"What?" Though Lin Yu had already recovered and surpassed his past strength, he feigned shock.
"Third Uncle, I found in sect records a place with Earth Vein Dragon Spring. It can reshape bones! Soaking in it heals hidden injuries instantly and strengthens the body into steel. Cultivating there speeds progress exponentially—it's every cultivator's dream. Even with a damaged dantian, soaking might plug the leak and let you resume cultivation!"
"Such a place exists?" Lin Yu asked, mentally querying the Cauldron Lord.
"Earth Vein Dragon Spring... Since I fell to the mortal world, many things are foggy. Let me think." The Cauldron Lord signaled patience.
Chu Chu continued: "I've narrowed down its location. Once found, I'll take you to wash your marrow and return to your peak!"
"Great, I'll await your news," Lin Yu smiled, eager for the Cauldron Lord's answer.
Moments later, the Cauldron Lord spoke: "I remember! Earth Vein Dragon Spring is rare in the mortal world. Formed at creation when spirit stones were crushed by immense force, it holds more spiritual energy than spirit crystals. Legend has it soaking in it creates a Holy Spirit Body like the Saint Emperor Sword Body, naturally attuned to spiritual energy and cultivating faster than others."
"It really exists!" Lin Yu was stunned, thinking it mere folklore.
"Kid, this is a treasure! Must not fall into others' hands. If I devour the entire spring, advancing you to Void Formation will be easy," the Cauldron Lord cackled, set on claiming the spring.
"Don't worry. When Chu Chu finds it, we'll take it," Lin Yu nodded, glancing at her. She deserved a share if she located it.
Entering the capital, they headed for Jici Hall, the largest pharmacy. Jici Hall was a庞然大物 (giant) with branches across dynasties, unrivaled in丹药 and rare treasures. Wars might halt without its药材 (herbs), showcasing its importance.
Jici Hall's Zhou headquarters near the imperial street had escaped Lin Yu and Peng Wudi's battle. With nobles and sect disciples flocking to Zhou, business boomed—who wouldn't buy unique丹药 here? The capital bustled like the previous trial assembly.
"Chu Chu!" A young man called from behind as they approached Jici Hall. A white-robed youth with a fan rushed ahead, overjoyed.
"Chu Chu, it is you! What a surprise!" He closed his fan, seeming familiar, but Lin Yu saw confusion in Chu Chu's eyes.
"Who are you?" Chu Chu frowned.
"Chu Chu, forget me? I visited Lingtian Sect with my master. I'm Yang Sheng—how can you forget?" He looked astonished.
"Sorry, no impression," Chu Chu shook her head.
"Really?!" Yang Sheng still couldn't believe it.
"Let's go, Chu Chu," Lin Yu said, pointing to Jici Hall. He needed to collect pills.
Chu Chu nodded, following.
"Wait! Who are you to order Miss Chu Chu around?" Yang Sheng blocked them, red-faced.
"Brother Yang, let it go. She said she doesn't know you,"
"Plenty of fish in the sea. You've pined for her, but she forgot you—one-sided love,"
"You claimed to have a secret engagement. Seems like a lie."
Yang Sheng's companions teased, fueling his anger.
"Impossible! You smiled at me multiple times in Lingtian Sect!" He clung to the memory.
Lin Yu frowned. Yang Sheng was tarnishing Chu Chu's reputation by claiming a secret engagement. "When did Chu Chu engage with you? Explain, or you'll pay."
"Your Chu Chu? What's your relation?" Yang Sheng eyed them, realizing their closeness.
"He's my Third Uncle, who decides for me!" Chu Chu huffed, hugging Lin Yu's arm. To her, Lin Yu was closer than her father.
"Third Uncle...?" Yang Sheng laughed coldly, pointing at Lin Yu. "So you're the Han Third Prince crippled and discarded!"