Model: moonshotai/kimi-k2-instruct-0905
Chapter 21 The Generous Second Prince
Chapter 21 The Generous Second Prince
Once a Spirit Beast reaches one hundred thousand years, it faces two choices—two distinct paths of Cultivation.
The first is to keep cultivating as a Spirit Beast, relying solely on surviving Heavenly Tribulation to increase its age and strength.
Yet each tribulation grows stronger than the last, leaving the beast forever teetering on the edge of death, never knowing which year it might be blasted to pieces.
In short, this is a perilous road; only a handful ever survive to become a million-year Spirit Beast.
And there is one unbreakable rule: a Spirit Beast can never become a god.
The second path is to take human form, as Xiao Wu has done, gradually becoming truly human and ultimately able, like mankind, to rise to Titled Douluo—or even godhood.
However, doing so means entering human society, and all one hundred thousand years of cultivation dissipate overnight, leaving almost no power to protect oneself.
Moreover, before reaching rank sixty, a powerful Spirit Douluo—or an ordinary Titled Douluo—can see through the disguise.
In short, the danger cannot be underestimated.
Xiao Wu has not yet reached rank sixty; if any Titled Douluo sees her, her identity will be exposed.
Once exposed, who could resist the lure of a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring delivered right to them?
Especially… a helpless Little Rabbit like Xiao Wu—killing the rabbit to take the ring is only natural.
'Crap, they're even closer!'
Zhou Ting heard the cry behind him, felt Xiao Wu's trembling, and startled, hurried to soothe her.
'Don't panic—if you step out now, you'll definitely be seen!'
Xiao Wu calmed herself. That's right; going out now would be the most dangerous move.
She shrank deeper into hiding, not daring to move.
Who'd have thought the fearless Xiao Wu could end up like this!
Zhou Ting sighed inwardly but said nothing.
He didn't turn around, only stared toward the forest's heart, though he steeled himself for the worst.
Zhou Ting drew a deep breath and whispered,
'Do you trust me?'
'In a moment… if… don't resist…'
The broken murmur quickly faded.
Suddenly the pressure vanished entirely, and Zhou Ting felt Xiao Wu trace two words on his back.
'They're here!'
'Sss—'
Without showing alarm, Zhou Ting leaned against the cave mouth, spirit power surging in the hand behind his back.
Whoosh…
A handsome youth carrying swan wings landed before Zhou Ting and studied him with interest.
Zhou Ting half-stepped back, cold sweat beading; he eyed the stranger warily.
He swallowed, voice trembling.
'Big… big brother, what do you want?'
The handsome youth frowned, suspicious—really just an ordinary kid?
'Where are your elders?'
Zhou Ting's heart tightened; he retreated another small step.
'Uncle has gone out; he told me to make my own way back!'
The youth nodded—elders training Juniors sounded reasonable—
yet a six- or seven-year-old boy who had already become a Spirit Master and obtained his first spirit ring clearly had superb talent.
A fondness for talent stirred.
'Little…'
'Your Highness!'
A gaunt middle-aged man appeared, eyeing the tree-cave behind Zhou Ting with alarm.
Interrupted, the youth looked annoyed but kept his tone mild.
'Uncle She, what is it?'
The man leaned close and whispered,
'Your Highness, there's a very odd Spirit Beast aura inside—strong, yet also…'
'In short, it's not normal!'
The youth's brows knit, then relaxed as he turned to Zhou Ting.
'Little brother, big brother is tired; may I rest inside the cave?'
Zhou Ting's face tensed; he quickly refused.
'That's…'
Before he could finish, the uncle's face chilled in threat.
'Kid, the cave isn't yours…'
A Titled Douluo's pressure rolled out—harmless, yet leaving Zhou Ting breathless.
So this is the might of a Titled Douluo!
Zhou Ting's face turned ashen; helpless, he stepped aside with a grievous look.
'Sorry, little brother; my uncle worries about me—how rude of us…'
The youth apologized, but his gaze followed Uncle She toward the cave.
One step, two, three… Zhou Ting grew more anxious with each.
Was something truly hidden inside?!!
Uncle and nephew shared the same thought.
At last Uncle She entered, glancing sideways—time itself seemed to freeze.
Zhou Ting went pale, limbs stiff; the youth watched him, alert.
The next instant Uncle She returned, expression odd, shaking his head in embarrassment.
The youth realized at once: something was there, yet nothing worth concern.
He sighed inwardly—any chance to win over the gifted boy was now ruined.
'Your Highness, there are a few dead Jade Emperor Bees inside…'
The words grated in the youth's ear.
Zhou Ting looked grievous, pouting.
'Last night a big bear attacked the hive; I didn't dare interfere. After it left I went to look and picked up some bee corpses. If you want them… take them.'
Seeing the near-tears boy, the youth felt awkward; he shot his uncle a glare, then consoled him.
'Little brother, you're mistaken; big brother doesn't want your things.'
Zhou Ting eyed Uncle She as if unconvinced.
'Really?'
The Titled Douluo seethed—would I, a mighty Titled Douluo, covet low-level Spirit Beast corpses from a child?
It was the first time a kid had questioned him on such a trivial matter!
Grinding his teeth, the man growled,
'Really!'
He stepped back, unwilling to speak further.
'Little brother, accept this as my apology. Someday… come find me at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.'
Zhou Ting, looking every bit the clueless child, accepted the cloth pouch.
'Okay.'
'Little brother, we're leaving…'
Once the two were gone, Zhou Ting darted into the cave, hiding his face in shadow while his heart roiled like stormy seas.
'Heaven Dou Royal Academy, swan Spirit, Titled Douluo bodyguard—'
'So it was her; no wonder!'
Recalling what had just happened, Zhou Ting shuddered with lingering fear.
Had he slipped up just now, death… would not have been the outcome!
He tossed the pouch; plain black, unadorned, and he couldn't feel what lay inside.
He tugged the mouth—not a budge.
A wild idea flashed through his mind; he gasped.
'No way—would Spirit Hall really be so lavish as to hand out…'
'A storage spirit tool!'
He channeled spirit power; the pouch opened, revealing a pocket of space.
'It really is!'
'One cubic meter—one twenty-fourth of Grandmaster's Twenty Four Moonlit Bridges gift to Tang San—but still huge.'
'Even this would cost above a hundred gold coins, and you can rarely find one for sale.'
Zhou Ting exclaimed again,
'Spirit Hall… is insanely rich and insanely generous!'
Then he glanced at the pile of Jade Emperor Bee corpses and murmured,
'Such delicate thought, knowing I needed a storage spirit tool…'
The pouch was nearly empty, holding only one item: a token—the Second Prince of Heaven Dou Empire's seal.
'As expected… it was her!'Chapter 22 – Departure
Chapter 22 – Departure
Activating the newly-acquired storage spirit tool, Zhou Ting swept every last Jade Emperor Bee corpse out of the hollow tree.
In an instant the cavity looked as it always had, with no trace that a human had ever been there.
Zhou Ting's small face was all smiles; he couldn't put down this windfall of a spirit tool worth a hundred gold.
It was exactly like… a child who had just got the toy he'd always wanted.
"With this… everything's so easy! That big brother was such a good person!"
Only after a while did Zhou Ting slide down the trunk, get his bearings, and head for the exit of the Soul Hunting Forest.
The moment he disappeared, another figure shot into the hollow… Because Spirit Beasts carry so many valuable Materials, a small town has sprung up right outside the gate of the Soul Hunting Forest.
Or rather, a trading market that relies on the forest, growing bigger decade by decade until it reached its present size.
Yuquan Hotel is the largest and best hotel at the entrance to the Soul Hunting Forest.
Zhou Ting, of course, couldn't afford to stay there.
The hotel has three floors, and since two days ago the entire top floor has been booked by one party.
Ordinary people are barred entry; even the waitstaff may only serve at the foot of the stairs.
Right now the young man Zhou Ting had met before was sitting by a window, gazing down at the Soul Hunting Forest nearby.
On the surface his identity was second prince of the Heaven Dou Empire… Xue Qinghe.
Knock knock knock…
Hearing the raps, Xue Qinghe didn't even turn his head.
"Come in."
The gaunt middle-aged man who had accompanied him entered and bowed.
"Your Highness!"
Still looking toward the forest, Xue Qinghe asked.
"Uncle She, did you notice anything unusual?"
She Long, her bodyguard, was a Titled Douluo!
In the Heaven Dou Empire that was already top-tier strength, more than enough to guarantee his safety.
She Long stood rather awkwardly and reported in a low voice.
"Your Highness, the hollow tree is clean. I checked carefully; the child isn't carrying any other spirit tools either. It should be… residual aura from a Spirit Beast that hadn't fully dispersed."
Xue Qinghe nodded, offering no rebuke.
Glancing down, she saw a six- or seven-year-old boy, all alone, skipping merrily as he trotted out of the Soul Hunting Forest.
