Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 130: The Entwined Fate with the Third Elder

The reason why Void Realm cultivators could undergo a complete rebirth was because they had fused with their Life-Bound Artifact.

A Life-Bound Artifact was drawn from the heavens and earth, and refining it signified that a cultivator had begun to merge with the vast cosmos. Once one broke through to the Void Realm, it meant they had truly transcended the limits of “mortality,” becoming an Immortal capable of commanding a fragment of the world.

Of course, finding one’s own Life-Bound Artifact was like searching for a needle in a sea, and refining and fusing with it was even more arduous.

The Heavenly Dao would not easily accept those who sought to rival the heavens. Throughout the long and uncertain process of refinement, countless Heavenly Tribulations would arise, causing countless prodigies to fall midway.

Thus, every Void Realm cultivator—even those with special constitutions like the various Dao Bodies—had to overcome countless hardships and defy the heavens before they could stand atop the summit.

And precisely because of this, You Su absolutely could not allow Master’s Wife to suffer a realm regression because of him.

“Only me?”

You Su was slightly stunned. Though he had resolved to repay Master’s Wife, he had never imagined that this task would fall solely upon him.

His Senior Sister was a genius at the Feather Transformation Realm, and the Third Elder was a Void Realm expert like Master’s Wife. Could his role really be more crucial than theirs?

“That’s right, only you.”

The Third Elder took a sip of immortal wine, as if already aware of You Su’s doubts, and continued:

“Do you know what a Spirit-Born Blessed Land is?”

You Su shook his head.

“‘Spirit-Born’ refers to the convergence of spiritual energy, and ‘Blessed Land’ is a land of fortune. A Spirit-Born Blessed Land is a rare cultivation paradise born from the profound mysteries of heaven and earth. In the Central Realm Continent, there are currently eleven known Spirit-Born Blessed Lands—ranging from famed mountains and great marshes to hidden caves and jade forests—and the Jade Ring Pool is one of them. Notably, the Five Divine Mountains are the largest Spirit-Born Blessed Lands in each of the five continents. But as you’ve seen, the Eternal Height Divine Mountain is densely populated with immortal sects and strictly hierarchical—unauthorized trespassers are severely punished. The other Spirit-Born Blessed Lands are similarly guarded, each occupied by immortal families, making entry difficult for outsiders. Still, there are ways to enter most of them… but the Jade Ring Pool is unique.”

“Before, the Jade Ring Pool was the most welcoming of the eleven Spirit-Born Blessed Lands to outside cultivators. Many were allowed to witness its splendor and even obtain their own fortunes there. But fifty-four years ago, it suddenly sealed all its entrances, even activating an ancient protective formation to reject all visitors, becoming the most inaccessible of all Spirit-Born Blessed Lands. It cut off nearly all contact with the outside world, leaving no means to communicate with its inhabitants except by entering in person. High-realm cultivators, in particular, would be threatened or even attacked if they approached, regardless of their intentions. Rumor has it that this was because the Jade Ring Pool had encountered some internal crisis and could no longer sustain itself, forcing it into seclusion. To outsiders, it was a paradise—but to its inhabitants, it was their ancestral home. Their choice was understandable.”

The Third Elder spoke unhurriedly before taking another sip of wine to moisten her throat.

“Even the Third Elder can’t enter?”

“In the past fifty-four years, no one above the Water Condensation Realm has been allowed in. There was one exception—they once sent an invitation to the Lotus Sword Venerable, your master, who had attained enlightenment there, asking her to join their immortal family. But she refused. Other high-realm cultivators who had received great favors from the Jade Ring Pool were similarly invited. Moreover, it was discovered that those who had previously obtained fortunes there could bypass the protective formation. That’s why I say only you can enter now.”

You Su, sharp-minded, quickly grasped the underlying reason—though he had never received a fortune from the Jade Ring Pool, Master’s Wife had. And the Lotus Immortal Seed, essentially her possession now transplanted into his body, carried her imprint, linking him to that sacred place.

“I understand. But how do I obtain the Lotus Root Heart from the Jade Ring Pool?”

This item was clearly no ordinary treasure. If the rumors were true and the Jade Ring Pool was struggling to sustain itself, why would they willingly part with something so precious?

Unless… you could offer something even more valuable!

The Third Elder sighed softly, then flipped her jade-like hand, revealing a translucent amber. Within it lay a segment of an ancient, mystical branch, shimmering with profound light.

Though You Su could not see it, his spiritual sense detected the overwhelming vitality radiating from it.

