The Mulberry Gathering’s Call

Ever since Chi Qiu had been attacked and injured, Ding Shi had made it a daily habit to visit her, constantly inquiring about her well-being. Chi Qiu found his persistence quite bothersome.

However, he had just presented her with Sang Tea worth thousands of spirit stones as an apology. Given such a generous gift, Chi Qiu found it difficult to turn him away.

Fortunately, Ding Shi soon discerned Chi Qiu’s reluctance to see him daily. Over the next few days, he gradually reduced the frequency of his visits.

This subtle shift allowed Chi Qiu to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

A full week had now passed since the attack, and Chi Qiu’s injuries were already eighty to ninety percent healed. Such a remarkable recovery rate left Wu Yuling utterly astonished.

She couldn’t help but marvel that Chi Qiu’s cultivation method must be truly extraordinary, capable of forging a physique that healed with such astonishing speed.

Chi Qiu, however, remained largely unperturbed by this observation. In her estimation, her current recovery speed was still considerably slower than when she had possessed ‘Intertwined Gold’.

At this moment, Chi Qiu sat within her new bedchamber. It had only been three days since the attack when she was already able to move about freely.

On that very day, Ding Shi had personally arranged for Chi Qiu to relocate to a new residence, a manor significantly grander and more opulent than her previous one.

Chi Qiu lifted a white porcelain teacup, observing the murky, grey-green liquid within. This was the renowned Sang Tea.

Unlike conventional teas, Sang Tea demanded that its dark green pellets be meticulously ground before hot water could be added for brewing. While its appearance was undeniably unappealing, the tea proved refreshingly sweet and delicious upon the first sip.

Just two days prior, Chi Qiu had questioned Ding Shi about the peculiar form of the Sang Tea, wondering why it consisted of dark green pellets instead of individual mulberry leaves. Ding Shi explained that this particular tea was refined from the tender sprouts of the colossal mulberry, supplemented with an array of spirit herbs.

He elaborated that while it bore the name ‘tea,’ its true nature was closer to a medicinal pill, which accounted for its pelletized, rather than leafy, form.

As Chi Qiu drank the tea, a surge of pure energy immediately emanated from within her abdomen, swiftly spreading throughout her entire being. She felt her six senses sharpen, her mind settling into a profound state of tranquility.

In this heightened state, her comprehension speed nearly doubled. Within a mere few days, Chi Qiu had fully grasped the third chapter of the Moon Gaze Treasure Canon and promptly commenced its cultivation.

A single night passed in the blink of an eye. As the first faint light of dawn began to paint the sky, Chi Qiu emerged from her meditative cultivation, the pure energy that had emanated from her body having long since dissipated.

The night’s cultivation had yielded considerable gains. Chi Qiu nodded in satisfaction, then rose to her feet, preparing to stretch and move.

“My Lady, City Lord Le has arrived to pay a visit,” Anling’s voice echoed from beyond the door.

Le Shan is visiting? Chi Qiu mused for a moment after hearing Anling’s announcement. Then, comprehension dawned upon her; it must surely concern the upcoming Sanwei Meeting.

Chi Qiu then called out, “Please escort City Lord Le to the main hall to wait. I shall be there shortly.”

At present, Chi Qiu was clad only in her inner garments, making it quite unsuitable to receive a guest. She retrieved the silver-white ‘Transcendent Skirt’ and quickly donned it.

Her original skirt had been somewhat damaged after her recent confrontation with Zhong Jing. The one she now wore had been among the exquisite silks and satins Ding Shi had offered as compensation.

The skirt’s material was truly exceptional, offering both supreme comfort and formidable defensive properties. It was, without a doubt, Chi Qiu’s most cherished item from that entire chest of luxurious fabrics.

Having slipped on the long skirt and casually smoothed its hem, Chi Qiu exited her bedchamber and made her way towards the main hall.

