Tang San was deep in thought.
"It's here!" Zhu Zhuqing warned. "What should we do?"
Everyone instinctively looked at Zhuge Lan.
But then, Zhuge Lan slowly faded away and disappeared?
A mere afterimage!
Just as they were about to search for him, Zhuge Lan returned to the group, dragging a large snake — the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake.
The Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake hissed, flicking its tongue and struggling fiercely.
With a loud slap, Zhuge Lan smacked its head sideways. Then he cast a Holy Light spell, leaving the snake limp.
*[Emotion Points +555]*
"But wasn't it not suitable? Why catch it, then?" Xiao Wu murmured.
"It's injured; seems it was being chased," Zhuge Lan explained. "Let's wait and see whether it's a spirit beast or a spirit master."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
If it was a spirit beast that could hunt the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake, its age would certainly be much higher — maybe suitable for Oscar.
If it was a spirit master, they'd gauge the sincerity of the other party.
The group ate in place to regain their energy.
After a few minutes, two figures came swiftly from the direction of the snake's appearance — an old woman and a young girl.
It was Chaotianxiang and Meng Yiran.
Zhuge Lan observed Meng Yiran: around sixteen or seventeen, with short, ear-length blue-gray hair, wearing a low-cut dress that gave her an air of both elegance and allure. She was quite the beauty.
*[Emotion Points +111]*
*[Emotion Points +999]*
Seeing the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake in their grasp, a cautious glint appeared in Chaotianxiang's eyes. She immediately revealed her spirit rings: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black — six rings, marking her as a Spirit Emperor!
She greeted politely, "Young friend, I am Chaotianxiang, nicknamed Snake Granny in the spirit master community."
"My husband is Meng Shu, known as Dragon Duke."
"This is my granddaughter, Meng Yiran."
"I chased this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake for half a day to get it as my granddaughter's third spirit ring."
"It has two scars on its belly and a wound beneath its wings, which I inflicted with my cane — easy to identify."
"I hope you all might give this old woman some face. I'll certainly repay the favor if there's ever an opportunity."
Showing respect first, she was thorough in her reasoning.
Facing a group of youths, her level of caution was noteworthy.
But, Zhuge Lan noted, her emotion points were disappointingly low.
He stepped forward, swinging the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake lightly.
"The snake's age is just right for Xiao Ao's third spirit ring," he said. "Seeing its wounds, though, we figured it had been hunted and thought of finding a better fit."
"Unfortunately..."
Chaotianxiang caught the underlying tone — he was asking for benefits.
If he didn't want to give up the snake, he could've just said so directly. Why the roundabout approach?
As she pondered her response, Meng Yiran, unable to hold back, stepped forward and scolded, "Don't you understand first-come-first-served? We hunted this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake, so it should rightfully be ours! Hand it over to your elder sister!"
Oh! She's got a fiery temper.
Zhuge Lan's feet glowed with three spirit rings — all purple. The sight made the two women's eyes widen in shock!
*[Emotion Points +1111]*
*[Emotion Points +1222]*
Three thousand-year spirit rings for the first, second, and third rings?! What kind of monster is this?
Chaotianxiang instinctively pulled Meng Yiran back, realizing this youth's background was too formidable to provoke!
"Young friend," she said gently, "what would it take for you to let go of this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake? It really suits my granddaughter."
She handed the decision back to Zhuge Lan.
— Talking with the wise is straightforward.
This Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake couldn't be given away, though. If Meng Yiran took it, they'd lose the chance to hunt the Man-Faced Demon Spider. And if Tang San didn't encounter the Man-Faced Demon Spider, he wouldn't get his external spirit bone, would he?
But what excuse to use?
Zhuge Lan looked at Zhu Zhuqing, who immediately nodded in understanding.
—Wait, what did she understand again?
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward. "Snake Granny, may I speak with you privately?"
Huh? Why is she talking to Chaotianxiang?
Zhuge Lan was curious and chose not to intervene.
Confident as a Spirit Emperor, Chaotianxiang had no fear of Zhu Zhuqing trying any tricks. She took Meng Yiran aside, ensuring she could still respond quickly if needed, then walked with Zhu Zhuqing to a quieter spot.
Under mental detection, the conversation took place.
"Go ahead, young lady. I'm listening," Chaotianxiang said.
Zhu Zhuqing got straight to the point.
"As you saw, Lan's first spirit ring is of thousand-year quality," she began. "His family has a secret method to enhance spirit ring years."
"If your granddaughter transfers to Shrek Academy, I can personally guarantee that her spirit ring's years can be enhanced — at least 2000 years."
"What do you think?"
Zhuge Lan: (●—●)
Huh?
So, what Zhu Zhuqing "understood" was that he took a fancy to Meng Yiran and wanted her to help persuade her over?
Hmm… not a bad idea, actually.
Meng Yiran had competed in the Elite Tournament, a supporting character of sorts. Even if he didn't pursue her, she'd be around to provide emotion points.
No downside here.
Meanwhile, Chaotianxiang's years of experience allowed her to instantly interpret Zhu Zhuqing's intentions. The notion of enhancing spirit ring years was a bit far-fetched, but with Zhuge Lan's abilities as proof, there was no need to question it.
A 2000-year spirit ring was certainly tempting. But Shrek Academy? What backwater academy was that? Never even heard of it. Likely some family training center for a few budding talents with delusions of grandeur.
Meng Yiran's current academy, Beast Spirit Academy, was one of the continent's best, with a headmaster who was a friend of her grandfather's — far more reliable.
Leaving for an unknown just for a 2000-year boost? Not worth it.
However…
Chaotianxiang's eyes narrowed as she considered Zhuge Lan.
If she grabbed the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake and ran, as long as she didn't hurt anyone, there shouldn't be too much trouble.
But then, a powerful aura surged toward them, making Chaotianxiang tense up — a Spirit Sage!
Of course. How could these kids be allowed to wander alone?
She quickly dismissed the idea of snatching the snake.
With regret, she said, "Since you need the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake, we'll leave it with you."
And with that, she pulled the reluctant Meng Yiran away, not giving Zhu Zhuqing a chance to say anything else.
*[Emotion Points +555]*
Zhu Zhuqing returned to the group, giving Zhuge Lan an apologetic look.
— Sorry, I messed up.
Zhuge Lan smiled and patted Zhu Zhuqing's head. "You did great; don't worry about it."
*[Emotion Points +5555]*
*[Emotion Points +1111]*
*[Emotion Points +666]*
This wave of affection came without warning.
"What should we do with this Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake?" Xiao Wu asked. "If no one needs it, let's release it."
Hmm… Zhuge Lan lifted the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake.
Truthfully, the emotion points from this NPC snake exceeded those of spirit beasts of the same rank.
"Let's keep it for a while," Zhuge Lan said. "They just left; if we release it now, it might just get captured again."
*[Emotion Points +1111]*
Xiao Wu beamed and nodded, her impression of Zhuge Lan improving even more.
The group continued forward.
Zhuge Lan switched to his right hand to carry the Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake, casting Holy Light on it occasionally to farm emotion points.
Under mental detection, most spirit beasts' ambushes were revealed.
One Holy Light Blessing, and they'd retreat immediately.
Until...
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