Black continued, “According to legend, over two thousand years ago, there was an immortal physician who traveled through the famous mountains and rivers of Atraria, creating a map called the ‘Spirit Medicine Immortal Trace.’ This map recorded various clues to extraordinary herbs and spirit medicines.”
“Twenty years ago, the Spirit Medicine Immortal Trace surfaced in an auction house in Hipwell and was acquired at a sky-high price of two billion by a wealthy man.”
“The wealthy man dispatched numerous exploration teams according to the map’s clues, but they all returned empty-handed. After a decade of futile efforts, he became disheartened and divided the Spirit Medicine Immortal Trace into five electronic copies, destroying the original. After his death, each of his five children kept one copy.”
“I happened to obtain this electronic map, which contains clues to Dragon Whisker Grass, Phoenix Gallbladder, and Goblin Essence, three extraordinary herbs, three years ago.”
Black’s words deeply shocked Leo.
Leo’s current cultivation had already reached the lower tier of Grand Spiritual Master. The further he progressed, the more challenging it became to advance his cultivation. Relying solely on the Nine Heavens Star Chart and the Fragrance Divine Jade for cultivation, Leo might struggle to break through to the Spiritual Venerable realm even in his entire lifetime.
Therefore, special spirit herbs and the elixirs refined from them were crucial for Leo. Judging from the clues on the map, Dragon Whisker Grass, Phoenix Gallbladder, and Goblin Essence were likely located within the Northern Desolation Mountains.
The Northern Desolation Mountains featured typical karst topography and vast primeval forests. In recent years, many exploration teams and geographers had ventured into the Northern Desolation Mountains for surveying. However, most of them never returned, and incidents were common.
A legend about the Northern Desolation Mountains spoke of an ancient ape resembling humans. Covered in fur and three times the size of an average human, this creature preyed on intruders in the forest.
Besides the danger, without the guidance of a map, finding the three spirit herbs in the vast Northern Desolation Mountains was like searching for a needle in the ocean. No wonder Black emphasized the need for fate to acquire them.
Leo closed the electronic map, storing it in his pocket, and looked at Black. “Thank you, Mr. Dragon, for this gift.”
“Dr. Bloomer, may I ask why you are looking for Dragon Whisker Grass, Phoenix Gallbladder, and Goblin Essence?” Black inquired.
“I plan to refine elixirs to treat illnesses and save lives,” Leo replied, offering a plausible reason.
Leo naturally wouldn’t reveal the true purpose of seeking these three spirit herbs to Black and Elroy.
Black nodded approvingly, “Such a noble cause.”
Now that Leo had obtained the clues he sought, he didn’t intend to linger. He stood up, bidding farewell to Black and Elroy.
Black and Elroy accompanied Leo to the door, watching him leave in his car.
“Elroy, what do you think about this young man, Leo?” Black suddenly asked Elroy.
Elroy replied, “Regardless of who he is or what secrets he holds, just remember one thing: he’s someone we should befriend, not an enemy.”
Black nodded thoughtfully, fully agreeing with Elroy’s assessment.
After leaving the Drunk Barnaby, Leo headed to the Clayriver Garden. He had promised Andy to help with something.
—
In a luxurious suite at the Sunshine Garden Hotel:
“Master, how many times has Andy lost to you? What’s the point of playing chess with him again?” a young man of similar age to Leo, named Callen Osborne, asked in confusion.
The old man, Crew Holland, renowned as half the pillar of the Atraria Go world, smiled faintly. Callen was Crew’s closed-door disciple.
“Even though he’s not worthy to be my opponent, you still need experience. He may be someone of note, and if you manage to defeat him, it would do wonders for your reputation,” Crew explained.
Callen was taken aback; he hadn’t expected his master to use Andy as a stepping stone for him. Winning against Andy would undoubtedly boost Callen’s standing in the Go world.
“Thank you, Master,” Callen respectfully said.
“Though I don’t regard Andy highly, he still has some skill. Be cautious,” Crew reminded.
“Rest assured, Master. I won’t disappoint you,” Callen said with a serious expression.
“Don’t let the pressure get to you. It will affect your performance. Even if you lose, it won’t be a disgrace; after all, he is your elder. But winning would make people take notice of you, and that stepping stone’s influence is not small,” Crew said, smiling.
His plan was almost perfect. If Callen lost, there would be no impact, but if Andy lost, Callen’s fame would surely rise. And Callen was his disciple…
“Master, your strategy both on and off the board is unparalleled. I’m fortunate to be your disciple in this life,” Callen flattered.
“Don’t rush with the flattery. Give that old guy a bit of a challenge. Let’s go; we’re heading to the Clayriver Garden,” Crew said, standing up from the sofa.
Many people had already gathered at the Clayriver Garden, especially with the presence of Crew, a towering figure in the Go world. Wherever idols appeared, the enthusiasts would follow.
When Crew arrived, the crowd became restless.
“Mr. Holland, it’s really you.”
“Mr. Holland, is there something important you’re here for in Langstel? If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to ask.”
“Mr. Holland, you’re truly brightening up our Langstel Go Association. If you could offer some guidance, our skills would certainly improve.”
Crew was accustomed to praise, simply nodding to the people with an air of elegance.
Approaching Andy, Crew said, “Whether I can offer guidance later depends on the strength of the president of the Langstel Go Association.”
The president of the Langstel Go Association was none other than Andy.
Andy’s face changed slightly at Crew’s words. After losing for so many years, he already had a shadow when facing Crew.
“Mr. Holland, are you going to play against the president?”
“This is fantastic! Witnessing Mr. Holland play in person is a great honor for us.”
“Mr. Rossetti, time is of the essence; let’s start right away.”
Watching Crew play was something these people had only seen on TV. Most hadn’t witnessed it in person, making this opportunity extremely precious. Everyone was excited.
Andy couldn’t help but glance at Kieran, August and Tyler’s father, as if saying, “Didn’t I already agree with Leo? Why hasn’t he come yet?”