Chapter Fourteen: Spiritual Stones

Liu Feng saw an object about the size of a thumb, resembling a crystal, emitting a strange and dazzling light. He held it in his hand and examined it closely, noticing what seemed to be spiritual energy flowing within. After confirming repeatedly, he finally recognized it for what it was—a spirit stone, the most essential resource for a martial artist in the early stages of cultivation.

Spirit stones not only help martial artists accelerate their training, but the pure essence of heaven and earth contained within them continuously improves the body, strengthening flesh, bones, and organs, enhancing the innate potential, and enabling one to progress to even higher realms. Such spirit stones were far more precious than ordinary spirit herbs or elixirs.

At that moment, Zhao Guang approached Liu Feng. Upon seeing the spirit stone in Liu Feng’s hand, he, too, was surprised. How could such a dangerous place contain a spirit stone?

“I think this place is too dangerous. We’d better leave quickly,” Liu Feng said, putting away the spirit stone.

Zhao Guang’s eyes flickered. “This place isn’t simple. Otherwise, how could there be so many spirit herbs? And now, a spirit stone as well.”

“Perhaps someone has been here before. Otherwise, how would a spirit stone appear?” Liu Feng mused.

“That’s possible. Let’s look around more carefully and see if there are any clues,” Zhao Guang replied.

The small valley was not large. The two searched it quickly but found nothing else of note.

“There’s some blood here—come take a look,” Liu Feng suddenly called out.

Zhao Guang came over. Indeed, there was a faint trace of blood, tucked away in an inconspicuous spot few would notice. Examining the area, they found a few more traces of blood.

They followed the trail rapidly, and before long, in a dense forest near the valley, they came upon a horrifying scene.

Two young men lay dead on the ground, their bodies close together, both dressed in the same style—clearly disciples of the same sect. Each had a longsword thrust through his chest. By now, both had been dead for some time.

Liu Feng and Zhao Guang’s expressions changed at the sight.

“What happened here? Why did both die in exactly the same way?” Liu Feng wondered aloud, unable to fathom it.

Zhao Guang frowned, thinking for a moment. “I have a guess—it’s possible they killed each other.”

“They’re from the same sect. How could they kill each other?” Liu Feng protested, disbelief written on his face.

“You’re still too young. You don’t yet know how dangerous the world can be. Many fellow disciples, for the sake of their own interests, plot against one another—even to the point of murder,” Zhao Guang replied, his voice tinged with sorrow.

Liu Feng noted the look in Zhao Guang’s eyes and said no more.

“Let’s check if they have anything on them,” Zhao Guang suggested after a pause.

“Taking things from the dead like this… isn’t it wrong?” Liu Feng frowned.

“If we leave it here, others will take it soon enough. Only with resources can we grow stronger. Only with strength can we fulfill our dreams,” Zhao Guang replied.

With that, Zhao Guang strode to one of the bodies. Liu Feng hesitated, then steeled himself and approached the other.

Liu Feng found a storage pouch at the man’s waist, similar to his own, embroidered with the name “Cloudwater Sect.” Inside were two bottles of pills, four spirit stones, and two stalks of Firecloud Ganoderma. There was nothing else of value.

Zhao Guang finished searching the other body and walked over to Liu Feng.

“What did you find?” he asked.

“This pouch contains four spirit stones, two Firecloud Ganodermas, and two bottles of Gathering Qi Pills,” Liu Feng replied.

“My pouch contains the same things. These two really were quite alike—what a pity they ended up killing each other. The human heart is truly unfathomable,” Zhao Guang sighed.

“Since we’ve taken their belongings, out of a kind of fate, let’s bury them here. At least they won’t be devoured by wild beasts, their corpses left to the elements,” Liu Feng said.

“I didn’t expect you to be so compassionate,” Zhao Guang remarked, drawing the sword from one of the bodies. He then dug a grave and buried him on the spot.

After they had finished, the two rested for a short while before heading out of the small valley.

“Let’s part ways here,” Zhao Guang said suddenly. “I’ll never forget that you saved my life. I hope fate allows us to meet again one day, so we can drink freely and talk as we please.”

“How is your wound? Will you be able to make it back?” Liu Feng asked with concern.

“Don’t worry—my wound is half healed, and besides, Mount Opening Sect is not far from here. I’ll be back in no time,” Zhao Guang replied with a carefree smile.

“Here’s your Firecloud Ganoderma,” Liu Feng said, taking out his pouch and handing Zhao Guang twenty-five stalks.

Zhao Guang waved him off. “I’m already at the peak of the ninth level of Gathering Qi. These are of little use to me now. Your cultivation is still low—keep them.”

Seeing the sincerity in Zhao Guang’s eyes, Liu Feng did not insist and put the herbs away.

Zhao Guang bid him farewell and headed out of the Black Demon Forest.

Only then did Liu Feng remember that his mentor, Zhang Ning, and four others were still exploring the area. Having rescued Zhao Guang and spent time in the valley, he had already been delayed for over an hour. He wondered how they were faring now.

Relying on his memory, Liu Feng hurried in the direction they had gone.

He had not gone far when he heard sounds not far off—true essence clashing.

Without hesitation, Liu Feng ran toward the noise. Passing through a grove, he came upon a clearing, where three people were locked in fierce combat.

He dashed forward, throwing a punch that sent a gust of wind to intercept an attacking palm aimed at a young girl. Fist and palm collided, and both men staggered back a step.

At Liu Feng’s sudden arrival, all three paused, retreating warily.

Seizing this opportunity, Liu Feng sized up the group. On one side stood a fat and a thin youth; on the other, the girl.

The thin youth spoke first. “Who are you to interfere in our business? You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”

“You’re shameless—two of you bullying a girl. Have you no shame?” Liu Feng retorted.

“Watch your mouth, boy. You must have a death wish,” the stockier youth boasted.

Ignoring them, Liu Feng turned to the girl. “Why are you three fighting here?”

The girl, clearly angry, replied, “I came here to train with my senior sister, but we got separated. These two followed me, wanting me to be their woman. I refused, and they attacked me.”

Liu Feng’s brows rose, and he said angrily, “Despicable! She rejected you, so you resorted to violence?”

“Looks like you really want to die,” the thin youth spat, swinging a fist at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng did not dodge. He raised his own fist to meet the blow.

With a thunderous crash, the two fists collided, and Liu Feng was forced back a step. The youth attacked again with another punch.