Chapter 149: The Weeping Spirit Immortal Herb — Tears of the Primordial Age

“There is indeed a way to uproot this boy’s illness completely. However, putting that method into practice will not be easy.” The old dean sighed helplessly, speaking with deep regret.

Seeing his expression, Yu Shang could not help frowning. From the old man’s troubled manner, it was obvious that his illness was not something as simple to cure as an ordinary chill. Fortunately, it had not yet reached the point of being unmanageable, so perhaps he could delay it for a while. But what would he do if the days dragged on? Could it be that Yu Shang would truly have to bow beneath the feet of this disease and let it torment and ravage him at will?

“You old geezer, stop keeping us in suspense. If you have something to say, then say it. If you refuse to explain everything clearly, how am I supposed to know whether this so-called method of yours will work? Besides, if I am determined to save this brat, what in the world could possibly stump me?” Xiao Yin roared anxiously at the old dean.

Whenever Yu Shang suffered an accident or was injured, Xiao Yin would display this same panicked and disordered expression. At times, when Yu Shang was gravely wounded, Xiao Yin seemed able to feel that heart-rending pain spreading through his own body and taking root in every corner, leaving him in agony.

“Xiao Yin, do not be so discourteous to the dean. If he truly did not wish to involve himself in this troublesome matter, he would never have told us the truth. He could simply have left me to my fate. But since the dean has already explained the flaw caused by my purple hair, he must have some way to cure me. There is no need for you to worry so much.”

Yu Shang pulled the nearly frantic Xiao Yin aside and comforted him. Although his face remained calm, his heart was already churning like a stormy sea, utterly devoid of peace. This was a strange illness that could claim his life at any moment—how could he not be anxious? Unfortunately, Heaven would not show mercy and withdraw this calamity merely because he was worried. All Yu Shang could do now was force himself to remain calm and search carefully for a way to eradicate the illness, which was growing steadily worse.

“If you wish to cure this strange illness completely and prevent it from recurring, you must take a pill refined with Netherflame from the fusion of the Spirit-Weeping Grass and the Ancient Tear. Afterward, you must meditate and cultivate for three days. During that time, not a single mistake can be made. The moment your concentration falters, the consequences will be truly unimaginable!”

The old dean’s expression was deeply conflicted as he spoke, as though he had already decided that Yu Shang would never be able to find the two celestial treasures he had mentioned. The others were equally bewildered, as if they had never heard of them. Yu Shang himself was even more ignorant of the matter.

“This junior is ashamed of his limited knowledge. I have never heard of either of the celestial treasures you mentioned. May I ask, Senior, what exactly are the Spirit-Weeping Grass and the Ancient Tear? Where do they grow, and how are we supposed to find them?”

Yu Shang’s tone had changed noticeably. His former cool mockery had softened into a respectful inquiry. It seemed that the old dean truly possessed vast knowledge and abilities beyond ordinary people. In the past, Yu Shang had been narrow-minded to underestimate the old man.

“The Spirit-Weeping Grass was originally an ordinary herb that grew in another realm. No one knows why, but it accidentally fell into this world. After being nourished and cultivated by the essence of countless ages, it transformed into a rare celestial treasure such as the world scarcely sees.

“But the Spirit-Weeping Grass grows in a place that none of the races dares to approach recklessly. The area is guarded by the most savage beasts and filled with perilous terrain. More importantly, it lies within the territory governed by the Night Fiend family. Outsiders are forbidden from entering without permission. Anyone who intrudes will be killed without exception.”

The old dean spoke with a frown. When he mentioned the might of the Night Fiend family, even the Yanlan Academy did not dare provoke them rashly.

“Obtaining the Spirit-Weeping Grass does sound troublesome, but that is all right. Perhaps I can find a way to sneak inside.”

After hearing this, Yu Shang smiled smugly and muttered to himself. It seemed Heaven was truly helping him this time. If he had to infiltrate the place alone, it would certainly be impossible. But with Ye Wangchen’s assistance, it would no longer be a difficult task. Yu Shang believed that, with his silver tongue, he could persuade Ye Wangchen to use his position within the Night Fiend family to achieve what he wanted.

“Then what exactly is the Ancient Tear? It sounds even rarer than the Spirit-Weeping Grass. Could this celestial treasure really be, as its name suggests, a tear shed by an ancient god? If so, Brother Yu, there is truly no hope of curing your illness!”

Yin Boxuan asked curiously, only to find the answer himself a moment later. Clearly, it was not the answer he wanted, and disappointment settled over his face. The divine blood of an ancient god was already a treasure beyond compare, let alone an ancient tear. Such a thing was simply impossible to obtain.

“Ancient gods have long since entered a realm beyond joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. Making one of them smile faintly is already more difficult than splitting the heavens. To evoke their pain and make them shed tears would be even more impossible.

“Do you not know that the first requirement for becoming a powerful being is to disregard pain? Even the suffering of parting and the agony of having flesh carved from one’s body must be treated like passing clouds, never allowed to enter the heart. Beings such as the ancient gods have long forgotten what sorrow is.”

Leng Huaiyi spoke from the side in a calm voice, yet a trace of desolation could be heard within it. It was as though he pitied those who had sacrificed precious emotions in their pursuit of the summit, and was lamenting the truth that every achievement demanded a sacrifice.

