Chapter 00176: My Star Condensing Bamboo
# My Star Condensing Bamboo
Chapter 176
Novel: After the Myth
Chapter 176: My Star Condensing Bamboo
Ding Huan's words exuded a sense of humility, yet among these skilled disciples, even those who had already become sect members, his life truly seemed worthless.
This was not merely a slighting attitude, but rather a deep-seated belief forged by their unconscious minds.
When Ding Huan expressed such thoughts, there was a flicker of emotional response among them, but it was merely a flicker—nothing too significant.
At the very least, they would remember that there was a cook named Ding Huan for a few days.
Although his life was deemed worthless, a life, even that of an ant, had its value.
Only Liu Yinzhu and Gu Youchang held different views.
Gu Youchang believed that Ding Huan was no ordinary person.
If not for his slightly inadequate talent, he might achieve even greater accomplishments than himself in the future.
Liu Yinzhu was certain that Ding Huan did not genuinely see his own life as being less valuable than others.
In his eyes, he likely deemed his own life more precious than all of theirs combined.
Otherwise, why would he go to such lengths to eliminate Qu Yue Mountain? What was Ding Huan's goal in taking down Qu Yue Mountain? Was it not simply to survive? Even Gu Youchang was unaware that it was Ding Huan who had done the deed, while Liu Yinzhu understood entirely.
Liu Yinzhu found it bewildering why Ding Huan would step forward to guide them.
Even with a sixth sense, this was a risky endeavor; one misstep could lead to disaster.
Given Ding Huan's position in their group, he had no obligation to take such risks himself.
"Thank you, Big Brother Ding, I..."
Yan Mei spoke, her gratitude overwhelming her speech.
She was certain that had Ding Huan not stepped up, she would have been the one to lead.
In fact, she had already prepared herself for the role.
If given a second chance, she would never consider joining a sect in the path of cultivation.
Many powerful beings had risen from the common world, eventually becoming peerless cultivators.
As Yan Mei expressed her gratitude, the other disciples followed suit.
Ding Huan clasped his fists in acknowledgment.
"Our acquaintance is a matter of fate. I only hope that after we traverse the Lost Marsh, whether I, Ding Huan, am alive or not, everyone can still remember that there was once someone who guided your way, and I will be satisfied."
Once Ding Huan finished speaking, Liu Yinzhu suddenly understood.
This was a warning for everyone to hold their tongues about his involvement with Qu Yue Mountain after crossing the Lost Marsh.
It seemed every step he took was deliberate and well-planned.
However, Liu Yinzhu admired Ding Huan's intention.
At least he had earned their gratitude through his efforts.
Leading them through the Lost Marsh was no small feat.
If such sacrifice went unappreciated or led to an absurd accusation against him, those who could not be grateful would have displayed an unbearable lack of character, eventually finding themselves isolated.
Ding Huan’s original plan was to calculate a route.
If that didn’t work, he would try a second path.
But as he approached the Lost Marsh, he was taken aback to find that he could faintly see some black holes within the marsh.
He quickly assessed the situation; if he approached the black holes, the calculations yielded nearly blank results.
However, avoiding the black holes provided some clarity, albeit vague.
Ding Huan realized this must relate to the Great Wilderness Eye gene embedded within him.
Despite his low cultivation level, he could begin to perceive certain illusions.
It appeared that his prior ability to differentiate between the mountains and roads was due not only to his poison-clearing gene but also the Great Wilderness Eye's significant influence.
"Old Six, stay close behind me and don’t wander off."
Once Ding Huan said this, he stepped into the marsh, and Old Six, without needing to be told twice, followed closely.
For these past days, it had never strayed farther than a step from Ding Huan.
In such a perilous place, leaving Ding Huan would only invite danger.
Once he stepped into the marsh, Ding Huan turned back.
"Everyone, follow my steps carefully."
No one dared to hesitate.
Worrying about whether Ding Huan would perish was irrelevant; as long as he could lead them, they were reassured.
Should Ding Huan fall, they could always send someone else to scout.
As long as Ding Huan remained safe, they would too.
With the insights provided by the Illusionary Eye gene, the rest of the journey became less challenging for him.
Given Ding Huan's current state, he could move several times faster.
However, having experienced various dangers, rather than rushing forward, he deliberately slowed his pace, often wiping the sweat from his brow.
It was not just the other new disciples; even Liu Yinzhu noticed Ding Huan's face growing paler with every step, and she began to question if she had misjudged him.
Did Ding Huan genuinely not know the safe route, relying entirely on sheer luck? Regardless, his behavior made everyone increasingly grateful to him, especially in that moment.
What would have taken a day turned into a painstaking one and a half days.
Fortunately, nothing untoward occurred along the way.
"Ding, my friend, your luck is truly remarkable."
Elder Gu sighed in relief upon exiting the Lost Marsh.
Liu Yinzhu agreed, "Only a few have made it through unscathed, and Ding, you have indeed managed to do so once more. It’s a testament to your luck."
Ding Huan wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"As long as we are fine, that’s all that matters..."
With a wave of his hand, Elder Gu summoned a flying ship, which appeared before the group.
"Everyone, we have finally exited the Great Ravine. Disciples of the Yan Yue Sect, please board the ship. Ding, would you like to come with me to the Yan Yue Sect?"
