By the shores of White Moon Lake.
Jiang Hao followed Elder Qianxu closely. Every now and then, he glanced at the tranquil surface of the lake. The spiritual energy here was incredibly rich, ideal for cultivation, yielding double the results with half the effort. Compared to Broken Hearts Cliff, this place was worlds apart.
After a short while, they arrived at a courtyard by the lake. Jiang Hao felt an inexplicable aura about this place. It seemed as dangerous as a sleeping beast, yet as serene as a celestial paradise.
"Come in."
A sudden voice emerged from inside, exuding a calm yet authoritative tone. Upon entering the courtyard, Jiang Hao saw a breathtakingly beautiful woman wearing white. Her hair was styled simply, and she sat with grace in a pavilion, radiating elegance and nobility.
The powerful aura around her left Jiang Hao a bit overwhelmed. Prompted by Elder Qianxu, he quickly saluted, "Junior Jiang Hao, greets the Elder."
Elder Qianxu then presented the Purity Flower and explained the situation.
"Is that so?" Bai Zhi looked at Jiang Hao with a gentle smile. "It seems you have some skill. Coincidentally, I have a task that needs attending to. Complete it, and there will be rewards for you."
An empty promise... Jiang Hao sighed inwardly.
"If you fail, you should know the consequences," Bai Zhi continued smiling.
"Understood," Jiang Hao nodded. Glancing at the elder, he felt nothing but helplessness and absurdity. Twice now, he had accomplished deeds, yet both times, he ended up being threatened. The Demonic Sect was indeed unreasonable.
Soon after, Jiang Hao departed from the courtyard with a seed in hand, escorted by Senior Sister Zhou Chan as he left White Moon Lake. What surprised him was the elder's identity. Bai Zhi was none other than one of the four great Protective Elders, and acting Sect Master of the Heavenly Sound Sect, wielding ultimate power over life and death.
Hearing this from Senior Sister Zhou left Jiang Hao somewhat incredulous. How did he, by sheer luck, end up meeting someone so high-ranking, someone who was second only to the head of the Demonic Sect?
Nonetheless, this caretaking task was rewarding, as Elder Qianxu had given him forty spirit stones, effectively doubling his reward. Yet, the seed remained a mystery. Bai Zhi had merely instructed him to plant it without specifying any requirements or outcome. It was rather unusual.
"As the acting Sect Master, why choose me to plant this seed? There should be many stronger than me for this task..."
"There's something more to this. Being made to plant this seed surely serves another purpose."
With doubts in mind, Jiang Hao wished to appraise the seed to understand what it truly was. However, he had to wait until tomorrow for his Daily Appraisal ability to refresh.
Facing the exquisite Bai Zhi, he was grateful his heart remained calm as still water, yet he couldn't summon much joy. This poison, when would he be able to break free from it? And as for the one who poisoned him... it's best to avoid her, for she was far too dangerous.
...
Later in the afternoon, Jiang Hao returned to his residence. After a brief meditation, he activated his Status Panel.
[Name: Jiang Hao]
[Age: Nineteen]
[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Early Stage]
[Technique: Hundred Revolutions of Heavenly Sound]
[Divine Abilities: Nine Revolutions Death Substitution (Unique), Daily Appraisal]
[Vital Qi: 27/100 (Can be cultivated)]
[Cultivation Level: 32/100 (Can be cultivated)]
[Divine Abilities: 3/3 (Can be obtained)]
Both his Vital Qi and cultivation level had increased considerably, nearing a full hundred. Most importantly, his Divine Abilities were maxed out, allowing him to acquire another. After ensuring his surroundings were secure, Jiang Hao chose to acquire the new ability.
In an instant, the number of Divine Abilities dropped from three to zero. And within him, a light began to form, a new power taking shape. It wasn't painful; rather, it was soothing, a feeling of clarity and calm.
Sensing the transformation, Jiang Hao realized it was the result of the new Divine Ability. Contrary to how he felt when acquiring Daily Appraisal, this time was different.
Moments later, the light faded, along with the comfort it provided. Consulting his list of abilities, he noticed a new addition.
[Divine Abilities: Nine Revolutions Death Substitution (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear and Tranquil Heart]
"Clear and Tranquil Heart?"
Jiang Hao could sense the Divine Ability within him, yet its specific function remained a mystery.
"Let's give it a try."
After pondering for a moment, he activated the ability. Instantly, a sensation like a bucket of icy water poured over him, enveloping him in a brisk chill. The cold penetrated into his mind with each breath he took.
An unprecedented clarity filled his consciousness, as if the cobwebs of his mind were swept away, leaving his thoughts as clear as the peak of a high mountain. Taken by surprise, Jiang Hao found the experience thoroughly enjoyable.
Observing his surroundings, everything appeared sharply detailed, even the smallest nuances. It was as if he was eager to absorb everything anew. Taking a book on talisman crafting, he sought greater understanding.
Reading through the part about spirit concentrating talismans, flashes of insight sparked to life within his mind. He no longer required composure to draft the talismans.
Shortly, he stood before his work table, dipping his talisman brush in vermilion ink, and commenced crafting talismans. The brush moved with ease and precision in his hand, every stroke naturally guided seemingly by divine assistance.
Finally, after some time, as light flickered and then faded, the talisman was complete.
"This Divine Ability came at the perfect time."
Setting the brush down, Jiang Hao beamed with satisfaction. He spent the entire night crafting talismans. Out of ten sets of materials, he successfully made five talismans -- two spirit concentrating talismans, two Divine Sword talismans, and one blazing flame talisman. After deducting the costs, he earned nearly a dozen spirit stones, a promising start. His success rate would likely increase.
Within two months, he might even gather a thousand spirit stones.
"Good fortune indeed, though it is rather taxing."
Jiang Hao sat on the balcony, fatigue setting in as he watched the sunrise. Taking out the seed, he planned to appraise it today, as the time was right.