"Master, just now this disciple noticed that this blade of grass looks different from the weeds around it. Is this perhaps a spiritual herb?"
Keqing pointed toward a particularly verdant stalk of grass growing at her feet.
At that instant, the grass gave off a faint, shimmering glow.
This time, everyone saw it clearly.
Inwardly, they marveled. To have just set foot here and already stumbled upon a spiritual herb—Keqing's luck was extraordinary.
No doubt, this was indeed a spiritual herb.
Even if it was of lower grade, it was still the first genuine spirit herb they had ever encountered.
That alone made it significant.
Venti quickly pulled out a Kamera and snapped a picture.
Later, he planned to compose a bard's ballad of Mount Shu's journey into cultivation. Perhaps, after many years, it would be remembered as a tale sung throughout the heavens.
Jiang Yan's divine-sense projection flickered and appeared beside the grass. He studied it briefly, then nodded slightly.
"It is indeed a spiritual herb—Starlight Grass."
Keqing, who had been carefully observing his expression, noticed the lack of excitement on his face. Her own anticipation dimmed a little.
"Master, how valuable is this Starlight Grass?"
Ganyu asked curiously. She crouched down, leaned closer, and took in its fragrance. Immediately, a refreshing clarity surged to her head.
Her entire spirit felt invigorated, and gazing upon the stalk, she suddenly felt an odd sense of appetite.
This was… far more tempting than Qingxin flowers!
Though she hadn't tasted it, Ganyu's instincts told her it would be delicious.
She swallowed discreetly. If this herb hadn't been found by Keqing, she might already have plucked it to eat.
Seeing Ganyu's innocent longing expression, Jiang Yan couldn't help but laugh.
"No need to be so cautious. Starlight Grass is one of the most common medicinal herbs in the cultivation world—you'll often see it growing in the wilds.
"Of course, 'common' is relative. Its effects are still far superior to any herb of the mundane world.
"However, as it is still a spiritual herb, ordinary mortals cannot easily gather it.
Even if they manage to pull it up, without true essence to preserve it, its medicinal power would quickly dissipate.
"The correct method is to pluck it using true essence, seal it in a jade vial, and then lock its energy within. Only then can you be sure it won't degrade.
"This is the standard way of collecting most spiritual herbs."
Alice's eyes lit up, and she leaned forward with lively curiosity.
"Most? Then there must be some herbs that require… special methods of harvesting?"
"Of course," Jiang Yan replied with a smile.
"Does not Teyvat already have materials that can only be awakened through specific elemental powers?"
Alice grew visibly more excited.
"Just like in Journey to the West! The ginseng fruit tree: fall when struck by metal, wither by wood, dissolve in water, burn to ash in fire, or sink into the earth. Truly marvelous!"
At that, Jiang Yan shook his head, amused.
"That level of treasure is not something you will ever encounter here. Nor could you harvest it even if you did.
"The ginseng fruit requires a Golden Hoe, a proper immortal artifact, and even then only someone of Earth-Immortal cultivation or higher could collect it.
"Such a treasure is far beyond what a mere minor world like the Nine Nether Secret Realm could contain.
"Still, Elder Alice is correct—whenever you discover a spirit herb, do not rush to touch it.
"Many rare herbs are guarded by spirit beasts. A rash attempt to pick them will invite ambush.
"And while the majority of herbs can be gathered normally, there are indeed exceptions.
So remember—always consult me first.
"In time, you must learn to harvest such resources yourselves.
"Especially you two—Lishu and Lisa. Knowledge of spiritual herbs is a fundamental skill for any alchemist. You must take this seriously."
The two immediately bowed in unison.
"Your disciple will remember Master's teaching."
Keqing scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"So in the end, this herb… isn't really rare or precious, is it?"
"No. Every spiritual herb is precious."
Jiang Yan shook his head. His voice carried quiet gravity as he continued:
"To you, these herbs may appear common and easily plucked.
But to mortals, they are treasures beyond imagination.
"Starlight Grass has a mild nature and is a supplementary ingredient in many first-grade pills—
Blood Coagulation Pills, Spirit Recovery Pills, Essence Nourishment Pills, Qi Gathering Pills, and more.
"It is also the finest ingredient for the Great Rejuvenation Pill, a martial elixir that grants thirty years of inner strength.
"To cultivators, it may seem modest, but to ordinary people it surpasses all so-called miracle medicines.
"The mortal world records it thus:
'Starlight Grass, mild in nature, wondrous in effect. Consumed, it dispels a hundred ailments, strengthens sinew and bone, tempers body and spirit.
It grows in the wilds, often beside demons, and only immortals may harvest it.'
"In the secular world, Starlight Grass can sell for tens of thousands of taels of gold.
It is known as the herb that restores flesh to bone, the highest grade of medicine an ordinary man might ever hope to taste."
He paused, voice soft with faint melancholy.
"Never underestimate any herb you encounter.
