Arc 15: Heavenly Secret Realm | Chapter 300: Leave
Xu Ziqing leaned against Yun Lie’s chest, startled for a moment. Afterward, he steadied himself and stepped out from his Shixiong’s embrace.
Yun Lie withdrew his hand and cast his gaze into the distance.
Seeing this, Xu Ziqing’s fingers trembled slightly, and his gaze followed suit.
He spotted the black-clad sword cultivator Xi Lin approaching with several other sword cultivators, the sword intent around him harmonious, having already reached an extreme level.
Xu Ziqing had a fair understanding of sword intent, so he quickly recognized that Xi Lin had reached the peak of the third level of sword intent. However, despite this, he had not broken through; one could only say that he had made significant progress on this sword-shaped wood, allowing his sword intent to reach such a peak, and with the a.s.sistance of the sword-shaped wood, he had slightly touched the barrier of the fourth level. However, no matter how extraordinary the sword-shaped wood was, it could only reach this stage—
After all, the fourth level of sword intent is the highest realm for sword cultivators, and it cannot be breached through external forces; otherwise, in all these years, there wouldn’t be just a handful of people who have achieved this level.
Xi Lin was quite satisfied with his gains. Although he could continue to solidify his realm, he remained more loyal to Xuan Ze. Therefore, when the sword cultivators started to fight among themselves, he seized the opportunity to slip away and began searching for the items sought by the Prince of Tiancheng. Later, several of Xuan Ze’s subordinates also tried to meet up with him, and everyone took advantage of the chaos in hopes of finding that strange gra.s.s.
After a thorough search, Xi Lin, being the one with the highest realm, sensed a faint, pure killing intent swirling not far away and immediately identified it as Yun Lie’s sword energy. The group decided to regroup with Yun Lie and headed over.
Just then, as they were about to approach the domain of Yun Lie’s sword, they noticed the repelling aura in front dissipating, and they soon saw the two brothers.
Xi Lin’s perceptive ability was the sharpest; he noticed them faster than the others and was somewhat surprised to see Xu Ziqing stepping out from Yun Lie’s embrace. He couldn’t help but glance over the two.
However, Yun Lie’s expression was icy, and his eyes were calm and unfathomable, giving no hint of emotion. In contrast, the young man in green, though appearing as calm and serene as usual, had a slight difference as he emerged from Yun Lie’s embrace. Yet, the emotions between the two brothers were irrelevant to Xi Lin, who was wholly devoted to the sword path, and he didn’t dwell on prying into others’ affairs. He buried that scene deep in his heart, not mentioning it to anyone else. At most, he thought that when the two eventually became partners, he would send them congratulatory gifts later.
This thought flashed by, and the next moment, Xi Lin’s attention landed on an intangible object floating in front of Yun Lie.
It seemed that there was a living creature lying within the formless object. Xi Lin’s heart stirred, and he quickened his pace. He hurriedly asked, “Yun Zhenren and Xu Ziqing, have you two completed your mission?”
Even though he usually remained calm and steady, he couldn’t help but show a hint of emotion at this moment.
The others, hearing this, also revealed expressions of antic.i.p.ation. If they could succeed quickly, it would be best, to allow them to enter seclusion sooner to digest what they had gained earlier.
Xu Ziqing didn’t want to disappoint them, and fortunately, he had just received the essence of Rou Baigu, so he smiled and said, “I’m glad to say we did not fail our mission.”
Upon hearing this, everyone sighed in relief and then erupted with joy.
After years of planning, they had finally achieved their goals. There would undoubtedly be many rewards from the prince, and they felt that they had repaid the prince’s kindness, generating a lot of admiration for Yun Lie.
Xi Lin composed himself and took out a jade box from his storage ring. Inside, there was a layer of fine sand glimmering silver, indicating it was something extraordinary.
Xu Ziqing recognized its form; it was a type of fertile sand that could best absorb the spirit and wood energy of plants, preserving their medicinal properties. Its value was immeasurable, and it must have taken Xuan Ze a great deal of resources to obtain. However, compared to a life, these resources were nothing.
To avoid misunderstanding, Xu Ziqing looked at Yun Lie and asked, “Shixiong?”
Yun Lie nodded slightly, flicked his fingers, and brought the formless prison before him, then glanced at Xu Ziqing.
Understanding the signal, Xu Ziqing stepped closer and reached out his hand.
The others were quite puzzled, especially since Xu Ziqing’s cultivation level was not high. How could he be the one to retrieve the miraculous herb? Apart from Xi Lin, who seemed to ponder the situation, the others with lower cultivation levels expressed their doubts, which were evident on their faces. However, they didn’t dare to voice their questions easily due to Yun Lie’s cold and formidable presence. Instead, they looked toward Xi Lin.
Xi Lin said, “Since Yun Zhenren has this intention, there must be a reason for it. You all need not worry.”
Perhaps Yun Lie held a degree of admiration for Xi Lin or, for some other reason, he spoke up, “Ziqing possesses a pure wood spirit root; his nature is pure. With him retrieving the herb, the medicinal properties will remain intact.”
Upon hearing this, everyone finally understood.
Indeed, although Xu Ziqing didn’t explain, as he extended his hands, a misty green light emerged, enveloping his palms without any leaks. He then reached into the formless prison in front of Yun Lie, which was gathered by Yun Lie’s sword intent, so it wouldn’t harm his junior brother. Thus, Xu Ziqing smoothly grasped the miraculous herb in just a few breaths.
Everyone held their breath, not daring to interrupt at this moment.
