Flower-Appreciation Gathering (2)

On the way to Medicine King Valley, Wen Jian was undoubtedly the most excited one. The others had their minds elsewhere; he was truly going for the "wine."

At that moment, his eyes shone brightly as he muttered without pause, "I wonder what rare herbs scarcely seen in the outside world we might encounter at Medicine King Valley this time. If luck is on our side, perhaps we may even see a few precious spiritual plants that exist only in legends.

"If I get the chance to seek guidance from the disciples in the valley who are well-versed in medicinal principles, that would truly be wonderful..."

Lin Mumu's eyes sparkled, brimming with irrepressible excitement. She shifted slightly on her sword, leaned toward Lin Huaixu beside her, and impatiently asked about all manner of things concerning Medicine King Valley.

"Fifth Senior Brother, tell me about Medicine King Valley! I heard that the star of this Flower-Appreciation Gathering is the Three-Heavens Flower. What exactly does the Three-Heavens Flower look like? Why have I never heard of it before?"

Lin Huaixu was overwhelmed by her barrage of questions. While doing his best to keep his flying sword steady, he scratched his head and said with a smile, "Ah, I know plenty about Medicine King Valley, but as for the Three-Heavens Flower... I really don't know much. Every profession has its specialty—why not ask Seventh Junior Brother or Ninth Junior Brother?"

Lin Mumu's gaze immediately shifted to Ye Jingxuan nearby, her eyes full of expectation. Ye Jingxuan remained composed. He gave a light cough to clear his throat before speaking unhurriedly, "The Three-Heavens Flower is actually the blossom of the Three-Heavens Vine. The Three-Heavens Vine is a spiritual plant originally from the Sky Ruins Illusory Domain."

Chu Shihan and Shen Yuxi were positioned slightly ahead of the group, listening attentively to the conversation among their junior brothers and sister behind them.

A gentle smile touched Chu Shihan's lips, while Shen Yuxi appeared to be staring straight ahead, though he was secretly keeping watch over his junior brothers and sister.

Naturally, they knew all this already, but compared to stepping into the conversation, they felt that quietly watching over them was best at the moment.

"Though it is indeed precious, it is not so rare that it cannot be bought even for a thousand gold.

"Rather, its requirements for its growing environment are extraordinarily harsh. In the Lingshu Heaven Domain where we are, whether the climate or the nature of the spiritual energy, many factors differ vastly from its original habitat. Trying to keep it alive here is truly harder than ascending to the heavens."

Ye Jingxuan paused. Seeing Lin Mumu listening with rapt attention, he continued, "Moreover, the Three-Heavens Vine has another unusual trait: it has no fixed flowering season. Whether it blooms depends entirely on fate and providence—it simply goes with the flow.

"Some Three-Heavens Vines may receive meticulous care and every possible protection for hundreds of years, yet still never bloom even once. And when one finally does bloom after such long anticipation, its flowering period is exceptionally brief. In perhaps only a few days, it will wither and decline.

"It is precisely for these reasons that people say, 'Three-Heavens Vines are easy to obtain, but their flowers are hard to come by.'"

Upon hearing this, Lin Mumu came to a sudden realization. Curiosity gleamed even more brightly in her eyes as she said, "Wow, so that's how it is. Then being able to see a Three-Heavens Flower with my own eyes this time is truly lucky."

Wen Jian added from the side, "That is not all. I have heard that each Three-Heavens Flower blooms with three calyxes, each one a different color, making it incomparably dazzling. The Three-Heavens Vine itself is already an exceedingly rare spiritual herb with immense medicinal value. If a cultivator can successfully refine and absorb it, it will greatly benefit their cultivation.

"When the Three-Heavens Flower blooms, even its vines and leaves undergo wondrous changes, gaining the three attributes of water, fire, and wind. Its medicinal effects increase more than tenfold. If refined and absorbed by the proper method, it is said to have the miraculous effect of cleansing and tempering one's spiritual roots."

"Is it truly that miraculous?" Lin Mumu asked in surprise.

