Chapter 55: The Demon Realm - ""Earth

Bingdie had a great impression of her, and thought the little wood-tribe cub smelled nice.

Curious, she led her towards the spring. “That’s just bathwater! Uncle Zhi and Sister Taoyao both love soaking in the spring. Look, over there!”

Following Bingdie’s pointing finger, she saw a crescent-shaped pool, densely packed with grass and various things belonging to the Zhi people.

Bingdie walked over to the group. “This little wood-tribe cub wants to come soak in the spring with me!”

A big, round, furry creature with bright eyes looked at Sang Chu. “Are you a wood-tribe demon?”

Sang Chu replied, “Well, I think so, though I’m not completely sure. But I do know I’m a wood demon.”

To prove herself, Sang Chu immediately transformed into a small vine, with milky sap and clusters of white flowers blooming continuously.

The flowers gave off a sweet, delicate fragrance, instantly winning the favor of all the demons present.

Looking at Sang Chu, the big furry creature grinned, its fur bristling with joy. “You really are a little wood-tribe cub! If you want spring water, just take it. There’s plenty of it in Butterfly Valley!”

Sang Chu returned to her human form and said a little awkwardly, “I might need a bit more than usual.”

“No problem! Even if you took the whole pool, it wouldn’t matter. Just don’t take the water pearls, that’s all.”

“Water pearls?”

Sang Chu didn’t understand, so the big furry creature patiently explained, “The water pearl is the essence of the spring. Every spring has a water pearl. As long as the water pearl remains, the spring will never run dry. So, take as much water as you want, just don’t take the pearl!”

Sang Chu asked, “What if I want the water pearl?”

She asked cautiously, afraid of angering them. But if she could trade openly, she didn’t want to sneak around and steal from others.

The big furry creature hesitated for a moment. “You must have had a tough time outside, huh?”

Bingdie piped up, “She’s not very bright. She can’t remember anything, not even the way home. She was trapped in the Maze for ages by Sister Taoyao. If Sister Taoyao hadn’t realized she was one of us, she’d still be stuck in there!”

Someone stood up nearby, and Sang Chu’s eyes widened—this big furry creature was actually taller than her!

He didn’t seem threatening at all when he was lying in the pool!

“Normally, we can’t just give away the water pearl. You’ll have to trade something for it.”

Even if he wanted to give it to Sang Chu, he had to follow the rules. If everyone just took what they wanted, Butterfly Valley would be in chaos.

Sang Chu nodded and took out a thumb-sized piece of spirit jade. “How about this? Will this do?”

When he saw the spirit jade, his eyes widened. “Kid, you’re really willing to trade this for a water pearl?”

“Yes, really. Is it enough?”

“It’s more than enough!!”

A gentle voice, tinged with urgency, came from behind. Sang Chu turned to see a woman in a light green dress.

She had a graceful figure and a beautiful face, walking amidst a trail of peach blossoms, like a flower fairy come to life.

“With spirit jade, you can have as many water pearls as you want!”

From her tone, it seemed this woman had a lot of authority in Butterfly Valley.

Sang Chu asked, “Beautiful sister, do you have the final say here?”

At this, a demon nearby burst out laughing.

He explained, “Taoyao is the Valley Master’s personal disciple. The Valley Master rarely shows herself, so the whole of Butterfly Valley is under Taoyao’s protection. Of course she has the final say. Whatever she agrees to, no one will object.”

Taoyao?

Sang Chu smiled. “Beautiful sister, can I have three water pearls? I also want some earth-element things. I want to plant something myself, but I’ve forgotten everything. The big bunny told me I wasted a lot of seeds.”

She looked pitiful and aggrieved as she spoke, making her look even more helpless. Even the rabbit’s eyes widened—he had no idea Sang Chu could act so pitifully.

Taoyao waved her hand. “That’s no problem. You can dig up as much earth as you want. But let’s talk about how much spirit jade you’ll give me.”

Sang Chu pretended to be embarrassed and took out a small pouch of spirit jade. “Beautiful sister, I only have this little bag. Can I trade it for three water pearls and some earth?”

Before Taoyao could answer, the big furry creature spoke up, “Of course you can! Spirit jade is rare and precious. Kid, if there’s anything else you want, just say it. If we can give it to you, we will!”

Taoyao looked at Sang Chu’s worried expression and couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, I won’t take advantage of a little cub. Just tell me what you want.”

Sang Chu wasn’t interested in plants. Right now, she just wanted to confirm something with Taoyao. “Sister Taoyao, is it true that you’re the one who set up the Maze here?”

“What do you want to know? Yes, all the mazes in Butterfly Valley are my work.”

Sang Chu nodded. “Sister, I’m not just curious. I was wondering, could you set up a maze around my earth for me? I want to plant things, but I’m worried someone might steal them. If you set up a maze, no one will be able to take my things!”

Taoyao was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. “You’re a funny little cub! Alright, I’ll do it. But let’s be clear: your spirit jade gets you three water pearls, as much earth as you want, and I’ll set up a maze for you. Deal?”

He seemed to want to say something, but in the end just kept quiet.

Sang Chu nodded. “Yes, that’s enough for me!”

Taoyao took the spirit jade, tossed Sang Chu a bag of seeds, and then disappeared.

Seeing Sang Chu hesitate, the big furry creature smiled. “I don’t know where the earth is. Can you show me the way?”

Bingdie said, “I know, I know! I’ll take you!”

With a sigh, the big furry creature said, “Go on, Bingdie, take her. Kid, be careful when you go out in the future.”

Sang Chu smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I’m off now.”

Bingdie led the way, and Sang Chu followed her towards the place with earth.

The big furry creature sighed again, then lay back in the spring, closing his eyes to rest.

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