I Have a Golden Crow

”Should we tidy up the Demon Crystals first?” Li Mengnan whispered.

Du Yu looked around, only to see the ground covered in fragments of Demon Crystal.

Under the glow of the Sea Dragon Candle, the scattered shards of Demon Crystal sparkled brightly—no wonder they caught Big Brother’s eye.

Demon Skill·Rotten Wood Shattering, truly a comprehensive ”even split”!

Whether it’s the body, strength, Demon Breath, or Demon Soul, it can even meticulously divide the Demon Crystals!

Of course, the Demon Emperor’s power is set: the more the Demon Crystals scatter, the lower their quality.

These low-quality Demon Crystals happen to make perfect snacks for Ghost Yingluo and Crow Call, those two weak little Demon Beasts.

Lin Shiwei reminded them, ”Don’t forget the tunnel entrance.”

”Mm...” Du Yu nodded.

Indeed, wherever the Mountain and Sea Bell opens, that’s where you’ll come out.

After Celestial Cyan Porcelain leaves, the Sea Turtle blocking the tunnel will disappear soon as well.

By then, the cave will be flooded by river water. It isn’t a big deal, unless the cave collapses.

If Du Yu comes out then, he might drown under silt and mud, causing unnecessary trouble.

After some hesitation, Du Yu still triggered the Mountain and Sea Bell, letting Li Mengnan and Lin Shiwei, carrying a big pouch of shattered Demon Crystals, return first to the Sea Realm.

”Let’s go, Qingci.” Du Yu summoned back all his Demon Pets, stood up and landed atop the Dragon Head. ”Let’s return to the surface first.”

”Ssss...” Celestial Cyan Porcelain hummed softly, Wandering Dragons coiled around her feet as she slowly flew into the tunnel above.

Not long after, with the Sea Turtle blocking the tunnel gone, river water thundered in, flooding through the cave with tremendous force.

Man and pet, fearless and unyielding, pushed upstream!

As the two burst out of the river, darkness still blanketed the world outside.

Back when Celestial Cyan Porcelain found the underground cave, her Demon Skill·Cloud Water Song had already canceled the rain summoning, only water droplets lingered around her body.

So the night sky soon revealed its true appearance, scattered with stars—utterly beautiful.

Celestial Cyan Porcelain hesitated for a moment, then continued soaring upwards.

Du Yu noticed all this, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, hugging the Dragon Horn: ”You’ve almost forgotten what the night sky looks like, haven’t you?”

”Mm.” Celestial Cyan Porcelain answered softly, a trace of memory glinting in her eyes. She silently carried Du Yu up to the cliff, landing in a forested mountain.

”Look over there.”

”Hm?” Following Du Yu’s mind, Celestial Cyan Porcelain turned her head and looked upward.

A bright, round moon hung in the sky, with drifting clouds gliding beneath it.

Below the cliff, the faint sound of the rushing river echoed, and the night breeze occasionally stirred, sending the leaves softly rustling.

All this only made the night feel even more tranquil.

Du Yu said nothing more, just leaned his shoulder against the Dragon Horn, quietly keeping her company as they gazed at the moon.

By the river, who was the first to see the moon rise?

Who knows—last time Qingci experienced a moonlit night was probably centuries ago.

When did the river moon first shine on people?

And who knows, back then, who kept her company under that moonlight?

For Du Yu, the first time the river moon shone on them both was in this very moment, the year 997.

Everything is just beginning.

Man and pet quietly gazed at the moon for who knows how long, until a gentle Dragon Song pulled Du Yu out of his reverie.

Du Yu spoke quietly: ”If you want, I can bring you out to see it more often. Once I level up again, I’ll be able to keep you in an Acupoint Home.”

Celestial Cyan Porcelain: ”The Golden Crow Saint once told me: when I reach Saint level and share the same lifespan as Heaven and Earth, I will no longer need my master’s Acupoint Home.

As one with the world, I can use the Supreme Law to make a pact with you.”

Pet Contractor?

Du Yu raised his brow slightly, digesting this news.

After a while, he smiled: ”All right, let’s compete and see who levels up faster.”

The cool Dragon Beard gently stroked Du Yu’s cheek—a faintly cold voice sounded directly in his mind: ”Okay.”

Though this was how Celestial Cyan Porcelain communicated, in truth, there were things left unsaid.

