The Stars Beyond

Chapter 94: Gathering The Heavenly Herb

Amidst the confines of the sealed spacecraft, an evocative fragrance permeated, bypassing the physical barriers to resonate directly with one's spirit. It felt as if they were immersed in a tranquil forest, bathed in the freshness of nature. This experience was extraordinary, especially given they were surrounded by thick clouds occasionally streaked with bolts of lightning. Yet, the invigorating aroma persisted.

"Old Chen," Wang Xuan inquired with a hint of surprise, "are there more records about this Heavenly Herb? How can a plant thrive amidst these storm clouds and frequent lightning?"

Old Chen shook his head gravely. "No more than what we know. I surmise even the Taoist ancestral records lacked detailed information. Such a herb is truly enigmatic. If it were easily deciphered, this secret pathway wouldn't have remained obscured for so long."

As they conversed, Qing Mu piloted the spacecraft, cautiously approaching the hazy glow within the clouds. A sudden thud caused a minor tremor, prompting both Wang Xuan and Old Chen to exchange concerned glances.

"It's nothing to worry about," Qing Mu assured. "We didn't get struck by lightning. It's just some turbulent air currents. This ship is designed to withstand even the fiercest of thunderstorms."

True to his words, the ship regained its stability, continuing its ascent. Wang Xuan, however, looked contemplative. "That’s strange. The luminescence was on our left earlier, but now it seems to have shifted to the right. Can it change its position?"

"It might be due to the air currents," Qing Mu proposed. "While our ship remains unaffected, they might have jostled the Heavenly Herb off its original position." He adjusted the ship's course based on the new position.

The dark, tumultuous clouds were a spectacle to behold. Bolts of lightning resembling cascading silver waterfalls streaked nearby. Their magnificence was awe-inspiring, but also treacherously perilous.

Even Old Chen harbored some reservations. "I hope nothing befalls this vessel. Even if I were closer to achieving the 'Chen Ignition' phase, let alone being the actual 'Chen Herb Gatherer', I doubt I could withstand a direct lightning strike."

"Qing Mu, take it slow," he cautioned further. "Even if we can't obtain the Heavenly Herb, it's vital we don't push our luck. Navigate around the lightning, don't brazenly pass through."

With a calm demeanor, Qing Mu responded, "Master, please rest assured. I've been a ship captain for over a decade and have more than twenty years of piloting experience. I've frequently journeyed to the moon and occasionally to Mars. I've even ventured into deep space, always piloting solo. This cloud layer is relatively tame in comparison."

On hearing this, Wang Xuan's curiosity peaked. While guiding Qing Mu closer to the Heavenly Herb, he broached the topic of space exploration. "Qing Mu, how about some hands-on training? I've never piloted a ship before. Which man doesn't dream of steering a ship through the vast expanse of space? Of course, except for Old Chen. He looks like he might get motion sick any moment."

Old Chen shot him a glare. "When I was off exploring space, you were probably still playing with paper boats in your bathtub. I've been piloting for thirty-two years!"

Suddenly, the spacecraft jolted once more, causing a pronounced disturbance. Even Qing Mu's complexion slightly altered, considering that the protective systems had already been activated and still the turbulence persisted.

Crack!

A blinding bolt of lightning streaked across the sky right in front of their spacecraft. Its brightness was so intense that it obliterated the surrounding darkness, leaving behind only the terrifying luminance that was both awe-inspiring and unsettling. The three felt their scalps tingle in the face of such formidable natural power. What chance would a human stand if struck directly by such force?

"Now I finally understand the peril of the ascension process," Wang Xuan mused. "Facing these overpowering forces of nature, trying to transcend with just our mortal bodies seems an almost impossible task."

He continued contemplatively, "Humans are so insignificant. Amidst these lightning bolts, in the face of nature, and in the vast expanse of the cosmos, we're nothing more than mere specks of dust."

As the piercing light faded, Qing Mu remarked, "The temperature of that lightning exceeds the sun's surface by threefold. To think, if someone could truly ascend, they'd have to be extraordinarily formidable."