"Of course it is." Wen Jian answered with certainty. "But though the Three-Heavens Flower is good, it also carries certain risks. Because this spiritual flower contains three attributes at once, the slightest carelessness during refinement may instead make the spiritual energy within one's body mixed and chaotic, difficult to reconcile. Thus, the Three-Heavens Flower is also a double-edged sword, with benefits and drawbacks existing side by side.

"However, for beasts, the Three-Heavens Flower is a great tonic. The books record that it is the favorite delicacy of the Demon Race in the Sky Ruins Illusory Domain."

"To think there is such an extraordinary flower. It truly is worth looking forward to."

True Person Yu Qing quietly listened to his disciples' discussion. A faint smile appeared on his face, and he nodded to himself, deeply satisfied with their knowledge of medicinal studies.

Their detailed understanding of the Three-Heavens Flower and Three-Heavens Vine was enough to show their usual diligence in learning and the accumulation of knowledge over time. Such rich reserves of learning, along with their initiative in exploring the unknown, would surely be greatly beneficial on their future path of cultivation.

As they spoke, everyone increased the speed of their flying swords, eagerly looking forward to reaching Medicine King Valley sooner and witnessing the splendor of the Three-Heavens Flower.

As the sun gradually rose and the mist slowly dispersed, they bathed in the increasingly bright morning light. Their moods grew ever more cheerful, and their steps unconsciously became lighter, as though an invisible vitality had been poured into them.

After several hours of strenuous travel, they finally caught sight of Medicine King Valley's mountain gate in the distance.

Medicine King Valley lived up to its name, nestled within a secluded gorge. On either side of its mountain gate stood two immense cliff walls soaring into the clouds.

Medicine King Valley had originally been the secluded residence of the first Medicine King. At first, it had been nothing more than a quiet place known to few. No one knew from what time onward the first Medicine King's peerless medical arts made his name renowned far and wide, drawing countless people who spared no hardship and traveled thousands of miles to seek treatment.

At first, although the first Medicine King was detached by nature, he still held compassion for those who sought medical help and treated them one by one.

Yet as the number of patients grew day by day, arriving in an endless stream, even someone broad-minded could not avoid becoming troubled. Unable to bear the nuisance any longer, the first Medicine King simply accepted disciples far and wide and founded Medicine King Valley.

The first Medicine King had always been free-spirited and unrestrained, with no interest whatsoever in tedious matters such as constructing a mountain gate. He merely carved the three characters "Medicine King Valley" onto the cliff faces on both sides in bold, powerful strokes, appended the valley's rules, and considered the "construction" of the mountain gate complete.

Even the many formations within the valley had been added later by generation after generation of valley masters and disciples.

When the Profound Heaven Sect group arrived, quite a few cultivators from other factions had already gathered near the mountain gate. At that moment, the atmosphere at the entrance was tense, as though two factions were engaged in a fierce confrontation.

The cultivators of one side were exquisitely dressed. Their garments were made from only the finest materials, with delicate patterns and restrained luster. Their accessories were intricate, gorgeous, and dazzlingly numerous, every detail proclaiming their wealth and luxury. Even their every gesture carried an air of opulence.

The young man at their head was tall and slender, his chin slightly raised. His expression was arrogant, and his eyes were full of disdain.

Holding a folding fan against his chin, he curled his lips and spoke words as sharp as blades, every syllable dripping with mockery—

"Just look at the lot of you, each one dressed like a country bumpkin, and you dare attend Medicine King Valley's Flower-Appreciation Gathering? Are you here to freeload on food and drink? When you see a spiritual plant and cannot even name it, would that not be pitiful? You would be better off going home early, lest you make fools of yourselves and become a laughingstock."

Before the young man had even finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted.

The other faction confronting them looked far more bedraggled. Their clothing was old-fashioned and made of coarse fabric, forming a stark contrast with the luxury across from them.

Their leader was a cold-faced young man with sword-like brows and starry eyes. At present, however, his brows were tightly furrowed, his face frosty, and his eyes filled with restrained fury.

