Chapter 32: Not Cowardice, Just Following My Heart

Feng Xi did not expect to strike gold so quickly. She cleared her throat and asked, "Fifth Senior Brother, would you rather wait outside, or shall we go in together?"

Though still somewhat dazed, Jun Wen immediately replied, "I’ll go in with you!" He had to protect his Junior Sister at all times. And, well, it was a good chance to broaden his horizons. Fearing danger, Jun Wen walked in front with a guarded expression, signaling Feng Xi to stay behind him. Although Feng Xi felt that once they were already on someone else's turf, being cautious was largely futile, she appreciated his intentions and said nothing.

They had barely been inside for ten breaths when the scenery underwent a drastic transformation. The once lush spiritual plants had all changed. Most had turned black, while a few had turned gray. A faint, deathly aura permeated the air. Jun Wen’s expression shifted instantly.

"Demonic plants! Junior Sister, these are demonic plants!"

Demonic plants were flora that grew in the Demon Realm; under normal circumstances, they could not survive in the world of cultivation. As he spoke, Jun Wen summoned his flying sword to shield Feng Xi. He turned back, only to find that the black gate had vanished.

*It’s over! We’ve fallen into a trap!*

Feng Xi, however, remained calm. "Fifth Senior Brother, keep your cool. I’ve never seen demonic plants before. Do you recognize them? Why don't you introduce them to me one by one?"

Jun Wen: "...How can you be so nonchalant at a time like this?!"

He was panicking internally and desperate for a distraction, so he obliged. "Junior Sister, do you see that demonic plant covered in thorns? That is a Blood-Thirsty Thorn. It loves fresh blood; once it pierces your skin, it will drain you into a dried corpse. Whether it’s humans, demons, or spirit beasts, everything is fair game for it. And the one next to it is a Poison Pod Grass. If those pods burst, they release a toxic gas that causes instant unconsciousness..."

Feng Xi interrupted, "Is there anything in here that’s edible?"

Jun Wen: "..."

*Edible? Are you kidding me? These are demonic plants! Do you want to become a demon?!*

Suddenly, Feng Xi said with excitement, "Fifth Senior Brother, demonic plants are rare in the cultivation world. As the saying goes, rarity equals value. We could collect some and take them out to sell for money! With so many here, we could make a fortune! We’ve hit the jackpot this time!"

Jun Wen: "...Why does your brain work so differently from a normal person’s? We’re surrounded by eerie demonic plants, and your first thought isn't how to escape?"

"Fifth Senior Brother, which one should we dig up first? I think that Blood-Thirsty Thorn looks good. Even if we can't sell it, we could use it to help dry chicken or duck; I’m sure it would get rid of any fishy smell..."

Jun Wen: "..."

Just as he was rendered speechless, he caught Feng Xi winking at him. He had to admit, after several bouts of "colluding"—er, cooperating—his acting skills had improved. He immediately chimed in, "Junior Sister, you’re so clever! These demonic plants will definitely fetch a high price. Once we’re rich, we can buy better gear and experience what it’s like to be as extravagant as true disciples..."

Initially, Jun Wen was just playing along, but the more he spoke, the more excited he became. He actually started to think Feng Xi’s suggestion might be feasible!

As they were deep in discussion, a sinister voice echoed: "Ignorant children! Did you ask for the permission of the master of this place before digging up my plants?"

Jun Wen quickly shielded Feng Xi, his expression guarded. However, the voice came from all directions, and he couldn't pinpoint the speaker. Feng Xi, conversely, curled her lip.

"Did you ask for my permission before dragging me into this secret realm? You're hardly a person of etiquette yourself, so why are you putting on airs? If you have something to say, say it. Don't play these mysterious games. Get out here right now!"

Jun Wen almost burst into tears. *Junior Sister, aren't you just deliberately provoking him? If you don't want to live, I do!*

Feng Xi wasn't courting death, of course. Since this "master" had allowed her and Jun Wen into the Mirage Garden, it meant he had an agenda and wouldn't kill them easily. Sure enough, after a thunderous roar, the voice merely unleashed some black wind blades—which lacked any real lethal force—to punish them. Jun Wen easily deflected them, though he remained on high alert.

Feng Xi was now even more certain of her guess, and she grew bolder. "Alright, enough with the dramatics; it's a waste of time. The secret realm will close in less than two days. If you don't speak up now, it'll be too late."

After saying this, she took two spirit fruits from her storage ring, handed one to Jun Wen, and began munching on hers. She had scavenged these from Lu Xiu'han; they were delicious! Jun Wen didn't know what to say, other than to marvel at his Junior Sister's nerves of steel.

Just then, a mass of swirling black and white mist appeared before them.

"I am the Spirit of Chaos. It is your supreme fortune to behold me. Why do you not kneel and kowtow?"

Feng Xi burst out laughing. "Kneel? I’d rather lie down! No wonder you’re called a 'Spirit of Chaos'—you haven't grown an ounce of brain, have you? Do you really think, at this point, I can’t guess that you need something from me? If you're asking for a favor, show some humility. If you kneel to me, I might consider it."

The mist twitched with rage! Even the white parts turned black. "Insolent! You are truly insolent! Do you believe I won't kill you right now?"

"I don't."

The mist: "..."

Jun Wen watched his Junior Sister courting death in every possible way, his heart in his throat, terrified the mist would suddenly lash out. To his surprise, however, the mist’s tone softened.

"I was merely testing your courage. You are indeed worthy of the people I have chosen; your bravery is commendable. I will stop beating around the bush. When chaos first began, there was neither spiritual energy nor demonic energy—only the breath of chaos. Later, it split into spiritual and demonic energy. As the Spirit of Chaos, I must absorb both to cultivate. I have practiced here for tens of thousands of years; my spiritual energy is saturated, and I am in dire need of demonic energy. I want you to take me to the Demon Realm. Do not worry, I will not use you for free. I will grant you immense benefits! Whether it is cultivation resources or opportunities, I can provide whatever you desire. What do you say? Do we have a deal?"

Feng Xi rolled her eyes. "Just take you to the Demon Realm? That's all? No strings attached?"

"There is one condition: you must draw demonic energy into your bodies. But rest assured, I have the means to conceal it so no one else will notice."

Feng Xi scoffed coldly. "We will absolutely not agree to draw demonic energy into our bodies! How about this: I see you’re quite pathetic, being trapped here..."

The mist cut her off. "I am not trapped. I simply do not wish to leave."

Feng Xi turned to walk away.

The mist: "Wait... continue. Just pretend I didn't say that."

*I am not cowardly, I am simply... following my heart.*