novelraw Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Chapter 27: Spiritual Root Aptitude
After obtaining the Pure Water Lotus, Zhang Fan’s eyes shone brightly, and even his breathing became lighter.
Lin Xiaowan stood to the side, her gaze calmly resting on his face, taking in every change in his emotions.
After a moment, Zhang Fan gradually calmed down from his elation. He raised his head and looked at Lin Xiaowan.
Scratching his cheek, he appeared somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, whether it was the Azure Lotus Sword before or the Pure Water Lotus now, I only got them because of you. Logically speaking, you had every reason to keep them yourself. Even if you had taken everything, I… wouldn’t have anything to say.”
“You don’t want it anymore?” Lin Xiaowan asked with a faint smile.
“Of course not!” He paused, his tone growing more serious. “This Pure Water Lotus may be even more important than you think. It concerns a cultivator’s most fundamental aptitude—it’s something that can change one’s fate.”
Lin Xiaowan caught the implication behind his words and understood.
Spiritual roots were the foundation of cultivation, determining one’s aptitude.
From best to worst, they were classified as Heavenly Spiritual Roots, Mutated Spiritual Roots, Dual Spiritual Roots, Pseudo Spiritual Roots, and Defective Spiritual Roots.
This body of hers possessed all five elements, yet they conflicted with one another—a Defective Spiritual Root, widely regarded as useless for cultivation. Without the opportunity brought by the Profound Essence Scripture, she would likely have had no chance at the Great Dao in her lifetime.
“The Pure Water Lotus can indeed improve spiritual root aptitude—truly defying the heavens. But…”
Lin Xiaowan met Zhang Fan’s gaze, her voice calm and without pretense. “I understand its value clearly. But to me, it may not be as indispensable as you imagine.”
She paused slightly, then sighed. “What I possess is the worst kind of Defective Spiritual Root. Being able to step into Qi Refinement is already a stroke of extreme luck. Though the Pure Water Lotus can enhance spiritual roots, its effect on me would be limited. Rather than wasting such a heavenly treasure on me, it’s better for you to have it.”
“Besides, I already obtained the Azure Lotus Sword. Using something of little use to me in exchange for other opportunities—I think that’s fair. Perhaps I’m even the one benefiting. So there’s no need to feel indebted or uneasy.”
After hearing this, Zhang Fan stared at her in a daze.
Such frankness and clarity filled him with emotion.
There was a trace of sympathy for her circumstances, but even more so admiration and respect—after all, not everyone could remain so rational when faced with something that could alter their aptitude.
“Miss Xu…” Zhang Fan opened his mouth, but in the end only said solemnly, “From here on, any secret treasure we encounter—if the conditions allow, I will obtain it for you!”
“Alright.” Lin Xiaowan agreed readily.
With the topic of spiritual roots raised, another thought suddenly surfaced in her mind.
She spoke as if casually, “Speaking of spiritual root aptitude, I recall a curious matter. It’s said there was once a genius who originally had only three spiritual roots, but later somehow became a Dual Spiritual Root, and his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds. Zhang Fan, your master is knowledgeable—aside from treasures like the Pure Water Lotus, are there other methods… that can enhance or even alter spiritual root aptitude in early childhood, perhaps even in infancy?”
This time, it was Yun Yazi who answered.
“To improve or even alter spiritual root aptitude has always been a defiance of the heavens—exceedingly difficult. Opportunities like the Pure Water Lotus are rare and unpredictable. As for other methods…”
He paused, as if searching through ancient memories. “As far as I know, there are one or two rumored unorthodox and sinister techniques.”
Yun Yazi’s figure flickered slightly. “However, even with such methods, the recipient must at least possess a certain cultivation foundation and capacity to endure them. To apply them to an infant? I have never heard of such a thing. An infant’s soul is not yet stable, and the body is fragile—how could it withstand such domineering techniques?”
