Mira soon dug up a Second-tier earth-elemental spirit core, along with a bear gallbladder larger than a bowl, one of the most valuable materials from a Titanfang.

Seeing the spirit core, the Cave Mole’s eyes lit up with undisguised greed. It quickly turned, gazing at Wei Yun with an expectant, almost pleading expression.

"You did well this time. Consider this your reward."

Without hesitation, Wei Yun handed over the spirit core.

While Second-tier spirit cores were far more valuable than First-tier ones, the Cave Mole had played a crucial role in defeating Lin Zheng.

Even if it was only a temporary contract, the Tunnel Mole had proven its worth. More importantly, absorbing this spirit core might just help it break through to the next tier.

Squeak! Squeak!

Hearing Wei Yun’s approval, the Cave Mole stood on its hind legs. Under Mira’s disdainful gaze, it awkwardly cupped its paws together, performing a formal bow before eagerly swallowing the core whole.

The moment it did, its expression twisted as a surge of violent energy coursed through its body. It quickly dropped to the ground, trembling as it focused entirely on absorbing and refining the spirit core’s power.

Unlike the gentle energy of elixirs, spirit cores contained raw, untamed power.

This Second-tier spirit core in particular held far greater energy than a First-tier one, making it purer but also far more difficult to digest.

Seeing this, Wei Yun turned to Mira and handed her the wind-elemental spirit core from the Second-tier Wind Wolf.

"You worked hard too. This is your reward."

Then, with a slight look of apology, he glanced at Sylvia and said,

"Sorry, Sylvia… I’ll find a Second-tier wood-elemental spirit core for you soon."

Perched on his shoulder, Sylvia tilted her head, deep in thought.

After a moment, she nodded seriously and said,

"Alright… but now you owe me! I want it in writing!"

"...Fine, fine, I’ll write it down when we get back."

Wei Yun sighed, resigned to her strange sense of humor.

Meanwhile, Mira swallowed her spirit core, quickly absorbing its energy. A pale blue wind aura flared around her, growing brighter and stronger as she refined the power within.

As his spirit beasts focused on their breakthroughs, Wei Yun tended to his own injuries. If not for Sylvia’s healing, he would have needed days, if not weeks to fully recover. Thanks to her efforts, within fifteen minutes, his wounds had scabbed over. As long as he avoided strenuous movement, he would fully heal in a few days.

Just then, Mira completed her breakthrough.

Since it was just a minor advancement, the process was swift and smooth with the help of the spirit core. However, much of the core’s energy was wasted during absorption. Even so, Mira’s injuries had healed significantly, and with Sylvia’s healing, she would be back to full strength soon.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Spirit beasts naturally recovered much faster than humans.

SPIRIT BEAST INFORMATION:

· Name: White Gale Tiger (Juvenile Stage)

· Realm: First Tier, stage 9

· Species: High Servant Class· Quality: High

· Bloodline: White Tiger (Inferior)

· Attribute: Wind

· Status: Healthy

· Weakness: Lightning

· Innate Trait: Intimidation

· Mastered Skills: Bite, Swiping Claw, Crushin Claw, Tail Whip, Shadow Clone, Tailwind, Wind Blade, Crunch

Through this life-or-death battle, Mira had comprehended Crunch, an advanced evolution of the Bite skill. With her breakthrough, her overall combat ability had risen significantly. Though she was technically still a First-tier spirit beast, her strength now rivaled that of a Second-tier Wind Wolf.

Shortly after, the Cave Mole also underwent a transformation.

Crack! Crack!

Its bones popped and stretched, its body expanding rapidly until it stood over a meter tall. It had successfully advanced into a Second-tier spirit beast.

SPIRIT BEAST INFORMATION:

· Name: Cave Mole

· Realm: Second Tier, stage 1

· Species: Mid Servant Class

· Quality: Mid

· Bloodline: Eldertail Mole Bloodline (Inferior)

· Attribute: Earth

· Status: Healthy

· Weakness: Wood

· Innate Trait: Earth’s Blessing (Boosts Earth-based Skills)

· Mastered Skills: Bite, Swiping Claw, Burrow, Mud Shot, Quicksand Prison, Earth shockwave, Crushing Claw, Crunch, Sonic Roar, Quicksand Hell

Even though it was a temporary contract, the Cave Mole had become Wei Yun’s first Second-tier spirit beast. However, after its breakthrough, the contract mark on its forehead visibly dimmed. When a spirit beast surpasses its master’s rank, their mental link weakens, making it harder to command.

If the contract was temporary, a stronger spirit beast could eventually break free on its own. Yet… the Tunnel Mole made no attempt to sever the contract.

Why?

Because it had fallen in love with spirit beast food. Even with its advancement, Wei Yun still didn’t use one of his precious blood contracts on it. Blood contract slots were extremely limited, and he only had two left.

His future growth depended entirely on the quality of his contracted spirit beasts. Unless the Tunnel Mole’s quality improved, he wouldn’t waste a contract on it. And improving a spirit beast’s quality was incredibly difficult.

With Mira leading the way, Wei Yun approached Lin Zheng’s lifeless body. Even in death, Lin Zheng’s eyes were wide, frozen in an expression of rage and disbelief. Wei Yun felt a faint discomfort, but only just.

This wasn’t the first dead body he’d seen. But… it was the first man he had killed himself.

Though Mira had delivered the final blow, she was his bonded spirit beast, meaning it was no different than if he had done it with his own hands. Taking a deep breath, he pushed down his unease.

One thing was certain. They couldn’t stay here.

Who knew if Lin Zheng had allies nearby?

This wasn’t just about the Soul Crystal Mine. Lin Zheng’s presence suggested a larger Lin Clan conspiracy. There was no way they had sent only one person.

There could be more Beastmasters nearby, perhaps even a Tier-3 Beastmaster. And if a Tier-3 found them?

No amount of traps or strategy would save them. Without hesitation, Wei Yun searched Lin Zheng’s corpse. As a Tier-2 Beastmaster and a Lin Clan elite, his belongings were bound to be valuable.

Before long, a small pile of items lay before him.

Among them was a jade token engraved with intricate markings, proof against counterfeiting. One side bore the character "Lin," the other, "Zheng." An identity token.

Then, his gaze landed on a fist-sized crystal.

At first glance, it looked like a clear gemstone—but the moment he touched it, he felt a distinct energy flow into his body.

"Spirit Crystal!"

And that wasn’t all.

Among Lin Zheng’s belongings, Wei Yun also found a golden dagger and a strange-looking pouch.