28 The Great Thousand-Net Marsh (Part Two)

Yao Qian noticed that the area was filled with pools of varying depths, and the weeds scattered about grew taller than a person. There were no traces of human activity, so she silently retrieved the talismans from her storage bag and tucked them into her belt pouch.

This pouch was custom-made, crafted from thick animal hide and divided into numerous compartments. Inside, she kept beeswax-sealed hunger-suppressing pills, spiritual spring water, and her own hand-drawn talismans. Each compartment had a fixed place, allowing her to reach for exactly what she needed without looking.

She had previously packed one hundred talismans, but feeling that was insufficient, she added several dozen more Tri-Yang Talismans and Five-Thunder Talismans, making the pouch bulge. She also handed a few to the two Li sisters.

Li Huan, the twenty-eighth daughter of the Li family, stared at the talismans Yao Qian had pressed into her hand. "Qianqian, what are you doing?"

"This place feels eerie," Yao Qian replied. "We should carry more Tri-Yang Talismans. If anything goes wrong, they can offer us some protection."

Li Huan smiled and patted Yao Qian’s head. "Why would you need to give me your talismans?" Having cultivated for years, she felt it was improper for her junior sister to be the one providing for her.

Taking advantage of the others' distraction, she slipped a string of beads into the hands of Yao Qian and Jin Xiu'er. "These are made of peach wood struck by lightning. If there are any malevolent spirits, they will react. Keep them close to you."

Both girls were startled. Yao Qian felt a bit embarrassed; she had given the talismans to Li Huan and Li Xin out of genuine concern, not to solicit gifts. Li Xin waved her hand, saying, "This peach wood comes from our own estate; it didn't cost us anything, so don't worry about it." She paused, then added, "I have some medicinal pills here. Shall we see if there's anything we can trade?"

Having spent five days together in the cabin, the four had grown close, and she had long wanted to host a small swap meet, but refrained while the elder clansmen were present. It wasn't that she wanted to hide it from them, but she felt this was a girls' affair.

Li Huan agreed, "Right, let's see what we can exchange. Do you still have any Yin Spirit Stones? I’m looking for some."

The four traded what they needed away from the eyes of the others. Yao Qian exchanged Yin Spirit Stones for pills, while Jin Xiu'er traded some of her own medicinal insects for a talisman treasure.

At that moment, Li Daoying, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Li family, arrived with three compasses. He distributed them to Yao Qian, Jin Xiu'er, and Luo Ming. "The mission for outer sect disciples is to collect as many spiritual plants and capture as many spiritual beasts as possible in this area."

The compasses were standard equipment for the Wuji Sect, designed to detect spiritual energy; when the surrounding aura reached a certain density, they would glow. The three disciples hadn't received theirs yet because they had only just become outer sect members.

The sect's requirement was for each disciple to collect one hundred types of spiritual plants within six months. Each additional plant would be rewarded with contribution points based on its grade. Capturing a spiritual beast—even a low-level one—would earn one hundred points.

"Will the sect return for us in six months?" Yao Qian asked.

Li Daoying nodded slightly. "Yes. We will return to this spot, and the sect’s flying ship will wait for us for half a month." Though the Great Marsh was vast, half a month was sufficient to reach the rendezvous point if they traveled at full speed.

Li Huan asked curiously, "Cousin, what is the mission for you Foundation Establishment cultivators? And what about the elders?"

"The Golden Core cultivators are tasked with mapping this region," Li Daoying explained. "Our mission is to assist them in identifying the species of spiritual beasts and plants here." Having just received his orders, he was responsible for leading the team including Li Wei, Yao Qian, and the others.

Luo Ming asked, "Should we collect every spiritual beast and plant we encounter?"

"It depends on the situation," Li Daoying replied. "If it's too dangerous, recording an image will suffice." Their cultivation was too low to handle high-level beasts; their primary role was exploration.

The sect intended to turn this place into a trial ground. Once the area was fully surveyed, disciples would be sent here for training—a common practice among large sects.

Luo Ming looked around. "Shall we depart now, or stay here for the night?"

"It’s getting late," Li Daoying said. "We’ll stay here tonight and set off early tomorrow."

The group began to prepare. Li Wei approached Yao Qian and Jin Xiu'er. "Junior Sisters Yao and Jin, since this is your first time out, please join our rotation for the next few days. Once you’re accustomed to it, you can take your own shifts. Is that acceptable?"

The two agreed immediately. Seeing their straightforwardness, a faint smile appeared in Li Wei's eyes; he appreciated that they weren't pretentious.

Li Wei and another clansman, Li Ming, teamed up with the three disciples. Li Daoying served as the leader. According to Li Wei, only those who reached the Foundation Establishment stage were included in the family’s formal ranking; he and Li Ming were not yet eligible for the "Dao" generation name.

As the others began setting up tents, Yao Qian and Jin Xiu'er prepared to do the same, but Li Wei called out, "No need to pitch separate tents. Ours is large enough to accommodate everyone."

Yao Qian and Jin Xiu'er accepted, finding it safer to share the space. While the male cultivators set up the tent, the two girls dug a small pit, lined it with stones, and Yao Qian added bamboo charcoal to build a fire.

She had purchased the charcoal—made from Green Spirit Bamboo—at the market; just a few pieces could keep a fire burning all night. Jin Xiu'er helped dig three more pits around the tent, lighting fires and sprinkling a powder into the flames.

The fire flared up, releasing an indescribable scent. Li Wei asked, "Insect repellent?"

Jin Xiu'er nodded. "It’s a common repellent from my home; it’s quite effective."

"How much do you have?" Li Wei asked. "Can you sell us some?"

Jin Xiu'er pulled out a storage gourd. "It’s not worth much; no need to buy it." The powder was made from the remains of her insects. It was a preventive measure, though it wouldn't work against creatures stronger than her own insects; vigilance remained the primary defense.

Li Wei didn't insist, knowing they would be working together for a long time.

Once inside, Yao Qian was surprised to find the interior much larger than it appeared, divided into over a dozen rooms. It could easily hold twice their number. The tent was also equipped with defensive, concealment, and spirit-gathering formations. In this area, where the spiritual aura was already dense, the formation would help them recover their strength quickly.

They were to stay here for six months, making such a tent invaluable. After choosing a room, Yao Qian rested. The night watch was divided: Li Wei and Jin Xiu'er took the first half, while she and Li Ming took the second.

Yao Qian released "Little Black," her companion. Instead of the usual feeding of spirit pellets, she set up a small copper cauldron and boiled water. She thinly sliced some first-grade beast meat she had preserved, blanched it, and served it with a fragrant nut paste.

"Eat," she said, holding the meat out.

Little Black was surprised. He hadn't expected the girl to cook for him. He took a bite; the texture was tender and the sauce savory. While it lacked the spiritual energy of his pellets, it was delicious. He enjoyed being pampered, though he couldn't understand why she treated a beast better than herself.

Because of his cultivation method, his primordial spirit often drifted into the bodies of dying creatures. These vessels were usually weak and mindless, unable to bear his true power. He had lived through many such experiences, but this one felt unique.

*Perhaps this life is interesting after all,* he mused, maintaining his aloof, dignified posture.

Yao Qian giggled, grabbing his soft, small paw. "You’re not a girl. Why are you acting so cold and aloof like your mother? How will you ever find a mate?" She poked his nose. "And don't you dare be a deadbeat father like your dad. If you have cubs, you have to help raise them, understand?"