Chapter 4: Task Previews and Unusual Movements in the Ancient Fortifications
The next morning, as Gu Changsheng was just coming back from sweeping the stone steps, the door of the courtyard was knocked on.
When I opened the door, it was Su Wenyuan.
"Master Su." Gu Changsheng stepped aside.
Su Wenyuan waved his hand and didn't enter the house. Instead, he stood at the door and said.
"There's a collaborative task. You and Lin Qiuyu can take it on together."
Gu Changsheng nodded.
"What task?"
"Go to the deep part of the mountain behind, to the Lingquan Valley, and collect the cold tobacco." Su Wenyuan took out a task sheet from his pocket and handed it over. "The task deadline is three days. Just collect twenty plants will do. It's close to the Lingxi Ancient Formation, but the path is a bit long, so it's considered a cooperative task. The reward is more than that of ordinary chores."
Gu Changsheng took the list and looked at it.
Lingquan Valley, cold tobacco, three days.
He raised his eyes.
"Just the two of us?"
"Yes," Su Wenyuan said. "I saw that you two worked well together last time. This mission isn't too difficult either, so it's a good opportunity to practice. The cold tobacco grows near the bottom of the spring. It's damp and chilly. Please bring more clothes."
"Understood."
"I've already informed Lin Qiuyu. She'll be here shortly." Su Wenyuan finished speaking and added, "Although this task isn't difficult, things over at Lingquan Valley... well, how to put it? They are a bit off the beaten path. Be careful, don't wander around. Come back after you've collected the herbs."
Gu Changsheng nodded.
Not long after Su Wenyuan left, Lin Qiuyu arrived.
She was also holding a task list in her hand, and there was a hint of excitement on her face.
"Brother Gu, did Director Su tell you about it?"
"I've said it." Gu Changsheng raised his hand and showed the list.
"Winter tobacco, I've heard of it," Lin Qiuyu said. "This plant prefers shade and moisture and grows near springs. Its medicinal properties are cold, and it is one of the main ingredients used in the preparation of the Clear Mind Pill."
Gu Changsheng gave her a glance.
"Knows quite a lot."
"Before... at home..." Lin Qiuyu said halfway through, then paused. "Anyway, I knew a little bit."
She didn't continue, and Gu Changsheng didn't ask either.
The two simply tidied up and packed some dry food and water, then set off.
Lingquan Valley is located deep in the back mountain, even farther than Lingxi.
On the way, Lin Qiuyu spoke more than usual.
"Brother Gu, have you ever picked the cold tobacco before?"
"I've done it before." Gu Changsheng said. "This kind of grass has a characteristic. The underside of its leaves has fine silver lines. When picking it, you need to dig it up along with the roots and the soil, and must not damage the main root."
"Why?"
"If the main root is damaged, the medicinal properties will be lost quickly. Even if it is dried, it won't be of any use." Gu Changsheng said as he walked. "Moreover, near the cold tobacco there is often 'associated moss', and that kind of moss can keep the soil moist. When digging, it's best to bring some of the moss along. It will be easier to grow back when you get it back home."
Lin Qiuyu listened attentively, nodding from time to time.
After walking for more than an hour, the mountain path became narrower and the trees on both sides grew denser.
The moisture in the air is becoming heavier and heavier.
Gu Changsheng slowed down his pace and looked around.
We are already quite far from Lingxi here, but the faint ancient aura in the air is even more pronounced here than it is in Lingxi.
Although still thin, it is more widely distributed.
The Heavenly Dao task system within his body began to react.
[Detected ancient aura fluctuation]
[Location: Peripheral area of Lingquan Valley]
[Intensity: Low, but with a wide distribution range]
[Associated target: The seal within Lin Qiuyu's body has triggered a resonance reaction]
Gu Changsheng turned his head and glanced at Lin Qiuyu.
Lin Qiuyu was walking along when she suddenly frowned and involuntarily pressed her hand to her chest.
"Are you feeling bad again?" Gu Changsheng asked.
"Kind of." Lin Qiuyu took a deep breath. "The further we go inside, the more nervous we feel. It's like... it's as if there's something nearby."
"Perhaps it's because of the heavy humidity in the valley, making us feel suffocated." Gu Changsheng said. "Let's take a break?"
"No need." Lin Qiuyu shook her head. "The mission is more important."
The two continued to walk forward.
After walking for about a quarter of an hour, a valley entrance came into view.
The entrance is very narrow, capable of accommodating only two people walking side by side. Looking inside, it was foggy and the entire scene was unclear.
Gu Changsheng stopped at the entrance of the valley.
He closed his eyes, pretending to rest, but in fact his consciousness had already sunk into the system.
On the system interface, the analysis data regarding the ancient formation's aura is scrolling:
[Analysis of Ancient Formation in Lingquan Valley]
[Formation Type: Ancient Combined Formation for Gathering and Restricting Qi (Incomplete)]
[Coverage Area: Approximately three miles, centered around the valley's underground spring]
[Energy Characteristics: Matches the essence of the Heavenly Dao Fragment Law at 87%]
[Risk Assessment: Low (The formation is damaged and only residual energy remains)]
[Suggested Association: Guide the target to approach closely to observe the sealing reaction]
Gu Changsheng opened his eyes.
"That's it." he said.
Lin Qiuyu looked at Gu Kou and her face turned a little pale.
The seal within her is now experiencing a series of faint tremors. It feels as if something is calling her from within the valley, making her both want to enter and instinctively feel uneasy.
"Brother Gu," she suddenly spoke, "I always have the feeling... that this place is a bit strange."
"Why should it be blamed?"
"I can't put it into words." Lin Qiuyu stared at the mist in the valley. "It just feels like I've been here before. But at the same time, I know for sure that I haven't."
Gu Changsheng didn't respond.
He lifted his foot and walked into the valley.
"Let's go. Finish gathering the grass and head back early."
Lin Qiuyu bit her lip and followed behind.
The path in the valley is very difficult to walk on. The ground is covered with slippery moss and boulders. The further you go, the thicker the fog becomes and visibility drops to less than ten meters.
Gu Changsheng walked ahead, his steps very steady.
Lin Qiuyu followed behind, placing one hand on her chest and using the other to hold onto the stone wall beside her.
After walking for a while, the sound of water was heard from ahead.
"It should be arriving soon," Gu Changsheng said. "The winter tobacco grows near the water."
Lin Qiuyu nodded but said nothing.
Her breathing was