No matter who won their bet, when she truly became a Saint, truly transformed into a Dragon, she would sign a contract with Heaven and Earth.

Different species face different cultivation hurdles.

Rotten Wood Dragon Fish can transform once at Saint level, but in Celestial Cyan Porcelain’s memory, her clan says only by truly becoming one with the world can they break through and discover their true form.

As for that spare Acupoint Home, it should be left for those beings who cannot become Saints.

Besides, to have all of Du Yu himself versus just one Acupoint...

Celestial Cyan Porcelain could certainly tell which was better.

”Hoo~”

Under the moonlight in the forest, their figures flashed and vanished.

Returning to the Sea Realm, the skies were bright with daylight!

Du Yu squinted slightly, shading his eyes, but there was no real sun here—the sky was simply dazzlingly bright.

Celestial Cyan Porcelain slowly flew into the sky, while the Begonia Forest below swayed gently, as if welcoming Du Yu home.

”Sha~sha~”

The salty sea breeze tickled his nose, and Du Yu breathed in deeply, enjoying it.

Somewhere along the way, he’d come to think of this sea wind as the scent of home.

Under the Shatang Tree, the Immortal Master and her two disciples awaited.

Before Du Yu landed, he noticed Yang Qingqing’s look of admiration.

Clearly, Lin Shiwei and Li Mengnan had told Master Qing all about this journey already.

With Celestial Cyan Porcelain at their side, Yang Qingqing certainly never feared things would go wrong on this trip.

She just hadn’t expected—Purple Marsh Water really was found by Du Yu!

”Caw!” Crow Call let out a mournful squawk, completely out of line with its royal airs.

It was hopping under the tree, hurriedly snatching up Demon Crystals to eat.

Beneath the Shatang Tree, the ground shimmered with fragments of Demon Crystal.

And as for why Crow Call was in such a rush...

Because a string of Ghost Skull Necklace was also gobbling up Demon Crystals.

Ghost Yingluo had five heads—five mouths!

No wonder Crow Call was in a panic: it only had a tiny mouth and just couldn’t eat nearly so fast...

”You two can’t absorb that much—don’t waste them,” Lin Shiwei bent down and picked up Ghost Yingluo.

Ghost Yingluo, fiercely protective, instinctively turned its five heads to snap—

But when it realized it was Lin Shiwei holding them, Ghost Yingluo immediately wilted, too scared to make a sound.

Crow Call’s level was a bit higher, and it ate more slowly, so Li Mengnan didn’t recall it.

For some reason, watching Crow Call scoop up Demon Crystal shards again and again, Du Yu always thought of the old ”Crow Drinks Water” story...

”Master Qing.” As the Dragon Head dipped down, Du Yu sprang to the ground.

Underfoot, several stray Demon Crystals were pressed into the gravel, like decorations.

”You found Purple Marsh, hmm?” Yang Qingqing smiled softly.

”Yes,” Du Yu nodded, ”but I don’t know how to use it.

This pool of Purple Marsh Water doesn’t dissolve Demon Soul Recognition—it actually nourishes people instead.”

Yang Qingqing nodded gently. ”Now that Qingci carries Purple Marsh, perhaps that drop of Purple Abyss Water in the sea will come find you.”

”Oh?” Du Yu and Qingci turned to the Immortal Master.

Yang Qingqing: ”After all, water seeks the same source. It’s worth a try.”

”Makes sense!” Du Yu’s eyes lit up. If we can’t find Purple Abyss Water, let’s let it come find us.

”Come on, let’s go to the shore.” Yang Qingqing’s figure floated upward.

Celestial Cyan Porcelain simply coiled her Dragon Beard around master and disciple and headed north.

”Caw—caw!” As Celestial Cyan Porcelain took off, waves of air scattered the Demon Crystals everywhere.

Even Crow Call got blown back a bit.

It cried out in panic, quickly fluttering back into Li Mengnan’s arms.

No matter how much she reassured it that the Dragon Turtle was a teammate and would never hurt it—

For Violent Shadow Crow and Ghost Skull, the fear of Ancient Demon Saints simply can’t be erased.

The two women watched Qingci depart into the sky, thinking and rethinking but not following after her.

On the Dragon’s face, Yang Qingqing turned to Du Yu. ”The mission was well done this time.”

Du Yu: ”All thanks to Qingci’s protection. That Demon Emperor was pretty fierce.”

