Ever since returning from the abandoned herb garden that day, a thought had persistently lingered in Xiao Qi's mind. That peculiar plant bearing the white-jade fruit, which he had revived—though he did not know its name—its form, its unusual fragrance, and the eerie vine's covetousness toward it all indicated it was no ordinary weed. Moreover, the process of using the power of the jade pendant to revive it had stirred within him an intense curiosity and desire to explore his own abilities.
He dared not bring the entire plant back—that would be far too conspicuous. But before leaving, while the rabbit spirit was not paying attention, he had carefully plucked a small leaf from beside that plant, one that also displayed a pale purple hue with fine silver speckles, and secretly tucked it into his robe. Even after being separated from the mother plant, this leaf retained a peculiar vitality; cool to the touch, it emitted a faint, calming fragrance that soothed the mind.
Whom should he ask to identify it? Master Xuanlin would certainly possess broad knowledge, but Xiao Qi dared not approach him rashly. The secret of the jade pendant, and his ability to wield the power of purification, were absolute secrets he must bury deep within his heart, never to be lightly revealed. Elder Brother Mu Qingfeng was steady and reliable, yet Xiao Qi had little interaction with him; moreover, as the senior disciple with higher status, asking about a strange plant might arouse suspicion. Third Sister Liu Yun was straightforward, but likely not well-versed in this field. After much deliberation, the most suitable candidate turned out to be that seemingly most unreliable second elder brother—Luo Feng. Though his nature was flighty and he took pleasure in unorthodox methods, precisely because of this, his knowledge was extremely eclectic; he understood many bizarre and peculiar things. Moreover, though he chattered endlessly, he was not the type to gossip maliciously or harbor ill intentions, and he cared for Xiao Qi quite well.
That day, Xiao Qi found an excuse to slip away to the remote little courtyard where Luo Feng often stayed, filled with all sorts of odd components and talisman papers. Luo Feng was scratching his head over an iron plate covered in twisted talisman patterns, muttering to himself.
"Second Elder Brother," Xiao Qi called softly.
Luo Feng did not look up, responding casually, "Oh, little junior brother. Just in time—help me look at this. Why does the spiritual power always get stuck here when I overlap this 'Spirit-Gathering' talisman with the 'Vibration' talisman?"
Xiao Qi knew nothing about talismans and could only smile wryly and shake his head. "Second Elder Brother, I... I don't understand this. I have something I'd like you to take a look at."
"What is it?" Only then did Luo Feng raise his head, looking curiously at Xiao Qi.
Xiao Qi glanced left and right, confirming no one was around, before taking out from his robe a small bundle carefully wrapped in clean, soft cloth. He unwrapped it layer by layer, revealing inside that pale purple leaf with silver speckles. As soon as the leaf was exposed to the air, that unique, calming fragrance spread around them.
Luo Feng's originally casual expression instantly stiffened. He leaned in close, sniffed hard with his nose, and his eyes widened in astonishment. "This... this is... Clearheart Grass leaf?! And of such superior quality! Where did you get this?!"
"Clearheart Grass?" Xiao Qi's heart stirred, and he quickly pressed on. "Second Elder Brother, is this Clearheart Grass very precious?"
"Not just precious!" Luo Feng carefully picked up the leaf with his fingers, holding it up to the sunlight for closer inspection. His tone was filled with awe. "Clearheart Grass, as the name implies, has the effects of clearing the mind and purifying the spirit, resisting inner demons, and resolving many strange poisons! It's one of the main ingredients for refining high-level detoxification pills, Barrier-Breaking Pills, and even some Spirit-Concentration Pills! Because its growth conditions are extremely demanding, it's extremely difficult to cultivate artificially; wild specimens are even rarer. A single leaf of well-aged Clearheart Grass can fetch a sky-high price in the market outside! This leaf of yours, though small—judging by its color, these silver speckles, this fragrance—it's definitely a top-grade specimen of considerable age! You kid... what kind of incredible luck did you stumble upon? Where did you pick it up?"
Xiao Qi's mind was shaken! He never expected that a plant he had casually saved would have leaves so precious! Suppressing the turmoil within, he vaguely explained, "It was... a few days ago when I went to the back mountain to gather firewood. I saw it growing in a very secluded crevice between rocks. There was only this little patch, and I picked it because it looked pretty." He dared not mention the abandoned herb garden or the rabbit spirit.
"In a crevice between rocks?" Luo Feng looked suspiciously at Xiao Qi, clearly not believing that Clearheart Grass would grow in a crevice. But he didn't press further, merely clicking his tongue in amazement. "Then your luck truly is extraordinary! But what a pity—only one leaf. If you could find a complete plant, especially if you could locate the 'Pure White Jade Fruit' it bears, the value... tsk tsk, I'm afraid even Golden Core stage masters and elders would be tempted!"
Pure White Jade Fruit! Xiao Qi remembered the fruit at the top of that plant, which had become lustrous, white, and warm after he revived it. So it was called Pure White Jade Fruit! Its value was actually so astonishing!
Luo Feng handed the leaf back to Xiao Qi, earnestly advising, "Little junior brother, keep this leaf safe, and absolutely do not show it off lightly. You understand the principle that wealth shouldn't be flaunted. If needed, you could go to the senior disciples at the Alchemy Hall to exchange it for some pills suitable for your current cultivation level or for contribution points—it would greatly benefit your cultivation. However, I suggest you keep it yourself. In a critical moment, this leaf might just save your life."
Xiao Qi took the leaf, carefully rewrapped it, and placed it back into his robe. Yet his heart felt as if it had been swept by raging waves.
Clearheart Grass... Pure White Jade Fruit... sky-high prices...
What he had revived wasn't just a plant—it was a moving treasure trove! And all of this stemmed from the jade pendant at his chest, from the power of the "Purification Source"!
Previously, he only knew the jade pendant could calm the spirit, heal wounds, expel poisons, and even seal away memories. But he had never imagined that the "purification" power it contained could also bring rare, dying spirit plants back to life! This was no simple healing; it was more like... bestowing vitality? Or perhaps, expelling all "impurities" harmful to the plant, returning it to its purest, most vibrant original state?
If this ability were to spread, what kind of maddened covetousness would it attract? He could almost already see countless greedy eyes and cold blades.
After immense joy came even deeper vigilance and heaviness. For the first time, he so clearly realized that this special ability he possessed was both a heaven-sent opportunity and a sword hanging over his head.
"Thank you for your guidance, Second Elder Brother," Xiao Qi said solemnly to Luo Feng.
"What's to thank? We're fellow disciples." Luo Feng waved his hand, then buried himself again in studying his talismans, though still muttering, "Strange, how could Clearheart Grass grow in a crevice between rocks..."
Xiao Qi left Luo Feng's courtyard, carrying that invaluable leaf in his robe, yet his steps were unusually heavy. He now knew the value of spirit grass, and even more, he realized the value and danger of his own ability. On the path ahead, he must be even more careful and cautious.
For now, he did not plan to use this Clearheart Grass leaf. Let it remain hidden as both a warning and a hope. And that abandoned herb garden, along with the rabbit spirit guarding its treasure, would become yet another secret he must strictly keep within his heart.