Chapter 10: Scattering of a Hundred Flowers - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 10: Scattering of a Hundred Flowers "What?" The moment those words left Chu Liang's lips, everyone couldn't help but be taken aback. In a jungle thronged with demons and monsters, where replenishing one's true essence was nearly impossible, the possibility of encountering unforeseen danger loomed large. If such a perilous situation were to arise, the more cultivation one preserved, the greater the chance of escaping harm. Naturally, no one wanted to deplete their energy breaking a path through the jungle. This was precisely why Fang Ting had suggested a fair plan for the three of them to take turns leading the way. When Chu Liang voiced a differing opinion, they all assumed he intended to shirk responsibility or involve Fang Ting and Xu Ziqing as well. But unexpectedly, this gentle-smiling young man offered to shoulder the heavy task of forging the path alone. He was only in the early stages of the divine intent realm, yet his willingness was truly surprising. "Brother Chu, this is no joke," Lin Bei was the first to advise. "Besides, this path may take over an hour. If you exhaust your true essence, it could hinder our subsequent efforts to harvest the Human-faced Yuqing Flower. Let's take turns clearing the path." Chu Liang smiled warmly. “It’s alright. I am confident. If I find myself running low on true essence, I will naturally step down and rotate. My cultivation is meager and there’s not much else I can help with. Let me contribute a bit more here.” His words were earnest, and his sincerity moved everyone slightly. "If you insist, then you can lead the way for now. The day is drawing to a close, and we must enter the mountains swiftly," Fang Ting said, turning away and adding, "Remember, if your true essence depletes by half, rotate out immediately. Waiting until it's entirely exhausted would be too late." "I understand," Chu Liang nodded. Xu Ziqing, the young girl, pouted slightly as she watched Chu Liang. In reality, Xu Ziqing's spirit pet, the white bird, was given by her master, not her brother. Wang Xuanling had doted on her since childhood, and thus her affection for her master ran deep. Naturally, this led her to hold a strong distaste for the Silver Sword Peak, Wang Xuanling's foe. Upon learning that Chu Liang was a disciple of the Emperor's Daughter Feng from the Silver Sword Peak, she harbored a subtle hostility. Sharing her bird with him made her a bit indignant, which was why she had isolated him by sitting in the front. But, as soft-hearted as she was, witnessing Chu Liang actively taking responsibility to bridge the gap with everyone touched her deeply. Suddenly, her earlier behavior seemed quite unkind. Moreover, this Senior Brother Chu Liang... Quiet, handsome, with a charming smile... he definitely seemed like a good person. Xu Ziqing fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, then ran up to Chu Liang, offering him a small vial. "Senior Brother Chu, here are three Qi Gathering Pills for you." Qi Gathering Pills, capable of quickly restoring true essence, were invaluable in such circumstances. However, their primary use was for cultivating and enhancing one's cultivation after consumption. Without follow-up cultivation here, using them solely for replenishing true essence seemed somewhat wasteful. "Xu Junior Sister, I..." Chu Liang began to decline but was faced with her wide, watery eyes filled with apology. If he didn't accept, it seemed she might burst into tears. A bit taken aback, he decided to accept them and said, "Alright, thank you very much." "Heehee, no problem, I have plenty more," Xu Ziqing beamed as soon as he took the vial. Chu Liang stepped forward, transforming his flying sword to hand. As for the Jade Sword Peak disciples' inner thoughts, he had no time to ponder. His reason for leading was simple. The pathfinder gets to fight monsters. ... "Hiss-ha—" Amidst the vast mountains, the ancient trees of the dense forest towered several meters high, with intertwining canopies and vines creating a near-impenetrable shadow that blocked out all sunlight. In Fang Ting's hand, a lantern-like magical device emitted a soft glow, illuminating the group while guiding their path ahead. Walking at the forefront, Chu Liang extended his divine sense several meters around him, treading each step cautiously. As soon as his divine sense detected a hint of demonic presence, a strange noise issued from ahead. Amongst the vines coiled around a hefty ancient tree, one suddenly sprung forth like a massive green python! At the vine's tip was a fist-sized red flower bud, its color shockingly vibrant. A flower demon! As the vine lashed out, the red bud opened instantly, revealing a bloodthirsty maw lined with sharp fangs within its once-lovely petals! "Careful," Chu Liang uttered softly. At the same time, he lunged forward, his long sword piercing through the flower's core with fierce sword energy, accompanied by a wet, slicing sound— The sword, akin to a dragon, penetrated the pliant heart of the flower before swiftly withdrawing, as foul-smelling sap splattered from the puncture. The once vibrant petals hung open, the jagged wound refusing to close, leaving them limp and lifeless. Within merely half an hour, Chu Liang had already dealt with four such flower demons. Indeed, the Southern Domain mountain was teeming with monsters; even the outskirts of the forest held manifold dangers. These disguises of vine and flower demons were entirely indistinguishable to the naked eye; without a divine intent realm cultivator's divine sense, anyone venturing but a few steps would meet certain death. "Let's take a break," Fang Ting suggested from behind. Though only Chu Liang had been actively clearing the path, the group maintained their divine senses at full alert, wary of their surroundings. Even if true essence and physical strength could be conserved, keeping their divine senses extended for long was still fatiguing. To cultivators, essence, energy, and spirit are all vital. "You can retract your divine senses to meditate for a bit; I will stand guard for now," Fang Ting said, demonstrating his Jindan realm responsibility as the group sat down to rest. Lin Bei approached and inquired, "Brother Chu, how are you holding up?" "I'm doing quite well," Chu Liang replied with a nod. He was being honest; thanks to Xu Ziqing's Qi Gathering Pills, his true essence remained fully replenished. He harbored no qualms about using the pills... after all, earning them back was as simple as defeating a single lantern demon. With this reassurance, he closed his eyes and focused inward, tapping into the White Tower with a hint of anticipation. Within the tower’s iron cells, he found four flower-shaped golden shadows imprisoned. Chu Liang advanced and pressed the character "Refine." Boom— A red streak flashed, and Chu Liang caught the glow emerging from it. In his palm lay a package wrapped in oil paper, seemingly containing some powder. His mind stirred, revealing its name. [Hundred-Flower Disperse]: An antidote refined from the essence of a hundred flowers, half ingested and half applied externally, capable of neutralizing all poisons. The use of Hundred-Flower Disperse leaves a fragrance lingering on the user, beginning with a jasmine scent, followed by a rose scent, and ending with an osmanthus blossom aroma, its rich fragrance long-lasting.