"This... I really don't know what to say."
After listening to the village chief's explanation of how Crescent Moon Village ended up in its current state, Daniel Davis and his companions, including Yun Tianhe, fell silent. Greedy for immediate profits and ignoring the long-term consequences, the villagers had essentially brought this upon themselves.
But while the situation was self-inflicted, both Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli were naturally kind-hearted. Seeing that the villagers had already paid a heavy price for their actions, they refrained from making harsh criticisms.
However, this left Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli conflicted. They wanted to help the villagers, but they could only provide short-term aid. Resolving Crescent Moon Village's issues permanently was no simple task.
"You're wandering around again."
Just as Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli were pondering how to assist the village, a familiar voice came from outside. Moments later, Murong Ziying stepped into the house.
"Little Ziying, we're not aimlessly wandering this time—we're out here doing good deeds!" Han Lingsha, though surprised by his sudden appearance, remained calm. She didn't show the slightest nervousness about being caught red-handed.
When addressing Murong Ziying, she often called him "Little Ziying." If other disciples of the Qionghua Sect were present, she'd at least have the decency to call him "Little Uncle-Master." But when it was just them, she stuck with her teasing nickname.
Murong Ziying was, of course, very displeased by this informal address. Despite his repeated admonishments, Han Lingsha continued to do as she pleased. Over time, Murong Ziying seemed to have resigned himself to her antics.
"Even if your intentions are good, rules are rules. Once we return to the sect, all four of you will report to the Reflection Valley for introspection," Murong Ziying said, cutting off Han Lingsha's protests. He then turned to the village chief and asked, "Chief, is there any way to resolve this situation? If there is, we will do everything we can to help."
Although Murong Ziying spoke harshly to the four, he made it clear that he included them in his commitment to assist.
"Unless the water source of Crescent Moon River is restored, the village cannot be saved. The previous village priest once said that with the Water Spirit Pearl, it might be possible to revive the river."
"That is indeed true."
Daniel nodded in agreement with the chief's words. In The Legend of Sword and Fairy I, Zhao Ling'er used the Water Spirit Pearl to end a drought in the Miao region. Restoring water to a desert-like area was no easy feat. The key lay not just in rainfall but in revitalizing the underground water veins.
Even if Daniel were to use an ability like Tree World Emergence, it would be of little use without an adequate water source. It was similar to the situation in the Sand Ninja Village in Naruto: without groundwater, forests couldn't survive.
"Water Spirit Pearl... One of the Five Spirit Pearls... Now this is troublesome," Han Lingsha muttered, frowning. The Five Spirit Pearls were rare treasures, almost impossible to come by. The fact that they had obtained the Earth Spirit Pearl from the Locust Demon was already a stroke of extraordinary luck.
"But wait, the Earth Spirit Pearl might also work here," Daniel suddenly realized. While the Water Spirit Pearl could create or redirect water veins more easily, the Earth Spirit Pearl could potentially reshape the terrain to resolve the problem in another way.
Hearing the mention of the Water Spirit Pearl, Murong Ziying's brow furrowed ever so slightly. He knew exactly where the Water Spirit Pearl was, but retrieving and using it was no simple matter.
"Chief, we'll try to find the Water Spirit Pearl," Murong Ziying said, taking out some of the food and water he had brought. He then motioned for the group to leave with him.
"Why not leave this place if it's no longer habitable?" Yun Tianhe suddenly asked before they departed.
"Leave? Those who could leave already have. The ones who remain are those who have no way out," the chief replied with a deep sigh. He himself had once had the chance to leave but chose to stay—perhaps out of a sense of guilt and responsibility for what had happened.
Once again, the group was left in silence. After a long pause, Murong Ziying finally said, "Chief, rest assured. We'll do what we can to locate the Water Spirit Pearl. In the meantime, I'll arrange for disciples from the sect to bring food and water."
"I know where the Water Spirit Pearl is," Murong Ziying said once the group had walked far from Crescent Moon Village, reaching the dried riverbed.
"Really? Where is it? Let's go get it now!" Han Lingsha exclaimed, her excitement lighting up her face.
"It's the Qionghua Sect's treasured artifact," Murong Ziying replied.