“This is a seed from the Emperor’s Dwelling Divine Tree—perhaps the only remaining proof of its existence in this era.”

The Third Elder gazed at the precious seed with a trace of melancholy and reluctance.

This seed had accompanied her through nearly three hundred years of cultivation, granting her countless benefits. Though her Life-Bound Artifact was “Shining Through the Ages”, she had treated this seed as if it were a second one.

But in the end, it was not.

Pressing her lips together, she continued:

“The Lotus Root Heart is a rare treasure born from the innate energies of the Jade Ring Pool. Such treasures cannot be measured in mere value. But compared to the uniqueness of this seed, the Lotus Root Heart pales—after all, as long as the Jade Ring Pool exists, more can be produced. This seed, however, is the last of its kind. So, if you dare to venture there, I will entrust it to you. Present it to the Jade Ring Pool’s honored elders, and they will agree to exchange it for a Lotus Root Heart.”

You Su had studied the Earth Volume of the Union Joy Art, which contained ancient records of heavenly treasures. While the Lotus Root Heart was not listed, the Emperor’s Dwelling Tree was among the most exalted.

This tree possessed unimaginable power. Legends said that during ancient times, when heavenly tribulations rained down and the world collapsed, humanity survived by sheltering beneath its unshakable branches.

That the Third Elder was willing to part with such a treasure for Master’s Wife’s recovery moved You Su deeply. He bowed solemnly and said:

“No words can express my gratitude. That the Third Elder would be so generous for my master’s sake fills me with endless appreciation. In the future, even if you demand I serve as your ox or horse, I will not refuse!”

The Third Elder, however, curled her lips in disdain.

“With your current strength, you’re not even qualified to be my ox or horse. Save your breath. I’m helping your master out of our friendship—I seek no repayment. This seed has been in my possession for so long, yet I’ve never been able to nurture it to life. I don’t expect much from you—just bring back a Lotus Root Heart, and that will be enough.”

You Su was not the least bit wounded by her dismissive tone. Instead, he straightened his back, resolve burning in his heart.

He now carried not only the hope of Master’s Wife’s recovery but also the Third Elder’s heavy trust. It reminded him of the moment he had met Elder Ling, when his determination to save Master’s Wife had overwhelmed him. A few harsh words could never shake him.

“You Su will not fail the Third Elder’s trust!”

The Third Elder glanced at him with a soft light in her eyes and sighed faintly. Though she disliked men, she had to admit that You Su would make an exceptional disciple.

“This matter is my own decision. Your master doesn’t know—if she did, she would never agree. Keep it a secret until you succeed.”

“You Su understands.”

With a gentle push of her jade hand, the seed floated toward You Su.

He received it with utmost care, immediately storing it in his Dimensional Bag before tucking it securely into his robes.

“Come here.”

The mature, honeyed voice sounded again.

You Su paused but cautiously stepped around the flower bushes until he stood before the Third Elder.

The closer he got, the stronger her intoxicating fragrance became. Amidst the garden of a hundred flowers, she was the most resplendent blossom.

Strangely, the once-overwhelming scent no longer felt cloying. He was beginning to adapt—even appreciate—this aroma he had once disliked.

He lowered his head respectfully, awaiting her next command.

“Close your eyes. Hold out your hands. Don’t move.”

The enchanting immortal’s face suddenly flushed like peach blossoms, her eyes veiled with shy anger.

You Su had no idea what was about to happen, but he obeyed.

Then—

A rush of fragrant wind enveloped him as he was suddenly pressed against two unimaginably soft, plump peaks.

If you do not go to the Divine Mountain, the Divine Mountain will come to you.

The bizarre, forbidden sensation made his entire body tense. What was the Third Elder trying to do?

Her face, too, was tinged with embarrassment, lips pressed together in speechless frustration.

In her long journey of nearly three hundred years, this was the first time she had ever been so close to a man—the very gender she despised most. She cursed her past self for ever devising such a technique…

Originally, she had created it as an excuse to get closer to her female disciples. Never did she imagine it would one day benefit a man.

“Don’t resist. Relax your spirit and follow my guidance.”

Despite her flushed cheeks, her tone was cool and authoritative.

As her lips moved, You Su could almost feel her sweet breath against his face. His own breathing grew ragged.

But the thought of Master’s Wife suffering, awaiting aid—and the certainty that the Third Elder was acting for a legitimate purpose—made him feel like a beast for entertaining improper thoughts.

Slap!

He struck his own face, forcing himself to calm down.

The Third Elder stared in surprise at the red mark on the young man’s cheek. Her disdain lessened slightly.

