The Cool and Aloof Senior Sister Always Flirts with Me

Chapter 144: The White Ape

Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, illuminating tiny specks of dust drifting in the air.

Old vines hung down from the branches, casting a dim, shadowy light across the forest.

It was silent all around, the distance shrouded in darkness as though something unseen were lurking within.

Duan Luxi coughed softly. "When I was here last time, I didn't see any spirit beasts guarding treasures."

After saying this, Duan Luxi realized that to both Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue, the presence or absence of a guardian spirit beast probably didn't matter.

So, she added, "But maybe that's because I didn't take any precious materials. If you go and pick that flower now, who knows if a spirit beast might suddenly appear?"

The sound of leaves crunching underfoot echoed crisply.

Yan Jue tensed, her energy flaring, her gaze scanning every inch of the surroundings.

There was indeed an abundance of rare and precious plants in this part of the forest.

They had passed by six extremely rare plants in a matter of moments.

Wherever valuable spiritual herbs grew, there was an 80% chance of encountering a guardian spirit beast. This was practically common sense in the world of cultivation.

After all, in this world, all living things could cultivate. Spirit beasts living deep in the mountains were no exception.

Spirit beasts often sought out spiritual plants to aid their own cultivation.

Some spirit beasts would come across rare herbs but find that the plant had not yet blossomed or fully matured, or perhaps wasn't useful to them at the moment.

In such cases, the spirit beast would guard the plant, saving it for its own future cultivation.

These creatures were known as guardian spirit beasts.

In a world where cultivation was prized above all else, rare herbs held immense value, and guardian beasts fiercely protected them, making them formidable adversaries.

Time passed, though it was hard to tell how much.

Suddenly, Yan Jue halted mid-step.

At the base of a tree not far away, amidst a patch of green foliage, stood a small plant of a deep, mysterious black.

The plant was exceptionally eye-catching, with three-lobed leaves displaying intricate patterns that gleamed in the sunlight.

Yan Jue looked back, exchanging a glance with Qi Xianqing.

It was Xiangjing Grass.

The air around them became abruptly still, and Duan Luxi, who had been chattering away, fell silent.

The Xiangjing Grass swayed gently in the breeze, like a gemstone guarded by a nest of snakes—both alluring and dangerous.

Qi Xianqing unsheathed her sword. "I'll get it."

Yan Jue instinctively looked at her. "Be careful."

Qi Xianqing nodded and moved forward. At the same time, Yan Jue drew her sword as well, prepared for any sudden danger.

Just as Qi Xianqing was about to step forward, the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention from behind.

Her face darkened, and she turned to see Meng Hang, the disciple from Clear Wind Valley, flying toward them on the wind, landing gracefully in front of the three.