Chapter 23: Request for Help

On the way back, Ethan took a box of food from a restaurant and walked to an empty corner. His body flashed into the Ring Space.

The little black dog could no longer be considered a puppy. Thanks to the spiritual water, it had grown into a half-grown dog in just a day.

When it saw Ethan enter, the little guy jumped around happily. With one leap, Ethan was startled — the little dog soared three to four meters into the air effortlessly. If it jumped with all its strength, five to six meters wouldn't be a problem.

"What a monster… Well, since you've got the ability to protect yourself now, I'll bring you out of the space."

Once outside, the black dog looked around, confused. After a dozen seconds, it started rubbing against Ethan, clearly wanting to go back into the space.

"Alright, alright. You're already this big. No more hiding. From now on, you'll follow me, and I'll make sure you have a good life."

"Awoo!" The little black dog, having drunk spiritual water, was much smarter than other animals. It nodded almost like a human. Strangely, its cry didn't sound like a dog — it was more like a wolf's howl!

"I should give you a name." Ethan scratched his head, thinking for a long time but coming up empty. Finally, he pointed at the dog's sleek, black fur and said coolly, "You're so dark… Let's call you Blackie."

The black dog glanced at its fur, let out a helpless whimper, and finally accepted the name.

"Hey, Boss! Where'd you find that little black dog? Its fur is so shiny it glows in the dark! Hmm, it's a bit small, but it'll be perfect for the Spring Festival feast!" Henry Wang joked when he saw the dog following Ethan.

"Roar!" Blackie growled at Henry unhappily.

"Oh my god! Boss, is this a dog or a wolf? That sound is terrifying!" Henry stumbled back, his face full of panic.

"I found it on the road. Its mother was hit by a car, and it was crying beside the body. I was worried it'd get run over too, so I brought it back. I named it Blackie."

Then Ethan changed the subject. "Didn't you always say you wanted to start a company? I just got a hundred million. Go rent a big warehouse, buy a few trucks, hire some people, and get things rolling." He handed Henry a bank card.

Henry's hands trembled as he took the card, his voice stuttering. "A-a hundred million?! Boss, did you rob a bank or marry a rich woman?"

"Shut up. Just do your job. Once the company's set up, I'll head back to the village. You'll be running things here. According to our deal, you'll get 40% of the profits. The rest is mine."

"Oh, and I already spoke to Zoe's dad. He'll help you out. Here's his number." Ethan transferred Ha's number to Henry.

"Boss, if you go back to the village, what about soaking the veggies?"

"Just build a few big ponds and keep 15 days' worth of water. I'll come back every two weeks to swap the spiritual water. I'm also working with Zoe's dad on a medicinal herb business — same deal. We'll swap water every two weeks."

"Damn, boss! Veggies and now herbs? You're gonna be the richest man in the country!" Henry kissed the card dramatically.

"Remember this, Henry. No matter how big the company gets, you're the face of it. To the public, Golden Ring Corporation belongs to you, Henry."

Henry teared up. "Boss, you're giving me all the credit… I'll wash my face and wait for you to slap me awake!"

Before Henry could keep rambling, Ethan and Blackie had already headed upstairs.

Three days later, after intense cultivation, Ethan was pleasantly surprised to find that he had unlocked his Ren(sea of Yin) and Du(sea of Yang) meridians — the body's two greatest energy pathways. Once these opened, genuine Qi would start forming within the body.

Genuine Qi came in two forms: Innate and Acquired, with purity varying by the cultivator's physique. Thanks to the spiritual water, Ethan's Qi purity was unmatched.

After stabilizing his Qi, Ethan emerged from the Ring Space, only to hear his phone ring. Seeing Yuyu's name, he sighed, thinking she was calling to pester him again.

"Hello?"

"Wuwu… Brother Ethan, why didn't you answer sooner?" Yuyu's crying voice came through the line.

"Why are you crying? What happened?"

"My brother… He had an accident during a mission. He fell off a cliff and is in critical condition at Purple City Hospital! My parents rushed over, but… wuwuwu…"

Ethan's eyes widened. "Then why are you wasting time calling me? Go!"

"Brother Ethan… You know medicine! You saved Grandpa Night before. Please… I only have one brother…"

"Alright, stop crying. I'll be there."

"I-I'm at Sister Zoe's house…"

When Ethan arrived at the Night family villa, Yuyu ran into his arms, crying. Zoe, Zara, and Wendy stood nearby, their eyes red with worry.

"Don't cry. Let's go."

Yuyu stumbled toward her car, but Ethan pulled her back. "I'll drive."

Yuyu didn't argue. She knew she was in no state to drive. Ethan slid into the driver's seat of the Bentley, and once on the highway, the car roared like a wild beast, overtaking everything in its path.

As Ethan drove, he entered a trance-like focus. The Ease Immortal Spell circulated on its own, making his mind clearer and his body lighter. For the first time, he felt one with the car.

They raced toward Purple City, hoping they wouldn't be too late…