Logan and Zhu Peiniang, having just feasted on an Apceros, felt no hunger at the moment. However, the enormous Anjanath carcass would not go to waste; it would make a generous gift for the Grimalkyne of this area. After all, to learn insect-rearing and insect-repelling techniques from the Bugtrappers's Grimalkyne, one must first make an offering.Logan waited for a moment, and soon Zhu Peiniang laboriously dragged the Anjanath carcass up, her broad tail wagging happily from side to side, her face full of excitement. Seeing this, Logan gently patted Zhu Peiniang's head with his claw, then coiled his tail around one of the Anjanath's hind legs. Together with Zhu Peiniang, he dragged this "forest brute" and continued towards the upper levels of the Ancient Tree.They traveled south along the Ancient Tree's interior, which was interwoven with thick roots and trunks. After passing through an arch-shaped opening, the previously dark and damp environment instantly vanished without a trace.A vast platform appeared before Logan's eyes. The plant branches and leaves here were relatively sparse and widely spaced. Looking up, the clear blue sky was fully visible, and distant Wyverns could be seen soaring past.Bright sunlight shone on Logan, reflecting a dazzling brilliance like ice jade.He looked out over the edge of the platform and saw an extremely thick branch extending outwards. This branch was definitely over 20 meters in diameter, and its topmost foliage spread out in all directions again, forming a platform similar to a helicopter landing pad. At this moment, the platform was covered with a large number of branches, densely interwoven to form a giant nest.Residing within the nest were not birds, but two Fire Dragons, one red and one green, each nearly six meters long. Fire Dragons of this size were estimated to be around three years old, even slightly older than Logan.They already possessed some self-preservation abilities and were not afraid of small monsters like Kulu-Ya-Ku and Jagras. Furthermore, they were in their peak growth period, with ravenous appetites, consuming large amounts of meat daily. It was for this reason that the Fire Dragon couple felt assured enough to leave the nest simultaneously to hunt, meeting their growth needs. However, this comfortable life would likely not last much longer; by autumn at the latest, these two young Fire Dragons would probably be driven out of the nest.Logan and Zhu Peiniang's sudden appearance truly startled these two youngsters. They let out urgent roars, vigorously flapping their still-immature wings and flying up to perch on several relatively thinner branches higher up. Immediately after, their not-yet-fully-developed flame sacs in their throats began to work, and two smoky fireballs instantly spewed from their mouths, hurtling directly towards Logan.However, before the fireballs could get close, several electromagnetic lines swiftly emerged from behind Logan, blue-white electric light flickering and leaping. Like arrows, they directly detonated the fireballs in mid-air. In an instant, dense electric light, like a torrential downpour, enveloped the two young Fire Dragons. Accompanied by a series of crackling sounds, clusters of sparkling fireworks erupted on their bodies.Although the primary damage caused by electric current to living organisms comes from the intense heat generated by resistance as the current flows through biological tissues, for the two young Fire Dragons, who naturally possessed extremely high temperature resistance, the damage caused by Logan's electric shock would undoubtedly be weakened. Nevertheless, it still shocked them, causing them to cry out. Soon, both young Fire Dragons were emitting wisps of smoke and tumbled down from the branches above.The commotion here successfully attracted the attention of more Fire Dragons. Angry roars continuously came from above and all around, and a large number of broad wings flapped simultaneously, even subtly forming a whistling wind.Logan did not want to face dozens of Fire Dragons at once; such an overwhelming breath attack would probably force even an Elder Dragon to temporarily retreat. Thus, he led Zhu Peiniang to dive into the platform below, once again enveloped in shadow and dampness.As they continued forward, a shallow layer of standing water gradually appeared underfoot. The ground, woven from tree trunks, was covered with various ferns, emergent plants similar to cannas, and edible cotton grass.It was hard to imagine that within such a majestic and towering giant tree, a sizable pond would form due to accumulated rainwater. It was unknown what kind of creature brought dormant fish eggs, but Logan even saw large schools of dark shadows swimming