Beasts: Only I Can See the Hidden Evolution Path

Chapter 66: Phoenix Tail Grass in Hand, Booking the Magic Fire Flower!

"Doctor Xiao, why not stay for a cup of tea?"

"Then I shall accept your gracious invitation."

The emergence of the Purple Spirit Essence was not just about healing the War Giant Rhino Emperor; it was a significant breakthrough. This potion, developed by Xiao Xingyu, could easily eliminate the Sand Mites plaguing the beasts in Huangyan City, where beastmasters had suffered for years.

In the Zhou residence, in the main living room, Zhou Xiong showcased his hospitality, serving the best tea to Xiao Xingyu.

"This Yunnan Pu'er tea is only found near Huangyan City. It has a smooth texture, sweet taste, and is not bitter at all. Give it a try!"

Xiao Xingyu took a sip and smiled sheepishly, "Lord Zhou, I'm just a rough guy from a small town, not really a tea connoisseur. You've gone through the trouble for me."

"What are you saying? You saved my War Giant Rhino Emperor! If it weren't for you, my beast would still be tormented by those Sand Mites, losing fat and blood."

After consuming the Purple Spirit Essence, the War Giant Rhino Emperor showed significant improvement; it just needed a few more days of rest to regain its former peak strength.

After sipping tea, Zhou Xiong couldn't contain his excitement any longer and got straight to the point.

"Doctor Xiao, you must have guessed that in Huangyan City, my beastmaster army consists of thousands of members, and their beasts are all suffering from Sand Mites."

"If the Purple Spirit Essence you developed could be mass-produced, it would solve a huge problem when I return to Huangyan City next week!"

Zhou Xiong's intentions were clear: he wanted Xiao Xingyu to provide a large quantity of the Purple Spirit Essence.

Xiao Xingyu didn't rush to respond; instead, he furrowed his brow, pretending to think deeply.

"Lord Zhou, developing the Purple Spirit Essence is quite draining for me..."

Zhou Xiong patted Xiao Xingyu's shoulder and laughed heartily, "Don't worry! How could I let you work for free?"

"You mean..."

"Just name a price, and I'll write you a check for any amount you want!"

As a veteran of the state, Zhou Xiong's salary for guarding Huangyan City was comparable to that of a large beastmaster guild's annual revenue.

Xiao Xingyu shook his head.

"I'm not interested in money."

This statement nearly made Zhou Xiong burst into laughter.

"You don't want money? Then what do you want?"

Xiao Xingyu no longer concealed his desires, stating simply, "Phoenix Tail Grass."

"Phoenix Tail Grass?"

Zhou Xiong was taken aback by the request.

He paused, then opened the backpack on the couch.

Inside were various precious evolution materials needed for beastmasters. Among them were three small plants emitting a faint blue glow, radiating a strong sense of mystery.

Xiao Xingyu's eyes lit up; he could confirm that these were indeed the Phoenix Tail Grass he had been yearning for.

Zhou Xiong took out the three plants and explained their origin.

"This Phoenix Tail Grass grows in the Laigu Glacier, which is quite close to Huangyan City."

"From what I know, Phoenix Tail Grass isn't considered a treasure; it only provides some basic attributes when consumed by beasts."

As he spoke, Zhou Xiong's gaze shifted to Xiao Xingyu, questioning him, "Doctor Xiao, you've done me a great service. Is this all you want as a reward?"

"I hope Lord Zhou can comply."

"Fine, consider it a gift!"

Zhou Xiong handed the three plants to Xiao Xingyu with both hands.

Suppressing his joy, Xiao Xingyu accepted the Phoenix Tail Grass.

The texture of the plants felt like clouds or cotton, light and airy, with a hint of coolness.

"Since you're so interested in Phoenix Tail Grass, it must have some other value. We soldiers don't know much about it."

Zhou Xiong, as a seasoned warrior, could sense that the Phoenix Tail Grass had additional uses, but he didn't know the specifics.

Xiao Xingyu smiled lightly and changed the subject.

"By the way, Lord Zhou, you've lived in Huangyan City for a long time, close to the Laigu Glacier... Could you help me with one more thing?"

"Feel free to ask."

"I need a Magic Fire Flower."

Zhou Xiong considered, recalling something.

"Magic Fire Flowers, like Phoenix Tail Grass, also grow in the Laigu Glacier."

"This flower has some toxicity, and it's commonly found near high-level mutated beasts..."

"If this request is too much, just forget I mentioned it."

Zhou Xiong shifted his tone.

"While gathering it might be challenging, if you want it, I can help you pick one!"

Xiao Xingyu's heart soared with joy.

With this, he had secured both the Phoenix Tail Grass and the Magic Fire Flower.

All that remained was the dung of a divine beast, and he could successfully cultivate the ancient plant-type beast—Heavenly Soul Vine Beast—stored in the system warehouse.

Xiao Xingyu, filled with excitement, made a promise.

"Lord Zhou, you plan to return to Huangyan City next week, right?"

"Yes."

"I guarantee that before you leave, I will prepare enough Purple Spirit Essence for over a thousand beasts, so you can take it back for the beastmaster warriors."

Zhou Xiong beamed like a child. He stood up and extended his hand toward Xiao Xingyu.

"Deal?"

"Deal."

As Xiao Xingyu shook hands with Zhou Xiong, they exchanged smiles like old friends.

With each interaction, their relationship grew closer, evolving from mere acquaintances to partners.

Zhou Xiong threw his arm around Xiao Xingyu's shoulders and changed how he addressed him.

"Brother Xiao, stay for dinner at my house tonight! We hit it off well, and I’d love to share a drink!"

Xiao Xingyu hesitated, suddenly recalling the pressing matter.

"Brother Zhou, to be honest, I snuck out."

"You snuck out? From where?"

Xiao Xingyu replied truthfully.

Zhou Xiong was taken aback.

"So you traveled all the way from Qinglong Academy to Four Spirits City to participate in the Supernova Competition!"

Xiao Xingyu nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"What a coincidence! My son is also participating in the Supernova Competition. You should have met him; his name is Zhou Ye!"

"At this time, he should be battling against my teammate on the competition stage..."

Xiao Xingyu had never felt so awkward while smiling.

"Come on, let's go watch the match. We can also meet the Empress; she always comes to watch the Supernova Competition."

Zhou Xiong pulled Xiao Xingyu along toward the venue. 

At the Supernova Competition site, in the commentary booth, the host was nearly hoarse from shouting.

"Dear audience, the matches have reached a fever pitch!"

"This is truly a showdown of talents!"

"The battle has lasted a full hour without a winner in sight!"

"Both Zhou Ye and Murong Xinxin are running low on energy!"

On the platform, Murong Xinxin had dry lips, her temples glistening with sweat. Zhou Ye was equally fatigued, his face pale.

For young beastmasters, prolonged battles are a significant drain.

This duel had persisted for an hour without a clear victor.

"Murong, you seem a bit distracted from the start."

Zhou Ye's remark hit home for Murong Xinxin.

The sudden departure of Xiao Xingyu had caused her to lose focus, glancing at the prep area several times.

"Xiao Xingyu? He’s back."

For the eighteenth time, Murong Xinxin glanced toward the prep area and finally spotted the familiar figure returning.