The boy had a clear goal: he dashed straight into a small hotel on a corner.
Perhaps his elders were waiting there.
Xue Qinghe turned to leave, giving orders as she walked.
"Everyone… set off at once, full speed back to Heaven Dou City. Father's birthday is near, and my two brothers…"
All who accompanied her were trusted confidants; in less than ten minutes they had packed and galloped away.
In the corner hotel Zhou Ting sat alone by a window, watching through a crack as the splendid carriage departed, secretly relieved.
Luckily—luckily he hadn't relaxed for an instant!
Collapsed on the bed, Zhou Ting felt every ounce of strength drain away; he didn't want to move a finger.
Eyes closed, he muttered to himself.
"Wait a bit more… don't rush!"
He didn't seem to care who might be listening.
He slept until noon; if his stomach hadn't rumbled he wouldn't have stirred.
"Time… for real business!"
He pulled out a chunk of honey and wolfed it down for lunch.
This time it wasn't royal jelly, just ordinary Jade Emperor Bee honey.
He hadn't lied to Xiao Wu: the swarm urgently needed royal jelly to recover. The corpse he'd used to obscure vision earlier had been a Jade Emperor Bee that had died of severe wounds.
Of course, ordinary honey was still plentiful.
Zhou Ting even planned to sell a batch to rescue his penniless self.
"Step right up, take a look! Don't miss out—freshly unearthed thousand-year Spirit Bone…"
A thousand-year… Spirit Bone!!
They had something that good here?
Zhou Ting turned toward the voice and saw a thick bull-horn first.
A sweep of mental force… made the corner of his mouth twitch.
"People will try anything. A Spirit Bone—any grade—is priceless; how could one turn up here?"
"I must be losing my mind!"
Zhou Ting shook his head helplessly, then watched quite a few people gather, utterly speechless.
Such an obvious scam, yet still believers.
"Don't pass it by—hundred-year white jade mushroom! Kill it and you'll get a hundred-year spirit ring plus a supreme delicacy… don't miss out!"
"Honey—Night-Wanderer Bee honey! Drink it long-term and it cures all ills, even gives you a chance to gain the special gift… night-vision!"
All manner of shouts filled the market.
Looking at the jumble of stalls, Zhou Ting felt as if he were back in the night-market streets of his past life… so lively!
After a few steps he suddenly stopped in front of a booth.
The stall-keeper was a white-haired old man, clearly advanced in years yet ruddy-faced with bright, lively eyes.
The old man noticed Zhou Ting and asked with a smile.
"Little friend, take your pick—look all you like!"
Zhou Ting smiled back, squatted, and began handling the masks on display; all were carved from wood.
He couldn't tell what type of wood, though.
His interest piqued, he lifted a cute fat tiger mask and applied force.
It didn't budge!
The old man laughed, unbothered, and explained.
"Little friend, you can't break it by hand. Though these masks are wood, it's no ordinary timber—each is carved from the branch of a century-old tree-type Spirit Beast. They're incredibly hard; pour spirit power into one… and you'll see a change!"
Without further ado Zhou Ting tried. As spirit power flowed in, the wood's texture shifted… becoming soft and receptive, wonderfully comfortable to the touch.
Surprise flashed in Zhou Ting's eyes.
He sensed more: this mask was essentially the embryo of a spirit tool!
He withdrew his spirit power and asked with a smile.
"Grandpa, how much for a mask?"
The old man raised one finger, beaming.
"One… silver coin!"
Not a gold coin—thankfully.
Zhou Ting instantly fished out the money and pressed it into the old man's hand, afraid he might change his mind.
Only after putting the mask on did Zhou Ting curiously ask.
"Grandpa, these masks are great and so cheap—why isn't anyone buying?"
The old man pocketed the silver coin, looking resigned.
"Though the masks are tough and fit well… they're not true spirit tools, and anyone with Materials could make one!"
So that was it.
Zhou Ting also knew that in this World ambush was despised, so apart from soldiers few bothered protecting their faces.
Bidding the old man farewell, Zhou Ting donned the fat tiger mask and fed it a trace of spirit power; it molded itself perfectly to his face.
It felt… as if nothing extra were there—completely natural!
"Really nice!"
A short walk later he spotted the first real shop… "Nine-Treasure Spirit Materials".
"That name… sounds special!"
After a moment's thought Zhou Ting stepped inside.Chapter 23 – Honey Prices
Chapter 23 – Honey Prices
"Welcome… little brother, where are your parents?"
The speaker was a curvaceous young woman, the greeter at Nine Treasure Spirit Materials.
Bored, she heard footsteps and had just delivered her welcome line when she realized the visitor was a six- or seven-year-old boy; she immediately glanced outside the shop.
Zhou Ting instantly understood and was speechless.
Being young… meant you had no rights?
One after another, they asked for an adult and even called him "little brother"… unbearable.
Still, considering the girl's inborn great principle—no, her kind eyes and gentle attitude—
Zhou Ting didn't explode; he only answered with a dark face.
"It's just me."
The greeter had seen every sort of customer; at a glance she caught Zhou Ting's flicker of annoyance and said with a light laugh,
"Oh, then what would this little customer like to buy?"
Zhou Ting's mind stirred; instead of stating his purpose he asked,
"What's the price of Jade Emperor Bee honey?"
"That? Sorry, Jade Emperor Bees have peculiar habits and their honey is extremely hard to obtain, so we're out of stock."
Tiring of looking up, Zhou Ting walked to the sofa and sat, asking again,
"What's the price of the honey?"
The greeter couldn't understand his stubbornness, but she wasn't angry; while bending to pour him tea she gently explained,
"Because of the bees' special nature, ordinary Spirit Masters can't defeat the swarm, and while stronger ones can, if the Bee Queen knows she'll lose she destroys the honey, so it's almost impossible to harvest."
"Moreover, thanks to the honey's unique effects, nobles crave it; once any appears it's usually sent to them, never sold here."
"As for the price…"
The girl glanced at Zhou Ting's rough hemp clothes and answered honestly,
"I don't know the exact figure, but our manager once mentioned that in Heaven Dou City Jade Emperor Bee honey was auctioned for ten thousand gold coins… per gram."
"What?"
Zhou Ting's eyes bulged; the price truly shocked him.
Just then a greasy, pot-bellied middle-aged man walked over.
The girl hastily greeted him respectfully,
"Manager."
The man waved his hand and said,
"Xiao Tang, go attend to other things; I'll chat with this little customer."
"Alright."
When the girl left, the man sat opposite Zhou Ting, eyes gleaming as he chuckled,
"I am the manager of Nine Treasure Spirit Materials—Ning Ke. Little customer, I know exactly what you wish to ask."
Surname Ning, plus the "Nine Treasure" in the shop's name—this store was rather interesting!
Zhou Ting smiled and said,
"Oh, then let's hear it."
"Actually, what Xiao Tang spoke of wasn't ordinary honey but thousand-year royal jelly; its value is incalculable."
Ning Ke poured himself a cup of tea and continued,
"More than a hundred years ago several Spirit Douluo joined forces to enter Star Dou Great Forest and happened upon the forest overlord Titan Giant Ape fighting a nest of thousand-year Jade Emperor Bees. Both sides battled fiercely, and three of the experts seized the chance to steal a little honey."
"The final auction price was indeed ten thousand gold coins per gram."
Ning Ke's eyes suddenly shone with anticipation as he looked at Zhou Ting.
"That was the price a century ago; because Jade Emperor Bee honey has become even rarer, its value has risen higher."
Zhou Ting's face was expressionless; he lifted his teacup and took a careless sip.
"I only want to know the price of the honey."
Ning Ke hesitated a moment before finally answering,
"For ordinary Jade Emperor Bee honey, our purchase price starts at one gold coin per gram for bees under a hundred years old; over a hundred years, fifty gold coins; over a thousand years… best send it to an auction house."
He'd figured it out!!
Zhou Ting marveled: anyone who can open a shop here and keep it running is a shrewd one.
Seeing Zhou Ting's hesitation, Ning Ke explained,
"Little customer, that's already the highest price; of course, if it were royal jelly, that would be another matter."
royal jelly was out of the question!
Zhou Ting shook his head, produced a glass jar and set it on the table; inside lay a piece of "white jade."
A flash of excitement crossed Ning Ke's eyes as he asked tentatively,
"May I…?"
"Be my guest."
Ning Ke immediately opened the lid; a faint, rich fragrance wafted out, refreshing the mind.
"White as jade, rich and fragrant, able to refresh—everything matches!"
"It's just… the age…"
Zhou Ting crossed one leg over the other, utterly unaware how incongruous the pose looked on a child!
He said casually,
"You can appraise it."
"Many thanks!"
Ning Ke took out a clean thin needle, carefully lifted a drop of honey, and gently tasted it… eyes closing as he sensed the changes inside his body.
