Looking at the relatively new copy of The Secret Record of the Golden Lotus, Qi Yuan’s expression gradually turned strange as an unbearable memory from his past surfaced.

This was because the author of this book, “Laughing Scholar,” was none other than his own pen name!

Back then, he had just transmigrated and was in a state of utter poverty. To earn money for food and shelter, he had resorted to being a literary plagiarist. To ensure an explosive debut, he had specifically chosen a famously popular and unique masterpiece from his previous life…

Classics are classics for a reason. The Secret Record of the Golden Lotus was an instant hit upon release, allowing him to earn a hefty sum of spirit stones, which covered the travel expenses to the Supreme Mystery Sanctuary to seek immortality and enlightenment.

He never expected to see his own “masterpiece” again today, and in the hands of a grass spirit no less. What the hell!

The more Qi Yuan looked at it, the more ashamed he felt. He immediately stored all these books into his storage pouch and scolded:

“Children shouldn’t read books like this. I’m confiscating them for now. You can ask for them back when you’re an adult.”

The little grass spirit’s expression froze. It hung its head and mumbled:

“Big Brother, I’m already ten thousand years old. Besides, I was just looking at the illustrations…”

“Especially not the illustrations!”

With that, Qi Yuan couldn’t be bothered to deal with this troublesome child anymore. He pointed at the Formation Spirit still eating dirt nearby and said seriously, “First, restore my friend here, then you can leave.”

“Okay, Big Brother. I’ll listen to you.”

The little grass spirit nodded and casually dispelled the illusion.

The Formation Spirit quickly regained consciousness. It then discovered its mouth was inexplicably full of dirt; every burp reeked of earth. It hurriedly covered its mouth and started coughing violently.

“Cough cough cough… Ugh!”

Remembering what had just happened, the Formation Spirit flew into a rage.

“You thieving weed! I, your Elder, am sworn to be your enemy!”

The next moment, it charged recklessly toward the little grass spirit. However, halfway there, it inexplicably reverted to its previous state, changed direction, and excitedly ran to another pile of dirt to start eating…

The little grass spirit gave Qi Yuan an apologetic smile. “Big Brother, since it’s your friend, I won’t go to its home to pick up things anymore. As for the things it lost before, I’ll return them after I earn some spirit stones.”

Then, gritting its teeth against the pain, it forcefully plucked three Phantom Star Fruits from its head and offered them to Qi Yuan.

“Grandpa Ginseng said that a good spirit herb should know how to repay kindness. As thanks, I’m giving you these three Phantom Star Fruits.”

“When you’re in danger, just crush one fruit. It will force everyone around you into an illusionary realm, giving you a chance to escape.”

Hearing about the Phantom Star Fruit’s effects, Qi Yuan’s eyes lit up, and he immediately reached out to take them.

Great items!

These three Phantom Star Fruits came from a ten-thousand-year-old Phantom Star Herb. If used properly, even cultivators below the Great Ascension realm would likely be instantly affected. Their effect was completely comparable to three disposable top-tier talismanic treasures.

“Your head seems to be bleeding. Are you okay?”

Looking at the little grass spirit whose head was still spurting purple blood, Qi Yuan couldn’t help but show some concern.

“It’s fine.” The little grass spirit touched its head without changing expression and said through gritted teeth, “It’ll heal soon enough.”

“Your friend will wake up shortly. Goodbye, Big Brother.”

With that, the little grass spirit respectfully bowed to Qi Yuan in farewell. Then, with a flash, it burrowed into the ground and disappeared.

[Ding! Host has chosen to release a ten-thousand-year spirit herb and successfully harvested a wisp of Heavenly Dao aura. This reward has been automatically stored in the system reward space and can be retrieved by the host at any time.]

Hearing the system’s cold notification tone, Qi Yuan’s face lit up with joy. He eagerly opened the system reward space.

Inside the system space floated a wisp of pale golden mist. It was ethereal and nimble, resembling a lotus flower. Vague yet magnificent phenomena swirled around it, exuding an indescribable sense of ancient grandeur.

A wisp of Heavenly Dao Merit Aura!

Although this damn system’s tasks were all kinds of troublesome traps, the rewards it gave were genuine and without discount!

With this wisp of Heavenly Dao aura, he had a chance to form the legendary Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul…

“I’m so furious!”

Just as he was in high spirits, the Formation Spirit crawled out somewhat disheveled from a pile of dirt. Discovering the little grass spirit was gone, it entered a frenzied mode: “Kid Qi! Follow the map back yourself! I must catch that thieving weed this time and give it a good beating!”

As it spoke, it pulled out a map marked with ley line directions from its sleeve, threw it to Qi Yuan, and then angrily rushed off along the ley lines in pursuit.

The little grass spirit moved with extreme speed through the earth. Humming a little tune under its breath, it traversed thousands of miles in an instant.

“Big Brother is really a good person! Now I can finally go out and search for Grandpa Ginseng’s whereabouts.”

Suddenly remembering something, it froze on the spot.

“Oh no! The Phantom Star Fruits I just gave Big Brother still have Phantom Star Herb sap on them!”

“The hallucinogenic effect of Phantom Star Herb sap far exceeds that of Phantom Star Fruits! If it evaporates into the air, won’t Big Brother quickly be pulled into an illusion?”

Thinking this, the little grass spirit panicked, and its speed slowed down considerably.

“Should I go back and wake Big Brother up…”

Just as it was about to turn back, another thought crossed its mind: Since Big Brother could rescue me, he must have already defeated that nasty woman. That place is deserted. Even if pulled into an illusion, it wouldn’t be dangerous.

“Anyway, the Phantom Star Herb sap effect will dissipate after some time. Big Brother will be fine.”

After this series of “careful” analyses, the little grass spirit successfully convinced itself. Immediately reassured, it continued on its way.

Meanwhile.

Qi Yuan felt dizzy as if Heaven and Earth were spinning. When he regained his senses, he found himself standing at the gate of a county town.

The town was bustling with activity, crowds flowing like water, carriages like dragons. Above the gate tower were written three characters: “Qinghe County.”

“Where is this?”

He tried hard to recall but found his mind foggy, his memories extremely blurry. He simply couldn’t remember how he had suddenly appeared here.

Just then, a voice calling out came from ahead:

“Master Ximen! How come you’re so leisurely today? Why not join your brother for some wine at the Ten Thousand Fragrances Pavilion? Sister Yu Chuan has been mentioning you often lately.”