Chapter 11: The Mysterious Stone Bead
Looking at the nest of treasure-hunting rats before him, Xuantian's face flickered with astonishment, but soon a look of realization washed over him.
The prehistoric innate species were all extremely proud, willing to die rather than yield. The unusual submission of treasure-hunting rat Xiao Jin was likely related to this nest of rats before him.
As expected, a message reached Xuantian, and he instantly understood the entire situation, and his expression towards treasure-hunting rat Xiao Jin became somewhat peculiar.
It turned out that this treasure-hunting rat Xiao Jin, was actually a prehistoric "rat father." It had once had a treasure-hunting rat companion, a female treasure-hunting rat. Its bloodline was even purer than his own, and the innate spiritual treasure it held was its legacy.
But in the prehistoric world, Heaven's principles were impartial. Treasure-hunting rats possess a special bloodline, possessing the incredible ability to find treasures. However, this also draws the envy of the heavens, often leading to misfortune.
Even ordinary Profound Immortal Realm demons can speak human language, but the treasure-hunting rats of the Golden Immortal Realm are simply unable to do so. Xiao Jin's treasure-hunting rat companion perished in an accident, leaving behind only these five children.
Young treasure-hunting rats are extremely fragile and require the care of an adult. If one were to perish, these five pups would likely die as well. This is why Xiao Jin surrendered so readily.
"Squeak!"
Just as Xuantian was pondering, a cry of approval rang out.
The five treasure-hunting rat cubs, previously sound asleep, all woke up upon seeing their father return. They chirped with delight.
Xiao Jin was quick to act, tossing some precious immortal essence and divine ore in front of the little treasure-hunting rats. Then, crisp sounds could be heard as the treasure-hunting rat cubs devoured the incredibly sturdy refining materials like snacks.
For the treasure-hunting rats, the prehistoric innate species, the immortal essence, and minerals were all merely their food. In fact, the more immortal essence they consumed, the purer their bloodline became. The five cubs, their fur now golden, were clearly under Xiao Jin's care.
"I didn't expect you, Xiao Jin, to be a prehistoric rat father. The prehistoric world is treacherous. From today on, you and your five children will follow me!"
Xuantian spoke, his heart enticed by the treasure-hunting rats' treasure-hunting abilities.
The purer the bloodline, the more incredible the treasures found in the prehistoric world.
Furthermore, this race was envied by the heavens.
Aside from the Jiejiao's chief disciple, Duobao Daoren, these few treasure-hunting rats are probably the only ones left in the entire prehistoric world.
Most importantly, he possesses a clan-wide Primordial Harmony system. By making the treasure-hunting rats a subordinate race of the human race, he can then achieve peace and the ability of the rats' terrifying treasure-hunting capabilities.
The greater their number, the purer their bloodline, and the more terrifying their treasure-hunting abilities will naturally become. The innate restrictions can block the secrets of heaven, and within the blessed land of the cave, there is still a wealth of innate vein minerals, more than enough to cultivate treasure-hunting rats.
"Thank you, Master, for taking me in!"
Hearing this, Xiao Jin was overjoyed. A pocket appeared on his belly, seemingly containing its own internal space. He then placed the entire nest of treasure-hunting rats in the pocket.
He did not rush to collect the treasures in the entire cave but instead placed them all before Xuantian as if offering the treasures. Clearly, he understood the hierarchy of status, and naturally, the best items should be chosen by his master first.
"You're quite thoughtful!"
Xuantian took a quick look. Most of them were vein mineral essences, food for the treasure-hunting rat cubs, so he naturally didn't need them. There were also quite a few spiritual treasures.
However, most of them were acquired spiritual treasures. He already had a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, the Golden Spirit Pearl. Naturally, he no longer valued these treasures. Even the ripe spiritual fruits and herbs were nothing more than that to him, who possessed a blessed cave paradise.
Of course, this was also due to Xuantian's immense wealth; these treasures were likely worth the fortune of a powerful Taiyi Golden Immortal.
"Hmm?"
At that moment, Xuantian's gaze shifted to a black stone bead. It appeared unremarkable, but his spiritual sense revealed nothing; only the naked eye could see it.
"What is this?"
Xuantian grasped the black stone bead with a single, powerful hand. His spiritual energy poured into it, but it remained motionless, like a drop in the ocean. This intensified the look of surprise on his face.
Clang!
The Gengjin Star Sword slashed down, but only the sound of metal clashing rang out, unable to even leave a mark on the black stone bead. In terms of hardness alone, this black stone bead was likely equivalent to a top-grade innate spiritual treasure.
"Forget it!"
Seeing he couldn't find it, Xuantian gave up the struggle and simply put the black stone bead away. It could block spiritual consciousness, and its hardness was comparable to that of a top-grade innate spiritual treasure.
Naturally, this black stone bead wasn't that simple, so he decided to keep it for now. It wouldn't be too late to explore it again later when his cultivation level improved.
"Master, this black stone bead was originally found by my Taoist partner by chance, but it's difficult to explore its mysteries," Xiao Jin's spirit transmitted. Speaking of his Taoist partner, his tone was unusually sad, even a touch of hatred, though it was well concealed.
Xuantian looked at Xiao Jin with slight surprise. It seemed his Taoist partner's death might hold some secrets.
However, the main purpose of this trip was to find that medium-sized blessed cave and relocate the human race.
Moreover, Xiaojin's Taoist partner's bloodline was even purer, and her strength was naturally terrifying. Someone capable of slaying her was at least a Taiyi Golden Immortal, or even a great master.
Thinking of this, Xuantian no longer hesitated and immediately sat on Xiao Jin's back. Immediately, as he transmitted his divine thoughts, Xiao Jin also unleashed his earth-moving magical power, weaving through the earth's spiritual veins, heading towards the medium-sized blessed cave.
Along the way, Xuantian witnessed the extraordinary power of the treasure-hunting rat bloodline. It seemed to constantly sense opportunities for spiritual treasures, including ripening spiritual fruits and herbs, deep-seated innate minerals, and even some acquired spiritual treasures.
While each individual opportunity treasure wasn't particularly impressive, the combined value was immense.
Similarly, during his journey, he occasionally nurtured the treasure-hunting rat pups, feeding them immortal essence and divine materials, cultivating their bond. This in turn, made the five treasure-hunting rat pups grow increasingly fond of him.
One day, while Xuantian was sitting on Xiao Jin's back, feeding the five treasure-hunting rat pups as part of his daily routine, he saw five soul imprints emerge from the rat pups' bodies.
Immediately, they sank directly into Xuantian's body, and the five treasure-hunting rat pups affectionately caressed Xuantian with their heads.
Clearly, this was the cub actively recognizing its master and offering its spirit mark.
However, before Xuantian could recover from his surprise, two consecutive notification sounds suddenly rang out in his mind.
[Ding Dong, congratulations to the host, you have successfully subdued the Treasure Hunting Rat Clan, making them a subordinate race of the human race. Reward - Minor Supernatural Power – Pot of Heaven]
[Ding Dong, Seeking Harmony with the Treasure Hunting Rat Clan. Harmony Successful, you have obtained the Minor Supernatural Power - Earth Walking, and the Innate Great Supernatural Power - Great Treasure Hunting Technique]
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(End of this chapter)