Chapter Twenty-Seven: Requesting the Jade Spirit Elixir

At the peak of Jade Maiden Mountain, before the gates—

“Who dares trespass upon Jade Maiden Peak? Do you have a writ of command?”

Two young women, barely in their twenties, drew their weapons and blocked Lin Cheng’s path.

Seeing this, Lin Cheng hurriedly stepped back, clasping his hands respectfully. “Sisters, my name is Lin Cheng. I have urgent business with your Peak Master… I beg you to deliver my message…”

The two women’s faces remained cold, their eyes fixed upon Lin Cheng with icy scrutiny.

“No one may enter without the first seat’s command!”

Lin Cheng pleaded, “I truly have a matter of utmost importance to discuss with Daoist Tianhui. I implore you, sisters, to grant me passage…” As he spoke, he bowed deeply to them.

Witnessing the true disciple Lin Cheng’s humble demeanor, the women felt a jolt in their hearts, their expressions softening somewhat. But the master’s orders could not be defied; for a moment, the two exchanged glances, uncertain of what to do.

“Lin Cheng…”

Just then, a gentle voice sounded from afar.

Lin Cheng’s face brightened with delight. “Xu Xin’er!”

Xu Xin’er slipped to the mountain gate, offering Lin Cheng a shy smile. “Why have you come to Jade Maiden Peak?”

“Lin Hu is gravely wounded, his life hangs by a thread… I’ve come to beg Daoist Tianhui for Jade Spirit Elixir to save him…”

Xu Xin’er gasped, covering her mouth in shock. “What… Lin Hu, the one who ascended the mountain with you, is at death’s door?”

“Come with me, I’ll take you to Master…”

With that, she led Lin Cheng toward the Jade Heart Hall.

The two female disciples guarding the gate did not obstruct Lin Cheng any longer. After all, a personal disciple of the first seat had spoken; if the sect had any issue, it would not fall upon them.

…

Following Xu Xin’er, Lin Cheng took the chance to observe Jade Maiden Peak. He found its disciples all in the bloom of youth, each as beautiful as a flower, stirring waves in his heart.

After all, he was a vigorous young man—if he felt nothing, it would be stranger still.

Noticing Lin Cheng’s reaction, Xu Xin’er scolded playfully, “Look again and I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

Lin Cheng could only smile wryly.

Passing several grand halls and crossing a training square where female disciples wielded swords, each was astonished to see their junior sister leading a young man through Jade Maiden Peak.

“There’s the Jade Heart Hall ahead. When you meet Master, mind your words…” Xu Xin’er cautioned Lin Cheng as they neared the hall, worried his desperation might lead him to offend her master.

“But don’t worry, Master is truly kind. I’m sure she’ll help you.”

…

Lin Cheng approached Xu Xin’er, his heart pounding as he drew near. She felt her own heart fluttering, unsure what to do, as Lin Cheng stopped before her.

He looked at the gentle, sweet girl, whose shyness lingered beneath the bearing of a personal disciple. “Thank you, Xu Xin’er. If not for you, I might have tried to force my way into Jade Maiden Peak today. I doubt I’d have come out alive…” Lin Cheng spoke with heartfelt gratitude.

Whether it was her subtle concern or her help today, Lin Cheng felt a sweetness blossom in his heart.

Xu Xin’er’s cheeks blushed, and she scolded him lightly, “Always so reckless…”

At the hall’s entrance, Xu Xin’er bowed her head. “Master, your disciple took it upon herself to bring a Sword-Hidden Peak disciple. He says he has urgent business with you…”

Inside Jade Heart Hall, Daoist Tianhui, instructing Xiao Cui, rose from her meditation, straightened her skirts, and looked to the door.

“Come in,” Tianhui said.

Led by Xu Xin’er, Lin Cheng entered and stood before Tianhui—a woman in a flowing white gown, her presence extraordinary. Lin Cheng was momentarily stunned, then quickly bowed. “Lin Cheng greets Daoist Tianhui… I had no choice but to trespass upon Jade Maiden Peak in desperation. I beg your forgiveness…”

Tianhui regarded Lin Cheng. “You are the true disciple recently accepted by Senior Brother Sword-Hidden, yes?”

“Yes, Master,” Lin Cheng replied.

“Xin’er is always prudent. If she vouches for you, it must be important.”

Lin Cheng explained, “My closest friend was gravely wounded—his meridians and bones shattered, his life in peril. I beg you for Jade Spirit Elixir to save him. I will repay your kindness with all my strength…”

Behind Tianhui, Xiao Cui was startled. She stepped forward, asking, “Brother Lin, is it Lin Hu? What happened—how could he be beaten so badly?”

Seeing her disciple so anxious, Tianhui raised an eyebrow. “Xiao Cui, you know the person Lin Cheng speaks of?”

“Master, Lin Hu and Brother Lin saved me once. Please, you must save him…” Xiao Cui pleaded, clutching Tianhui’s sleeve.

Xu Xin’er joined in, “Please, Master, help Lin Cheng…”

Tianhui looked at Xiao Cui, then at Xu Xin’er, and shook her head privately. Ah, girls grow up so quickly.

“You are Senior Brother Sword-Hidden’s disciple and once saved Xiao Cui. I will do everything I can to save him. Bring him to Jade Maiden Peak.”

…

Receiving Tianhui’s promise, Lin Cheng hurried to Ox-Head Peak, bringing Lin Hu to the Jade Heart Hall.

Examining Lin Hu’s injuries, even Tianhui’s brow furrowed.

Beside them, Xiao Cui was already weeping uncontrollably. The lively Lin Hu who once made her laugh was now unrecognizable.

“Master, please save him…” Xiao Cui choked out.

Tianhui muttered, “Who could be so cruel, to so grievously injure a mortal and leave hidden force within his body… A simple dose of Jade Spirit Elixir may not suffice…”

“Bring him, follow me…”

Leading the way, Tianhui guided them through several formations, arriving at Jade Maiden Peak’s forbidden grounds.

The Jade Spirit Pool.

Before them, spiritual energy swirled, white mist rising, a clear spring flowing slowly. From it, drops of milky white liquid formed, gathering in a spiritual pool below.

The Jade Spirit Pool was about six feet square.

“This is the Jade Spirit Pool…”

Lin Cheng’s eyes shone as he gazed upon the milky white liquid radiating pure energy, understanding that with such a heavenly treasure, Lin Hu might yet be saved.

“Place him inside.”

“In the pool…?” they gasped in unison at Tianhui’s instruction.

Tianhui nodded. “Only by immersing him in the Jade Spirit Pool can he fully absorb the elixir’s energy and restore his bones and meridians. This will be a turning point for him—whether he survives depends on his endurance…”

Lin Cheng was deeply grateful. Others would struggle to obtain even a vial of Jade Spirit Elixir, yet Tianhui was allowing Lin Hu to soak in the entire pool. Such kindness was immeasurable.

He bowed deeply. “Daoist Tianhui, your great benevolence, I will never forget.”

Tianhui waved her hand, gave a few final instructions, and departed with the two young women.

Lin Cheng remained, guarding Lin Hu alone.

Watching the plump figure lie soaking in the Jade Spirit Pool, Lin Cheng’s heart brimmed with hope.

He sat cross-legged on the ground, quietly waiting.