He changed tone, becoming more cautious. “But the Cultivation World is vast beyond measure, with endless strange techniques. I cannot speak with certainty. Perhaps there exist more hidden, unknown methods. Little girl, if you truly encounter or hear of someone whose spiritual roots were altered in infancy, you must be extremely cautious. Those who commit such acts that defy the natural order—regardless of the method—must harbor wicked intentions, and what lies behind them is likely beyond ordinary comprehension.”
Lin Xiaowan listened silently, deep in thought. Yun Yazi’s final warning caused her heart to tighten.
It seemed that the matter concerning Lin Chan’er was far more complex and dangerous than she had imagined.
Seeing the atmosphere grow heavy, Zhang Fan changed the subject. “Master, where do we go next?”
Yun Yazi composed himself and said, “In this core area, aside from the Pure Water Lotus and the Azure Lotus, there is one more place with a concealed aura. At the time, the formation was intact, and I could not probe deeply. Now that we’ve obtained both treasures, let’s head to that final location.”
His tone grew serious. “However, we have already spent quite some time breaking through the outer illusion formation. With it dissipating, the disciples of the three great families in Luoxia Valley, as well as other wandering cultivators, may have already noticed something unusual and begun investigating this direction. We must move quickly and reach that final place before anyone else. Otherwise, if we are blocked or a struggle breaks out, it will be troublesome.”
Lin Xiaowan and Zhang Fan exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other’s eyes.
Yun Yazi was right. They had lingered here for quite some time. While they had gained much, the risks were also increasing.
“Let’s go!” they said almost simultaneously.
Under Yun Yazi’s guidance, they quickly left the lakeside pavilion, returned along the corridor to the shore, and hurried toward the final location.
Climbing a rugged mountain path and passing through a mist-covered forest,
Lin Xiaowan and Zhang Fan finally arrived at the place Yun Yazi had mentioned.
On the flat summit ahead stood an ancient hall.
It was not large, even somewhat dilapidated. Only its tightly shut doors remained heavy and sturdy, marked by the erosion of wind and rain, faintly exuding an inviolable authority.
Zhang Fan stepped forward, placing both hands against the cold door and pushing hard.
With a grating “creak,” the long-sealed doors slowly opened a crack.
A stale, decaying odor rushed out. Inside, darkness was thick and devoured all light.
A flame rose in Zhang Fan’s palm, barely illuminating the ground beneath them.
At the same time, Lin Xiaowan transformed the Azure Lotus in her hair into a sword, its clear radiance flowing as she guarded herself.
They exchanged a glance, then slipped sideways into the hall one after the other.
After walking about a dozen steps, just as their nerves tightened to the extreme, ready for any ambush from the darkness—
“Buzz…”
A faint hum echoed from deep within the hall.
Then the surrounding darkness receded like a tide—not from lamps being lit, but as the walls, dome, and floor themselves emitted a soft, moonlike glow, gradually illuminating the interior.
When their vision cleared, both of them froze.
The hall was far more spacious than it appeared from outside. But what truly sent chills down their spines were the surrounding statues…
Buddha statues, sitting or standing, in various postures—some with hands clasped, some forming seals, some holding ritual instruments.
The painted colors had long since peeled away, revealing clay and stone beneath, their surfaces covered in cracks.
Yet every single statue was headless.
The breaks were jagged and brutal, as if forcibly torn or severed.
Countless headless bodies silently “faced” the center of the hall, creating an oppressive, deathly stillness.
Suppressing the chill in her heart, Lin Xiaowan’s gaze swept quickly toward the center.
At the center sat a skeleton clad in an ancient Daoist robe.
The bones were not stark white, but glowed faintly like jade, indicating that in life, the cultivator’s body had been refined to an extraordinary degree.
But more horrifying was what grew upon the skeleton—
From the empty eye sockets, the gaping jaw, and the gaps between ribs and arm bones, countless grotesque vines and twisted flowers had sprouted!
They did not seem parasitic, but rather as if blooming from deep within the marrow itself.
The vines coiled like blood vessels, covering the entire skeleton, spreading onto the ground and even burrowing into cracks in the stone floor.
