Volume One, Chapter 16: Spores and the Source of Life

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Yun Qianbai could no longer wait. It had been over half a month since his younger sister disappeared, and every moment felt like torture. He fixed his gaze on Ye Dong, his eyes bloodshot from anxiety and anger, his voice low and hoarse as if squeezed from the depths of his throat: “If you want to cooperate, you must first show some sincerity! What’s the meaning of all these riddles? Since you know where my sister is, you must know she suffers from toxic gas syndrome, right? Where is she?”

Ye Dong looked into Yun Qianbai’s fiery eyes with an even brighter smile, cunning like a sly fox. He spoke deliberately: “Your sister’s illness has been cured. She’s recovered.”

Hearing this, Yun Qianbai’s heart lifted slightly, his tense nerves relaxing a little, but Ye Dong’s next words plunged him into an icy abyss.

“After all, she’s a highly profitable asset in the hands of the Hidden Sect. How could they allow her to remain ill and affect the quality of their products?” Ye Dong’s voice was light, but it struck Yun Qianbai’s heart like a heavy hammer.

Yun Qianbai was stunned, staring blankly at Ye Dong, momentarily speechless.

“What do you mean?” After a long pause, he found his voice again, trembling slightly.

Ye Dong remained calm and unhurried, as if recounting something unrelated to himself: “The Hidden Sect is about to hold an auction featuring rare treasures like the Serpent’s Desire Fruit, the Millennial Snow Silkworm, and the Octagonal Black Ice Grass — all items that can enhance the resilience and strength of those with supernatural abilities.”

“What does this have to do with my sister?” Yun Qianbai’s voice was filled with impatience. He only wanted to know his sister’s whereabouts; these so-called treasures held no interest.

“Don’t rush, Brother Yun. Let me explain,” Ye Dong said with a sly smile. “The Hidden Sect has recently developed a type of spore that can cultivate combat plants. You know most people awaken supportive plants, so this spore is extremely valuable. Moreover, it allows those without powers or with weak abilities to grow attack-type plants akin to botanical tattoos. Such temptation is hard for anyone to resist.”

Yun Qianbai still didn’t understand Ye Dong’s meaning. Frowning, he waited for further explanation.

Suddenly, Ye Dong’s expression turned serious. Sitting upright, he looked Yun Qianbai in the eye and said: “This spore is cultivated from your sister’s blood. Her blood contains a large amount of these spores, so the Hidden Sect is protecting her as a cultivation vessel.”

Yun Qianbai felt as if struck by lightning, his body frozen in disbelief.

He couldn’t imagine that the sister he had cherished and cared for was being used by the Hidden Sect as a tool for cultivating spores!

“How dare they!” Yun Qianbai’s voice was filled with rage and murderous intent, his body trembling with intense fury.

“Brother Yun, calm down,” Ye Dong said, eyes gleaming with a sharp light. “Even if you kill me now, it won’t save your sister. Only by cooperating with me will you have a chance to rescue her.”

Yun Qianbai took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He knew Ye Dong was right; acting rashly would only make things worse.

“What kind of cooperation do you want?” Yun Qianbai’s voice steadied, but his gaze grew even colder.

“Simple. You help me obtain a few items from the auction, and I will help you rescue your sister,” Ye Dong said.

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“Why should I believe you?” Yun Qianbai sneered. “You’re in league with the Hidden Sect. Who knows if you’re just using me?”

“Brother Yun, that’s unfair,” Ye Dong said with an innocent expression. “I’m an enemy of the Hidden Sect, not their ally. Helping you rescue your sister is also a way to strike against them.”

“Hmph, words are cheap,” Yun Qianbai scoffed. “Do you think I’ll fall for your lies?”

“Believe it or not, your sister is in the hands of the Hidden Sect. Besides trusting me, what other choice do you have?” Ye Dong shrugged indifferently.

Yun Qianbai fell silent.

He knew Ye Dong was right—he had no other options.

“Fine, I agree,” Yun Qianbai said through clenched teeth. “But first, you must tell me exactly how my sister is now.”

“Don’t worry, she’s doing well—eating and sleeping fine, with dedicated care,” Ye Dong said with a smile. “However, if you don’t act quickly, she might soon be ‘used’ by the Hidden Sect.”

“What do you mean?” Yun Qianbai’s heart leapt again.

“Literally,” Ye Dong shrugged. “After all, cultivation vessels have an expiration date. Once that time passes, they’re useless.”

Yun Qianbai could no longer contain himself. He suddenly stood up, grabbed Ye Dong by the collar, and shouted, “What exactly do you want?”

“Calm down, calm down,” Ye Dong was startled by Yun Qianbai’s fury and quickly said, “I’m trying to help you. Just do as I say, and I promise your sister will return safely.”

“Better be so!” Yun Qianbai released Ye Dong’s collar coldly. “If anything happens to my sister, I swear you’ll die a miserable death!”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry,” Ye Dong adjusted his clothes, smiling brightly. “I value my life too much.”

“Spit it out—what do you want me to do?” Yun Qianbai asked.

“Simple. I want you to help me get the Serpent’s Desire Fruit, the Millennial Snow Silkworm, and the Octagonal Black Ice Grass from the auction,” Ye Dong said. “These three items are very important to me. Help me get them, and I’ll help you rescue your sister.”

“That simple?” Yun Qianbai asked skeptically.

“Exactly that simple,” Ye Dong nodded. “So, Brother Yun, sounds like a good deal, right?”

“Hmph, we’ll see if it’s a good deal after I rescue my sister,” Yun Qianbai snorted. “But how do I know you’re not lying? What if I get the items and you still don’t help me?”

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“Brother Yun, are you questioning my integrity?” Ye Dong feigned hurt. “I’m an honest and trustworthy businessman. Why would I lie to you?”

“Cut the nonsense. How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Yun Qianbai said impatiently.

“Alright, to show my sincerity, I’ll tell you something about your sister,” Ye Dong said after a moment’s thought.

“What is it?” Yun Qianbai asked.

“The reason your sister’s blood can cultivate those spores is because it contains a special substance called the ‘Source of Life,’” Ye Dong said. “This substance is extremely rare, found in only a very few people, and your sister is one of them.”

“Source of Life?” Yun Qianbai frowned. “What is that?”

“A miraculous substance that can bring people back from the dead, even grant immortality,” Ye Dong said. “How’s that for explosive news, Brother Yun?”

Yun Qianbai said nothing, his emotions conflicted.

He was worried about his sister’s safety and half doubted Ye Dong’s words.

“Alright, Brother Yun, I’ve shown my sincerity. Now it’s your turn,” Ye Dong said. “When can you help me get those three items?”

“When I’m ready, I’ll notify you,” Yun Qianbai said. “But remember, if anything happens to my sister, I will make you pay dearly!”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry,” Ye Dong smiled. “I guarantee your sister will return safely to your side.”

Yun Qianbai said no more and turned to leave the private room.

Watching Yun Qianbai’s departing figure, the smile on Ye Dong’s face faded gradually, replaced by a cold glint.

“Yun Qianbai, Yun Qianbai, don’t disappoint me,” Ye Dong murmured to himself. “Whether my plan succeeds depends entirely on you.”