Slumber

When Xiao Fan returned to the Never Setting Sun Gathering Point, he learned what had happened to Wind Snow Traveler.

Wind Snow Traveler had almost broken ties with his family because he refused to leave Zone 18. He has rarely been home in recent years, and his older brother has been supporting the family all along.

A few days ago, his older brother had an accident while entering the secret realm.

My niece, Xiao Yu, was born without the ability to speak. Later, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and wouldn't live much longer in the Real World.

The only way to cure her illness is through the game or by finding Heavenly Spirit Treasure.

Wind Snow Traveler couldn't bear to leave his elder brother's only bloodline outside, so he had to leave Zone 18 ahead of time to take care of the mother and daughter, and also to find rare Heavenly Spirit Treasure for Xiao Yu.

A few days ago, they finally found a medicinal herb, but unexpectedly it attracted Shen Tao.

Not only was the elixir taken, but he also took the mother and daughter with him.

Xiao Fan's face was gloomy, not only because of Shen Tao's actions, but also because they had searched Shen Tao's residence thoroughly but had not found any Heavenly Spirit Treasure.

"I wonder if this bastard ate all the Heavenly Spirit Treasure he found."

Xiao Fan roared, "Why didn't you just stuff him to death? You poor wretch!"

There's nothing we can do; we'll have to find those Heavenly Spirit Treasure later.

"Don't worry, I've told Ye Bugu and Zhou He to keep an eye out and save some suitable elixirs for Xiao Yu."

Xiao Yu, Wind Snow Traveler's niece, is four years older than Xiao Fan, but she looks only seventeen or eighteen years old and is very thin.

Her eyes were large and very bright. Hearing Xiao Fan's words, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and though she wanted to express her gratitude, she could only utter sounds like "ah ah ah."

"Your Jiu Chen, Xiao Yu thanks you," said Gao Lian, the elder sister-in-law of Wind Snow Traveler, with a smile.

Jiu Chen's name is now known to everyone in the game. Gao Lian used to think that everyone's evaluation of him was a bit exaggerated, but now it seems that was too conservative!

Indeed, a great reputation is well-deserved.

Jiu Chen is still too strong.

She only knew that Jiu Chen was also in Zone 18, but she didn't expect that he was friends with her brother-in-law Wind Snow Traveler. Now that he has his help, her daughter Xiao Yu is saved.

Xiao Fan waved his hand dismissively. "We're all friends. Wind Snow Traveler's niece is my niece, no need to be so polite."

Xiao Yu:... There's no need to be so generous.

Xiao Fan led the three back to the Never Setting Sun Gathering Point. As soon as they entered the settlement, he saw a familiar figure from behind.

"What's he doing here? Looks like he's so eager to return my Core Power that he's chased me all the way here."

Xiao Fan sneered.

The figure in the back was none other than the Judge Young Master, who had lost a bet with him in the Frostfire Gathering Point.

Xiao Fan had planned to find him after finishing his work, but he didn't expect to run into him here.

"That works too, saves me the trouble of going looking for him."

Xiao Fan first led Wind Snow Traveler and the other two back to Ye Bugu's territory.

Upon hearing that they were Xiao Fan's friends, Ye Bugu kindly arranged for the three of them to be personally taken care of.

Xiao Fan brought Zijin back to the room. As soon as he entered, he took out six Evolution Fragment from his Space Ring and handed them to Zijin.

They gave it to them so willingly.

That bird is really something! It's powerful and meticulous.

My dream lover!

Zijin stood on the bed, glancing down at Xiao Fan's fawning face, but did not immediately take the Evolution Fragment that Xiao Fan offered.

Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but then she turned her face away in disgust.

She then sighed softly, turning her head back as if helpless, but as soon as her gaze fell on Xiao Fan's face, she closed her eyes and turned her head away in disgust.

This series of actions left Xiao Fan completely bewildered.

"What's wrong, Little Zijin?" Xiao Fan was completely confused.

Upon hearing his voice, Zijin finally turned his head back and scanned him from head to toe.

His expression held despair, disgust, helplessness, and resentment...

