Chen Xiao finally realized something was wrong.
The Green Wood Spirit Seed mocking him was normal.
The Yin Yang Jade mocking him was fine, let it be a jade with a rebellious streak.
But if even the spiritual mist mocked him, then something was truly amiss.
The spiritual mist couldn't develop its own sentience, and therefore couldn't mock Chen Xiao.
This led him to believe that perhaps the Yin Yang Jade wasn't mocking him either, but was trying to warn him.
With this realization, Chen Xiao's mind cleared, and he thought of a method to try!
He immediately closed his eyes, controlling the spiritual energy within his body to resonate with the Green Wood Spirit Seed.
At first, Chen Xiao found it difficult to control the spiritual energy in his body.
But with constant familiarity and practice, Chen Xiao gradually became able to control the spiritual energy.
After practicing for a while longer, Chen Xiao's control improved, and the rhythm of his spiritual energy became closer to that of the Green Wood Spirit Seed.
However, when Chen Xiao's spiritual energy rhythm completely synchronized with the vibration of the Green Wood Spirit Seed, an incredible scene unfolded.
The spiritual mist in this space surged towards Chen Xiao's body like a tide.
Chen Xiao's eyes widened, filled with disbelief.
He didn't dare to stop, continuing to maintain the rhythm of his spiritual energy.
Unknowingly, Chen Xiao's breathing even began to align with the rhythm of his spiritual energy.
Using this breathing method further accelerated the speed at which the spiritual mist entered his body.
In about half an hour, all the spiritual mist in the space was absorbed into Chen Xiao's body. It integrated directly into Chen Xiao's spiritual energy without needing refinement.
His vision went dark. In the darkness, only the Green Wood Spirit Seed emitted a greenish-blue light.
Hummm—
Hummm—
Hummm—
The Green Wood Spirit Seed, the Yin Yang Jade, and Chen Xiao were all in perfect synchronization.
The Green Wood Spirit Seed flew to Chen Xiao's front. Chen Xiao didn't rush to capture it, but instead reached out to touch it, to feel it.
This time, the Green Wood Spirit Seed did not evade. As Chen Xiao touched it, it felt warm and smooth.
A wave of immense comfort followed.
It was a comfort he couldn't quite describe, warm, vibrant, and full of hope.
Chen Xiao's eyes instantly became incredibly clear.
"You have finally returned to my hands."
Chen Xiao blurted out the words.
After saying it, he himself was stunned. Why had he said 'returned to my hands'?
Chen Xiao had no idea, it was completely inexplicable.
However, with the Green Wood Spirit Seed resting quietly in Chen Xiao's palm, it meant that Chen Xiao had subdued it.
Chen Xiao felt he should be ecstatic, but in reality, his mind was as calm as still water. Even now, his breathing and the rhythm of his spiritual energy maintained their previous frequency.
"Very good, I've obtained the second sacred relic. Now, only three remain."
Chen Xiao muttered to himself.
He could now leave this place.
This time, when he released his divine sense, the mountain wall offered no obstruction. Outside, it was already the vast dark night.
The morning star twinkled in the sky; dawn was approaching.
Unknowingly, Chen Xiao had spent over ten hours in this space.
Chen Xiao avoided Zhu Hanshan's location and punched a large hole in the mountain wall, exiting through the opening.
"Old Master, I have subdued the Green Wood Spirit Seed."
Chen Xiao approached Zhu Hanshan and said calmly.
"Good, very good. With this, the Chu, the Chu family can truly be saved..."
Zhu Hanshan said with great relief.
However, Chen Xiao noticed that compared to before, the old master's voice had become much weaker.
"Old Master, what's wrong?"
As Chen Xiao asked, he suddenly realized something.
"Old Master, are you hiding your body within this mountain wall because of the Green Wood Spirit Seed?"
Chen Xiao asked sharply.
Zhu Hanshan nodded, and said with difficulty, "The Green Wood Spirit Seed can emit endless vital spiritual energy. This so-called Medicine King Valley blessed land can grow spiritual herbs because of its existence. And my body is also protected by it, preventing decay."
As he spoke, the sand and stones on Zhu Hanshan's face began to fall off, revealing his true appearance.
His face was aging visibly, becoming withered and shriveled.
Chen Xiao quickly shattered the sand and stones on him and infused him with Green Wood spiritual energy.
"Cough, cough, cough... Mr. Chen, please don't waste your effort. Unless you keep me with you at all times, my body will inevitably age and decay. Cough, cough, cough... Mr. Chen has subdued the Green Wood Spirit Seed, and my persistence has not been in vain. Cough, cough, cough..."
Zhu Hanshan grew weaker and weaker. Even with the support of the Green Wood spiritual energy, he could not stop the rapid decay of his body.
It turned out he had known all along that he would die after Chen Xiao subdued the Green Wood Spirit Seed, yet he had still resolutely let Chen Xiao enter.
Chen Xiao's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Finally, he said, "Elder Zhu, please rest assured, I will fulfill what you asked me to do!"
"Then... then I can... rest assured..."
Old Master Zhu Hanshan exhaled his last breath, a smile of relief still on his face in his final moments.
Chen Xiao stepped back three paces and bowed to him.
Then, he strode out of the valley.
At the entrance of the Medicine King Valley blessed land stood several figures: Zhu Xuanqing and his daughter, along with three members of the Chu family.
"Brother Chen, you're finally out!"
Chu Luo shouted excitedly upon seeing Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao walked up to the crowd, his voice heavy as he said, "Old Immortal Zhu... has passed away."
"What? Father!"
"Grandfather!"
Zhu Xuanqing and his daughter cried out, then rushed madly in the direction Chen Xiao had come from.
Chu Qingbai closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Brother, did you already know..."
Chu Qingsong asked.
Chu Qingbai nodded silently, "This was a plan I made with Uncle Zhu."
Chu Luo stared blankly at her father, unsure what to say.
She was still too immature to understand the true meaning of sacrifice. She only felt an indescribable sadness.
Chen Xiao said nothing. Although Chu Qingbai might have used him, in the end, it was a transaction where both parties got what they needed.
"Uncle Chu, please rest assured, I will keep my promise to Old Master Zhu."
Chen Xiao said with firm resolve.
"Mr. Chen, I believe you."
Chu Qingbai nodded heavily. "Mr. Chen, please follow me..."
Chen Xiao did not ask where Chu Qingbai was taking him and simply followed behind him.
Chu Qingbai led him to a secret chamber built into the mountainside.
The secret chamber was vast, several times larger than the cave where the Green Wood Spirit Seed had been.
Within this secret chamber, dozens of shelves were densely arranged. On these shelves were displayed countless precious spiritual herbs...