Xu Ziqing was also very careful. He released the wood energy to wrap around the essence of the Rou Baigu and slowly retrieved it.
At this time, several people gathered around to watch, and they saw within the green light dome, the miraculous herb taking on a tiger shape, complete with eyes, ears, mouth, nose, limbs, and a long tail, truly resembling a living creature. At that moment, the herb’s chest rose and fell as if it were breathing, though its eyes were tightly closed, as if in slumber.
For a moment, everyone couldn’t help but exclaim in wonder.
Xi Lin reacted quickly and immediately pa.s.sed the jade box to Xu Ziqing, saying anxiously, “Thank you for your trouble.”
Xu Ziqing wasted no time and quickly placed the essence of the Rou Baigu into the box, allowing Xi Lin to cover it with the lid and apply the sealing talisman.
Only at that moment did everyone feel immense joy.
Previously, some had worried that Yun Lie, relying on his formidable strength, might refuse to hand over the miraculous herb as promised. Now, seeing how straightforward the two brothers were, they felt relieved, and a tinge of guilt arose within them.
However, neither of the brothers minded this matter. What they needed to focus on now was finding an opportunity to escape the domain of the sword-shaped wood. Since Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie quickly located Rou Baigu, the group only lingered for a moment without attracting others’ attention.
Xi Lin signaled to the others, and they jumped onto several branches, engaging with other sword cultivators to create a diversion. Meanwhile, Xi Lin, the one carrying the miraculous herb, turned around and moved through the crowd, gradually gathering his sword intent and heading out of the domain of the sword-shaped wood.
Yun Lie glanced at Xu Ziqing and said, “It’s time to go.”
Xu Ziqing nodded, “I will follow your lead, Shixiong.”
Yun Lie’s realm was extremely high; just releasing his aura made the surrounding people avoid him like the plague. Some sharp-eyed individuals noticed Xu Ziqing being protected nearby and, upon checking his cultivation level, quickly realized the situation and no longer scrutinized that area. Thus, it seemed entirely natural for Yun Lie to leave with his junior brother, who had a much lower sword path realm.
The two walked quickly out of the area, and after a slight movement, they transformed into two beams of fleeing light, chasing after Xi Lin’s figure and heading toward Prince Tiancheng’s carriage.
After a breath, they stood inside the carriage.
Xuan Ze had been waiting impatiently; he was protected by several old masters at the Nascent Soul stage, so his life was almost without worry. However, the anxiety in his heart was difficult to express.
In particular, the Nascent Soul ancestors could detect abnormalities within the tree, and Xuan Ze, as a prince who had thrived in the royal palace, had a keen perception. Almost at the moment he saw the sword cultivators plummeting down, he had already deduced the situation. After years of effort, he had learned a few years ago that the Heavenly Secret Realm contained the essence of Rou Baigu, and no matter how meticulous his thoughts were, he could not easily calm down.
At that moment, when Xuan Ze saw Xi Lin suddenly return, his eyes lit up with joy. When he saw Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing also arrive, he felt even more rea.s.sured.
Indeed, as soon as Xi Lin saw Xuan Ze, he stepped forward and said, “With the help of Yun Zhenren and Daoist Xu, Xi Lin has finally fulfilled the prince’s request.”
Xuan Ze could no longer contain himself, a relieved smile appearing on his lips. He took a deep breath and accepted the jade box that Xi Lin handed over, carefully lifting the talisman from the top.
The jade box opened quickly, and a surge of wood energy poured out, clearing his mind and filling the air with a refreshing fragrance that brought forth a sense of vitality. Inside, the object that resembled a fierce tiger stirred his heart. Any miraculous herb in the world that could condense into the form of a beast or a human was a treasure favored by the heavens and often possessed incredible abilities. Therefore, it was indeed the right one!
Afterward, Xuan Ze carefully closed the jade box and resealed the talisman, then spoke earnestly, “Thank you for your hard work.” He turned to the two brothers and added, “I’m truly grateful for your a.s.sistance; it means a lot to me.” He particularly glanced at Xu Ziqing; since Xi Lin was the most straightforward and upright, and he specifically mentioned this Core Formation stage youth, it meant Xu Ziqing must have played a significant role, deserving of a bit more regard.
Yun Lie nodded slightly but did not wish to discuss further, only saying, “We intend to return to our sect; it’s time for us to part ways.”
Xuan Ze was initially taken aback, but his expression quickly brightened with a smile as he gestured to the people beside him. Two individuals then presented two storage bags, and Xuan Ze continued, “For helping me acquire this miraculous herb, your contributions are indispensable, so I offer this small token of appreciation. I wish you both a safe journey and a smooth return to your sect.”
Having said this, Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie naturally accepted the storage bags.
Xuan Ze was indeed very thoughtful; his attention to detail was evident, and no one could say he was lacking. By giving gifts, he could silence everyone and avoid owing any favors. Although he very much hoped that Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing would continue to be his guests, he understood that core disciples of large sects held positions similar to his as a prince, and he could not push them. This gift would allow him to maintain a friendly relationship with the two brothers. Furthermore, when they returned to search for treasures in the future, they would not want to continue traveling with these “outsiders.” Otherwise, splitting the treasures would be quite painful, making it perfectly reasonable to send them off with gifts.
This truly was a win-win situation.
Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing did not mind his thoughts, and indeed, it was time for the two of them to return to their sect.
Translator: Lynn
Translator’s Note:
Sorry for not updating last week, we’ve finally reached chapter 300!! ?
Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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