Chapter 60: The Black Flower

As the disciples collapsed one after another into a deep slumber, Jiang Yan and the others quietly revealed themselves.

“Heh, Fourth Senior Sister, what kind of poison did you use? It’s really impressive, you managed to knock all of them out,” Jiang Yan asked, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

Wen Yue explained calmly, “It’s just a special incense I concocted to mesmerize the mind. It sends people into a dreamlike sleep for three days and nights—hardly a true poison. They’ve merely lost consciousness for now; their lives are in no danger.”

At that moment, Xie Lingzhou’s gaze fell on Lin Yurou, who had collapsed beside a male disciple. He walked over, gently lifted her into his arms, and settled her on an open patch of ground.

He murmured softly, with a hint of playful mockery, “It seems even our little beauty couldn’t escape—she’s been lulled into a stupor as well…”

Observing Xie Lingzhou’s actions, Jiang Yan marveled inwardly. Third Senior Brother, notorious for his penchant for cross-dressing, could be so manly at times!

“Let’s head up first,” Ji Chuxue suggested to the group.

“Yes, let’s not give them a chance to recover,” Wu Qianqian quickly agreed.

…

Jiang Yan and the others soon returned to the sandy plateau above the cliff.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Ji Chuxue said, “Little Six, we can’t linger here. Let’s depart at once.”

At her words, Jiang Yan swiftly retrieved the RV from his storage pouch.

Everyone boarded, and Xie Lingzhou took the helm, steering the vehicle at full speed toward the exit of the Death Desert.

Wu Qianqian, her curiosity piqued to the point of restlessness, could not help but ask, “First Senior Sister, can you show us the Resurrection Flower now?”

Apart from the little dwarf dragon, the others also looked on with eager anticipation as Ji Chuxue prepared to reveal the flower.

Zhou Yu, however, was inwardly tense.

Sensing everyone’s excitement, Ji Chuxue gently stroked her space ring and slowly withdrew two Resurrection Flowers.

“There are two! But why do they look a little different in color?” Wu Qianqian exclaimed in surprise and puzzlement.

Each flower was about the size of a palm, with two broad green leaves sprouting from the stem and delicate roots trailing below. One flower shone a deep, mysterious blue, while the other was somber, nearly black in hue.

Jiang Yan regarded the two flowers and commented, “Tch, that black Resurrection Flower is truly ugly.”

Zhou Yu, on seeing the flowers, was overcome by an irrepressible surge of excitement—his Xin’er could be saved!

He spoke urgently, “Everyone, could you part with one of the Resurrection Flowers? I am willing to pay a high price.”

Ji Chuxue replied, “We usually decide through auction—the highest bidder wins. How much are you willing to offer?”

Zhou Yu took a deep breath and said resolutely, “Three hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones—how about that?”

Jiang Yan was inwardly stunned by the number—this fellow was certainly wealthy!

Yet Ji Chuxue did not respond immediately; she simply sat there in silence, as if waiting for something.

As the young master of Snow Mountain Manor, Zhou Yu understood perfectly. He raised his offer without hesitation. “Five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones?”

Ji Chuxue’s eyes gleamed with decision. The darker, less brilliant flower could be sold to Zhou Yu.

She nodded lightly, a faint smile curving her lips. “Deal. The black Resurrection Flower is yours.”

Zhou Yu’s face beamed with unconcealed joy. “Wonderful! Thank you! Xin’er is finally saved.”

He quickly retrieved five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones from his storage ring and handed them to Ji Chuxue.

After verifying the amount, Ji Chuxue prepared to hand him the black Resurrection Flower.

Unexpectedly, the black flower began to struggle desperately.

“Beautiful lady, kind-hearted beauty, please don’t sell me! Please! If you must sell one, sell the blue one instead!” The black Resurrection Flower pleaded, its voice quavering with sobs, childlike and androgynous.

Jiang Yan and the others were utterly stunned at this talking flower.

Heavens, had this flower cultivated a spirit already?

The black bloom was so dark that it was impossible to discern a mouth or eyes.

“Have you gained sentience?” Ji Chuxue asked, pinching the flower and observing it closely.

“I… I finally gained consciousness. Please, don’t sell me, don’t eat me… please…” the black flower wailed pitifully.

“Stop crying, or I really will sell you,” Ji Chuxue threatened.

At her words, the flower’s sobs ceased instantly.

Jiang Yan suspected the black flower was putting on a show.

Xiao Bai, curious about the talking flower, hopped onto Ji Chuxue’s lap and sniffed it with his soft pink nose.

The black flower, seeing the big feline face draw near, began to struggle again. “Don’t eat me, please, I beg you…”

Ji Chuxue, helpless, set Xiao Bai on the ground. “Little Junior Brother, you’re scaring it.”

“Beautiful lady, could you let go of me? I need to find my father—I promise I won’t run away,” the black Resurrection Flower pleaded weakly.

With little concern, Ji Chuxue released her hold. She doubted the flower was capable of escape anyway.

Jiang Yan’s curiosity was piqued—would this “father” be the blue flower? If so, this black flower was quite unfilial!

The little dwarf dragon stared at the black flower with wide, round eyes.

Flower and dragon locked gazes—or at least, so the flower believed.

The black Resurrection Flower, upon seeing the dwarf dragon, hurriedly scuttled over with its roots and clung tightly to the dragon’s right leg with its broad leaves. “Father, you mustn’t abandon me!”

“Don’t be ridiculous! How could I be your father? Let go!” the little dwarf dragon protested, clearly annoyed. There was no way it wanted to be the parent of an ugly flower.

“Father, are you really going to abandon me? You were the one who pulled me out of the earth!”

“So whoever pulls you out is your father? Hmph, I refuse to be the parent of an ugly flower like you!” With that, the little dragon shook its leg in an effort to dislodge the clingy bloom.

Finding that the flower clung to its leg like stubborn glue, the dragon threatened, “Don’t make me use fire on you!”

At this, the black Resurrection Flower instantly let go. “I’m sorry, Father. Please don’t be angry…”

The scene of flower and dragon recognizing each other was so comical that Jiang Yan could not help but burst out laughing.

“Hahaha, little dragon, the flower is so sincere in calling you ‘father’—why not accept it?”

“Hmph! I am no one’s father. Ugly flower, listen well: if you call me ‘father’ again, you’ll regret it!”

“Then… what should I call you?”

The black Resurrection Flower was aggrieved. Its “father” refused to acknowledge it.

“Call me Lord Dragon, of course!”

Reluctantly, the flower gave in. “L-Lord Dragon…”

Wu Qianqian, intrigued, asked the black Resurrection Flower, “What’s your name? Has the blue Resurrection Flower gained sentience too?”

“I don’t have a name yet. I have to wait for my—no, for Lord Dragon to name me. The blue Resurrection Flower hasn’t gained consciousness; I’m the only one,” answered the black flower.