Behind him, he held back junior brothers and sisters whose expressions were equally grim. Every one of them was rubbing their fists and flexing their shoulders, anger blazing in their eyes. Clearly provoked by the other side's words, they longed to rush forward at once and argue the matter out.

The young man gritted his teeth and replied coldly, "If Your Excellency thinks your hands are too long, I would not begrudge helping you cut off those excess arms. You think you are worthy of telling us how to conduct ourselves, Wang Rong?"

A ring of onlookers had gathered around them. Some sharp-eyed individuals immediately noticed the arrival of the Profound Heaven Sect group. Respect instantly appeared on their faces as they stepped forward to greet them. "So it is the fellow Daoists of the Profound Heaven Sect. We have long admired your great names."

"We have heard that the Profound Heaven Sect is teeming with talent. You senior brothers and sisters surely possess extraordinary abilities. We hope to have the opportunity to seek your guidance in the future."

For a time, flattering pleasantries poured over them like a rising tide, never ceasing. True Person Yu Qing merely smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, unwilling to become too entangled with them.

Everyone also noticed that the other sects that had come were either led by elders or were simply groups of juniors out for leisure. Yet the Profound Heaven Sect was personally led by its sect master, True Person Yu Qing, making them seem somewhat out of place by comparison.

Just as True Person Yu Qing led the Profound Heaven Sect members to pause briefly, the argument on the other side grew increasingly heated.

Following the sound, Lin Huaixu turned his gaze and immediately recognized the two factions arguing. He could not help muttering softly, "Hey, isn't that the Azure Rock Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect? They really are famous sworn enemies. They can quarrel wherever they go. This will be entertaining—"

Chu Shihan frowned slightly and shot the thoughtless junior brother a glare. "Do not add to the chaos."

As soon as Chu Shihan finished speaking, a trace of gloom flashed across the face of the young man leading the Azure Rock Sect. He closed his folding fan, took a step forward, deliberately raised his voice, and said in an even nastier tone, "Seeing how difficult things must be for you, I kindly offered some advice. Who knew you would be so incapable of recognizing good intentions? You truly are uncultured country bumpkins."

The other Azure Rock Sect disciples joined in the laughter. Their voices echoed through the morning valley, sounding especially grating.

On the Heavenly Sword Sect's side, the disciples being desperately restrained by their leader were now trembling all over with rage.

One particularly hot-tempered junior brother widened his eyes, glared furiously, and could not hold back from cursing, "Wang Rong, do not push people too far! Do not think our Heavenly Sword Sect is easy to bully! If Eldest Senior Brother were not stopping me today, I would make you taste my strength!"

The leading young man of the Azure Rock Sect gave a disdainful snort, a trace of contempt flashing through his eyes. "You certainly bark fiercely. Do not tell me you are trying to extort some medicine fees? This young master can afford to compensate you if you are injured or crippled, but if your entire sect latches onto me just because I was kind-hearted, would I not be forced to swallow my grievance in silence?"

He folded his arms across his chest, chin tipped upward, his face full of wild arrogance and pride.

The Heavenly Sword Sect's eldest senior brother had a face as dark as still water. He knew that acting rashly would only make the situation harder to settle, so he forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart and said coldly, "Wang Rong, this is Medicine King Valley. You and I are guests here and should not disturb our host's grand gathering. I will endure you for today. Once the Flower-Appreciation Gathering ends, if you wish to make trouble, I will accompany you to the bitter end!"

With that, he abruptly turned his head. His gaze swept over the Azure Rock Sect disciples like sharp blades before he gave Wang Rong one final cold glare. Only then did he turn with his junior brothers and sisters and stride toward Medicine King Valley.

Watching this, Lin Huaixu could not help shrinking his neck and whispering, "They say barking dogs do not bite. I think the Heavenly Sword Sect's eldest disciple is a ruthless one."

"Cough, Fifth Senior Brother, mind your words." Ye Jingxuan coughed lightly, attempting to cover up his earlier slip of the tongue. Fortunately, everyone present was focused on the two sides that had just clashed, and no one paid attention to Lin Huaixu's blunt remark.