A minute later he opened his eyes, half delighted and half regretful.
"Hundred-year jade emperor honey; unfortunately, not royal jelly."
Zhou Ting gave a bitter smile.
"I'd love royal jelly too, but I had no chance. Last night in Soul Hunting Forest a Moonlight Bear attacked a Jade Emperor Bee nest; I took advantage of the chaos to cut out a bit of honey. I was too weak to venture deep into the hive."
Ning Ke slapped his thigh, his face full of regret for not having been on the scene.
"What a pity!"
The next moment he gripped the bottle tightly and pleaded,
"Young friend, this honey is nearly two hundred years old; I'll price it at sixty gold coins per gram. Please, you must sell it to my Ning Trading Company!"
Zhou Ting's mind stirred, but he probed,
"Ning Trading? Isn't this Nine Treasure Spirit Materials?"
Ning Ke proudly explained,
"Nine Treasure Spirit Materials is merely the most ordinary shop under the Ning Trading Company; there are countless such stores throughout Heaven Dou Empire!"
"And Ning Trading Company belongs to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, one of the Upper Three Sects; our reputation is absolutely guaranteed!"
"The price is absolutely fair as well."
Zhou Ting pondered a second and immediately decided,
"Deal, but…"
Ning Ke hurriedly asked,
"If you have any conditions, young friend, speak freely."
Zhou Ting smiled, took out another small bottle from his pouch and said,
"There's one more bottle here."
"Excellent!"
Ning Ke was overjoyed—he had his gift for the sect!
This year's mission quota… exceeded!
spirit power surged in his hand and a dazzling seven-tiered pagoda appeared; with a sweep it assessed the two bottles.
Ning Ke instantly reported the details,
"Nearly two-hundred-year jade emperor honey, top quality, total weight two catties one tael…"
"One thousand fifty grams, total price sixty-three thousand gold coins. Are you satisfied, young friend?"
"Great!"
Two catties of honey had sold for sixty-three thousand gold coins; although it couldn't compare with Tang San's five million for five hundred sets of Hidden Weapons, Zhou Ting was content.
At the very least, this sum would ease his dire financial straits.
After all, the three silver coins in his pocket had literally been squeezed from his meals.
A Work-Study Student earned ten copper coins a day—seemingly decent—but in truth, to Cultivate and to train the body one couldn't lack nutrition; money for food couldn't be spared.
Otherwise not only would training yield poor results, one might even cripple oneself.
Who knew how Tang San, who had drunk plain porridge as a child, had cultivated such dense Internal Energy and a strong physiqueChapter 24: 24. Business
Chapter 24: 24. Business
At the entrance of the Nine Treasures Soul Material Shop, the chubby Ning Ke held Zhou Ting's hand and said reluctantly...
"...Take care, little friend. You can come find me at the Heaven Dou City headquarters in the future!"
Two grown men... Hiss!
Zhou Ting couldn't stand the Fatty's enthusiasm; he quickly broke free and dived into the crowd without a word.
Turning left and right, taking advantage of his small size, he soon disappeared without a trace.
"I really made a killing this time!"
Turning around, Ning Ke could no longer control his excitement.
Then, he saw a look of contempt and immediately became angry.
"Xiao Tang, what's with that look?"
The welcoming girl, Xiao Tang, puffed out her proud chest and said with a look of disdain.
"Store Manager, you actually cheated a child!"
Ning Ke was a bit dazed and asked in confusion,
"What did I cheat him of?"
Xiao Tang's eyes became even more disdainful.
"You said you made a killing, so doesn't that mean the little kid lost out big time!"
Ning Ke finally understood and gave Xiao Tang a knock on the head.
Xiao Tang immediately clutched her head, no longer looking so righteous.
"Ouch, Uncle, you hit me! I'm going home to tell my mom!"
Ning Ke felt he was in the right and wasn't afraid of her threat, saying crossly,
"What do you know? The price I gave was already very high. It's just that Hundred-year White Jade Honey is extremely rare. By offering it to the Sect, the Sect will give me an extra reward..."
"Oh, so that's how it is!"
Xiao Tang gave an awkward smile and immediately backed down, running behind Ning Ke like a lackey and starting a massage.
"Uncle, I was wrong... You must be tired after closing such a big deal. Let me give you a massage..."
"Hmph, as long as you know. Use a bit more strength..."
...Zhou Ting couldn't be sure if anyone was following him, but he returned to the hotel very smoothly.
With a net profit of 63,000 gold coins, Zhou Ting bought some items and took over two thousand gold coins. The remaining fifty thousand was on a Gold Coin Card, which was very convenient to carry.
Additionally, Ning Ke gave Zhou Ting a Ning Clan Elementary VIP Card. He could enjoy VIP treatment at all properties under the Ning Clan Trading Firm, with a 2% discount on purchases. It was better than nothing.
After packing his things, Zhou Ting opened the window of his second-floor room and scanned the surroundings. He found no suspicious people behind the hotel.
"No, I shouldn't stay here for long!"
The tropes from novels in his past life told him that in a place as chaotic as a trading market, one could never be too careful!
Zhou Ting immediately summoned the Black Tower. With a thought, the door of the first floor swung open, and a total of over a hundred Jade Emperor Bee... phantoms flew out.
"Go!"
The Jade Emperor Bees immediately scattered and flew away. Flying in mid-air, ordinary people wouldn't be able to see them unless they focused their attention.
Probably because... the swarm are all Bloodline descendants of the Bee Queen, and combined with their absolute loyalty to her, the Black Tower included the swarm in the summonable range by default.
Therefore, Zhou Ting's first Spirit Ability was no longer summoning the Bee Queen, but summoning the swarm.
However, whether it was the Bee Queen or the swarm, the phantoms only had the power for a single strike. They would die after one hit, and then the original bodies inside the tower would become weak, requiring a day to recover.
If they didn't attack and only did patrol and surveillance work, lasting a few hours wouldn't be a problem.
Additionally, there were tens of thousands of Jade Emperor Bees in the hive; they were excellent scouts!
Zhou Ting closed the window from the outside and then silently slid down the wall.
Wearing his mask, he hurried along, indifferent to everything around him.
Ten minutes later, Zhou Ting walked out of the town and looked back.
"Good, no one followed."
Entering the woods, before he had even walked a mile, he suddenly heard a rapid 'buzzing' sound.
A Jade Emperor Bee warning!
Zhou Ting immediately stopped and looked at a large tree to his front-left, his heart full of doubt.
"How did they track me?"
Just now, the Jade Emperor Bees guarding the surroundings sent a message: two humans had suddenly run from the side to get ahead of him... an ambush.
"Kid... I didn't expect your senses to be so sharp!"
Two middle-aged men walked out from behind the tree, the kind covered in bulging muscles!
I wonder... what level are they?
Zhou Ting decided to play it safe and asked expressionlessly,
"I wonder... why are you two blocking the way?"
"Hehe, hand over your money quickly. Maybe if my brother and I are in a good mood, we'll leave your corpse intact!"
"I have no money!"
At this moment, the robber younger brother cursed,
"Impossible! You brat came out of the soul material shop, and Fatty Ning even saw you off enthusiastically. You must be a big customer..."
"That's not it..."
Before Zhou Ting could explain further, the robber brothers glanced at each other and said in unison,
"Stop talking nonsense with him, just do it!"
The next moment, two flashes of white light appeared, and two Wild Dogs appeared behind them, baring their teeth and looking extremely fierce.
Seeing their Spirits, Zhou Ting understood. A dog's nose... truly lives up to its reputation!
However, seeing the spirit rings beneath their feet, he almost couldn't hold back.
Good grief, two Spirit Masters in their teens, and with Ten-year white spirit rings to boot, actually dared to rob him.
Zhou Ting felt ashamed for having treated them like a formidable enemy just now!
With a surge of spirit power, over a hundred nearly invisible Jade Emperor Bees suddenly appeared, surrounding the two!
"Ah!"
The next moment, continuous screams echoed from the woods.
Half an hour later, a small boy wearing a fat tiger mask emerged from the woods and hurried away along the main road.
Behind him were only two 'dead dogs' covered in welts, a miserable sight.
And a plain conclusion.
"The Ning Clan... is still reputable!"
...A day later, Zhou Ting looked at the quiet and peaceful small village at the foot of the mountain, a smile appearing on his lips.
"Saint Spirit Village... I'm back!"
Zhou Ting took off the fat tiger mask and shook the Nine-layered Black Tower in his hand.
"Swish!"
A cute 'Little Rabbit' rolled out.
Caught off guard, Xiao Wu only rolled once before using her amazing reactions and Soft Technique to flip back up. Then, with red eyes, she stared at Zhou Ting crossly.
"Zhou... Ting! You actually dared to drop me! And after I helped you with your work."
