Chapter 048: The Lingzhi Herb

The flower garden remained scattered with fallen petals and lush greenery, but the conversation among its visitors had shifted in tone and purpose. Xue Ze, overwhelmed by the harsh “realities” poured upon her by Ji Lin and Lianzi, could not take it all in at once. She bid them farewell and hurried away.

Lianzi’s brow was tightly knit, yet her heart felt somewhat relieved. “Though it’s cruel, it’s also the best method!”

“Yes, as they say, better a short pain than a lingering one.” Ji Lin crossed his arms, his gaze drifting into the distance, silently thinking: Junior sister, you must awaken! We do this for your own good!

Lianzi smiled with satisfaction. “Second brother, you’re quite something! I never thought you’d stand on my side.”

Ji Lin nodded with a soft smile. “Of course. Though the Spirit Maiden is our fellow disciple, those from Snow Bamboo are naturally closer. This time, you came to me for help, and it concerns Xue Ze—how could I turn a blind eye?”

“We've laid everything bare, hoping she understands our intentions. Normally, these things must be experienced and understood on one’s own, but I couldn’t bear to see her suffer through hardship, nor tolerate anyone having the chance to harm her… I hope this affair ends well.”

“Don’t worry! To reveal everything early, to place the truth before her eyes—though it’s painful, it’s straightforward and clean. Xue Ze is clever, considerate, and sensible. I believe she’ll soon understand.”

As the two sighed together, Lan Shui appeared suddenly, holding a fresh lotus pod, and asked, “What are you talking about? Where’s junior sister?”

Ji Lin was startled, stammering, “She… she left. We didn’t… didn’t expect you to return so soon…”

Lan Shui looked at Ji Lin in surprise and suspicion. “She left? Did you tell her everything?”

The two exchanged glances and nodded blankly. “We thought it was better this way.”

Lan Shui was taken aback, indignation rising within him, as if he could already sense Xue Ze’s feelings. Ji Lin and Lianzi dared not speak, both lowering their heads and avoiding his gaze.

“You two!” Lan Shui glared at them, turned angrily, and walked away.

“This…” Lianzi watched Lan Shui’s retreating figure and whispered to Ji Lin, “Will eldest brother be angry with us? He told us those things to warn us about the Spirit Maiden, not for us to say them outright…”

“It’s fine. Once things settle, he’ll see we did the right thing.” Ji Lin smiled and patted Lianzi’s shoulder.

“Will eldest brother speak for the Spirit Maiden? Why did he bring two lotus pods? Could he have wanted to cook porridge with our senior sister? Did we ruin his plans?”

“You worry too much. Eldest brother cares only for Xue Ze; he wouldn’t speak for anyone else. These lotus pods are from moonlotus, their green seeds calm the mind. Perhaps he wanted to win her smile, but now they’ll serve their purpose.”

“But senior sister will be really upset. What should we do?”

Ji Lin smiled, walking away. “Don’t fret! Eldest brother has gone after her; caring for Xue Ze is his job, not ours for now.”

“Second brother, where are you going?”

“I have things to do; there are many tasks lately. You must practice diligently too!”

Lianzi watched Ji Lin’s departing figure, thought about the lotus pod in eldest brother’s hand, and after pondering, decided she too must make something good for Xue Ze.

“Who says caring for senior sister isn’t my place? I’m her trusted little maid; whatever eldest brother can do, so can I!”

The skies over Azure Mysterious Valley shifted again and again; the gentle breeze and sunny scenes had faded, leaving only a few strands of twilight for illumination.

In the realm, it was said that Azure Mysterious Valley was wondrous beyond measure. Though it had countless beautiful sights and divine objects, it also harbored evil spirits and vengeful ghosts, monsters and demons. Ordinary folk dared not enter; those who did must leave before sunset.

“Your Majesty, the sky is about to darken!” Feng Xing reminded Liu Li.

Liu Li looked up, then said to Feng Xing, “Liu Qing’s fate is like the changing sky—we cannot give up!”

“Yes!” Feng Xing nodded and continued his vigilant inspection.

“What an interesting metaphor! Seems your court isn’t so rigid and dull after all!” Ling’er followed Ling Die, occasionally glancing back and teasing.

“Miss, could you save your sarcasm for later? Today, finding the herb matters most.”

Ling’er nodded, smiling. “Alright, easy enough! Maybe you’re just so sentimental that Heaven is helping you!”

Liu Li, delighted, hurried forward and stopped to Ling’er’s left. He saw the unusual sight ahead and was astonished.

Before them stretched a cliff, mist rising and blending with the surrounding haze. The view was unclear; only nearby details could be seen. Scattered flowers and grasses grew along the cliff face, all uncommon varieties. Ling Die stopped at a certain spot, drawing Liu Li’s gaze to a plant exactly as Ling’er had described.

“Is that the legendary spirit grass?”

“Yes. Spirit grass can restore souls and stop bleeding. Though it cannot cure your royal brother completely, it will awaken him. If you have questions, you may ask him directly and plan for the future.”

“What? Ask what?”

Ling’er grinned mischievously. “Rumor has it the grand prince has a treasury that needs a golden key? It’s said there’s a surrender document in there too… Aren’t you curious? If Liu Qing dies, the grand prince’s line ends, and those treasures will be divided.”

