Zi Yan nodded slightly. "The power of the stars is even more profound than I imagined. It not only granted me strength but also allowed me to witness the splendor and desolation of countless lives across the universe."
The Star Guardian opened a spatial passage to help Xiao Chong and Zi Yan leave.
The moment Xiao Chong and Zi Yan stepped out of the spatial passage, their vision suddenly widened.
The ancient architecture of the Jia nan Academy came into view. On either side of the familiar stone-paved paths, students hurried by or gathered in groups to discuss their cultivation insights, creating a vibrant and lively scene.
Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the academy.
"We're back," Xiao Chong took a deep breath of the academy unique fresh air, his face brimming with unconcealable joy.
Zi Yan gently freed her hand from Xiao Chong and strolled along the cobblestone path, her skirt fluttering in the breeze, as if blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural scenery.
...
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the Jia nan Academy, Elder Hu Gan angrily pushed open the door to a secret chamber. His weathered eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the empty herb shelves.
The precious herbs he had painstakingly collected were supposed to be there, but now not a single leaf remained, leaving only dust and emptiness in the room.
"What... what happened?" Elder Hu Gan voice echoed through the chamber, shattering the dust.
"Elder, are the herbs you were looking for gone?"
A young disciple cautiously peeked in and, seeing the situation, quickly stepped forward to inquire.
Elder Hu Gan turned around, his beard trembling with anger.
"Not just gone, they were clearly stolen! Notify everyone immediately. I want the entire academy searched. Whoever dared to touch my herbs will pay the price!"
The news spread like wildfire throughout the Jia nan Academy.
In no time, the students were abuzz with discussions, both curious and excited about the sudden bounty announcement.
"Have you heard? Elder Hu Gan herbs were stolen, and he personally posted a bounty notice, saying there will be a heavy reward for anyone who provides clues!"
"Wow, this is big news! Elder Hu Gan herbs are all gone. Who would dare to mess with him?"
As everyone busily discussed, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan also learned of the matter. The two exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts.
Zi Yan was somewhat afraid. She feared that Elder Hu Gan would punish her if he found out, and she thought it might be better to confess rather than live in fear.
Thus, under the moonlight, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan made their way through the medicinal garden at night, surrounded by a faint aroma of herbs that added a touch of mystery. Zi Yan tightly held Xiao Chong hand, her eyes flickering with unease and determination.
"Brother Xiao Chong, I'm really scared. What will Elder Hu Gan think if he finds out it was me?" Zi Yan murmured softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Xiao Chong gently patted the back of her hand, his gaze tender yet firm.
"Don't worry, Zi Yan. No matter what happens, I'll be by your side. Besides, I believe the elder will understand. After all, your intention was to grow stronger faster."
They arrived at Elder Hu Gan bamboo cottage. Under the moonlight, the shadows of the bamboo danced, exuding an otherworldly aura. Xiao Chong lightly knocked on the door, and soon, a kind-faced elder slowly opened it.
"It's Xiao Chong and Ziyan. What brings you here so late?" Elder Hu Gan voice was gentle, yet it carried a hint of displeasure, clearly still troubled by the theft of the medicinal herbs. Zi Yan took a deep breath, mustered her courage, stepped forward, and slightly bent her knees in a respectful bow.
"Elder... I... I have something to say."
A flicker of surprise crossed Elder Hu Gan brow before he regained his composure, nodding slightly to signal her to continue.
"Here's the thing, Elder," Zi Yan lifted her head, her gaze clear and sincere. "I was the one who took those herbs."
At her words, not only did Xiao Chong expression tighten, but Elder Hu Gan face also changed slightly, his eyes flashing with disbelief.
"Ziyan, what do you mean by this?"
Zi Yan took another deep breath and began to explain her reasons. "Elder, I've recently hit a bottleneck in my cultivation. In order to break through, I dared to take those precious herbs. I know it was wrong of me, but—"
Elder Hu Gan listened, then pondered for a moment, his gaze gradually softening.
"Ziyan, I understand your intentions, but taking the herbs without permission is against the rules. However, since you came forward on your own, I... I won't punish you too severely."
Xiao Chong, standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Elder Hu Gan with gratitude.
"Thank you, Elder, for your kindness. Zi Yan will surely remember this and work even harder in her cultivation, not to disappoint your expectations."
"Indeed, recognizing one mistakes and correcting them is a great virtue. But remember, improving one strength cannot rely solely on external aids. What's more important is the resilience of the heart and the comprehension of one's own Qi."
Elder Hu Gan spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with hope for the younger generation.
"Yes, Elder. Your teachings are deeply engraved in my heart," Zi Yan nodded heavily, feeling both relieved and motivated.
Xiao Chong looked at the esteemed elder before him, his eyes firm. "Elder, to express our apology, I am willing to refine an eighth-grade medicinal pill for you. Please give me some time to prepare the materials; I will not fail your trust."
Upon hearing this, the wrinkles on Elder Hu Gan face seemed to smooth out a bit, and a glimmer of disbelief flashed in his eyes. His voice trembled slightly as he asked,
"An eighth-grade pill? You're going to refine an eighth-grade pill for me? This is a realm that even many seasoned alchemists dream of reaching!"
"I mean it," Xiao Chong responded confidently, his tone revealing a maturity and certainty beyond his years.
Zi Yan, listening beside him, her eyes sparkling with admiration, couldn't help but interject, "Brother Xiao Chong, you're truly amazing! I want to help you refine the eighth-grade pill."
Xiao Chong smiled gently at Zi Yan and nodded, then turned back to Elder Hu Gan, seriously inquiring about the specific type of pill needed and its purpose.
Elder Hu Gan pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "If it's as you say, then refine a 'Life-Restoring Longevity Pill.' This pill is extremely precious, capable of curing stubborn illnesses and extending life. For someone of my age, it would undoubtedly be the best gift."
"A Life-Restoring Longevity Pill... I understand, Elder. Please be at ease. I will go prepare it now." With that, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan took their leave, embarking on a journey to find the rare medicinal ingredients.
The next day, the two arrived at a place called the Valley of Hidden Orchids. Here, mist and clouds swirled around, and rare flowers and exotic plants covered the ground, making it an ideal spot for gathering precious medicinal herbs.
Xiao Chong held a scroll titled 'Illustrated Compendium of Ten Thousand Herbs,' carefully identifying the plants around them, while Zi Yan followed excitedly beside him, occasionally pointing at some peculiar plant and asking curious questions.
"Zi Yan, look over there. That's the thousand-year-old Ganoderma we need. Its medicinal properties are crucial for the Elixir of Rejuvenation and Life Extension," Xiao Chong said, pointing to a Ganoderma glowing with a faint purple light on a distant cliff, his eyes sparkling with excitement.