Chapter 109: Spirit Wine (New)

Jiang Yan’s face instantly registered shock upon hearing those words. Mountains could possess their own fortune? And it could even be stolen? Such a notion was beyond belief. No… this was truly the immortal cultivation world! Suddenly, he recalled his master mentioning a Chaos Pearl that could absorb one’s fortune. Without hesitation, Jiang Yan took out his communication jade talisman and infused it with spiritual power to contact his master.

Meanwhile, Lin Qi was leisurely lying atop a pile of glittering spirit stones, contentedly gnawing on one. The crisp sound of stone crunching filled the quiet air until the jade talisman in his hand vibrated suddenly, shattering his moment of tranquility. Casually tossing aside the spirit stone, he quickly grasped the talisman and touched it lightly to answer the call.

“Hello? Dear disciple, what brings you to your master?” Lin Qi’s voice came through smoothly.

“Master, we’ve encountered a… well, that’s not important. The key is, the mountain became utterly barren overnight because its fortune was stolen,” Jiang Yan reported quickly.

Lin Qi frowned deeply. If his disciple’s information was true, then the Chaos Pearl must be the culprit behind this mischief. “Dear disciple, I suspect the chaos pearl is at work here. You must be cautious. By the way, is Yun Yun by your side?” His tone grew serious.

“Yes, Master. Yun Yun is right here with me,” Jiang Yan replied.

A faint smile curved Lin Qi’s lips. “Since she’s with you, the Chaos Pearl is not to be feared. I have a task for you: obtain that Chaos Pearl at all costs. Remember to stay close to Yun Yun and never stray far from her.”

“Master, rest assured, I will handle this matter,” Jiang Yan answered with confidence.

The glow of the jade talisman faded as Lin Qi picked up another spirit stone, nibbling on it while murmuring, “With such a disciple, this old master can rest easier.”

At the same time, Jiang Yan’s gaze shifted to the giant panda still kneeling and unable to rise. Clearing his throat, he said, “To solve this problem, we must start at the source. If we help you overcome this difficulty, what can you offer in return?”

The panda’s large, round eyes rolled thoughtfully. It vaguely recalled hearing words like “fortune” and “Chaos Pearl.” Though not fully understanding, it was clear these two were no ordinary individuals. Perhaps, they truly could help restore the mountain’s fortune to their clan.

“Hero, our clan possesses a spirit wine passed down for a thousand years, brewed by soaking spirit bamboo. Would that suffice? If you can help restore the mountain’s fortune, we are willing to offer all our spirit wine,” the panda offered earnestly.

A curious light flickered in Yun Yun’s eyes, prompting her to ask, “Spirit wine? What makes it special?”

The panda smacked its lips, as if savoring the aroma still lingering in its memory. “The spirit wine smells enchanting; it heals wounds and enhances spiritual power. Among us, it is our most treasured possession, rarely tasted. Moreover, the longer it is stored, the richer the aroma and the stronger its effects…”

“Very well, it’s settled then. But to ensure sincerity on both sides, we must sign a contract,” Jiang Yan decided decisively.

“Excellent, please follow me to meet the shaman,” the panda said eagerly.

“Let’s go!”

The panda led the way enthusiastically, its powerful leaps covering great distances despite its inability to fly. Jiang Yan stored his motorbike within his spatial ring and, alongside Yun Yun, performed a flying technique, trailing closely behind.

Meanwhile, in the mountain range adjacent to the pandas’—the domain of the pig demon clan—the pig demon chief was respectfully receiving a mysterious woman clad in black, her face concealed behind a striking purple mask.

“Honored benefactor, please take a seat. Allow me to serve you tea,” the pig demon chief said, baring sharp fangs. Though he attempted a warm smile, the gleam of his teeth lent it a menacing edge. He gestured courteously toward a stone bench.

The woman gave a soft “hmph,” gracefully lifting her skirt and sitting down with poise.

“Benefactor, since the fortune from the neighboring mountain has flowed into our range, our spiritual energy has grown richer and our spirit plants flourish. We are truly grateful!” the chief expressed with heartfelt gratitude.

“As long as you are satisfied! Remember, this matter must remain secret. Do not disclose it to outsiders. And do not forget, half of the treasures gained belong to me,” the woman’s voice was cold, commanding unquestionable authority.

“Of course, benefactor. The pig demon clan never breaks its word.”

The woman nodded lightly, her tone indifferent. “I will take my leave now. Inform me immediately if there is anything of value.”

“Certainly, certainly. Safe travels, benefactor.”

Bowing deeply, the pig demon chief respectfully escorted the woman out of the tribe. Once she was away, she mounted a flying sword and shot across the sky like a streak of light.

Narrowing his eyes, the pig demon chief sneered with disdain, “Hmph, just a woman, acting all high and mighty.”

On the flying sword, the woman gently removed her black cloak, revealing a flowing purple dress. Slowly, she lifted the purple mask, revealing a delicate and charming face—none other than Lin Ruyan.

She stored her cloak and mask in her spatial ring, then took out the spirit pearl. “Spirit Pearl, have you upgraded?” she asked expectantly.

The pearl flickered brightly and surprisingly emitted a childlike voice, “Upgraded! The fortune in that mountain range is exceptionally dense.”

A brilliant smile blossomed on Lin Ruyan’s face. “Wonderful! Can you help me improve my cultivation?”

No sooner had she spoken than the pearl flashed again, releasing a surge of fortune that merged into Lin Ruyan’s body.

Carefully guiding her spiritual power, she felt her cultivation steadily rise and inwardly rejoiced. If all went well, she would soon break through to the advanced Golden Core stage.

A sharp glint appeared in her eyes as she whispered, “Spirit Pearl, should we also absorb the fortune from the pig demon clan’s mountain range?”

The pearl’s light flickered slightly, its youthful voice carrying a serious tone. “No, that would be too risky and would attract the attention of the Heavenly Dao. Absorbing the fortune from two adjacent mountain ranges consecutively is too conspicuous and would surely raise alarm. Besides, someone is searching for me. If we’re too obvious, that person could easily trace my whereabouts…”

After explaining, the pearl admitted that since it had gained the ability to speak, communication with this foolish woman had become much easier.

It had chosen to absorb the fortune from the more remote mountain range precisely because it was less likely to attract notice. Moreover, it cleverly diverted some fortune to the neighboring range, so even if the Heavenly Dao noticed, it would only suspect mischief there.

The pearl continued, “You should continue to seek more fortune bearers and absorb their fortune.”

Jiang Yan was the most potent fortune bearer it had encountered, but Lin Ruyan could not approach him. Plus, since it desired Jiang Yan’s Golden Core, it was in no rush to absorb his fortune.

They would have to find other fortune bearers instead…