Old Chen added, "Those who have ascended, none of them are ordinary. The lightning they face is more intricate than what we witness. Apart from the visible electric discharges, there's likely some enigmatic power contained within."

Suddenly, Wang Xuan looked alarmed, "We're nearing the Heavenly Herb, but something feels off. It's as if these lightning storms are targeting us!"

Guided by Wang Xuan, Qing Mu navigated the ship closer to the Heavenly Herb. However, the surrounding lightning grew more frenzied and hostile, bombarding them relentlessly.

In mere moments, their spacecraft was jolted multiple times, with terrifying beams of light crisscrossing around them, producing a deafening roar.

Qing Mu was confident that the anti-lightning system was functioning, as their vessel remained intact. The turbulence they were experiencing was merely the result of the energy aftershocks within the cloud layer.

"Is that a plum tree?" Wang Xuan exclaimed in surprise as he neared the object, gradually discerning the nature of the plant.

Amidst the serene golden mist, a tree stood, glowing in a rich hue of gold from its trunk to its leaves, an ethereal sight rooted within the cloud layer. By its appearance alone, it bore a striking resemblance to a plum tree. Standing just taller than a man, its trunk was as thick as an arm. Each patch of its golden bark unfolded like scales, emitting a sacred golden light from the gaps. Its branches, soft and willow-like, exuded a vibrant life force. The elongated golden leaves shimmered with a hazy brilliance. The tree bore only one flower. It looked much like a plum blossom but was several times fuller, about the size of an adult's fist. The petals were in full bloom, suggesting that it was not far from withering and bearing fruit.

"The Golden Plum!" Old Chen exclaimed, taken aback by the description. Such a Heavenly Herb, rooted amidst the clouds, accompanied by thunderstorms.

He expressed his regret, now certain that the Heavenly Herb had not yet matured, with the fruit still in formation. However, the tree's leaves and branches might also be extraordinary, reigniting their hope.

"Why did we pass through it?" Guided by Wang Xuan, Qing Mu piloted the spaceship closer to the mysterious tree, only to find themselves traversing the golden glow. It appeared to be just a luminous mist, devoid of tangible substance.

"Could it be that there's no actual tree?" The three grew anxious, fearing the prospect of leaving empty-handed after coming so close.

With determination, Qing Mu activated a mechanical arm to harvest the Heavenly Herb's leaves. Acquiring even a fragment of such a specimen would be a monumental gain. However, as the mechanical arm extended into the golden light, it came back empty. The supple, life-infused golden branches swayed with the tempestuous storm, remaining tantalizingly out of reach.

"What species is this? Is the tree not a physical entity?" The three were filled with astonishment.

As they drew closer, the scent of the flowers intensified, sharpening their thoughts, but it didn't provoke any supernatural changes. The fragrant aroma, directly affecting their minds, was truly enchanting.

"Times have changed. We can navigate spaceships, ascend to the heavens, and cross the cloud barriers and thunderstorms, which ancient people considered impassable. Yet... we still can't harvest this Heavenly Herb," Old Chen lamented, discontent evident in his tone. Although he couldn't see it, the overpowering fragrance suggested that they were incredibly close to the herb. Yet, they couldn't tap into its secret path.

After pondering for a moment, Wang Xuan said, "Let's review the ancient texts and county annals related to Ancheng when we return. Let's see if there are any myths or legends in this region, especially regarding this Heavenly Herb."

He suggested delving into legends since the herb was so elusive, and they were presently unable to harvest it.

Qing Mu reflected, "This Heavenly Herb seems to operate on a spiritual level, as if it's not part of our world. Why does it appear? Could some factors in reality prompt it to reveal itself?"

Wang Xuan perked up, saying, "If it's connected to the mortal world and relates to the vast sea of humanity, could its emergence be due to Old Chen's impending 'departure' and the recent 'accident' involving the leading figure in the new medical field? Their consecutive incidents have strongly disturbed the hearts of Ancheng's inhabitants, perhaps prompting the herb's appearance?"