“You are all correct. The so-called Ancient Tear is indeed a tear shed by an ancient god after experiencing grief. And just as you said, this celestial treasure is impossible to obtain. That is why I said from the beginning that this method cannot work.”

The old dean gazed helplessly at Yu Shang. There was also a trace of guilt in his eyes, as though he blamed himself for lacking the ability to help him. Yu Shang could not understand where such self-reproach came from. This was not a matter the old dean was obliged to handle in the first place. The fact that he had kindly offered a warning was already rare enough; there was no reason for him to feel guilty simply because he could not provide assistance.

Even so, Yu Shang was grateful for the old dean’s concern. At the very least, it proved that the old man cared about him to some extent.

“Then what are we supposed to do? We cannot simply watch Yu Shang suffer headaches so severe that his skull feels as if it is splitting apart, all because of his purple hair, and then die from it! But I feel as though I have heard someone mention the Ancient Tear before. I just cannot remember where, no matter how hard I try. It is maddening!”

Xun Mishuang rubbed her temples, looking deeply troubled. Where had she heard of this celestial treasure? Her memory had always been quite good. How could she have forgotten such important information today?

She was certain that she had once heard of it from someone else, and she even knew where the sole Ancient Tear was hidden. Yet now her mind was as blank as a sheet of paper, as though she had suddenly lost her memory.

“Little Frost, was your memory not always excellent? You can recall things from your childhood with perfect clarity. How could you have forgotten such important information completely? It seems that worldly concerns have truly unsettled your heart and kept you from thinking clearly.”

A deep, resonant voice suddenly came from the distance.

Yu Shang smiled faintly after hearing it. Things were becoming more and more interesting. Even this old man had personally come forward now. He truly did not know whether it was because his own reputation was so great or because these people had some other motive. In any case, events were unfolding even more smoothly than he had imagined.

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw the Grand Elder of Yanlan Academy quietly approaching from afar. Given their cultivation, they would have been unable to sense his presence had he not made a sound. He had arrived at precisely the right moment. Just as everyone had been at their wits’ end, he appeared with a smile on his face. Clearly, he had come because of this very matter.

Yet his arrival, while amusing Yu Shang, also aroused his suspicion. He did not believe he possessed such influence that the old man would worry about him. Could the Grand Elder have another motive? Was he planning to calculate some advantage from them? But Yu Shang could not imagine what they possessed that this shrewd old man might want.

“Senior Brother!”

“Grand Uncle!”

The members of Yanlan Academy hurriedly bowed and saluted when they saw the Grand Elder. Even the old dean respectfully offered his greetings, while the others inclined their heads in welcome.

The only one who refused to play along was Xiao Yin, whose face was filled with displeasure. Ever since the old man had laid a trap and lured him into it, Xiao Yin had not held the so-called Grand Elder in the slightest regard. In his eyes, the old man was every bit as detestable as the dean—two old schemers who would devour a person without even spitting out the bones.

“I never expected the Grand Elder to come here in person today. This junior is truly surprised.”

Yu Shang smiled faintly at the Grand Elder without appearing either servile or arrogant. After all, they had already crossed hands and understood one another to some extent. There was no need for him to humble himself excessively. Besides, they could be considered allies now; there was no question of superiority or inferiority between them.

Moreover, the old man was clearly concealing something important from him. Under such circumstances, Yu Shang had even less reason to flatter or beg him. The old man accepted neither softness nor force, and whether Yu Shang treated him well or poorly, he likely would not care.

“If it were not for you, you troublesome brat, why would I have come all the way to a place like this?”

The Grand Elder walked forward several steps and spoke to Yu Shang with evident irritation. Yet he did not truly seem angry—nor was his expression particularly pleasant.

However, when his gaze passed over Xun Mishuang, it instantly became gentle, filled with indulgence and affection, as though he cherished the girl deeply. Xun Mishuang boldly met his eyes and smiled at the old man, showing not the slightest fear.

The atmosphere between them was warm and at ease, like the affection of an elder for a younger relative and the trust of a junior toward an honored elder.

“I never imagined this junior would have such a distinguished face that he could persuade the Grand Elder to visit the Divine Armory. But may I ask why you have come? I assume it is not because of our transaction. The time and place are both inappropriate, and there would be no reason for you to make a wasted journey.

“Since that is the case, could it be that you have also come because of the matter we were discussing? If so, this junior will truly have to thank you.”

Yu Shang continued to greet him with a smile that was neither warm nor cold. To be honest, he could still relax somewhat in the presence of the old dean. But before this old man, he had to remain fully alert. The Grand Elder was far more difficult to deal with than the dean.

“Were you not eager to know where the Ancient Tear is hidden? I came specifically to tell you.

“To be honest, I had no intention of saying anything at first. But after weighing the matter from both sides, I decided that keeping you alive might still prove useful. Even so, using the Ancient Tear as the price is rather excessive. Do you have nothing to offer in return, something that can prove my painful decision to part with such a treasure was correct, rather than the result of failing eyesight and a moment of softness?”

The Grand Elder’s words clearly carried a hidden meaning. He wanted to obtain some benefit from Yu Shang. But Yu Shang truly could not imagine what he still possessed that could be worth coveting. At present, he had nothing that could possibly make such a shrewd old man expend so much effort to acquire it.