Chapter 685 - 626: Stepping onto the Peak 35 (4,000 Words)_3
Liang Ziqian let out an "oh" and, with a hint of a smile, looked at Tan Shuangshuang and said, "Sister Shuangshuang is truly diligent. I fall short in comparison. Originally, I thought I had been working hard enough, but now I realize that my efforts cannot compare to those of Sister Shuangshuang. I should really learn from her."
Liang Ziqian was genuine in his words. Earlier, he had always underestimated Tan Shuangshuang, but as her cultivation speed surpassed his own, he started to feel a bit unconvinced. However, after spending some time with Tan Shuangshuang, this sentiment disappeared entirely.
He could see just how diligent Tan Shuangshuang was—the kind of rigorous and demanding cultivation that even he, someone who considered himself extremely hard-working, could not match. Like this time, upon returning from the Secret Realm, Liang Ziqian thought of relaxing a bit before continuing his cultivation, but Tan Shuangshuang was already preparing to go into seclusion again.
Now, Liang Ziqian no longer felt bitter about Tan Shuangshuang’s cultivation level being higher than his own. They were both geniuses who put in efforts many times harsher than his own, so it was natural for her to be stronger.
At the same time, Liang Ziqian decided quietly in his heart that he must work harder in the future, lest he fall behind Tan Shuangshuang. After all, both of them were recognized as geniuses side by side, and he didn’t want to be outdone by Tan Shuangshuang someday.
Tan Shuangshuang wasn’t aware of Liang Ziqian’s thoughts. At this moment, she squatted at a small stall, staring at several beautiful stones for quite a while, and picked up a stone about the size of a fist, beautifully patterned and incredibly smooth. She rubbed it in her hands for some time.
The stall owner, seeing that it was a Warrior Second Rank cultivator, noticed Tan Shuangshuang rubbing the stone continuously and thought she liked it very much, so he said with a broad smile, "Miss Tan, if you like this stone, please feel free to take it with you as a gift."
Being a common cultivator trying to make ends meet in Qingyun City, without family, sect, or backing, it was essential to recognize the disciples of major families in the city. Otherwise, one might inadvertently offend someone they ought not to. Hence, the stall owner knew Tan Shuangshuang and wished to please her.
Tan Shuangshuang didn’t speak. She rubbed the stone again and even probed it with her Spiritual Power, then took out a Spiritual Pearl and tossed it to the stall owner.
The stall owner received a Spiritual Pearl from Tan Shuangshuang but didn’t dare to accept it, saying urgently, "Miss Tan, you don’t need to give me a Spiritual Pearl. These stones are just decorative items for households—pretty but worthless, worth only a few silver coins."
Tan Shuangshuang shook her head and said, "You’ve mistaken this. It isn’t a stone, but a Magic Beast Egg of significant level. A Spiritual Pearl is already a bargain price, but since this Magic Beast Egg may not be capable of hatching, I am giving you just one Spiritual Pearl."
The stall owner realized this then and was greatly impressed by Tan Shuangshuang not feigning ignorance and taking this Magic Beast Egg away. Even if she hadn’t given him money, it would be understandable, for it was akin to her finding a treasure at his stall, and he had already offered it as a gift.
In fact, the stall owner didn’t know that Tan Shuangshuang wasn’t succumbing to some Holy Mother sentiment out of generosity. Finding treasures involves skill, and she wouldn’t be unfair if she didn’t pay.
Tan Shuangshuang paid him because she recognized this stall owner. In her past life, a young member of the Tan family encountered danger while training away from home and was saved and sent back by this stall owner. Tan Shuangshuang happened to meet him then and memorized his appearance; later on, this stall owner became friends with that young Tan family member.
Cultivators aren’t capable of photographic memory to recall even acquaintances, but they don’t forget those they’ve interacted with. Upon meeting, Tan Shuangshuang recognized this stall owner, which is why she compensated him with a Spiritual Pearl. Since he was a friend of the Tan family, she couldn’t just take advantage of him.
After saying goodbye to the stall owner, Tan Feiyu immediately approached excitedly, looking at the Magic Beast Egg in Tan Shuangshuang’s hand and asking in excitement, "Sister Shuangshuang, how did you know this is a Magic Beast Egg? It looks just like a stone to me. How can you tell it’s an egg, and what kind of Magic Beast Egg is this?"
Tan Shuangshuang casually handed the Magic Beast Egg to Tan Feiyu and said, "I’ve been telling you to read more books on a daily basis, but you never listen and only know how to play. The Magic Beast Book under the insect category records this—it’s an Illusion Butterfly Egg. This stone-like appearance is merely an Illusion Technique placed by the Illusion Butterfly on its egg to ensure the safety of its offspring."
"An Illusion Butterfly!" Tan Feiyu exclaimed. Illusion Butterflies are battle pets skilled in Illusion Techniques, and they are inherently capable of casting illusions. It is said that Illusion Butterflies can fight across ranks, and the illusions they cast can sometimes trap enemies two levels higher, showcasing the impressive capabilities of Illusion Butterflies.