Chapter Fifty: The One-Eyed Celestial Wolf

A few days later, the winds and sandstorms in the boundless sea of sand truly began to wane. Every decade or so, the sand sea would quiet, but because the desert was usually too perilous, this change seldom caught anyone’s attention. Even if someone did notice, few would dare risk venturing into the sands; after all, in everyone’s mind, nothing of particular value should exist deep within the shifting dunes.

Now, however, Master Lingfeng had somehow heard rumors that the rare Lingji Grass was hidden within the heart of the sand sea. This news filled him with excitement, and he organized a party from his sect to search for it.

Yang Xiao, Ling Yunmei, Qing Yuhe, and Hao Gang were chosen by Lingfeng to set out on this quest. Before their departure, Master Lingfeng took special care to describe the appearance of the Lingji Grass in detail.

According to his account, Lingji Grass bore only seven leaves, each one a brilliant golden hue. Because it was so richly imbued with spiritual energy, even a cultivator at a distance could sense its presence. As long as they encountered it, recognizing the herb should pose little difficulty.

Of course, Master Lingfeng’s explanation was somewhat superfluous. Since he had ordered his disciples to seek the Lingji Grass, they had already studied its characteristics in private. These disciples were eager to discover the herb and distinguish themselves before Lingfeng, paving the way for their future standing in the sect.

Yang Xiao’s thoughts, however, differed from the others. He had no intention of tying his entire future to the Giant Spirit Sect. He joined the search for the Lingji Grass for his own benefit, though he had other motives as well: one, to spend time with Ling Yunmei; and another, to repay Master Lingfeng for his guidance. Even though Lingfeng had paid Yang Xiao little special attention, it was Master Juling who had once helped him open his spiritual sea and embark on the path of cultivation. That act alone was a profound kindness, and although Yang Xiao always considered his own interests, he was not one to forget a debt of gratitude. Any kindness shown to him would be remembered for a lifetime, and he would find a way to repay it.

After all, Master Lingfeng had always treated Yang Xiao well and had never acted against him. For this reason alone, Yang Xiao could not remain indifferent; he would inevitably seek some way to return the favor.

After bidding farewell to Master Lingfeng, the four entered the desert. As expected, the winds had greatly subsided since Yang Xiao’s previous journey there, and they could now pass safely through areas that had once been impassable.

However, after traveling some distance, the sandstorm suddenly grew more violent, making further progress difficult. It was then that the Dust-Repelling Talismans given to them by Master Lingfeng proved their worth, allowing them to continue.

Yang Xiao could have pressed on without the talisman, but to avoid drawing attention to himself, he used it as well. Otherwise, his companions might have found his cultivation suspicious, or worse, imagined he carried some rare treasure and become tempted by greed.

On the road, Yang Xiao noticed that, despite using the talisman, Ling Yunmei still struggled against the biting wind and sand. A protective instinct welled up within him, and he said, “Senior Sister, walk behind me. It will shield you from some of the storm’s force.”

Ling Yunmei was deeply grateful. “Thank you, Junior Brother,” she replied, and from then on, stayed close at his side, never leaving even a step between them. Whether she truly couldn’t withstand the sand or simply wished to be near Yang Xiao, her trust in him was genuine.

In her heart, it seemed, Yang Xiao was capable of anything—and he never disappointed her. His composure far surpassed that of Qing Yuhe or Hao Gang.

Hao Gang was, of course, furious, but occupied with resisting the wind and sand, he could only glare venomously at Yang Xiao, his resentment deepening.

“We’ve been in the sand sea for so long and haven’t seen any sign of Lingji Grass. I really doubt it’s even here! It’s hard to believe anything could survive in such an environment,” Hao Gang finally complained.

“I think it’s strange as well. Since we entered the desert, we’ve hardly seen a single living plant. If Lingji Grass could survive here, it would truly be a miracle. I don’t know where Master got this information or how reliable it is. The further we go, the more dangerous it feels,” Ling Yunmei added.

“No matter what, since Master sent us, we should keep searching a while longer. If we return empty-handed, how would we answer to him?” Qing Yuhe said, weary but unwilling to give up. He clearly trusted Master Lingfeng’s words and sought to complete the task, hoping for recognition. Indeed, Lingfeng had always treated him with special care, guiding him one-on-one—an advantage few disciples enjoyed. Such kindness was hard to forget.

Yang Xiao was moved by Qing Yuhe’s devotion; at least, it showed a commendable loyalty to Master Lingfeng.

“Since Master has commanded it, let’s continue a while longer. If we truly can’t go on, and still find nothing, we’ll withdraw and consider other options,” Yang Xiao suggested. “Be careful, Senior Sister!” he called, seeing Ling Yunmei nearly stumble in the storm. He hurried to support her, his concern evident.

Seeing Yang Xiao and Ling Yunmei so close, Hao Gang was displeased. “Yang Xiao, what are you doing? Are you trying to take advantage of Senior Sister Ling?”

“I’m just helping her, Senior Brother Hao. Do you have a problem with that?” Yang Xiao retorted.

“I do, and I don’t like you one bit,” Hao Gang snapped, unable to contain his frustration any longer.

“Are you saying you want to settle things here and now?” Yang Xiao replied, equally annoyed.

“If you want a contest, so be it! Don’t think I’m afraid of you,” Hao Gang shot back, his anger boiling over.

“Enough, both of you!” Ling Yunmei urged, worried they would truly come to blows. “Now is the time for unity, not quarrels. Whatever issues you have, settle them back at the sect. For now, our priority is to fulfill Master’s task.”

“Senior Sister Ling, this is between us. I’ve long wanted to spar with Yang Xiao, and since he brought it up, I’m happy to oblige,” Hao Gang insisted, refusing to let the matter drop.

At that moment, Yang Xiao suddenly sensed something, his gaze sharpening as he looked ahead. “Senior Brother Hao, we have trouble. We can settle our dispute later. Right now, a spirit beast is approaching, and from what I sense, it won’t be easy to deal with. If you’re so eager to fight, perhaps you’d like to help handle this creature first.”

“A spirit beast? Why can’t I sense anything?” Hao Gang was skeptical.

But soon, an enormous spirit beast appeared before them, confirming Yang Xiao’s warning. The beast was indeed ferocious, not something easily subdued.

It was a one-eyed Heavenly Wolf—one of the most formidable spirit beasts known to lurk in the desert, fiercer even than most cultivators at the Spirit Sense stage. Its massive size and formidable body alone ensured that few would dare provoke it lightly.