Having secured his cultivation arrangements for the next three years with the lease from Steward Xiao, Gu An was in an exceptionally good mood. He hummed a little tune as he walked back to his courtyard on Little Thousand Peak.

Pushing open the wooden door and entering his quiet room, Gu An retrieved a large clay vat from his Storage Bag. This was an item he had prepared long ago. He placed the Cold-Scale Python egg inside, tossed in twenty Spirit Stones, and pinched a hand seal, conjuring a stream of clear water to fill the vessel.

This method was something he had read about in the miscellaneous lore and records section on the first floor of the Scripture Pavilion. It was a universally effective technique for hatching most spirit beasts.

As soon as the water filled the vat, a faint chill began to radiate from it. Looking closely, one could see tiny ice crystals constantly forming and shattering across the water's surface.

Submerged in the water, the Cold-Scale Python egg grew increasingly crystalline. Beneath the sunlight filtering into the room, its ice-like shell became translucent, revealing the faint silhouette of a tiny serpent wriggling within.

"As expected of a spirit beast possessing Flood Dragon bloodline. It can already exert an influence on its surroundings before even being born."

"It is said that spirit beasts of the Flood Dragon lineage can purify their bloodline to pursue the path of a True Dragon, breaking through racial limitations. I wonder if this little one will ever have such a chance."

Gazing at the python egg as it emitted a soft, cold radiance, Gu An could not help but let his mind wander.

Unlike cultivators, spirit beasts prioritized bloodline above all else. For a beast with an exceptional lineage, its starting point was often the ultimate ceiling for most other species.

Before hitting their racial limit, a spirit beast's cultivation would advance rapidly. However, once that threshold was reached, the bloodline bottleneck could trap them for an entire lifetime without allowing a single inch of progress.

Fortunately, heaven always leaves a path open. Every spirit beast possessed a slim chance to elevate its lineage, though it required an immense Fated Chance.

For those of the dragon lineage, the path forward was clear and definitive: continuously purify the bloodline and strive to transform into a dragon.

This was precisely why any creature carrying the Flood Dragon bloodline was so highly sought after.

Recalling Xiao Wenyuan's tragic misfortune, Gu An could not help but shudder. He firmly resolved never to let a single word about this Cold-Scale Python slip out.

In any case, he would be moving to Bluewave Pool in a few days. Once there, he would be completely alone, making it highly unlikely for anyone to discover his secret.

"Spirit Contract formed by heaven, soul oath witnessed by earth."

Gu An murmured the incantations under his breath, executing the Spirit Contract Art. Though it was a high-grade technique, it was not particularly difficult to master. The cost, however, was immense.

It required a cultivator to nurture the spirit beast with their own essence blood and imprint a soul brand while it was still in the egg, ensuring the beast's absolute loyalty and willingness to protect its master unto death.

"Go!"

Gu An bit the tip of his tongue and forced out a drop of essence blood, spraying it onto the surface of the Cold-Scale Python egg. He felt a sudden, sharp pang in his Divine Sense, and a wave of weakness instantly washed over his body, forcing him to exhale a long breath of turbid Qi.

"Good thing this only needs to be done once. Otherwise, I really wouldn't be able to endure it."

Like a living entity, the blood on the eggshell transformed into thin crimson threads that burrowed deep into the egg, presenting a somewhat eerie yet beautiful sight.

He gently stroked the shell with his palm, feeling a faint coolness. A vague, nascent consciousness drifted into his mind, conveying an instinctive closeness and childlike affection.

Gu An could not help but grin. This little thing was surprisingly endearing.

"According to the records in the Scripture Pavilion, a Cold-Scale Python takes about half a year to hatch. By then, I will officially have my first spirit beast."

At that thought, his mood brightened considerably, and he began to envision grand scenes of himself guiding a dragon to part the waves as he roamed the four seas.

As for why he considered this his first spirit beast-the Black Spirit Fish and Blood Moon Eels were meant for eating, selling, and gathering Spiritual Qi. A beast bound by a Spirit Contract and possessing formidable combat strength was an entirely different matter.

By evening, twilight clouds gathered across the sky.

