Chapter 152

The flying magic device sped smoothly eastward, the bleak scenery gradually tinged with green. The farther they fled the Burial Star Plains, the fresher the spiritual qi in the air became; though still thin, it was enough to give the four, who had endured hardship, a hint of comfort.

Half a month later, following the map guidance in Shen Lingyue's jade slip, a distinctive region gradually came into view. No longer monotonous yellow earth or barren hills, beyond the horizon mountain ranges undulated, lush and verdant, with vast splashes of vivid color dotting the landscape, as if bright paint had been flung across a deep‑green canvas.

"The border of Hundred Flowers Valley should be just ahead," Ling Xiao said, standing at the front of the flying device, gazing at the vibrant valley; a hint of relaxation flickered in his eyes. The constant flight and vigilance were also a considerable burden for him.

As they drew nearer, the scent of flowers and herbs in the air grew richer, refreshing the heart and mind. Within the valley, myriad exotic flowers and herbs vied to bloom, their colors variegated; many were rare spirit plants seldom seen outside. Streams babbled, mist wove through, and the spiritual qi concentration was markedly higher than the surrounding area—truly a blessed place for nurturing body and spirit.

The flying device was halted at the valley's outskirts by a gentle yet tenacious formation light curtain. The curtain flowed with seven‑colored light, blending with the valley's floral scent, bearing no killing intent—more like a warning and a boundary.

Ling Xiao did not force a breakthrough; instead, he piloted the device to descend slowly. At the valley entrance stood a massive green stone inscribed with the three ancient characters "Hundred Flowers Valley," beside which a few disciples in light‑green robes, faintly scented with herbs, kept guard. Seeing the unfamiliar craft descend, they immediately grew alert; the lead elder female disciple stepped forward and cupped her hands, saying:

"This is the territory of Hundred Flowers Valley; I do not know where you fellow cultivators come from or what your purpose is," she said. Her tone was still courteous, but the scrutiny in her eyes did not lessen.

Ling Xiao put away the device and the four landed. He stepped forward, returned the salute, his expression calm: "I am Ling Xiao, accompanied by three disciples. Following the guidance of my friend Lord Qinghe Shen Lingyue, I have come especially to Hundred Flowers Valley to seek an audience with the Valley Master and to beg the use of a blessed site for my juniors to recover from their injuries." As he spoke, he produced the jade slip Shen Lingyue had given him and handed it over, saying, "This is a token from Fellow Cultivator Shen."

"Senior Shen?" the female disciple's expression softened at the name. She took the jade slip, examined it closely for a moment, confirmed its special mark and aura, and smiled: "Ah, you are a friend of Senior Shen. He has often aided our Hundred Flowers Valley; the Valley Master has long instructed that bearers of this token are to be treated with courtesy. Please follow me."

The guard disciples stepped aside, and the female disciple personally led the way, bringing the four through the formation light curtain.

Upon entering the valley, a rich yet not cloying floral fragrance and pure spiritual qi assailed the senses, refreshing the spirit. The valley's winding lanes were flanked by meticulously tended flower plots and herb fields; many disciples bustled about, cultivating spirit plants or harvesting medicinal herbs, a picture of harmony and tranquility. Compared to the outside world, and especially to the grim slaughter of the Burial Star Plains, it was practically another world.

Wei Yuzhu could not help but draw a deep breath, her face showing ease. Luo Changfeng's taut nerves relaxed a little. Ling Xiao carefully supported the still‑weak Shi Ran, feeling that her breathing had grown smoother.

The female disciple led the way while introducing herself: "I am Qinghui, an attendant disciple of the valley. The Valley Master has recently been in seclusion refining a batch of pills, but she has instructed that if you arrive, you may first be lodged in the Fragrant Herb Garden. The valley also has a medical cultivator elder who can treat this junior sister."

"Thank you, Miss Qinghui," Ling Xiao acknowledged with a nod.

The Fragrant Herb Garden is a refined guesthouse on the valley's east side, surrounded by calming orchids and clarifying bamboo, the environment exceedingly tranquil. Qinghui settled the four in, then sent someone to fetch the medical cultivator elder before taking her leave.

Not long after, a kind‑eyed old woman in plain white robes arrived carrying a medicine case—none other than the valley's medical cultivator elder, known as "Suwen Popo." She carefully examined Shi Ran's body, paying special attention to the red silk binding on her wrist that had been recently reinforced and sealed.

"What a vicious poison!" Suwen Popo frowned upon finding the red silk binding, saying, "This thing is like a bone‑deep ulcer, incessantly eroding the child's origin, trying to seize her thoughts. Were it not for repeated reinforcements by an expert, it would have already… Though this time she forced the valley's power without directly triggering the curse, it has further depleted her origin, like a leaky pot; ordinary tonics are of little use."

Ling Xiao's heart sank: "Granny, is there any good plan?"