Ding Huan quickly replied, "Thank you, Elder Gu, but I will not be going…"
At this moment, something seemed to strike him as he turned to the steward, Qiong.
"Steward Qiong, I initially intended to go to the Yan Yue Sect to claim some rewards. However, upon reflection, my aptitude is lacking, and survival there would be difficult. My future plans involve seeking a path suitable for a mere mortal cook like me."
Steward Qiong was momentarily taken aback, as was Liu Yinzhu.
She seemed to recall something and quickly added, "Yes, yes, Ding, since you guided us out of the Great Ravine, our Purple Mist Valley should also give you part of the rewards."
Ding Huan hurriedly waved his hands.
"Elder Liu, you misunderstand. The rewards I seek are not for leading the way. I previously obtained a Star Condensing Bamboo, which I asked Steward Qiong to keep for me, intending to exchange it at the Yan Yue Sect for something useful for me. After spending time with everyone, I can no longer deny the truth. My aptitude is lacking, and I cannot rely solely on the Star Condensing Bamboo to get by, so I don’t plan to go to the Yan Yue Sect."
"Star Condensing Bamboo?" Liu Yinzhu stared in astonishment at Ding Huan.
If she had been able to get a hold of the Star Condensing Bamboo back then, she wouldn’t have struggled so much with the formation of her spirit core in the Qi Transformation stage.
It could be said that the Star Condensing Bamboo was one of the most valuable Tier 3 spirit herbs, far surpassing the worth of most Tier 4 spirit herbs.
Steward Qiong stood there dumbfounded; the Star Condensing Bamboo was something he desperately needed! He was about to ascend to the Qi Transformation stage, and if he gave the Star Condensing Bamboo to Ding Huan, where could he find another?
"Ding, my friend?" Ding Huan called out again.
Inside, he was quietly laughing.
This fellow was genuinely playing dumb.
Among the two elders and a dozen disciples before him, how could he act oblivious?
"Oh, right, right..."
Steward Qiong, out of options, finally produced a jade box and handed it to Ding Huan.
Before Ding Huan could take the box, he added, "Ding, this Star Condensing Bamboo is also of some use to me personally. I was wondering if you could part with it? I would be willing to trade for something else."
Ding Huan took the Star Condensing Bamboo without hesitation before awkwardly speaking, "Steward Qiong, you know I come from the mortal realm. If I possess no valuable items, I won’t be able to exchange for anything in the future. I’m truly sorry.”
Had Steward Qiong initially promised him a spot as a sect servant, Ding Huan might have accepted.
However, even if he were to promise him that role now, he would refuse because he did not trust that he could deliver.
From his interactions with Elder Gu and Elder Liu, Ding Huan had come to understand that entering a sect was no easy feat.
Even Elder Gu couldn’t promise him anything; it would be foolish to trust Steward Qiong’s assurances.
Watching Ding Huan take back the Star Condensing Bamboo, Han Weicheng shook his head in disbelief.
Shouldn’t Ding Huan realize that he cannot reclaim the Star Condensing Bamboo?
If it were anything else, it would be one thing, but both he and Qiong were about to face the Qi Transformation stage; how could they afford to lose that Star Condensing Bamboo?
Ding Huan’s decision to reclaim it was an act of folly.
"Ding, could you sell the Star Condensing Bamboo to me?" Guan Luo approached him eagerly, asking.
She needed it to buy it from Ding Huan first, and then pass it to Steward Qiong,seeing as he was one of her protectors.
Ding Huan was baffled.
He looked at Guan Luo, unable to comprehend, wondering if she thought her almost-engaged presence would convince him to part with the Star Condensing Bamboo.
However, he quickly realized that her words might not necessarily mean she wanted him to sell it outright.
Perhaps she was just indicating that if he could sell it, great; if not, it would still serve to assist Steward Qiong.
This was a message to Steward Qiong, implying that even though Ding Huan was her cook, her words meant nothing.
Deep down, she still wanted to help Steward Qiong.
Damn, these people sure know how to play smart.
Ding Huan clasped his fists, saying, "Miss Guan, I can’t sell it. I’m sorry."
Qing Yu snorted coldly, "Ding Huan, you are indeed one of our Jin residence's cooks. If the young lady asks you for something, you think she’s going to ask for it for free? What right do you have to refuse to sell?"
Ding Huan looked at Qing Yu as if she were a fool.
"When did I become one of the Jin's cooks? My verbal agreement with Miss Guan ended the moment we crossed the Great Ravine. I didn’t fulfill my promise; it remains unmade. Miss Guan wouldn’t say otherwise, so who are you, a mere maid, to speak here?"
"You..."
Qing Yu's face turned pale with anger.
"Enough, Qing Yu. Ding is correct," Liu Yinzhu said coldly.
She had indeed wanted to leave a good impression on Steward Qiong, but that did not mean she would risk offending Ding Huan.
She disliked Qing Yu’s earlier behavior.
Such actions, interfering before hearing from the master, caused her unease.
Ding Huan knew that if someone would leak information to the Dual Soul Sect, it would undoubtedly be this Qing Yu.
He extended favors to everyone, but that was not to be devalued or demanded in return.
Since he could not make a wolf remember his kindness, there was no need to grovel.
"Miss Guan, you should be cautious of this maid beside you. If someone intends to harm you in the future, it will surely be this ungrateful woman."
(End of Chapter)