Lu Yu looked at Zi Yan, who was pretending to be innocent, and his expression darkened, yet there was nothing he could do.
His original plan had been to give the entire Dragon Pattern Fruit to Zi Yan—once a heavenly treasure like this was cut open, its medicinal effect would quickly drain away. Giving it whole would not only preserve its effects to the greatest extent, but also improve his relationship with this Ancient Void Dragon.
"This Little Ancestor really..."
Lu Yu smiled bitterly to himself. "She even skipped the polite words and swallowed it straight down in one gulp."
Zi Yan seemed to sense Lu Yu's helplessness. She blinked her big eyes and leaned closer, putting on an innocent look as she said, "Um... you're not mad, are you?"
"Not really."
Lu Yu shook his head and said calmly, "I can't use it for now anyway."
He turned to look toward the valley's exit and asked in return, "I'm heading back. What about you?"
"I'm coming with you!"
Zi Yan immediately bounced after him, her long purple hair gleaming in the sunlight, and said cheerfully, "I know a place with lots of tasty fruits. I'll take you there to try them!"
Looking at Zi Yan's lively appearance, a faint smile could not help but rise in the depths of Lu Yu's eyes.
Although he had lost half a Dragon Pattern Fruit, he had gained the friendship of this Ancient Void Dragon. It could still be considered worth it.
Not long after, when Lu Yu returned to the small courtyard with Zi Yan, the afterglow of the setting sun was spilling perfectly over the bluestone slabs.
In the courtyard, Little Fairy Doctor had already returned from the Outer Academy and was sorting medicinal herbs. Hearing the movement, she raised