"Sister, what is this?" Dongfang Xu craned his neck to look, instinctively sensing the spiritual energy from the jade pendant, which drew him closer.
"It's just a jade pendant that transmits spiritual energy, all show and no substance," Yan Jiaojiao said with a hint of helplessness, tossing the spirit jade up and catching it, as if trying to shake off any lingering trace of Sheng Mobai.
If it were truly useless, she'd consider gifting it to Yan Ruxue, fulfilling her wish of marrying into wealth.
Anything was better than being pestered by Sheng Mobai over the jade pendant.
Dongfang Cangwu, seeing this, could no longer contain himself. This woman was truly foolish; the item was extraordinary, and she lacked the discernment to recognize it.
With that thought, the little black dog leaped from Dongfang Xu's lap onto Yan Jiaojiao's legs, heading straight for the finger holding the jade pendant.
Normally, the little black dog would nibble gently at Yan Jiaojiao, never actually breaking the skin. This time, Yan Jiaojiao didn't pay it much mind, assuming the little black dog was just playfully curious about the jade.
Unexpectedly, a sharp pain shot through her fingertip, and bright red blood welled up like pearls, dripping down and staining the greenish jade pendant, making it look exceptionally alluring.
"Little Black!" Yan Jiaojiao exclaimed, "What did you do!"
The little black dog leisurely released its bite, extending its pink tongue to lick Yan Jiaojiao's finger. The wound that had been bleeding moments ago was already beginning to heal, as if the bleeding had been a mere illusion.
Yan Jiaojiao was momentarily stunned. This miraculous healing ability… it seemed similar to a man she had met before. Yan Jiaojiao vaguely recalled a face she had seen in the Ten Thousand Beast Abyss, only remembering it as exceptionally stunning but unable to recall specific features.
"Sister, the jade pendant is glowing again. Did that strange uncle come back just now?"
Dongfang Xu's childish voice pulled Yan Jiaojiao back from her thoughts. She looked down and indeed saw the jade pendant in her hand emitting light.
However, it was different from the faint glow she saw when she met Sheng Mobai. This time, the light was a greenish radiance emanating from the spirit jade itself, from within.
A slight red hue appeared amidst the original green jade, and as Yan Jiaojiao's blood seeped in, the red in the center became more pronounced. Finally, the streak of crimson blood completely merged into the jade. The once green jade transformed into a faintly pinkish jade.
"It looks even prettier," Dongfang Xu marveled, witnessing the change.
Yan Jiaojiao felt more than just the physical transformation of the spirit jade; a space suddenly opened in her mind.
It was the space belonging to the spirit jade in her hand, vast and boundless, as if the entire Kunyang City could fit inside with room to spare!
Was this the true function of a Green-grade spirit jade?
Yan Jiaojiao's heart quickened. So, the method to awaken this spirit jade was through a blood contract.
She couldn't help but send her spiritual sense into the space. Inside, it contained a wealth of elixirs, ancient books, divine weapons, and even food, clothing, gold, and treasures.
It was truly a massive treasure trove!
Yan Jiaojiao's spiritual sense swept over the space, filled with countless good things.
With this jade pendant, the previously struggling Yan Jiaojiao could finally make a dramatic comeback. At the very least, she would never have to worry about money again!
For the first time since arriving in the Boundless Continent, Yan Jiaojiao felt so relaxed and happy that she wanted to burst into laughter.
Yan Jiaojiao couldn't wait to try it out. She used her spiritual sense to retrieve a pastry from the space, and in an instant, it appeared in her hand.
She didn't know how long the pastry had been stored in the spirit jade, but when it transferred to reality, it wasn't spoiled. In fact, the pastry was still emitting a faint warmth, its aroma tantalizing and appetizing.
It seemed this spirit jade space also had a preservation function; anything placed inside would remain in its original state.
Yan Jiaojiao was extremely satisfied. This was what a Green-grade spirit artifact should look like!
All of this, in Dongfang Xu's eyes, appeared differently. Yan Jiaojiao first looked at the jade pendant with surprise, then with joy, and then after conjuring the pastry, she was ecstatic.
Dongfang Xu couldn't help but look at the little black dog. "The books say people might go mad after being bitten by a dog. Has Sister gone mad because you bit her?"
The little black dog simply ignored the siblings. It glanced at them, then hopped onto another stool, lay down, and closed its eyes.
As if to say, both of them are short-sighted and ignorant!
Finally, just as Dongfang Xu was about to cry in frustration, Yan Jiaojiao had calmed down. She smiled and broke off half of the pastry in her hand. After taking a bite, she offered the other half to Dongfang Xu. "Xu'er, try this, it's delicious."
Dongfang Xu took it in a daze. "Sister, are you alright now?"
"Silly child, I was just too happy," Yan Jiaojiao said, ruffling his hair.
Dongfang Xu didn't understand what Yan Jiaojiao was so happy about, but he was genuinely happy that his sister was fine, so he happily took the pastry and ate it with gusto.
Yan Jiaojiao then turned and crouched beside the little black dog, patting its wet little nose. "Little Black, next time bite a little lighter. But, thanks to your mischief, I accidentally awakened the spirit jade. Here, this is for you."
With that, Yan Jiaojiao conjured two chicken legs. She handed one to Dongfang Xu and held the other herself, feeding it to the little black dog.
The little black dog initially didn't want to pay attention. When Yan Jiaojiao tore off a shred of meat and placed it near its mouth, the little black dog sniffed and opened its mouth, reluctantly eating the whole thing.
As the two chicken legs were finished, the voices of Rong'er and Zhao Qi could be heard from the doorway. Yan Jiaojiao immediately stood up, pulling Dongfang Xu with her.
Zhao Qi was a lean man, no older than eighteen, but with a mature gaze and a steady, reliable demeanor.
After Rong'er briefly explained to Zhao Qi that she would be bringing Dongfang Xu to stay temporarily, Zhao Qi agreed without much fuss. Seeing the remarkable appearances of Yan Jiaojiao and Dongfang Xu, he felt even more admiration and his attitude became more respectful.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yan Jiaojiao asked Rong'er to lead Dongfang Xu back to the room to get acquainted, while she stayed behind. With a raise of her hand, she produced a bag of silver coins and presented it to Zhao Qi. "Young Brother Zhao, thank you for agreeing to temporarily take in Xu'er. This is a small token of my appreciation, please accept it."
Zhao Qi saw the heavy bag and knew it contained a substantial amount of money. He repeatedly waved his hands. "Rong'er has been a servant in the Yan family for many years and has received considerable care from the Yan family and you. Furthermore, I used a lot of her monthly salary to renovate this house. Never mind her bringing a child to stay for a few days; I wouldn't mind if she stayed permanently."
Hearing Zhao Qi's words, Yan Jiaojiao understood. It was no wonder Rong'er was so kind; such good character could only be nurtured by a righteous family.
And the dignified Yan family was not as pure and good as this poor household.