Chapter 749 The Three Greatest Joys of Beast Life (Part 2)

"Why don’t we turn back? Otherwise, it will take forever to reach the next town. We need to rest to regain our strength for the journey, and you can take a bath. Oh, and prepare two bear paws for me, the hot kind."

Even in Beiao Continent, bear paws are a rare delicacy. A few days ago, Bai Ze and the Xuesang Tribe were traveling together, and naturally, it got the best food. In that cave, for a creature like Bai Ze, who lived on air and water for thirty years and occasionally indulged in meat, it was astonishing to discover how much tastier roasted bear meat was compared to raw. It was as if a new door to the world had opened for it.

"I’m the one who killed the City Lord, not you," You Su answered coldly.

Traveling through the snow is a tedious and boring task. Even the most beautiful scenery becomes dull after a while. So, Bai Ze walked in figure-eight patterns around You Su’s legs, seeking a bit of amusement.

You Su intentionally paused, causing Bai Ze to bump right into his heel.

Bai Ze walked away grumbling, rubbing its fuzzy head with a paw, and disdainfully remarked:

"As if it’s such a big deal. Killing a cultivator of the same realm, you’re so amazing that your tail is practically in the sky."

You Su seemed dazed by the comment, completely unfazed by Bai Ze’s mockery.

He could now basically confirm that he had reached the Condensed Water Upper Realm. Once, this level was something he didn’t dare to dream of.

Back in Chuyun City, Mr. Liou, who was at the Water Condensation Upper Realm Perfection, seemed to him the strongest in the city. But just nearly a year later, he had reached the same realm as the City Lord at that time.

If he were still in the Profound Sky Sect, if he wished, he could even become a City Lord in some remote town, just like them.

But he was just a traveler alone in a foreign land.

Wait... doesn’t that mean his cultivation level has caught up with his master’s?!

"Why are you so weak, being a mountain spirit born from Cangshan?" You Su curiously asked.

Bai Ze was so enraged that even its whiskers flared up, "I’m just tired! Otherwise, I’d easily devour you!"

You Su retorted, "You claim to be a mountain spirit; even Cangshan probably wouldn’t want to admit it."

Bai Ze, angry and frustrated, clung to You Su’s leg, trying to bite him hard, but the thick animal skin thwarted any chance of hurting You Su.

"Mind your business! I’m just being patient!"

You Su nonchalantly exposed the little divine beast’s pretense: "When you entered the cave, your eyes were crimson red. But ever since, your eyes haven’t changed color. Why?"

Bai Ze paused in its tracks, but You Su had no intention of stopping for it. Or rather, You Su, absorbed in his journey, didn’t consider the matter too important.

Bai Ze hastily caught up, lowering its head somewhat:

"Actually... I think I know I was tricked by those people..."

"Well, I thought you couldn’t be that stupid," You Su casually said.

Bai Ze was enraged but helpless: "They left me plenty of food, like the people who used to come to me for blessings, asking me to protect those big stones. They spoke so well, and the food was delicious; of course, I agreed... But I found myself becoming more irritable and lazier. I used to hunt frequently, but then I just wanted to stay in the cave. Hungry, I’d sleep; after waking up, I’d be hungry again. Gradually, I lost all my strength..."

"It’s Soft Spirit Powder," You Su quickly provided the answer, "a drug commonly used by human cultivators to hunt large spiritual beasts. They inject Soft Spirit Powder into the prey these beasts love to eat, so when the beast feasts, the powder weakens its will and strength, making it easy to capture."

"Then why didn’t they come to catch me?"

"Soft Spirit Powder can’t tame a spiritual beast; it’s used to kill, to obtain the precious materials from them. But because you’re Bai Ze, they don’t dare kill you, only deceive you."

"Oh..."

Bai Ze silently pondered, feeling furious about being deceived and helpless at losing its power. It couldn’t believe it was so easily tricked; it truly was a terrible mountain spirit.

"Soft Spirit Powder isn’t poison. Train diligently, avoid it, and you might regain your strength," You Su, while seemingly indifferent on this long journey, was actually gentle with his only companion.

"Really?!" Bai Ze was excited, "Right! If they don’t dare kill me, can I act crazy in front of them?!"

You Su turned, looking at the gray little cat as if it were an idiot, then picked it up by the scruff and tucked it back into his arms.

"A cornered dog will jump over a wall, not to mention a human."

You Su patted Bai Ze’s round head, "But if the rumor that Bai Ze can’t be killed is true, if you ever meet someone you must kill, just throw yourself onto their sword. It might be a stupid way, but it’s a mutual destruction."

"No way!"

Bai Ze shook its head. It didn’t fear the cold, but it didn’t mind warmth either, and You Su’s embrace was particularly warm. Although this human was annoying, he was also like a small, cozy campfire.

"I was just saying; when you can’t win, just frighten them. No need to really die."

Survival is an animal’s instinct, and spiritual beasts are no exception. Even after attaining intelligence and becoming divine beasts, self-preservation is deeply ingrained.

"Then hide well. There’s a house ahead; don’t reveal yourself needlessly."

You Su tucked Bai Ze’s head inside.

...

The sunlight pierced through the clouds, dappling the village and adding a touch of warmth to this silent place.

You Su looked around, confirming it was indeed deserted, an abandoned village.

This was not uncommon; after all, in this icy land, anyone would prefer to head further south.

After ensuring no one was around, You Su, who hadn’t had a proper rest in a long time, found the best-preserved house to enter.

Fortunately, there was some unused firewood and a few leftover utensils.

The most life-saving was probably the round bath barrel.

You Su saw the opportunity and started shoveling snow from outside, dumping it into the barrel.

Using the Ignition Skill, he lit the firewood, and the snow gradually melted into water.

After a bit of effort, You Su finally undressed. He shivered from the cold, but once he slipped into the steaming water, he felt alive again. A surge of warmth rose from his feet, quickly spreading through his body, washing away the journey’s fatigue and cold.

Bai Ze watched, circling the rim of the barrel in disbelief, "Are you going to cook yourself?"

The next moment, You Su dragged it into the bath with him.

Bai Ze flailed the water, instinctively resisting, like a well-bred lady being coerced.

But soon, under the ’experienced’ villain’s massage, the lady no longer struggled.

Its little eyes round, it savored the comfort of the hot water. For Bai Ze, who has spent years in the freezing cold, this was an unprecedented and bewildering experience, leaving its head spinning, with its tongue unconsciously drooping out.

"Hey, cooked yet?"

You Su shook Bai Ze, but the blissfully indulging Bai Ze couldn’t care less. It simply closed its eyes, relishing this rare comfort. After a long while, it slowly opened its eyes with a satisfied gaze at You Su.

"You’re right." Bai Ze spoke with a lazy tone, marveling, "You truly understand the hearts of beasts, a Saint! The three great joys of beastlife: eating, sleeping, and bathing!"

You Su chuckled silently, and the two quietly soaked in the bath, surrounded only by the sound of water and occasionally the wind. This tranquility brought a peculiar peace to You Su’s mood; he closed his eyes, letting his thoughts drift.

All of a sudden, You Su’s eyes snapped open, alerted by the faint crunch of footsteps on the snow outside the door.