New Partner, the Black Fire Bird!
Although it was called the Spirit Beast Pavilion, it was actually an open-air facility.
Every Spirit Beast was housed inside its own circular stone enclosure. The walls of each enclosure were engraved with profound runes that formed restrictive arrays, suppressing the beasts' cultivation.
This not only prevented them from escaping but also allowed them to live under the open sky instead of being locked inside cages.
As soon as he entered, Zhang Lingxiao saw numerous powerful Spirit Beasts.
Most possessed the fire attribute, while only a handful belonged to other elemental affinities.
"You can have a look around."
"The prices are listed above each enclosure."
"If you can't afford to buy one, you can also rent one."
Elder Li pointed toward the wooden plaques hanging above every enclosure.
Each plaque clearly displayed the purchase price, rental fee, and the corresponding number of Spirit Stones or contribution points required.
Most of the Spirit Beasts here were at the Qi Martial Realm Perfection or the early Spiritual Martial Realm.
Among them, Zhang Lingxiao also spotted the Fire Fox Elder Li had mentioned earlier—the one Ouyang Shishi had rented before.
It was a first-order Spirit Beast at Qi Martial Realm Perfection, and its price was relatively affordable.
After scanning the entire pavilion, Zhang Lingxiao's gaze finally settled on a secluded enclosure.
"Elder Li."
"I'd like this one."
He pointed toward a small black bird perched quietly inside.
Elder Li looked over and raised his eyebrows.
"The Black Fire Bird?"
"You've got good eyes."
Being the most valuable fire-attributed Spirit Beast in the pavilion, it naturally carried the highest price.
The Black Fire Bird was no larger than a person's palm.
Its body was covered in glossy black feathers that shimmered with a faint crimson glow, while a pair of ruby-red eyes radiated intelligence.
Despite its adorable appearance, it possessed extraordinary potential.
Because of its small size, it could perch on a cultivator's shoulder or hide within a sleeve.
Once released into the sky, it could scout terrain, search for enemies, or stand guard from above.
It was an excellent companion.
"Youth."
Elder Li smiled bitterly.
"Don't let its appearance fool you."
"This little fellow may still be immature, but she's already a second-order Spirit Beast at the Perfection Stage."
"When she reaches adulthood, she'll naturally advance to the third order."
"If she fully matures, her strength will rival a peak Earth Martial Realm cultivator."
"Are you certain you can control her?"
Zhang Lingxiao smiled calmly.
"Thank you for your concern, Elder."
"But I truly like this Black Fire Bird."
"As for the price, that isn't a problem."
"And by the time she reaches the third order..."
"I'll be stronger than she is."
Elder Li looked at him in surprise.
This young man spoke with remarkable confidence.
Still...
He simply assumed Zhang Lingxiao was trying to impress the young lady beside him.
"Will you be paying with Spirit Stones or contribution points?"
As he spoke, Elder Li carefully lifted the Black Fire Bird from the enclosure.
The little bird affectionately rubbed its tiny head against his palm before looking curiously at Zhang Lingxiao.
"I'll pay with Spirit Stones."
Zhang Lingxiao took out two storage pouches.
One contained one million Spirit Stones.
The other held the remaining amount after his previous purchases.
After counting them, he handed Elder Li exactly two hundred thousand Spirit Stones.
Receiving the pouch, Elder Li laughed.
"You've got quite a fortune."
"Why don't you exchange some of these for mid-grade Spirit Stones?"
"They're far easier to carry."
Zhang Lingxiao's eyes lit up.
"The sect provides that service?"
"It does."
"When you have time, you can exchange them."
"Thank you for the reminder, Elder."
Zhang Lingxiao cupped his fists respectfully before accepting the little Black Fire Bird.
This was now his second contracted Spirit Beast.
The bird blinked curiously with its bright crimson eyes before tilting its head at its new master.
Unlike the dormant Snow Moon Butterfly Cocoon, the Black Fire Bird had already hatched.
Because of that, a simple drop of blood wasn't enough.
A proper master-servant contract had to be established.
With Elder Li's assistance, Zhang Lingxiao soon completed the contract.
The instant it was formed, he felt a subtle connection between himself and the little bird.
"Remember."
"Since you've chosen her as your alchemy companion, treat her well."
"And don't neglect your own cultivation."
"If her cultivation surpasses yours by an entire major Realm, the contract will weaken and may eventually break."
"I understand."
Zhang Lingxiao nodded seriously.
After thanking Elder Li, he left the Spirit Beast Pavilion together with Ouyang Shishi.
...
Soon afterward, the two soared into the sky aboard the Xuan Leaf.
The tiny Black Fire Bird perched comfortably on Zhang Lingxiao's shoulder.
Standing behind him, Ouyang Shishi reluctantly wrapped her arms around his waist to steady herself.
The more she looked at the bird...
The more jealous she became.
Why?
Why were they both aspiring alchemists in the Spiritual Martial Realm...
Yet this scoundrel could casually purchase the greatest treasure of the Spirit Beast Pavilion...
While she could only afford to rent a first-order Fire Fox?
And to make matters worse...
She couldn't even beat him.
Comparing herself to him only made her more frustrated.
It was all because of her stingy father.
He deliberately limited her monthly allowance, insisting that she learn independence.
Otherwise...
She would have bought both the Profound Water Cauldron and the Black Fire Bird long ago.
Instead...
She could only watch this scoundrel casually buy everything she wanted.
She had even become his maid.
It was utterly infuriating.
"Scoundrel!"
"Where are you taking this young Miss?"
she demanded indignantly.
Zhang Lingxiao grinned.
"Naturally..."
"We're going home."
"My little maid."
Ouyang Shishi's face instantly turned bright red.
She couldn't help recalling the two times this shameless fellow had touched her chest.
Especially the second time...
Although he had only done so to save her from his own Sword Qi...
The memory still made her heart race.
She quickly shook her head.
"What am I thinking?"
"Ouyang Shishi!"
"Don't lose your head now!"
"Never forget how this scoundrel humiliated you!"
"When the one-month contract ends..."
"I'll definitely get my revenge!"
Encouraging herself inwardly, she glared fiercely at Zhang Lingxiao.
"It's still broad daylight!"
"Why are you talking about going home to sleep?"
"You don't have any improper thoughts about me, do you?"
"I'm your maid—not your wife or concubine!"
"So don't even think about taking advantage of me!"
"Otherwise..."
"You'll regret it!"
Zhang Lingxiao merely snorted.
Without another word...
He suddenly accelerated the Xuan Leaf.
The wind howled.
"Ahhh!"
"Scoundrel!"
"Slow down!"
"This won't make me submit!"
"Never!"
Another burst of speed.
"Ahhh!"
"I was wrong!"
"No..."
"Senior Brother!"
"I was wrong!"