Chapter - 3462

If it were simple, top prodigies would be everywhere.

Reaching the zenith stage from the late stage requires not just dozens of times more spiritual energy than from the mid-stage peak to late stage, but also the aid of pills and the ability to withstand heavenly tribulations to succeed.

Moreover, without adequate preparation, the probability of perishing under the heavenly tribulation exceeds seventy percent!

Two days ago, Zeke collaborated with Morvran, who was also immensely powerful and had long achieved the late stage of Sun and Moon Class, yet even he dared not attempt the breakthrough to the zenith stage, still ranking below the top prodigies.

This showed that reaching the late stage didn't mean Zeke could become complacent.

Such arrogance would indeed be excessive.

"By the way, the pill you prepared for your breakthrough, is it to reach that stage?" Zeke shifted the topic and asked, "This pill of yours, which could revive me from the mid-stage peak, must be extraordinary, right?"

Vesper's expression turned cold.

"Of course! I spent decades earning enough merit to exchange for that pill from the Demon Lord. Because of you, I wasted decades of my time. I regret it now. I should never have been soft-hearted."

Hearing this, Zeke felt a pang of guilt.

He hadn't realized she had used such a precious pill on him. Decades were not a short time, even for a top prodigy.

Who knew how much effort Vesper had to put in to obtain such a pill?

Even among the righteous and orthodox sects, such a pill was extremely rare and not easily acquired.

"I'll repay your kindness. I will find another pill for your breakthrough," Zeke suddenly promised seriously.

His earnest demeanor left no room for doubt.

A strange glint flickered in Vesper's eyes when she noted how resolute he was. Even she didn't notice that her lips curved into a breathtaking smile.

"You said it. If you fail, don't blame me for constantly pestering you."

Indeed, Vesper's way of doing things was different from others.

Normally, people would modestly decline and retreat. They wouldn't agree so readily.

After all, Zeke had also saved Vesper, making them even.

Zeke's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You..."

After a moment, he shook his head and laughed. "Okay, rest assured. Within a year, I'll repay you with five beams of heaven's energy at the late stage of Sun and Moon Class and the pill you need for your breakthrough. After that, we will be even. How about that?"

"Deal!" Vesper agreed without a second thought.

She then took out eight beams of heaven's energy at the late stage. Today's harvest had been substantial. Even though she took most of it, no one dared to voice any objections.

"It's all yours!" Vesper handed all the heaven's energy to Zeke without keeping any for herself.

"What are you doing?" Zeke was exasperated.

"You owe me another eight strands of heaven's energy at the late stage," Vesper said.

"No more debts. I'm not some gigolo living off a woman." Zeke shook his head with a wry smile and returned the heaven's energy to her. "You need to recover. Take it all. I'll stand guard for you."

At this, Vesper seemed somewhat hesitant.

"Why are you standing there dawdling?" Zeke asked, puzzled.

Vesper covered her mouth and laughed lightly. "I'm afraid you'll ambush me. After all, I'll be injured while absorbing the heaven's energy. Even though your strength is weak, if you were to launch a sneak attack, I wouldn't be able to defend against it."

"You witch." Zeke scowled. "If I wanted to harm you, I would've done it long ago. I wouldn't have saved you in the first place. Now hurry up and recover your injuries. Why are you stalling?"

Vesper laughed, her beautiful eyes gazing deeply at Zeke.