Chapter 74: The Milan Flower of the Hundred Blossoms Fairy

The recipe from the Hundred Blossoms Fairy was something Zhang Pu knew would not only help Old Master Zeng but would be even more effective against the kind of sinister inner toxins harbored by the people of the Witch Ghost Sect.

As he studied the combinations of auxiliary herbs, an overwhelming longing for the Hundred Blossoms Fairy suddenly surged within Zhang Pu.

At present, he had no way of returning to the world of cultivation.

As Zhang Pu was thinking about the Hundred Blossoms Fairy, he was holding a handful of michelia seeds.

"Michelia... Oh, michelia..." he suddenly murmured to himself, unable to suppress his feelings.

He was abruptly reminded of the ancient legend surrounding this flower—

"Where there is love, life will blossom." Such is the language of the michelia.

According to legend, there was once a flower that would bloom red for half the year and blue for the other half.

At sunrise, it would shine with a fiery brilliance; under the moon, its glow would be suffused with a gentle blue haze.

So marvelous was this flower, ever spirited and vigorous under the sun and moon, that it came to be known as the Flower of Warriors, embodying courage and perseverance. Before heading to battle, warriors would adorn themselves with it as a symbol of bravery. Its name was passed down through the generations.

But one day, something changed: on the same stem, both a red and a blue flower bloomed together, both dazzling in the sunlight and shimmering in the moonlight, equally profound and passionate.

Thus began a long and heated debate as to which was the true Flower of Courage. Supporters stood on both sides, and though opinions differed, every time warriors went to war, they still wore this flower—some favored blue, others red.

Yet, under sun and moon, on the heads of brave warriors and in every place where courage and passion were needed, both colors appeared, always together.

This flower was called michelia.

"Master Zhang—"

Suddenly, Liu Yingde entered, breaking Zhang Pu's reverie.

Liu Yingde had come to consult Zhang Pu about some courtyard renovations, for Zhang Pu had instructed that certain changes needed his approval.

Of course, Zhang Pu had not truly been lost in a dream.

Since Liu Yingde and his Witch Ghost Sect followers had come under Zhang Pu's command, he had longed to become Zhang Pu's disciple, though he was unsure whether Zhang Pu would accept him. Naturally, he dared not address Zhang Pu as "Master," yet to call him simply by name felt deeply inappropriate.

Moreover, Liu Yingde saw Zhang Pu as increasingly extraordinary: so skilled in combat, a healer, and now even an alchemist. His admiration grew daily, and he felt only the title "Master" was worthy of Zhang Pu.

Zhang Pu, still young and competitive, and finding the situation amusing, did not object to Liu Yingde and his followers addressing him so.

He set aside the michelia seeds and followed Liu Yingde to a courtyard under consideration for renovation.

There, several laborers were hard at work, sweat streaming down their faces.

They were stunned to see a youth who looked like a high school student being ushered in so deferentially by Liu Yingde, the local abbot whom everyone respected and feared.

Judging by age alone, Liu Yingde could have been Zhang Pu's grandfather, yet the elder's attitude toward Zhang Pu made it seem as though their roles were reversed.

As they watched in amazement, their astonishment only grew when they heard Liu Yingde respectfully address Zhang Pu as "Master Zhang." Some nearly fainted.

Could this really be one of those legendary ancestors, returned to youth after seclusion? Did such miracles truly exist in this world?

Yet while the workers gaped, Liu Yingde suddenly turned his triangular eyes on them and glared fiercely.

When Zhang Pu was not present, Liu Yingde was known to be harsh and intimidating. He had a reputation for mischief and sorcery; even the foremen feared him. If he said a crew was no longer needed, they could only watch helplessly as their competitors took over.

Furthermore, Liu Yingde's reputation for supernatural tricks was notorious for miles around. Even those with status in society, knowing of his supposed powers, dared not offend him lightly.

So, after Liu Yingde's pointed warning, the startled workers immediately became as docile as puppies, not daring to show any further reaction, treating Zhang Pu as if he were invisible and returning to their tasks.

Zhang Pu gave a few brief instructions and left in haste, leaving the workers dazed and bewildered.

He soon found himself once again immersed in memories of the Hundred Blossoms Fairy.

Alone in his room, he continued to study the herbal formula.

He picked up the michelia seeds once more.

He remembered that in the beautiful valley where the Hundred Blossoms Fairy lived in the world of cultivation, michelia also grew.

He could not recall if the legend of michelia had been told to him by the Hundred Blossoms Fairy or if he had heard it from someone on Earth.

The Hundred Blossoms Fairy was exceedingly beautiful. Her valley was filled with all manner of lovely flowers, yet she seemed to favor michelia above all.

Perhaps it was the flower's uniquely enchanting fragrance.

Zhang Pu smiled.

He did not know when he would possess the power to return to the world of cultivation, but he felt that once the Flower Sea Lodge was completed, he would somehow be able to send dreams.

Michelia, also known as Four Seasons Michelia or Little Rice Michelia, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Mahogany family, native to warm and humid climates. Mature plants require abundant sunlight. Its dense branches and glossy green leaves bloom repeatedly throughout the year, peaking in summer and autumn. Its blossoms exude a fragrance akin to orchids, with tiny, star-shaped, rust-colored scales atop the twigs.

Its pinnate leaves grow alternately, the flowers are yellow and highly aromatic, about two millimeters in diameter. The bisexual flower stalks are short and stout; the calyx is five-lobed, with five oblong petals. The nearly spherical berries are 10–12 millimeters long, and the flowering season is summer to autumn.

In southern gardens, michelia is a superb ornamental tree.

Later, as Zhang Pu seemed to dream of the Hundred Blossoms Fairy visiting his mountain estate, he appeared to fall asleep.

In his slumber, he truly encountered the Hundred Blossoms Fairy.

"Eh! How did you get here?" he heard her say to him.