Zanxing

Chapter 118 - Golden Flower Tiger (1)

"I think we've reached Wudong Mountain," Nie Xinghong said, spreading his fan. "There are opportunities on the mountain, so we don't need to continue together. Let's part ways here." He was skilled in speaking, and even the proud Tan Tianxin had to give him some respect. Nie Xinghong led a few disciples from the Yinfeng Sect into the depths of the forest, saying, "I wish you all the best of luck and success."

The other cultivators also dispersed. Opportunities are fleeting and often elusive, not favoring anyone based on their status, position, or cultivation level. Sometimes, an ordinary person with extraordinary luck can seize an opportunity and rise to great heights.

Seeing the cultivators scatter, Yanxing and her group also headed into the forest. Some people from various sects had entered the secret realm of Li'er Country before, making it relatively safe, the disciples could handle most of the wild beasts and demonic plants. 

Yanxing planned to stay away from Mu Chengxiao and Meng Ying, but also didn't want to get too close to Gu Baiying. Tian Fangfang, eager to collect valuable spiritual herbs to sell at the Huajin Pavillion, had already run ahead. With everyone scattered, Yanxing ended up walking beside Mendong.

Mendong asked, "Why are you following me?"

"The forest is dense, and I'm worried about potential dangers. I'm here to protect you."

Mendong looked at her incredulously. "What dangers could there be? I don't need protection." He kindly reminded Yanxing, "You should explore more. You might find some opportunities to aid your cultivation."

Of course, Yanxing wouldn't listen to this. She feared accidentally finding an opportunity meant for Mu Chengxiao, which could lead to trouble.

Seeing Yanxing still following him, Mendong ignored her. He had a natural "spiritual sense" and knew which rare flowers and herbs on the mountain were suitable for medicine. This time, Set Master Shaoyang had sent him into the secret realm to collect herbs. So, he summoned his Qiankun bag and began searching.

The mountain was indeed full of flowers.

Beautiful flowers adorned the forest, grasslands, and lakesides, with mist rising in the distance, creating a fairyland-like scene. Not far away, a giant tree grew diagonally on a cliff, its roots merging with the cliff face, making it look like the upper half of the mountain was the tree's crown.

The tree was vast, with dense branches full of white fruits. Up close, the fruits were as large as a human hand, not round but pointed like beast teeth, making the tree look eerie.

Mendong also saw the fruits.

He exclaimed with joy, "Dragon Tooth Fruits, they're Dragon Tooth Fruits!"

Although Yanxing had read many books in the Taiyan Sect's library, she hadn't been here long and was still learning. She humbly asked, "What are Dragon Tooth Fruits?"

"They're rare spiritual fruits that can heal heartache. If made into pills, they are excellent for nurturing spiritual veins," Wendong explained happily. "Dragon Tooth Fruits take ten years to sprout, ten years to flower, and ten years to bear fruit. The fruits ripen in one night, and if not picked, they wither by morning. We're lucky to find them today. I need to pick as many as possible and store them in the ice jar in my Qiankun bag."

"Martial Uncle..." Mendong was about to ask for help but saw that Gu Baiying and Meng Ying had gone ahead. He had no choice but to ask Yanxing, "Senior Sister Yanxing, can you help me pick some? The sun is setting, and by tomorrow morning, these Dragon Tooth Fruits will turn to mush."

Rarely did Mendong ask for help, so Yanxing agreed, "Sure."

She didn't plan to seek opportunities and thought picking fruits with Mendong would be safe. They carefully climbed the cliff and reached the branches. The Dragon Tooth Tree's branches were thick, making it safe to sit on them. Up close, the fruits were even larger than they appeared. Yanxing pulled one off, expecting it to feel like a tooth, but it was soft and warm, like something alive.

Mimi curiously scratched at a Dragon Tooth Fruit, found it safe, and started swinging on the branches.

Mendong, sitting on a branch, was struggling to pull a Dragon Tooth Fruit into the ice jar. Yanxing asked curiously, "Dongdong, are Dragon Tooth Fruits very precious? You seem to treasure them."

Mendong wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Of course, they're precious. There aren't many materials for pills that nurture blood. We're lucky to find them today. And don't call me Dongdong."

"But the senior brothers seem to prefer pills that enhance cultivation," Yanxing said, puzzled. "Is someone in our sect suffering from damaged spiritual veins?"

Mendong paused, blushing. "Of course not! But it's always good to be prepared."

Yanxing nodded. "Alright." Such a young child already had the heart of a healer, making her feel ashamed.

They continued picking, almost clearing one side of the tree, and moved to the other side of the cliff. Mendong, being small, climbed quickly ahead, while Yanxing followed. Suddenly, Mendong stopped. Yanxing, thinking he encountered danger, asked softly, "Junior Brother?"

"Shh!" Mendong turned and gestured for silence, whispering, "Look."

Yanxing followed his gaze and suddenly saw a burst of golden light ahead.

The light was so dazzling that, after walking in the dark forest, Yanxing was almost blinded by it. She shielded her eyes with her hand and, once adjusted to the brightness, looked carefully ahead.

It was a giant golden flower.

The flower was about as tall as a person. It was unclear if it grew from the mountain wall, as its stem was hidden by the dense canopy, leaving only the glowing blossom visible. The petals were layered and intricate, emitting a soft golden hue. A faint floral fragrance wafted through the air, carrying the scent of grass and trees.

Unlike the eerie Dragon Tooth Fruits, this flower was strikingly beautiful, its bright color immediately catching the eye.

Yanxing softly asked Mendong ahead of her, "Junior Brother, what kind of flower is this?"

Mendong frowned, thought for a moment, and then shook his head. "I don't know either."