The Ailing Willow God and the Mysterious Water

Oh no, oh no, the Willow God is falling ill again!

Just then, a small blade of grass, shimmering with a pervasive blue light, scurried towards them, moving on its root system like tiny legs.

‘What is this…’

Xiao Miao’s eyes lit up as she observed the little grass; it was, at the very least, a five-hundred-year-old Blue Spirit Grass.

However, she wondered what kind of venerable being this “Willow God” was, to hold such a significant position among these spiritual plants.

“What? The Willow God is having an episode again?”

The quickest to react was the spiritual plant resembling a ginseng root, which looked much like a tiny human child, its expressions clearly visible to both Qin Yan and Xiao Miao.

“Not a moment too soon, not a moment too late, but precisely at this inconvenient time…”

The Destruction Mushroom glared furiously at Qin Yan and Xiao Miao, appearing ready to lay all blame squarely at their feet.

Even the Ginseng spiritual plant, despite its inherently kind nature, couldn’t help but recall the Destruction Mushroom’s earlier suggestion as it gazed at the two bound humans before them.

After all, if this secret realm were to become known to outsiders, it was likely that within half a day, human cultivators would swarm in, overwhelming the entire place.

At that point, these spiritual plants would inevitably face utter annihilation.

“Wait!”

Xiao Miao called out at that moment, “I have a way to heal the Willow God you speak of!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan turned to Xiao Miao, bewildered by the young woman’s sudden declaration, especially since they still had no idea about the Willow God’s current condition.

However, a thought quickly struck him: Xiao Miao possessed the wondrous Mysterious Water, which was undoubtedly the key to their predicament.

“What method could you, a mere human, possibly have? Do you intend to use elixirs refined from our very bodies?” the Destruction Mushroom demanded, its voice laced with indignation.

Demons and humans alike shared the same deplorable nature, seemingly unconcerned with the lives of spiritual plants, knowing only how to seize their forms to refine elixirs for healing or for advancing their cultivation.

“No! I have another way!”

Xiao Miao spoke, reasoning that if elixirs made from spiritual plants could save the Willow God, these plants would have surely used them long ago.

Having said this, she summoned her Mysterious Water.

As the Mysterious Water appeared, a rich, vibrant life force began to spread through the surroundings.

The nearby spiritual plants sensed it, their branches and leaves unfurling slightly in response.

“This is…”

The Ginseng spiritual plant stared at the Mysterious Water emanating from Xiao Miao, its tendrils trembling, and then quickly urged, “Snake Blood Vine, release these two humans at once! She might truly possess the means to heal the Willow God!”

No sooner had it spoken than the vines binding Qin Yan and Xiao Miao loosened their grip.

The two swiftly regained their freedom of movement, observing the various spiritual plants, large and small, before them.

Some appeared utterly terrified, retreating far away, while the Ginseng and Destruction Mushroom stood resolutely at the forefront.

These two spiritual plants exuded abundant auras and vibrant spiritual energy, indicating they were, at minimum, at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm.

Moreover, this was their territory, and with no one knowing what hidden trump cards they might possess, Qin Yan and Xiao Miao refrained from making any rash moves.

Seeing the two humans remain still, the Ginseng also breathed a sigh of relief.

As spiritual plants, most of them were not adept at combat.

Yet, should a fight truly break out, they would harbor no fear, for this place had been meticulously cultivated for a very long time.

Their root systems were interconnected, and the power they could unleash collectively was so immense that even a Golden Core Peak cultivator would gain no advantage.

“Follow me—”

The Ginseng spiritual plant spoke, then moved off, its roots acting as nimble legs, heading into the distance.

Qin Yan and Xiao Miao exchanged glances, then nodded to each other before following the Ginseng spiritual plant.

The Destruction Mushroom watched the two humans, its expression tinged with worry.

‘Was it truly a good idea to lead two humans to the ailing Willow God?’ it seemed to ponder.

However… it was clear they had reached a point of no alternative.

****

Soon after, Qin Yan and Xiao Miao followed the Ginseng spiritual plant, arriving before a colossal willow tree.

Its willow branches seemed to blot out the sky, casting a vast canopy over their heads, and rustled softly as the gentle breeze swept through them.

Yet, its trunk was a uniform dark black, appearing withered and decaying, much like a tree struck by lightning—a picture of imminent demise, barely clinging to life.

“Willow God!”

The Ginseng spiritual plant gazed at the great willow tree before it, its heart filled with such anguish that it wished it were the one suffering such grievous wounds.

“Little Ginseng, what is there to be sad about? Returning to the roots is the cycle of the Heavenly Dao.

My only worry is that after I am gone, no one will maintain this secret realm.

Then, you should flee if you can, and disperse if you must.”

A desolate female voice echoed through the air.

After these words fell, even the usually volatile Destruction Mushroom appeared somewhat dispir-ited.

As it looked upon the great willow tree, its heart, too, was filled with profound sorrow.

Demons and humans, in their cultivation, were born with their respective advantages.

However, as plants, they were inherently disadvantaged, unable to walk or speak, lagging naturally behind both.

The path of cultivation was even more arduous for them.

The malice they faced from others was often not even about direct gain, for their very beings were the embodiment of benefit; no one failed to desire refining their forms for their own use.

“These two humans?”

Just then, the Willow God they spoke of stirred, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise at the sight of Qin Yan and Xiao Miao before her.

“Willow God,” the Ginseng spiritual plant began, addressing the great willow tree, “these two humans inadvertently trespassed into our Ancient Willow Secret Realm.

We had captured them when we heard Little Blue Grass say you were ill.

Then, the young woman demonstrated her divine ability, which seemed as though it could help you, so I brought them to you.”

“Oh?” The Willow God seemed quite astonished.

“What kind of divine ability could possibly heal my withered form?”

Qin Yan glanced at Xiao Miao, who remained silent for a moment before raising her head to gaze at the colossal willow tree.

“Senior,” she began, “we two inadvertently stumbled into this secret realm.

From the current situation, it appears you have been protecting these spiritual plants.

This scene profoundly reminds me of how our human ancestors, too, once defended humanity under the relentless siege of demon races…”

These words left the surrounding spiritual plants, who had gathered closer, utterly bewildered.

The Willow God remained silent, awaiting Xiao Miao’s next words.

“Therefore, esteemed spiritual plants who have attained the Dao, you must surely be concerned that we two might reveal this place after we leave.

Senior Willow, regardless of whether I can heal you, could you first promise us that, no matter the outcome, you will not harm us and will allow us to depart?

Naturally, in return, we absolutely pledge not to breathe a single word about this place.”

Xiao Miao continued speaking.

It was always best to hold the initiative in one’s own hands.

What if, after healing the willow tree, it turned hostile and refused to acknowledge their agreement?

This was the inherent chain of suspicion between the two humans and the spiritual plants.