Chapter 373
Upon first laying eyes on this peculiar spiritual plant, Lu Xuan was instantly reminded of the fifth-grade Demon Ghost Vine in his possession.
Both shared certain similarities, notably their aggressive nature. However, perhaps due to its higher grade, the Demon Ghost Vine exhibited a semblance of spiritual intelligence, whereas the attacks of this spiritual plant seemed more instinctual.
"Brother Ge, where did this unusual spiritual plant come from?" Lu Xuan asked out of curiosity.
"Recently, our sect, in collaboration with several other sects, opened up a newly discovered blessed land where we found a large quantity of such plants," Ge Pu replied succinctly.
Lu Xuan nodded, scrutinizing the plant carefully.
"It's strange. Despite its aggressiveness, I can't detect any malevolent aura from the plant."
Over the years, Lu Xuan had cultivated many varieties of spiritual plants.
A few of them were aggressive, like the Sword-Nurturing Gourd and various grades of Sword Grass in his dwelling, which attacked only when manipulated by cultivators.
Additionally, a few underworld plants exhibited proactive aggression, such as the mature Hundred-Eyed Enigmatic Wood, as well as the Blood Spirit Palm Ginseng and Holy Infant Fruit, which were still being cultivated.
Although this plant was also aggressively proactive, no trace of malevolence could be felt within it.
Lu Xuan's Pure Jade Amulet remained inactive, and attempts to probe with Purification Talismans and Expelling Evil Talismans revealed nothing out of the ordinary.
"Bringing this strange spiritual plant here was intended for you, Brother Lu, to study and perhaps uncover something."
"There's an abundance of such plants in the blessed land. If we can understand their origins, it might ease the exploration for our fellow sect members," Ge Pu slowly said.
Within the Sky Sword Sect, although Lu Xuan wasn't widely renowned, those familiar with him were well aware of his profound mastery in the realm of spiritual plants.
Throughout his journey, he had resolved several major issues related to spiritual plants and beasts, even impressing two Core Formation elders.
Despite his cultivation level only being at the Foundation Establishment stage, his knowledge of spiritual plants and beasts could rival, if not surpass, that of some Core Formation elders and true disciples within the sect.
"Alright, then I'll give it a try and see if I can discover anything from this unusual spiritual plant," Lu Xuan said, taking the plant from Ge Pu without hesitation.
"Thank you for your effort, Brother Lu. Please contact me if you find anything," Ge Pu said, nodding in satisfaction. A black and white Tai Chi pattern emerged behind him, rapidly expanding. He and Zhong Jingshan stepped into it and vanished in an instant.
Lu Xuan watched them leave, turning his attention back to the peculiar plant in his hands.
"Obtained from a blessed land..."
He murmured softly.
The cultivation world is filled with various secret realms, but those reaching the level of a blessed land are exceedingly rare.
Blessed lands often exist in extremely dangerous locations or even within the void, making them difficult to discover.
The Sky Sword Sect controls three blessed lands, one of which, the Langyue Blessed Land, Lu Xuan had entered. From there, he acquired a fifth-grade Demon Ghost Vine, a fourth-grade Spirit Pine, and a sixth-grade Phoenix Wood, reaping significant benefits.
According to Ge Pu, the sect had recently discovered this blessed land and was currently exploring it in collaboration with other sects, likely uncovering many rare treasures.
This thought excited Lu Xuan for a moment before he calmed down, regaining his composure.
A new blessed land, while promising ample opportunities and treasures, also harbored unknown dangers, hence the need for Core Formation elders to lead the exploration.
With his current cultivation level, it was best not to harbor too many expectations.
"Unraveling the mystery behind this spiritual plant might earn me significant merit and rewards from the sect."
As he contemplated, a tingling sensation spread from his fingers.
Looking down, he noticed that the plant's trunk had somehow swallowed one of his fingers, its serrated edges gnawing continuously, with a powerful suction emanating from within.
"This little thing sure knows how to bite."
Lu Xuan allowed the peculiar plant to nibble on his finger.
Having practiced the "Lustrous Bone Forging Technique" and the "Great Void Dragon Transformation," and consumed the Jade Scale Fruit and Golden Marrow Jade Liquid to enhance his physique, his body's toughness was comparable to some third-grade magical instruments. To him, the plant's gnawing was no more bothersome than a tickle.
Observing the crack-ridden plant, Lu Xuan, intrigued, pushed his finger deeper into the trunk, stirring wildly within.
When he withdrew his finger, the serrated edges around the cracks had all fallen off, scattering on the ground.
After such treatment, the plant recognized Lu Xuan's strength, showing no reaction even when
he deliberately approached it again.
"Though it lacks spiritual intelligence, it possesses the basic instinct to seek benefit and avoid harm," Lu Xuan remarked, continuing his observation of the now-docile plant.
Despite his examination, he found nothing new besides its unusual aggressiveness.
"When in doubt, feed it something."
"Whether it's a spiritual plant, a demonic beast, or something in between, just feed it something, and it'll reveal its true nature right before my eyes."
With this thought, Lu Xuan's spiritual power surged, and a spell of Spiritual Rain descended like a thin waterfall, precisely watering the plant's trunk and leaves.
After the plant absorbed the water, Lu Xuan focused his mind on it, and an idea emerged:
"Unknown spiritual plant, third-grade, originally a third-grade Dragon Pattern Wood, which gradually mutated into a new species under the influence of an unknown powerful flesh and blood. This transformation endowed it with greater vitality and aggressiveness, posing a significant threat to cultivators below the Foundation Establishment level. It can be used to craft elixirs that enhance the physical body and, with proper treatment, assist in practicing certain body-refining techniques."
"Mutated spiritual plant, originally a third-grade Dragon Pattern Wood..."
Lu Xuan had come across Dragon Pattern Wood in a scripture within the sect's library. It was extremely tough and served as a superior material for crafting magical instruments and flying swords.
However, the records indicated a significant difference in appearance from the plant he now held, which was almost entirely unrelated.
"What kind of flesh and blood aura could cause a third-grade spiritual plant to mutate into such a form?"
Lu Xuan mused to himself.
Although he now had a general understanding of the peculiar plant, he decided to study it for a few more days.
It would be too conspicuous to relay information about the plant to Ge Pu immediately after his departure.
While Lu Xuan didn't mind showcasing his 'talent' in the field of spiritual plants, he preferred to keep a low profile, aiming to "quietly make a fortune."
"Now that I know the origins of the plant, the next step is to observe its habits and preferences to find the best way to handle it," Lu Xuan thought to himself.
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