beneath the water not far away. However, these swimming fish were too tiny; for Logan, they weren't even enough to get stuck in his teeth, so he had no interest in hunting them.When they walked through the standing water on the ground to the east side of the Ancient Tree, a huge cavity suddenly appeared before them. A large number of tree roots intertwined and crisscrossed, forming a wide, spiral staircase. This was arguably the largest three-dimensional space in the entire middle section of the Ancient Tree, like a giant stairwell. Rainwater from above flowed down the trees, collecting at the bottom of the stairwell, forming abundant water resources.Due to the perpetual lack of sunlight and the dark, damp environment, a large quantity of fungi thrived here. All sorts of strange mushrooms grew on the rough bark, attracting Shiitake Pigs that fed on them.The staircase stretched the vertical height into a long distance. The two colossal beasts slowly ascended the spiral staircase, step by step, towards the top of the Ancient Tree.On the surrounding tree trunks and hanging vines, clusters of bright orange-white light could occasionally be seen, as if they were electric lights hanging in the stairwell. These were peculiar insects called Wedge Beetles, covered in spiky black carapaces, while their internal bodies glowed brightly. Hunters could use them to move upwards quickly, but with the weight of the two giant beasts, it was clearly impossible.Upon reaching the top of the spiral staircase, a platform woven from vines and tree roots appeared before Logan and his companion. Just by its unique shape, one could tell that this was another Fire Dragon nest. However, the nest's owner seemed to have not visited for a long time; it was empty, and even a layer of tender green shoots and some golden, lily-like flowers had grown within it.Logan couldn't help but walk forward and take a deep breath; a faint floral scent instantly filled his nostrils.Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a scale left in the vines. It looked similar to a Fire Dragon's scale but had a faint blue hue. If there were no surprises, this should be the nest of an Azure Rathalos.As a Subspecies of the Rathalos, the Azure Rathalos possesses a more robust body, harder carapace, and stronger flame breath than the original species. Research indicates that its formation seems to be due to a mutation caused by powerful life energy, so it usually lives in the Elders Recess, only occasionally returning to the Ancient Forest.Logan did not linger here for too long, continuing along the exit at the other end of the staircase. This area was already close to the top of the Ancient Tree; the increased altitude brought with it a drop in temperature and gusts of cold wind. However, as soon as he poked his head out of the exit, which was entwined with tree trunks, he abruptly pulled it back in.Outside was also a wide platform, much larger than the one in the middle. Surrounding it were numerous thick, extended tree trunks, on which many Fire Dragon nests were situated.A quick glance revealed five or six of them. If each nest housed a male and female Fire Dragon pair, the number would exceed 10. Coupled with the vast, unobstructed platform, which had been charred black by flames, any creature that dared to show its head would likely be met with an overwhelming bombardment of fireballs.The real world is not like a game; here, provoking a Fire Dragon doesn't just mean facing the combined attack of a Fire Dragon couple. Those living together on the Ancient Tree are almost communal; once provoked, it's an entire group.This path seemed impassable, so they had to find another way around. On the other side of this Fire Dragon nest, there were numerous suspension bridges and platforms made of branches and vines. This area connected to the middle layer of the Ancient Tree, looking like a ladder to the sky.Following the ladder upwards, Logan and his party soon arrived at another platform. This was probably the highest point he could reach at the moment; any higher, some branches would no longer be able to support his weight. Standing here, the boundless sea and continuous mountain ranges stretched before his eyes, and soaring Wyverns dotted the sky, making one's heart expand.A little higher up, amidst the lush foliage, a Bird Wyvern nest seemed visible. However, the branches used to construct the nest within were already decayed, indicating that no creature had lived there for a very long time.It is said that before the Fire Dragons arrived, this giant Ancient Tree was once the habitat of the Pukei-Pukei, and that nest was likely left behind by them.Just then, a fierce flapping of wings suddenly resounded from