Chapter Fifty-Six: The Soul Herb

But just as the Golden-Furred Demon Ape’s fist was about to crash down on Nangong Xue, several spear shadows suddenly appeared, tearing through the air and enveloping the ape in an instant. Behind these shadows, a slender figure advanced, wielding a silver spirit spear. With a sweep of the long weapon, waves of blood-red energy surged forth. Once again, multiple spear shadows materialized—their attacks now even more fierce and relentless than before.

Under Nangong Xue’s bewildered gaze, these phantasmal spear strikes collided with the massive fist that had been about to slam into her.

“Clang… clang…” The first few spear shadows shattered against the ape’s fist like moths to a flame, vanishing without a trace. Yet the blood-tinged shadows that followed struck true, landing with force against the beast’s attack and halting its momentum. Unlike the earlier attempts, these did not dissipate so easily.

Roaring in fury, the Golden-Furred Demon Ape was clearly enraged by this sudden assault, its composure slipping. It released Nangong Xue’s sword blade from its grasp, turning instead to smash at the incoming spear shadows.

“Fall back!” The newcomer was, of course, Ye Cheng. Seeing that he had successfully drawn the demon ape’s attention away from Nangong Xue, he called out urgently while pushing her aside.

Hearing Ye Cheng’s voice, Nangong Xue snapped back to her senses. She withdrew her bronze sword and, with a deft movement, leapt nimbly out of the demon ape’s reach.

After shattering the last of the spear shadows, the Golden-Furred Demon Ape did not pursue further. Instead, it slowly retreated to its post beneath the bronze door, standing guard as though it would only attack those who crossed a certain threshold.

Now out of immediate danger, Nangong Xue turned her gaze directly on Ye Cheng. Her delicate arm extended as she leveled her sword at him, her voice cold and unyielding: “Who are you? Why are you here?” There was not the slightest hint of gratitude for his timely intervention—if anything, she treated him as a foe, sword poised in challenge.

“Uh…” Faced with Nangong Xue’s icy demeanor and the sword pointed at him, Ye Cheng rubbed his nose, muttering to himself, “This woman is really cold…”

He forced a wry smile and said, “Hey, I just saved your life. Is this really necessary?”

“I never asked you to save me. That was your own decision,” Nangong Xue replied, frowning slightly as she lowered her sword a fraction. “You still haven’t answered my question. Who are you, and what are you doing here?”

“What do you mean, it was my own decision?” Ye Cheng was at a loss for words. He eyed Nangong Xue more closely—her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, held back by a simple white ribbon. Her slender waist invited the thought of holding her close. Dressed in white, her graceful figure was accentuated, her strikingly beautiful face cold and aloof, like a snow lotus blossoming alone on a winter cliff: mesmerizing, yet impossible to approach.

Noticing Ye Cheng’s gaze, Nangong Xue’s expression grew uneasy. Her voice was sharp as she demanded, “Well? Are you going to answer or not?”

Knowing he’d need her help against the Golden-Furred Demon Ape, Ye Cheng quickly cooperated, smiling as he replied, “Ye Cheng. As for my purpose here, I just wanted to see if there was anything valuable in this cave.”

He nodded toward the bronze door in the distance. “Judging by appearances, whatever’s behind that door must be worth a look. But before that, we’ll have to deal with that big brute. Honestly, I wouldn’t stand much chance on my own, but if I join forces with you, maybe we can manage.”

Nangong Xue, intelligent as ever, immediately caught his meaning. She frowned slightly and said, “You want to cooperate—with me—to deal with it?”

He chuckled. “Don’t you? If you think you can handle it alone, I’ll say no more. But I doubt even you have that kind of strength. Just the toughness of its bones is enough to defeat even a Martial Adept.”

She considered this for a moment, then parted her lips and said, “Very well. We can join forces. But I have one condition.”

“What’s your condition?”

“I came here for Soulgrass. My father has been poisoned and urgently needs it as an antidote. If we succeed in defeating the demon ape and entering the bronze door, I hope you will let me have the Soulgrass and not fight me for it,” she stated.

“You’re certain the Soulgrass is inside?” Ye Cheng raised an eyebrow. So the City of Eternal Joy had gone to such lengths to infiltrate the demon ape’s territory for the sake of its city lord.

Ye Cheng knew about Soulgrass—a rare and precious spiritual herb that must be cultivated in places of extreme yin. Only after a hundred years does it develop the ability to summon souls and dispel all poisons.

Nangong Xue nodded slightly. She glanced at Ye Cheng, her eyes still wary but her voice earnest: “According to reliable intelligence from the City of Eternal Joy, a top-tier alchemist perished here a century ago. He was renowned for his skill in cultivating Soulgrass, so it stands to reason that his cave dwelling—the very cave we’re in—must contain some.”

“A top-tier alchemist?” Ye Cheng was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected to discover the lair of such a master here.

Alchemists were divided into six ranks, from the lowest First Rank to the highest Sixth Rank. Becoming an alchemist wasn’t difficult, but true advancement required direct guidance from a master. Without such mentorship, it was almost impossible to progress in the art of alchemy. With no teacher and only personal experimentation, even reaching the Second Rank was a sign of considerable talent. But with both innate ability and expert instruction, one might advance to Third, Fourth, or even Fifth Rank.

Low-tier alchemists were of little interest to the great powers, but those of the Fourth or Fifth Rank were invaluable. The pills they crafted could dramatically enhance a warrior’s strength, defense, and speed—even forcibly raise one’s cultivation level.