Chapter 87: Treasure Pavilion, Medicinal Herb Garden!
Not long after, led by Wen Tingguang, the group arrived at the treasure vault of the Cangqiong Sect.
Before them stood an exceptionally grand and imposing hall, fiercely guarded at the entrance. It was rumored to be fortified with forty-nine formidable killing formations. Trespassing without proper authorization would lead even formidable individuals like Wen Tingguang to a certain death.
"Ling Feng, feel free to choose from the treasures on the first level as you wish. However, if you wish to proceed to the second level, you must inform me so I can escort you," Wen Tingguang cautioned attentively.
"Do the items on the second level surpass those on the first?" Ling Feng's eyes lit up, his gaze fixed on Wen Tingguang.
"Of course, they are superior," Wen Tingguang affirmed with a nod. "However, your current level of cultivation falls considerably short. Generally, only those who have ascended to the Transformation Realm, where their true qi is transmuted into elemental qi, can effectively utilize the items found on the second level."
"I understand. I'll just choose from the first level then," Ling Feng acknowledged with a slight nod. No matter how remarkable the treasures might be, if he lacked the ability to wield them, they would be of little use.
After a while, Ling Feng settled on a low-grade treasured sword from the first-level treasure vault. His Abysmal Inkblade had become unusable in Luofeng Canyon, and the flexible sword he acquired from Lin Yinyin, aside from being unsuitable for his proficiency, was best kept concealed due to its discreet nature.
As for the treasured armor Lin Yinyin had, it was now worn by Ling Feng. After all, when worn underneath clothing, it was hardly noticeable.
"Ling Feng, your discernment is quite impressive. Although this sword is merely a lower-grade treasured weapon, it possesses the rare dual attributes of wind and fire. It's known as the Crimson-Fire Golden Wind. In the hands of a martial artist proficient in both wind and fire attributes, its power is nearly on par with that of a middle-grade treasured weapon"
Ling Feng nodded in agreement. Due to consuming the Sunfire Crimson Fruit, his true qi had been imbued with a trace of dominant and fiery attributes.
Indeed, the Crimson-Fire Golden Wind Sword was a perfect match for him.
"I must say, Mr. Ling, after such an extensive tour, you've only settled on a single sword?"
Upon seeing Ling Feng only selecting one sword, Qiao Qiao couldn't help but think to herself that he might be a bit too generous.
Wen Tingguang also questioned whether Ling Feng's choice was too conservative. He chuckled and remarked, "Kid, our Cangqiong Sect isn't so stingy with our treasures. Feel free to select several items, there's no need to hold back!"
Ling Feng shook his head. "All I require is a sword. But Senior, as you know, I am a physician. Would it be possible for you to take me to the medicinal herb garden?"
"Oh!" Wen Tingguang exclaimed, suddenly understanding. "So, that's what you're after!"
"Of course, no problem!" Wen Tingguang nodded immediately. As a physician, he was naturally most interested in medicinal herbs and medicines, especially in the Cangqiong Sect's medicinal herb garden, where there were countless rare varieties that couldn't be found elsewhere.
"In that case, I'll trouble you, Senior. Lead the way," Ling Feng said with a faint smile.
Beside them, Yue Yunlan blinked her bright eyes, her admiration for Ling Feng growing even stronger.
In no time, Wen Tingguang guided them out of the Treasure Pavilion, following a serene path lined with blue stones that led them to a picturesque[1] mountainous area.
At the medicinal herb garden of the Cangqiong Sect.
Upon entering the garden, a dense spiritual aura greeted them, permeating the air with a delightful fragrance reminiscent of stepping into an otherworldly paradise.
In the midst of the medicinal herb garden, disciples could be faintly seen distributed throughout, bending over to catch insects and weed. Everywhere in the garden, precious and incomparable exotic flowers and plants were cultivated.
Taking a quick look around, Ling Feng felt a hidden sense of excitement.
Many of the medicinal herbs here were documented in his grandfather's medical books, yet he had never laid eyes on them before. For a physician like himself, the opportunity to witness such a vast array of rare treasures felt akin to being in paradise.
"Isn't our Cangqiong Sect's medicinal herb garden impressive!"
