Chapter 45

This little glutton who unexpectedly entered his life might have some impact on his future trajectory. Chu He could only encourage himself: pressure brings motivation, which in turn allows him to earn more spirit stones!

Regarding Little White's growth, he naturally spared no effort. Even if it couldn't become his right-hand man in the future, it would still be useful for the Green Miasma Swamp expedition, where he would inevitably need to rely on the little guy's strength.

Having a spirit beast that could rival a third-level demon beast, combined with his unique application of talismans, meant that even if he encountered a fourth-level demon beast, he would still have a fighting chance.

In the outer regions of the Demon Cloud Mountains, fourth-level demon beasts were rarely seen. With Little White by his side, the safety of this journey was somewhat guaranteed.

The Green Miasma Swamp expedition was not absolutely necessary. For that high-risk area, Chu He hoped to avoid it if possible. Steadily earning spirit stones, accumulating rich cultivation resources, and gradually advancing in rank were his preferred choices. If it weren't for the fact that this expedition was crucial for his future, Chu He would never have considered entering the Demon Cloud Mountains.

Actually, there was another method: to post a message at the Request Pavilion in the Green Spirit Town market, offering a high price for the Green Flame Tree Heart and Green Flame Fruit. This method had been communicated through the sect a few days ago, but there had been no response yet. It seemed that these two rare herbs were indeed extremely scarce.

It made sense, as these two herbs, though usable in medicine, grew in the Green Miasma Swamp for a long time, steeped in demonic aura, and absorbed the essence of earth fire and green miasma. Their medicinal properties were very complex and not suitable for use in medicine. The herbs that could match them without being contaminated were extremely rare, and the requirements for alchemists were also high. It was no wonder that many alchemists had abandoned them.

A few uneventful days passed, and then a message from Instructor Zhang arrived, instructing Chu He and He Changxu to go to a peak called Lingjiu to be registered as outer sect disciples.

Chu He had completed the requirements more than two months ahead of schedule, so he could be listed in the records.

Becoming an outer sect disciple had always been the goal of every apprentice. Only by doing so could they truly become disciples of Green Spirit Mountain, with the Green Spirit Mountain emblem embroidered on their robes.

As long as outer sect disciples completed the monthly tasks assigned by the sect, they could receive a monthly stipend, and many things would be more convenient. In the future, once their cultivation reached the peak of the Qi Condensation realm, they could advance to the inner sect and enjoy better benefits.

Before entering Green Spirit Mountain, Chu He had thought this identity was very important, the first step towards becoming a true disciple. But after obtaining a great opportunity and having a True Realm-level cultivation method, he had no interest in the identity of a true disciple, and was more focused on spirit stones and elixirs.

The process of being listed in the records was a boring one, an enhanced version of the enrollment process, with some loyalty oaths added in the middle.

After the ceremony, he received some new items: two low-grade Green Spirit Mountain robes and a low-grade storage bag.

Perhaps because he had become a big shot, Chu He didn't even raise an eyebrow at these items. Since the space could not overlap, the storage bag had to be tucked into his chest.

After completing the procedures, he returned with Attendant He.

Due to the restrictions of the talisman array, there was only one path for entry and exit, and many disciples and attendants were coming and going. Attendant He immediately ran into two acquaintances and stopped to chat with them for a moment.

"Old He, Elder Guo was injured. If you have time, go and see him," one of them suddenly said to Attendant He.

"No way, he was just here drinking tea with me two days ago! Elder Guo has upper-stage innate realm cultivation and is in the Green Wood Hall, not responsible for guarding. How could he be injured? Was there an external enemy invasion?" He Changxu was surprised by the news.

The sect's alchemy areas were all heavily guarded. If someone had easily invaded, it would have caused a sensation throughout the sect. How could it have been silent?

"It's said that he and Elder Bai went out to search for herbs and was injured by a ground fire snake in the Green Miasma Swamp. Fortunately, he was rescued in time, and with his good fortune, he only needs to rest in bed for half a month," the cultivator sighed.

Upon hearing this, He Changxu hurriedly bid farewell to the two and instructed Chu He to remember the monthly task and stipend collection times before leaving.

When Chu He heard about the ground fire snake, he was unwilling to leave and quickly called out to He Changxu. He Changxu was a shrewd person and, seeing him hesitate to follow, and considering his recent requests, guessed a few things and promised to ask in detail.

Chu He was overjoyed and presented a bottle of mid-grade Yuan Cultivation Pills, saying it was a small token of his appreciation for Elder Guo.

He Changxu did not refuse, promising to take care of things in the future. This was how human relationships worked.

Watching He Changxu's figure disappear into the mist, Chu He mounted his Flying Cloud Leap and headed back to his residence. His mood was bright, and a smile crept onto his face.

With the information about the ground fire snake, he believed that with a bit of luck, he could find the Green Flame Tree.

The ground fire snake is a third-level demon beast that feeds on fire insects born from earth fire and usually lives in groups. If one is encountered, there must be a nest nearby. No wonder Elder Guo, with upper-stage innate realm cultivation, fell to a mere third-level demon beast.

Generally, the Green Miasma Swamp is not a suitable environment for the ground fire snake to survive, as it cannot endure the prolonged exposure to green miasma.

Unless, the ground fire snake's habitat has a Green Flame Tree, which can survive by using earth fire and green miasma as nutrients. The branches and fruits of the Green Flame Tree contain components that can alleviate the toxicity of the green miasma. The ground fire snake only needs to consume the branches and fruits regularly to gradually adapt to the miasma.

In fact, this can be considered a form of evolution. Ground fire snakes in this environment are clearly more troublesome than those in other places, and their toxins are more bizarre and difficult to resolve.

These were not major concerns for Chu He. With the Cleansing Fire, the green miasma and ground fire snake toxins were not significant issues.

As long as the fire was strong enough, he could be considered immune to all poisons.

Thinking about the Cleansing Fire, Chu He immediately felt a bit depressed: no matter how many impurities and toxins it consumed, it only reduced the cooldown time and did not advance in rank. Breaking through to the sixth layer of the Qi Condensation realm did not bring any new abilities, so it seemed that it might not advance until the innate realm.

While waiting for He Changxu's news and unable to cultivate, Chu He, after tending to the spirit fields, had nothing to do and felt a bit bored.

The little thing, after a full meal of elixirs, was hiding in the spirit beast bag, sound asleep, which was its habit. When it woke up, it would be lively and energetic, indicating that it was fully digesting the elixir's power during its sleep.

With a steady supply of elixirs, the little thing's fur had become much more lustrous, but its size had not changed at all, making it enviable for its ability to eat without gaining weight.

Seeing it eat and sleep every day, and then play with him when it woke up, Chu He even felt a bit envious: such a carefree life was truly good.

After the second irrigation of the spirit fields, He Changxu's message finally arrived.

With the approximate location, Chu He began preparing for the Green Miasma Swamp expedition. Once the preparations were complete, he would wait a few days for the Green Spirit Grass to be harvested, plant the Green Rice, and then set out.