above. Logan looked up and saw a huge dark shadow block the sunlight, landing directly on top of the Ancient Tree.With his excellent eyesight, Logan could clearly see the creature's appearance. It was also a Rathalos, but its originally crimson carapace now exhibited a deep, blackened hue, and the fiery patterns rising on its wings had turned into dazzling gold, shimmering brightly under the sunlight.Its body was extremely massive, almost reaching a terrifying 30 meters in length, twice that of an ordinary Fire Dragon. Its entire body, covered in black-red scales that looked like congealed blood, was riddled with scars from healed wounds, a testament to its battle-hardened experience. It was the King of Flying Wyverns, the King among Kings—the Dreadking Rathalos!The appearance of this monster instantly made Logan's expression solemn, secretly congratulating himself for being alert enough not to cause too much commotion. However, with such a powerful monster here, his plan to occupy the Ancient Tree would probably have to be postponed for a considerable period.But with further observation, Logan soon discovered good news.On the Dreadking Rathalos's abdomen, there was a damaged scale, its surface faded and gray, yet still unreplaced. This clearly did not look like a recent wound, but one that had existed for a considerable time. The wound had healed, so why hadn't the surface scale been replaced? Logan pondered for a moment and quickly thought of a possibility—it was already old.Only when a monster ages, its metabolism declines, and cell division is insufficient, will it abandon those less important external parts and use precious energy to restore vital organs. So, although this Dreadking Rathalos was still powerful, it might not be able to sustain a high-intensity battle and might actively choose to retreat when facing a sufficiently strong enemy.This was probably also why it hadn't gone to the Elders Recess; the brutal competitive pressure there was not suitable for an elderly individual like it.Although he understood this point, it didn't mean Logan would act recklessly. For one, many Fire Dragons still resided on the thick branches extending from the Ancient Tree. Once alarmed, it would be difficult to escape.So he quietly retreated, turning back into the intricate interior of the Ancient Tree's trunk. The primary objective of this trip had been achieved—he had roughly ascertained the distribution and number of Fire Dragons. Now, it was time to accomplish the secondary objective.Not far from here, there was a special high platform that could only be reached by using vines. Logan and Zhu Peiniang were too large to go up, so Logan roared softly at Lulu a few times, signaling for her to go.Lulu never refused Logan. She nodded to show she understood, then immediately began climbing up the hanging vines. Although she wondered why Logan knew the locations of those Grimalkyne, even though it was his first time here, this did not hinder her trust in him.Climbing up the vines, a wide platform soon appeared before Lulu. Around the platform, many small houses meticulously woven from branches and vines could be seen. In the center of the platform, a bonfire was burning, with several small fish roasting over it, emitting tempting aromas.As an alert Felyne species, Lulu's appearance instantly drew the attention of the Grimalkyne. They all stopped what they were doing, clutching their crude weapons tightly, and with curious expressions, scrutinized the uninvited guest.The creature before them looked like a fellow Grimalkyne, but its size was somewhat absurdly tall, its spine straight, unlike their usual habit of hunching over, and its body was covered in white fur they had never seen before."Who are you, meow?""Never seen a guy like this, meow?""What brings you to our camp, meow?"Lulu's seemingly familiar appearance prevented the Grimalkyne from showing hostility at first. Instead, they all began to ask questions.Lulu felt there was nothing to hide about this, so she directly stated her purpose."I am a Grimalkyne living in the Wildspire Waste. I came here to learn your techniques for using insects. As a reward, I've brought you gifts, meow!"The Grimalkyne of the Ancient Tree were surprised to hear this. The name Wildspire Waste was quite unfamiliar to them. As small Felyne species, their range of activity was limited; they rarely left their familiar areas throughout their lives and naturally had never seen that vast, sandy wasteland.However, they were inherently optimistic, cheerful, and enthusiastic, so they didn't think much of it. The technique of using insects wasn't anything particularly important, and the other party had even brought gifts, so they readily agreed.