Chapter 51: The Vermilion Bird’s Ruins

Shi Chan had already reached the tenth level of Qi Refining.

In the cultivation world, this level of cultivation meant he could start looking for Foundation Establishment Pills to break through. However, this world had no alchemy, and naturally, there were no Foundation Establishment Pills. Shi Chan had to find another way to advance.

Standing by the window, Shi Chan’s mind wandered to the feather infused with spiritual power.

After arriving in the capital, he had inquired about the feather and only uncovered a legend about the “Vermilion Bird.”

According to the legend, the Vermilion Bird had always been the guardian divine bird of Jugu. Dignified and sacred, it had a massive body, and when its wings fluttered, flames could ignite in midair. It had once guided Jugu from ignorance to civilization.

It was said that three hundred years ago, someone had witnessed the Vermilion Bird appear and pleaded desperately for a divine blessing. In the end, they received a handful of scattered red feathers. These feathers were later carefully preserved by descendants to bring protection to their homes.

Aside from this, there were other variations of the legend, but they were all similar in essence. Interestingly, all versions included accounts of the Vermilion Bird manifesting several centuries ago, suggesting a certain degree of truth.

Shi Chan began instructing people to investigate the exact location where the Vermilion Bird had last appeared.

The people who received this task were momentarily stunned, thinking they had misheard. The existing feathers of the Vermilion Bird were scattered across Jugu, and many people were interested in the legend. Some would visit museums to personally view the so-called “indestructible” feathers, listening to explanations in awe—but that was usually the extent of it.

No one had ever heard of someone trying to locate the precise site where the Vermilion Bird had manifested centuries ago. Wasn’t it just a myth?

However, since the higher-ups valued Shi Chan, they naturally prioritized his request as well—especially since all expenses would be covered with technological resources.

With no other choice, they started combing through records from various regions and ancient texts for any mentions of the Vermilion Bird’s appearance.

After two months of casting a wide net, they actually managed to uncover some clues.

Those who saw the compiled information were dumbfounded. One of them muttered in disbelief, “So the Vermilion Bird’s manifestation isn’t just a legend? We actually found a specific location?”

Another hesitated. “But… the Vermilion Bird is our sacred guardian. Those two aliens… they’re not planning anything bad, are they?”

“Planning something bad? Look at our new weapons, new smartphones, and improved medical technology. If that’s what ‘bad intentions’ look like, then I hope someone has bad intentions toward me every day.”

“That’s true.” The worried person glanced around at the recent advancements and gradually set his concerns aside. Besides, even if the two aliens did have ulterior motives, stopping them wasn’t his responsibility. The higher-ups would surely have their own considerations.

Jugu compiled the investigation report and handed it to Shi Chan. Studying the map, he compared locations for a while before pointing at one spot. Looking up at Xi Ming, he said, “Ming-ge, I might need to go here—Tuling Mountain. This was the last known place where the Vermilion Bird appeared. I want to check if there’s anything useful for me.”

This was the only place he had found so far that might be related to spiritual energy. He needed to see it for himself.

Xi Ming looked at the map and report before asking, “Is this something you need for your cultivation?”

“Yes. If I can find something useful, my cultivation should advance further. When we have a chance to return to the interstellar realm, I’ll have more confidence in keeping us safe.” If he could find something beneficial for Xi Ming’s health, that would be even better.

“This is the first time I’ve encountered something with spiritual energy in all these years. I don’t want to miss it.” Shi Chan looked at Xi Ming.

Xi Ming wanted to go with him but swallowed his words. With his current physical condition, he wouldn’t be able to help Shi Chan—he would only slow him down.

Shi Chan, understanding Xi Ming’s reluctance to part, took the initiative to invite him. “Ming-ge, I’ll have to move with Jugu’s military, but how about you wait at the camp for me? I want to see you the moment I return.”

Xi Ming looked at him for a long moment before reaching out to squeeze the back of Shi Chan’s neck. His voice was low. “Alright.”

He also wanted to see Shi Chan as soon as possible.

Shi Chan moved quickly—two days of preparation, three days of travel. Five days later, they stood at the foot of Tuling Mountain.

The mountain was steep and towering, its dense forests obscuring the view. From below, they could see nothing beyond the thick canopy, only the sounds of birds and beasts echoing from within.

“Mr. Shi, few people enter this mountain. There are many dangerous wild creatures inside. If you’re going in, you’d best wear protective gear,” a young officer in full gear spoke to Shi Chan, his posture straight and disciplined.

Because of Xi Ming, Shi Chan had a fondness for soldiers, and he maintained a friendly attitude toward Gudu’s military. He nodded in appreciation. “Thanks for the reminder. By the way, where are the men I brought? They should gear up too.”

Perhaps because Wu Hongyuan had secured too many benefits for Jugu through Shi Chan, they believed he was someone who valued past relationships. As a result, they had transferred the rescue station team who had bonded with him to his side.

Shi Chan did not disappoint their expectations. He was warm toward them and even brought them along on this special mission to find the Vermilion Bird’s ruins—a rare opportunity to earn military merit.

While the others were changing gear, Shi Chan leaned close to Xi Ming’s ear and whispered, “Ming-ge, I placed a defensive talisman on you. Don’t worry, nothing here can harm you.”

Venomous insects and poisonous creatures could be lurking in the dense forest. With Xi Ming’s weaker constitution, even minor threats could be dangerous. Since Shi Chan had brought him along, he had to consider his safety.

Once the camp was set up, Shi Chan also planned to place simple defensive and concealment formations around it. His knowledge was rudimentary, but it should provide some level of protection.

As for other security concerns, Jugu would undoubtedly prioritize Xi Ming’s safety since he was the source of their technological advancements.

With everything arranged, Shi Chan led a team of over ten people into the mountain. Xi Ming remained in his wheelchair, watching until Shi Chan disappeared from sight.

At the front of the team, a military officer named Xu Lin unfolded a rough map and led the way. Shi Chan, sensing nothing unusual yet, followed from the middle of the group.

“This looks like ginseng. Whoa, look how big it is! How many years must this have grown?” During a break, Cheng San casually dug into the dirt and unearthed half a ginseng root.

His teammates gathered around, exclaiming in excitement.

Cheng San, however, ignored them and walked over to Shi Chan, holding out the ginseng like a treasure. “Will this help your lover’s condition?” His intent to give the ginseng to Shi Chan was obvious.

Shi Chan appreciated the gesture but shook his head. “Thanks, but we already have enough medicinal herbs.” Ordinary herbs weren’t something he needed to gather personally—he could simply request them from Jugu.

“Oh.” Cheng San, a bit disappointed, carefully put the ginseng away.

Xu Lin reminded them, “All findings on this mission must be turned over to the state.”

Realizing he wasn’t allowed to give it away, Cheng San felt a bit awkward but obediently handed the ginseng over.

Their first discovery on the mission served as a good omen.

Three days later, Shi Chan suddenly sensed a faint spiritual energy fluctuation. His voice lowered as he directed the group, “This way!”

Excitement surged within him—was the source of spiritual energy an animal or a plant?

Following the energy for another three days, they finally arrived at a towering ancient tree. The source of the fluctuation was within its canopy.

A massive bird’s nest lay hidden among the branches, and within it, a small chick covered in soft red down stared blankly at Shi Chan.

Shi Chan studied it, his thoughts shifting. “Such a large nest… Could there be an adult spirit bird?”

The chick chirped innocently at him.

Looking at the tiny creature, Shi Chan sighed, his voice soft with reluctant amusement. “…Fine, I won’t eat you—yet.”