Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixty-Six: Farewell

Fang Tian picked up the jade stone and examined it for a moment before turning to Wolf Qing and asking, “Big Brother, what is this jade stone? It looks rather peculiar.”

Wolf Qing glanced at it and replied, “This is a storage jade. It contains its own internal space and can store anything except living creatures.”

“So, you mean it’s like a pouch?”

“Yes, I have one myself.” With that, Wolf Qing pulled out a similar object from his chest, channeled his spiritual energy into its core, and, with a thought, a piece of equipment appeared in his hand out of nowhere.

“Amazing! It’s much like the space inside the sword, though this jade stone isn't as powerful,” Fang Tian mused, astonished, murmuring to himself.

“Big Brother, do you need this jade stone?” Fang Tian inquired.

“No need. You defeated Bai Yifan, so you can keep the jade stone as your spoils,” Wolf Qing said, indifferent to whatever treasures might be inside.

“Alright then. Let me help you up, Big Brother. Let’s return to the city.” Curious, Fang Tian tucked the jade stone into his chest and supported Wolf Qing as they made their way back.

As for what transpired here, it was unlikely anyone would ever know; everything had dissolved into icy water and evaporated into the world.

Back in the city, Fang Tian escorted Wolf Qing home. Before leaving, he told Wolf Qing he would depart for the imperial capital the next day. If Wolf Qing needed anything, he could find him there. Wolf Qing, upon hearing this, wished to have a drink with Fang Tian before his departure, but Fang Tian smiled and advised him to focus on recovering first. When Wolf Qing passed through the imperial capital, they could share a proper drink. Wolf Qing acknowledged his own inability to move and said nothing more, only reminding Fang Tian to be cautious as he left.

Fang Tian responded with a smile before leaving and returning to Maple Grove Residence.

In his guest room, Fang Tian asked the innkeeper to prepare a barrel of hot water and some food. Once the preparations were made, the innkeeper politely withdrew.

After the innkeeper left, Fang Tian ate a little, then removed his clothing and immersed himself in the hot water.

“So comfortable,” Fang Tian sighed contentedly, leaning against the barrel. He took up the jade stone and, following Wolf Qing’s instructions, began to probe its contents.

Inside the jade stone were many items: elixirs, spirit stones, spiritual artifacts, and some clothing. Most were of little use to Fang Tian, but he noticed a spirit herb, which he took out for inspection. The herb was pure white, flawless, but at the root beneath the leaves, a blood-red hue spread. It emanated a concentrated, chilling spiritual energy.

Fang Tian tried absorbing this energy into his body and was surprised to find it even richer than the spiritual energy he cultivated from the world. He wondered if using it for cultivation might accelerate his breakthroughs. With this thought, he summoned Elder Tian.

“Elder Tian, take a look at this spirit herb.”

“It’s Blood Ice Grass. This grows in extreme cold and is very rare. Judging by its appearance, it must be a century old,” Elder Tian replied.

“What exactly is its effect? I tried it just now and it seems to enhance spiritual power,” Fang Tian asked.

“It does indeed strengthen your spiritual power. For cultivators with a cold constitution, its benefits are even greater—it can fully unleash its effects.”

“How should I use it? Should I consume it directly?” Fang Tian grew impatient, unexpectedly finding such a treasure and eager to try it.

Seeing Fang Tian’s expression, Elder Tian laughed lightly from within the sword, “You can consume it directly, but if you combine it with other herbs and refine it into Blood Ice Pills, the effect would be even better.”

“Ah, but I don’t know how to refine pills. I wonder where I might find an alchemist.”

“When your cultivation advances, you can seek out the pill-refining sects to make medicines for you. For now, don’t think about it. Pill refining consumes vast resources, and in this North Sand Archipelago, there likely aren’t any. After you cross the Nether Sea, you can address it slowly. Besides, much of the Blood Ice Grass’s spiritual energy has already dissipated; its previous owner didn’t know how to preserve it. Even if you made pills, it wouldn’t be worth the effort. So if you wish to use it, just consume it directly.”

“Alright, I’ll try it now.” Eager for a breakthrough, Fang Tian decided to use the herb immediately. Any future spiritual herbs he found would be carefully stored, since the space within his sword preserved their energy unlike other storage artifacts.

Fang Tian placed the Blood Ice Grass in his mouth, activating his cultivation technique to guide the herb’s spiritual energy into his meridians, bit by bit. After some time, the blood-charged, chilling energy of the herb slowly melted and eventually dissipated within his body.

After the herb vanished, Fang Tian checked his meridians and found that the spiritual power in his third meridian was nearly full, whereas before it had only been halfway. With a bit more cultivation, he could soon break through to the fourth layer of Spirit Gathering.

This result delighted Fang Tian; he hadn't expected that a single spirit herb could bring such benefit, almost allowing him to break through to the next level.

“If only I had more Blood Ice Grass. I’ll have to find out where to get it,” Fang Tian thought, planning to acquire more for his cultivation, though it would likely be difficult. Elder Tian advised him to keep an eye out, as the herb’s spiritual energy was purer than that found in North Sand Archipelago, making breakthroughs smoother and steadier—at least for now.

