Seeing the Flame-tailed Fox shake its head, Chen Yuan rarely paused.
He remained silent for a moment, then extended his fingers to indicate three: "How about three?"
The Flame-tailed Fox still shook its head.
"Or perhaps, what do you want? I'll find a way to bring it to you," Chen Yuan suggested another trade method.
It made sense, the Blazing Fruit is a level two resource with great benefits to Fire-type Pet Beasts—how could three chicks exchange for it?
Even if the Flame-tailed Fox didn't understand the true value of the Blazing Fruit, he knew its preciousness deep down, and shouldn't be tempted to take advantage.
Even if the trading partner isn't human, respect and honesty should be practiced.
Yet, facing Chen Yuan's sincere gaze, the Flame-tailed Fox still shook its head.
Chen Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
To successfully obtain the Blazing Fruit, Chen Yuan had specially used his remaining Source Points yesterday to upgrade Spark's Flame Surge skill, boosting it to proficiency level.
In this way, even if Extraordinary Creatures dominated the Blazing Fruit, he would still have the confidence to oppose them.
But... facing his old friend, Chen Yuan couldn't muster the desire to compete.
"It seems I'll need to think of another way," he thought quietly.
"Woof woof woof!"
Seeing the Flame-tailed Fox disregard its owner, Cola instantly glared angrily, barked repeatedly at the Flame-tailed Fox, and wind energy stirred around its side.
"Chirp."
Spark squinted its eyes, a hint of danger flashing across its face.
These Blazing Fruits were clearly discovered by it first!
The Flame-tailed Fox ignored the two little ones, stared at Chen Yuan for a while, then suddenly turned and ran toward the Blazing Fruit tree.
It seemed so light and nimble, its limbs gently stepping on the ground as it agilely leapt onto the sturdy trunk.
"Sang Biao, what are you doing?" Chen Yuan asked in confusion.
Upon hearing that awful name, the Flame-tailed Fox froze, staggered, and almost fell; fortunately, it reacted quickly and stabilized itself.
"Murmur..."
Standing on the branch, the Flame-tailed Fox cast a resentful look towards Chen Yuan.
Such an awful, crude, unpleasant, barbaric name for such a gentle, cute, beautiful, elegant creature—how could they be connected?
Thoughts flashing by,
The Flame-tailed Fox cautiously stuck its head out, extending its sharp claws toward a Blazing Fruit.
Bang!
A Blazing Fruit fell to the ground, emitting a crisp collision sound, its skin gently burning with flames.
Before Chen Yuan could react, the Flame-tailed Fox darted up and down like a squirrel, repeating the trick to knock the remaining three Blazing Fruits to the ground.
"Murmur..."
After finishing all this, the Flame-tailed Fox landed lightly on the ground, took a Blazing Fruit in its mouth, and placed it in front of Chen Yuan.
"You mean to give them to me?" Chen Yuan asked somewhat startled.
The Flame-tailed Fox didn't respond, quickly returned to the tree, picked up two more Blazing Fruits, and placed them at Chen Yuan's feet.
As it stood before the last Blazing Fruit, the Flame-tailed Fox hesitated, its extended paw trembling slightly, eyes filled with reluctance.
Recalling the taste of the Blazing Fruit, its mouth involuntarily watered, its face displaying a look of bliss.
The tantalizing flavor was indescribably delicious, even more tempting than a little chick.
But...
This human saved it and had cared for it so attentively for so long.
At that moment, the Flame-tailed Fox reminisced about last year's cold winter, the warm embrace, and the bliss of not worrying about food and drink.
"Murmur..."
The Flame-tailed Fox seemed to make a determined decision, decisively took the last Blazing Fruit, and placed it in front of Chen Yuan.
"All for me?"
Chen Yuan squatted down, not looking at the Blazing Fruits but meeting the Flame-tailed Fox's gaze.
Both man and fox were transported back to that cold winter.
"Murmur～" The Flame-tailed Fox gently nodded, then turned its head, forcing itself not to look at the Blazing Fruits on the ground.
"Hmm..."
Seeing the Flame-tailed Fox's reaction, Chen Yuan's mouth slightly curved, his voice cheerful: "We don't need so many."
This huge Blazing Fruit tree only produced a few Blazing Fruits, enough to prove their value.
"Two will be enough." Chen Yuan placed two Blazing Fruits before him, then pushed the remaining two to the Flame-tailed Fox's feet.
At that moment, Chen Yuan noticed the Flame-tailed Fox's eyes brighten, its emerald green eyes sparkling brightly.
"Murmur..."
But the Flame-tailed Fox didn't directly respond, instead pushed the Blazing Fruits, making them move away from itself and closer to Chen Yuan.
Chen Yuan laughed: "How did a little fox like you learn to push and shove? This isn't giving out New Year's red envelopes."
"Alright, hurry up and take them, I really only need two."
Focusing on Chen Yuan's sincere gaze, the Flame-tailed Fox finally smiled happily, quickly hiding the two Blazing Fruits under it.
Chen Yuan nodded in satisfaction: "I came in a rush this time, so I didn't bring much with me. Next time I go into the mountains, I'll bring you some treats."
"By the way, do you live nearby?"
"Murmur～" The Flame-tailed Fox happily nodded, then rubbed its furry head against Chen Yuan's palm.
Chen Yuan stroked the Flame-tailed Fox's smooth fur and suddenly a bold idea emerged in his heart: "Why don't you come home with me and live on my farm."
If it were before, I wouldn't have asked, but now it's a special time, the Flame-tailed Fox can completely appear openly at his home.
Hearing this, Cola suddenly lifted its head, its eyes widening.
Danger, danger, danger!
A real new competitor!
Spark didn't react excessively but instead scrutinized the Flame-tailed Fox, pondering how long it would take to knock it down.
However, facing Chen Yuan's invitation, the Flame-tailed Fox just shook its head: "Murmur murmur murmur."
Indeed, life in Xuanhe Village is leisurely and delightful, without threats from other animals.
But...
The Flame-tailed Fox doesn't wish to be confined to a small world; it prefers the freedom of running in the forest.
When the long nights fall, it prefers curling up in the cold, cramped tree hole.
Here is its home.
Chen Yuan wasn't surprised by the Flame-tailed Fox's choice; he smiled: "Alright, I'll look for you next time I head into the mountains and bring you tasty food."
"Murmur!"
The Flame-tailed Fox responded with joy, extending its tongue to give Chen Yuan's cheek a lick, swaying its fluffy tail.
This time, Cola no longer sensed danger.
"By the way, since other Extraordinary Creatures are eyeing the Blazing Fruit, you better eat them quickly."
"You can eat one now, we'll protect you."
According to Beast Taming Knowledge, after consuming a Spirit Plant, it takes a period for digestion to allow the plant's energy to be fully absorbed by the body.
And during this time, Extraordinary Creatures' ability to handle threats may slightly decrease.
Originally, with the Blazing Fruit hanging on the tree, it was hard for other Extraordinary Creatures to forcibly seize or steal them. But now, with both remaining Blazing Fruits on the ground, it would be easy to find them in the tree hole.
While they're here, the Flame-tailed Fox should eat them all to avoid getting targeted.
If because of him the Blazing Fruits were stolen, Chen Yuan would feel very remorseful.
Facing Chen Yuan's concern, the Flame-tailed Fox slightly lifted its head, eyes filled with confidence: "Murmur!"
Here, I am the strongest!
If anyone dares to steal my Blazing Fruits, I'll beat them down!