Golden Finger 6

Qin Ji and Chen Xing had gathered a substantial array of items. Apart from those he stored directly in his ring, for nearly a month, various cultivators and spirit beasts would leave offerings at the base of the Spiritual Peak, although none had ever laid eyes on its inhabitants. They simply entrusted their gifts to the vigilant puppet guarding the mountain below.

Most of the time, Qin Ji immersed himself in the library. Unable to pursue the Heartless Dao further, he sought a fresh path of cultivation. The shattering of his sword heart meant his swordsmanship was no longer pure. Even if he were to reforge the sword heart, his previous cultivation techniques would no longer align. Moreover, he needed a method to quell the demons within.

During this period, Chen Xing, aside from her daily slumber, often brought her plush round cushion to seek out Qin Ji. For the rest of the day, both she and Xiao Bao were occupied with tasks that remained a mystery to even Qin Ji himself. However, one day, upon returning from the library later than usual, he found Chen Xing wearing an expression of complaint. From that moment onward, Qin Ji meticulously monitored the time to avoid disturbing the dragon's sleep.

Chen Xing adhered to a highly regular daily routine. She observed three square meals a day, along with a habit of midnight snacks. Her early bedtime and early rise aligned more with mortal life than that of cultivators who substituted sleep with meditation.

On occasion, Xiao Bao ventured beyond the Spiritual Peak to interact with other spirit beasts or demonic cultivators within Guiyuan Sect. However, Chen Xing rarely left the peak, not even for the courtyard. Her days primarily revolved around sleep, basking in the sun amidst the spirit herb fields, and occasionally nurturing them with the aid of clouds.

When the Sect Master answered Qin Ji's summons and arrived at the Spiritual Peak, he found his Junior Brother standing beside the spiritual herb field. On Qin Ji's shoulder, a small snake coiled with shiny black eyes fixated expectantly on him. Next to his Junior Brother stood the demonic cultivator who had registered as a guest some time ago.

Qin Ji, however, remained composed and inquired, "Senior, what's afflicting these spiritual herbs?"

Only then did the Sect Master comprehend the purpose behind his Junior Brother's message. He meticulously examined the herb field, discovering that while the herbs were of common varieties, each appeared half-dead, with some leaves wilting. His spiritual sense detected no signs of pests or other issues.

"I can't discern it either. Should we consider replacing them?" He suggested.

Upon this proposition, Chen Xing began to hiss in disapproval.

Xiao Bao swiftly added, 

"No, you mustn't replace them."

 

Young Master watered them everyday, how could they waste Young Master’s effort?!

 

Xiao Bao thought these spiritual herbs were somewhat ungrateful. He missed his second brother again.

 

If he was here, he would definitely know what was wrong with these herbs. Human cultivator’s Sect Master is so useless.

 

The Sect Leader pondered for a moment and said,

 

"How about we invite someone from the Medicine Peak to take a look? I don’t really know how to take care of these spiritual herbs either."

 

Qin Ji didn't mind, but he knew that Chen Xing wasn't fond of interacting with strangers. So, he asked,

 

"What do you think?"

 

Chen Xing hesitated as expected. Her gaze fell upon the spiritual herb field, a hint of annoyance evident as she flicked her tail. After some contemplation, she resolved not to let the first batch of herbs she had planted wither for no apparent reason and hissed in agreement.

With a contract that allowed him to understand Chen Xing's intentions, Qin Ji replied, 

"Then, Senior Brother, please kindly assist us with this."

The Sect Master had long harbored suspicions about his Junior Brother's unconventional relationship with this seemingly ordinary spiritual snake. He observed that Qin Ji treated Chen Xing as an equal rather than a mere spiritual pet, leading him to ponder whether there was a concealed connection he remained unaware of.

The Sect Master had already harbored certain speculations. When his Junior Brother emerged from seclusion, he did so with a spiritual snake at his side. Shortly thereafter, he introduced a Nascent Soul stage demonic cultivator as a guest within the Sect. Although his Junior Martial Brother's explanation was that they had met previously, and he had invited the cultivator after receiving a message, the Sect Master found it hard to believe that his reclusive Junior Brother would casually befriend a demonic cultivator, especially one of such formidable cultivation that defied challenge.

Before entering seclusion, his Junior Brother possessed a pure sword heart and was on the brink of breaking through to a new realm. However, he not only exited seclusion prematurely but with a shattered sword heart and inner demons in tow. Coupled with the arrival of the spiritual snake and the demonic cultivator during this particular period, the Sect Master couldn't help but entertain suspicions. For now, he refrained from pressing too deeply with his questions, largely because he held trust in his Junior Brother.

Although his mind buzzed with numerous thoughts, the Sect Master maintained an unchanged expression. He smiled and declared, 

"I'll send a message to Medicine Peak."

Chen Xing drooped on Qin Ji's shoulder, her demeanor slightly disheartened. Had it not been for the presence of outsiders, she might have let out a deep sigh.

Xiao Bao, unsure of how to console his young master, crouched by the herb field, resting his chin on his hands, and muttered, 

"You guys are so disappointing!"

The Sect Master gazed at Qin Ji and remarked with a smile, 

"Although we are cultivators, you seemed quite lonely in the past. I used to think our master shouldn't have given you a name with 'Ji,' which conveys loneliness. But now, with the presence of spiritual… Chen Xing by your side, and Bao cultivator, you appear much livelier."

