Lin Taichu looked at the Crimson Spirit Fruit glowing faintly red in his hand, his heart filled with gratitude and hesitation.
The old man's words echoed in his ears. This Crimson Spirit Fruit bore only one fruit every ten years; for cultivators, it was a rare Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure. How could he accept it so casually?
Yet the old man's sincere attitude made it difficult for him to refuse this gesture. In the end, Lin Taichu accepted the wooden box solemnly, filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Senior. This Crimson Spirit Fruit is far too precious to me. I will treasure it well." Lin Taichu bowed deeply to the old man in thanks.
The old man smiled and nodded. "Child, this is what you deserve. You have done so much for our oasis. Consider this Crimson Spirit Fruit a small repayment from us."
Lin Taichu returned to his little hut and carefully cradled the Crimson Spirit Fruit in his hands.
After examining the fruit closely, Lin Taichu took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes, preparing to absorb the spiritual power within the Crimson Spirit Fruit.
He circulated the inner force within his body, cautiously guiding the Crimson Spirit Fruit's spiritual power into his meridians.
At first, everything went smoothly. The fruit's spiritual power gently merged with his inner force, making his entire body feel warm, as though an endless stream of power were nourishing him.
But before long, Lin Taichu suddenly felt a sharp pain course through his body, as if countless needles were piercing his meridians. His face instantly turned pale, sweat beaded across his forehead, and his body began to tremble.
"What's happening?" Lin Taichu was horrified. He tried to stop absorbing the Crimson Spirit Fruit's spiritual power, only to discover that he could not