Leng Qingqiu seemed utterly unwilling to wake from her deep slumber, lying there quietly on the bed for three whole days and nights. Her eyes remained tightly closed, like a tranquil sleeping beauty, save for the constant, indistinct murmurs slipping from her lips. At times she would softly call out for "Old Man Leng," and at others, affectionately cry out for "Mother." Xiangliu kept vigil by the bedside, burning with anxiety yet entirely helpless. He could only continually channel his own True Qi into Leng Qingqiu's body, hoping to sustain her vital breath, but he hadn't the faintest idea how to truly rouse her.
As night fell that day, the setting sun cast its brilliant, golden afterglow across the courtyard. Xiangliu stood alone on the rooftop, gazing into the distance, lost in the tranquil atmosphere.
Just then, Little Daoist Mingzhang rode up to the doorway on his beloved little donkey. He reined in and raised a hand to knock, when a crisp voice rang down from above: "You fellow, are you looking to die again? Daoist Chunyang sent you, didn't he?"
Xiangliu's tone carried a hint of mockery and disdain, as if he were already accustomed to such occurrences. Little Daoist Mingzhang looked up at Xiangliu atop the roof, wearing a helpless smile. He knew his purpose here would likely provoke displeasure, but he bit the bullet and replied, "Yes, Xiangliu, Daoist Chunyang—that is, my master—truly did send me to find you. He said he has important matters to discuss with you and asks that you accompany me."
Xiangliu frowned, muttering inwardly: "That old Daoist Chunyang always loves stirring up trouble." Yet he also knew that Daoist Chunyang rarely summoned him without good reason; there must indeed be something important afoot. With a leap from the roof, he landed smoothly right in front of Little Daoist Mingzhang.
"Very well, since it's like this, lead the way," Xiangliu said indifferently. Little Daoist Mingzhang breathed a sigh of relief and hastily led Xiangliu forward. The little donkey paced leisurely behind them, seeming to share its master's mood. The two walked in silence the entire way, broken only by the occasional cheerful bray of the donkey that pierced the stillness.
Gradually, they left the bustling, noisy town far behind, entering a secluded valley. With its clear streams, lush mountains, and the sound of birds and fragrant flowers, it was like a veritable Utopia. Xiangliu couldn't help being captivated by the surrounding beauty, and the restlessness in his heart subsided just a little.
At last, they arrived before a quaint Daoist temple. Little Daoist Mingzhang gently pushed open the main gate and motioned for Xiangliu to enter. Stepping inside, Xiangliu saw Daoist Chunyang sitting cross-legged on a mat, eyes closed in meditation. She stepped forward, offered a bow, and asked, "Daoist Chunyang, I wonder why you have summoned me?"
Daoist Chunyang opened his eyes, smiled at Xiangliu, and slowly said, "Xiangliu, I have called you here today because we have discovered a mysterious ruin. It is said to conceal immense secrets and treasures, yet it is equally fraught with danger. We need someone of formidable strength to explore it together, and I believe you are the most suitable candidate. There is Ghost Grass inside that can relieve worries, which you are free to take for Leng Qingqiu. I need some of the herbs within to refine pills—you will help Mingzhang retrieve them!"
"Why should I help you?"
"Because you want to save Benefactor Leng."
Hearing Daoist Chunyang's words, a flash of ferocity crossed Xiangliu's eyes. He had always been full of interest in adventure and exploration. Yet he did not agree immediately; instead, after a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Where is this ruin located? What dangers actually lie within?"
Daoist Chunyang stood up, walked over to a map, and pointing to a marked spot on it, said, "The ruin lies deep within distant barren mountains; the exact details remain unclear. But according to the intelligence we have gathered, all sorts of malevolent entities, traps, and mechanisms may reside within. Therefore, we must proceed with utmost caution and not lower our guard."
Xiangliu studied the map carefully, calculating in his mind. He knew this mission would be no simple task, but the adventurous spirit deep within his heart made it impossible for him to refuse. Finally, he nodded and said firmly, "Fine, I am willing to join your party. However, I have one condition."
Daoist Chunyang frowned slightly and asked, "What condition?"
Xiangliu sneered. "After I go, you must send someone to care for Leng Qingqiu and ensure her safety."
Daoist Chunyang considered this, feeling the demand was not excessive, and agreed.
And so, Xiangliu began gathering his subordinates, forming a brave expeditionary team. They packed their bags and embarked on the journey toward the mysterious ruins. In the trials ahead, they would face countless challenges and hardships, but believing in their mutual courage and wisdom, they were certain to unravel the mysteries of the ruins and reap precious wealth and experience.
Before leaving, Xiangliu returned to the Small Thatched Cottage once more, transforming his clone into a snake bracelet and placing it on Leng Qingqiu's wrist, then kissed the girl's smooth forehead. "Wait for me!"
"Old Man Leng..." Leng Qingqiu grabbed Xiangliu's hand tightly. "Don't go."
"I am going to get the Ghost Grass. When I return, we will never be separated again. Be a good girl, wait for me." Xiangliu gently peeled open Leng Qingqiu's fingers and turned to leave. No matter what, I will bring back the Ghost Grass and make you happy again...
Little Daoist Mingzhang looked at the unconscious Leng Qingqiu, the corners of his eyes turning red from afar. Once upon a time, that cheerful little girl used to laugh and play carefree in the Daoist temple, so bright and joyful; now she lay so powerlessly on the bed, tugging painfully at one's heartstrings! Though he had no way to persuade his master to take Leng Qingqiu as an apprentice, he too hoped to help this girl through her ordeal.
Soon, the teams were assembled. At the break of dawn, Xiangliu led his vanguard out to seek their destined fortune in the ancient continent, while Mingzhang led another group composed of elite disciples from the temple, vanishing shortly after through the doorway of the cottage. The two parties converged at the ruins recorded in the ancient scrolls. Xiangliu dropped a spot of his fingertip blood into the formation eye at the entrance, and instantly all of them descended to the lower level.
"Steady yourselves, we are entering the Minor World. Everyone stay behind me," Xiangliu said calmly and collectedly to his demon soldiers.
With a sudden flash before their eyes, the two groups converged. Xiangliu commanded the demon army to advance northward, while Mingzhang mobilized his disciples to head south. If danger arose, they were to fire a signal flare and act independently!
Familiar with the path, Xiangliu proceeded northward all the way. Ghost grasses were invariably guarded by divine beasts, so he summoned his mount, the White-Feathered Golden-Browed Eagle, soaring through the sky to track down the target. Thirty miles to the north, atop Niushou Mountain, they caught sight of the quarry. To the south, flying fish hovered in the air; a massive Flying Fish array shattered Xiangliu's forces. After a fierce battle, Xiangliu fought his way out of the encirclement and secured the Ghost Grass. In an instant, Niushou Mountain collapsed, and Xiangliu rode the eagle to escape into rebirth!
"Wait for me, girl!"