Chen Xing perked up at the Sect Master's words, glancing at him and playfully patting Qin Ji with her tail.

 

Did Qin Ji really look like a dead person back then?

 

The Sect Master, unable to decipher Chen Xing's unspoken desires, sighed and produced a jade pendant. He spoke, 

"If you hadn't come to me today, I would have sought you out. Wear this Calm Pendant for now."

After learning about Qin Ji's predicament, the Sect Master had ventured out to obtain this treasure capable of suppressing his inner demons. Qin Ji accepted the pendant without hesitation, thanking the Sect Master before putting it on.

Noting that the Sect Master had ceased discussing Qin Ji's past, Chen Xing glanced at the jade pendant momentarily but quickly lost interest. She flew over to perch atop Xiao Bao's head, and together, they observed the herb field.

The Sect Master raised an eyebrow and remarked meaningfully, 

"It seems that Bao cultivator and Chen Xing share a close bond."

Although it was unusual for a spiritual snake like Chen Xing, with relatively low cultivation, to rest on the head of a Nascent Soul stage demonic cultivator like Xiao Bao, he seemed at ease with this arrangement. In fact, he displayed clear signs of contentment in response to Chen Xing's closeness, hinting at a connection deeper than mere friendship.

Chen Xing pretended not to comprehend the implication in the Sect Master's words.

Unaware of the subtleties, Xiao Bao cheerfully replied, 

"Sect Master has keen insight!"

Had it not been for Xiao Bao's sincere tone and evident smile, the Sect Master might have suspected he was being mocked.

The Sect Master, noticing that Qin Ji wasn't offering further explanations, refrained from pressing the matter further. Instead, he continued, 

"We've made arrangements with other Sects. We'll depart for Tongchi in ten days and then enter the trial grounds of the Desolate Spirit Desert."

The Desolate Spirit Desert was not entirely bereft of spiritual energy. It possessed a more volatile and aggressive spiritual energy compared to other places, rendering it unsuitable for cultivation. Ages ago, when the dragon and phoenix deities banished the demonic clans to another continent, they erected a barrier between the continents. Over time, however, the barrier weakened, permitting some spiritual energy from the other continent to intermingle with the local energy, resulting in the creation of the Desolate Spirit Desert.

Seventy years prior, the barrier had even developed cracks. Thankfully, when the cultivation world detected unusual spiritual energy, they stationed cultivators to guard it against demons attempting to infiltrate through these openings, preventing major catastrophes.

In recent years, various Sects had sought ways to mend the barrier and seal the cracks, but a viable solution remained elusive. They could only manage to prevent the cracks from widening and assigned cultivators to patrol and combat demons. This had maintained peace within the cultivation world.

These Sects also dispatched their disciples to train within the Desolate Spirit Desert, preparing them to confront the demonic clans. However, disciples below the Golden Core stage typically undertook peripheral tasks and scarcely encountered demons. At most, the Sect's Elders would capture a few low-level demonic creatures for training purposes.

For Sects like Guiyuan, cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage, once their cultivation stabilized, were required to spend at least ten years within the Desolate Spirit Desert. During this period, they engaged in genuine battles against the demonic clans, where many cultivators lost their lives annually.

Qin Ji had dedicated almost thirty years in the Desolate Spirit Desert, refining his sword intent to the Grand Perfection level. He departed only when he sensed an opportunity for a breakthrough.

Hence, the Sect Master didn't decline Qin Ji's request to lead the group but issued a reminder, 

"You need only safeguard the disciples on the outskirts."

Qin Ji expressed gratitude, replying, 

"Senior Brother, don't worry. I'll also ensure the safety of our junior disciples."

As they conversed, an Elder from the Medicine Peak arrived. Upon sensing a stranger's presence, Chen Xing swiftly sought refuge within Qin Ji's collar, leaving only a tiny head visible.

Observing Chen Xing's agile movements, the Sect Master remarked, 

"Chen Xing is quite astute."

Chen Xing responded with a few hisses. As the last dragon in this small world, she had learned to fend for herself. Human beings like the Sect Master, who were ubiquitous, couldn't fully grasp her sense of responsibility.

The newcomer was Xuan Yu, an Elder from the Medicine Peak. When she spotted Xiao Bao, she hesitated briefly but chose not to comment. Instead, she inquired, 

"What's the matter?"

Chen Xing, sneakily observing Elder Xuan Yu, felt an inexplicable sense of reverence. It wasn't due to the Elder's cultivation but rather her serious demeanor. It stirred within Chen Xing a strange feeling of guilt. As Elder Xuan Yu's gaze swept over her, Chen Xing instinctively retreated.

The Sect Master, still in his cheerful manner, asked,

 

"Why did you come in person?"

 

Elder Xuan Yu remained silent.

The Sect Master, accustomed to Elder Xuan Yu's demeanor, didn't push further. He simply said, 

"Then please inspect what's happening with this herb field. Why are these spiritual herbs withering one by one?"

Elder Xuan Yu glanced at the herb field and furrowed her brow upon seeing the spiritual herbs. Without elaborating, she approached the field, inserted her fingers into the spiritual soil, and assessed the state of both the field and the herbs. She then explained, 

"These are ordinary spiritual herbs and cannot withstand such concentrated and pure spiritual energy."

Observing the puzzled Xiao Bao, Elder Xuan Yu clarified, 

"In simple terms, these spiritual herbs are withering due to an excess of spiritual energy."