Chapter 89: The Soul-Forgetting Flower
After accompanying Ming Xin back to his residence near the coast, they arrived at a humble little village, simple and unadorned in every aspect.
Most villagers lived by fishing and selling their catch. Their limited experiences shaped their narrow worldview, and when faced with someone like Ming Xin—an oddity capable of seeing wandering spirits—they instinctively rejected him.
The moment Ming Xin stepped through the village entrance, the children who had been laughing and playing, as well as the fishermen busy with their work, all halted what they were doing. Countless eyes turned toward him, and without any attempt to conceal it, their expressions shifted to disgust.
Life by the sea was already fraught with danger. Many had lost loved ones to storms and rough tides. Over time, they gradually—and unjustly—placed the blame for their misfortune on Ming Xin's shoulders.
Thus, the title Ominous Child spread naturally among them.
"That monster is back again."
"Why does he insist on returning? What bad luck."
Hearing these whispered words, Ming Xin's eyes—brightened recently by the hope of cultivation—dimmed once more. Even so, he said nothing. Clearly, this was a scene he had long grown used to.
Some youths who had planned to come forward and hurl insults froze in place the moment they noticed Lin Beiya and Yue Guan behind Ming Xin.
Anyone could tell at a glance that the two were figures of extraordinary status—absolutely not people whom common villagers could afford to offend.
Nius' home lay at the very edge of the village. As they stepped into the old courtyard, a strong stench of fish hit them, prompting Lin Beiya to frown slightly.
The yard was cluttered with old, patched-up fishing tools, none of which the elderly man seemed willing to discard. It was clear that Nius' household was barely getting by.
"Uncle Nius, I found the saddle vine. Here—boil it into medicine and drink it. It should ease your pain quite a bit."
At Ming Xin's call, an elderly man with graying temples—aged far beyond a typical middle-aged adult—slowly emerged from the wooden house, leaning heavily on a cane.
"Ming Xin, where did you get the saddle vine? Take it back. I can't afford to accept such an expensive herb."
When Ming Xin heard Nius refusing the medicine, he panicked. Nius was the only person in the village who had ever shown him kindness. Now that the man was suffering from illness, Ming Xin wanted—no, needed—to do whatever little he could to help.
His eyes rolled as he quickly came up with an idea.
"Uncle... This saddle vine was a gift from the two honored adults. Even if you don't want it, you can't return it."
"I'll be leaving with them soon to train inland and begin cultivating soul power."
Nius froze for a moment, his eyes shifting toward the two figures Ming Xin gestured at—only now noticing their presence in his yard.
"Honored Soul Masters, greetings."
"No need for formality," Lin Beiya replied. "Ming Xin is telling the truth. If you don't use the saddle vine, it will simply wither with time."
He didn't intend to waste time arguing; instead, he simply reinforced Ming Xin's explanation.
As expected, Nius no longer refused. His hands trembled slightly as he accepted the potted vine, though he showed little excitement toward the herb that could ease his suffering.
"Honored Soul Master, the child's martial soul is unusual. The Spirit Hall deacon warned him not to cultivate, so..."
"Don't worry," Lin Beiya assured him. "We'll handle this matter. Whether one strays from the right path depends on the soul masters themselves. You've known Ming Xin for years—you should understand his character well enough."
"That... that's true." Nius nodded. "Then I'll entrust Ming Xin to the two of you."
Seeing that the matter was settled, Nius no longer protested. Instead, he turned to give Ming Xin a long string of instructions—nothing more than telling him to listen to his elders, stay on the right path, and not cause trouble.
Lin Beiya and Yue Guan had already asked about Ming Xin's family situation on the way back. Like many in the Spirit Hall, he was an orphan. And, in his eyes, Nius was as close to a father figure.
Despite soon stepping beyond the status of a commoner, Ming Xin showed no impatience. He nodded obediently throughout the lecture.
Even Yue Guan, standing off to the side, began to feel restless before Nius finally stopped rambling and reluctantly let Ming Xin go.
"I'll come back to visit you, Uncle," Ming Xin promised.
"Cultivate well. Don't disappoint the honored Soul Masters."
"I understand."
Leaving Nius' home, Ming Xin followed the two soul masters out of the village. As he had said earlier, he had nothing to pack.
"Beiya, what's next? Heading back to Spirit City?"
"Yes. And since we'll pass by the Star Dou Forest on the way, we might as well help the child find a suitable soul ring."
"True enough. Hunting a hundred-year soul beast isn't difficult—but have you decided which type suits him?"
Yue Guan agreed with the plan, but Ming Xin's martial soul was unprecedented. With no reference to draw from, selecting a soul ring was no easy task.
Inside the carriage, Ming Xin watched the two soul masters discussing his future soul hunt, unable to suppress the excitement rising in his chest. This meant he would soon take his first step on the soul master path.
"I've been thinking—souls are intangible, yet they're clearly tied to spiritual power. Choosing a soul beast aligned with that attribute is definitely the right direction."
"That makes sense. And once we return, how do you plan to arrange the boy? Leave him in the hands of the Pope?"
Lin Beiya raised a brow. If he brought Ming Xin directly to Bibi Dong, she would certainly question the child's origins, causing unnecessary complications.
"If Elder Gui takes an interest in him, that would be perfect."
Yue Guan's eyes lit up. He had actually forgotten about his old partner entirely. With such talent and a dark-attributed martial soul, Old Ghost would indeed be intrigued.
"Alright. Once we return, I'll speak to Old Ghost. Let's see if he'll accept the boy as a disciple."
"Good."
The carriage rocked rhythmically. Ming Xin, still not a soul master and not used to traveling, felt groggy and exhausted. Fortunately, they paused several times to rest along the way.
Because of Ming Xin's condition, the journey took five full days before they finally reached the soul-hunting town outside the Star Dou Forest.
After resting for a night, the two took Ming Xin onto the road leading to the forest the next day.
This was Ming Xin's first time at the continent's most famous soul-beast gathering ground. His curiosity and anxiety were palpable as he followed Lin Beiya closely, terrified that any stray danger might cost him his life.
Lin Beiya and Yue Guan both chuckled softly at his timid behavior—they, too, had once been the same.
After several dozen kilometers, they began encountering low-level soul beasts. Every time a beast emerged, Ming Xin tensed.
"Relax. These soul beasts can't hurt us. Don't exhaust yourself with fear before you even obtain a soul ring."
Ming Xin scratched his head awkwardly, embarrassed.
"Y-Yes!"
"That should be far enough, Beiya. Start looking."
"Alright."
The outer region of the forest already had more than enough soul beasts suitable for Ming Xin. There was no need to venture deeper.
Closing his eyes, Lin Beiya extended his senses, searching for a suitable target.
Within minutes, he found one.
"Follow me."
Yue Guan brought Ming Xin along, quickly catching up to Lin Beiya. After heading west for several kilometers, a flower with dark violet petals came into view.
"Soul-Forgetting Flower?"
"Yes. The fourth petal hasn't fully grown yet—its age is around three hundred and fifty years. Perfect for Ming Xin's first soul ring."
The Soul-Forgetting Flower was a plant-type soul beast that released pollen to confuse its prey, clouding their minds and plunging them into unconsciousness. The victim would then become nourishment for the flower's growth.
Around this Soul-Forgetting Flower lay scattered bones yet to fully decay—silent proof of its lethality.
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End of Chapter