Suwen Granny pondered for a moment: "We need a mild, nourishing primordial spirit medicine, to be gradually arranged. I can prescribe a dose of Hundred Herbs Essence-Condensing Soup, supplemented with the valley's unique Hundred Flowers Spirit Dew; daily soaking and warming may stabilize the condition and slowly make up for some deficiency. But to eradicate this curse power, I am powerless; ordinary medicines cannot resolve it."

"Just being able to stabilize the situation is already more than I can thank you for." Lingxiao expressed his gratitude solemnly. As long as there is no immediate hindrance, we will have time to continue searching for the other two-element immortal treasures and a way to lift the curse.

Soon, the Hundred Herbs Essence-Condensing Soup and Hundred Flowers Spirit Dew were brought. Wei Yuzhu carefully prepared the medicinal bath in the wooden tub in the guest room, assisting Shiran to immerse in it. The warm medicinal power, carrying a rich vital aura, permeated through the skin into the body; Shiran's pale little face finally showed a hint of rosiness, and she closed her eyes comfortably.

After settling Shiran, Lingxiao took a brief rest, then decided to go pay a visit to the master of Hundred Flowers Valley. Although the other party was in seclusion, propriety must not be neglected, and he also wished to express his thanks in person and gather information.

He instructed Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu to take good care of Shiran, then, under the guidance of a valley disciple, proceeded to the valley master's location, the "Hall of Hundred Herbs".

The Hall of Hundred Herbs stood at the valley's center, an ancient and simple hall permeated with the fresh fragrance of mixed medicinal herbs. Upon learning that the valley master had not yet emerged from seclusion, Lingxiao waited outside the hall, meanwhile conversing with the elder on duty, expressing his thanks and indirectly inquiring about news of the Five Elements Immortal Treasures, especially any other treasures that might exist in the End of the Clouds.

After hearing that, the elder merely shook his head: "The End of the Clouds is much larger than the Realm of Divine Sound, and itself is mysteriously vast; the Burial Star Plains are merely a corner of its edge. The valley's classics contain little record of its depths, only knowing it is extremely dangerous, beyond human reach. As for other treasures… I have never heard of them." He enthusiastically introduced many of the valley's unique spirit plants and medicines instead.

Although he obtained no direct clues, Lingxiao was not disappointed, after all, if the Five Elements Immortal Treasures were that easy to inquire about, they would not be so hard to find.

He waited quietly outside the Hall of Hundred Herbs for about an hour when suddenly a clear, melodious bell rang from the direction of the rear pill chamber, indicating that the alchemy was complete. Not long after, a middle-aged female cultivator dressed in light purple palace robes, with a dignified bearing and a hint of fatigue yet still revealing her charm, walked out surrounded by disciples.

"Valley Master!" the on-duty elder hurriedly bowed.

Lingxiao also stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said: "I am Lingxiao; thank you, Valley Master, for your generosity in allowing us to rest here and to treat the junior's injuries."

The Hundred Flowers Valley Master's gaze fell upon Lingxiao, she slightly nodded, her voice gentle yet carrying authority: "Fellow Daoist Ling, you need not stand on ceremony. Daoist Shen has done me a favor; his friends are friends of Hundred Flowers Valley. As for your disciple's condition, Suwen has already reported it to me; just rest and recuperate here with peace of mind."

"Valley Master's lofty righteousness, I will keep it in mind." Lingxiao expressed his thanks again. He noticed that although the Valley Master had just finished alchemy, her expression bore a faint, hardly perceptible gravity, as if besides alchemy, she harbored other concerns.

After a few more pleasantries, Lingxiao was about to take his leave, not wishing to disturb the other's rest, when his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a somewhat familiar figure at the end of the corridor leading from the side hall of the Hall of Hundred Herbs to the rear medicinal garden!

That person was tall and slender, wearing a somewhat aged blue-gray robe, his side profile lines cold and stern; in his hand he seemed to hold several stalks of freshly picked herbs with extraordinary spiritual energy, and he was speaking softly with an elder of Hundred Flowers Valley about something.

Although it was only a fleeting glance, Lingxiao could not help but feel that this person was inexplicably familiar, as if he had seen him before, yet he was certain he had never met him.

The Hundred Flowers Valley Master noticed Lingxiao's momentary stunned look and shift of gaze; following his line of sight, she also saw the gray-robed person at the end of the corridor, and a flash of complex emotion crossed her eyes—seeming helpless, yet also worried.

That person seemed to sense the gaze as well; his conversation paused, he slightly turned his head, his gaze sweeping across the corridor to meet Lingxiao's eyes in midair.

His gaze remained as still as an ancient well, unfathomable; upon seeing Lingxiao, he merely gave an extremely slight nod, as if the appearance of an outsider was not surprising, merely a trivial matter.

Doubts welled up in Lingxiao's heart. For some reason, seeing that person made him feel uneasy in mind and spirit, and he always trusted his intuition; Lingxiao frowned as he watched the person gather medicinal herbs, he seemed quite familiar with this place…

The Hundred Flowers Valley Master gave a soft cough, drawing Lingxiao's attention back. Her face regained composure as she smiled: "Fellow Daoist Ling, do you also know Master Mojì?"

