"Summon your spirit," Gu Yi said to Lin Qing. Enhancing one's cultivation level wasn't significant; the true advancement lay in improving one's foundation.
"Okay," Lin Qing responded, and a Blue Silver Grass appeared in her hand.
"It's so beautiful," Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed. Both she and Lin Qing couldn't resist the allure of beautiful things. The Blue Silver Grass in Lin Qing's hand now resembled a blue gemstone, far more exquisite than before.
"Sir, this young lady's spirit is now no weaker than mine," the Blue Silver King remarked. It hadn't expected an ordinary human child to be able to absorb the essence of tens of thousands of Blue Silver Grasses.
Moreover, it had also benefited from the process. Though it was a spirit beast, its wisdom was no less than that of humans. The fluctuations generated during Lin Qing's cultivation were immensely beneficial to it, possibly advancing its own bloodline.
Gu Yi nodded, satisfied with the outcome. Lin Qing didn't possess the Blue Silver Emperor's bloodline and couldn't evolve into the Blue Silver Emperor. However, achieving the level of the Blue Silver King was a significant advancement.
"One last thing, come with me," Gu Yi said, addressing the Blue Silver King suspended in the air.
"Human, don't push your luck. I've already given you what you wanted," the Blue Silver King said, suppressing its anger. It wouldn't tolerate further demands, even if it meant risking everything in the forest.
"I'm not reneging on our deal. I have a better place for you to grow, where your cultivation can increase tenfold, even a hundredfold. Plus, I can help you find the Blue Silver Empress," Gu Yi proposed.
Lin Qing's cultivation path had only just begun, and she would need the support of the Blue Silver King and its kin.
The Blue Silver King was swayed by the mention of the Blue Silver Empress. Their clan had been without the Blue Silver Empress for too long, and finding it was paramount.
"If you can truly find the Blue Silver Emperor, I would willingly offer all my cultivation to this young lady," the Blue Silver King said. The well-being of the Blue Silver Empress was all that mattered.
"A promise made is a promise kept," Gu Yi assured. He didn't need to deceive the plant; he genuinely needed the Blue Silver King's assistance for Lin Qing's future cultivation.
"Great ones do not lie," the Blue Silver King said, placing its trust in Gu Yi.
"Then come in," Gu Yi said, producing the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, capable of storing living beings.
The Blue Silver King hesitated but eventually entered the bag. The chance, however slim, was worth the risk for the sake of the Blue Silver Empress.
"It's done, let's go home," Gu Yi said, securing the bag. Zhu Zhuqing and Lin Qing were puzzled by how easily Gu Yi managed to capture a ten-thousand-year spirit beast.
"Snap out of it. We still have one more place to visit," Gu Yi said.
...
After several days of travel, Gu Yi appeared fatigued. He wasn't a Titled Douluo and didn't have true flight capabilities, relying instead on manipulating the world's energy to fly.
"Master, why are we here?" Lin Qing asked curiously, having just left one forest for another.
"We're looking for a certain plant," Gu Yi replied. Finding the weakened and hidden Blue Silver Empress in the dark cave would be impossible without the help of the Blue Silver King.
"Come out," Gu Yi said, releasing the Blue Silver King from the Wishful Hundred Treasures Purse.
"Great one..." The Blue Silver King began, but suddenly paused, sensing something. "It's the Empress's aura," it said, rushing eastward.
"Let's go," Gu Yi said, lifting the two girls to keep up with the Blue Silver King's speed.
They soon arrived at a valley with a waterfall pouring into a pool. The Blue Silver King soared through the waterfall, and moments later, they heard its furious roar.
"Who dared to transform the Empress into such a state and leave it in this dark, damp place to suffer!" the Blue Silver King bellowed.
When Gu Yi and the others entered, they saw the Blue Silver King channeling its cultivation into a small grass plant on the ground, showing deep respect and reverence.
"I think you should take it outside to heal. This place isn't conducive to its recovery," Gu Yi suggested. The Blue Silver King carefully uprooted the grass along with some soil and carried it outside.
Plants needed light to thrive.
Gu Yi noticed a box under the Blue Silver Empress and immediately retrieved it.
"Master, what's that?" Lin Qing asked, puzzled by the box buried under the Blue Silver Grass.
"A hundred-thousand-year spirit bone," Gu Yi replied, breaking the seal and opening the box to reveal the spirit bone inside.
The Blue Silver King rushed back in, "That's the Empress's spirit bone," it said, astonished to find it still there. The spirit bone would significantly speed up the Emperor's recovery.
"Sir, may I have the spirit bone..." the Blue Silver King hesitated. It knew that no human would willingly part with such a treasure, but it had to try for the sake of the Empress.
"No, I can't give you this spirit bone," Gu Yi said firmly. The spirit bone was a valuable treasure for him and would greatly benefit his cultivation techniques.
(End of Chapter)