"Soul contract?"
A sharp glint flickered in Chen Wei's eyes upon hearing those words.
The System confirmed, "Indeed, Host! Once the soul contract is in place, a master-servant bond is formed. With a mere thought, you can dictate the White Snake's fate."
"Damn, that's twisted!"
Chen Wei's interest was piqued. He immediately inquired, "How many exchange points is this soul contract going to cost me?"
The System replied, "Host, you may opt for a basic soul contract. Signing it will cost you 10 million exchange points."
10 million for one contract.
The price seemed fair, especially since he currently had 45.4 million exchange points.
"Alright, let's do it—sign me up for a soul contract!"
Excitement surged through Chen Wei as he rubbed his hands together, his gaze fixed on the White Snake. The creature's eyes glowed an eerie green, sending a shiver down its spine.
[Congratulations, Host: You have successfully executed a basic soul contract! 10 million exchange points have been deducted.]
[Contracted entity: Level Four Peak Mutated White Snake.]
[Note: The contract is irrevocable and valid for life.]
[Remaining exchange point balance: 35.4 million.]
As soon as the System facilitated the successful contract, Chen Wei sensed a new presence within his consciousness.
Without a doubt, it was the White Snake.
In that instant, he realized he had the power to control the White Snake's existence effortlessly, understanding its thoughts with crystal clarity.
"Wait a second! Does this White Snake think I'm an idiot?"
Chen Wei had barely processed the soul contract when he stumbled upon a thought from the White Snake.
He turned to face the creature, his expression darkening.
The White Snake pleaded, "Master, I beg for mercy. I won't do it again."
Then, the White Snake's voice echoed directly in Chen Wei's mind.
This time, it was unmistakably clear.
Her voice was tender and charming, reminiscent of a sweet, young human girl.
Chen Wei narrowed his eyes at the White Snake and questioned, "You wouldn't happen to be female, would you?"
The White Snake confirmed, "Yes, Master. I am indeed a female snake."
Upon hearing the words, Chen Wei's eyebrows shot up in an instant.
He spoke with a detached tone, "If that's the case, then stay close to me from now on. And yes, your name will be Igris."
The white snake responded, "Thank you for naming me, Master."
"Mm, let's head back now. Are you able to move?"
Chen Wei gave a subtle nod. Taking in a white snake as a servant had thrilled him, though he masked his excitement well.
Igris replied, "Master, I'm gravely injured and unable to move."
Smack!
Chen Wei slapped his forehead in frustration upon hearing this.
The assault from the four robotic brutes had been brutal, robbing Igris of her mobility. Leaving her here to recover, defenseless, might mean his newly acquired fierce beast pet could fall prey to other predators.
"System, is there any healing potion available for Igris?"
With no other option, Chen Wei turned to the system once more.
The system informed, "Host, you may select a healing potion. The White Snake requires a vial of advanced healing potion to regain mobility."
Chen Wei nodded in acknowledgment.
He accessed the Merchant Shop and located the healing potion.
The price for a vial of advanced healing potion was a steep one million exchange points.
Chen Wei inwardly winced at the cost. The medicine he'd exchanged to treat his sister's cancer had only set him back ten thousand exchange points.
Now, the price for a single vial of healing potion had skyrocketed by a hundredfold.
But the potions were categorized by grade, with each ascending level typically costing ten times more. The advanced healing potion was indeed priced at two tenfold increases.
"Exchange."
Despite the pang of reluctance, Chen Wei proceeded with the exchange.
[Congratulations, Host: You have successfully exchanged for an advanced healing potion. One million exchange points have been deducted.]
[Remaining balance of exchange points: 34.4 million.]
Chen Wei opened his personal inventory, located the healing potion, and willed it into action, "Administer to Igris!"
The advanced healing potion worked its magic on the White Snake.
Buzz!
In that moment, a dark green glow enveloped the White Snake's head, and the grievous wound began to close at a rate visible to the naked eye.
The aura radiating from the White Snake grew steadily stronger.
Chen Wei stood silently by the White Snake, awaiting her recovery.
After ten minutes, White Snake's wounds had largely healed.
Chen Wei regarded White Snake and inquired, "Are you able to move now?"
Igris responded, "Thank you, Master. I am now able to move."
With a slight nod, Chen Wei said, "Let's proceed."
With a gentle push off the ground, Chen Wei ascended onto the White Snake's substantial head, followed closely by ten Intermediate All-purpose Robots who took their positions behind him.
Thunderous rumbling filled the air as, under Chen Wei's direction, White Snake's massive form navigated through the woods. Despite her seemingly slow movements, her speed was astonishingly quick.
Chen Wei felt the fierce wind against his face, stinging his cheeks.
Before long, Chen Wei and White Snake had made their way back to their courtyard.
Above them, a vast light screen spanned over 40 acres, enveloping the entire farm beneath it.
"It appears this is the system's energy shield," Chen Wei observed.
After dismounting from the snake's head, he glanced at it and reached out to the system, "System, in the event of a nuclear strike, could Igris withstand the blast's heat waves?"
The System replied succinctly, "No."
"It seems I'll have to keep Igris on the farm for the time being," Chen Wei concluded.
Turning to White Snake, he noticed Igris's large head nestled at his feet, her once icy gaze now warm and seeking approval, her snake-like nature intermittently on display.
"Igris, come inside with me for now. You can venture out again after tomorrow."
Chen Wei addressed Igris directly, determined to protect the beast pet he had worked so hard to acquire.
"Alright, Master," Igris agreed.
As Chen Wei entered the courtyard, he watched Igris navigate her bulky frame over the fence and settle into the farm.
"Make yourself comfortable here for now. I'm sure you'll appreciate the advantages of staying with me," Chen Wei assured her before returning to his house.
He moved with a delicate quietness, careful not to wake his sister who had already gone to bed.
Tiptoeing into the room, Chen Wei searched but found no sign of his sister Chen Mei. Finally, in the entertainment room, he discovered the young girl nestled among a sea of colorful balls in the ball pit.
____
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