Chapter 54: Seizing the Medicine Garden, a Sudden Flash of Precious Light

Between the inner and outer layers, a ground fissure split the path wide.

Looking down, one could see only dense, pitch-black darkness, accompanied by the howling sound of the wind rushing into one's ears. The two banks were interconnected by a web of iron chains, leaving gaps large enough for two people to pass through.

Without some level of skill, one could not even cross the fissure.

For Meng Han and Zhao Chun, however, it was no difficult task. The former, possessing a Foundation Establishment cultivation, could leap into the air and traverse the gap to reach the opposite side in a single bound!

Zhao Chun's movement techniques were also among the best among Qi Refinement disciples. With a light tap of her toes against the overlapping chains, she landed on the opposite bank in just a few breaths.

The remaining onlookers were filled with astonishment. Seeing that she was only at the sixth level of Qi Refinement, her light-body movement techniques were in no way inferior to those of these late-stage cultivators. She was likely a genius disciple of some sect, out on training with her elders.

The fissure acted as a barrier for many wishing to enter the inner layer, which in turn gave rise to a different kind of way to make money.

Those with superior movement techniques could carry others across, charging a fee for the service. Rogue cultivators specializing in this trade waited by the fissure, waiting for business to come to them.

Zhao Chun couldn't help but marvel at how profit could be found everywhere.

Compared to the outer layer, the architecture of the inner layer of the Wind Flame Sect was more magnificent and grand. The luster upon the buildings had not faded for thousands of years, suggesting they were masterpieces of artifact refining.

Within the inner layer, there were several spirit herb gardens. To the east of the central Great Hall lay the Great Herb Garden. Beyond the Great Hall, various small herb gardens were the private property of former elders and great cultivators, most of which contained rare and precious spirit herbs.

"The private property of those great cultivators was long ago divided up by the Nine Sects. Even if some seeds remain, they are either of shallow age or have been fought over and exhausted by Foundation Establishment cultivators; there will be nothing left for us." The "Foundation Establishment" Meng Han referred to was not someone like himself who had just built a spiritual foundation, but rather those who had been in that realm for decades, reaching the late stage or even being half-step Yuan Condensation experts.

With this in mind, the two headed toward the Great Herb Garden to compete for a share of the opportunity alongside late-stage Qi Refinement and newly established Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The herb gardens of the inner layer were situated within a water-based grotto-heaven. Upon entering the garden, one felt a sense of clarity in mind and vision, with the five senses becoming acute as the faint fragrance of vegetation drifted into the nose. A sensation of coolness and moisture enveloped the body—a sign of abundant spiritual energy, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

Such herb gardens were mostly built at the main branches or source points of spiritual veins. Nourished by spiritual energy, the growth of the spirit herbs was accelerated, and their medicinal properties were more potent.

It was evident that spiritual energy was the foundation of the Great Herb Garden. To prevent cultivators from practicing here and potentially depleting the energy meant for nurturing the herbs, the sect protected the opportunity of future cultivators.

Despite being called the "Great Herb Garden," this place was much more modest than the wild landscapes of the outer layer. The mountains and streams showed clear signs of human design, appearing somewhat like a miniature landscape. Although the total area was not large, the grass was lush and green, showing a state of thriving vitality.

The garden had not been tended to for a long time, and the vegetation grew in a chaotic manner. The two had to push aside tangled branches with their hands to make progress. Because spirit herbs were precious, no one dared to cut them indiscriminately. There had once been a cultivator who caused chaos in the garden and damaged the plants, only to be captured by the Nine Sects; what punishment followed remains unknown.

Meng Han was an earth-attribute cultivator, while Zhao Chun sought wood-attribute energy. Since earth and wood were naturally major categories of spirit herbs, they had already harvested quite a bit before even reaching the halfway point of the garden.

Fighting was forbidden in the herb garden; cultivators relied on their own abilities, following the principle of "first come, first served." This was advantageous for Zhao Chun. Although she could not compete with Foundation Establishment cultivators, she feared no ordinary Qi Refinement cultivators. In her leaps, she snatched several spirit herbs rich in wood energy, as well as a Crimson-Crowned Great Sun Flower. The latter was fire-attribute, its petals swaying in the wind like raging flames.

Looking closer at its stem, it was also dyed a dazzling crimson; it was a top-grade mortal-rank spirit herb of over three hundred years in age!

After she seized the flower, several late-stage Qi Refinement and even Foundation Establishment cultivators began to eye her. Fortunately, Meng Han was by her side. With a slight, cold snort, he forced the others to swallow their frustration and curse inwardly.

Exploring deeper into the garden, they obtained many more spirit herbs. Meng Han had come somewhat casually, but upon turning back, he spotted a cluster of Yellow-grade Jade-thread Climbing Grass. It perfectly matched his attribute, and he plucked it before the two Foundation Establishment cultivators could.

