Chapter Forty-Eight: Lingji Herb

"The herb I want you to find is called Spirit Auspice Grass, also known as Spirit Longevity Grass. Recently, I received news that this herb exists deep within the Ten Thousand Mile Sand Sea. Of course, this information is not entirely confirmed, so I want you to go there and investigate. If you find the Spirit Auspice Grass, bring it back and I will reward you handsomely. However, if it does not exist there, or you cannot locate it in a short time, then withdraw from the desert swiftly. The desert, after all, is extremely dangerous. Are you all willing to go?" Master Lingfeng explained.

"We will follow your instructions, Master, and will never shrink from danger," Qing Yuhe declared.

Seeing Qing Yuhe readily agree, Yang Xiao and the others naturally nodded in assent.

"Very well. Rest assured, since I am sending you to such a perilous place, I have made some preparations. Here are several Dust-Repelling Talismans; each of you take one. With the help of these talismans, you should be able to withstand all but the fiercest sandstorms." With a slight shake of his hand, Master Lingfeng distributed the talismans to Yang Xiao and the others.

He then explained their use. Once infused with spiritual power, the Dust-Repelling Talismans could ward off wind and sand, protecting the body from their assault. With these talismans, they could indeed withstand considerable storms.

"Alright, take a few days to rest. When the sandstorms in the Sand Sea subside, set out. This journey is also a test from our sect," Master Lingfeng instructed.

Yang Xiao and the others then withdrew from Master Lingfeng's residence.

"Yumei, you all go outside and wait for me. I have a few words to say to Brother Lingfeng, then we will return together," Master Kurong said to Ling Yumei and her two fellow disciples.

"Yes, Master," Ling Yumei replied obediently and left the room with her two junior sisters.

Only Master Lingfeng and Master Kurong remained.

"Brother Lingfeng, I see you so eager to find the Spirit Auspice Grass. Has your lifespan become short?" Master Kurong asked, her words startling.

Master Lingfeng was not surprised. He calmly replied, "To be honest, my lifespan is indeed running out. I estimate I have at most four or five years left. If our sect does not produce another disciple in the Qi Condensation stage within this time, after I pass, the entire Giant Spirit Sect will fall upon your shoulders. Such a situation would be highly unfavorable for our sect."

"What you say is true," Master Kurong sighed. "Though I am ten years younger than you, I am still getting old, and my cultivation has slowed. I doubt I can last many more years either. This truly is a dire situation for our sect."

"Although the disciples are outstanding, advancing from the Spiritual Awareness stage to Qi Condensation is no easy feat. Should anything happen to us, and none of the disciples reach Qi Condensation, the Giant Spirit Sect will face disaster. The other two sects in the Ten Thousand Fathom Mountain Range will surely move against us, and our disciples would not withstand them. The sect could cease to exist, and we would have failed generations of sect leaders," Master Lingfeng sighed.

"This is why you are passing the Giant Spirit Art to the disciples, isn't it?" Master Kurong realized.

"Indeed. I hope these elite disciples can further strengthen themselves and face the sect’s future crisis. Traditionally, only the sect leader could cultivate the Giant Spirit Art, so I am going against the wishes of former leaders. Yet there is no other choice. For the safety of the sect, I must make this bold decision," Master Lingfeng said helplessly.

"You are the sect leader, Brother Lingfeng. You need not explain yourself to me. I understand—you are doing this for the sect’s wellbeing. I believe my father in the afterlife would also understand your intentions," Master Kurong voiced her approval.

"There is something you may not know. The Giant Spirit Art passed to me by our master was not complete; it only contained two layers. Though those two layers are more powerful than other arts, they cannot reach the realm our master once displayed. That is why I have rarely used it. Otherwise, with this art, our sect could easily dominate the other two," Master Lingfeng revealed a secret.

"What? My father did not give you the complete Giant Spirit Art? No wonder I rarely saw you use it," Master Kurong replied in shock.

"Our master disappeared before he could pass on the entire art. I did not tell anyone, not even you, for fear of causing panic. I hoped to find him, and then receive the remaining layers, but after so many years, there has been no news. Now, with my lifespan nearing its end and the sect approaching a critical juncture, I must finally speak of this," Master Lingfeng said apologetically.

"My father only passed the art to you, so I know little about it. Given these circumstances, I naturally agree with your arrangements. However, among the four disciples, Yang Xiao's cultivation is rather unusual. Have you not noticed, brother?" Master Kurong inquired.

"I have noticed. I intended to keep him back and question him, but so far he has shown no sign of harming our sect. If I were to suspect him rashly, it might cause unnecessary trouble. It's best to observe him further. As long as he remains loyal, there is no cause for concern. Besides, Yang Xiao and your disciple Ling Yumei seem to share an unusual relationship. If Yang Xiao does not intentionally let her win, the final champion between them is not yet certain," Master Lingfeng replied.

"Very well, I'll ask Yumei about it when we return. In that case, Brother Lingfeng, let us discuss this another time. For now, I will take my leave," Master Kurong said.

Master Kurong then departed Giant Spirit Mountain, returning to her residence with her three disciples.

After leaving Master Lingfeng's residence, Yang Xiao returned to his own quarters, where He Ming seemed to have anticipated his arrival and was already waiting.

"Brother Yang, you are truly in the spotlight now, taking second place in the competition. I can hardly believe it," He Ming exclaimed as soon as he saw Yang Xiao.