Upon seeing Ling Feng's expression, Wen Tingguang immediately chuckled, "These exotic flowers and rare herbs are treasures transplanted from all corners of the empire. Not only from the Tianbai Empire but also from the Western Wilderness, Nanjiang, Northern Desert, Eastern Isles, seeds from various regions are sought after. After centuries of cultivation, the flourishing scene of the medicinal herb garden today has been formed."
Ling Feng silently nodded in agreement, realizing that many of these varieties couldn't possibly thrive within the Tianbai Empire alone; nurturing them required immense effort.
"If you have your eye on any particular medicinal herb, Ling Feng, feel free to let me know. I can authorize giving you some." Wen Tingguang chuckled.
"That guy, while these medicinal herbs are impressive, it would be a shame if he couldn't refine them into medicinal pills." Qiao Qiao pouted, unable to resist her murmur.
"How can you be sure he can't refine medicinal pills?" Yue Yunlan shot Qiao Qiao a disapproving glance.
"I'm just guessing. He's so young, studying medicine, practicing cultivation, and if he can also refine medicinal pills, won't those alchemists be out of work?" Qiao Qiao stuck out her tongue, defending her point.
These words reached Ling Feng's ears, causing him to chuckle inwardly at the misconception.
The term medicinal pills indicated that medicine and pills were inherently linked and could not be separated.
It's only the mediocre physicians who fail to grasp the essence of alchemy. Though I may not claim to possess an exceptional level of proficiency in alchemy, I do have some skill.
An elderly figure clad in a purple robe emerged from a palace adjacent to the garden, followed by several young men and women. Spotting Wen Tingguang, he hurried over and respectfully greeted, "Elder Wen! Young Lady!"
"Ah, it's Elder Li!" Wen Tingguang nodded, observing the group of over twenty young disciples trailing behind Elder Li. After a moment of contemplation, enlightenment dawned upon him. "Oh, today is the day for the herb-picking competition in the garden!"
"Indeed, these disciples are some of the finest talents assigned to the medicinal herb garden this year." Elder Li affirmed with a smile.
"Intriguing." Wen Tingguang's eyes gleamed with amusement. He glanced back at Ling Feng and chuckled, "Elder Li, I have a young friend here who also knows a thing or two about medicinal herbs. How about letting him join the competition with your selected disciples?"
"Um..." Elder Li glanced at Ling Feng, realizing that as a mere overseer of the herb garden, he was not privy to the inner workings of the sect. He wasn't even aware of the news regarding the sect leader falling ill, let alone Ling Feng's involvement in treating him.
Therefore, he simply assumed that Ling Feng was Wen Tingguang's nephew, accompanying Yue Yunlan for a leisurely stroll in the herb garden.
Before Elder Li could respond, a youth clad in a red robe stepped forward from behind him. "Elder, you can agree without hesitation!"
With a provocative glance at Ling Feng, it was evident that this youth was likely the most skilled among the disciples in the herb garden.
"Alright," Elder Li nodded confidently at the red-robed youth. "Since Elder Wen has spoken, adding this young brother shouldn't be a problem."
Ling Feng looked bewildered. How did he inexplicably find himself participating in some herb-picking competition?
"Hehe, kid, feel free to gather the finest medicinal herbs you can find. Whatever you pick, I'll personally ensure you get to keep them!"
With a chuckle, Wen Tingguang lowered his voice. "Don't say that I'm not looking out for you. If you manage to clinch first place in the competition, there's a chance to win rewards like martial arts techniques and cultivation methods!"
As Ling Feng wasn't a member of the Cangqiong Sect, hence, despite Wen Tingguang's desire to offer guidance, he was constrained by sect regulations and couldn't make any exceptions.
However, if Ling Feng could achieve victory in the picking competition, according to the rules, he could be rewarded with a set of cultivation techniques.
Ling Feng's talent is undeniable, yet his dedication to the mediocre techniques of the Wenxian Sect is seen as a squandering of potential by Wen Tingguang.
Now that this opportunity has presented itself, Wen Tingguang has also begun to devise his own plans.
1. A place or building, visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way. ☜
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