"Oh." Li Yue's cheeks flushed as she opened her mouth and let the Angel's Tear drop in. The sweetness slid in like rain after a drought, soothing her parched stomach.
Her entire body felt warm; the crimson veins on her skin no longer burned with heat.
"Eep~~" Li Yue gave a shy, contented sigh, then covered her mouth.
Mu Liang leaned forward to inspect the veins on her cheek. Their deep red hue had lightened and lost their shimmer. As expected, Angel's Tear could not remove the Infection of the Void Ghost entirely.
"How do you feel?" Mu Liang already guessed the answer but wanted details.
"I've never felt so relaxed," Li Yue said, forgetting her embarrassment. She smiled and gently touched the veins she had long despised. Her happy expression faltered.
"Angel's Tear didn't heal it either?" she asked bitterly.
"Maybe you need a larger dose," Mu Liang comforted gently.
"It's okay—even if it can't cure it, at least it's stopped the infection's spread." Li Yue shook her head and offered a pure smile. "As long as I don't become a Void Ghost for now, I'm satisfied."
"There must be a way," Mu Liang said, gazing at her smile, resisting the urge to spend Evolution Points to evolve the Angel's Wing further. He wanted to observe Li Yue's condition first.
"Um…may I stay here for a while?" Li Yue asked, twisting her cloak's edge. Afraid of appearing transactional, she added, "I'll trade you something for another Angel's Tear when it condenses." She could no longer barter the Angel's Wing itself, only its dew. Even if Angel's Tear only halted the infection, that was enough for Li Yue to stay—and give hopeful news to her companions.
"Sure." Mu Liang nodded.
"Thank you." Li Yue set the barrel on the table and drew a pristine longbow from her cloak.
"This is a Spirit Tool bow that improves arrow stability and penetration," she explained, caressing it before offering it to Mu Liang. "A typical archer's range and accuracy improve by thirty percent with this bow."
"What is this?" Mu Liang took the bow curiously.
Buzz, buzz~~
He found it light; plucking the string produced a solid, resonant tone.
"I'll trade you three drops of Angel's Tear—including the one I just drank—for this Spirit Tool," Li Yue said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "In future, I might come often to trade Angel's Tear." She estimated one drop could suppress her infection for about sixty days.
"Tell me about Spirit Tools," Mu Liang realized he didn't know. He glanced at Mino.
"What is it?" Mino blinked.
"Nothing." Mu Liang shook his head. He confirmed Mino also didn't know.
Li Yue looked surprised. "You don't know Spirit Tools?"
"No," Mu Liang admitted. Mino nodded shyly.
"A Spirit Tool is a weapon crafted using Feral Beast or Spirit Beast materials and carries some of that beast's abilities," Li Yue explained, pointing at the bow. "This bow's main material is the wing bone of a bird-type Feral Beast."
"Is that it?" Mu Liang asked, surprised.
"This is a low-tier Spirit Tool," Li Yue rolled her eyes cutely. "Higher-tier ones can use Feral Beast Crystals to activate special abilities."
"I understand." Mu Liang nodded. He'd expected mythical powers but found only beast-derived enhancements.
"Can you craft Spirit Tools?" he asked.
"I can make basic ones. I crafted this bow," Li Yue said with a touch of pride.
"Okay—here's your bow back." Mu Liang handed it to her.
"Huh?" Li Yue looked at it, startled.
"Don't worry—you'll still get two drops of Angel's Tear." Mu Liang smiled.
"Why?" Li Yue frowned; she knew nothing in life was free.
"I need you to craft me a Spirit Tool." Mu Liang admitted he preferred specialized crossbows but hadn't learned Spirit Tool forging.
"Huh?" Li Yue's mouth dropped open. After a moment, she said softly, "I make bows more often—I can't craft other high-quality Spirit Tools yet."
"That's fine. I'll give you the design later." Mu Liang waved. He had another plan: as Rock Turtle grew, its giant back would be vulnerable to stowaways, so he needed a trusted keeper. A loyal guardian who could craft Spirit Tools—like Li Yue—would be invaluable.
"All right." Li Yue nodded. She looked at the bow and felt safer with a weapon in hand.
"It's late—get some rest." Mu Liang glanced at the drooping-eared Mino.
"Huh? You're done talking?" Mino rubbed her eyes.
"You go to bed." Mu Liang said kindly.
"And Li Yue?" Mino whispered in his ear, "We only have two rooms—where will she sleep?"
"Li Yue can have my room. I'll sleep in the hall." Mu Liang said softly.
"No, I'll sleep in the hall." Li Yue waved her hand anxiously. She now felt even more awkward about taking a room.
"Don't argue with me—no guest sleeps in the hall." Mu Liang arranged matters decisively.
"Oh." Li Yue blushed and looked down.
Mino opened her mouth, wanting to say Li Yue could share her room, but…
"Relax." Mu Liang pinched Mino's ear.
"I'm not a pet—stop pinching my ear!" Mino pouted.
"All right, all right." Mu Liang smirked.
"Hmph! I'm off to bed."
"Sweet dreams."
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]