Chapter Eighty-Seven: White Currents atop the Mountain

This is the difference between ordinary people and those who cultivate. The people who spend their lives in remote wildernesses are often dull and slow-witted, but if there is a performer, shouldn’t there also be an audience? Li Zijian seemed quite displeased, sitting in the car without saying a word, beginning to meditate. Left with nothing better to do, I could only sleep.

This time, there was no rush to return, and we dawdled for two days before arriving home. The journey was smooth; apart from the fatigue of sitting in a car, no further troubles occurred. Old Li even went out of his way to drop me off at the foot of Xuanfeng Mountain before driving away.

I found the familiar trail up the mountain. The air was fragrant with the scent of flowers, just as it always had been. It was midday, and Second Uncle and the others were eating lunch. Seeing me return, Second Uncle was exceedingly happy.

“Oh, you’re back, that’s wonderful, just wonderful…”

He even made several extra side dishes so we could drink together. When Nangong Xi saw me, her joy was evident. She changed the bandage on my shoulder and wrapped it carefully.

Nangong Xi had grown quickly, almost ready to break through to the Spirit Flower Realm. She was indeed gifted. After eating, she tactfully went off to cultivate, leaving me to converse with Second Uncle.

I told Second Uncle about everything that had happened during the week I was away, making him laugh heartily at times and share my anger at others. Especially when it came to the people of the Seven Colors Sect, whom Second Uncle had also encountered before and disliked greatly.

I told him I was now able to channel a trace of spiritual energy. He was surprised, but mostly delighted.

He said to me, “Since your meridians have started to recover, one day they’ll be fully restored. It’s only a matter of time.”

I can only hope…

Second Uncle was in high spirits today, drinking quite a bit. Though bamboo wine is not easy to get drunk on, too much still takes a toll. After helping him to bed, I returned to my own room.

It seemed Nangong Xi cleaned my room every day, so despite being empty for days, it remained spotless.

There were still no clues about the Ghost King’s game, so there was no need to hurry. When I thought it through, I realized I had nothing to do at all.

I napped at noon, and when I woke it was already past four in the afternoon. As usual, I practiced the Eight Extremes Fist before heading outside.

I have always enjoyed wandering aimlessly, especially on this mountain where Second Uncle lived, which I had never really explored.

I called out to Nangong Xi, who was practicing her sword nearby, and seeing that Second Uncle was still asleep, I went out alone.

Pushing through the undergrowth, I headed up the mountain. Daylight lingered, so I decided to climb to the summit and see what it looked like from above.

The trees in the woods were not densely packed, making the climb easy. I had seen many small animals from outside the woods before, but now I was close enough to observe them directly. There were no dangerous creatures here; it was safe.

Slowly, as time passed, I reached the mountain’s summit. It was only about two meters square, just enough for one person to stand.

Looking down from the peak, the view was breathtaking. The evening sun cast its glow over the land, with rivers winding in the distance—a veritable paradise.

I closed my eyes with a smile, spreading my arms to feel the breeze on my body.

After lingering for a while, I prepared to descend. Before leaving, I happened to notice a white flower at my feet.

The flower was peculiar, with three petals resembling flowing water, and it was very small—hard to spot if you weren’t looking closely.

Carefully, I uprooted it and placed it in my ring.

By now, night was falling, so I hurried down. The forest was dark, and I used my phone to light the way.

Fortunately, I made it home without incident.

Second Uncle was already sober, cooking in the kitchen, while Nangong Xi sat idly on a stone bench, lost in thought.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked, sitting beside her and taking a sip of water.

“I don’t know. I just feel useless, like I can’t help with anything…”

I handed her the cup and said, “I’m no different now, practically a cripple. Anyone who sees me can bully me.”

She looked at me but said nothing.

In truth, I really hoped Nangong Xi would grow stronger, so she would no longer be bullied.

A while later, Second Uncle brought over the dishes.

While eating, I took out the flower I’d found atop the mountain and handed it to him.

“Second Uncle, look at this flower I just picked on the summit.”

He took it from me and said, “You went out again? Don’t wander around…”

But halfway through, he suddenly widened his eyes, staring at the flower in his hand.

His voice trembled as he spoke, “White… Flow?”

White Flow? What’s that? Judging from his expression and tone, it was clear this was no ordinary thing.

He gulped down some water, nearly choking, unable to contain his excitement.

After a moment, he recovered, coughed a few times, and said, “This White Flow is a famous flower in the world.”

He cradled the white blossom, nearly worshipping it.

“What is it? Is it really so amazing?” I asked in confusion.

“It’s said that a White Flow flower blooms only once in a thousand years. Don’t be fooled by its appearance—it possesses great spiritual power. I’ve only heard of it, never seen one before.”

“What’s even more remarkable is that only the person who encounters it can consume it. Anyone else who tries will not only gain nothing, but their body will explode and they’ll die. In other words, this flower chooses its owner.”

I was captivated by his words. I’d heard of weapons or animals choosing their master, but never a flower.

Second Uncle glanced at me and said, “You lucky fool, you’re blessed.”

Thinking about it, I realized he was right—according to him, only I could use it.

Second Uncle quickly ate a few bites, then had me follow him to his room.

He set the flower aside and rummaged through his cabinet. Soon he found a small furnace, bluish-gray, likely made of steel, without any distinguishing features.

“This medicine furnace is one I used long ago. Haven’t touched it in years. Wait here, I’ll brew this flower into a soup for you.”

I gave a quick assent and left, returning to sit at the dining table.

Nangong Xi smiled at me and said, “Brother, congratulations. Your recovery is worth more than anything.”

In her heart, her life was saved by me. She harbored no ulterior motives—others might have been jealous, but she wanted nothing more than for me to become a peerless master.

Staring up at the stars, I couldn’t help but drift into memories…