”Yes.” Yang Qingqing sighed softly. ”Next time there’s a mission, I’ll go with you.”

”That won’t be necess... um, sure!” Du Yu started to refuse, but caught himself at once.

Only a fool would pass up questing with Master Qing!

The Immortal Master seemed to sense Du Yu’s thoughts, giving him a mock-glare with a gentle smile.

She then stroked the cool Dragon Beard. ”Qingci, you can divide the Purple Marsh Water into several portions.”

Celestial Cyan Porcelain: ”Why?”

Yang Qingqing: ”Keep some inside you; you can search the sea with it, treating yourself as a mobile Purple Marsh Home.

The other portion(s) can be stored on shore. After all, more water sources mean a better chance of success.”

Celestial Cyan Porcelain paused in thought, then landed on the sea reef. ”Let’s split it in two. This island only needs one water source.”

Yang Qingqing didn’t argue—clearly, Qingci had her reasons.

Maybe for that one drop of Purple Abyss Water, the whole island is already a small enough area; dividing it further isn’t necessary.

While Immortal Master and Qingci talked, Du Yu turned around and called into the Begonia Forest, ”Shatang! Shatang?”

”Shasha~” One of the Begonia Trees near the forest edge swayed gently.

Du Yu waved, ”Come here, just one tree!”

Soon, a Begonia Tree sprouted from the cracks in the reef, growing at an astonishing speed, quickly spreading its branches and leaves.

Du Yu flew to its side, placing a hand on the trunk. ”Could you help me weave a pool here at the shore? For storing Purple Marsh Water.”

The Shatang Tree had already heard of Purple Marsh Water.

After all, Lin and Li had reported everything to Master Qing underneath its branches.

The Shatang Tree was also curious—how did Purple Marsh nourish the body and soul?

”Whoosh—”

Its branches stretched out limitlessly, becoming ever more lush.

Dense twigs and leaves wove together, forming a ”giant bowl” that hung over the sea.

Du Yu reminded, ”Weave it tightly; Purple Marsh Water is precious—don’t let a single drop go to waste.”

”Shasha~”

Yang Qingqing spoke softly. ”Purple Marsh probably isn’t as fragile as you imagine.”

Du Yu looked to Master Qingcuriously, waiting for her explanation.

Yang Qingqing: ”Purple Marsh was hidden in that cave for centuries and didn’t evaporate or dissipate.

You can’t think of it as ordinary water; treat it as a ’rare treasure.’”

She paused, then continued, ”Since it’s a rare treasure, it probably has self-preservation and self-repairing traits.

Purple Marsh Water could even possess spirit and thought.”

Celestial Cyan Porcelain suddenly interjected, ”Yes. I can feel it. Purple Abyss Water Drops should be the essence of Purple Marsh, just like our Demon Souls.

If the Purple Abyss Water Drops return and fuse with Purple Marsh, then perhaps it will truly possess spirit.”

Du Yu nodded silently. Whether guess or theory, all that remains is to wait for Purple Abyss Water to appear.

”Hoo~”

Celestial Cyan Porcelain dropped to the shore, releasing a wave of deep purple water that slowly flowed into the ”leaf bowl.”

Soon, the big bowl brimmed with purple, flecked with specks of light and as deep as the starry night.

At last, Yang Qingqing saw Purple Marsh in its true form—a hint of wonder flashing through her beautiful eyes.

The Twin Trees birthed an entire Demon Taming World, as well as countless rare treasures.

To see this pool of Purple Marsh Water was truly an honor.

”Shatang, be sure to guard Purple Marsh. Don’t let Demon Beasts drink it up.”

Speaking of which, there are only two Little Immortal Deer roaming free on the island, aren’t there?

Hmm... I’ll just tell Bai Lu and Yiren later.

The Begonia Branches swayed up and down as if nodding.

Du Yu flew off the reef, standing on the broad brim of the leafy pool. He knelt on one knee and dipped his hand into the Purple Marsh.

The water shimmered, delicate and gentle to the touch.

Du Yu closed his eyes, quietly savoring it.

Qingci was right: this mysterious pool of Purple Marsh Water truly nourished body and soul.

He couldn’t help but smile in contentment.

Looks like he’s found yet another spot for a nice, relaxing soak.

Uhh... No, better not taint the noble, mystical Purple Marsh with silly things like body wash.

Just soaking as you are is enough~