Zhou Ting gave an awkward smile and said embarrassedly,
"Sorry, it's my first time using it, I didn't control the strength well!"
That expression said he was sorry, but Xiao Wu suspected he did it on purpose, deliberately making her look foolish!
"Hmph!"
Xiao Wu snorted coldly, feeling quite annoyed.
However, considering that Zhou Ting had hidden her in the Black Tower earlier to prevent the Titled Douluo from discovering her, she would forgive him this time.
Thinking of this, she said somewhat bashfully,
"This time... thank you!"
Zhou Ting waved his hand dismissively.
"You went to the Soul Hunting Forest for my sake this time; helping you was necessary. However..."
Xiao Wu felt a bit more at ease and looked up, asking curiously,
"However what?"
Zhou Ting's expression became serious as he said,
"Although I don't know why you're avoiding Titled Douluos, and I won't ask, I want to remind you that while Titled Douluos are rare in small cities like Nuoding City, it doesn't mean they're never seen. In big cities... like Heaven Dou City and such, they are common..."
Xiao Wu fell silent, her expression complex.
Actually, what she didn't know was that she had long been exposed to Tang Hao.
It was just that, because Tang Hao's wife Ah Yin was also a Spirit Beast in human form, he hadn't made a move.
Of course, there might be other motives!
In short, the Little Rabbit was not safe.
Zhou Ting stepped forward, his right hand pausing for a moment... then he patted the Ignorant Rabbit's shoulder and warned solemnly,
"...Be careful!"
With that, he went down the mountain without looking back. Only after he was out of Xiao Wu's sight did he pat his chest with some lingering fear.
"That was close, I almost couldn't resist grabbing those rabbit ears!"
"Luckily I held back and changed my target in time, otherwise I would've been chased and beaten by that Violent Rabbit!"Chapter 25: Going Home
Chapter 25: 25. Going Home
Standing at his front door, Zhou Ting was about to push open the ajar courtyard gate when he heard footsteps behind him.
He didn't intend to pay it any mind, but... "Zhou Ting, you're back?"
That familiar, cold voice—it was... that kid Tang San!
Zhou Ting turned around and looked at the anxious youth who was glancing around. His mood inexplicably improved as he replied with a smile.
"I'm back."
Failing to see the person he wanted to see, Tang San grew even more anxious. He no longer had the patience for pleasantries with Zhou Ting and went straight to the point.
"Where's Xiao Wu?"
His sweetheart had secretly gone on a long trip with another man, and she had been gone for five or six days.
How could he possibly be at ease?
Ever since he learned a few days ago that Zhou Ting was also missing, he had been living in agony; his face was practically green!
Fortunately, Zhou Ting had finally returned today.
Everything was about to end and get back on track!
"Xiao Wu? She's outside the village thinking things over. She'll be back soon."
Tang San ultimately couldn't read anything from Zhou Ting's face, so he asked with a somewhat apprehensive voice.
"Oh, I see. You and Xiao Wu... where did you go these past few days?"
Zhou Ting smiled and said,
"That's our secret. Look, Xiao Wu is back!"
A secret?
And 'your' secret at that!
Tang San stood there dazed, his fists unconsciously clenching until they cracked.
Seeing Tang San like this, Zhou Ting knew he was starting to overthink things.
However, explaining this sort of thing only makes it seem like a cover-up. Thus, Zhou Ting simply said nothing, turned around, and went home.
To be honest, he didn't want to spend another moment with Tang San... On the hilltop outside the village, the flowers were in full bloom and the birds were singing.
Tang San and Xiao Wu stood facing each other, hesitant to speak.
He looked at the little girl, who was uncharacteristically silent, and felt a dull ache in his heart.
"Xiao Wu, where did you two go these past few days?"
Xiao Wu, who was still pondering Zhou Ting's warning, finally heard Tang San's words.
"Little San, what are you saying? I didn't hear you clearly."
Tang San endured his heartache and stared fixedly at the girl who had made his heart flutter for the first time, asking with a gentle expression.
"I'm asking... what did you do these past few days?"
Xiao Wu answered casually.
"Didn't I promise that kid Zhou Ting that I'd help him obtain his first spirit ring?"
Tang San's heart was full of bitterness: Xiao Wu... has she started lying to me?
But a lie shouldn't be this outrageous!
With Zhou Ting's talent of Innate Rank One spirit power, there was absolutely no possibility he could go from one to ten in just half a year!
Now, for his sake, Xiao Wu was actually willing to deceive him like this!
Tang San's heart instantly turned to ash, his face filled with disappointment.
Xiao Wu had been thinking about Zhou Ting's final warning and felt that he was very strange... Consequently, she couldn't concentrate and didn't notice Tang San's abnormality at all, continuing to speak to herself.
"Little San, you have no idea, that kid Zhou Ting is truly a freak!"
Tang San was already utterly disappointed and asked somewhat coldly.
"How so?"
At this moment, he seemed to have returned to his life as an assassin in his previous World; there was no fluctuation in his tone, and he carried no emotion.
"Little San, you don't know, that kid hid it so well. He reached Rank Ten long ago..."
Speaking of this, a look of annoyance appeared on Xiao Wu's face.
"But it was also my oversight. His nightly Cultivation time is only a little bit less than ours. It's actually quite normal for him to reach Rank Ten so quickly..."
Tang San fell into doubt. Since Xiao Wu was so certain, could what she said be true?
They didn't have... an affair!
Great hope welled up in Tang San's heart.
"Xiao Wu... is everything you said true?"
Xiao Wu felt the doubt and immediately said huffily,
"Little San, you actually dare to doubt me!"
The two made eye contact. The righteous confidence in Xiao Wu's eyes instantly allowed Tang San to confirm: she wasn't lying!
Tang San felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and a sincere smile appeared on his face.
However, when he saw Xiao Wu's puffed-up little face, he tactfully changed the subject and agreed with a sigh.
"Zhou Ting... really is a freak. With Innate Rank One spirit power, he actually reached Rank Ten Perfection in only half a year!"
Xiao Wu's anger came quickly and left just as fast.
Once her anger dissipated, she continued her narration.
"Exactly. In his words, there are exceptions to everything in this World, and he is one of them. Innate spirit power doesn't represent his talent level."
Tang San nodded in agreement, thinking that this made sense. Whether it was his idiocy being cured without medicine or his talent... this person could not be judged by common logic.
Tang San suddenly remembered his father's words: Zhou Ting is not from the same World as you!
Yes, Teacher had said that too!
Now, it seemed all three of them had been collectively 'slapped in the face'!
Fortunately, only they knew about those words, so they wouldn't lose face in front of outsiders.
Tang San couldn't help but be filled with emotion, thinking to himself,
"Father, Teacher, we were all wrong!"
Then, looking at the now lively Xiao Wu again, he asked curiously,
"Then what Spirit Beast did he choose? How many years?"
Xiao Wu said with a strange expression,
"It was a Jade Emperor Bee Queen, nearly two hundred years old!"
"What?"
Tang San was very surprised.
"How can that be? That age is way too low! With such powerful talent, why did he choose such a weak spirit ring?"
"Is Zhou Ting a fool?"
Tang San didn't even notice it himself, but his heart had inexplicably lightened quite a bit, and even his tone had unconsciously become a little brisker.
Xiao Wu didn't notice either, but her expression became even stranger.
She thought of the two days spent inside the Black Pagoda, which allowed her to witness its power firsthand, as well as... the compatibility between the Bee Queen and the Black Pagoda!
Everything she saw and heard told her that Zhou Ting's choice was definitely not wrong!
However, since Zhou Ting made her keep it a secret, she could only say vaguely,
"The Bee Queen is actually quite suitable for him!"
With Teacher's theories echoing in his mind, Tang San countered with absolute certainty.
"Impossible. Teacher said that for a Spirit Master's first spirit ring, the maximum age is four hundred and twenty-three years. One hundred-odd years... is simply too low! The Spirit Ability's power will be weak, and it will affect future Cultivation as well."
"Furthermore, according to Teacher's theory, a Tool Spirit like the Black Pagoda should select a Spirit Ability with properties like durability, rather than a bee sting attack... This provides no benefit to the Black Pagoda Martial Soul itself!"
Tang San spoke with such conviction that if Xiao Wu hadn't witnessed the Black Pagoda's wonders with her own eyes, she might have actually believed him!
However, Zhou Ting wanted her to keep the secret, and as the always honest and trustworthy Sister Xiao Wu, she naturally couldn't break her promise.
In short, she was struggling to hold it in: that kid Zhou Ting was right, there are exceptions to everything, and he is that exception.
"Ahem, let's not talk about this. Little San, are the Hidden Weapons you mentioned finished?"
At the mention of Hidden Weapons, Tang San appeared extremely excited, his face full of joy.
"They're ready!"
He took out a bracer and introduced it enthusiastically.
