Chapter 87: The Blue Wildflower

In this world, every event has its cause and effect. The journey of life is a balance of gain and loss. Often, things do not unfold according to one's wishes. Yet, everything has two sides: what seems misfortune can turn into fortune, and what appears as fortune may conceal misfortune. The saying, "Misfortune leans on fortune, fortune is shadowed by misfortune," captures this truth.

After eight days of searching, through a series of coincidences, Ding finally found Mei Ruoshuang. He was, of course, overjoyed. Although he had lost the bundle with his treasures and felt a pang of regret, Ding was a broad-minded man and did not dwell on it.

Mei Ruoshuang had been tending to her injured foot at the bottom of the valley for several days when she encountered Mu Yiyi and Mu Hong, who had stumbled into the valley. They had lost their way, and by sheer accident found themselves there. The giant ape treated all outsiders as enemies, so when it fought Mu Hong, it struck with great force. Mu Hong was hit in the chest and spat blood on the spot. Fortunately, Mu Yiyi's quick reaction saved him, dragging him into the protective formation, causing the giant ape to leave in frustration.

At the time, Mei Ruoshuang hid in silence, uncertain of Mu Yiyi and Mu Hong's intentions. If they were hostile, with her injury yet unhealed, she would be no match for them. When she saw Mu Hong wounded and the giant ape gone, she revealed herself to Mu Yiyi. After exchanging names, Mu Yiyi realized Mei Ruoshuang was the very person Ding sought. She mentioned Ding, and thus the two discovered they were both his friends.

In the days that followed, they nursed Mu Hong's wounds while seeking a way to escape the valley. That evening, Mu Yiyi had gone out to scout and happened upon Ding and Yue Yurou, who were being chased by the giant ape, leading to their reunion.

Ding and Yue Yurou briefly recounted their recent experiences, omitting any mention of the red mushroom. Ding knew that the red mushroom was a divine object that had matured over centuries. If word got out, it would attract the covetous. Thus, the fewer who knew, the better.

"Actually, Brother Ding is also my uncle's and my savior! If he hadn't lured the giant bear away that night, my uncle and I might have ended up as its meal," Mu Yiyi said softly.

"If Ding hadn't drawn that giant bear off the cliff, I might have starved to death by now," Mei Ruoshuang added.

After dinner, Ding helped Mu Hong heal by channeling his energy. Over an hour later, Ding's spiritual power was spent, but Mu Hong's condition had improved greatly, the pallor of his face replaced with a healthy flush. The wounds on Ding's ankles, inflicted by the giant clam, had also healed and were no longer swollen.

All were amazed at the marvels of Ding's skills.

After chatting a while longer, they all retired to the cave where Mu Hong rested. The cave was spacious, as large as several rooms, more than enough for them all.

The night passed in peace.

At dawn, Mu Yiyi rose early to hunt mountain chickens and wild rabbits, roasting them over the campfire. As they ate, they discussed how to leave the valley.

The giant ape guarded the mountain pass daily; forcing their way out was impossible. Waiting for the beast to leave on its own could take an eternity.

Ding considered using the "Soul Snatching Tube" Tang Yunzhi had given him against the ape, but worried that its thick hide would render the poison darts useless. The ape's shaggy fur offered further protection, leaving him far from confident.

After much deliberation, only one plan remained.

"I'll go lure the giant ape away. Once it's gone, you all seize the chance to leave the valley heading east. Don't wait for me—I'll find you afterward," Ding said.

"Brother Ding, that's too dangerous. Let me go instead," Mu Yiyi protested.

"Yes, Brother Ding, it's too risky. I don't want you to go," Mei Ruoshuang urged.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. If it gets critical, I can use the Soul Snatching Tube to save myself. I'm less at ease if you go," Ding replied.

The women exchanged glances. Indeed, there was no better option.

"Before luring it away, I'd like to scout the terrain and familiarize myself with the route for an easier escape," Ding added.

"Alright, I can take you out to have a look," Mu Yiyi offered.

"The giant bear holds no hostility toward me, so I can also take you out as long as we don't leave the valley," Mei Ruoshuang said.

"Good, we'll go together in a bit," Ding agreed.

Eager to leave, they finished breakfast quickly. Mu Yiyi and Mei Ruoshuang led Ding and Yue Yurou out of the cave.

After passing through Mu Yiyi's formation, Ding noticed a vast patch of blue wildflowers in the center of the valley, beautiful beyond words. Yue Yurou saw them too and suggested, "Let's go have a look at those blue flowers."

As they approached, a unique fragrance filled the air, bringing a sense of ease to their bodies and meridians. The flowers were about half a foot tall, each with five petals—mostly blue, with some white and a few scattered yellow blooms.

"Miss Yue, do you know what kind of flower this is?" Ding asked.

Yue Yurou frowned in thought. "I think my master mentioned this flower before. It should be the Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Flower."

"Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Flower?" everyone exclaimed.

Ding suddenly recalled that Tang Yunzhi had told him her purpose in coming to Luoxia Mountain was to find this very flower, and had asked him to keep an eye out for it.

"But isn't the Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Flower supposed to be purple?" Ding asked, remembering what Tang Yunzhi had said.

"Brother Ding, didn't I tell you before? Most divine herbs come in five colors: white, blue, yellow, red, and purple," Yue Yurou replied with a smile.

"So this flower is a divine object?" Ding asked, delighted. He thought to himself that Luoxia Mountain truly was teeming with wonders.

"Yes. If I'm not mistaken, this is the Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Flower, the main ingredient for refining the Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Pill. However, these flowers are still too young; they have yet to turn purple," Yue Yurou confirmed.

"Sister Yue, are you saying these are the divine objects of Luoxia Mountain?" Mei Ruoshuang asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Sister Yue, are these really the mountain's treasures?" Mu Yiyi asked eagerly.

"The Meridian-Unblocking Purple Spirit Flower is indeed a divine object. Our sect's records mention it. My master said that all the divine herbs and trees in our world supposedly originated in the celestial realm. A certain immortal descended to the mortal world, carrying treasures with many seeds of such plants. That is how these divine herbs spread here," Yue Yurou explained.

"Are there really immortals in this world?" Mu Yiyi asked curiously.

"I can't say for sure. But I also heard from my master that the immortal who descended didn't just bring divine plants—he brought some exotic beasts too," Yue Yurou continued.

Everyone was startled, immediately thinking of the giant ape and the great serpent Ding had mentioned encountering the night before.

As for whether immortals truly existed, Ding didn't care much. He had always been a skeptic; before crossing over, no one could convince him that immortals existed. But after his bewildering journey to this world, his convictions had begun to waver. The world held too many wonders, and with his current understanding, much remained inexplicable. Even humanity's most advanced science could not provide all the answers.

As they marveled at the presence of such a divine plant, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed from the mountain pass.

"Roar—!"

The giant ape was charging toward them...