Coming back to himself, Fang Tian found his bathwater had long since cooled, and due to his cultivation, frost had formed on the surface.

Looking outside, he saw that night had fallen; his cultivation had taken most of the day.

With nothing else to do, Fang Tian sat in meditation, waiting for dawn, as the next day was when he had agreed to meet Lin Shuang.

Morning came, and as the appointed time arrived, Fang Tian ceased his meditation, tidied his clothes, and went out toward the Spirit Artifact Pavilion.

On his way there, Fang Tian passed the bounty board and found his name and likeness posted. He was not surprised, glanced at it, and continued onward. Arriving at the pavilion, he saw Lin Shuang and her companions waiting at the entrance. Fang Tian stepped forward, bowed, and said, “I’m sorry for my late arrival. I hope you’ll forgive me, miss.”

Lin Shuang, pleased that Fang Tian had kept his appointment, quickly replied, “There’s no need, sir. We’ve only just finished packing.”

Beside her, Zhao Xue’er turned her gaze to Fang Tian, scrutinizing him.

“Where’s Shen Xingfeng from the other day? Didn’t he say he would return to the imperial capital with us?” Fang Tian looked around, not seeing Shen Xingfeng.

“I sent him ahead,” Lin Shuang said softly.

Fang Tian didn’t ask further, quietly standing aside. After a while, a man stepped out from the entrance—it was Lin Li, the steward of the Spirit Artifact Pavilion. He approached Lin Shuang and said, “Miss, I’ve arranged several men to escort the man in black back to the imperial capital.”

“Thank you, Lin Li.”

“It’s my duty,” Lin Li replied respectfully.

“Everything is ready. Sir, let’s depart,” Lin Shuang said to Fang Tian.

Fang Tian nodded, though he was puzzled. Why had Lin Shuang chosen only him as a guard? Was she so confident in his ability to protect them? Or did they already know his identity? His disguise should have been flawless.

Filled with doubt, Fang Tian could not comprehend Lin Shuang’s intentions. She ought to have chosen more guards; the situation was intriguing, and he decided to be extra cautious. With these thoughts, he joined Lin Shuang and her group, heading toward the city gate.

When they reached the gate, the guards looked at Lin Shuang and the others and immediately greeted them respectfully, “Greetings, Your Highness, Miss Lin.”

“Enough, just let us out quickly,” Zhao Xue’er said impatiently.

“Yes.” The guard, seeing Zhao Xue’er’s irritation, hurried to open the gate, not daring to offend someone so distinguished.

Just then, a deep voice sounded behind them.

“Your Highness, Miss Lin, please wait.”

They turned to see Ying Tianwu approaching, clearly having come specifically because he saw Zhao Xue’er and Lin Shuang preparing to depart. His purpose was unclear to all.

“Greetings, Lord Governor,” Lin Shuang said courteously, bowing.

“Why are you here? I haven’t seen you these days, and now that we’re about to leave, what’s the point? What do you want?” Zhao Xue’er, accustomed to privilege, spoke bluntly, without courtesy.

Ying Tianwu was not angered by her words, instead smiling and saying, “I’ve been busy with official duties these past days, unable to visit the Spirit Artifact Pavilion in time. I hope Your Highness will forgive me.”

“Enough, enough. You talk too much,” Zhao Xue’er said irritably, waving her hand.

Ying Tianwu felt somewhat embarrassed, unsure how to respond.

Seeing the awkwardness, Lin Shuang quickly stepped forward and said, “May I ask why you’ve stopped us, Lord Governor?”

“Miss Lin, I noticed you encountered danger outside the city recently. I’m concerned and, should anything happen, it would be my negligence. I thought to send more personnel for your safety, to ensure your safe return to the imperial capital,” Ying Tianwu said seriously.

“Thank you for your concern, Lord Governor, but I have already chosen a guard. I believe we can handle any danger that arises on the road,” Lin Shuang politely declined.

“You mean this young man?” Ying Tianwu focused his gaze on Fang Tian, studying him. He had learned from his subordinates that Fang Tian visited the Spirit Artifact Pavilion multiple times and defeated Bai Yifan, the bounty board’s champion. Ying Tianwu had formed a certain opinion of Fang Tian.

“Yes. I imagine Lord Governor has heard of Young Master Tian Yu,” Lin Shuang replied. She had also recently learned from others about Fang Tian’s victory over Bai Yifan at the Life-and-Death Platform, which further confirmed her decision.

At this moment, Fang Tian finally understood why he had been chosen alone—it was because they knew of his prowess in the duel. Hearing their conversation, much of his earlier doubt dissipated.

“With this young master escorting you, he’s indeed more capable than my men, who are nothing but drunkards and gluttons. In that case, I won’t insist further. I wish Your Highness and Miss Lin a safe journey,” Ying Tianwu said respectfully, bowing with hands together.

“You’re too kind, Lord Governor. Now, please open the gate for us.”

“Open the gate!” Ying Tianwu commanded.

The guards opened the gate, and the group departed.