Chapter 39: The Desert of Death

"What are you all talking about over here?" Ji Chuxue's voice came from behind.

"Senior Sister, my senior brother and I were discussing why only I live in a thatched hut…" Jiang Yan explained.

Ji Chuxue looked a bit awkward. She cleared her throat and said, "Little Six, when you first joined, you didn't have enough spirit stones. So, I didn't tell you about building your own residence."

After a brief pause, she continued, "Besides, all new disciples have to stay in a thatched hut for a period of time…"

"Senior Sister, then how many spirit stones would I need to build a castle like Third Senior Brother's?" Jiang Yan asked expectantly.

He had already begun picturing his own unique residence in his mind. Hehe, by then he would surely make his master, senior brothers, and sisters envious.

However, problems of location, materials, and labor immediately followed, making his head ache.

"Oh, Little Six, you've taken a liking to my castle? You have good taste! My castle isn't expensive, just worth five million top-grade spirit stones," Xie Lingzhou answered Jiang Yan's question.

What? That dark-themed castle is actually worth five million top-grade spirit stones!

And his third senior brother even claimed it wasn't expensive—did he have to be so nonchalant about it?

Jiang Yan could only sigh helplessly. "Alright… I'll just work hard to earn more spirit stones first."

Building a house would have to wait until he had enough spirit stones. There was no helping it—he simply didn't have that many. It was another discouraging day…

"Little Six, your senior brothers and sisters all acquired more spirit stones through training in secret realms and taking on missions. You should keep an eye out for such opportunities. By the way, why didn't you put your spirit fruits up for auction?" Ji Chuxue asked.

Jiang Yan explained, "I thought those two kinds of spirit fruits weren't very useful for the beastfolk. The Flamefruit only boosts fire elemental energy if eaten by someone with a fire spirit root, while the Azureforce Fruit increases strength, but those beastfolk live in seclusion on the neighboring mountain, so it's not much use to them. Besides, the effects of these fruits don't even last a day."

With that, he took out a spatial ring. "Senior Sister, here's your ring back. Thank you for lending it to me. There are two bags of Azureforce Fruit and Flamefruit inside—please give them to my senior brothers and sisters."

"Thank you, Little Six. But don't you also have a fire spirit root? Aren't you keeping some for yourself?" Ji Chuxue asked as she accepted the spatial ring.

Jiang Yan glanced at the little stubby dragon still rolling about in the castle and smiled. "Don't worry, Senior Sister, I still have some left. These two kinds of spirit fruit are snacks for the little dragon. Even if I don't keep any for myself, I'll make sure it gets some."

"Little Six, it seems you really like that little dragon! Why not form a contract with it?" Xie Lingzhou asked.

Jiang Yan pondered for a moment and answered frankly, "I feel that being partners suits me better than forming a contract. Besides, if danger ever arises, it won't be implicated because of me…"

These words surprised both Xie Lingzhou and Ji Chuxue. After all, most cultivators believed that only by signing a contract with a spirit beast could one ensure its loyalty and prevent betrayal.

"Hahaha, well said, my good disciple! I am truly pleased by your insight. Remember this always: a contract is not all-powerful," Lin Qi said, having just returned after seeing off an old friend and overhearing Jiang Yan's words. He was delighted with Jiang Yan's realization, believing that many spirit beasts would be willing to follow him in the future.

"Thank you for your praise, Master!" Jiang Yan replied respectfully.

"Big news, big news!" Wu Qianqian came running over in a flurry, excitedly announcing, "I just received word from our sisters at the Mystic Spirit Sect—their sect will be sending disciples to the Desert of Death in search of the legendary Revival Flower. Apparently, other sects will be sending disciples as well!"

No sooner had Wu Qianqian finished, than Qin Feifei dragged Wen Yue over to them. Wen Yue's eyes were tightly shut, her head drooping as if she were deeply asleep, completely at Qin Feifei's mercy.

"Master, is there really such a thing as the Revival Flower?" Jiang Yan couldn't help but ask Lin Qi.

The Revival Flower was said to grow in the Desert of Death, rumored to possess miraculous powers of raising the dead, stabilizing souls, and repairing bodies—even helping cultivators break through bottlenecks. Because of this, some cultivators risked the journey into the Desert of Death to search for it.

Jiang Yan remembered that in the original novel, the protagonists had ventured into the Desert of Death. Though they survived many dangers, thanks to their protagonist aura, they not only made it out but also gained opportunities. However, the Revival Flower was never found, and those who returned alive all claimed the legends were false.

Lin Qi thought for a moment and replied, "I believe the Revival Flower may truly exist. But you must seek it out yourselves."

"Master is right—whether it exists or not, we'll only know if we look for ourselves." Jiang Yan agreed wholeheartedly, convinced that only by seeking could one uncover the truth behind the legend.

"Fifth Junior Sister, do you know when they're setting out?" Xie Lingzhou asked curiously.

Wu Qianqian replied, "In about a month. The rumor is the Revival Flower will bloom at that time—it's the best season for harvesting."

"The Desert of Death is a treacherous place. Are you all truly willing to go?" Ji Chuxue asked with concern.

"Yes, yes, we want to go," Qin Feifei answered at once.

Wen Yue remained silent, but her nodding head showed her consent…

Ji Chuxue looked at Jiang Yan and earnestly reminded him, "Little Six, your motorbike probably won't work in the Desert of Death. The winds are fierce and the sand is deep—you could easily get stuck if you're not careful…"

She glanced at the others and continued, "And sword flying won't work either—the winds are too strong, you might be swept into a vortex."

Hearing Ji Chuxue's words, everyone fell silent…

Were they really going to be stumped by the issue of travel mounts?

"Senior Sister, don't worry, I'll make a new ride suitable for the Desert of Death," Jiang Yan said with full confidence.

"Sixth Junior Brother, really? Then we'll rely on you!" Wu Qianqian said excitedly.

"Leave it to me," Jiang Yan promised, patting his chest.

However, Ji Chuxue didn't seem overly optimistic. Travel mounts were just one issue; more importantly, the Desert of Death was extremely dangerous.

Was it really worth risking everything for something that might only be a legend?

…

In the days that followed, Jiang Yan was busier than ever, spending nearly all his time cultivating, building motorbikes, drawing talismans, and refining pills.

To travel smoothly in the Desert of Death, he designed an off-road RV. To improve their journey, he made several modifications to the vehicle.

During this process, the little dragon also helped him a great deal—even learning how to assemble motorbikes. So Jiang Yan handed over the remaining motorbike orders to the little dragon.

Jiang Yan patted the little dragon's head and praised, "Little Dragon, congratulations on your graduation! You can make motorbikes on your own now. I'll leave the rest to you. Don't worry, you'll get all the spirit stones you earn."

"You think I'm like you, obsessed with spirit stones? Fine, leave the rest to me and go build your Desert of Death mount," the little dragon replied, rolling its eyes.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but wonder—when did this little rascal become so sensible?