This is really complicated!

Xiao Fan was even more puzzled. He didn't seem to have done anything, did he?

This time, his hand didn't shake, and he even generously added an Evolution Fragment!

Why.

Zijin sighed deeply, then moved in front of Xiao Fan with a resigned look on his face.

"Ding! The Spirit Beast Purple Cloud Spirit Sparrow has entered into a contract with you. Do you agree?"

Xiao Fan:!!!

The surprise came so suddenly!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Xiao Fan was overjoyed!

All along, he and Zijin had only shared hardships together. This game didn't have a spirit pet system, and Xiao Fan was always worried that Zijin would leave on its own one day.

I never expected that Zijin would actually be able to sign a contract with him!

But what's with Zijin's disgusted expression?

He's the only one with God-Tier Skill in <Cloud Sea>, he can't be that weak, can he?

Seriously! Doesn't he have any self-respect? That's outrageous!

"Contract successful. Congratulations on obtaining 1 Phantom Beast Space."

Congratulations on acquiring the Spirit Beast's exclusive skill, <Armor Transformation>.

Congratulations on obtaining the innate Lightning Element of your Spirit Beast.

Xiao Fan:!!! Sorry, I spoke a little loudly just now.

It turns out that signing a contract grants exclusive skills and even elemental rewards.

This is a huge profit!

After the initial surprise, Xiao Fan noticed the system notification he had just received.

The Spirit Beast, in other words, is not Magic Beast Zijin, but Spirit Beast.

"No wonder that Demon Wolf, despite being level 100, was completely helpless against Zijin."

The two beasts were not even in the same league.

"I just don't know how the ranks of beasts are distinguished."

Xiao Fan didn't ask Zijin; given the nature of the game, even if he did, he'd probably just give a vague answer.

Content will be automatically unlocked when the game reaches a certain stage.

Just as Xiao Fan was about to open the game interface to check if the Contract Beast interface had been updated, Zijin suddenly stepped forward, snatched the Evolution Fragment from his hand, placed it next to himself, and looked at him with a serious expression.

Xiao Fan noticed the unusual state of Zijin and quickly stood up straight.

"Jiu Chen, our Spirit Beast race needs to go through four stages of growth: infancy, growth, maturity, and adulthood. At each stage, our size and strength will increase significantly. After fusing with these Evolution Fragment, I will enter the growth stage."

Xiao Fan:!!!!

No wonder Zijin's size increased so much when we were in the World's End Gathering Point before; it turns out it was evolving!

Even in her early stages, Zijin is already frighteningly strong; it's hard to imagine how powerful she will be when she reaches her late-stage form.

"We've made a killing this time!" Xiao Fan grinned.

"With your strength, you are not worthy to form a contract with my Spirit Beast Clan..."

Xiao Fan: It's a bit much, but acceptable.

He's got huge potential!

"However, I need to slumber for a period of time before entering my growth stage. Since there are no elders here to protect me, I have no choice but to sign a contract with you and then enter the Phantom Beast Space to slumber. As long as you don't die, no one will disturb my evolution."

Xiao Fan:????

No, Bird Bro, that's not right of you!

At least tell me I'd be asleep for a few days! I just signed the contract and I'm already asleep? I really...

Fine, even if he doesn't go into a deep sleep, it's not my turn to form a contract with him.

No, not at all.

"But don't worry, now that I've signed a contract with you, you can summon me if you encounter problems you can't solve, but don't do it too often, or it will interfere with my growth period."

"I've finished speaking. Do you have any other questions?" Zijin looked at Xiao Fan.

Xiao Fan thought for a moment, "You won't abandon me after you evolve into your adult form, will you?"

Zijin rolled his eyes. "Once we Spirit Beast sign a contract with a human, we live and die together. How can you talk about abandoning us?"

Xiao Fan remained silent.

We'll live and die together!

No wonder Zijin doesn't think much of him.

This means entrusting your life to another person; who would choose someone much weaker than themselves?

"Don't worry, I'll grow up quickly." Xiao Fan said earnestly.