Gu An placed the large clay vat into his spirit beast pouch, as leaving it in the courtyard would only make him anxious.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned the Black Wind Kerchief and soared away from Little Thousand Peak.

His first destination was Steward Zhang's courtyard on Qianyuan Peak. In his hands, he carried two jars of Spirit Wine, which he had specifically purchased from Steward He of Green Bamboo Peak.

Previously, he had bought four jars from Steward Liu. He and Zhang Song had finished two, and the remaining two had been gifted to Steward Zhang. Since he was out of stock, he needed to replenish his supply.

He had initially gone back to Steward Liu, but the man had run out of Spirit Wine and recommended Gu An seek out Steward He near the summit.

Giving face to Steward Liu, Steward He did not overcharge him, selling them at a reasonable six Spirit Stones per jar. Gu An bought four jars in total.

However, Steward He could only procure a handful of Green Bamboo Snakes each year and informed Gu An that his stock for the year was entirely depleted. If Gu An wanted more, he would have to wait until next year.

Arriving before the gates of Steward Zhang's residence, Gu An lightly wrapped his knuckles against the wooden door, creating a hollow thudding sound.

"Who is it?"

A voice replied from within. It belonged to a young female cultivator, sounding clear and pleasant to the ear.

Gu An paused in surprise, then spoke in a clear voice, "Disciple Gu An, here to pay respects to Steward Zhang!"

With a creaking sound, the heavy door swung open, and a young woman stepped out. She wore the standard outer disciple robes of the Qingyuan Sect, which did little to hide her shapely figure.

Catching sight of Gu An, she raised a slender eyebrow and questioned, "What business do you have with my grandfather?"

'Is this Zhang Song's sister?' Gu An wondered internally, though his face remained entirely impassive. He replied smoothly, "I previously requested Steward Zhang's assistance with a certain matter, which has been successfully resolved. I came today to express my gratitude."

"Since he is not in, I must trouble you to pass these along on my behalf."

As he spoke, Gu An produced a Storage Bag containing fifty Spirit Stones he had prepared, offering it alongside the two jars of Green Bamboo Snake Wine.

The female cultivator made no move to accept them. Her eyes darted over the items before she spoke in a crisp tone, "I wouldn't dare take these. Who knows if Grandfather will even accept them?"

"If he refuses your gifts, wouldn't I be the one getting blamed?"

Gu An withdrew his hands, finding a grain of sense in her words. He then inquired, "When might Steward Zhang return?"

If the steward was expected back within a day or two, Gu An could simply pay another visit. After all, a gesture of gratitude carried the most sincerity when delivered in person.

The young woman shook her head. "Grandfather returned to our clan's ancestral lands to handle some family matters. It could take anywhere from three to five days to half a month. I cannot say for certain when he will be back."

Hearing this, Gu An scratched his head in frustration. This left him in a bind. Zhang Song was nowhere to be found either, leaving him with no one else to entrust with the delivery.

Stowing the two jars of wine back into the Storage Bag, Gu An took two steps forward, set the pouch down directly on the threshold, and flashed a polite smile at the young woman.

"Then you can just watch over it from right there. Leaving it outside the door ensures you won't be blamed for anything. When Steward Zhang returns, simply mention that Gu An came by!"

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. He was scheduled to depart for Bluewave Pool in the coming days and had no time to waste waiting for Steward Zhang, forcing him to resort to such a blunt method.

"Hey! What is wrong with you? If it gets stolen, who is going to take responsibility? Am I supposed to just stand at the door and guard it for you?"

Watching Gu An's retreating figure, the female cultivator shouted after him in irritation. Gu An ignored her completely. She had watched him place it at the door; there was no way she would leave it outside to rot.

As for who would be responsible if it went missing? It certainly wouldn't be his problem.

Seeing that Gu An had absolutely no intention of turning around, the young woman stomped her foot in exasperation. She snatched up the Storage Bag with a sharp yank, spun around, and slammed the heavy door shut behind her as she stormed back into the courtyard.

Hearing the thunderous slam of the door, Gu An glanced back over his shoulder. Seeing that the Storage Bag had vanished inside, he nodded with thorough satisfaction.