53: Hatching snake eggs

Chu Qinhui subconsciously squeezed the brocade pouch in his chest. From his sales today, he had two Source Spirit Stones and five Origin Rune Stones remaining.

He was still one thousand and ninety-five Origin Rune Stones short of the one thousand three hundred Origin Rune Stones Qing Luo had mentioned; the gap was vast, to say the least.

Only now did Chu Qinhui understand the true value of the three Different Rank Species snake eggs at home. If not for his father's fortuitous encounter, their Family wouldn't have been able to afford even one.

Chu Qinhui took a reluctant look at the [Long-Browed Green-Winged Sparrow] in the cage, which was slowly and methodically preening its feathers. He truly felt this bird would be a perfect match for Xiao Han.

Qing Luo, standing to the side, seemed to discern Chu Qinhui's inner thoughts. "This Long-Browed Green-Winged Sparrow likely won't be sold anytime soon. If you can save up enough Origin Rune Stones within ten days, you will still have a chance to bring it home."

"Does that mean, Miss, that it will also appear at the auction?"

"As a warm-up, we generally use these Uncommon Rank Source Beast cubs for the opening. If you're looking to pick up a bargain, the price might even be lower then than it is now."

"Thank you for the information, Miss. I shall take my leave." With empty pockets, Chu Qinhui had no desire to wander around any longer. Now, he only wanted to take the items he had purchased today back home and hatch those few Different Rank Species snake eggs.

"Young Master, just follow the path you came from, and the gate will automatically return you to the place where you arrived."

Downstairs, quite unfortunately, Chu Qinhui ran into that Huang Daxian he had encountered upon entering.

It seemed this Huang Daxian had a bit of a reputation here. Wherever he went, the people around him would immediately scatter far away, as if they were terrified of having any contact with him.

"A bunch of cowards." Huang Daxian watched the people around him avoiding him like he was a venomous snake or scorpion. He spat on the ground and cursed with dissatisfaction.

He pulled open his collar, spread a piece of cloth in the middle of the hall, and sat down brazenly. Then, he placed a red and black spider in front of him.

"Come and take a look, everyone! Does anyone have a daughter who is a Mortal Rank Contract Master to trade? Preferably one with big hips, easy to bear children! This Red-Backed Spider will be theirs, and I even guarantee they will be able to advance to the Uncommon Rank. If you're interested, come and take a look. There is only one such good deal, first come, first served."

After hearing Huang Daxian's words, Chu Qinhui frowned. Treating living people as goods to be exchanged made him feel uncomfortable inside.

However, upon hearing his words, the people around seemed somewhat accustomed to it, as if this kind of situation had happened many times before.

"What's this, Huang Daxian? At your age, you're looking to start a Family now?"

"Yes, yes, forming a marriage alliance. This is the betrothal gift, this is the betrothal gift. Is there anyone willing? I am a High-levelDifferent Rank, from Fuxia County. I believe many of you have heard my name. Forming a marriage alliance with me ensures you won't be at a loss. Of course, the previous guarantee still stands."

After changing the phrasing, it was clear that some people around were starting to look interested.

In the surrounding towns, a Contract Master of the High-levelDifferent Rank rank still carried quite a lot of weight. So, after Chu Qinhui stood there for a while, quite a few people took the initiative to step forward and start chatting with that Huang Daxian.

Chu Qinhui cast a complex look, then turned and left through the entrance.

After leaving the Treasure Pavilion, Chu Qinhui went to the Town Chiefs Mansion. He saw Chu Shengfan, informed him of the news that his grandfather had returned home safely, and handed over the pollen he had purchased.

"Use it well. If it's not enough, take these Origin Rune Stones to the Treasure Pavilion to buy more. Your growth and that of the Flower Medicine Butterfly are the most important things."

While saying this, Chu Qinhui placed the remaining two Source Spirit Stones and five Origin Rune Stones into Chu Shengfan's hands.

Upon learning that his grandfather had returned safely, Chu Shengfan's expression relaxed significantly. He looked at the Origin Rune Stones and Source Spirit Stones in his hand and asked, "Did Grandfather obtain these from Beyond the Border?"

Seeing his father silently nod in front of him, Chu Shengfan felt the warm, smooth stones suddenly become scorching in his palm.

He held the stones in his palm out toward his father. "Mother, as well as my younger brother and sister, don't have a Source Beast contracted. Use these Origin Rune Stones to buy Source Beasts for them."

Chu Qinhui looked left and right, discovered that no one else was around, and then said softly, "Don't worry about the Source Beasts. Your grandfather brought back three Source Beast eggs, just enough for them to form a contract. Keep these Origin Rune Stones for your own use. Growing up quickly is the best repayment to the Family."

Only then did Chu Shengfan silently put the Origin Rune Stones back into his chest. Chu Qinhui patted his shoulder. "Go back now; I am heading back as well. If you encounter any trouble, don't keep it to yourself. Send us a message; home will always be your backing."

"Okay."

Chu Qinhui took one last deep look at Chu Shengfan, then turned and set off on the road home.

Chu Shengfan watched his father's receding figure on the street. That figure, now standing straight, slowly merged with the stooped, constantly coughing figure in his memory.

His Family was truly getting better, slowly but surely.

By mid-afternoon, Chu Qinhui had returned home.

Before he had even entered the doorway, he was caught by the two little ones guarding the entrance.

Looking at the still innocent and lively little ones, Chu Qinhui smiled at first, then suddenly thought of Chu Shengfan, feeling all the more indebted to his eldest son.

By the time he snapped out of it, the two little ones were already excitedly pulling things out of his backpack one by one.

There was spirit liquid stored in palm-sized porcelain bottles; the two little ones counted them, totaling thirty bottles.

There were also emerald green crystals, scattered in about twenty pieces; those were the rations for the [Ginseng Baby].

Hearing the commotion outside, Chu Jingyu walked out from the Main Hall. In his hands, he held a wooden basin, which contained those three snake eggs.

He placed the wooden basin on the stone table, then picked up a porcelain bottle and opened the stopper. He poured a few drops of spirit liquid into his palm to feel it, then nodded with satisfaction.

Immediately afterward, he flipped his wrist and poured all the remaining spirit liquid from the bottle into the basin.

The spirit liquid only covered a thin layer in the basin. Immediately after, more porcelain bottles were opened by Chu Qinhui, and more spirit liquid was poured into the water.

Soon, the spirit liquid occupied half of the wooden basin, and ten porcelain bottles were already empty.

Only then did Chu Jingyu stop his actions. With eyes full of anticipation, he looked into the basin. Under the soaking of the spirit liquid, the three snake eggs showed a reaction for the first time.

The powdery white crystal powder adhering to their surfaces slowly dissolved into the spirit liquid, dyeing the transparent, colorless spirit liquid with a faint pink hue.

The surfaces of the snake eggs seemed to be breathing, flickering with a faint white light that waxed and waned.

The spirit liquid in the basin was also visibly and slowly decreasing. Chu Jingyu rubbed his palm along the edge of the wooden basin and said with a smile, "I estimate they will hatch very soon."

The two little ones also stood in front of the stone table, staring curiously and intently at the three eggs in the basin. Chu Shengyuan even pointed firmly at one of the eggs with his chubby little hand and loudly declared, "I want this one."

Chu Jingyu smiled and patted his head. "Alright, alright, that one is yours."

Chu Qinhui walked to the other side of the stone table, joining the group watching, and at the same time reported to his father about his experiences today.