There was even an unexpected extra gain—something Qinghua hadn't foreseen. Tonight was destined to be a night of rich rewards.
Inside the room, Tianlan had initially intended to negotiate with the other beastman, hoping to get some real assistance and make his alliance with her worthwhile.
But something was wrong. His eyelids gradually grew heavy, and with two successive thuds, both beastmen collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
With no guards outside, Qinghua's entry was easier. This was primarily because Tianlan's secret meetings with the bird clan had been conducted discreetly, so no third party beastman knew about them.
Her prior experience in small worlds had taught Qinghua the value of special sedative concoctions. Without that knowledge, this situation wouldn't have progressed so smoothly.
As before, Qinghua immediately found the bird clan staff. In exchange, she handed over a bottle of a normal "Many Children and Prosperity Pill."
From Tianlan's memories, Qinghua knew clearly: this beastman had no intention to harm other staff holders; he only sought cooperation.
As for the other unconscious sea turtle beastman, he was ambitious and indeed knew the route. But his aim had been selfish—using Tianlan's concern for his clan's reproduction to fantasize about collecting all three staffs and visiting the Beast God's relics alone.
Now that all necessary items were gathered, Qinghua had no reason to linger in Beast God City—she didn't want any unnecessary complications.
A few hours later, Tianlan gradually awoke. At first, he blamed himself for the mysterious loss of the staff, but when he saw the inscription on the ground, his face immediately lit up with joy:
[The bird clan staff has been reclaimed. Your request has been granted. You are specially bestowed a pill beneficial for reproduction.]
He paid no mind to the sea turtle beastman who had wanted to cooperate. After all, he wasn't from his clan, so there was no need to worry about him.
Meanwhile, Qinghua altered the memories of the sea turtle beastman, Hai Lin, making him believe she was the Beast God's emissary, accompanying her on the ship to find the Beast God's relics.
Speaking of sailing, Qinghua had learned this skill in her first world to facilitate maritime missions, never expecting it to become useful now.
Bier, observing Qinghua bringing along such a potentially treacherous beastman, was puzzled:
"Sister, you already got the route to the Beast God's relics from his memory. Why bring this dead weight along?"
Qinghua smiled brightly and explained patiently: "Sometimes, turning waste into treasure is a clever trick. This beastman can help us scout the way."
She never acted as a naïve good person toward cunning beings. Proper manipulation could yield unexpected gains.
Qinghua also combined all the staffs, forming a single blue-black staff. Its aura became strange—ominous, cold, and peculiar.
Bier sensed faint traces of evil energy emanating from it. Though subtle, her keen senses detected it.
"Sister, this staff is dangerous. Don't touch it directly. I'll safeguard it for you."
Qinghua trusted Bier, the bearer of the supreme Yang element—Biyu Canglan's extraordinary flame—and handed over the staff.
When Hai Lin awoke, he found himself on a masterfully crafted ship, piloted by the Beast God's emissary he remembered.
"Beast God's emissary, how long until we reach the destination? Please advise."
Qinghua lazily replied, "This is my first time here. I can't guarantee the time—just wait and see."
Hearing her indifferent answer, Hai Lin outwardly appeared submissive, but inwardly cursed: Once we arrive, your value will be gone. I'll monopolize the Beast God's treasure for myself…
Qinghua, reading his thoughts, smirked internally and signaled Bier: Keep a close eye on him. If he tries to interfere, burn him—tighten the skin on him.
For some reason, Hai Lin shivered involuntarily, sensing danger.
Two days later, Qinghua and the group reached the final destination—a remote island in the sea.
Without Hai Lin's mental map of the location, Qinghua knew she would have spent a lifetime searching for such a secluded isle.
When Hai Lin saw the mysterious island recorded in the legacy beast skin, joy filled his eyes, mixed with a hint of hidden madness directed at Qinghua.
As Qinghua stepped onto the island, the fused staff she had entrusted to Bier radiated dazzling blue light and floated into the air, as if aware, guiding them forward.
Seeing this, Qinghua's expression turned grave. The smoother things went, the more vigilant she became.
Hai Lin, noticing her cautious demeanor, silently complained: Female beastmen are so timid. How did the Beast God choose such a coward as an emissary?
Bier restrained herself, determined to keep a close watch on the troublesome beastman.
Qinghua observed Bier clinging to Hai Lin's back in soul form, baring her tiny claws. She smiled. The little one was still a bit impatient—something to work on later.
Half an hour later, the staff led Qinghua to a labyrinth entrance. A massive stone door stood there, with a conspicuous indentation matching the staff's shape.
"Ha Lin, place the staff into the indentation!"
"Beast God's emissary… am I suitable for this?" Hai Lin appeared eager but tried to feign reluctance. If his hands weren't already gripping the staff, the act would have been more convincing.
"No worries. Either of us could do it. The Beast God sensed your sincerity and specifically wanted me to say it."
Upon hearing this, Hai Lin rushed forward with a sly smile, thinking: What a naive female—she's handing this opportunity to me. I'll surely receive the most blessings from the Beast God.
Qinghua had planned this deliberately. Once the staff touched the island, it no longer obeyed her. Though it could fly into the indentation itself, she knew better than to trust it.
As Hai Lin placed the staff, his smile lasted only a few seconds before he turned into a skeleton.
Bier jumped in surprise. She had just sensed a familiar evil aura emanating from the stone door—emanating from Hai Lin himself.
"Ha ha ha! I can finally see the light of day again!"