"Here!"
Xiao Hei and Ling Er returned, handing Su Xiaobai the sap essence dripping with spiritual power.
Without hesitation, Su Xiaobai snatched the ring from Xiao Hei. Why leave it with her? She'd probably spill it or blow it up—little firecracker that she was.
Behind them, the once-radiant tree dimmed, its glow snuffed out like a drunk at dawn.
He turned to Ling Er, brow raised as she shoved her spatial ring toward him. "What? You don't want it?"
"Just take it!" she huffed, arms crossed, face red. "Break through already and fly us back to camp!"
"???"
Su Xiaobai blinked, debating whether to tease her. Nah, she had a point. Shrugging, he grabbed the ring.
"Don't regret it later," he said with a smirk, heading to an open patch. Sitting cross-legged, he drew out the sap essence. Golden energy spiraled into his dantian, stirring the air like a rising storm.
