In the temporary camp at the forest’s edge, the crackling campfire tore a warm, yellow hole in the night.
Yan Hu was taking stock of spirit beast materials, while Su Qing used her Green Sprout Martial Soul to treat the minor injuries he had sustained during the hunt.
The camp was filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs and the savory aroma of roasting meat.
Leaning against an ancient tree, Yan Zu took advantage of everyone’s busyness to silently recite in his heart: “System, monthly Check-in.”
[Ding! Monthly Check-in successful!]
[Congratulations, host, on receiving the reward: Spirit Beast Pill ×500 (bottled)]
[Reward description: This pill is specially refined for spirit beasts, containing pure vitality and intelligence-nourishing components. Long-term consumption can accelerate a spirit beast’s growth process, gradually enhance its intelligence, has no side effects, and is suitable for spirit beasts of all grades.]
Yan Zu felt a surge of joy.
Instantly, a lustrous white jade bottle appeared in his palm.
The moment he opened the lid, a fresh, sweet fragrance of plants and herbs wafted out.
Just as he was about to examine it closely, an urgent, soft chirping echoed in his spiritual world.
Xiao Yu transformed into a stream of jade-colored light and leaped out, landing on his shoulder.
Her little nose twitched incessantly, her large, watery eyes fixed intently on the jade bottle.
Her tiny paws tugged at his sleeve, looking utterly covetous.
“It seems you have a good eye for quality,” Yan Zu chuckled.
He poured out a single, perfectly round Spirit Beast Pill from the bottle—the pill was pure white and slightly warm to the touch.
Gently, he brought it to Xiao Yu’s mouth.
The little creature immediately opened her tiny mouth and snatched it away.
The pill melted upon entering her mouth, transforming into a pale green energy that flowed through her meridians.
In just a moment, a soft jade-like glow emanated from Xiao Yu’s entire body.
Her already lively eyes gained an extra touch of clarity.
She affectionately nuzzled Yan Zu’s cheek, emitting a soft, sticky “yiya” sound.
Her intelligence seemed to have increased slightly in an instant, her gaze now holding more dependence and a hint of cunning.
“The effect is remarkably fast,” Yan Zu thought to himself.
He was about to feed Xiao Yu another pill when light, quick footsteps sounded behind him.
Xiao Wu came skipping over, her nose twitching as she was immediately drawn to the fragrance from the jade bottle.
“A’zu, what’s that in your hand? It smells so good!”
Yan Zu quickly tucked most of the bottle away, leaving only one pill in his palm.
“It’s nothing, just a Spirit Beast Pill for Xiao Yu. It helps her grow.”
“Spirit Beast Pill?” Xiao Wu’s gaze locked onto the pill, her eyes sparkling as if she had spotted a beloved snack.
“It looks so delicious! A’zu, I want to try one too!”
“This is for spirit beasts. It’s not suitable for you,” Yan Zu tried to dissuade her helplessly.
For spirit beasts?
Wasn’t this tailor-made for her?
Xiao Wu grabbed Yan Zu’s arm and shook it gently, cooing, “Oh, come on, just one! I feel so drawn to it. Maybe I can eat it!”
Seeing Xiao Wu’s expectant face, Yan Zu finally couldn’t resist her.
Reluctantly, he handed over the Spirit Beast Pill in his palm.
Xiao Wu immediately took it and, without hesitation, took a bite.
A sweet, refreshing flavor exploded in her mouth, carrying a gentle warmth that slid down into her stomach.
Her eyes brightened.
“Wow! So delicious! Sweeter than the wild berries in the village! And I feel so comfortable after eating it, all warm inside.”
As soon as the words were spoken, Xiao Wu suddenly wrinkled her nose and scratched her scalp.
“Hiss… why does my scalp feel a little itchy?”
Yan Zu looked at her adorable, clueless expression and couldn’t resist teasing her.
“That’s the pill helping you gain wisdom. Do you feel like you’re about to grow a brain?”
Xiao Wu didn’t catch on at first and nodded along with his words.
“Yes, yes, yes! It’s exactly that feeling of my mind clearing up a bit!”
But as soon as she finished speaking, she realized Yan Zu was making fun of her.
