"Cast 'Animal Speech'!"

[Animal Speech proficiency +1]

[Animal Speech proficiency +1]

...

Li Pingcan sat cross-legged on a cool mat, repeatedly casting his skill at a sparrow in the tree. After many attempts, he discovered that corvids were indeed much smarter than other birds, capable of expressing complete thoughts rather than the sparrow's meaningless "chirps."

An animal's innate spirituality, or rather intelligence, also affected the skill's effectiveness. However, when his "Animal Speech" leveled up to 2, even the sparrow's language progressed from vague "meaningless chirps" to "precise expressions."

Just like now.

"Chirp chirp! Big black bird coming, run!"

"Whoosh!"

A glossy-feathered raven chased away the poor little sparrow like a bandit, then perched arrogantly on the high branch, chest puffed out. Instead of being startled, Li Pingcan was delighted. "Raven, you're here!"

After days of bonding, they had become inseparable. The precision of [LV2 Animal Speech] even allowed him to teach the raven to understand human language. Though he didn't have an [Animal Companion], this was just as good.

Holding a ripe red raspberry, he commanded in a childish voice, "Come here!" Seeing her youngest son talking to a crow while doing needlework to supplement the family income, Lady Qin smiled gently. At this age, children were naturally curious about animals, so "talking to oneself" wasn't strange.

But birds couldn't understand human speech like dogs—how could they be trained? Yet unexpectedly, the raven spread its wings, let out a "caw," and circled down to land at the child's feet. Lady Qin tensed, afraid the bird might peck her son's eyes, instinctively moving to shoo it away.

"Bow."

The raven's round pupils gleamed. Upon hearing the new command, it slightly raised its rear, leaned forward, and obediently lowered its proud neck in a bow, like a general pledging loyalty to his king.

Lady Qin froze mid-step, her small mouth opening in surprise—the bird actually obeyed her son?!

"Good boy!" Li Pingcan patted the raven's head contentedly, tossing it the raspberry. After a moment's thought, he said, "I'll call you Little Black." The name was somewhat casual.

The raven tilted its head as if considering. The next moment, it hopped excitedly around the ground, its pure joy flooding Li Pingcan's heart through [Animal Affinity].

"So happy?" Li Pingcan was slightly surprised. Then he realized—ravens were highly emotional birds, with social bonds far exceeding most avian species. To Little Black, receiving a name was an act of "acceptance."

This pure delight made him regret not choosing a prettier name. Little Black didn't speak, just nuzzled its "new companion's" palm affectionately before spitting out a cool, reddish-yellow "pebble" as a naming gift.

"Gold dust!" Li Pingcan's eyes widened with irrepressible joy—this was definitive proof!

........

"You're saying the raven gave Can'er a piece of gold?" Inside the closed room, candlelight flickering orange warmth, Li Rongzhou stared incredulously at the "gold dust" his wife handed him. Though mixed with copper and other metals, this low-purity "gold" was still far more valuable than silver by weight.

"Exactly." Lady Qin, still amazed recalling the noon incident, gazed wondrously at their adorable youngest. After a thoughtful silence, Li Rongzhou checked the doors and windows for eavesdroppers before saying solemnly, "Don't mention this to Fu and An."

It wasn't distrust toward his sons, but matters involving wealth could tempt anyone. The boys were still young—unintentional slips might bring disaster. Lady Qin naturally understood.

"Wife, fetch the divine talisman we got for Ping'an earlier." Once she complied, Li Rongzhou turned to his son gently, "Can'er, can you call the raven again?"

Li Pingcan nodded curiously. His mother's reaction was expected, but why did father want the talisman? Though puzzled, he summoned Little Black through his LV2 Animal Speech's 150-meter range.

"Flap flap." Soon a sturdy raven flew in, boldly cocking its head to study Li Rongzhou instead of fleeing. Corvids truly were fearless!

Now understanding his father's plan, Li Pingcan watched as Li Rongzhou pressed the talisman onto Little Black's head, chanting, "Heaven clear, earth tranquil, all filth disperse!"

After a moment...

"Caw?" Little Black tilted its head quizzically.

Realization dawned on Li Pingcan, who internally cheered: Father! You're being overly cautious! Normal people would be dazzled by the "gold dust"—who'd stay this calm? Yet he was deeply moved—his father suspected the raven might be evil but never questioned his own precocious son!

Seeing no change in the raven, Li Rongzhou relaxed—he'd worried some "dirty thing" was bewitching his child! On second thought, perhaps Can'er truly had a gift for communicating with animals? If so, this "gold dust" might be worth investigating.

The thought made his expression odd—having a raven lead to treasure was straight from children's rhymes! Villagers would laugh themselves silly hearing it. Yet with financial troubles at home and opportunity before them, not trying would be regretful. Flat Peach Town had been gold country 300 years ago—this wasn't entirely far-fetched.

Plus, the risk was minimal—he could always turn back if things seemed off. Having successfully led his family through famine, Li Rongzhou trusted his judgment. Pointing at the raven, he asked, "Can it guide us?"

Father finally believed! Their "first bucket of gold" was within reach! Delighted, Li Pingcan clapped his chubby hands, "Yes!"

......

"Little Black's flight speed multiplied by time equals linear distance." Using this formula, Li Pingcan easily calculated the gold dust was about five li from home in a straight line.

Seemingly close, actually not—Peach Blossom Mountain's rugged terrain meant traversing peaks required tremendous effort, making the walking distance far exceed five li. After sharing this with his father:

"How'd you know that?" Li Rongzhou marveled, his son's words again expanding his understanding. With an innocent face, Li Pingcan said, "Little Black told me." A child's privilege—cute evasion.

Not pressing further, Li Rongzhou's conviction grew—his son's uniqueness might indeed relate to spiritual roots!

........

Next morning.

"Ancestors protect my husband's safe return." Amid Lady Qin's worries, Li Rongzhou followed the raven eastward toward the mountains—outwardly disguised as a firewood gatherer with snake medicine, bandages, baskets, sacks, and a machete.

The red-stringed raven soared high above. Tracking its path through dense foliage, Li Rongzhou carefully avoided large beast trails marked by droppings, navigating the complex valleys. Thorny narrow paths left his hands crisscrossed with bloody scratches.

Soon even these "paths" disappeared before a ten-meter-wide chasm. "No wonder villagers avoid this area." Prepared, he threw a grappling hook to an old tree across, creating a zip-line to slide over.

Beyond lay trackless wilderness. Pushing through vines and grass, stopping frequently, only the raven's guidance kept him on course. Remarkably intelligent, whenever thick canopy blocked his view, Little Black would drop twigs as "markers."

What a reliable, clever raven! This bolstered Li Rongzhou's confidence in finding the "treasure." After roughly five exhausting hours, a sudden "tinkling" sounded—a glimmering light ahead! Sprinting forward as trees blurred past, he burst into a clearing where a silver-streamed creek burbled over glittering golden "sand."

Ecstatic, all weariness washed away by the sight. Little Black's words were true! His family could live better now!