Chapter 356: The Heart Bug Lurks Within
The green grass lay flattened against the cold, hard earth.
Jiang Chen landed lightly and called out, “Field Master!”
A cool, refreshing aura instantly washed over him, soothing him to the core.
A moment later, Zhu Fuxian strolled out from his bamboo hut, a large wine gourd in hand. He gave Jiang Chen a casual glance. “By the look on your face, you’ve found trouble again. What is it this time?”
Jiang Chen recounted the events of the past few days. “It’s like this…”
He started with his trip to Mystic Heart City with Long Ao and the others, detailing everything that happened along the way: the trials he faced, how he Awakened his Water Spirit Root, and finally, the insect swarm that ambushed him on his return. Though it was a summary, he left no important detail out.
Zhu Fuxian listened, a thoughtful expression on his face. “So, you believe the Horned Flying Bugs were a test from Rong Long?”
Jiang Chen considered it. “I’m almost certain of it.”
Zhu Fuxian tilted his head back and took a long pull from his gourd before speaking again. “Only Long Ao and his group knew you were going to Mystic Heart City. How could Rong Long have found out?”
Jiang Chen froze, his eyes widening in realization. “Don’t tell me he’s in Mystic Heart City!”Thinking back, he hadn’t felt like he was being watched when he first arrived. That sensation only began after he had secured first place in the event.
Zhu Fuxian posed another question. “Have you mastered the Myriad Insects Secret Record?”
Jiang Chen nodded. “I have.”
Zhu Fuxian then asked, “Then have you ever used the power of the Dragon-Transformed Meridian-Reversing Worm Mother?”
Jiang Chen shook his head. “Never. I haven’t summoned it once.”
Zhu Fuxian mused aloud, “Rong Long doesn’t know you personally. This surveillance, this attack… it’s a test. Perhaps he sensed the Worm Mother’s aura but couldn’t confirm if you were its host.”
A cold dread washed over Jiang Chen.
For an insect cultivator, encountering a rare spirit insect like the Horned Flying Bug would almost always prompt one reaction: capture it. Even if they couldn’t use it themselves, it would fetch a high price in Spirit Stones. But if he had done that, he would have walked right into Rong Long’s trap.
It would have been a direct admission that he possessed the Dragon-Transformed Meridian-Reversing Worm Mother. What would have followed wouldn’t have been a test, but a lethal strike from a Human-Grade Golden Core cultivator.
And while a Human-Grade Golden Core was the weakest of its kind, with a cultivation ceiling at the Nascent Soul realm, crushing a group of Foundation Establishment juniors would be child’s play.
Zhu Fuxian offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Now that we have a good idea of Rong Long’s location, the Sect will dispatch Elders from the Punishment Hall to apprehend him. As for you, you’re perfectly safe as long as you don’t leave the sect’s grounds.”
Jiang Chen hesitated. “Field Master, there’s something else… I’m not sure if I should mention it.”
“Speak.”
Jiang Chen’s expression turned serious. “Zhao Qianyun didn’t just organize the Thousand Sails Event. He’s invited all the participants to travel to Dream Island together.”
A knowing smile touched Zhu Fuxian’s lips. “Did you know that Dream Island has another name?”
Curiosity piqued, Jiang Chen leaned in. “What is it?”
“The Shadow Spirit Platform. There’s a saying about it: ‘A dream of three thousand, where the Heart Bug lurks within the heart.'”
Jiang Chen blinked. “Uh… I’ve never heard that.”
Zhu Fuxian sat on the ground, taking another sip of wine as he explained. “Dream Island, or the Shadow Spirit Platform, does indeed hold Fated Chances, but they are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Anyone who steps onto that island burdened by desire will birth a Heart Bug within themselves. This creature feeds on the desires of cultivators. The more people there are, the faster it grows.”
The pieces clicked into place for Jiang Chen. “You’re saying Rong Long is after the Heart Bug?”
Jiang Chen’s face darkened. “So Zhao Qianyun’s intentions aren’t pure either!”
Zhu Fuxian snorted with disdain. “Men like Zhao Qianyun are simply exploiting the greed of others, using them as fodder to dilute the pressure of the island’s illusions. Think about it. If it were truly such a wondrous place, why wouldn’t our Immortal Sect claim it? Why would it be left for the likes of Mystic Heart City, the five great families, and other minor powers? It’s because the Sect looks down on it, and the risks far outweigh the rewards.”
After bidding farewell to the Field Master, Jiang Chen piloted the Shattered Moon Flowing Frost back to his Spirit Farm.
He had made his decision. He would not set foot outside the sect’s protection until Rong Long was captured. That meant Xuan Zhu would have to wait. As for the trades at the Loose Cultivator market, he would have to entrust them completely to Lin An.
Spirit Stones were important. Resources were important. But his life was paramount.
Seeing his master return after a long absence, Da Huang was ecstatic. He bounded over, tail wagging furiously, and left an excited puddle on the ground. The Pearl Chicken was its usual skittish self, keeping its distance as it had ever since he’d named it.
Nothing else at home had changed. But because the weeds hadn’t been pulled for days, the area was overgrown. Combined with the unplanted fields of his five-acre Spirit Farm, the place had a palpable sense of desolation.
Looks like learning puppetry needs to be my next priority, Jiang Chen thought. Without a Fortress to manage things, every little chore fell to him.
Seeing that he was alone, he lifted a hand.
Instantly, the surrounding weeds tore free from the soil and floated into the air. With a soft snap of his fingers, they ignited. Once they were nothing but ash, a casual wave of his hand scattered them across the five-acre Spirit Farm—a perfect fertilizer.
The display left Da Huang staring, utterly dumbfounded.
Jiang Chen grinned. “The versatility of Five Spirit Roots is simply unmatched.”
He then went into his stone house to prepare a meal. His good mood was infectious, and he decided his pets deserved to share in it. Using the local specialties he’d bought in Mystic Heart City, he prepared a seafood feast.
Steamed Spirit Abalone, Braised Jiao Shrimp, Fire-Roasted Coral Crab, and Tide-Sound Flower Stewed Sea-Lin Fish—the spread was exceptionally sumptuous.
The rich aroma wafted outside, driving Da Huang, the Pearl Chicken, and the five Fire Crows into a frenzy. They crowded the doorway, their eyes glued to the food inside. Da Huang had the least self-control, drool leaking from the corners of his mouth. Crow One had the worst luck; before he even got a bite, he was covered in the dog’s slobber.
Jiang Chen picked up a steaming bowl of Five Elements Cycle Rice and deliberately waved it in front of his spirit pets, causing a fresh wave of commotion. He then returned to the table and began portioning out the food. This feast wasn’t just for him; everyone got a share.
Soon, the spirit pets were eating from their bowls in an orderly line. Both the seafood and the Five Elements Cycle Rice emitted an intoxicating fragrance. Tasting such delicacies for the first time, they devoured every last scrap, practically licking their bowls clean.
As he watched them eat, his mind drifted back to the winter he had first become a full disciple. Back then, it was just him and Da Huang. One man and one dog, sharing Spirit Rice and spirit wine.
Now, despite being surrounded by a menagerie of spirit pets—a dog, a chicken, a turtle, fish, and insects—he was still alone.