Chapter Fifty-Six: Found

The group walked forward a short distance when they first heard the sound of running water. Though the sound was faint, the utter stillness of their surroundings made it stand out, and as cultivators, their senses were keen enough to catch even the slightest noise. Advancing further, they soon came upon a small stream, meandering down from the mountain’s peak. Wisps of steam rose from its surface, infusing the air with a warm, humid quality. Around the stream, the passing water had melted the snow and ice, gathering into a broader flow, and on its banks, scattered green plants flourished, a stark contrast to the frozen landscape that stretched for miles beyond. This place, in its vitality, seemed almost miraculous.

He Tianshu could no longer conceal the smile on his face. “With this stream here, we must be close to our goal.”

Everyone was elated by his words. After days of searching without any clear lead, the possibility that they were near the legendary Ice Spirit Grass filled them with excitement.

He Tianshu continued, “But as we draw nearer to our objective, so too does the danger increase.”

They exchanged glances, understanding well what he meant. Their brief excitement quickly faded; it was not yet time to celebrate.

“We haven’t encountered the two senior brothers Li mentioned,” He Tianshu went on. “Perhaps Li was mistaken. But we must be prepared for the possibility that he was not. Think about it—if those two are indeed here, yet we’ve seen no trace of them, isn’t that odd? Don’t you find it all a bit too quiet?”

His words left the group deep in thought, some faces set with determination.

“Brother He is right,” Gong Degang said with a wry smile. “We must plan for the worst, or all our hard work will be for nothing.”

“Should we come up with a new strategy?” Yao Xueqing interjected, sensing the gravity of the situation.

He Tianshu shook his head helplessly. “Let me continue. Not only might we face fellow disciples lurking in the shadows, but there is also the possibility of a sky-ranked demon beast—the Ghostcar Bird—guarding this land. Even if it’s absent, the Ice Spirit Grass is a treasure of heaven and earth; surely, some rare beast will be its guardian. The only thing we can prepare for is how to deal with such a beast. If we encounter the Ghostcar Bird, we must flee at once. As for those hidden enemies, we know nothing of their strength or tactics. We’ll have to improvise if the time comes.”

“That’s all we can do,” Gong Degang agreed, nodding. “When dealing with the beast, Li and I will take the front to draw its attention. You and Sister Yao attack from the flanks, while Sister Ye handles long-range control with her Soul-Devouring Whip and keeps watch for any surprises. Does that work?”

“I’m fine with that,” Li Sibai replied quickly, not waiting for He Tianshu’s answer. He had been thinking along the same lines, and now, with Gong Degang voicing it first, he hastened to express his agreement.

Throughout their journey, Li Sibai’s performance in countless battles had been evident to all. Those who once thought he was merely there for the reward now viewed him differently. Though his rank was not high, as a frontline shield he was solid and reliable, especially with that black sword of his. Gong Degang had once tested its weight and found it heavier even than his own Eight Tiger Sword, which had surprised him and made him reconsider his opinion of Li Sibai.

Now, faced with the same dangers, they knew that only by pooling their strengths could they hope to complete the mission. Gong Degang, who had always served as the sole shield when hunting demon beasts, was naturally pleased to share the burden with his junior brother.

He Tianshu, however, still harbored some doubts. They had faced only lesser beasts so far; now, they might contend with both hostile disciples and sky-ranked monsters. He was unsure whether Li Sibai could shoulder such responsibility. But seeing Li Sibai accept without hesitation, he had no grounds for objection. “Let’s do it, then,” he said at last. “Just be careful up front.”

Yao Xueqing glanced at Li Sibai’s earnest expression and felt happy for him. He had finally earned everyone’s recognition; it seemed a sound arrangement.

Without further word, and with dusk approaching, they followed the stream uphill, searching as they went.

They scrutinized every blade of grass along the banks, careful not to miss anything, for none of them knew what the Ice Spirit Grass actually looked like.

Although He Tianshu had accepted this task, the grass only appeared once every century, and he had never seen it himself.

As they climbed, the stream widened, and the vegetation grew denser, making their search ever slower.

Just as frustration began to set in, Gong Degang’s excited voice rang out, “Come here, quickly! Is this it?”

His excitement was palpable. At his call, the group hurried over, Li Sibai among them.

What they saw was a large, rounded stone, as tall as a man’s waist. Beneath it grew a small white plant—not tall, but radiating a distinct chill even at close range.

He Tianshu observed carefully, then nodded. “This must be it. The cold aura around it is completely at odds with the surrounding warmth. For it to thrive here, it must be the Ice Spirit Grass!”

Everyone was thrilled. Gong Degang laughed. “Who would’ve thought it’d be this easy? No demon beasts about—this time we’ve really struck gold!”

Ye Chunqiao, usually reserved, smiled as well. “Isn’t this wonderful? Simple and straightforward—we have what we came for. I wish all our missions were like this.”

Yao Xueqing looked over at Li Sibai and teased, “Well, Little Bai, are you our lucky charm? Seems you brought us good fortune—such an easy find.”

With spirits high, Gong Degang knelt down, ready to harvest the precious herb.

“Wait. Something feels off,” Li Sibai, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke.

He Tianshu, too, sensed something amiss. It had all been far too easy. The group looked to Li Sibai, weapons at the ready.

But after a tense moment, nothing stirred.