Chapter 46: Stealing Treasure from the Beast's Den

Chapter 46: Stealing Treasure from the Beast’s Lair

“I can’t believe it... it’s the Vast Sea Universe Shield! This thing is truly a life-saving artifact.” Upon hearing the system’s prompt in his mind, Xiao Se couldn’t help but exclaim.

He reached out and summoned the Vast Sea Universe Shield from the system space. Instantly, the entire room was bathed in a brilliant treasure light.

As the light gradually faded, a translucent blue gem came into view before Xiao Se’s eyes.

It was a triangular gem, about the size of a palm, with water-like ripples flowing across its surface. The blue radiance shimmered in concentric circles like a living creature, emitting a mystical glow.

Feeling the powerful energy fluctuations within the Vast Sea Universe Shield, Xiao Se smiled, bit his finger, and let a drop of fresh blood fall onto the gem.

As soon as the blood touched it, the gem absorbed it instantly.

A faint blue light then drifted out from the shield and entered the space between Xiao Se’s eyebrows. Finally, the shield itself followed, merging into that spot.

The moment the Vast Sea Universe Shield entered his brow, Xiao Se clearly sensed a subtle connection forming between them, and his spiritual power seemed to surge as well.

At the same time, four new skill notifications appeared in his mind: Vast Sea Protective Shield, Universe Soul Seal, Vast Sea Raging Waves, and Universe Demon Breaker.

He ignored the last two skills outright, but the first two were different. The Vast Sea Protective Shield could completely conceal one’s form, aura, and even physical presence, while the Universe Soul Seal could immobilize anyone whose spiritual power was less than a third of his own. Though the seal prevented harm to the target, it could be used to seize treasure, making escape much easier.

Among Dou Huang and even Dou Zong level fighters, these were absolutely priceless treasures.

“I’m striking it rich,” Xiao Se couldn’t help but exclaim excitedly.

“Brother, what’s got you so happy?” Hearing Xiao Se’s voice, Long Kui slowly floated out from the Demon Sword, smiling as she asked.

“Hehe, of course it’s because I got something good. Long Kui, tomorrow we’re going treasure hunting,” Xiao Se chuckled, gently stroking Long Kui’s delicate cheek.

“Huh???” Long Kui tilted her cute little head, confused, question marks filling her mind.

---

The next morning, the sun shone brightly.

Inside the wooden cabin, Xiao Se took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes.

From behind the door, the aroma of food drifting from the living room reached him. Supporting himself on his hands, he jumped off the bed, quickly slipped on his boots, and stepped out.

On the wooden table in the living room, several small dishes were already laid out. Near the doorway, Little Medic Fairy carefully carried a small pot and placed it on the table, then withdrew her slightly reddened jade hand, softly blowing on it.

“Look at you, burning yourself. Why don’t you leave these things to me?” Xiao Se smiled and shook his head, stepping over to Little Medic Fairy, taking her jade hand in his. He took out some healing ointment from his ring and applied it to the reddened skin.

Feeling the warmth of Xiao Se’s palm and the cooling ointment, Little Medic Fairy’s delicate face flushed a little, and she smiled softly: “I was just checking if you were still in bed.”

“Hehe, well, sorry about that. But next time, you can just kick my door open, since I rarely sleep at night—I mostly spend that time cultivating.” Xiao Se smiled as he evenly spread the ointment, then capped the bottle and handed the jade vial to her. “Here, keep this ointment. Such beautiful hands mustn’t get hurt.”

“Pfft!” Xiao Se’s compliment made Little Medic Fairy burst out laughing. Taking the vial, she smiled, “Then I won’t refuse such a generous gift.”

She stored the vial away, and the two sat down to enjoy breakfast together as usual, the atmosphere warm and tender.

“I’ll be going out for a while later. Wait here for me,” Xiao Se said casually after sipping some white porridge.

“You’ve broken through to Dou Shi?” Little Medic Fairy’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. It had only been just over a month since Xiao Se advanced to Nine-Star Dou Zhe level. Even in this energy-rich valley, breaking through to Dou Shi in just over a month was astonishing.

“What are you talking about? Not that fast,” Xiao Se smiled. “I’m going to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to find something. Once I get it, I should be able to break through to Dou Shi.”

“How long will you be gone?” Little Medic Fairy nodded slightly, a faint trace of reluctance flickering in her beautiful eyes.

“If all goes well, I’ll be back before evening.” Xiao Se roughly estimated the time from here to the Crystal Wing Lion King’s lair and answered honestly.

“Before evening?” she murmured softly, her delicate face showing a gentle smile. “Go then. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Yeah, once I break through to Dou Shi, I’ll take you to explore the Dou Qi Continent and find materials to cure your cursed poison body.” Finishing his porridge, Xiao Se set down his bowl and smiled warmly.

With Little Medic Fairy watching him off, Xiao Se unfurled his purple wings and flew out of the valley. He had already told Little Medic Fairy about the other two stone boxes found in the cave, so there was no need to hide anything.

---

Once beyond the valley, Xiao Se folded away his purple cloud wings and switched to swift footwork. He hadn’t yet reached Dou Shi, and his cultivation art was only mid-level Yellow Stage, so he had limited Dou Qi to expend.

Hurrying along, near noon, Xiao Se finally reached the heart of the Magical Beast Mountain Range. He halted his rapid pace, gathered his energy, concealed his aura, and landed atop a towering ancient tree.

Looking up slightly, his gaze swept over the magnificent and perilous mountain peaks. At the summit, a grand cave residence came into view.

Hidden among the trees, the entrance was guarded by a massive lion’s head with horns, faintly visible.

“Brother, is that the Crystal Wing Lion King’s lair?” Long Kui’s gentle voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

“Yes. Once I activate the Vast Sea Protective Shield, you’ll escort me inside. The two of us will strip this old beast’s den bare,” Xiao Se nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Hehe, be careful, brother. This beast is very powerful. Let Xiao Hong come along. If anything unexpected happens, she can protect you better.” Seeing the faintly wicked smile tugging at Xiao Se’s lips, Long Kui knew the Crystal Wing Lion King was in for trouble.

The Vast Sea Universe Shield slowly floated out from Xiao Se’s brow, rising above his head. It released a layer of deep blue light like a curtain, enveloping Xiao Se’s entire body in an instant.

“Long Kui, you can come out now.”

As Xiao Se’s voice fell, the Demon Sword on his back flashed a dazzling white light, and the fiery red figure of Hong Kui appeared before him out of thin air.

“Long time no see, Long Kui,” Xiao Se greeted warmly, opening his arms.

Since four months ago, when Xiao Se pulled Hong Kui into the bath, she hadn’t appeared in person until now.

“Yeah, long time no see, brother.” Hong Kui’s cheeks flushed slightly at the embrace, and she opened her jade hands. The two embraced warmly.

---

(End of chapter)

[Note from the author: This is the second update. Please support with recommendation votes and monthly tickets.]