Chapter Fifty-Three: The Frost Spirit Herb

This time, as they set out once more, the journey felt less leisurely and more urgent. The other three seemed to sense that He Tianshu had something weighing on his mind, but since he was unwilling to speak, they refrained from prying. Li Sibai, on the other hand, acted as if nothing was amiss, steadily following at the rear of the group.

Unconsciously, their pace quickened. With the road free of obstacles and no trouble encountered, they reached the foot of Jade Pearl Peak in just two hours—a journey that would normally take half a day.

Jade Pearl Peak and Jade Void Peak were sister peaks, jointly guarding the central Gongger Peak. In the days of Jade Void Master, the founder of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect, disciples frequently hunted demon beasts here. But as the number of outstanding disciples dwindled, large-scale hunts became rare. Occasionally, sect disciples still ventured here for high-risk missions—the rewards were, after all, exceedingly rich.

Now, Li Sibai and his companions stood at the base of Jade Pearl Peak. Li Sibai looked up, noting that while Jade Pearl Peak matched Jade Void Peak in height, its terrain was far more treacherous. Not a single proper path could be seen winding upwards, and the mountain was enveloped in thick vegetation, like an immense demon beast forest.

Li Sibai drew a quiet breath; it was his first time here. The demon beasts of Jade Pearl Peak were many times fiercer than those of the dark forest on Jade Void Peak, danger lurking everywhere.

He Tianshu gathered everyone close and spoke in a low voice: “Brothers and sisters, now that we’ve reached Jade Pearl Peak, we’ll soon enter the great forest. Do you know why we’ve come?”

They all widened their eyes, exchanging puzzled glances. None knew the nature of their task.

Gong Degang broke the silence: “He Senior Brother, stop keeping us in suspense. We’re here now—just tell us.”

He Tianshu glanced at him, chuckled, and said, “Our goal is the ‘Ice Spirit Grass.’ Have you heard of it?”

“Ah!” Gong Degang, Yao Xueqing, and Ye Chunqiao exclaimed in unison, faces alight with astonishment and excitement.

Especially Gong Degang, who blurted out, “Heavens! Is it the Ice Spirit Grass that can be refined into ice-elemental spirit stones? That’s a rare treasure, hardly seen in a century! Who commissioned this task?”

He Tianshu nodded. “Indeed, it is the Ice Spirit Grass, capable of refining ice-elemental spirit stones, endowing ice magic, or forging ice swords. As for the commissioner, they’ve asked for their identity to remain confidential. All you need know is that they’re from our Profound Heaven Sword Sect.”

Gong Degang nodded. Ice magic had always been scarce, not a traditional school of sorcery, mostly due to the rarity of materials required. Such a precious item surely meant the reward would be generous.

Yao Xueqing quickly asked, “He Senior Brother, what’s the reward?”

Gong Degang glanced at her, thinking she was timely with her question.

He Tianshu smiled, held up five fingers, and said, “Five hundred Profound Heaven Jade Purity Pills.”

“Wow!” This time, Li Sibai was genuinely surprised. Such a sum would mean a hundred pills for him even after splitting, more than enough for him to advance a level.

The others, however, weren’t as excited as Li Sibai. They knew the rarity of the Ice Spirit Grass; five hundred Jade Purity Pills was within their expectations.

“But…” He Tianshu’s smile faded, his expression turning solemn as he looked at them.

Everyone perked up, sensing that the real issue lay ahead.

Yao Xueqing was quick to ask, “What is it, He Senior Brother? Is the Ice Spirit Grass hard to find?”

The others lowered their heads in thought. Such a rare herb would naturally be difficult to locate.

He Tianshu continued, “It is indeed hard to find, but the commissioner has already given me a general method, so it shouldn’t be too challenging.”

“And that is?” Gong Degang prompted. “Are we the only ones on this quest, or are there others?”

He Tianshu gave a wry smile and nodded. “Exactly. Last night, Brother Li met two people at the Drunken Immortal Tavern. They seemed to be inner disciples of our sect. According to his description, I suspect they’re after the Ice Spirit Grass as well.”

Hearing this, all but Li Sibai paled. They understood the implication:

In the vast forest of Jade Pearl Peak, teeming with formidable demon beasts, one needn’t hunt them, but must remain vigilant against their attacks. At the same time, they had to guard against their fellow sect disciples, who might become rivals. Even if there was no grudge, they would never let the Ice Spirit Grass slip away. And who could say how many teams there really were?

Li Sibai hadn’t considered so much. Young and fearless, he merely noticed the silence and gloom among the group, unable to grasp the situation.

Seeing everyone so dispirited, He Tianshu sought to encourage them: “There’s no need to overthink. We have our own advantages.” His gaze fell on Ye Chunqiao.

Ye Chunqiao had been silent, seeming calm. Now all eyes turned to her—and to the Soul-Devouring Whip in her hand.

She laughed, “No problem! I’ll lead the way!”

Gong Degang, familiar with her, declared, “I’ll protect Sister Ye up front!”

He Tianshu nodded, then looked at Li Sibai and Yao Xueqing.

Yao Xueqing chuckled, “We’re already here; of course we’ll press on. Besides, with Senior Brother He leading us, who’s afraid?”

Li Sibai quickly added, “Sister Yao is right. I’m ready to follow your orders, Senior Brother He. Let me take the front if needed!”

He Tianshu laughed heartily. “Good! That’s best. With the five of us together, we have a real chance. Once inside, Sister Ye will lead, her Soul-Devouring Whip clearing the path. Brothers Gong and Li will guard her flanks, while I and Sister Yao will cover the rear. The Ice Spirit Grass is said to grow by a lake at the very summit. We’ll follow the path of least resistance, hoping to find it swiftly and discreetly—avoiding unnecessary trouble.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and thus the team set off in search of the Ice Spirit Grass.