As Chen Lin finished speaking, the little beast slowly rose into the air, leaving the space above the Giant Tripod.
It moved to one side.
Opening its tiny mouth, it inhaled forcefully, sucking the burning flames into its belly.
Chen Lin's expression shifted.
So the flames belonged to this creature. No wonder they could keep burning.
Even now, however, he still could not tell whether the little beast was alive, a puppet, or an artifact spirit.
He had been unable to sense any aura of life from it.
"Done."
After swallowing the flames, the little beast returned to the lid.
Chen Lin waited a while, but when it made no move to open the lid, he grew puzzled.
"Do I need to open it myself?"
He asked tentatively.
"Let me think."
The little beast turned its head mechanically.
"I've been asleep too long. My head's a little foggy. Let me think about what steps are still needed."
Chen Lin could only wait.
Still, this more or less confirmed his suspicion that the little beast was the Giant Tripod's artifact spirit.
A puppet could not have behaved like this.
"Right!"
After pondering for a long time, the little beast finally recovered its memory and looked at Chen Lin.
"You need to discuss the pill Dao with me. Only after you defeat me can you open this Sealed Pill Cauldron."
The little beast explained.
Then it added, "As long as you successfully collect the pill inside, you can inherit this Pill Pavilion and gain permission to enter and leave this place freely."
Understanding dawned on Chen Lin.
There was still a test here.
And it was probably governed not only by arrangements made by this place's master, but also by Oddity Island's rules.
"How should we conduct this discussion? Will you pose