"This is a Silent Sleeve Arrow. It's hidden in the sleeve and can be launched through a mechanism when the enemy is off guard, silent and trackless..."Chapter 26: They Still Became Siblings
Chapter 26: 26. They Still Became Siblings
At the entrance of Saint Spirit Village, Zhou Ting watched Tang San and Xiao Wu, feeling that the way these two interacted was... strange.
The next moment, he rubbed his chin with his right hand, circling around the two of them with an inquisitive and playful look in his eyes.
Tang San didn't mind, but Xiao Wu was annoyed by the staring and questioned him crossly.
"What... are... you looking at?!!"
"It's strange. Did something happen between you two that I don't know about?"
Before Xiao Wu could answer, Tang San explained happily.
"Xiao Wu agreed to be my sister. From now on, I'll be the older brother protecting her. You're not allowed to bully her."
Bully... her?
Who could possibly bully the Violent Rabbit!!!
Zhou Ting was speechless, feeling more sentimental than anything else!
After so many things had happened, the two of them still ended up at this stage. It really was... a fated entanglement.
As for the care and protection Tang San spoke of, Zhou Ting only found it incredibly ironic.
In the future, Tang San clearly knew that Xiao Wu was a Spirit Beast in human form and knew her true identity would be seen through by powerful Spirit Douluos and Titled Douluos. Yet, he still took Xiao Wu wandering all over the continent.
Did he think that having the Yearning Heartbroken Red meant everything would be foolproof?
He was cast from the exact same mold as his father, as if he were afraid others wouldn't notice something was wrong!
Should it be said that this father and son had a mysterious level of self-confidence, or that they were simply arrogant!
There was another possibility: that they had their eyes on a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring. However, this possibility was extremely slim!
Tang Hao might have had such thoughts toward Xiao Wu, wanting to replicate his own experience to pave the way for Tang San. But as for Ah Yin... he was most likely sincere!
In short, the experiences of this father and son were too similar!
Indeed, the only lesson humans learn from history is that they never learn any lessons.
However, Xiao Wu and Tang San becoming siblings might be a good thing. Otherwise, Tang Hao might not have been able to restrain himself!
Actually, the timing Zhou Ting chose to take Xiao Wu away was very clever. Tang Hao happened to not be in Saint Spirit Village; otherwise, they really wouldn't have been able to leave.
Seeing that it was getting late, Tang San urged them.
"Alright, let's head out..."
"Okay, let's go."
Just as they took two steps, Xiao Wu curiously asked Zhou Ting.
"Zhou Ting, tell Sister Xiao Wu, you're already a Spirit Master now, when do you plan to graduate?"
Zhou Ting didn't answer the question directly but asked instead,
"What about you two? What are your plans?"
Tang San also joined the conversation.
"Teacher instructed me to stay in Nuoding City for a full six years to learn Spirit Master knowledge and build a solid foundation!"
The next moment, Tang San looked at Xiao Wu with an expectant face and invited her.
"Xiao Wu, come with me. Teacher is the number one person in Spirit theory on the continent. With his guidance, you'll definitely make rapid progress!"
The number one person... in Spirit theory?
Zhou Ting didn't even know how to evaluate this pair of Master and disciple. They were both equally conceited and arrogant... truly the same inexplicable pride!
Indeed, birds of a feather flock together!
Xiao Wu unconsciously glanced at Zhou Ting's face and immediately noticed the fleeting look of disdain at the corner of his mouth.
At that moment, she remembered Tang San's evaluation of Zhou Ting, and her heart, which wanted to stay, suddenly wavered!
"We'll talk about it in a while!"
Xiao Wu personally ended the topic she had started, concluding the discussion.
The journey was uneventful, and the three of them arrived at Nuoding City in just one hour.
After becoming a Spirit Master, physical fitness is greatly improved. spirit power can also enhance physical strength and restore one's state, causing traveling efficiency to increase dramatically!
...In the teacher's dormitory, Yu Xiaogang was also filled with amazement after listening to his disciple's narrative.
"...To think that this unremarkable kid is actually so strange!"
Tang San had already told him about Zhou Ting's previous matters.
And at that time, he had the same thought as Tang Hao—that Zhou Ting and Tang San were from two different Worlds and there was no need to waste energy paying attention to him.
Who would have thought he had misjudged him!
In fact, if it weren't for having Tang San as his Personal Disciple and perfect successor,
he might have gone to find Zhou Ting long ago. Of course, not to take him as a disciple, but to carefully study why he could return to normal through Spirit Awakening.
That way, he would have had the chance to discover the other's true talent... and wouldn't have let Zhou Ting waste such a precious gift!
Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but sigh: 'Sigh, if this child weren't so short-sighted, I could have taken him as my disciple!'
However, it was all too late!
Actually, since taking Tang San as his disciple, all his focus had been on Tang San. He had even paused his only solace... his theoretical research.
He wanted to prove to the World through Tang San that all his theories were correct.
To prove that he... Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, was not trash, and certainly not a joke.
For example, the phrase he often repeated, "There are only trash Spirit Masters in this World, no trash Spirits." He wanted to prove that this wasn't just empty talk!
Ever since leaving Spirit City... no, it should be said ever since leaving the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he had wanted to prove himself at every moment.
Unfortunately, after so many years, he had never succeeded!
Only Tang San let him see tangible hope.
Tang San asked hesitantly,
"Master, the Jade Emperor Bee Queen..."
Yu Xiaogang said without hesitation,
"The Bee Queen's Spirit Ability isn't suitable for him. Moreover, although it's a hundred-year spirit ring, it hasn't even reached two hundred years, falling far short of a Spirit Scholar's limit. This child..."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head regretfully and declared,
"...is ruined. Although he will be stronger than an average person, he is now completely distanced from you, wasting his great talent!"
Yu Xiaogang's face suddenly became serious as he solemnly instructed,
"So, Little San, you must seriously study the Spirit Master theory I give you and match every spirit ring perfectly. You must never be like Zhou Ting... letting yourself sink into degradation!"
Hearing his Master's conclusion, Tang San felt strangely comfortable in his heart and agreed with a serious face.
"Yes, Teacher!"
Zhou Ting didn't know about the discussion between the Master and disciple.
Even if he did, he wouldn't care.
He knew his Spirit best.
Grandmaster... in the end, he only summarized theories from paper. As for actual operation... heh, any random Titled Douluo... no, even a Spirit Douluo would be better than him!
Zhou Ting's first Spirit Ability... Summon Swarm.
Hundreds of hundred-year Jade Emperor Bees and thousands of ten-year Jade Emperor Bees. Although they only had the power of a single strike, they weren't something an average Spirit Master of the same level could withstand.
Even the cheat-user Tang San... might not necessarily be able to block this skill!
And most importantly, the swarm was alive!
As long as they were alive, they could grow.
A pure Spirit Beast could only rely on time to grind its way to becoming a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast.
But humans were different. It only took a few decades to Cultivate to a Titled Douluo who could stand shoulder to shoulder with a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast... From this, one could see how fast human growth was.
Once the Bee Queen entered the Black Tower, Zhou Ting would also drive the swarm to Cultivate when he Cultivated.
Although the swarm's Cultivation speed would be much slower, after more than a month, they had visibly become a bit stronger, and were on the verge of crossing the two-hundred-year threshold.
Thinking about the World-shaking combat power of a ten-thousand-year swarm, the future looked promising!
Not to mention, the swarm's byproduct... honey, could also solve his financial predicament.
Therefore, the Jade Emperor Bee was the most suitable Spirit Beast for the Black TowerChapter 27: Discussion
Chapter 27: Discussion
In Dormitory Seven, the academy holidays had not yet completely ended, so most students had not yet returned to school.
In fact, because Tang San had gone to find his teacher, only Zhou Ting and Xiao Wu were left... alone in the large dormitory.
If a certain jealous person were to realize this, Zhou Ting might just be skinned alive!
Xiao Wu walked silently to Zhou Ting's bedside, looking at his delicate Face, and spoke in a rare gentle whisper.
"Zhou Ting, wake up!"
"What is it?"
Zhou Ting was puzzled; after walking for so long, he had just started to drift off when he was woken up.
Should he... go out and rent a house to live alone?
Anyway, he was rich now.
From the money he made selling honey last time, besides leaving a hundred gold coins for his family, he still had over fifty thousand on him. In a small city like Nuoding City... he simply couldn't spend it all.
Or, even more simply, just buy a house... but in an instant, Zhou Ting dismissed the idea.
Nuoding City was a border city, directly bordering the Star Luo Empire.
Everything was fine now during this time of peace, but once war broke out, it really wouldn't be as safe as living in Saint Spirit Village.
Mhm, it's decided then; he definitely wouldn't buy a house or move!
Seeing Zhou Ting's eyes glazed over as he actually ignored her, Xiao Wu immediately grew irritated.
However, keeping her thoughts in mind, she didn't flare up and only inquired.