Instantly flushed with anger, she widened her eyes and reached out to tickle Yan Zu.
“Oh, you! A’zu, you dare mock Sister Xiao Wu for having no brains! Just you wait, I’ll teach you a lesson!”
Yan Zu had been prepared and dodged with a laugh, but Xiao Wu wouldn’t let it go.
She chased him around the bonfire, playfully trying to catch him.
Xiao Yu, perched on his shoulder, joined in the fun, hopping down and circling the two, occasionally tugging at Xiao Wu’s skirt with her little paws and letting out cheerful chirps.
Watching this scene, Yan Hu cracked sunflower seeds and sighed.
“Are we raising two little beasts in this family?”
Su Qing shot him a glare, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“You’re the beast.”
“Fine, I’m the beast, and you’re the beast tamer, okay?” Yan Hu replied with a cheeky grin.
Su Qing ignored him, her gaze resting on the two children, her eyes filled with tenderness.
After the playful scuffle, Xiao Wu collapsed onto the grass, still thinking about that bottle of Spirit Beast Pills.
“No way, these Spirit Beast Pills are too delicious. I want to eat them too from now on! Every day!”
Yan Zu shook his head helplessly.
Looking into those stubborn yet hopeful eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
“Alright, three pills a day. No more.”
Then, satisfied, she ran off to show off to Xiao Yu.
From then on, Spirit Beast Pills became Xiao Yu’s daily sustenance and Xiao Wu’s exclusive “little snack.” Every evening, the two “beasts,” one big and one small, would squat in front of Yan Zu on time, gazing at him eagerly, waiting to be fed.
Xiao Yu ate elegantly, chewing each pill slowly.
Xiao Wu ate with gusto, swallowing them whole and then squinting her eyes to savor the taste for a long while.
As Xiao Yu consumed the Spirit Beast Pills daily, her growth rate became increasingly astonishing, and her intelligence grew higher and higher, gradually understanding more of Yan Zu’s commands.
One month later.
Xiao Wu burst into Yan Zu’s room in a flurry of excitement, shouting, “Brother A’zu! I’ve reached level 14!”
Yan Zu, who had been practicing sword techniques, sheathed his sword and turned around.
Seeing Xiao Wu’s flushed little face from excitement, he smiled.
“That fast? Half a month earlier than I expected.”
“Of course!” Xiao Wu proudly lifted her chin.
“I keep my promises!”
Yan Zu nodded.
“Good, then I’ll fulfill my promise.”
He led Xiao Wu back to his room, closed the door securely, and his expression turned solemn.
“Sister Xiao Wu, what I’m about to teach you next is extremely precious. You must never pass it on to anyone else,” Yan Zu said seriously.
Seeing him so grave, Xiao Wu also put away her smile and nodded firmly.
“I swear, I won’t tell anyone!”
Only then did Yan Zu take out two handwritten booklets from his Storage Soul Tool—these were what he had spent several nights transcribing from memory.
On the cover of the first booklet was written: Nine Yin Manual.
The second one read: Complete Guide to the Wind God Leg Technique.
Yan Zu slowly explained, “The Bone Forging chapter of the Nine Yin Manual is an internal cultivation technique that can optimize the circulation of soul power and solidify one’s foundation. The Healing chapter can accelerate the recovery from injuries. The Wind God Leg Technique is an external martial art; when combined with your Soft Bone Rabbit Martial Soul, it can unleash astonishing power.”
Xiao Wu carefully took the booklet and opened it to the first page.
The Nine Yin Manual began with: “The way of heaven is to diminish excess and supplement deficiency…”
After reading just a few lines, she felt the soul power within her body subtly beginning to circulate on its own.
“This… this is too precious…” Xiao Wu looked up, her large eyes filled with emotion.
“A’zu, little brother, are you really willing to teach me?”
Yan Zu smiled and ruffled her hair.
“You’re my big sister Xiao Wu. Who else would I teach if not you?”
Xiao Wu’s eyes reddened as she threw herself forward,tightly hugging Yan Zu.
“A’zu, little brother, you’re so good… I promise I’ll protect you well in the future, and protect Uncle Yan and Aunt Su!”