Chapter 50: An Accidental Encounter with Qian Renxue
The Red King, seeing that the juniors of several fierce beasts had all received benefits, vanished swiftly from sight.
"Kid, wait for me."
Having experienced this once before, everyone already knew what he was up to and weren't surprised.
The Myriad Demon King, upon learning that Ning Bei was inquiring about that immortal herb for the sake of enhancing the foundation of his juniors, was quite pleased.
"I don't know the exact effects or name of the herb, but its blossom was entirely bluish-purple, while the stem and roots were green. After I consumed it, both my internal poison resistance and vitality underwent a qualitative leap."
Based on the Myriad Demon King's description, Ning Bei recalled the immortal herbs at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. There seemed to be one that matched the description fairly closely.
"I understand, senior. If I come across such a herb again, I'll keep it in mind."
"Mhm. There's no need to go scouring the continent for it—ten-thousand-year-grade plants are already a rare fortune for a youngster. Plants surpassing that level are extremely scarce."
"I understand, senior."
He thought to himself that if the herb in the spring was truly the one the Myriad Demon King mentioned, then his team would gain another super spirit beast, one with bloodline power not inferior to the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.
While they spoke, the Red King returned, holding a three-headed pup in his grasp.
"Human, this is an outstanding offspring of my Three-Headed Red Demon Mastiff clan. I'm entrusting it to you to raise—make sure you treat it well."
Good grief, was this him shoving benefits at him now? I already have the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear—what, am I supposed to have it as a pure damage dealer while Ah Bao tanks everything? Why not just raise a turtle instead?
"Senior, I…"
Seeing that Ning Bei didn't seem inclined to accept, the hot-tempered Red King's eyes instantly turned red.
"Boy, are you looking down on my Three-Headed Red Demon Mastiff clan?"
Seeing this, Ning Bei quickly shook his head. Fine, fine, he'd take it—having two power-attack beasts wasn't a problem. No need to get worked up. He was thirty thousand years old already; wasn't he afraid anger would hurt his health?
"No, no, I mean… thank you for your trust, senior."
He summoned the Pill Tower and aimed it at the pup.
The little Three-Headed Red Demon Mastiff caught a whiff of pill fragrance and immediately dashed to the tower like a dog spotting… well, something irresistible. Its three tongues licked the tower nonstop, while it let out pleased whimpering sounds, making Ning Bei look at it with disgust.
"It really acts like a dog… Oh? That's right, it is a dog. Never mind, then."
Whether it was because his junior's behavior was too embarrassing or for another reason, the Red King's face began to match his hair color. He quickly urged Ning Bei to put the pup away and deal with it at home.
Seeing that the beasts had no further matters, Di Tian prepared to send Ning Bei back.
"Kid, do you have any requests? You can ask now."
Ning Bei thought for a moment—he didn't have any pressing needs at the moment. As for cultivation, steady progress was fine. He shook his head at Di Tian.
"Not at the moment, senior."
Di Tian smiled and nodded. People who caused few problems were welcome everywhere.
"Then I'll send you back. If you need anything, you can call me with the scale."
"Understood. Thank you, senior."
Ning Bei gathered his little beasts, bade farewell to the other fierce beasts, and followed Di Tian into the spatial rift.
At the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, space tore open and Ning Bei emerged alongside Di Tian.
"All right, I'll leave you here. Come find me again when you reach level 70."
Ning Bei nodded, then summoned the Pill Tower to produce two Hunyuan Bone-Shaping Pills, placing them into a jade bottle and handing it to Di Tian.
"Senior, if Lord Silver Dragon King awakens during this time, please let her take these. The effect may be small, but better than nothing. Until next time."
Di Tian accepted the bottle without refusing, nodded to Ning Bei, and waved a hand, disappearing on the spot.
Stretching lazily, Ning Bei thought that although this trip's gains weren't as great as last time, gaining a rabbit and a mastiff pup wasn't bad at all.
He looked around to confirm his bearings and began making his way back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
It was still several hours' walk from here to the forest's exit. Ning Bei didn't dare let his guard down, summoning Ah Bao to guard in front as they moved onward together.
"Young Master, this time we've chosen a ten-thousand-year Lightbringer Saber-Toothed Tiger for you. Snake Spear has already found its location—we can go straight there."
"Mhm, let's be quick. I can't be away from the Heaven Dou Empire for too long, or it will arouse Xue Ye's suspicion."
"Yes."
Porcupinefish Douluo led Qian Renxue toward the forest's depths.
This trip was to help Qian Renxue hunt her fifth spirit ring. With her cultivation, she could have done so long ago, but the endless affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire had delayed her. Disappearing for days right after becoming crown prince was obviously difficult.
Now free of the palace's restrictions, Qian Renxue had resumed wearing women's clothing. Her long golden hair cascaded down her back, and her charming face bore a faint smile—she was clearly in good spirits.
The crown prince's identity had always been too confining for this impostor. Coming to the Star Dou Great Forest was a way to relax.
But before they had gone far, a familiar figure appeared before them.
Qian Renxue almost blurted out "Ning Bei," but caught herself in time upon remembering her current disguise.
Opposite them, Ning Bei also recognized the pair—Little Angel and Old Pufferfish.
After a brief thought, he figured she probably wouldn't want to interact with him in her current identity. So, cupping his fists, he said:
"This young lady and senior, don't mind me. Please continue on your way—I'll be leaving now."
He called to Ah Bao, intending to leave.
Seeing him try to slip away, Qian Renxue couldn't help but smile inwardly.
"I was just wondering how to deal with this troublemaker, and here he comes, delivered to me."
She exchanged a glance with Porcupinefish Douluo, who nodded, vanished from sight, and reappeared in front of Ning Bei.
Looking at the round, bloated figure blocking his way, Ning Bei sighed helplessly.
"So, it can't be settled peacefully after all."
He glanced back at the golden-haired little angel.
"What is it you want, young lady?"
"I've heard that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's elixirs are unmatched on the continent. I'm very interested—might you enlighten me?"
Although she intended to kill him, she still wanted to extract the pill formulas first.
"Oh? You know me?"
Feigning surprise, Ning Bei looked at Qian Renxue, the Pill Tower quietly appearing in his hand. The fragrance of medicinal pills began to drift outward.
Qian Renxue's lips curved in a faint smile as she regarded the wary Ning Bei.
"The second son of Ning Fengzhi—surely it's no surprise I've heard of you. So? Will you tell me the secret of your pills?"
"If I tell you, you'll let me go?"
The beast tide was still some time away. Ning Bei decided to stall her for a while; as for Di Tian's dragon scale, he didn't think the situation was hopeless yet.
Qian Renxue's smile turned playful.
"I will. If you give me the pill formulas, I'll let you go. How about it?"
"Oh? And how can I be sure you won't lie to me?"
"You don't have a choice… do you?"
As they exchanged words, Ning Bei subtly let the pill fragrance slowly envelop Porcupinefish Douluo.
(END CHAPTER)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30st, get 30% off both your subscription and the purchase of your novel. Thank you for your support.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10