Chapter Thirty-Seven: Staying in the Dark, No Rush to Claim the Spotlight

As for the Violet Spirit Manor, Qin Chuan had also learned its general location from the map—it was another colossal entity.

“It’s actually quite simple. Find a place and toss the Spirit Iron Stone away.”

“What?! That won’t do! Brother, this stone is too important to me; I can’t part with it!”

Sleepy Bug was instantly flustered, his resolve unusually firm.

“Little brother, I understand why you treasure this Spirit Iron Stone so much—it holds the bond between us.”

“Do you think I’m right?”

“Ah…”

Upon hearing Qin Chuan’s words, Sleepy Bug broke down into tears, unable to control his emotions.

After a while, wiping his nose and tears, he sobbed, “So you knew all along, big brother. Then why do you want me to discard this stone that embodies our brotherhood?”

“Little brother, you must realize something: the most important part of brotherhood is not the object, but the heart. As long as you hold your brother in your heart, this bond will forever exist.”

Sleepy Bug thought for a moment before replying, “But, big brother, I still want to keep it. Isn’t there any other way?”

“For now, this is the only solution. Don’t be too attached to external things.”

“Besides, this Spirit Iron Stone bears the mark of Violet Spirit Manor—it’s very dangerous for you to carry it.”

With Qin Chuan’s heartfelt reasoning, Sleepy Bug, after much deliberation, finally relented.

“You’re right, big brother. I think I understand now. I was too attached to material things before.”

“Do whatever you think is best with this Spirit Iron Stone.”

Though Sleepy Bug was reluctant, he understood the stakes.

“Good, little brother. I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. Let’s discuss this outside.”

“Mm.”

After leaving the mine, Qin Chuan tossed the Spirit Iron Stone in a seemingly random spot, as if it were a dropped item.

“Let’s hope it serves some purpose.”

Qin Chuan wasn’t sure what effect the stone would have, but all of this was precautionary.

At that moment, Sleepy Bug suddenly stopped, his eyes shining with excitement.

“Big brother, I’ve found something!”

A gentle breeze carried an intoxicating fragrance.

Now, even without Sleepy Bug’s reminder, Qin Chuan knew something precious had ripened.

“Quick, little brother!”

“Mm!”

Sleepy Bug darted into the grass, heading straight for the source of the aroma.

In the deepest core of Wind Spirit Valley, a crystalline sapling slowly rose from a fissure in the earth, bearing a jade-like fruit.

“A third-tier supreme Earth Essence Fragrant Fruit—I’ve waited so long for you.”

A towering black spirit beast stood at the edge of the crevice, staring at the ascending fruit with eyes full of longing.

This black spirit beast was the Black Scale Beast, with a remarkable origin—it was the mount of Shang Xuan Yue, disciple of Black Wind Cliff.

Ten years ago, after being caught stealing spirit pills, it had its cultivation sealed and was thrown here to guard the Earth Essence Fragrant Fruit.

Before leaving, Shang Xuan Yue had told the Black Scale Beast that when the fruit matured, it would be time to return to Black Wind Cliff. Thus, its gaze was filled with yearning.

When the fruit ripened, the sapling would float in midair for ten seconds.

After ten seconds, the fruit would fall of its own accord, and the sapling would disintegrate—this was the ideal moment to harvest.

At this time, the sword and the bug had followed the scent to the vicinity.

“Ding! Discovered a second-tier supreme mutated Black Scale Beast lord, rare quality, level 19.”

“Ding! Discovered third-tier supreme Earth Essence Fragrant Fruit.”

Hearing the system prompt, Qin Chuan’s face turned pale. “Damn! A king among tier two beasts, level 19!”

Actually, if its cultivation hadn’t been sealed, the Black Scale Beast’s level would far exceed 19.

Sleepy Bug whispered, “Big brother, what should we do? That giant is obviously tough to handle!”

“This delicious fruit would be a waste not to snatch, but this Black Scale Beast is indeed troublesome.”

Qin Chuan was at a loss—he had no confidence he could defeat the level 19 beast, even breaking its defenses was questionable.

Despite the Black Scale Beast guarding the fruit, Qin Chuan was not inclined to give up—the third-tier supreme fruit was simply too enticing.

“Little brother, since we can’t win by force, we’ll have to use our wits. If we’re lucky, you might not get much out of it this time.”

“Big brother, as long as you can snatch the fruit, my own gain doesn’t matter. Following you means happiness lies ahead.”

At moments like these, Sleepy Bug knew what mattered.

“Hide yourself well, little brother. I’m taking a big risk this time. If things go wrong, just escape—you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Big brother, I believe in you. You’ll definitely succeed. With you, I’m not afraid even of Black Wind Cliff!”

This time, Sleepy Bug cheered Qin Chuan on, truly hoping he’d get the fruit. They’d already offended Black Wind Cliff, so what was one more offense?

“Alright, then let’s go all the way and thoroughly offend Black Wind Cliff.”

Crackling sounds came as the sapling started to break apart, the fragrance intensifying. The fruit hovered in midair, gently spinning, entering its countdown.

“Now’s the time—come to me!”

The Black Scale Beast opened its massive jaws, inhaling and drawing the fruit slowly toward it.

“Ten years—I can finally leave this cursed place!”

As the fruit approached, excitement and anticipation shone in the beast’s eyes.

Suddenly, a black iron sword soared through the air!

“Chirp!”

“Thud!”

For a brief moment, the scent was overwhelming, but it was swiftly devoured by an invisible force.

Qin Chuan had just used his skill, Flow Strike—not targeting the Black Scale Beast, but hitting the Earth Essence Fragrant Fruit with precision.

“Ding! Successfully devoured third-tier supreme Earth Essence Fragrant Fruit. Gained 800,000 experience points and 80,000 evolution points.”

“Haha! Got it—how fragrant!”

“Damn, the experience and essence are absurdly high!”

“Ding!…”

“Swish!”

Qin Chuan returned to his starting point, fleeing without a backward glance.

At the last moment, the fruit had been intercepted!

The Black Scale Beast’s fury erupted like a volcano.

“Who?! Bastard! Stop right there, let me tear you apart!”

“Stop your nonsense! Do you think I’m stupid?”

Qin Chuan used all his strength, desperately burrowing into the grass.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Enraged, the Black Scale Beast seemed to have wind beneath its feet, leaping more than ten meters in a single bound.

“Damn, how can you jump so far? You’re just bullying me for having four legs while I have none!”

Even as the beast chased him, Qin Chuan couldn’t resist making light of the situation.

“With that lousy level 14 black sword, you’re doomed!”

The beast’s booming voice thundered from twenty meters away, and it would be upon Qin Chuan in the next instant.

“Damn! You really think I’m afraid of you?! Take this!”

Qin Chuan roared, spinning his sword, purple light radiating from his body, its sharp energy surging forth.

The sudden surge of power caught the Black Scale Beast off guard. “Oh? A purple spirit weapon—no wonder you’re so arrogant!”

The beast leapt, swinging its giant claw in a vicious swipe, eager to shatter Qin Chuan in one blow.

Boom!

The claw struck the ground, leaving a massive imprint. Dirt flew, dust billowed.

Missing his mark, the Black Scale Beast was stunned. “Where did he go?!”

By now, Qin Chuan was already far away.

He had feigned a counterattack, luring the beast to strike, then blinked out of reach the next instant.

“Haha, fooled you! Did you really think I’d counterattack? This is called the art of deception!”

Once the dust settled, the Black Scale Beast saw Qin Chuan leap into the grass ahead.

“Bastard! No matter how sly you are, I will catch you!”

With a furious roar, the beast bounded after him into the grass.