479 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama
**Chapter 479: Found Bai Li Ming!** "Danger!" Di Lian Yun exclaimed. "Little Black!" Ye Ling Long called out with a broad smile as she spotted the shadowy figure charging towards her. Instead of dodging, she stepped forward to meet it. Di Lian Yun faltered in his attempt to pull Ye Ling Long back. Did the Ancestor know this creature? Turning to glance back, he noticed Long Shuo and Feng Li appeared entirely at ease, not a trace of concern on their faces. The dark, looming shadow gradually shrank, transforming into a tiny, adorable creature as it reached Ye Ling Long, playfully snuggling into her embrace. It was Little Black, who hadn't been seen for a while. Ye Ling Long happily patted Little Black's head, a hint of worry in her voice, "Little Black, if you're here, what about my father? How is he?" When Bai Li Ming had left Phoenix Valley in search of the Life-and-Death Grass, Ye Ling Long had instructed him to take Little Black along for protection, thanks to its formidable combat abilities. In critical moments, it could provide crucial assistance. Moreover, she had a hunch about the familiar pattern of enchantments she sensed earlier; this was clearly Bai Li Ming's habitual arrangement. At the mention of Bai Li Ming, Little Black anxiously barked twice and then dashed further inside. The valley's interior looked entirely different now, unlike the static state from before. Understanding Little Black's intent, Ye Ling Long immediately followed. Long Shuo, Feng Li, and Di Lian Yun quickly trailed behind her. It didn't take long for Little Black to lead them to the entrance of a cave. Inside, Ye Ling Long found Bai Li Ming in the center of the cave, sitting cross-legged on a stone bed, treating his injuries. His face was pale; his entire being appeared frail, and he seemed barely conscious. If he had been fully aware, he would've reacted when the formation was breached. "Father!" Ye Ling Long hurried to Bai Li Ming's side, placing her hand on his wrist to assess his internal condition. She soon discovered that Bai Li Ming had suffered severe internal injuries, especially on his shoulder. There, unfamiliar energy pulsed aggressively, tearing through his meridians, which were riddled with cracks. However, a restorative force quickly mended them, only to be broken again in an endless cycle. Ye Ling Long surmised that the restorative force was probably from a celestial-tier pill, and Fu Chang Ming's previous attack wasn't as straightforward as it seemed. Setting aside her concerns, Ye Ling Long summoned her guardianship power. Channeling her energy through Bai Li Ming's hand, she carefully directed it into his meridians. With the Ice Phoenix Heart coursing through her veins, her celestial power was infused with its strength. The foreign energy didn't stand a chance against the Heart's flames, which could incinerate anything. Soon, the strange energy was completely eradicated by Ye Ling Long's assault. Freed from the disruptive force, Bai Li Ming's complexion improved significantly. The celestial-tier pill gradually healed his body. Ye Ling Long retrieved a mid-grade celestial pill from her spatial storage and gently placed it into Bai Li Ming's mouth, following it with a few drops of spiritual spring water. The effects were almost immediate, and Bai Li Ming soon regained consciousness. His memories lingered on being injured by Fu Chang Ming, fleeing with Little Black, and barely setting up the enchantment before losing consciousness. Upon opening his eyes, however, he saw the familiar, beautiful face of his daughter. He was briefly bewildered, "Am I... dreaming?" Ye Ling Long: "..." "How did you find me here, Ling Long?" Bai Li Ming inquired, his injuries nearly healed by the pill. Ye Ling Long answered, "It was an unexpected discovery. Initially, I sought clues here, having heard rumors. Then, I noticed anomalies in the valley." Pausing, she praised, "Father, how did you dare to return here, unafraid of Fu Chang Ming's revenge?" Bai Li Ming smiled, "The safest spot is often the most perilous one. Fu Chang Ming would never expect me to come back here." At the time, surrounded by Fu Chang Ming's forces searching for him, Bai Li Ming had chosen to return to the valley, employing celestial-level array setups to recuperate in its depths. "It was invaluable having Little Black with me; without it, I wouldn't have escaped so easily. It saved me at a crucial moment." He affectionately stroked Little Black's head, grateful, "Thank you, Little Black." Little Black barked softly, assuring there was no need for thanks. Under Ye Ling Long's continual supply of celestial pills and spiritual spring water, Bai Li Ming's wounds healed rapidly. During this period, Di Lian Yun fully realized the extent of the Ancestor's capabilities. Celestial-tier pills, rare and precious outside, were as common as candy to her, freely dispensed. In just a few days, she'd handed out over twenty pills to him and the extended Di family. Now, branches of the Di family regarded Ye Ling Long as their revered ancestor. Once recovered, Bai Li Ming turned his attention to finding the Life-and-Death Grass—the secret realm wouldn't remain open indefinitely; they needed to locate it before time ran out. For this was Xue Zheng's last hope. "Did you find any leads on the Life-and-Death Grass earlier?" Ye Ling Long asked. To search effectively, some clue was necessary. Random searching would be inefficient. Bai Li Ming massaged his temples, "I initially used celestial crystals to buy information, but most were false. I was close to a solid lead when Fu Chang Ming interrupted, chasing the informant away." Ye Ling Long's disdain for Fu Chang Ming deepened. Di Lian Yun added, "I also tracked the Life-and-Death Grass, but the origin of the rumors was dubious; its existence remains uncertain." Hearing this, hope dimmed in Bai Li Ming's eyes. At that moment, Ye Ling Long spoke with determination. "If the rumor exists, there's likely truth. Rather than searching ourselves, let's enlist everyone in the realm!" "But... they might not help us. When I tried before, only a fraction responded," Bai Li Ming sighed. Ye Ling Long's eyes gleamed cunningly, "That's because your incentive wasn't sufficient. What if we offer celestial-tier pills?"