s final test of his recent growth.
By killing this Monster Beast, he’d proven how far he’d come!
Lost in thought, it took him a while to snap back.
The dead Swamp Black Crocodile beneath his feet had bled nearly dry.
According to the Hunter’s Atlas, this creature was a treasure trove—especially its hide, a valuable material for high-quality armor.
Its defense surpassed many Second-Order or even Third-Order Monster Beast hides.
This beast was among the strongest First-Order, able to challenge higher orders within swamps.
Even a strong warrior like Shan Tai, an Initial Rank Totem Great Warrior, wouldn’t dare fight a Swamp Black Crocodile in water.
Yet Gao Jing, an Abyss Dweller and merely a High-Rank Totem Warrior, had slain a full-grown croc unharmed. None would believe it.
His Barrett M107A1 deserved huge credit, but without his exceptional shooting skills, this victory wouldn’t exist.
That final shot especially showcased Gao Jing’s ability.
But killing it was only half the job.
Butchering and harvesting a thirty-meter crocodile? Way beyond him alone.
So he immediately stored the croc in his Storage Space, ready to let Shan Tai’s people handle it back in Shan Yue Village.
Swoosh!
Just as Gao Jing sealed the croc away, the water ahead rippled violently.
A shining water arrow shot out—so fast he barely sensed the threat nearby!
By the time Gao Jing realized danger, the arm-thick arrow—nearly five meters long—whizzed just over his head!
The attacker hadn’t missed; Gao Jing had been standing on the crocodile. Storing it caused him to drop—perfectly dodging the blow!
Damn!
Landing safely, he broke into a cold sweat anyway.
Karma was brutal: after ambushing the croc, he’d just become prey himself.
Pure luck saved him!
Relief turned instantly to battle rage.
He yanked his Barrett M107A1 from storage, aiming at the water arrow’s origin,
while retreating fast.
He had no clue what had attacked.
If it was a Second- or Third-Order Monster Beast, he must flee immediately!
Suddenly, the water churned as a giant shell broke the surface.
Gao Jing froze.
It stood about six or seven meters tall—not a circle or fan shell, but curved like a crescent moon.
Its gleaming white shells, dotted with water drops, emitted a soft glow.
Stunningly beautiful!
Moon Clam!
Though seeing it for the first time, Gao Jing recognized it instantly.
Not just by its unique shape.
The Hunter’s Atlas ranked it first among Great Wilderness Monster Beasts—not for strength, but for value.
Shell Coins were made from Moon Clam shells!
So before him… was literal money!
But Gao Jing didn’t lose his head.
Moon Clams were monster creatures. They ate humans!
Moon Clams were tiered by size as First-, Second-, or Third-Order. Gao Jing checked the Hunter’s Atlas and identified this one as Second-Order.
Instinct took over; he squeezed the trigger.
BANG!
The Barrett roared again, its bullet smashing into the Moon Clam.
Yet the armor-piercing 12.7mm round shattered against the shell, barely denting it.
Gao Jing wasn’t surprised.
He swiftly put the rifle away and retreated.
The Moon Clam didn’t let him flee. Opening its shell, it fired more water arrows!
Not just one!
Seeing this threat, Gao Jing hurled himself flat, narrowly dodging the barrage.
What happened next left him utterly stunned.