Chapter 178
Finch glanced around quickly. Fortunately, no other beastmen were nearby—no one else seemed to have heard.
He looked away, unsure how to answer.
Now that the Spirit Pearl’s energy had been exposed, any excuse would be useless.
Seeing his reaction, Taru immediately understood.
So the brat had been lying all along.
The Spirit Pearl hadn’t been destroyed at all.
Taru moved instinctively toward the source of the light—but Finch stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“Father, don’t go p>
Taru’s anger flared. “Why are you stopping me p>
“I Finch hesitated, unable to speak the truth.
Taru’s gaze sharpened, realization dawning. “The Spirit Pearl… is it with Nina p>
There was no one else his son would protect so fiercely.
Finch’s eyes flickered—but he said nothing.
Taru let out a slow breath. “The Spirit Pearl is a sacred artifact of our fox clan. I must retrieve it. Nina is a reasonable female—I believe she would return it willingly p>
This foolish son of his… completely ensnared.
For her sake, he had not only abandoned such an important relic but even deceived his own father and clan.
“Father,” Finch said quietly, “the Spirit Pearl has already recognized Nina as its master p>
Taru’s pupils trembled. “Impossible. How could it acknowledge a female p>
Their clan had countless gifted, powerful members—yet none had ever succeeded. And now… it had chosen her?
Even if Nina possessed abilities, they were not overwhelmingly strong.
“It’s true. This time, I’m not lying,” Finch said firmly.
Taru clenched his fists, staring toward the glowing light, struggling to accept it.
After a long pause, he finally steadied himself. “Explain everything. Clearly p>
Finch gave a brief account of what had happened.
Fearing his father might pursue the matter further, he quickly added, “When I found the Spirit Pearl, it had already chosen her. Nina didn’t know it was our clan’s sacred artifact—she even wanted to return it. I was the one who stopped her p>
Taru shot him a glare. “You really don’t know which side you’re on p>
Finch rubbed his nose sheepishly. “But since it’s already bound to her, taking it back wouldn’t help anyway p>
Taru sighed, troubled.
That might be true—but explaining it to the clan would not be easy.
He himself could accept it—after all, Nina was likely to become part of their family in the future.
But not everyone would see it that way.
Especially the elders who valued power and tradition above all else.
Seeing his father’s concern, Finch spoke again, more seriously this time. “I know it won’t be easy to explain, which is why I lied before. But I don’t want Nina to be used by the clan p>
Taru understood.
His son was trying to protect her.
After a moment, he said quietly, “I received word yesterday. Hilan and the others have also arrived in the wilderness p>
If those old foxes learned about the Spirit Pearl p>
There would be chaos.
And they would undoubtedly try to exploit Nina for their own gain.
“Father,” Finch said urgently, “please don’t tell them. Hilan and the others have never truly interacted with the Spirit Pearl—they won’t recognize it. Only we know the truth p>
Taru fell silent, thinking it over.
Finally, he nodded. “Very well. We’ll keep this secret p>
Relief lit up Finch’s face. “Thank you, Father p>
With his father’s help, they might just be able to keep this hidden.
Taru rubbed his fingers together, hesitating for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh—as if making a decision.
“Later, have Nina come speak with me alone p>
Finch’s expression sharpened instantly. “What do you want to do p>
Taru flicked him on the head. “You foolish child. I only want to teach her some additional ways to use the Spirit Pearl. These are secrets of our fox clan p>
His gaze grew distant. “The Spirit Pearl is far more powerful than you realize p>
Finch narrowed his eyes. “Then why didn’t you tell me before p>
Taru snorted. “You haven’t even succeeded me as city lord yet—why would I tell you p>
Those secrets were reserved only for each generation’s ruler.
But Nina… was now its master.
She had the right to know.
Finch’s eyes lit up. “Alright, I’ll tell her. You have to teach her properly—and if she doesn’t understand, be patient. Teach her again p>
Taru gave him a sideways look. “Since when do I need your instruction p>
Finch looked away, a little embarrassed.
He was only worried his father might take out his frustrations on Nina.
Still… if she learned to truly wield the Spirit Pearl, she would be safer.
“Let’s wait over there,” Finch said, his tone brightening. “I’ll tell her once she’s done p>
Taru shook his head but followed.
They didn’t approach—only waited beyond the perimeter guarded by the ghost wolves.
When Nina finished absorbing the energy, she felt… different.
Not in any obvious way—but something within her had shifted.
“Nina, are you done?” Sal asked with concern. “The Spirit Pearl reacted so strongly just now… are you alright p>
“I’m fine,” Nina replied. “It’s just… this time the energy felt much stronger. I think I might be close to breaking through p>
“You’re already at peak ninth rank?” Sal said in surprise. “And you’re about to advance again? That’s incredibly fast p>
Nina smiled faintly. “After absorbing the spirit crystals, my cultivation speed improved. And with the essence stones on top of that… it adds up p>
Sal stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her, half-joking. “At this rate, you’ll surpass me soon. Looks like I’ll need you to protect me from now on p>
A trace of helplessness flickered through him.
Soon… she wouldn’t need his protection at all.
Perhaps the only thing he could still contribute was… Well.
At least he could still be useful at night.
Nina laughed softly. “Alright. I’ll protect you p>
After they returned, Finch told Nina about Taru wanting to speak with her privately.
She agreed without hesitation.
Taru led her aside, and the two spoke for a long time.
Elsewhere, beyond the cave—
Yosan sensed the surge of the Spirit Pearl’s energy, a dark gleam flashing through his eyes.
Little one… you truly are full of surprises.
But those old foxes were here too.
He would need a flawless plan.