Capítulo 11: 11 : Pick Everything... They are all for you

As they reached deeper into the forest, Eric's arms gently encircled Ria, lifting her with an ease that belied his strength.

He used the Qi manipulation and rose high into the air. As they ascended, buoyed by his Qi, Ria's cheeks flushed with a shy rosiness, her eyes wide with a mix of astonishment and admiration. His warm embrace felt like an electric impulse.

Soaring above the dense canopy, Eric's keen eyes searched the forest floor. The elusive spirit grass, known for its ability to evade capture by burrowing underground, was his target. Yet, for Eric, locating and harvesting it was as effortless as plucking fruit from a tree. His unique ability to create gravitational stagnation with a mere utterance set him apart in the world of cultivation.

In a long distance, miles away from their location, A rocky den caught his attention, a dwelling of the formidable Rank 6 Raka beast, one of the apex predators of the spirit forest. Without hesitation, he flowed towards the Rocky den in few instances and descended into the den, carrying Ria safely in his arms.

Inside, the Raka beast lay with her two new born beasts, a sight both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Eric, undaunted, extended his hand, twisting his fingers in a fluid motion. Qi binding chains materialized from thin air, wrapping around the Raka beast in a gentle yet unbreakable hold.

Ria stood behind him without any fear. As she gazed at the beast, she felt pity of its babies. But unlike she expected Eric didn't kill the beast.

"Ria, use your family's art and subdue this beast brain." Eric said softly, his gaze never leaving the subdued beast.

"Why?" Ria asked with a confused look as she did not understand his motive.

"Manipulate it to protect the Princess Lanner. She is venturing alone in the forest." Eric replied sending another Qi bind to fix the Raka beast to ground.

Ria, her eyes reflecting a momentary conflict, replied, "Why are you helping her? The princess didn't even stand up for you earlier."

"Hmmhh… I'm just a servant in her eyes and how could she stand for a servant against sect core disciple. More than that the Clark clan has served the Lionheart family for generations. I finally had the chance to help them." Eric replied with a sweet smile as he held her hands in close proximity.

Convinced by his reasoning, Ria stepped forward. She closed her eyes, focusing her energy. The ancient Kin clan's art of mind manipulation flowed through her, weaving a subtle enchantment over the Raka beast's consciousness.

As the beast's demeanor softened, forgetting its animal instincts, Eric nodded in approval. "Now, she'll be a guardian from the shadows for the princess. I'm glad that you are my wife. Otherwise my life could have been more difficult." Eric said with a fake pitiful accent to made her smile.

The Raka beast, now calm and compliant, took off towards Princess Lanner's known location, a silent protector on the wing.

Turning his attention to the rocky den's floor, Eric uttered a phrase, his voice resonating with power. As he hit the floor with his foot, the ground beneath them trembled, and the hidden spirit grasses, unable to resist the gravitational pull, surfaced.

"Collect everything. Keep the all the high rank herbs with you and present the low rank ones for the sect." Eric instructed, as Ria began gathering the herbs with a grace that made the arduous task seem almost like a dance.

As she worked, Eric cradled the Raka beast's babies in his arms, their curious eyes taking in the world around them. "They're quite something, aren't they?" he mused, his voice tinged with wonder. As he whistled while playing with fingers, the two twin beasts made humping noise.

Ria, pausing to look at the young creatures, smiled. "They're beautiful. It's a shame to take them from their mother."

Eric's eyes twinkled with a mischievous idea. "What if we raised them? They'd make excellent companions. These beasts have good foundation, they might be helpful to you in future."

Ria's eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with excitement. "Really? We could do that? But how could we feed them?"

"You don't need to worry about that, I have many ways to feed them. You just need show some love to them and also to me." Eric replied, handing her one of the young beasts. "They have great potential, and under your care, they'll thrive."

As Ria tenderly held the young Raka beast, a bond formed instantaneously, the creature nestling into her embrace like it found another mother.

The couple shared a moment of quiet joy, their connection deepening amidst the tranquil beauty of the forest.

"Eric, why do you tolerate their insults and challenges? we could go to other places if we want." Ria asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and care.

Eric looked into her eyes, his gaze filled with unwavering affection. "My strength isn't for show or revenge. It's for protecting what matters most. And you, you are my world. More than that I have other motive in staying here. So let me bear it. But one thing is sure, I won't sit still if someone tries to harm you."

Ria leaned closer to him, her heart swelling with emotion. "I'm so lucky to have you," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with the depth of her feelings.

As they prepared to return to camp, Ria, holding the baby Raka beast, suddenly asked, "Can we keep them? Both of them?"

Eric nodded, his heart warmed by her request. "They will become excellent companions on our journey. Together, we'll nurture them. But let's not go this early back to the camp. We will roam around this forest until the evening." Eric said while moving closer to her.

What are you thinking? She exclaimed before running away from him with wide laughter and Eric followed her with wide grin. Their laughter echoed in the forest.

PETERPAN