Wang Rong watched the Heavenly Sword Sect members leave and curled his lips disdainfully, intending to throw out a few more sarcastic remarks.

Just then, a steward from Medicine King Valley finally arrived. Dressed in a pale blue robe, he wore a stern expression as he addressed the Azure Rock Sect disciples. "Everyone, Medicine King Valley is a place of tranquility. We ask that you abide by the valley's rules and refrain from causing trouble here."

Though Wang Rong was unwilling, he could not be too presumptuous before a Medicine King Valley steward. He could only snort coldly, put away his arrogant manner, and lead the Azure Rock Sect disciples into the valley, still declaring, "Hmph, they ran fast enough."

Seeing the conflict temporarily settle, True Person Yu Qing's slightly furrowed brows eased somewhat.

He said to the disciples beside him, "This gathering is meant chiefly for appreciating flowers and exchanging knowledge. I do not demand that you tread with excessive caution, but you must still take care not to become involved in unnecessary disputes."

The disciples all nodded in agreement.

Soon afterward, disciples from Medicine King Valley came to receive them. The one in front was a young man with a lean face and a sturdy, upright build.

He cupped his hands and bowed respectfully. "You must be the honored guests from the Profound Heaven Sect. I am Gu Xiaoyue, the chief disciple of Medicine King Valley. The Valley Master has been waiting within for quite some time. Please follow me."

Led by him, they proceeded along a secluded path. Spiritual flowers and exotic herbs grew freely on both sides, competing in beauty and splendor. These spiritual plants came in countless varieties and forms. Some had petals as light as butterfly wings, while others had leaves glimmering with strange luster, releasing waves of heart-soothing fragrance.

The instant Wen Jian stepped onto the path, his eyes lit up as though he had entered a land of treasures. As he walked, he excitedly identified the spiritual plants, his gaze full of fascination and focus.

From time to time, he muttered about their medicinal properties. His voice was not loud, but it could not conceal his excitement. "This one is Life-Calling Grass, exceptionally effective in treating internal injuries; that one is Condensing Snow Flower, which can assist cultivators in condensing spiritual energy..."

Lin Mumu had always been immensely curious. Seeing Wen Jian speak so knowledgeably, she eagerly pulled at him to ask questions every time she saw a new spiritual plant.

Hearing their conversation, the guide's lips lifted slightly into a faint smile. "This junior brother has sharp eyes. I presume you have also studied the path of medicinal principles quite deeply?"

Wen Jian turned his gaze away in embarrassment. "I would not dare display my meager skill before the masters of Medicine King Valley."

The man merely smiled lightly and said nothing more. Yet his seemingly casual gaze swept over the group, lingering for several extra moments in Chu Shihan's direction. There seemed to be a trace of hidden meaning in his eyes, too subtle to detect.

Lin Mumu was already highly sensitive to emotions. When she saw Gu Xiaoyue smile like that, for some reason, a wave of displeasure arose in her heart for no apparent cause.

She frowned slightly, quietly moved close to Chu Shihan, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of worry, "Eldest Senior Brother, I do not know why, but I feel that man's gaze makes my skin crawl. It is so uncomfortable."

Before Chu Shihan could respond, Shen Yuxi's voice had already slipped into everyone's ears like a ghost's—Because he sees us as the third party openly stealing his wife.

Lin Mumu froze for a moment before realizing that it was her Second Senior Brother's inner voice.

The moment True Person Yu Qing heard it, he became alert and immediately focused his sharp gaze on the outsiders present. He watched their every move closely, observing every minute change in their expressions.

Only after seeing that they truly showed no unusual reaction to Shen Yuxi's inner voice did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief. It appeared that the conclusion reached through their previous repeated tests had been correct: the inner voice could leak only to disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect's inner sect and above.

Immediately afterward, Shen Yuxi's inner voice rang out again—This Gu Xiaoyue is rather amusing. Does he not know that childhood sweethearts can end up as defeated dogs? The young valley master has spent decades together with him day and night without ever saying she liked him, yet he is still feeling so good about himself. Does he really think the young valley master is his by right?