The flowers were vividly colored—crimson, indigo, dark violet… their shapes bizarre, like shrunken human faces or twisted hands, swaying gently under the pale glow, exuding a decaying fragrance.
The skeleton’s hands were clasped in a strange gesture before its abdomen, holding a lotus.
This lotus differed from both the Azure Lotus and the Pure Water Lotus. It was only thumb-sized, entirely blood-red, its petals thick and veined, with a dark golden core resembling a congealed flame.
The entire red lotus emitted a dense, vibrant life aura.
Holding her sword, Lin Xiaowan slowly approached, her sharp gaze scanning the ground around the skeleton.
She noticed that some of the grotesque vines extending from the skeleton had deeply rooted themselves into the ground before it.
After a moment’s hesitation, she raised the Azure Lotus Sword and lightly slashed at the ground ahead.
A streak of pale cyan sword light swept across, severing the tough vines. Dark green viscous fluid seeped from the cuts.
The severed vines withered rapidly, revealing the stone slab beneath.
On the smooth stone surface were several lines of delicate script, consistent with the previous style:
Those who are not cowardly, endure suffering to obtain it.
“Endure suffering?” Lin Xiaowan thought. “Does this trial require the seeker to willingly endure some form of pain or punishment?”
Just as she pondered, a sudden change occurred!
The seated skeleton emitted a series of cracking sounds and slowly stood up!
Its joints creaked, the grotesque flowers swaying wildly.
Its hollow eye sockets turned toward them, its jaw opening and closing as a dry, aged female voice echoed through the hall:
“Endure three strikes, and you may obtain the Heart-Guarding Lotus.”
It stood with hands behind its back, holding the lotus in one hand.
The red lotus cast a glow upon the jade bones and monstrous flowers, creating a bizarre sense of transcendent elegance amidst horror.
Seeing this, Zhang Fan immediately stepped forward, shielding Lin Xiaowan, his gaze resolute. “Senior! I will undergo the trial!”
He had already made his decision.
The Azure Lotus Sword and the Pure Water Lotus had both been obtained thanks to Lin Xiaowan. He had contributed little, yet gained immense benefits.
This trial, though dangerous, was his chance to repay her.
Moreover, with his cultivation technique and tempered body, and with his master present, he was better suited for such a direct trial.
Behind him, Lin Xiaowan softly said at the right moment, “Be careful. Don’t push yourself!”
Though she said this, she felt a subtle sense of relief—and even a trace of satisfaction.
Wasn’t everything before meant to lead to this moment, where he would willingly step forward?
“First strike.”
The skeleton’s voice was emotionless. It raised a skeletal hand, gray-white currents swirling around it.
It struck toward Zhang Fan’s chest!
The speed did not seem fast, yet it carried an unavoidable, crushing pressure.
With a roar, Zhang Fan pushed his technique to the limit, flames surging around him as he crossed his arms to block!
“Bang!!!”
A dull explosion sounded!
The flames around Zhang Fan were instantly scattered. He was struck like by a massive hammer, his face turning pale as he spat out blood.
He staggered backward, feeling as though his organs had shifted and his bones were falling apart in unbearable pain.
“Zhang Fan…” Yun Yazi appeared, concern in his voice.
With his insight, he could tell the immense power behind that casual strike.
That Zhang Fan survived it was already due to his technique and physical foundation.
The next two strikes… he could not possibly withstand!
Struggling to stand, Zhang Fan wiped the blood from his lips, his eyes resolute. “I… I’m fine! I can still take it!”
“Second strike.”
The skeleton gave him no time to recover. The second strike came immediately!
This time, the gray currents were denser, faintly carrying the sound of wind and thunder!
Gritting his teeth, Zhang Fan poured all remaining spiritual energy into his arms and blocked again!
“Boom—!”
The impact was even more terrifying!
A clear sound of bones cracking came from Zhang Fan’s arms. His flames completely collapsed.
He was sent flying like a broken kite, crashing into the base of a headless statue before collapsing to the ground, coughing blood, his vision dimming.
