But Why Did It Spit It Out

But Grace just flashed a mysterious smile. "Really?"

"Mm-hmm."

"I don't need a whole incense stick! Just half!" Grace declared. "If I get the Viper Gall and Witherbane within half an incense stick, you have to cooperate with me today, stay out longer, and from now on, you can't ignore me when I talk to you!"

Felix Xi: "Where do you get all this confidence?"

Grace laughed. "Deal!"

She took Cutie Pie out of her space and said, "Cutie Pie, it's all up to you now!"

Cutie Pie hopped onto Grace's shoulder, coiling up calmly as if nothing could faze it.

Felix Xi eyed Cutie Pie, clearly puzzled by the tuft of fur on its head.

In no time, there was movement nearby.

The grass at the foot of the hill rustled—something was coming.

The movement drew closer and closer. Suddenly, a Five-Step Viper as thick as a water barrel appeared before them.

Felix Xi instinctively drew his sword.

But halfway through, his pupils contracted in surprise.

That Five-Step Viper... had a bunch of Witherbane in its mouth.

Its jet-black eyes glanced at Grace, then, like a well-trained puppy, it gently placed the Witherbane at her feet.

Felix Xi stood rigid, staring at the scene.

But what happened next made him even more stiff.

That barrel-thick, at least Stage Nine Five-Step Viper suddenly opened its mouth and spat something out.

It was a Viper Gall, which landed right in front of Grace.

Then, it bowed its head to Grace, turned, and slithered away.

The two of them stared at the Five-Step Viper slithering away, then looked down at the Viper Gall and Witherbane on the ground—speechless for a long moment.

"What just happened?" Felix Xi finally spoke to Grace.

"Uh..." Grace glanced at Cutie Pie, now back in her space. "The Five-Step Viper has several Viper Galls, so spitting one out won't kill it."

Felix Xi: "But why did it spit it out?"

"Well... Anyway, I did it!" Grace said. "You won't go back on your word, will you?"

Felix Xi was silent for a moment, then asked, "Was that just now an Antler Serpent?"

"Yep!" Grace said. "It's my spirit pet."

Felix Xi said nothing.

At least he didn't try to back out.

The two took the Viper Gall and Witherbane and returned to Sigil City.

When they reached a teahouse, Felix Xi said, "I'll wait for you here. Meet me before sunset."

"You got it!" Grace grinned. "Order the priciest things you want—I'll pay!"

Felix Xi's face was blank as he turned and went inside.

Grace slipped into her space and found Cutie Pie.

"Cutie Pie, do you still have dragon energy on you?" Grace asked.

Cutie Pie shook its head.

"Wow! You're amazing!" Grace hugged it and gave it a kiss. "Now, lead the way—let's go see Leon Zane and Shannon!"

Sure enough, Cutie Pie pointed the way for her.

Originally, Grace thought she'd be led straight to Leon Zane's residence.

But after a few streets, in an alley not far from the Eastern Alliance, she actually spotted Leon Zane.

He didn't look quite normal.

Shifty-eyed and sneaky, he kept glancing around and hiding—he looked just like he was tailing someone...

What was he up to?

Grace's curiosity was piqued, so she kept following him.

After trailing him through two alleys, Grace finally figured out who he was following.

It was a tall, slender, and very attractive woman.

Grace hadn't seen her face yet, but she was definitely a stunner.

Why was Leon Zane following her?

Could he be up to something naughty? Like... trying to snatch a beauty?