Vera, the Violet Thunder Fox, hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "I am now a three-tailed spirit fox." There wasn't the slightest trace of a high-rank beast's ferocity; as soon as she finished speaking, a flash of violet light shimmered around her, revealing her true form.
A fox with pure violet fur and three long tails appeared before Evan Chu and Goldwing.
Goldwing stared at the Violet Thunder Fox in shock and exclaimed, "Vera, you're actually a three-tailed fox? That's insane!"
Vera's body flashed with violet light again, transforming back into her girl form. She looked at Goldwing and said, "Goldfeathers, are you itching for a beating? Even you dare to tease me now?"
Evan Chu didn't speak; he simply watched Vera, now in her girl form. Three tails already made her a ninth-rank spirit beast—just imagining what she'd become with nine tails was terrifying.
Goldwing shot Vera a glare—he wouldn't dare challenge her. He'd suffered plenty at her hands before; her lightning powers were terrifying, even more troublesome than the Skyfiend Tiger or the Horned Demon Flood-Dragon.
"I chose you because you have a way to get me out," Vera said. "That portal has restrictions—any beast at eighth rank or higher can't pass through. I've tried countless times and failed every time."
"What way could I possibly have? If you've tried so many times and failed, then I'm powerless to help. It's not that I won't help you—it's that I truly don't know how."
So you're saying any beast above eighth rank can't pass through the portal? Doesn't that mean Old Gold can't get out either? Evan Chu felt a serious problem—if Goldwing couldn't leave, it would be a huge loss for him.
"That's right. I can't leave, and Goldfeathers can't either. But if you agree to help us, there's a way out—because only you are worthy of our trust," Vera said.
"Why?" Evan Chu asked curiously. Was it because of the dragon blood in his body?
"You carry the cub of a Bloodshadow Berserker Lion—an ancient spirit beast—and its bloodline is even purer than most. By now, its blood is practically at the Saint Beast level. If it can willingly form a Soul Contract with you, then we absolutely can too."
The Bloodshadow Berserker Lion is one of the noblest races. If it didn’t truly want to, it would rather die than submit to a human’s control. Plus, you risked your own safety to block the Skyfiend Tiger so your friend could escape. That shows your character. And since you’re a descendant of the Divine Dragon, I’m completely at ease."
Vera spoke with absolute certainty, her eyes never leaving Evan Chu, as if she could see straight through to his soul.
"But I already have Shadow! Isn’t there any other way? Following me won’t lead anywhere for you." Evan was surprised but still refused. After all, traveling with unfamiliar spirit beasts wasn’t ideal, and he didn’t know much about Soul Contracts.
"No, this is the only way. Only through you can we pass out of here. Maybe it’s selfish, but it’s a huge benefit for you too."
Every high-rank spirit beast can share a unique talent through a Soul Contract. I’m sure your Bloodshadow Berserker Lion has one too." Vera kept explaining, and Evan couldn’t help but start believing her.
Shadow really does have a cooperative skill—the Lion Spirit Fist. It’s incredibly powerful; Evan knew this from experience.
"Evan, agree to her request! Nine-Tailed Spirit Foxes are terrifying—not for their attack, but for their illusion arts. The stronger the fox, the more monstrous her illusions. Trust me, you’ll understand soon enough." Luna, the Sword Spirit, urged excitedly, clearly stirred by Vera’s words.
"I’ve heard your illusion arts are incredible—show me. If they’re really as strong as the rumors say, I’ll agree. Just know, I don’t keep useless people or beasts around." Evan finished, glancing pointedly at Goldwing to make his meaning clear.
Vera smiled faintly, violet light shimmering around her. Suddenly, something completely unexpected happened—Jenny Sima appeared right in front of Evan.
"Evan, I miss you so much!" Jenny Sima said gently, her voice soft and tender.
Evan rubbed his eyes. Even though he knew this wasn’t the real Jenny Sima, he couldn’t tell the difference—her looks and voice were identical. "Damn, this little violet fox’s illusions are scary good."
"Why are you ignoring me? Don’t you love Jenny anymore?" Jenny Sima’s voice came again, this time choked with emotion.
Evan’s heart lurched at her words. If he didn’t know this was the fox’s illusion, he’d probably just pull her into his arms and never let go.
He forced himself to steady his mind and said, "Alright, your illusion arts really are incredible. If I didn’t know you were Vera, I wouldn’t be able to tell at all."
"Hehe, Evan, you’re the best!" Jenny Sima’s voice lingered, but in a flash of violet light, she transformed back into the purple-robed girl.
"My illusions only work on people whose cultivation is lower than mine. Stronger experts won’t see the same thing," Vera explained.
"So realistic… But if I sign a Soul Contract with you, what skill would I get? I won’t be able to transform, will I?" Evan joked, imagining himself turning into Jenny and sneaking up on her just to see her reaction.
He was still fantasizing when Vera mercilessly shattered his hopes: "That’s impossible. But I can grant you the Demon Eye. The stronger we get, the more powerful it becomes. If I reach nine tails and you attain the Saint Martial Realm, you’ll be able to kill anyone of the same level instantly with a glance."
"That strong?" Evan’s heart skipped a beat. Being able to instantly kill anyone of the same realm was just insane.
"The Demon Eye has another function: it lets you see through illusions and barriers. If you’re trapped in an illusion, you can break free," Vera continued.
"Alright, I’ll do it. Once we get out, I’ll form a Soul Contract with you." Evan grinned—this was another powerful skill for him. Plus, Vera’s combat strength would be a huge asset.
He glanced at Goldwing, who looked a bit embarrassed. "Boss, I don’t have any heaven-defying skills like the fox. My bloodline isn’t as strong as hers."
"It’s fine. What could you give me?" Evan asked. Even if Goldwing couldn’t offer any special skills, Evan would keep him around—his loyalty was worth more than most humans could offer.
"I... I can make you three times faster. That’s my current limit—unless I can break through..."