“Stop!”
Yun Yazi shouted. Zhang Fan had reached his limit—another strike would surely kill him!
Lin Xiaowan also cried out, rushing forward to check his injuries, her face showing anxiety and distress. “Stop! Senior, we withdraw! We give up this opportunity! Stop!”
But the skeleton’s cold voice rang out again:
“Once the trial begins, it cannot be interrupted. If he cannot withstand it…”
It paused, then turned toward Lin Xiaowan, its tone suddenly eerie:
“Then you shall take the three strikes!”
“Damn it, what kind of rule is this!” Lin Xiaowan cursed inwardly.
She had only pretended to call for a halt—she hadn’t expected the consequences to fall onto her!
With that level of force, she likely couldn’t even survive one strike!
As her thoughts raced, even considering a desperate counterattack or escape—
“Cough… cough…”
Zhang Fan, lying on the ground, suddenly moved.
He struggled… and stood up again!
Covered in blood, his face pale as paper, yet his eyes burned with unyielding determination.
“Se… Senior…” Each word came with blood. “I haven’t lost. The third strike—come!”
The skeleton seemed to pause slightly. “Courage… but this strike… is different.”
As it spoke, the grotesque flowers on its body flared with light!
A pressure beyond Qi Refinement began to spread!
“A Foundation Establishment aura?” Yun Yazi’s voice darkened. “This strike contains a trace of that power. If he takes it head-on, he will die.”
Zhang Fan swayed, coughing blood, yet his voice remained firm. “These trials—though dangerous—always leave a path. I believe this strike won’t kill me!”
“You are gambling with your life,” Yun Yazi sighed.
“All cultivators rise from nothing. Every step is a gamble.”
He turned to Lin Xiaowan, forcing a smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll get the Heart-Guarding Lotus for you.”
“Zhang Fan, you—” Lin Xiaowan stepped forward, reaching out, but her hand froze midair.
Yun Yazi sighed. “If your mind is made up, I won’t stop you.”
A gentle force flowed from the Soul Nourishing Jade, protecting Zhang Fan’s vital meridians.
“Third strike.”
The skeleton raised its hand. This time, a mass of lightning gathered in its palm, carrying a terrifying aura.
The air froze.
Lin Xiaowan’s legs weakened under the pressure, her face pale. She was ready to flee at any moment.
The strike came like lightning toward Zhang Fan’s heart!
“Senior, stop testing me! My heart knows no fear—you cannot kill me!”
Zhang Fan stared unflinchingly.
Just as the strike was about to land—
The red Heart-Guarding Lotus suddenly shone brilliantly!
It flew from the skeleton’s hand, transforming into a streak of red light, appearing before Zhang Fan and blocking the strike!
“Boom!”
The lotus trembled violently, its glow dimming—but it held!
Only a remnant force struck Zhang Fan, knocking him back with far less damage.
Silence filled the hall.
The skeleton stood still.
The grotesque flowers withered, the jade bones cracking.
“The Heart-Guarding Lotus can block one fatal injury… Afterward, it must be nourished with spiritual energy to recover.”
“For one in Qi Refinement to endure the first two strikes and still dare take the third… acceptable.”
“I am Lianxin… from Penglai…”
With its final words, it pointed at Zhang Fan. A green energy flowed into him, healing his wounds.
“This final Wood Essence is my gift.”
Then, with a soft collapse, the skeleton crumbled into dust.
Only the dim Heart-Guarding Lotus remained, floating above the remains.
Zhang Fan stepped forward, carefully taking it.
Turning, he handed it to Lin Xiaowan with a tired smile. “Miss Xu… yours.”
She accepted it, sensing a subtle connection.
As she infused it with spiritual energy—
“Boom—!!!”
The hall doors exploded inward!
A figure stepped through the debris.
Short hair, sharp aura, sword at her waist.
Her cold gaze locked onto the lotus in Lin Xiaowan’s hand.
“I wondered who made it here. So it’s you two.”
“Put down the lotus. Then tell me—who exactly are you?”