Li Xiaoyu's body felt as if it were soaking in a hot spring. Every cell was bubbling with excitement.
However, he did not guide this energy toward breaking through the barrier to his cultivation.
Instead, he sank his awareness into his dantian.
There, the dull-gray Immortal-Slaying Gourd floated silently.
Sensing the immense life energy, golden light shimmered across its surface.
Like a giant beast that had slumbered for ages, it had caught the scent of delicious food.
"Come on, little guy. Dinner's ready."
Li Xiaoyu smiled to himself.
He circulated his technique, guiding the surging life energy toward the Immortal-Slaying Gourd in his dantian.
Humm!
The moment the energy touched the gourd, it jolted violently.
An irresistible force of devouring burst forth from within it.
The life energy that had been rampaging through his body seemed to find an outlet. The devouring force seized it and dragged it in frenziedly, and every last bit poured into the gourd.
Li Xiaoyu could clearly feel the Immortal-Slaying Gourd give a satisfied hum after devouring the energy.
The ancient patterns on its surface seemed to grow a little clearer.
"It really works!"
Li Xiaoyu was overjoyed. He knew he had made the right bet.
He did not pause. He immediately opened the second jade box.
Inside lay a fist-sized piece of jet-black metal that radiated a chill.
Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron Essence.
It was a material used to forge top-grade water- and ice-attribute treasures, containing pure Geng Metal Qi and Profound Ice Qi.
Li Xiaoyu activated the gourd again.
This time, the Immortal-Slaying Gourd reacted even more violently than before.
Like a child who had spotted a favorite toy, it sent out a delighted thought.
An even stronger devouring force poured from the gourd's mouth, enveloping the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron Essence.
"Crack, crack."
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