Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Mystic Herb and the Formation

The elder paused briefly, his eyelids half-closed as he squinted to scan the crowd, seemingly gauging their reactions.

“This trial is very simple,” he said in a calm tone, each word striking like iron, resolute and firm. “Within the formation realm, there are often dense forests, pools, and swamps—various natural landscapes that nurture countless spiritual herbs. Your task is to gather these herbs and bring them to me for exchange. I will then enhance the level of the spiritual seals on your foreheads. Each herb can raise your spiritual seal’s power by one tier. There are four colors of spiritual seals—green, blue, red, and purple—each with nine tiers. Green is the most basic, while purple is the strongest.”

The elder paused for a moment before continuing, “Of course, you may also choose to fight and seize the spiritual seal energy from others, with the same effect—one tier per capture.”

“After one month, those who achieve a red spiritual seal will qualify to advance as Outer Sect disciples. Those with a purple spiritual seal may enter the central domain of the formation realm. Those who overcome the beast tide can become Inner Sect disciples, and those who pass the Mirror Mountain trial can become personally instructed elders.”

At this, a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. “Those severely injured or who give up during the trial may choose to crush their life tokens. The formation realm will automatically expel you, but of course, you will forfeit your entry qualifications.”

The crowd was taken aback. The formation realm before them was barren, devoid of any dense forests or swamps.

Before the elder finished speaking, the scene before them suddenly transformed in a miraculous way.

The tranquil spiritual herb garden, the towering ancient trees, even the elder himself—all vanished at an astonishing speed, like bubbles bursting into the void, dissolving into streams of invisible spiritual energy that faded without a trace.

“Boom!”

The spiritual energy of the heavens and earth revived. Within sight, towering ancient trees burst forth from the earth, majestic and upright, accompanied by countless shrubs and wild grasses. Rivers gurgled from the cracks in the ground, their clear waters winding and twisting until they formed a vast lake.

The once empty and desolate world was instantly filled with vibrant life.

Amidst this dramatic change, the bare earth beneath Qinglan and Yuetong’s feet gradually became covered with tender green shoots, wild grasses sprouting inch by inch. The two involuntarily drew closer. Meanwhile, on the other side, as a group stood bewildered, a man clad in deep blue armor, with a friendly face, stepped forward. He addressed the crowd, “Everyone, the formation realm before us is ever-changing. The places where the elder said the spiritual herbs grow must be riddled with formations and fraught with danger.”

He slowly looked over the crowd, who all listened intently, which seemed to encourage him further. “I have a proposal—why not band together and explore as one? We can share any spiritual herbs found. How does that sound?”

His voice was warm and refreshing. Some who were initially hesitant soon stepped forward to agree. “That sounds excellent, but who shall lead us?”

More and more people gathered around him. His words carried a sense of loyalty and compelling strength. “I am You Qing, at the late stage of the Spirit Awakening Realm. Though I dare not claim to be unmatched here, I am quite capable. I volunteer to lead and do my best to assist everyone!”

His declaration shocked many, some eyes tinged with envy. Only thirty years old, while many were still in the early Spirit Awakening Realm, he was indeed formidable.

---

Two red-clad women who bore some resemblance exchanged a glance, hesitant and uneasy, before approaching You Qing.

Soon, many others followed, gradually gathering around him. Even some who distrusted him, seeking safety in numbers, joined. Yet not everyone chose his path; some quietly slipped away while he spoke.

Qinglan gave Yuetong a half-smile, her eyes signaling: If you revealed your true cultivation, this role of leader would surely fall to you.

Yuetong smiled faintly. He was naturally indifferent and low-profile, reluctant to take on leadership.

Qinglan chuckled softly, “Is the threshold at thirty so high? I’m only twenty-five and have already broken into the Knowledge Perception Realm.”

Yuetong looked at her seriously, “Still not as good as you—seventeen and already in the late Spirit Awakening Realm.”

Qinglan lowered her head with a slightly bittersweet smile.

Changing the subject, she observed You Qing’s courteous and gentle manner, missing nothing of the pride and calculation in his eyes. She sighed, “This man truly exudes a warm charisma...”

She had no intention of joining any group, exchanged a glance with Yuetong, and prepared to leave.

Just as they started moving, a call stopped them. You Qing stepped forward gently, “Please wait. The road ahead is perilous and fraught with danger. It’s better to travel together for mutual support.”

Qinglan turned to look at him, her face unreadable. You Qing was struck by her beauty, a flicker of emotion stirring within him. “Miss, you are a wood-element cultivator. Traveling with us would provide more security.”

Qinglan replied lightly, “Thank you for your kindness, but I am used to traveling alone and do not wish to join others.”

Before You Qing could respond, she and Yuetong’s figures vanished.

Watching their indifferent backs, a shadow flickered across You Qing’s gentle face—truly unappreciative. If she were not a wood-element cultivator, helpful in gathering rare spiritual herbs, he wouldn’t have lowered himself to invite her personally!

...

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Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Qinglan and Yuetong stood beside a chilly water pool, from which wisps of cold mist rose. In the center of a small island stood a pure white herb covered with soft down—Cold Smoke Grass.

The pool’s water murmured gently, appearing peaceful and harmless.

Yuetong studied the formation around the Cold Smoke Grass. “A first-tier formation, the Four Seal Array, but constructed with a second-tier spiritual herb as the formation’s core. It’s quite powerful.”

The two had stood there for a long time.

Suddenly, a boy appeared nearby, a sly grin on his face. He held a few yellowed talismans, preparing to ambush them.

“Bang!”

He swiftly threw an explosive talisman and immediately vanished into the dense grass. Hidden in the shadows, he waited smugly for the two to be blown to bits so he could seize their spiritual seal energy.

He had used this tactic several times over the past two days; the spiritual seal on his forehead was about to turn red.

Moments later, the surroundings returned to silence. He turned happily, but the smile vanished as soon as he saw the two figures standing quietly behind him, watching with faint, knowing smiles.

His face twitched—he was doomed this time.

...