The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 1009 - 552: Flowers That Should Not Exist in the Mortal World (Part 2)

Ning Xiaoxian didn’t intend to hide it from him. She lowered her eyes and said, "Nothing precious, just a few gold stone inscriptions."

Miluo indeed raised his slender eyebrows, revealing an expression of admiration: "Gold stone inscriptions? Truly clever!"

The third gift she presented, in the eyes of others, was not something of great value. The earliest writings in this world were not carved on oracle bones but inscribed on gold stones. These writings are ancient, grand, and vigorous and can drive gods and ghosts, thus the fragments of such writings are also referred to as gold stone inscriptions. The history of this world is far older than that of Earth, with numerous upheavals, so most of the discovered gold stone inscriptions have been obliterated by the river of history, and their whereabouts are unknown.

Cultivators who obtain gold stone inscriptions can at most comprehend some Daoist Intent from the brushwork and meaning, with no other uses beyond that. However, Ning Xiaoxian had seen the entire process of the witch praying for rain and knew that her magic derived from the Mirror Sea King Mansion. The most profound impression left on Ning Xiaoxian by her extraordinary ability was the creation of power through words. Thus, it can be deduced that the experts in the Mirror Sea King Mansion have a far greater thirst for studying ancient words and meanings than ordinary cultivators.

The two pieces of gold stone inscriptions she placed on the tray came from Changtian. He once told her in private lessons that he had comprehended many principles from these two stones in his youth. Although her understanding of ancient writings is not deep, something that even Changtian could gain insight from must naturally be worthwhile, right?

Therefore, she decided to replace the third gift originally intended for the Mirror Sea King Mansion with gold stone inscriptions. In others’ eyes, this might not count as something precious, but it’s better to create a bit of mystery. Miluo also had some understanding of the Mirror Sea King Mansion, which is why he praised her for sending such a clever gift.

The art of gifting is about catering to others’ interests. Each of the three items she presented hit the Mirror Sea King Mansion’s sweet spot. Huang Fusong Yun’s expression immediately became much warmer. If Ning Xiaoxian’s initial cordial reception at the mansion was largely due to Huangfuming’s words, now they have to reevaluate their relationship with the Hidden Stream.

Before long, all the guests were about to enter, just at this moment Huangfuming walked out and stood before the Old Grand Dowager, saying, "Grandmother, I also have a gift to present!"

The Old Grand Dowager has always adored the sole descendant of the Huangfu family to her core. Upon hearing this, her old face immediately bloomed with a smile, delighted, saying, "Good, good, what wonderful treasure does my grandson plan to give me?" Judging by her overjoyed expression, even if Huangfuming were to give her a bouquet of flowers or a handful of shells, it would seem to surpass all the rare treasures offered by the guests in her eyes.

Ning Xiaoxian naturally knew what Huangfuming planned to present, but after glancing at Dian Qingyue and Huang Fusong Yun, she noticed a look of surprise and interest in their eyes, realizing that Huangfuming hadn’t told them about the gift, apparently intending to make a striking impression.

Huangfuming let out a laugh and then composed himself, calling out to the entrance, "Bring it in!"

A few servants who were waiting outside immediately lifted an item carefully and walked inside.

Huangfuming did not cover it up, so everyone could see that the servants were carrying a completely transparent giant crystal basin. Inside the basin was a light blue liquid, which released a sweet fragrance as it rippled. Two plants floated in the basin, looking black and small, unremarkable in appearance.

What is this? The people exchanged puzzled glances; most could detect that the liquid in the basin was the spine fluid of the mountains—stone milk. Having been in the Dao for many years, they understood that worldly treasures often are not as they seem, especially since these two unremarkable plants need stone milk to be fed. Thus, they watched the crystal basin with great interest, eager to see what marvelous use Huangfuming’s offering might have.

Huangfuming calmly stepped forward, rolling a small golden bead into the basin, which instantly dissolved.

Ning Xiaoxian watched his actions, her red lips pressed into a line. She naturally knew what this was—a golden bead formed from mortal life force. To make this plant bloom, at least the life force of a thousand mortals was required. However, the two major figures of the Mirror Sea King Mansion looked surprised; it was clear that Huangfuming hadn’t informed them about creating this golden bead. This implied that the young man had his own subordinates, capable of collecting the lives of a thousand individuals for him. It’s important to know that in any city, the sudden death of a thousand people couldn’t possibly go unnoticed by authorities. Most crucially, he had been in Chaoyun Sect for over half a year. Not even fourteen, and he had already established his own power?

As soon as the bead dissolved into the stone milk, the plants in the basin instantly sprang to life with vigor, astonishingly taking root, sprouting branches, and growing leaves right before everyone’s eyes, the two stalks flourishing robustly, filling the entire basin with lush green. It was fortunate that the basin was gigantic; otherwise, the new branches that grew within dozens of seconds would have spread outside.

The Bliss Flower just covered the crystal basin and immediately stopped growing. The new tender shoots were still a fresh green, but soon, they began producing one pale pink bud after another, their shy and budding appearance far more enchanting than the Lotus Arrows outside the Water Pavilion.

Huangfuming dropped another golden bead.

The flowers in the water immediately blossomed shyly. To witness a flower bloom from a bud often takes several hours, yet in this crystal basin, it took only a dozen seconds. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your vote of support. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)