The thick mist hung like a silver shawl on the mountain's back as Arthur and Jing Liu finally discovered the hidden cave pointed out by the Spirit Pen! Fresh air mixed with the scent of damp earth and moss filled their lungs, while the roar of the Seventh Mountain Waterfall echoed like the drums of an ancient war, spraying cool water that made their skin tingle. Four days of exploration—two of the last seven mountains near the village had tested their patience, and now, the Spirit Pen had finally led them here!
"If there's nothing here, we're going home, okay?!" Arthur said, trying to sound relaxed even though his heart was pounding. His voice was nearly drowned out by the waterfall's roar, but Jing Liu heard him—and immediately jumped with excitement!
"Ah, don't be so pessimistic!!!" Jing Liu patted Arthur's back enthusiastically, her eyes shining like a child who'd found treasure. "Look! This cave alone is magical!!!"
She leaped inside, her boots splashing small puddles. The cave walls were covered in blue-green moss that glowed softly, dancing in the darkness like fireflies trapped in stone! Jing Liu reached out, touching the moss, and giggled as its cold, soft texture tickled her fingers.
"Wow, it's cold! But so nice, so squishy!!!"
Arthur shook his head with a smile. This girl could always find joy in the smallest things. He, on the other hand, remained calm, his eyes carefully scanning the cave passage for signs of danger or hidden clues.
"These seven mountains are said to be tied to the legend of the Soul Saint..." Arthur murmured. "Uncle Jack said the master was born in our village..." And now, after reaching Level 10, I can return home with my head held high!
Jing Liu hopped to his side, a wide grin on her face. "Okay, let's explore to the end, then go home! I miss Uncle Jack's cooking already!!!"
But nature had a strange sense of humor!
Deep in the cave, behind a shimmering veil of spirit energy like a curtain of pearls, they found it—a withered flower! Its nearly fallen petals still emitted a faint blue aura, occasionally flickering gold like a dying star!
"That... what is that?!!" Jing Liu exclaimed, jumping forward like a kitten spotting a new toy. "A plant spirit beast?! But how can it live here?! This place is so dark!!!"
Arthur approached calmly, sensing the energy around them. The air felt thick, like inhaling honey made of pure power!
"Not a spirit beast," he whispered. "It's an immortal herb. But immortal herbs usually grow in places overflowing with energy, not in a damp cave like this...?"
The System suddenly chimed in, its voice clear in Arthur's mind: "This is indeed an immortal herb—but I can't scan it! It survives by absorbing the surrounding spirit energy... maybe this is why spirit beasts are so rare in these mountains!!!"
Arthur sighed. "But immortal herbs need a trigger to grow. Who planted it here...?"
The System analyzed briefly. "There are traces of human energy in its roots. Perhaps someone—a cultivator—was severely wounded here, and the seed grew from their remaining energy!"
Jing Liu, still fascinated by the flower, suddenly cried out: "Arthur, look! The flower's almost dead!!!"
Arthur nodded, then made a decision. "Let's absorb its energy. For preparation!"
But before he could move, Jing Liu suddenly jumped with excitement. "Wait—there's a seed underneath! It's still alive!!!"
Arthur quickly picked it up—a tiny blue-gold particle, warm like a still-beating heart!
"We can plant this in the System Space!!!" Jing Liu cheered, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Arthur smiled. This girl was always so spirited. "Alright, but for the herb... let's absorb it now. It's safer in the System Space."
In an instant, they shifted to the dimension of the eternally sunny mountaintop. The withered flower floated between them, its petals falling slowly like spring snow.
Arthur reached out—and the world exploded in blue light!!!
Spirit energy surged wildly, shaking the space! A blue mist coiled around Arthur's body, seeping into his blood. His WuHun spirit, Aura Hunt, manifested on its own—its golden glow growing brighter, stronger!!!
"Energy fusion process initiated!!!" the System announced loudly. "The herb's energy has triggered a rare mutation—the ability to condense spirit energy into physical form!!!"
Arthur groaned in pain as the energy concentrated in his hand. Slowly, a deep blue sword formed—an energy-based Excalibur, solid and gleaming! (Though only a replica from his memories, not the real one.)
As the mist faded, Arthur stood tall, breathing heavily but smiling in satisfaction. "This... is beyond expectations!!!"
Jing Liu immediately jumped with excitement. "So cool!!! Now you can make swords out of energy?! Let me try holding it!!!"
Arthur laughed, letting her touch the energy blade. Jing Liu frowned as her hand passed through it. "Huh?! Why can't I hold it?!!"
"Because it's only for me," Arthur explained patiently.
Jing Liu pouted. "Hmph, stingy!!!" But her smile quickly returned. "But it's fine! We got the seed too! When it grows, I'll take care of it, okay?!"
Arthur nodded, then looked up at the "sky" in the System Space. "Now, it's time to go home."
But in his heart, Arthur could already picture Uncle Jack's expression when they returned—some mix of anger, worry, and relief!!!
Jing Liu, seemingly reading his mind, grinned. "Oh man, Uncle Jack's definitely prepared a long lecture for us!!!"
Arthur fake-sighed, but his eyes sparkled. "Well then, let's get ready to hear him scold us!!!"
And with light steps, they left the cave—returning to the village, with new stories and new power!!!
TO BE CONTINUED....