Chapter 35: In Search of the Flower of Heaven

Ma De’s voice echoed in Jiang Li’s mind, causing him to glance involuntarily at Li Tongxuan.

He hadn't expected this fellow to have been affected by the Equinox Flower; no wonder his expression was so dull and his skin deathly pale. It turned out he had been tainted by the flower.

However, was it truly necessary to listen to Ma De and kill him? Though Li Tongxuan was somewhat dangerous, he was far too valuable. If he could be cured, he would undoubtedly be a great asset in the future.

"No, try not to kill him," Jiang Li said, gritting his teeth. "Everyone listen up: you may strike, but do not deliver a lethal blow."

After a pause, Jiang Li took a deep breath. "But if you feel your own life is threatened, then kill him."

With that, Jiang Li was the first to pick up a wooden spear from the ground, and the others immediately began to move.

"Roar!"

Li Tongxuan let out a pained howl, his body swaying as he stumbled toward the door. It seemed as though a force was controlling him, compelling him to unleash the rawest instincts of a beast and crawl on the ground. Yet, Li Tongxuan gripped the wall tightly, refusing to let his body collapse.

"Restrain him!" At Jiang Li's command, Su Yang and Chu Chunqiu rushed forward, grabbing Li Tongxuan’s arms from behind. Lightning followed nimbly, binding him tightly with a bundle of straw rope.

A moment later, Jiang Li finally let out a long sigh of relief.

"Brother Jiang, he cannot be saved. Besides, who knows when he might have another episode? Keeping him around is a hidden danger," Ma De said, shaking his head as he walked over. "Think about it—this time we were lucky enough to discover it early. If we hadn't, then..."

Jiang Li frowned deeply. "No. Look at him; even during his episode, he didn't crawl on the ground like those other monsters. He was struggling to maintain control of himself. This proves that Li Tongxuan still has his reason. Since he hasn't given up, how could I just abandon him?"

"But as far as I know, among the legends passed down by these indigenous people, there is no way to save someone like him," Ma De countered.

Jiang Li fell silent for a moment before turning toward the door. "You all stay here and watch him. Chu Chunqiu, come with me."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Before long, Jiang Li arrived at the entrance of Wild Ox’s stone house.

*Tap, tap, tap.*

After a few knocks, Wild Ox emerged. "Jiang Li, it's so late. Is something the matter?"

"Chief, it’s like this: I have a question. If someone has been affected by the Equinox Flower but managed to escape by some stroke of luck, how can such a person be saved?" Jiang Li asked directly.

"Such a thing is possible?!" Wild Ox’s eyes widened involuntarily.

Jiang Li nodded. "It is. Chief, you are well-traveled and knowledgeable—do you know of any way to save him?"

Wild Ox fell into deep thought, eventually pointing a finger toward a distant, towering mountain. "When I was young, I heard our tribe's old priest say that the only way to break the curse of the Equinox Flower is with the Heaven Flower that grows on the high mountains."

He shook his head, adding, "But I advise you not to hold out any hope."

"Why do you say that?" Jiang Li asked urgently.

Wild Ox sighed. "Because it is merely a legend. Generally, those affected by the Equinox Flower have no way of escaping. Moreover, it is said that a group of indigenous people lives on that mountain. They are isolated from the world and will not let anyone pass. No one has ever seen the Heaven Flower."

"By the way, who among you has been affected? He won't harm the people in the tribe, will he?" Wild Ox asked warily.

Jiang Li waved his hand. "Rest assured, Chief. We have him under control; he will not harm anyone."

Wild Ox nodded and gestured for several patrolling tribesmen to approach. "You lot, call a few more men to watch the ritual house. The moment you see a monster affected by the Equinox Flower break out, kill it on the spot!"

Jiang Li’s expression changed, but before he could speak, Wild Ox continued coldly, "Jiang Li, it’s not that I want to be difficult, but the threat of these monsters is too great. I saw one with my own eyes when I was a child... *hiss*."

"The mountain is far too dangerous. I advise you to give up this thought and kill him."

Jiang Li clenched his fists and forced a smile. "Chief, I want to try. I will leave with my men now and return by sunset tomorrow. But I have one condition: as long as he does not leave the room before I return, you must not touch him."

Wild Ox pondered for a long time before finally nodding. "Very well. But I still think you shouldn't take the risk."

"Thank you for your concern, Chief, but this person is vital to me. I must try!"

Having said that, Jiang Li turned and walked away. Wild Ox stared at his retreating back, lost in thought, until a moment later when he suddenly smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.

Returning to Ma De’s room, Jiang Li began assigning tasks.

"Chu Chunqiu, the usual rules apply—you must come with me this time."

"No problem, Young Master!" Chu Chunqiu patted his chest.

Jiang Li’s gaze shifted to Ma De. For some reason, this man always gave him the feeling that his true background was hidden. "Brother Ma, will you accompany me?"

Ma De’s expression flickered several times before he gritted his teeth and nodded. "Fine. For the sake of the ancestral ties between the Jiang and Ma families, I agree!"

Jiang Li was surprised—ancestral ties between the Ma and Jiang families? He had never heard of such a thing. But it didn't matter; that could wait for another time.

"Lightning, you too. You are coming with us."

"Understood, Young Master," Lightning said without hesitation.

"Young Master, what about me?" Su Yang looked at Jiang Li expectantly.

Jiang Li shook his head. "Su Yang, the usual rules for you: stay here."

"Why?" Su Yang grew anxious. "Young Master, you go out to risk your lives every time while leaving me behind. I'm not some delicate girl like Qiuyue or Suyan; I’m a man, and my skills aren't weak!"

Jiang Li calmly patted his shoulder. "I know you're eager, but listen to me finish. You must stay here to guard the post so that I have no worries behind me." He pointed to his head. "Chu Chunqiu... sigh, it can't be helped. It has to be you."

Su Yang reluctantly sat back down. "Fine. I wish you a safe journey, Young Master."

"Don't worry." Jiang Li stood up and looked at the three men accompanying him. "Everyone, move out immediately. Pack your gear; we depart in a quarter of an hour!"

As he spoke, Jiang Li began loading his supplies. A dagger was a must. In addition, he tucked away several fire starters. Though he hoped to return by tomorrow, climbing a mountain was strenuous work, and he needed enough food and water.

He tucked two fire starters into his tunic, grabbed a wooden spear, and, holding a torch, pointed toward the distant mountain.

"Let's move!"