"What do you think... about Little San's teacher?"
"I don't think much of it, but I'm more curious about why you still call him Little San when you've sworn brotherhood as siblings?"
Xiao Wu tilted her little head up and said as if it were only natural.
"Who am I? I'm the Big Sister of Nuoding Academy. How can I call someone 'Brother'? If my underlings found out, where would my Face be!"
This logic... was clear and reasonable; Zhou Ting was speechless.
Xiao Wu wasn't stupid; she naturally realized that Zhou Ting had deliberately changed the subject because he didn't want to talk!
However, she urgently wanted to know Zhou Ting's true opinion to use as a reference.
So, she pressed further.
"Don't try to hide it from me. Today when Little San mentioned Grandmaster, you were... very thoughtful. I saw it all."
Zhou Ting was surprised: Not bad, when did this Little Rabbit... learn to read people's expressions?
Since the conversation had reached this point, Zhou Ting stopped hiding his thoughts.
"I'm not sure if Grandmaster's theoretical knowledge of Spirits is the best in the world. I only know that, after all, he is only Rank 29, and many of his theories are summarized from the records of past Spirit Masters!"
At this point, Zhou Ting raised an eyebrow, cast a meaningful glance at the half-open dormitory door, and continued.
"First of all, the authenticity of these records is still debatable. Secondly, not everyone records their own secrets truthfully. And, most importantly... he hasn't even practiced that set of theories himself..."
"Of course, regarding early stage cultivation, Grandmaster's theories aren't much of a problem. After all, these aren't big secrets, and those nobles and Sect powers won't keep them to themselves."
Xiao Wu suddenly understood and said,
"So that's what you think!"
The more Xiao Wu thought about it, the more it made sense.
A Spirit Grandmaster stuck at Rank 29 was destined to only be an armchair strategist regarding cultivation experience above Rank 30.
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Wu made a decision in her heart.
After saying so much, Zhou Ting was no longer sleepy and simply got out of bed.
"Xiao Wu, I'm going for a walk in the garden. You..."
Xiao Wu waved her hand casually and said,
"Go ahead, go ahead, don't mind me."
A flicker of light and shadow passed through the crack in the door, and the dormitory suddenly brightened quite a bit.
Zhou Ting didn't think much of it and walked straight out the door, strolling through the empty academy.
Although Nuoding Academy was only an Elementary Spirit Master academy, it was the only Spirit Master academy in Nuoding City.
Its status was extremely special, and combined with the powerful strength of the principal and teachers, even the City Lord of Nuoding City didn't dare to offend the academy.
Naturally, Nuoding Academy enjoyed a large amount of land in the city and had even built several huge gardens.
Arriving at his usual workplace, Zhou Ting summoned the Black Tower. The door to the first floor opened wide, and swarms of Jade Emperor Bees flew out in lines.
"Go on, go collect nectar... Although it's just ordinary nectar, it's still fine for brewing ordinary jade emperor honey."
"Buzz buzz..."
"It'll be better in two months. By then, the plantation near the hive will have grown, and you can collect nectar without leaving the tower!"
Speaking of this, the corners of Zhou Ting's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
"Speaking of which, I have Xiao Wu to thank. It took two days... to sow the seeds, otherwise I would have had to do it myself. It's so tiring."
The lounge chair under the shade of the trees was cool and clean.
Zhou Ting rested his hands behind his head, enjoying his solitude, while complaining,
"Those seeds were really f... expensive!"
Actually, Fatty Ning hadn't really cheated him. After all, those were Spirit Beast seeds, not the seeds of ordinary flowers, plants, or trees.
Moreover, those Spirit Beast plants that could bear fruit had seeds that were inherently high in value. Their fruits were not just delicious, but could also aid in cultivation.
Therefore, major powers would also establish such plantations themselves.
However, they were Spirit Beasts after all; even plant-type Spirit Beasts had their own thoughts. So, even if they were planted, the resources were not easy to harvest!
Additionally, if it weren't for the Nine Treasures Spirit Material Shop being located outside the Soul Hunting Forest, the shop wouldn't even have such goods, let alone sell them.
In short, being able to buy fruit trees for ten acres of land for ten thousand gold coins? Flower and grass seeds were already a great value!
Back at Dormitory Seven, just as Zhou Ting went downstairs, Xiao Wu shouted toward the door,
"Come in!"
"Creak..."
The dormitory door was pushed open from the outside, and a boy with a Face as grim as water walked in, asking with his head lowered,
"When did you notice me?"
"San-ge, I noticed the moment you came back. Zhou Ting knew too..."
The San-ge Xiao Wu spoke of was naturally Tang San. When he returned earlier, just as he was about to enter the dormitory, he heard Zhou Ting talking about his teacher and couldn't help but stop outside the door to listen.
Who would have thought he would hear an analysis that... even he himself didn't know how to refute.
After all, every word Zhou Ting said was reasonable.
Moreover, being an armchair strategist... coming from the Tang Sect, he understood the dangers of this quite deeply.
Just like the Mechanism Techniques he, an Outer Sect Disciple, had secretly learned; there were many that those Tang Sect Inner Sect Elders didn't even know!
Was it that they didn't understand them?
No, they had the Secret Manuals, but they just couldn't learn them, and it was even more impossible for them to teach their disciples!
Then what about his teacher?
Tang San felt a blockage in his heart.
In fact, he had wanted to rush into the dormitory to confront Zhou Ting earlier.
Setting aside whether he could win the argument, at the very least he wanted to defend his teacher's dignity.
However, what Zhou Ting said was not biased, and he hadn't given any negative evaluations.
He couldn't exactly stop Zhou Ting from speaking!
And... just before coming back, his discussion with his teacher hadn't included any good words about Zhou Ting!
In the end, he fell silent and avoided him!Chapter 28: Xiao Wu's Decision
Chapter 28: 28. Xiao Wu's Decision
Teacher for a day, father for a lifetime.
Tang San skillfully cast aside all negative emotions and looked at Xiao Wu with a serious face, asking with a hint of trepidation.
"Xiao Wu, are you going to leave Nuoding City?"
Xiao Wu remembered Zhou Ting saying before that the possibility of encountering a Titled Douluo was higher in big cities, and what he had just said... Grandmaster's early theories were still credible!
She finally made up her mind.
"I've decided to stay at Nuoding Academy with you."
A brilliant smile appeared on Tang San's face, and he said emotionally.
"Xiao Wu... Teacher will definitely not let you down!"
Xiao Wu smiled sweetly.
Unknowingly, Zhou Ting's words had actually gained such weight in Xiao Wu's heart, but at this moment, neither of the siblings... noticed it.
As the sky gradually darkened, Zhou Ting wasn't some heartless exploiter like Zhou Bapi or Huang Shiren, so he didn't let the Jade Emperor Bees go out to collect nectar anymore.
After confirming with the Bee Queen that all the Worker Bees had returned to the hive, Zhou Ting finally put away the Black Tower and then swaggered back to the dormitory.
In a normal bee colony, the Bee Queen is only responsible for laying eggs, while the rest of the work is done by the Worker Bees. As for the Male Bees, they are responsible for mating and protecting the hive and the Bee Queen.
However, the Jade Emperor Bee was a Spirit Beast, not an ordinary bee.
In fact, it was different from even ordinary Spirit Beast bees.
At this moment in the hive, the Bee Queen was leading the Worker Bees in diligent labor, brewing sweet honey.
Actually, this was also a move born of helplessness!
Because the lifespan of the Worker Bees was too short and the quality of the academy's pollen was too low, if the Bee Queen didn't participate personally, the ordinary honey produced probably wouldn't even reach the hundred-year level.
Let alone providing for Zhou Ting, it would be difficult to even satisfy the colony itself.
After brewing the honey, the Bee Queen was exhausted. Fortunately, the interior of the Black Tower was safe enough that there was no need to worry about enemy attacks.
Daily Cultivation time has arrived!
The three in Dormitory Seven looked at each other, their eyes flashing with ambiguous light, and there was a faint smell of gunpowder in the air.
Speaking of which, this was the first time the three of them had cultivated together since Zhou Ting's Breakthrough to Spirit Master.
I'm really... looking forward to it!
Zhou Ting cast aside distracting thoughts, and a nine-by-nine large net flew out from between his brows, instantly capturing a large amount of energy and dragging it back to his Sea of Consciousness.
The Black Tower vibrated slightly, and the converted spirit power was divided into four parts.
The largest portion, sixty percent of the total, flowed into the Sea of Consciousness to enhance mental force and spirit power, and then circulated through the body to strengthen the physique.
Ten percent of the spirit power flowed into the seventh floor of the Black Tower, presumably to maintain the old man's state... The remaining thirty percent all flowed into the first floor of the Black Tower. The Bee Queen received twenty percent, which it allocated itself to increase the age and strength of the colony. The remaining ten percent would fall onto the plant sprouts all over the ground to promote their growth.