"Great! Then let's just go get it from the sect and use it to save people," Han Lingsha said, preparing to take off on her sword.
"Han Lingsha, it's not that simple," Liu Mengli interjected gently. "Didn't you hear what Little Uncle-Master said? The Water Spirit Pearl is the sect's treasured artifact. It's not something that can be easily used. Little Uncle-Master probably didn't mention it in front of the villagers to avoid giving them false hope."
Treasured artifacts like this weren't casually lent out, even temporarily. This wasn't a matter of stinginess; it was about necessary protocols. If the artifact could be taken for this reason today, it could be taken for another excuse tomorrow. Such a precedent could lead to chaos.
"And that's without even considering Sect Master Su Yao's personality, which makes it even less likely," Daniel added internally.
"For now, we'll have to go back and try," Murong Ziying said, enveloping himself in the glow of sword light before taking off. The rest quickly followed.
Back at the Qionghua Palace, Murong Ziying explained the situation to Su Yao, but her response was immediate and firm: "No."
"Sect Master, why not? It's just a temporary use, and we'll return it soon after," Han Lingsha interjected, unwilling to give up.
"Presumptuous! Is this a matter for you to speak on?" Su Yao shot her a cold glare before turning to Murong Ziying. "Ziying, I trusted you to guide them, and this is what you've taught them?"
"This is my fault for failing to properly guide them," Murong Ziying admitted, bowing his head.
Han Lingsha opened her mouth to retort, but Liu Mengli discreetly tugged her sleeve, shaking her head to signal her to stop.
"Ziying, I understand your good intentions," Su Yao continued. "But do you not understand the times we're in? The Demon Realm invasion is imminent, and the Water Spirit Pearl is of critical importance. How can we afford to deplete its energy now? If the Qionghua Sect cannot fend off the demons, the consequences will be far greater than the loss of Crescent Moon Village."
With that, she waved her hand dismissively. "This discussion is over. As for these disciples, make sure to instill in them the importance of adhering to the sect's rules. I've heard far too many complaints about their lack of discipline."
Su Yao's reasoning was flawless, and even Murong Ziying had no choice but to comply. Though frustrated, Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli could only nod reluctantly.
Back in the Reflection Valley, the group silently reflected on their failure. For once, even Yun Tianhe seemed to sense the gravity of the situation and began to meditate quietly—a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor.
"Obtaining the Water Spirit Pearl is going to be tricky. I'll have to take it one step at a time."
Late that night, lying on his bed, Daniel couldn't help but sigh. The simplest way to get the Water Spirit Pearl would be to let the Qionghua Sect be destroyed. In that scenario, he could not only take the artifact but also claim all the sect's cultivation manuals and treasures.
However, sitting idly while the centuries-old sect was wiped out didn't sit well with him—not when he had formed bonds with Yun Tianhe, Murong Ziying, and others. He decided he'd try to save the sect first. If all else failed, he could reconsider his options.
Just as Daniel was deep in thought, a knock came at his door, accompanied by Liu Mengli's soft voice: "Daniel, are you awake?"
Moments later, Daniel found himself standing in front of Yun Tianhe's door, with Liu Mengli and Han Lingsha by his side. Han Lingsha knocked repeatedly, but there was no response.
Peeking through the window, Daniel noticed an unusual blue glow emanating from within the room.
"This hillbilly... He's just snoring away," Han Lingsha muttered in annoyance. She pulled out a talisman, infused it with spiritual energy, and activated it.
"Ahhh!" Yun Tianhe bolted upright in bed, his face a mix of confusion and pain.
"That's a Bell Chime Talisman. Pretty ruthless, I must say," Daniel commented with a smirk.
The Bell Chime Talisman was notorious among the disciples of the Qionghua Sect. Designed to wake up lazy or inattentive students, it created a deafening bell sound that only the target could hear. It was said to feel like being trapped inside a giant bell while someone pounded on it with all their might.
The talisman was effective but despised. Many disciples used it for pranks, knowing the agony it caused.
"Han Lingsha..." Yun Tianhe groaned, still dazed.
"Why are you both here?" he asked, looking only at Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli, seemingly oblivious to Daniel's presence.
"What's going on with the sword?" Daniel asked, pointing at the floating Wangshu Sword, which was still glowing bright blue.
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