A moment later, they returned to the same river valley as before.
Bear Sixteen still wore that inscrutable expression. Without saying a word, he produced a large beast-hide banner from who knew where, handed it to Ape Bupuo, then turned and left.
The moment Wang Wu saw the beast-hide banner, he recognized it as the hide of a Primal Giant Bear, evenly divided into several pieces. Its Spiritual Essence had apparently already been raised to level 10.
Ape Bupuo then explained:
"Brother Bear, Sixteen's ancestor was a somewhat distant blood relative of the previous Ancient Bear King. One of his forebears was slain by Human cultivators while following the last Demon Emperor. In the end, only his body was recovered, and this Spiritual Essence Banner was made from his hide."
"This item can absorb Spiritual Essence over a wide area without worrying about being locked onto and tracked by the Sky-Gazing Compass. For many years, Demon Race squads like ours, unable to show ourselves openly, have basically relied on this thing for cultivation."
"Now that we are companions crossing the same boat, weathering storm and rain together, you may freely draw Spiritual Essence from this Spiritual Essence Banner. Take as much as you want. No need to stand on ceremony."
"Also, every month, I'll need to trouble Brother Bear to lend a hand. Bu Er and I still need to improve our resistance to the relevant venom. You will be compensated with one Ninth-grade Situational Vitality Pill each time."
"Furthermore, every month, I will distribute five hundred jin of black iron and one Ninth-grade Situational Vitality Pill to each of you. I hope you cultivate diligently. Brother Bear, I hope you can condense an Aperture-Opening Demon Core before winter arrives and cultivate at least one Mortal Eighth-grade Destined Demonic Weapon."