Qing Mu nodded in agreement, saying, "That makes sense!"

Wang Xuan's eyes gleamed, and he spoke emphatically, "If that's the case, Old Chen, then it’s time for you to put on a show. Announce a death notice tonight, saying you succumbed to severe injuries. How old are you now?"

Qing Mu perked up, "If such news is released, there will probably be overwhelming coverage. In one day, figureheads from both new and old fields have died. It will undoubtedly ignite public opinion."

Old Chen glared murderously and remarked, "While it's one thing for Olesha to 'die in a crash,' do you two really want to announce my 'untimely death' as well?"

He then sighed, "You're overthinking it. It has nothing to do with people's emotions. I recalled something. During my time training in the Taoist ancestral court's secret techniques, I came across a mention of a 'Golden Thunder Fruit' that can help one master the highest Taoist technique. It seems to refer to this Heavenly Herb, very similar to this Golden Plum Tree here. However, the tree is averse to worldly desires. If there's a strong disturbance in human emotions, it might quickly retreat."

Wang Xuan blinked in realization, "Did we get it all wrong? Is it because of Olesha's death and the subsequent news reports that disrupted human emotions and intensified worldly desires, causing the Heavenly Herb to recede?"

Old Chen softly said, "The Heavenly Herb is profoundly mysterious. Neither the ancient fangshi nor Taoists have ever truly understood its essence. No one has ever identified the specific factor that prompts its appearance."

Finally, he frowned, "Taoist scriptures vaguely mention that long ago, not only did the Taoists desire the Thunder Fruit, but unparalleled demons also contended for it. The Taoists even suffered losses."

Wang Xuan, taken aback, said, "Considering the Taoists existed during the pre-Qin period, I feel... there's something familiar about all this."

Both Old Chen and Qing Mu also immediately thought of the unparalleled red-clothed demoness they had seen in the inner realm. Given her ancient dialect from thousands of years ago, it seemed she might be from that very era, speaking in a soft, melodic tone.

The three were startled, piecing together a puzzle. The emergence of this Heavenly Herb was no mere coincidence; it might be intertwined with the enigmatic red-clothed demoness.

"Is she setting a trap for us?" Old Chen was quick to draw this correlation.

Wang Xuan arched an eyebrow, pondering. "It seems improbable. She couldn't breach the barrier of the inner realm, let alone exert such a strong influence in our world."

Regardless of their conjectures, a palpable tension mounted among them. Wang Xuan briefly checked the bone shard he held, but there was no reaction from the female sword immortal. Navigating their spacecraft, the trio made several attempts to secure the Golden Plum using the mechanical arm, all ending in vain.

"It's time to retreat," Old Chen declared with a resigned sigh, "The herb isn't ripe for the taking."

Given the thick web of lightning surrounding the area, Qing Mu was also reluctant to linger. He piloted the craft to pull back a little, creating distance from the mysterious tree.

Suddenly, Wang Xuan's eyes widened in alarm.

Following suit, Old Chen instantly looked up, sensing an unusual disturbance.

Wang Xuan noticed a significant transformation. The Heavenly Herb , towering over them, exuded streams of golden mist, and at its base, there was now a patch of golden soil, expanding about ten feet in circumference. Is the herb becoming more tangible? The reason behind Old Chen's surprise was the tingling sensation on the wound on his forehead, indicating an accelerated healing process.

In an instant, Wang Xuan too felt a peculiar itch on all his fingertips. Were his nails regenerating at an unusual pace?

"The Heavenly Herb... it's materializing!" Wang Xuan whispered.

Old Chen mused, "Perhaps it's truly as the legends say – after a fruitless journey, when you finally let go and look back, that's when you see it."

Qing Mu was taken aback. Did the Heavenly Herb truly respond to the desires of the heart? Was it that only by letting go of one's longing could one truly obtain it? The golden soil became even more distinct, and the Golden Plum swayed with the surrounding thunderstorm, its fragrance intensifying with every passing moment.

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