Chapter 925: The Crazy Herb Garden
The two eighth-level Golden Core cultivators from the south hadn't initially claimed a restriction individually because it was safer to remain together, belonging to the same sect. However, faced with seven herb garden restrictions, individual claims became necessary. Who wouldn't want more herbs?
Qiu Xuanyu, aghast at his predicament, had finally gained entry to the secret land, only to find himself potentially trapped, unable to secure any herbs. Witnessing an eighth-level Golden Core cultivator claim a restriction entirely, he immediately approached Ye Mo. Finding Ye Mo seemingly unconcerned, Qiu Xuanyu boldly approached the cultivator, offering a spirit crystal and requesting only thirty percent of the herbs. He'd already given two to Ye Mo, a loss he was keen to avoid exacerbating.
The eighth-level Golden Core cultivator, though initially hesitant, readily accepted Qiu Xuanyu's generous offer and the accompanying spirit crystal. The prospect of assistance from Qiu Xuanyu, and the cultivator's easy acquisition of seventy percent of the herb garden, inspired even peak Golden Core cultivators' admiration.
Ye Mo, a mere first-level Golden Core cultivator, stood no chance against seventh and eighth-level Golden Core cultivators vying for the remaining restrictions. Consequently, he acquired nothing.
Guang Wei, about to summon Ye Mo, hesitated under her senior sister's stern gaze. She understood that such an action would essentially grant Ye Mo Immortal Herb Valley's herbs.
Ye Mo, appearing to awaken from a reverie, gazed at the claimed restrictions, a dazed smile gracing his lips as he looked at Qiu Xuanyu. This sparked immediate alertness in Qiu Xuanyu and the eighth-level cultivator. Logically, Ye Mo wouldn't directly confront them.
The assembled cultivators expected a confrontation between Ye Mo and the eighth-level cultivator, though victory for Ye Mo, even with Qiu Xuanyu's aid, seemed highly improbable. Yet, Ye Mo merely smiled at the eighth-level cultivator and, instead of attacking, entered the small wooden room.
The eighth-level cultivator breathed a sigh of relief, but his inner contempt for Ye Mo remained. The room, already confirmed as empty by peak Golden Core cultivators, garnered little attention as Ye Mo entered.
Qiqi, observing Ye Mo's actions, curiously questioned her senior sister, "Big Martial Sister, didn't you say he'd definitely take a restriction? Why did he go into the wooden room?"
Liu Yuetang blushed, equally perplexed. Ye Mo's actions defied her expectations of his character. His passive approach was unusual. Qin Muxin sighed, realizing that Ye Mo's inaction stemmed from the inevitable loss in any direct confrontation. "Everyone else is attacking their restrictions. We should start too," she urged.
The cultivators began assaulting their restrictions. Seeing Ye Mo remain inactive in the small wooden room, the tertiary Golden Core cultivators disregarded him.
The nineteen cultivators' simultaneous attack on the seven restrictions caused the valley to tremble violently. Meanwhile, Ye Mo diligently crafted formation flags and jade cards.
After half a day of relentless assault, the restrictions remained stubbornly intact. Had the nineteen cultivators focused on a single restriction, they might have succeeded long ago. Many rested, yet none entered the wooden room, implicitly acknowledging it as Ye Mo's domain. Entering it would risk conflict with a potentially unpredictable adversary. They preferred securing their own herbs before engaging Ye Mo.
Three days later, the cultivators discovered Ye Mo constructing formations in the wooden room, apparently preparing for cultivation. Their astonishment was palpable. Had he endured all this hardship simply to cultivate?
Indeed, Ye Mo had begun cultivating, recognizing the futility of competing for restrictions with his current strength. The valley's abundant spiritual chi allowed him to refine spirit marrow and create a batch of Nin Bi pills. His Golden Core cultivation steadily progressed, advancing towards the second level. Though aware of the time needed, he knew that refining his cultivation essence would greatly benefit him within the valley.
On the fifth day, a massive explosion echoed through the valley, dispersing incredibly dense spiritual chi. Even Ye Mo was roused, surmising that a restriction had been broken. He confirmed his suspicions using his spiritual sense; an eighth-level Golden Core cultivator's restriction had been breached.
The revealed treasures within instantly captivated everyone. The herbs were plentiful. Level five spirit herbs such as the Yellow Three-Leaf, Mist Lan, and Life Force Fruit were present, alongside the invaluable Five Colors Lotus. The Mist Lan, crucial for the Mist Spirit Pill that aids Golden Core breakthroughs, was exceptionally rare. The Life Force Fruit, a level six herb, was an ingredient in the Life Force Pill, a potent restorative and healing agent for cultivators below the Hollow Spirit state. The Five Colors Lotus, while a level five herb, was highly sought after for its ascension potential, with the legendary Nine Colors Lotus representing its ultimate form, capable of creating the Nine Wen Pill, a legendary spirit root purification pill. However, maintaining and advancing a Five Colors Lotus was exceptionally difficult.