At least he’s a gentleman.

“Channel your energy.”

You Su complied. At the same time, a stream of azure energy flowed from where their chests were pressed together, guiding his own energy toward his heart.

The azure and white energies intertwined, forming a bond like the entwined branches of two trees—a “Married Couple’s Branch.”

As the connection solidified, You Su felt an inexplicable link to the lofty, untouchable Third Elder.

Before long, she withdrew, while You Su remained frozen, feeling an odd emptiness where the pressure had been.

The Third Elder downed another gulp of wine, the liquid glistening on her lips. After a few steadying breaths, the blush faded from her cheeks, and her usual aloofness returned.

“This mission to the Jade Ring Pool is not as simple as you think. Though they are an immortal family, their current behavior is extremely hostile to outsiders. I’ve heard some unsavory rumors—no one knows the true situation inside. You, a blind man, will already be at a disadvantage, and carrying such a treasure alone makes you a target. Be cautious. Don’t flaunt your status as a Mystic Firmament Sect core disciple. The sect’s vengeance is fearsome, but there are always those unafraid of death. I don’t want you in danger—not because I care about you, but because I don’t want your master grieving… or blaming me.”

“Third Elder, rest assured. I will protect myself.”

You Su inwardly confirmed his earlier suspicion—the Third Elder had indeed cast some form of protective measure on him.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

“The Jade Ring Pool’s protective formation has many effects. Ordinary methods can’t penetrate it to establish contact. Since I don’t have your life tablet, I used a unique spell I created. No matter where you go, I will know if you live or die. If you perish, the killer’s energy imprint will be transmitted to me through this spell. And in critical moments, it may save your life.”

She deliberately omitted the name “Married Couple’s Branch” and downplayed its effects.

The idea of forming such a bond with a man felt inexplicably strange. She didn’t want You Su getting the wrong idea.

This was the first time she had ever used this spell on a man—and it was someone else’s disciple, no less. Normally, her disciples would never be sent alone into such isolated regions. Her mountain was filled with resources to aid their cultivation, eliminating the need for such risks. She had only ever used it on female disciples… for more personal reasons.

That she had endured her disgust to cast it on You Su was not just out of responsibility—she truly didn’t want anything to happen to him. If it did, even razing the Jade Ring Pool wouldn’t spare her from his Master’s wrath.

Seeing You Su silent, she assumed he was daunted.

“Don’t be frightened by my words. The Jade Ring Pool is, after all, a legendary immortal family. I’m just preparing for the worst. Succeed, and I’ll reward you handsomely.”

“You Su thanks the Third Elder.”

His gratitude was genuine.

He was not her disciple, and they were of opposite genders. Yet she had stooped to such an intimate method just for the slim chance of disaster. It was an immense kindness.

“Third Elder, I’ll take my leave now. I’ll prepare and depart for the Jade Ring Pool immediately.”

“Do you even know where it is? How do you plan to get there?”

You Su hesitated. “I can ask for directions… or take a carriage.”

The Third Elder’s expression wavered, a trace of pity flickering in her eyes. For a blind man facing such perils alone, this was a daunting burden to impose. “Perhaps… we should forget it.”

You Su blinked, then smiled brightly.

“Didn’t the Third Elder just say I’ve become the man I dreamed of as a child? Why pity me now? Please don’t underestimate me… or my determination to repay my master.”

The Third Elder was taken aback. With a resigned sigh, she flicked her sleeve, summoning a massive green banana leaf that hovered in the air.

Annoyance flickered in her heart—was this boy sent by the heavens to test her? At just eighteen, he had already made her break too many taboos.

This Green Boat, nurtured for a century, had never before carried a man.

“Take this. It’s sentient and will take you where you need to go. Just remember to feed it dew daily. But it can only take you to the outskirts—the rest is up to you.”

She patted the leaf, which eagerly floated to You Su’s side, brimming with excitement.

He bowed again in thanks. Flying treasures were rare and precious—most would guard them with their lives, never lending them out.

“One more thing. I’ve posted a mission at the Scripture Hall. Accept it as your reason for leaving the sect. Don’t reveal your true purpose—not even to Little Wangshu, lest she worry needlessly.”

“Understood.”

You Su naturally knew that the fewer people aware of Master’s Wife’s impending regression, the better.

“Go. Fly straight back from here—don’t let Qingchen and the others see you.”

With a final bow, You Su mounted the Green Boat and soared into the sky, vanishing as a streak of emerald light.

The Third Elder watched his departing figure, her gaze complex.

She still didn’t know if entrusting this task to him had been the right decision.