Chapter 179
After listening to Taru’s explanation, Nina finally realized just how powerful the Spirit Pearl truly was. It wasn’t that it lacked strength before—only that her current level was still too low to fully unlock its potential.
Until now, she and Sal had thought it merely helped enhance cultivation.
Now she understood—it was far more than that. And far more precious.
“Uncle,” Nina said earnestly, “since the Spirit Pearl is so valuable, I should compensate you somehow. Is there anything you want? I’ll do my best p>
Taru smiled, shaking his head. “There’s no need. We were only ever its guardians. Since it has chosen you as its master, then it belongs to you p>
If the Spirit Pearl had acknowledged her, her potential must be extraordinary—and so must her child.
He had already suspected as much after hearing from Finch about the strange phenomenon at Didi’s birth.
Since they were practically family, there was nothing to begrudge.
Still, Nina persisted. “Then… what kind of ability do you have? I could give you a crystal to assist your cultivation p>
She truly wanted to offer something in return.
Taru shook his head again. “My cultivation has already reached a bottleneck. Those auxiliary crystals won’t help me anymore p>
He paused, then added with a hint of amusement, “But if you really want to give me something… how about some sweets? And those cooking seasonings you use p>
He still remembered the taste.
The food in Nina’s household was… unforgettable.
Nina blinked—then laughed softly. “That’s all you want p>
“Of course,” Taru said, entirely serious.
“In that case,” Nina said with a smile, “I can even teach you how to make some of the ingredients yourself p>
Taru’s eyes lit up. “Then I’ll have to thank you p>
That way, even after returning to Jade Fox City, he could still recreate those flavors.
He had already decided—once Nina safely reached Sea-Blue City, he would head back.
“No need,” Nina said lightly. “It’s nothing p>
If anything, she was the one benefiting.
After all, she had gained something far more valuable.
Taru’s expression grew more serious. “Nina, until you’re strong enough, it’s best to keep the Spirit Pearl a secret. Otherwise, it will attract unwanted attention p>
Nina nodded. “I understand p>
A priceless treasure could invite danger if exposed.
“Let me try using its power,” she added.
If she encountered any difficulty, she could ask him directly.
“Go ahead,” Taru said.
Nina focused, guiding the energy within.
Perhaps because the Spirit Pearl was already attuned to her, the process came surprisingly naturally. The power responded to her will with ease, flowing smoothly through her.
Taru watched, inwardly astonished.
As expected of its chosen master—she could command its strength so effortlessly.
After a moment, Nina exhaled softly and opened her eyes.
“I think I’ve got the hang of it,” she said with a small smile. “Let’s head back p>
Taru nodded, satisfaction flickering in his gaze as they turned to return.
“Alright p>
He returned to the cave with Nina.
The next two days passed in rare calm.
At midday, Nina sat resting off to the side when Finch approached, carrying several sets of clothing.
“Nina, I made these for you. They’re suitable for the current weather p>
He knelt halfway, carefully spreading the garments out for her to see. “I tried a few different styles… see if you like them p>
He wasn’t as perceptive as Kith when it came to her preferences. He couldn’t be sure she would like them—but he could make more, slowly learning what suited her best.
Nina looked over the clothes.
There were many pieces. Each was made from fine material, each with a different design—and all of them aligned uncannily well with her tastes.
It was obvious how much care he had put into them.
She hesitated.
She understood his intentions. Though he had once been her former betrothed, these past days he had done much for her and Didi, going so far as to obtain spirit crystals for her.
Even if he claimed it had been easy… she knew better.
Anything truly valuable always came at a cost.
She wasn’t made of stone. Of course she was moved.
And yet p>
Her feelings were complicated.
Seeing her hesitation, Taru quickly interjected, “Nina, just accept them. As Didi’s father, it’s only right for Finch to take care of you p>
Finch nodded.
What he really wanted to say was that it had nothing to do with Didi—he did all of this simply for her.
But more than anything, he didn’t want her to refuse him.
This… was one of the few things he could offer.
After a moment, Nina accepted the clothes. “Thank you. They’re beautiful p>
A bright smile spread across Finch’s face. “I’m glad you like them. I’ll make you some thicker ones later p>
Before Nina could respond, another figure stepped forward—it was Dian.
He edged Finch aside and knelt as well, holding out a single garment.
“Nina, I made one for you too. It’s woven from shark silk—it’s very soft p>
He had crafted the fabric himself.
Nina lowered her gaze. It was a light, flowing blue piece—thin, almost translucent, but with a refined, luxurious texture.
Finch frowned, slightly annoyed. “The weather’s turning cold, and you’re still making something so thin p>
“I’ve prepared thicker ones too. They’re just not finished yet p>
Dian shot him a sidelong glance before turning back to Nina, his expression softening instantly.
“I didn’t know your exact measurements,” he said, a faint blush coloring his face. “So I only made one for now… this one… you can wear underneath. I’ll finish the outer layers later p>
Just imagining her wearing something he had personally woven made his heart stir with a mix of sweetness and shy anticipation.
Nina hesitated again.
This… felt even harder to accept.
Seeing her reaction, Dian immediately looked stricken. “Nina… you’re not going to accept his but not mine, are you p>
His eyes glistened, as if he might cry at any moment.
Nina faltered.
It was hard to refuse him like this.
He pressed on softly, “This is the first piece of clothing I’ve ever made. It took me a long time… will you accept it p>
As he spoke, he subtly revealed his fingers—marked with tiny needle pricks.
They were real injuries, but intentionally left visible.
If she accepted it, he wouldn’t have shown them.
He didn’t want to rely on pitiful tactics—but compared to the others, he had no real advantage. This was the only way he could hope to earn her sympathy.
“Your hands p>
Seeing the marks, Nina’s heart softened further.
“It’s nothing,” Dian said gently, shaking his head, his gaze tender. “It doesn’t hurt p>
Off to the side, Odian and the others looked on with open disdain.
Of course it didn’t hurt—those tiny pricks would heal in no time.
That scheming fish was clearly doing it on purpose.
Dian shook his head with a warm smile. “No, I want to make them for you. Besides, what female would ever have too many clothes? You should have enough to wear something different every day p>
“Sister Nina, try it on,” he added eagerly. “If it doesn’t fit, I’ll fix it right away p>
“Alright p>
Nina tried it on briefly—only to find it didn’t quite fit.
“It’s a bit small… I can’t really get into it p>
“I’m sorry,” Dian said immediately, lowering his gaze as if crestfallen. “I didn’t know your measurements. I’ll remake it p>
“It’s fine,” Nina reassured him. “For a first attempt, it’s already very good p>
Dian carefully took the garment back, then asked cautiously, “Sister Nina… may I take your measurements? I’m worried I’ll get it wrong again p>
There were no measuring tools here—everything was done by hand.
At his words, the gazes of Odian and the others sharpened instantly.
Ah.
So this was his real intention.
They were almost certain now—this cunning fish had deliberately made the garment too small, just to create an excuse to get closer to her.