Within the main hall, Le Shan sat gracefully on a wooden chair, leisurely sipping tea. He was adorned in a flowing green robe, upon which faint patterns of mulberry leaves shimmered, almost imperceptible.

Even from a considerable distance, Chi Qiu could distinctly perceive ripples of spiritual energy emanating from the green robe. It was unequivocally a defensive magic treasure of impressive quality.

Chi Qiu stepped into the main hall and offered a respectful bow to Le Shan. “City Lord Le,” she greeted.

“Fellow Daoist Chi, please, do sit,” Le Shan urged, rising to greet her. “I have come today specifically to discuss the matter of the Sanwei Meeting.”

He then subtly waved a hand towards Anling, who stood respectfully nearby. Understanding the unspoken command, Anling bowed gracefully and discreetly withdrew.

It was, as expected, regarding the Sanwei Meeting. Calculating the days, the event was slated to commence in approximately three or four days. Chi Qiu located an empty seat, settled down, and offered Le Shan a confirming nod.

“The Sanwei Meeting is scheduled to commence at dawn in three days,” Le Shan announced, his expression growing somewhat solemn. “At that time, demonic beasts will converge upon us from the Sishui Marsh, hundreds of thousands of li away. I urge you, Fellow Daoist, to be thoroughly prepared.”

He continued, “This year, the number of cultivators attending the Sanwei Meeting is exceptionally sparse. Counting you, Fellow Daoist Chi, we have a total of seven Spirit Nourishing realm cultivators and only three Heart Scripture realm cultivators.”

Observing Le Shan’s grim countenance, Chi Qiu understood that the situation was far from optimistic. She then inquired, “How exactly are we to confront these adversaries three days from now?”

Le Shan lifted his teacup, taking a contemplative sip before responding. “Beyond the colossal Giant Mulberry, our Sang City has long since inscribed a formidable grand formation to repel invaders. However, with the sheer multitude of demonic beasts expected, this formation can only hold for a limited time.”

“Typically, I would personally sustain the grand formation, while the Heart Scripture realm cultivators would engage and disrupt the demonic beasts, preventing them from breaching our defenses. The remaining Spirit Nourishing realm cultivators would then ascend the Giant Mulberry to harvest its precious sprouts.”

Chi Qiu’s brows furrowed slightly as she listened to the proposed strategy. She then inquired, “What extraordinary properties does this Giant Mulberry possess, that it necessitates Spirit Nourishing realm cultivators to harvest its tender sprouts?”

“The Giant Mulberry has long since evolved into a spirit tree,” Le Shan explained. “Any attempt to harvest its essence leaves will inevitably provoke its attacks. Fortunately, the Giant Mulberry possesses no true sentience; its assaults are driven purely by instinct.”

“Even under these circumstances, it would be nothing short of a fool’s dream for cultivators who have only just transcended the mortal realm to attempt to pluck its spirit leaves.” Having offered this clarification, he then continued.

“May I inquire, Fellow Daoist Chi, about the condition of the injuries you sustained a few days ago?” he asked, a subtle note of anticipation in his voice.

“They are nearing complete recovery,” Chi Qiu truthfully informed him. “Moreover, thanks to the Sang Tea I’ve consumed these past few days, I have made considerable advancements in my cultivation.”

“That is truly excellent news, Fellow Daoist Chi!” Le Shan exclaimed, clearly delighted by Chi Qiu’s progress. “I have a somewhat presumptuous request, and I sincerely hope you might be inclined to grant it.”

“Oh? What sort of request is it?” Chi Qiu asked, her curiosity piqued. “City Lord, please, speak without reservation.”

“I wish to invite you, Fellow Daoist, to join the Heart Scripture realm cultivators at the upcoming Sanwei Meeting,” Le Shan began, “to assist in disrupting the demonic beasts and preventing them from destroying our grand formation.”

