That White Pearl did not look very large.
But after it was shattered, the White Mist that poured out continued for a full ten-odd minutes before gradually thinning. Perhaps because there was enough mist this time, it was possible to clearly see that it was not purely white. Countless tiny Silver Scales seemed to roll and swim within it, devouring one another. As they collided, they gave off faint, nearly imperceptible crisp sounds, like metal and stone striking together.
It sounded exactly like Dragon Scales rubbing against one another.
Hic—
When the last wisp of white vapor was drawn into the small cauldron, a faint yet very distinct sound came from its mouth, startling the young wizards.
"—Did it just hiccup?"
Fatty Xin held up the half-eaten donut in his hand and studied the small cauldron uncertainly. It looked like someone who had eaten and drunk their fill, its belly slightly swollen. A warm and smooth bronze gleam flashed across the previously dim Cloud Pattern Talismans, and the cauldron itself seemed far thicker and more solid than before.
"If you're not sure, how are we supposed to tell?"
Zhang Jixin folded his arms and snorted.
Dylan crouched down and carefully examined the Magic Runes on the small cauldron, which had dimmed again. Thoughtfully, he said, "I initially thought it was merely a sophisticated alchemical container, but now it seems... these 'cauldron foundations' Captain Jiang gave us are probably more than simple containers. While absorbing dragon aura and suppressing the Earth Vein, they may also be nourished themselves—or rather, activated?"
"You mean it's alive?"
There was a trace of surprise in the fat wizard's voice. Then he nodded solemnly. "Makes sense. Among us, you're the only one who's both alive and dead. Naturally, you'd be more sensitive to things that are