“Miss, please don’t speak nonsense! I only wish to save Liu Qing—nothing more.”

“Fine, I know!” Ling’er snorted, muttering, “You may have none, but the Empress Dowager certainly does; she’d love to see Liu Qing gone as soon as possible.”

Feng Xing hesitated, then asked softly, “Miss, should we take the herb now? Can it truly save the young master?”

Ling’er sighed deeply. “It can wake him.”

“Before coming, you said differently…”

Ling’er calmly sat down. “I know. Before, I said it would prolong his life—same meaning, really. I’m tired; talking to you is exhausting. If you’re taking it, just go. So slow!”

Liu Li considered, then walked alone to the front. Just two steps away lay the cliff’s edge; the abyss below was bottomless, and midair was filled with mist.

The spirit grass resembled slender-legged lingzhi, with long leaves and a white flower emanating a delicate fragrance. Two plants grew at the cliff’s edge, both on steep, sheer rock. No single person could reach them.

“Feng Xing, put Liu Qing down and come help me!”

Feng Xing set Liu Qing down and joined Liu Li, peering downward. “Your Majesty, let me!”

“No, you stand here and hold me!”

No sooner had Liu Li spoken than he crouched, leaning out over the edge. Feng Xing, seeing this, gripped Liu Li with all his strength, not daring to slacken for an instant.

Ling’er watched them secretly, smiling with delight, thinking: I wanted to lend a hand, but it seems they don’t need me at all!

Exerting all his skill and strength, Liu Li finally managed to retrieve the spirit grass. Fearing an error with the life-saving herb, he tossed it up first.

“Feng Xing, catch!”

Feng Xing caught the spirit grass with one hand and held Liu Li with the other. With this support, Liu Li used his lightness skill and leapt back up.

“Your Majesty, the spirit grass!”

“Good!” Liu Li took the spirit grass and brought it to Liu Qing’s side, asking Ling’er softly, “Miss, how should it be administered?”

“Pick the flower, place it in his mouth—it will relieve the burning fever.”

Liu Li did as instructed, and indeed felt Liu Qing’s body cool. “Thank you, Miss. What should we do next?”

“Next? Leave the valley, of course! Are we to sit here and wait for death?”

With that, Ling’er strode ahead, and Liu Li and Feng Xing carried Liu Qing, following her. Though eager to revive Liu Qing, the sky was nearly dark, and the atmosphere growing ominous; they could only hasten after Ling’er to exit the valley.

Crossing the bridge at the entrance of Azure Mysterious Valley, the sky lost all light—the sun had completely set, and the surrounding scenery faded of color.

“Are you going to ask me again?” Ling’er looked at them, sighed. “Actually, I only know that the flower of the spirit grass works as described, relieving his pain. As for the rest, I’m not entirely sure!”

At this, Liu Li and Feng Xing were alarmed, both filled with unease.

Ling’er, seeing this, couldn’t help but laugh, teasing, “So frightened? Clearly this man’s life is precious!”

“Of course!”

“Alright then! Since it matters so much, I’ll share what I’ve learned from my master’s books. I read some notes before leaving. The flower heals, but the other parts work too—though professionals must handle them. You two are nobly born; do you know where to find skilled physicians?”

Liu Li pondered and shook his head. “The palace doctors are useless, and I know no good physicians outside. Miss, what do you advise?”

“Among the martial circles, the medical women of West Sea Manor are most renowned. It’s not far from here—worth a try!”

“West Sea Manor is a martial sect; their threshold is high. This…”

Feng Xing noticed Liu Li’s uncertainty and quickly reminded him, “Your Majesty, the lady He Yu who visited the court last time is from West Sea Manor!”

“Yes!” Ling’er added, “He Yu is the chief medical woman.”

“Oh, now I remember!” Liu Li and Feng Xing exchanged glances. “She’s the one who entered the palace to cure the epidemic?”

Feng Xing was startled, then nodded.

“So she’s your benefactor?”

“Not exactly.” Feng Xing thought a moment and decided to explain. “There were many reasons at the time. She was from Tianshan, aiding to protect her reputation. Later, the Empress Dowager summoned her, so West Sea Manor took the credit. Your Majesty may punish me if you wish.”

“No punishment needed; you did well inside and out. Enough—what’s past is past, doubts are cleared. Let’s hurry and see if this chief medical woman will help.”

Ling’er pursed her lips in a smile and fell in step. “Hey, do you have confidence in this journey?”

“Sixty percent.”

“That’s not bad. With this divine herb, I doubt they’ll refuse. Just remember, martial circles and the court rarely mix; be careful not to reveal your identity.”

“Miss, you won’t accompany us?”

“I’ve helped as much as I can; night is deep, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Very well, thank you, Miss.”

“Till we meet again!”

The night deepened, the road ahead dim, but Feng Xing pressed on at a swift gallop.

Before leaving, Ling’er set a spirit butterfly as a lamp on the carriage, guiding and lighting the way. Feng Xing focused on the journey, Liu Li’s mind intent on saving Liu Qing, paying no heed to the spirit butterfly’s appropriateness.