Above the High Platform (4)

After three people in succession had produced heavy treasures, Ye Chenyun stopped turning the spirit pearl in his hand. His round face bloomed with its habitual amiable smile. "With everyone being so generous, I, Ye, am starting to look petty. My Ye Family is in trade and commerce; we cannot compare to Brother Chu's heavy weapon of offense, nor can we match Brother Shen's supreme defensive treasure, much less dare compare ourselves to little sister Su's wondrous battle soul."

He chuckled, his wide sleeve brushing lightly. An object was already resting upon his palm—a genuine living cicada, entirely jade-green and translucent.

It was no larger than a child's palm. Its thin wings fitted together like crystal flakes, refracting dreamlike gleams beneath the circulating spiritual radiance of the floating platform. Its abdomen rose and fell faintly with breaths too subtle to notice, proving it was a living spirit creature.

"This little fellow is called Autumn Knower." Ye Chenyun spoke with the easy fondness one might show a rare and precious plaything. "It has no power to split mountains or cleave peaks, only one trifling use—

After it recognizes a master and is nourished over time with the master's mind and spiritual power, it can use the master's aura as a guide to sense any existence within fifty zhang that bears malice toward the master or poses a threat. No matter how exquisite their concealment arts or how masterful their illusion techniques, they can never hide from this little fellow's spiritual senses."

He made it sound casual, yet everyone present felt their hearts tighten. A spirit pet with independent spiritual perception, one dedicated to warning its master of danger, was far more difficult to cultivate and tame than forging a magic artifact of the same rank.

Fifty zhang might seem limited, but