What we treat as common trash is cherished as divine treasure by countless others.
"Because you are cultivators, you may overlook such things. But if you were mortals…?"
Keqing fell silent, a faint shame upon her face.
Jiang Yan did not press further. Instead, he said:
"Mount Shu cultivators uphold justice and walk above the common world, but remember—there is always a higher peak. Never let your status as cultivators make you arrogant.
"Xiao, recite Hall of Discipline's Rule 472."
Xiao's expression sharpened, his tone solemn.
"By the sect master's decree: Do not, by your own wealth, treat heaven's gifts as refuse. Every herb, every tree, is a boon of fate—treasure it, respect it."
Keqing bowed her head deeply.
"This disciple understands. I will never again take any herb lightly."
Jiang Yan nodded approvingly.
"Very well. Use the method I just described to harvest it. Later, plant it in the sect's spirit fields.
"Lishu, Lisa—nurture it well. Though not a primary ingredient, its mild, compatible nature makes it invaluable for refining all manner of first-grade pills.
"As for contribution points, those will be tallied when we return."
The two women nodded, recording his instructions carefully.
Keqing then carefully plucked the herb, sealed it within a jade vial with true essence.
Ganyu cast a lingering glance at the stalk, reluctant. But since it was said to be common, surely she would get to taste it one day.
With that thought, she reluctantly turned her gaze away and stepped to Jiang Yan's side.
"Master, where are we now within the Nine Nether Secret Realm? And which way should we head?"
Jiang Yan chuckled and shook his head.
"If you want a precise location, I can tell you. But as for which direction to travel… that is for you to decide.
"This is your trial. I will only provide information, not make choices for you.
"At present, you are on the southern edge of the Northern Wilderness Plains.
To the north lies the Frozen Wastes.
To the east, the great sea.
Far to the west, the desert.
And to the south… lies the very heart of the Nine Nether Secret Realm .
"The Myriad Demon Mountains."
At these names, the disciples' eyes glazed with confusion.
But the central region's name—Myriad Demon Mountains—instantly sounded ominous.
Yet even knowing the names, they still had no idea how to choose.
Seeing their hesitation, Jiang Yan thought for a moment, then explained:
"Each region of the Nine Nether Secret Realm holds unique resources.
The Frozen Wastes yield herbs adapted to extreme cold.
The western desert contains abundant mineral veins.
The sea holds countless marine spirit herbs.
"In truth, no matter where you go, you will find harvests worth the effort."
Ningguang asked the most critical question:
"Master, and the dangers of each region? Which place is the safest?"
"Safe?"
Jiang Yan smiled faintly and shook his head.
"In the Nine Nether Secret Realm, there is no such thing as safety.
"Even where you now stand—though it seems free of monsters—this is only temporary.
"This realm is paradise for beasts, but a forbidden land for men.
"Every region harbors great demons of the Nascent Soul stage.
In the central region, almost all territory belongs to demon kings.
"Of course, the deeper you go toward the center, the richer the resources.
"And if you can slay great demons or demon kings, their wealth is considerable.
They hoard treasures, magical arts, and artifacts plundered from countless slain cultivators.
"Their bodies themselves—blood, flesh, inner cores—are among the most prized materials in all of cultivation.
Alchemy, smithing… both rely on such things.
Many high-grade pills and artifacts are forged from the essence of powerful beasts."
Hearing this, everyone's hearts grew heavy.
Jiang Yan's tone had been calm, but in a few words he had revealed the cruel truth of the cultivation world:
Between cultivators and demons lay an endless food chain, a cycle of slaughter without end.
They would soon walk this path—perhaps slaying countless beasts, taking their treasures, their corpses, their cores.
Or perhaps one day, they themselves would fall to the claws of a demon—
Their relics claimed by some later cultivators in turn.
It was a cycle without escape.
Zhongli and the others could not fight against such a cycle. They were, after all, but the lowest stratum of cultivators.
Best not to dwell on such thoughts.
Rather than lament, better to focus on how to slay demons, harvest resources, and earn contribution points.
For now, though different regions held different materials, the value was roughly the same.
Other cultivators might prize secret arts and rare treasures above contribution points.
But for this group, contribution points mattered more than anything.
Their strength was still too low. Even if they obtained rare artifacts, they could not yet wield them.
The Hall of Merits's exchange was their best option—pills, tools, and treasures perfectly suited to their current stage.
Thus, for them, the key was not which resources they gathered, but how safely they could do so.
The safer the region, the greater their harvest.
Understanding this, the disciples finally grasped how to choose their destination.
Ningguang lifted her head, her eyes bright. She looked at Jiang Yan's projection.
"Master, then what of the demon kings and great beasts of each region? Can you tell us of their powers?"
Jiang Yan studied her calmly for a moment, then allowed a faint smile.
"Of course I can.
"But I regret to inform you—
Not a single region in the Nine Nether Secret Realm is safe."
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