Chapter 173: The Immortal Herb – Moonshadow Epiphyllum
"Well, alright then… Last time you left so suddenly, I didn't even know where you went." Zhang Lexuan nodded softly, her curiosity clearly piqued.
"Senior Sister, in some of the ancient books I've read, there are tales about miraculous herbs known as Immortal Herbs. They say that eating one can defy fate itself. According to legend, the original Shrek Seven Devils gained the right to become gods because they consumed these herbs."
"And recently, I found some clues. I've spent the past few weeks exploring half the continent—and made a few discoveries…"
Ye Chen spoke as he poured her another glass of wine, spinning his tale.
Of course, ninety‑nine percent of the story was pure fabrication—his "adventure" carefully adapted so it concealed any mention of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well.
As for the herb's existence, that part was true.
He trusted Zhang Lexuan completely. She was wise enough to understand the gravity of the matter and would never reveal such secrets.
She listened quietly, her expression calm, but Ye Chen noticed how her hands tightened whenever he described danger.
Only when he described his triumphant escape did she relax slightly again.
He didn't exaggerate too much—just enough to set the mood. Most of his tale was lighthearted and clever, ending with him outwitting nature to obtain the treasure.
By the end, Zhang Lexuan's lips curved upward in an involuntary smile.
The thought that he'd returned safe and sound, bearing something so precious, instantly soothed her heart.
"At least you came back unharmed," she thought. "That's all that matters."
"So," she asked softly, arching a brow, "Ma Xiaotao's evolution into Extreme Fire was because of one of these herbs you found?"
Ye Chen nodded. "That's right." Then, seeing her expression shift, he quickly added, "But of course, Senior Sister, you have one as well. Ma Xiaotao got hers, and you'll get yours too."
"Really?"
A flicker of excitement brightened her eyes.
She had heard of all kinds of spirit treasures, but something that could evolve martial spirits was unheard of.
Ye Chen smiled and took out a jade box, placing it gently on the table.
With a soft click, he opened it.
Resting within was a single ethereal bloom: a moon‑white flower whose petals shimmered with rippling silver light, its center dusted with what looked like starlit frost.
"This flower is called the Moonshadow Epiphyllum, and it only blooms under true moonlight," Ye Chen said quietly, glancing up at the sky.
As if in perfect harmony, the clouds above had cleared. A bright crescent moon hung over the horizon, washing the courtyard in soft silver.
The flower stirred. The faint silver glow along its petals suddenly deepened, becoming radiant.
Pop—
With a subtle sound, the Moonshadow Epiphyllum slowly unfurled, its petals glowing brighter and brighter until moonlight itself seemed to whirl around it in spiraling waves.
Silvery mist rose around the flower, and a cool, delicate fragrance filled the air.
"It's… beautiful," Zhang Lexuan whispered, eyes wide in awe.
She had never seen anything so otherworldly. The sight of a flower blooming beneath the moon, drawing light toward itself, was mesmerizing.
"This one I found especially for you," Ye Chen said, his tone gentle. "When absorbed, it enhances the absorption and conversion of lunar energy to soul power. For a Moon‑type spirit like yours, it's the ultimate auxiliary herb."
"It will also refine your soul power, compressing and purifying it to an even higher quality."
He hesitated briefly before adding, "Extreme‑attribute herbs are rare beyond measure. I couldn't find one that perfectly fit your element. But an Immortal Herb isn't defined by being the strongest—it's about being the most suitable. The Epiphyllum is precisely that, made for you. Its effects on you will be no less than an extreme‑type herb."
Noticing the faint gleam of surprise in her eyes, he hurried to explain further.
Her quiet demeanor tonight made him a little nervous.
He still preferred the warm, affectionate Zhang Lexuan—the one who spoiled him, not the one whose silence made his heart race.
"Pfft~"
Zhang Lexuan chuckled suddenly, unable to contain herself. Covering her mouth lightly, her laughter melted the tension from the air.
"Silly boy. You put in so much thought for me—how could I not be happy? Even if it were just a simple flower, I'd treasure it all the same."
As she spoke, she leaned closer, looping her arms around his neck.
Her soft lips brushed against his almost playfully.
…
A minute later.
Ye Chen reluctantly pulled away, his voice low but gentle.
"Senior Sister, it's best to absorb it now while it's fully in bloom. Its medicinal essence fades quickly under open air. We can't waste it."
He would've loved to linger longer, but this was more important. He wanted her to grow stronger.
"Alright, thank you, Xiao Chen."
Her voice was warm, tinged with emotion.
She had witnessed firsthand what an Immortal Herb could do for Ma Xiaotao—an evolved martial spirit, a massive boost in cultivation.
Something like this could easily exceed the value of a hundred‑thousand‑year soul bone.
No matter how calmly Ye Chen phrased it, she knew he must have faced unimaginable risk to obtain such a treasure.
She couldn't let his effort go unrewarded.
Taking a steady breath, Zhang Lexuan cradled the Moonshadow Epiphyllum in her hands and began absorbing it as Ye Chen instructed.
As her soul power circulated, the glow of the flower grew stronger, pulsing rhythmically as if it resonated with her heartbeat—alive and conscious.
A faint, radiant moon rose behind Zhang Lexuan—her martial spirit—and hung in the air, echoing the moon above them.
The two lights fused together, bathing her in holy silver brilliance.
This was the perfect environment for her—the mimicry of moonlight strengthening her resonance tenfold.
Ye Chen quietly released his spiritual power, forming an invisible barrier around the courtyard so no energy leaked out to attract attention.
He had originally intended to wait until she was closer to a breakthrough before giving her the herb.
At her level, the Moonshadow Epiphyllum could raise her cultivation by about three or four ranks, bringing her to around level eighty‑six or eighty‑seven.
If taken right before breaking through, it might even have pushed her directly beyond level ninety—perhaps even let her form a spirit nucleus on the spot.
Still, there were advantages to using it early—it would enhance her foundation, refine her aptitude, and smooth out future bottlenecks.
And given how perfectly this herb matched her spirit's nature, it would no doubt awaken new depths within her.
(END CHAPTER)
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