Chapter 41
Oath
The little manta ray, which didn't quite understand human aesthetics, happily accepted the tempting treat after sensing Qin Ming's goodwill and getting the senior sister's approval.
Watching the miniature, palm-sized demonic manta ray effortlessly devour the array crystal, which was almost the size of its body.
Qin Ming couldn't help but sigh, "Spirit beasts are truly amazing creatures!"
It's not scientifically sound, but it's cute and edible.
Obviously, raising any spirit beast is extremely expensive in terms of daily costs alone, not to mention the additional costs required for evolution.
But this is not a problem with the spirit beasts, but a problem with the spirit tamers, a consensus shared by everyone on the Spirit Martial Continent.
Qin Ming had previously struggled to comprehend this madness, but now he was slowly beginning to understand.
They're both right!
Looking at the two crescent-shaped eyes of the Demon Winged Manta Ray, Qin Ming smiled somewhat foolishly.
Spirit beasts are so cute and innocent, what problems could they possibly have?
It's just that I can eat a little bit.
As long as the resources are in place, won't it grow?
Although the size of the manta ray has not increased significantly, there is still a slight change that can be seen with the naked eye.
After a period of time, the manta ray gradually stabilized its size, growing from the size of a palm to the size of two palms.
Even if the food intake doubles next time, the eldest sister can still afford to feed her.
Considering his senior brother's enormous serpent-like size, Qin Ming had great confidence in his senior sister's financial strength.
Feeling that he had accomplished a great feat today, Qin Ming, who did not seek fame but was extremely satisfied, looked at the information on the panel with a sense of ease and laziness.
Name: Demon Winged Manta Ray
[Attribute]: Water + Wind
[Race Rank]: Low-ranking Commander (Under Recovery)
[Evaluation: Congenital damage, recovery progress (89+1)/100]
Qin Ming's intuition told him that the +1 was actually his achievement.
Suddenly, I wasn't so happy anymore.
Hmm, it seems that congenital damage is harder to repair than I imagined...
Even if it takes 100 times the energy of Qin Ming's enhanced intermediate-level array crystal, it's still worth it to exchange for a spirit beast that starts at a low-level commander!
Anyway, it was extremely worthwhile for Qin Ming.
But my god, what level of resources did Senior Sister feed in the past?
If I'm not mistaken, even if we cultivate it using Qin Ming's enhanced intermediate-level array crystal condensation method, it wouldn't reach this progress by the time it reaches the size of the Demon Winged Manta Ray, right?
After all, it takes time for a young spirit beast to digest the crystals formed by the array.
What level of rare and precious materials were used?
Qin Ming dared not think about it; he only knew—
Senior Sister, you're definitely a rich woman!
It can only be said that before this, the Demon Wing Manta Ray's recovery progress was already quite high.
The fact that Qin Ming has such a noticeable change in appearance is purely due to good luck.
They hit the jackpot, arriving at the perfect moment when quantitative change led to qualitative change.
The senior sister, unaware of what Qin Ming was thinking, stared intently at her little batfish, afraid of missing even a single second, until her eyes reddened.
Having roughly understood the underlying reasons, Qin Ming did not step forward to disturb his senior sister's heartfelt expression.
The familiar scene before him made Qin Ming hallucinate his past with Keda, adding a touch of melancholy to his experience.
Qin Ming, who had intended to leave in a huff after accomplishing his task, was intercepted by his senior brother halfway through his journey.
Qin Ming: ?
Could it be that the senior brother is here to check the rules?
I haven't run away yet! You're innocent!
Under Qin Ming's accusing gaze, the eldest brother thought about the demonic winged manta ray that would grow rapidly in the wind, and his expression was somewhat complicated.
"I'm here to deliver resources to Keda."
Who would have thought your crystal condensation formation would be so effective? I really underestimated you!
In fact, there's no reason to pursue a deal that's already been made, even if the value isn't entirely reasonable. But the senior brother's attitude made Qin Ming feel very comfortable.
However, it cannot be ruled out that the senior brother may want to collaborate more in the future.
"This is Xuan Shui Jade. Wearing it allows water-type spirit beasts to better perceive water-related energy and can increase the absorption speed of formation crystals to a certain extent."
This is great stuff!
Qin Ming, who had been considering whether to decline, since it wouldn't look good to accept an extra gift, found himself unable to refuse after hearing his senior brother's explanation.
"There is also the Spirit Spring Algae, an algae that grows in springs rich in spiritual energy. It tastes very good and is the favorite food of duck-type spirit beasts. Long-term consumption can also enhance physical fitness."
After saying that, the eldest brother thoughtfully handed him a large bag.
Qin Ming was naturally aware that this extremely delicious snack was listed in the discussion thread about duck-type spirit beasts.
He had also placed an order for a small amount of Lingquan Qingzao (a type of algae), and apart from being too expensive, there were no other problems.
And this huge bag in front of me, wow!
More importantly, although the price of this spiritual spring algae is outrageous, Qin Ming can still roughly estimate it.
But this even more precious Xuan Shui Jade is completely priceless; Qin Ming has no idea how to value it.
The value difference between consumable resources and continuously usable resources is often more than 10 times.
Furthermore, the Xuan Shui Jade has almost no limitations, and its functions perfectly match Qin Ming's needs.
If he misses this opportunity, he doesn't know how long it will be before he has the chance to obtain similar resources again.
Qin Ming's conscience was being tormented.
"Senior Brother, you've given far too much, exceeding the original price by five times," Qin Ming said with a solemn expression and difficulty.
"Things aren't calculated like that. The time you saved me is just as valuable," the senior brother comforted him.
"If you really think it's too much, just consider it my investment in your future and my confidence in you."
"You don't need to feel guilty at all. We're willing to give this to you because you deserve it!"
What a sweet-hearted senior brother! I will never secretly gossip about you with Zheng Wenjie again.
Qin Ming hereby swears!
Even if you really come to enforce discipline in the future and wrongly accuse me, I won't blame you, Senior Brother!
In the end, Qin Ming accepted the valuable and heartfelt gift from his senior brother, and secretly made up his mind:
I, Qin, will do my utmost to help the great snake shed its skin!
Suddenly, Qin Ming felt something push hard on his shoulder, and he stumbled.
The python, which had only intended to gently nudge Qin Ming with its tail to greet him and attract his attention, froze in place.
"It's not your fault, I just lost my balance while holding something."
When Qin Ming turned around and saw that it was the giant snake, he didn't stand on ceremony at all and started rubbing it.
Wuhu, that's exactly the smooth feel we're looking for!
The snake was so docile and let you touch it; it was so cute that Qin Ming even had the urge to go up and ride the slide.
Of course, the truth behind his obediently letting himself be touched is that no matter how much Qin Ming rubs and kneads him, he can't break through the giant snake's defenses. But if the giant snake makes a move, it's hard to say what will happen to the fragile Qin Ming.
Unaware of the truth, Qin Ming enjoyed his innocent happiness.
And he just kept rubbing the cool snake scales, because it was really stress-relieving and addictive on a hot day.
"Quack~" (Spirit Master, don't you like ducks anymore?)
Having witnessed everything before his eyes, Keda could no longer hold back.
Qin Ming turned around and saw Keda at his feet, whose eyes were already starting to well up with tears.
=͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪ ‧̣̥̇)
Wait! That's not how it works!
Keda, listen to my excuses!
No, please allow me to explain!