The two cultivators had somewhat similar facial features and were likely brothers. Thinking the herb would be easily within their grasp, they were extremely displeased to see it taken by another. They quietly followed Meng Han and Zhao Chun out of the garden, intending to strike and rob them.

Having sensed them stalking behind, Meng Han turned around and met them head-on the moment they exited the garden!

The three rogue cultivators struck Meng Han's physical body, yet they failed to break his external defense, leaving him standing steadily in place without the slightest movement.

When Meng Han threw a punch, one of them was sent flying several meters with blood streaming from his nose and mouth. Realizing they had kicked a steel plate, the other brother hurriedly grabbed his sibling, activated a talisman, and fled at high speed.

"Senior Brother, such skill!" Zhao Chun praised. Given Meng Han's effortless manner, she knew that even if several more rogue cultivators like those had come, they likely wouldn't be his match.

Meng Han chuckled and replied, "Even among Foundation Establishment cultivators, there are gaps. Once Junior Sister reaches Foundation Establishment, you will realize that these doorless rogue cultivators truly cannot compare to sect disciples."

"Oh?" Zhao Chun asked doubtfully, "Is it a difference in foundation?"

During their previous trip to Jicheng, Meng Han had also fought rogue cultivators. At that time, even when the opponents exhausted their techniques, they could only manage a handful of moves before falling to Meng Han. However, that battle hadn't been due to techniques; it was likely due to the difference in their foundations.

Meng Han nodded with appreciation and smiled, "Indeed."

He explained in detail, "Whenever sect disciples reach the late stage of Qi Refinement, they go out for training. First, to settle their foundations, and second, to search for spiritual items to prepare for establishing a spiritual foundation. Each sect has long-standing traditions, and the uses and locations of spiritual items are well-documented for disciples to consult and select. If they do not find what they need after a long time, they can even borrow items from the sect treasury, provided they take on more sect duties after reaching Foundation Establishment to repay the debt."

"Rogue cultivators without sects or teachers often rush to establish their spiritual foundation upon reaching the late stage of Qi Refinement, ignoring the dissipation of spiritual energy and resulting in an unstable foundation. Furthermore, they lack knowledge of spiritual items; if they are lucky enough to obtain one, they do not care if it is suitable or what its quality is. Consequently, the spiritual foundation they build provides limited benefit to them, making the gap between them and sect disciples even more significant."

Meng Han emphasized several times that the spiritual foundation a cultivator builds must suit their own body; otherwise, there would be no hope of reaching the Yuan Condensation stage. This added to Zhao Chun's knowledge.

This was truly because Li Shu had failed in her duties as a mentor; many matters still had to be explained to her by her "side-door" Senior Brother, Meng Han.

She later heard him explain that not all rogue cultivators were like this. For instance, within the rogue cultivator cities of the Eastern Region, cultivators formed master-disciple factions and passed down traditions freely. While not as orthodox as the great sects, it was much better than the bottom-tier rogue cultivators wandering the world like rootless duckweed.

As the two talked while walking, they suddenly heard a thunderous explosion ahead, and the ground beneath their feet began to shake violently.

Looking toward the source of the sound, the mountain behind the Great Hall was swaying, and massive boulders were flying through the air. A brilliant golden light flashed from within, drawing a crowd of cultivators flying toward it!

Normally, when a treasure appears, there is golden light in front and colorful clouds behind, hence the saying "a treasure is born amidst auspicious clouds." The current omen, however, featured light scattering in all directions without a single trace of clouds—a truly strange phenomenon.

Zhao Chun understood the principle and frowned, wondering what kind of anomaly had occurred there.

Due to their cultivation levels, even if a great opportunity truly appeared, she and Meng Han would not be able to compete with others for it. However, it would be a pity to give up and turn back just because of that.

As the saying goes, "wealth is sought amidst danger." Zhao Chun steeled her heart and looked at Meng Han. Seeing the longing in his eyes, she invited, "Does Senior Brother wish to go and investigate?"

Meng Han, of course, understood her meaning. With a solemn expression, he said, "There will surely be many experts there. I may not be able to ensure your safety. You must focus on protecting yourself..."

"We are cultivators; how can we entrust our lives to others? If we go on this trip, we shall look after ourselves and not seek to become a burden to anyone!"

Meng Han gripped her shoulder and said, "Then let us go," as he leaped forward, carrying her with one hand.

With a big guy like Senior Brother Meng, he could probably lift Zhao Chun up like a little chick, but that wouldn't be very cool.

By the way, starting tomorrow, there will be two updates a day! (Bald statement)

(End of Chapter)