He hesitated briefly before adding, “I am well aware, Fellow Daoist Chi, that you are no ordinary cultivator. Zhong Jing, who had ascended to the Heart Scripture realm many years ago, was still vanquished by your hand.”

“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, your remuneration for this task will undoubtedly be on par with that of the other Heart Scripture realm cultivators.”

A bitter taste filled Le Shan’s mouth. He was, after all, a venerable God Concealing stage cultivator, yet here he was, humbly entreating a Spirit Nourishing realm cultivator for aid. His predicament was born of necessity; an alarmingly low number of Heart Scripture realm cultivators had chosen to participate in this year’s Sanwei Meeting.

In previous years, the event typically drew anywhere from five to eight such powerful cultivators.

The Sanwei Meeting held immense importance for Le Shan. The most significant portion of Sang City’s annual revenue was generated through the sale of this very Sang Tea. Thus, offering enhanced compensation was far preferable to gaining nothing at all.

“Since it is the City Lord’s esteemed request, Chi Qiu will naturally exert her utmost effort. As for the remuneration…”

Hearing that the compensation would be equivalent to that of Heart Scripture realm cultivators, Chi Qiu, of course, had no reason to refuse. She had already experienced the Sang Tea for several days and confirmed its remarkable properties. Such a valuable item, she mused, was certainly something one could never have too much of.

“It is excellent that Fellow Daoist Chi has agreed,” Le Shan said, a faint smile gracing his lips as he noticed her slight hesitation to inquire about the reward. “Ordinarily, the compensation for participating in the Sanwei Meeting is three liang of Sang Tea for Spirit Nourishing realm cultivators, and five liang for those in the Heart Scripture realm.”

“However, due to the reduced number of participants this year, we have increased the remuneration. It now stands at five liang for Spirit Nourishing realm cultivators and a generous ten liang for Heart Scripture realm cultivators.”

“Many thanks for informing me, City Lord,” Chi Qiu said, her voice bright with pleasure at the news of the remuneration. She cupped her fists in a gesture of gratitude.

“It is no trouble at all,” Le Shan replied. “This evening, at the City Lord’s manor, I shall be presiding over a crucial conference detailing all pertinent matters concerning the Sanwei Meeting. All cultivators participating in the event must be present. Fellow Daoist Chi, please do not forget.”

Le Shan’s objective had been achieved. He rose to his feet, a satisfied smile gracing his features, and offered his final reminder.

“Chi Qiu will certainly attend,” she responded. Noticing Le Shan preparing to depart, Chi Qiu also rose to see him off.

“There is no need to escort me,” Le Shan said, waving a dismissive hand at Chi Qiu’s gesture. With a light flick of his wrist, a section of willow branch drifted from his sleeve. He stepped onto it, soaring out of Chi Qiu’s manor.

He can fly using an object, and that willow branch doesn’t appear to be a flying magic treasure, Chi Qiu mused. It seems Le Shan must be a God Concealing stage cultivator.

Typically, wielding magic treasures requires reaching the Heart Scripture realm, where one cultivates their own true qi to control the artifact. Cultivators at this stage utilize magic treasures to unleash their inherent abilities; for instance, controlling a precious sword to injure enemies or piloting a flying boat for travel.

However, Le Shan’s willow branch was clearly an offensive magic treasure. To fly upon it as he did would necessitate the power of the soul, known as soul force or heart force. This particular form of power can only be cultivated upon advancing to the God Concealing stage. Chi Qiu had previously heard tales of exceptionally gifted individuals, born with soul power far exceeding others, capable of controlling objects with their mind from birth.

Yet, legends remained legends; at least for now, Chi Qiu had never encountered such a prodigy.

After Le Shan departed, Chi Qiu returned to her bedchamber. From the table, she picked up a stone mortar, then retrieved several Sang Tea pellets from her brocade pouch and began to grind them.

Since there’s a meeting tonight, I’ll spend the day comprehending the divine ability ‘Blooming Life’, she decided.