It was because of Zhou Ting's spirit power support that this ten-mu plantation had successfully sprouted and grown quite a bit in just over a month.
One must know, they were all Spirit Beasts, and their growth cycles were naturally long.
Of course, now... they weren't anymore!
At least, they were already different from ordinary Spirit Beasts.
Xiao Wu had once said that the Spirit Beast seeds planted on the first floor of the Black Tower... were all "dead."
Not a physical death, but a death of the Soul.
Even if these seeds grew to ten thousand or a hundred thousand years, they would just be dead things, without a shred of consciousness being born.
This situation... sounds very familiar!
Zhou Ting reacted at once; wasn't this just like those Immortal Herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
Therefore, these fruit trees and flowers would not become true Spirit Beasts.
However, being able to provide spirit materials and pollen was already enough to satisfy Zhou Ting!
To be honest, Zhou Ting had developed a great interest in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well: it would be great if he could... move its home!
However... Zhou Ting had heard that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well seemed to be related to the Divine Dragon, so it probably couldn't be moved.
Besides, there was also the Poison Douluo Dugu Bo blocking the way. Trying to make a move on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well would be harder than reaching the heavens.
This cultivation contest was still continuing.
The three of them seemed to be competing with each other, none willing to back down.
In the end, they all collapsed onto the bed together.
Before closing his eyes, Tang San murmured with full satisfaction: "I wasn't the first one to collapse!"
Xiao Wu had a proud look on her face.
Zhou Ting's face was also full of smiles... Time flows like water, and if one isn't careful, it will have run a hundred and eight thousand miles away.
On the road from Nuoding City to Saint Spirit Village, two boys and one girl were "talking and laughing."
"...Didn't you say that if Uncle Tang wasn't there, the village wouldn't be your home? Why did you follow us?"
Tang San glanced at Xiao Wu, who was skipping ahead, and said with a doting look.
"Xiao Wu likes staying in Saint Spirit Village!"
This was natural; although she had taken human form, she was still a Spirit Beast after all, so she naturally liked places close to nature.
But this Tang San... is really cold-blooded!
He lived in the village for six years, yet he really has no feelings for it at all and doesn't even want to go back?
Zhou Ting couldn't help but make things difficult for him.
"Grandmaster must be quite lonely staying at the academy alone, why didn't you stay to keep him company?"
A purple light flashed in Tang San's eyes as he stared fixedly at Zhou Ting, his gaze full of vigilance.
"I swore an oath to protect Xiao Wu and not let her be harmed by bad people!"
Zhou Ting curled his lip: Just say it plainly... I'm that bad person.
This Tang San!
Zhou Ting's eyes widened in anger, and Tang San glared back without showing any weakness. For a moment, the air between the two of them seemed to crackle with electric sparks!
The Little Rabbit frolicking ahead finally noticed something was wrong behind her: why... were they not moving?
A bewildered Xiao Wu shouted.
"Hurry up and walk, why did you stop?"
"It's nothing!" said the two in unison.
Both spoke at the same time, met her with smiling faces, and quickly caught up.
It was as if the confrontation just now... never existed.
Outside Saint Spirit Village, on the hilltop where Tang San had always practiced, wild flowers were still everywhere and the fragrance was overflowing, like a paradise on earth.
Last time, Tang San and Xiao Wu became sworn siblings here.
This time... Tang San and Xiao Wu were still here, but there was an additional three-thousand-watt lightbulb.
Extremely an eyesore!
At least, that's what Tang San thought.
"Staring? Still staring?"
Zhou Ting, not to be outdone, gave Tang San a fierce glare and then... turned his head away, out of sight, out of mind!
Tang San won a small victory and was in a great mood, thinking that Xiao Wu, picking flowers and chasing butterflies... was so cute.
A feast for the eyes!
Zhou Ting glanced at him, his face full of contempt: Look at that lovestruck fool!
Lying in the flowers, he closed his eyes, and the fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose made him feel happy.
Zhou Ting entered the Black Tower again.
On the seventh floor, to this day, there was still only one Fireball Technique card. Old Man Anthony's passive had only been triggered that one time, and then, no matter how Zhou Ting tested it, there was no further movement.
He didn't know if it triggered once a year or what the rules were.
Picking up the card that radiated a dazzling light, Zhou Ting smiled bitterly.
"I've filled up enough spirit power for a level forty-one Spirit Ancestor, but now, there isn't a second card!"
Resisting the urge to use one on Tang San, Zhou Ting left the seventh floor and went to the first floor of the Black Tower. After several months of hard cultivation, the plantation was basically established.
And it was just when the flowers were in full bloom!Chapter 29: As Expected
Chapter 29: 29. As Expected
"Buzz buzz..."
Over ten thousand pieces of white jade darted through the flowers. Their toothpick-like legs, stained with various colors, grew visibly thicker.
Ten mu of fruit trees and flowers seemed like a lot, but for a swarm of over ten thousand Jade Emperor Bees, it was barely enough.
Even though Zhou Ting regularly nourished these plants with his spirit power, the jade emperor honey produced was only just enough for consumption.
Because of this, Zhou Ting never sold honey again, and the swarm didn't continue to expand.
However, after half a year of nurturing, the Bee Queen finally had a Breakthrough to 200 years, reaching the 220-year mark, and the swarm's strength increased significantly.
"Zhou Ting... you're actually sleeping in such a beautiful place?"
Xiao Wu looked incredulous and couldn't help but stretch out her rabbit foot and kick Zhou Ting.
Opening his eyes, Zhou Ting saw the dissatisfied Little Rabbit and Tang San, who was glaring at him.
But who cared about him!
Zhou Ting smiled and said,
"It's because it's beautiful here that sleeping is so comfortable!"
Tang San curled his lip, looking disdainful.
Xiao Wu tilted her head, thought for a moment, found a spot nearby, lay down, and closed her eyes.
"This... is... quite..."
"Zzz..."
She... fell asleep!
Seeing the two lying side by side, Tang San's eyes glared at Zhou Ting as if they were about to spit fire... Zhou Ting felt secretly delighted: I'll annoy you to death!
Of course, this might... be the last time!
Thinking of this, Zhou Ting stood up stealthily, looked around, and gazed down at the Saint Spirit Village not far away... "I'll stay home for a month. I don't know how many years it will be before I come back next time..."
Saint Spirit Village was still the same Saint Spirit Village, peaceful and quiet, away from the world's strife.
"Tinger!"
"Grandpa!"
Zhou Ting stepped forward quickly and supported the old man.
Old Jack smiled slightly, patted Zhou Ting's hand, and said,
"Tinger, you don't need to support me. Didn't you see that Grandpa has thrown away his cane?"
Zhou Ting smiled mischievously.
"Grandpa, you can't throw that cane away. My dad... he likes it the most."
Old Jack immediately understood the deep meaning in his grandson's words and laughed loudly, then said with confidence,
"Haha... I'm his father. If I want to hit him, would he dare to run!"
"Haha, naturally..."
"By the way, Tinger, there's a surprise waiting for you at home!"
"What is it?"
"You'll know when you get back!"
The grandfather and grandson laughed happily and walked away together.
Tang San saw this scene from afar, a hint of envy in his eyes.
"Father, where are you? Are you okay?"
Xiao Wu quickly noticed something was wrong with Tang San and comforted him.
"Brother, you still have me as your sister!"
"Mm!"
Tang San smiled, his heart feeling warm.
It's good to have a sister!
Back home, Zhou Ting looked at Mother Zhou's belly... and was dumbfounded!
His mouth twitched unnaturally as he asked in disbelief,
"Mom, you?"
Mother Zhou gently stroked her belly and said,
"The second month after you went to school, I noticed something was wrong with my body..."
Old Jack nodded from the side and said with a laugh,
"Tinger, the jade emperor honey you brought back is truly good stuff. I, this old man, drank it for a month and was able to throw away my cane. After drinking it for half a year, my body feels several years younger, and I have less white hair."
"And your mother, she injured her body when she gave birth to you. We had a Spirit Master look at her before, and they all said it would be hard for her to get pregnant again. Now, she's been cured by the jade emperor honey."
Old Jack couldn't stop smiling.
Although he had more sons than just Zhou You, and more grandsons than just Zhou Ting,
Zhou Ting was the most outstanding one, with the hope of becoming a Spirit Master.
Since there was Zhou Ting's precedent, the chances of Zhou You and his wife having another child with Spirit Master talent were very high!
Actually, Zhou Ting could understand his joy.
However, the old man was likely going to be disappointed.
Zhou Ting was an exception!
But the old man was in high spirits, so Zhou Ting didn't dampen his mood.
"Since it's useful, I'll leave a bit more for you this time."
Old Jack hurriedly waved his hand and said,
"No need, you need a lot of resources for your own Cultivation, and the family can't help you much..."