Lingxiao composed himself and replied without changing expression: "No, I merely feel a strong sense of familiarity; we have previously encountered Shouji, and I always feel that this Master Mojì bears a great resemblance to that Heavenly Demon's Son, Shouji."

The Valley Master chuckled, her tone ordinary: "Perhaps Fellow Daoist Ling has mistaken him; this Master Mojì is an old acquaintance of the valley, versed in medicinal arts, who often comes to the valley to exchange and study, or to seek special herbs."

However, she seemed unwilling to discuss Master Mojì further, quickly shifting the topic: "Fellow Daoist Ling, having come from afar, you must be tired; why not return to the Qinfang Courtyard to rest? If you need anything, just command the disciples."

Since the other party clearly did not wish to delve deeper, Lingxiao naturally saw no reason to press further, and thus took his leave obediently.

On the way back to Qinfang Courtyard, Lingxiao's thoughts raced. The appearance of Master Mojì had shrouded the trip to Hundred Flowers Valley in a new mist. What exactly is the relationship between this mysterious powerhouse and Shouji? This appearance seems to involve some key points, and moreover, what is his purpose in coming here? Is it connected to his search for the Five Elements Immortal Treasures?

Upon returning to the guest lodgings, Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu came forward to greet him. Shiran had finished her medicinal bath and fallen into a deep sleep, her breath much more stable.

"Master, did you see the Valley Master?" Wei Yuzhu asked.

Lingxiao nodded, pondered briefly, then decided to tell them: "I did see her; the Valley Master was very courteous. However, I also saw another person in the valley."

"Who?" Luo Changfeng keenly sensed the oddity in his master's tone.

"The Valley Master said his name is Master Mojì."

"Mojì?" Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu both repeated. The Realm of Divine Sound and the End of the Clouds have never had the name Mojì, but anyone capable of catching Lingxiao's attention is certainly not ordinary.

"Elder, what do you think is problematic?" Wei Yuzhu exclaimed in surprise.

"Unclear." Lingxiao shook his head, his gaze narrowing slightly: "Although I have never seen him before, I don't know why, but upon seeing him my heart races; I always feel he may not be simple, so from now on you should keep your distance!"

Luo Changfeng frowned: "Master, are you suspecting that he might be related to the Five Elements Immortal Treasures we are seeking? Or… perhaps he hides some secret concerning the Hundred Flowers Valley itself?"

"Uncertain." Lingxiao walked to the window, gazing out at the valley outside, a profusion of blossoms like brocade, peaceful and tranquil: "But he is shrouded in a layer of gray mist; even with my full effort I cannot see through him. Since we are here, we must pay close attention. Shiran needs quiet recuperation, so we will take this opportunity to rest and recuperate properly, while also observing carefully. Perhaps we might make an unexpected discovery."

The unexpected appearance of Master Mojì was like a stone tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples through the hearts of the three. Originally merely a waystation for healing injuries, Hundred Flowers Valley now seemed no longer so simple.

Over the next few days, the four settled in peace. Shiran soaked daily in Hundred Flowers Spirit Dew and took the Hundred Herbs Essence-Condensing Soup; her complexion improved day by day. Although her primordial source remained weak, at least she was no longer as fragile as before, like glass that could shatter at any moment, causing alarm. Lingxiao and Luo Changfeng also seized the time to restore their spiritual power and consolidate their cultivation.

Lingxiao occasionally strolled through the valley under the pretense of appreciating the spirit plants; seemingly casual, he was actually keeping watch for Mojì's whereabouts and any anomalies in the valley. Yet he never encountered Mojì face to face again, only hearing some disciples mention that the "strange gentleman" often appears near the medicinal gardens close to the valley's rear forbidden area, seemingly studying something.

On the surface, Hundred Flowers Valley remained as usual, its disciples busy yet peaceful. But Lingxiao keenly perceived that among the valley's higher echelons, including the valley master and several elders, a faint, unshakable worry lingered in their brows. This anxiety was akin to the hint of gravity he had sensed in the valley master upon his arrival.

After a few more days, one evening Lingxiao was meditating in his room when a faint tearing sound came from outside the window. He snapped his eyes open to see a blue-gray figure land silently and soundlessly in the courtyard—it was Mojì.

Master Mojì's gaze turned directly toward Lingxiao's room, as if he knew he was inside.

Ling Xiao's heart stirred, he rose and pushed the door open.

The two stood in the tranquil courtyard of Fragrant Seep Garden, floral fragrance drifting all around.

"Sir, what is the matter?" Ling Xiao spoke first, his tone calm.

Sir Mo Ji looked at him, got straight to the point, his voice as usual calm and waveless: "What you seek next is not at the edge of the clouds."

Ling Xiao's pupils constricted slightly: "Sir, do you know what I'm looking for?"