Chapter 161: Lightning Mink

Bonus chapter for 50 powerstones

...

Zhu Zhuqing was already a prodigy in her own right. Even if she hadn't encountered them, her future as a top-tier powerhouse was all but guaranteed.

Now, she had merely received a tiny push—just a billionth of a nudge, really—that slightly accelerated her growth.

Yue Guan watched Aether with a confident expression, but when his gaze swept over to the little girl Yu Keke, who was teasing that hundred-thousand-year soul beast like it was a house pet, his mind froze.

Only then did he recall something he'd overlooked.

If absorbing a black-ranked fourth soul ring was already enough to defy the heavens, then how was one supposed to describe someone whose first soul ring was purple?

Indeed… anyone who could stay at this man's side—"genius" or "monster" no longer sufficed to describe them!

With that thought, Yue Guan finally relaxed.

After all, with prior experience, even if someone told him their third soul ring was black now, he wouldn't be fazed anymore—wait a minute!

Yue Guan narrowed his eyes, focusing on Yu Keke. Her first and second rings were both purple… could it be…?

"What's wrong?"

Gui Mei noticed Yue Guan's body shiver oddly and asked with suspicion.

"It's nothing. Just… didn't dress warmly enough. This damned weather's freezing…"

Yue Guan swallowed hard.

They say the younger generation always surpasses the old, but these two girls beside him weren't just waves pushing forward—they were tsunamis!

Gui Mei snorted at the excuse. Even a ghost wouldn't buy that.

Still, if Yue Guan didn't want to say it, Gui Mei wouldn't press. Their years of camaraderie had taught him that Yue Guan would always share things when it mattered.

Yet Gui Mei couldn't help but wonder: the two of them had followed this "lord" to hunt soul beasts… but that wasn't a directive from the High Priest, was it?

What exactly was this guy planning?

Gui Mei glanced sideways at the now absent-minded Yue Guan, puzzled.

—

"Traveler, do you think I could absorb a soul ring? It looks so awesome~"

Paimon rested her tiny hand on her chin, eyes gleaming as she watched Zhu Zhuqing absorbing her soul ring. The desire to become stronger surged up again.

"You don't even have a spirit. How are you gonna absorb a ring…"

Aether shot her a look. Had she already forgotten about that little "incident" where she went to awaken her martial spirit and ended up blowing up the Spirit Hall's branch office?

"Muuu~" Paimon pouted. "So I can't absorb a ring just 'cause I don't have a martial spirit? But in Teyvat, you didn't have a Vision and could still manipulate elemental power…"

"…"

Aether opened his mouth to refute her—but had nothing. Dammit, she… kinda had a point.

"See? I'm right!"

Paimon spread her arms wide, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"So, should I give it a try?"

"…Sure. What kind of soul ring do you wanna absorb?"

"Umm~ what kind should I go for?"

Paimon looked troubled. She'd been wandering around here for a while. Even if she hadn't intentionally studied it, she'd learned from Zhuqing and the others that soul rings needed to match one's attributes.

But what attribute did she have…? Did cuteness count?

"I think that one is pretty good. Wanna try it?"

Aether casually pointed to Fire Meow Meow, who was lazily licking its paw.

"Meow?!"

Fire Meow Meow froze mid-lick, tongue hanging out in shock.

Those wide, innocent eyes stared at Aether, then it wobbled and scrambled to hide behind Yu Keke's legs.

Master, I was just licking my paw! I didn't break any sacred laws, did I?!

How did your casual conversation with the little ancestor suddenly turn into threatening my life?!

"Ehe~"

Paimon looked at the trembling cat and felt a twinge of guilt.

"Maybe not… Fire Meow Meow is pretty well-behaved. I already think of it as our companion…"

"You're scared over that?"

Aether rolled his eyes. It was just a joke.

He'd called Paimon emergency food countless times, and she'd never reacted like this!

If Fire Meow Meow could hear Aether's thoughts right now, it would probably scream:

Master… do you think my status is anywhere near hers?!

When you met her, you made a joke.

When you met me, didn't you immediately say you were here to hunt soul beasts?

And the way you looked at me—wasn't it like you were sizing up dinner?!

I'm genuinely scared, alright?!

—

"Keke, what does it feel like to absorb a soul ring?"

Her own fantasy shattered, Paimon flew up to Yu Keke's side, curious to at least know what it felt like.

"I mean, I can't do it, but I can still ask, right?"

"Hmm… It feels like something's being forced into your body."

Yu Keke's big eyes swirled as she thought about it.

"Yup! That's the feeling."

"Eh?"

Something being forced into your body…?

What kind of feeling was that…?

"How does it go in? From where?"

"From…"

"Ahem—Zhuqing's still absorbing her soul ring. Why don't we help Keke look for a suitable soul beast instead?"

Aether quickly coughed, cutting them off before the conversation got any more suggestive.

Everything they were saying was perfectly innocent—serious topic, serious people.

So why did it keep sounding more and more indecent the longer it went on?

"Oh right, Keke still needs to absorb a soul ring."

Paimon nodded, then added brightly:

"Keke, if you absorb one more, the feeling will probably be clearer. Make sure to tell me about it, okay?"

"Mm-hmm! I'll pay close attention this time!"

She had to focus carefully during her next absorption, so she could share the experience with Paimon!

—

"My lord, what kind of soul beast would be best for little Keke's ring?"

Yue Guan, who had been listening to their dialogue while holding back laughter, finally chimed in when Aether brought up the topic of Yu Keke's soul ring.

"Since Keke is a speed-type assault spirit master, the soul beast should naturally prioritize agility and offense~"

Aether mused aloud. The ring had to match the user's attributes to best enhance both their martial spirit and physical strength.

"In that case… how about a Ghost Tiger again?"

Gui Mei offered. The Ghost Tiger was top-tier in both speed and attack among soul beasts.

"Now that you mention it, I agree. It does suit little Keke."

Yue Guan nodded thoughtfully, aligning with Gui Mei's assessment.

Ghost Tiger: Excuse me?! Killing one of us wasn't enough?

You guys planning to wipe out my entire species?!

Everyone, pray for me! PRAY FOR ME!!

"No."

Aether shook his head.

"Ghost Tigers meet the first two criteria. But I'm looking for something more—a soul beast with special traits that can refine the physical body."

"Wait, what…?"

Yue Guan and Gui Mei both froze.

Didn't absorbing a soul ring already enhance a soul master's body?

They didn't quite get what Aether meant.

"Lightning. Impact. Pain. Tough hide. Lightning Mink."

Came a soft, childish voice.

Fire Meow Meow lifted its little paw and flexed its stubby, muscular thigh proudly in front of everyone.

"Fire Meow Meow, tell me more about this Lightning Mink! What kind of soul beast is it?!"

Aether's eyes lit up. The way Fire Meow Meow had responded—fragmented as its words were—meant it understood exactly what he was asking for.

_

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