With a wave of Zhou Ting's hand, five jars of jade emperor honey appeared on the table.
"Grandpa, I've already bought them and can't return them. Please take these back."
"No, your family..."
"The family has some!"
Old Jack refused with his words, but his hands were very honest.
"Then I'll accept them..."
The old man left his youngest son's house with a slight bend in his back. Seeing him leave, Mother Zhou sighed and said,
"Sigh, Tinger, you shouldn't have given so much at once!"
"Why?"
Mother Zhou glanced at her son, who seemed to know nothing, and smiled bitterly.
"Your Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt are also your grandfather's children!"
Zhou Ting didn't care and smiled.
"As long as the old man is happy. Besides, he won't give away too much this time."
Was there some reasoning behind this?
Mother Zhou became curious.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Grandpa should already know what I'm thinking."
Her son was hiding something from her!
Mother Zhou frowned and said,
"What thoughts?"
"I'm going away to study!"
...Meanwhile, at the Zhou family's old house.
Old Jack sat at the table, ignoring the precious jade emperor honey placed on it.
He looked at the sky outside the house, unable to come back to his senses for a long time.
"Father!"
Old Jack finally looked down and saw the middle-aged woman beside him.
"Oh, Lan'er is back!"
Zhou Lan, his eldest daughter, had married into the neighboring village. Last time, Zhou Ting's Work-Study Student slot had come from that village.
"Father, what are you thinking about, looking outside like that?"
Zhou Lan's eyes swept across the table, looking at the honey jars with longing.
Old Jack noticed his eldest daughter's gaze, felt a bit of bitterness in his heart, and said in a heavy tone,
"Although I knew this day would come, I didn't expect it to come so soon!"
Zhou Lan didn't notice her old father's disappointment at all; her eyes and heart were full of jade emperor honey.
Old Jack shook his head with a bitter smile, then took out a bottle and handed it to his daughter, saying,
"Take this bottle, and use it sparingly!"
Zhou Lan was first delighted, then said with some disappointment,
"Father, you're only giving one bottle? Doesn't Tinger come back once every half year?"
"Sigh, you child!"
Old Jack lightly tapped his daughter's head and said,
"Since you know that, why don't you think about why Tinger gave so much at once?"
Zhou Lan suddenly realized and analyzed,
"That's right, last time he only gave one bottle, and we haven't finished it yet... Why give so much this time?"
Over-hundred-year-old jade emperor honey, although not royal jelly, was an extremely precious treasure for low-level Spirit Masters.
The Zhou family were all Mortals. To digest such a treasure, it needed to be diluted many times.
Although it was only one jin, more than a dozen people hadn't finished it in half a year.
However, this jade emperor honey really was a treasure.
Thinking of her husband, who had worked too hard farming when he was young and injured his body, making it weaker than most people's, but ever since he started drinking this jade emperor honey...
Now, he walks as fast as the wind, no worse than a young man in his teens or twenties!Chapter 30 – A Farewell Gift
Chapter 30 – A Farewell Gift
"Tinger… you're leaving Nuoding City. Who knows what year it'll be before you come back?"
Old Jack's face was heavy.
A man grown old becomes wily; when he saw his little grandson pull out five bottles at once, he understood.
Zhou Lan still didn't want to believe it.
"Father, that can't be. Tinger's at Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy—he's supposed to study there for six years, and besides…"
Zhou Lan didn't say it aloud, but Old Jack knew perfectly well.
She meant his little grandson's talent was poor; forget leaving Nuoding City, he might not even graduate from the Elementary Spirit Master Academy.
Old Jack patted his daughter's head again, scolding.
"You're a grown woman, yet still so… how do you even run the household?"
Zhou Lan hugged her father's arm and cooed.
"In front of Father, I can't be bothered to think."
At home, of course, she had plenty of ways to keep the whole family in line.
Old Jack knew his eldest daughter's temperament, and asked.
"Do you think the honey Tinger brought out is precious?"
Zhou Lan thought of the family situation again and couldn't help blushing. "Precious."
"Worth money?"
"Definitely worth money!"
"Then where did Tinger get the money?"
"Of course from the fami—uh…"
Zhou Lan finally caught on.
Right—where had Zhou Ting gotten the money?
She didn't know exactly how much her younger brother and father had, but she could guess.
They were country folk; even the village head could only save so much.
Yet this supposedly untalented nephew could produce such valuable treasure.
"But they say Tinger has Innate level-one spirit power, the lowest talent…"
Old Jack murmured.
"Tinger said there's an exception to everything. This child… has ideas! Has ability!"
After a pause he added wistfully.
"Tinger will be leaving soon… in a couple of days bring the whole family over for a gathering."
"All right, Father."
"You're leaving Nuoding Academy?"
Zhou You and his wife exchanged glances—surprise, regret, mostly acceptance.
"Father knows Nuoding City is too small to hold you forever."
Ever since Zhou Ting had produced a hundred gold coins, they'd known their son was no ordinary boy.
Once they discovered the honey's effects, they understood even more.
They'd just thought that day was far off—who could guess it would come in only half a year.
Mother Zhou's eyes were red.
"Tinger, your father and I won't stop you, just… come home often."
"I will."
To Zhou Ting's surprise, no one tried to persuade him to stay.
They had probably sensed this day would come.
Spirit Masters and ordinary people walk two different roads; the family had understood that since the day his Spirit awakened.
At the village entrance, after bidding his family farewell, Zhou Ting was stopped by Xiao Wu.
"Do you have to go?"
She wanted him to stay—she couldn't bear to see him leave.
Zhou Ting was touched, looking at her like a child who had finally grown up, his eyes full of affection.
He glanced at Tang San standing nearby and said gently.
"I'm different from you two; my path lies outside."
Xiao Wu looked back at Tang San.
"We can ask Grandmaster to guide you too!"
Zhou Ting shook his head.
"Grandmaster… isn't right for me."
Xiao Wu knew his mind was made up; she looked forlorn.
Zhou Ting comforted her with a smile.
"You'll leave Nuoding City eventually anyway; we'll still have chances to…"
Before the word "meet" left his mouth, Xiao Wu lowered her head and whimpered.
"But if you go… what about my honey?"
Zhou Ting's face darkened—this Little Rabbit had ruined his moment of sentiment.
He swiftly pulled out a wooden box and handed it to her.
"Here, this is a year's supply."
Xiao Wu hugged the box of honey, pink tongue flicking across her lips, eyes sparkling.
"Any more?"
Realizing she'd broken character, she instantly switched to pitiful.
"Who knows what year we'll meet again…"
That pitiful look no longer fooled Zhou Ting, who had been tricked once before.
This time his heart was stone; he remained unmoved.
"The flowers outside are too ordinary; I don't have any extra."
Seeing he looked straight at her without flinching, Xiao Wu knew he wasn't lying.
"All right then."
In an instant her pitiful expression vanished.
Zhou Ting shook his head helplessly.
"I'm going."
"Go on."
Zhou Ting's feelings were mixed.
People aren't grass or trees—who can be without feeling?
After all, they'd played together for a year… friends. Tang San didn't count, of course.
After walking a stretch, Zhou Ting heard Xiao Wu shout from behind.
"Wait!"
"What is it?"
He turned; she ran up, took a pendant from her pouch, and pressed it into his hand.
It was just an ordinary pebble.
The stream outside the village was full of them!
Zhou Ting's face was odd as he asked.
"This is your farewell gift?"
He knew Xiao Wu was poor, but giving him a stone from her hometown seemed excessive.
Xiao Wu nodded, uncharacteristically solemn.
"It's my gift to you. Don't give it to anyone, don't store it in a spirit tool, carry it with you always."
Though puzzled, Zhou Ting could see she meant it.
He nodded cooperatively and hung the pebble pendant around his neck.
The stone was common, but the cord was unusual—soft yet incredibly tough.
Who knew what thread it was woven from; if used for clothes it might make a spirit tool.
Zhou Ting didn't dwell on it; he waved and strode away without looking back.
Tang San, hugging the wooden box, walked up to his sister, who stood in a daze watching Zhou Ting leave, and grumbled.
"Why did you give him a pendant?"
The jealousy was thick.
Xiao Wu wasn't stupid; she caught the tone behind his question and asked brightly.
"It was a farewell gift. Brother, are you trying to drive me away?"
Tang San was speechless, helpless against his sister, inwardly vowing: It's all your fault, Zhou! Next time we meet I'll beat you up.
Without realizing it, Tang San was no longer the killer who said "you're courting death" at every turn.
Xiao Wu cheerfully took the box from Tang San and headed back to the village.
Tang San snapped out of it and shouted.
"Xiao Wu, wait for me!"
Zhou Ting didn't know his departure had caused the siblings to quarrel.
Even if he had, he'd probably have been delighted.
After all, seeing Tang San frustrated was a beautiful thing.