Transmigrating Into a Fantasy World: Signing in During Pregnancy, Reaching the Summit with My Childhood Sweetheart

225: Chapter 225: The Azure Forest and the Baptism of the Holy SpringThe intense sensation of spatial distortion gradually faded, replaced by the heavy sensation of falling onto solid ground. Nangong Xuan let out a muffled groan, feeling as if every bone in his body was falling apart and his internal organs were in turmoil. Enduring the dizziness and sharp pain, he immediately shielded Su Muxue in his arms and Zi Linger by his side, using his own back to bear the brunt of the impact.

They seemed to have fallen onto a thick, soft layer of moss, avoiding any secondary injuries. A dense, inseparable fragrance of greenery mixed with the scent of damp soil rushed into his nostrils, refreshing his mind and forming a stark contrast to the deathly silent Void Realm he had just escaped.

”Ah! Are you... are you all alright?!”

That clear, pleasant voice, filled with a hint of shock and concern, rang out again from not far away.

Nangong Xuan struggled to lift his head. His vision was somewhat blurred, but he could still clearly see the scene before him.

They were in the midst of an extremely ancient forest. Towering trees stood like giants, each requiring ten people to encircle them. Their canopies blotted out the sky, with only dappled light filtering through the layers of leaves to cast small spots of brightness onto the thick moss and ferns on the ground. The air was filled with an incredibly pure Wood Spirit Life Qi, several times denser than even the Wood Spirit Clan Holy Land where Zi Linger lived! Countless strange fungi and flowers emitting soft glows dotted the forest, making it look like a dreamlike wonderland.

The person speaking was standing a few yards away, watching them cautiously.

It was a girl who looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old in Human Race years. She wore a short skirt woven from soft vine leaves and pale green silk, revealing straight, slender, and vibrant legs. Her skin was fair and delicate, her features as exquisite as a forest elf, and her emerald-green eyes were clear as water, filled with curiosity and kindness. She was barefoot on the moss, her soft, pale green hair flowing freely, adorned with a few small star-shaped flowers that emitted a faint, shimmering white light.

She radiated a pure, natural aura that was symbiotic with this forest; she was clearly not of the Human Race.

At this moment, she was tilting her head slightly, observing these three ”uninvited guests” who had fallen from the sky. There was no fear in her eyes, only deep curiosity and a hint of worry.

”Did you fall out of the ’heavenly rift scar’?” The girl pointed to the silver vortex slowly shrinking above their heads, her voice like a clear spring hitting stones. ”That’s so dangerous! Even the Elders don’t dare to approach that place easily!”

Nangong Xuan quickly determined that the girl had no ill intentions and that her strength was around the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, posing no threat to him. He relaxed his guard slightly and struggled to sit up, first laying the still-unconscious Su Muxue flat on the soft moss, then supporting the weak Zi Linger.

”Thank you for your concern, young lady... We... we encountered a space storm and were accidentally stranded here,” Nangong Xuan explained simply with a raspy voice, not revealing too much information. He quickly checked the condition of the two women. Su Muxue’s aura was still weak, her situation critical; though Zi Linger was weak, her complexion seemed to have improved slightly under the nourishment of the dense Wood Spirit Qi here.

”A space storm? Wow, it’s amazing that you survived!” the girl exclaimed. Her bare feet lightly tapped the ground as she floated over weightlessly, squatting beside Su Muxue. Sympathy appeared in her emerald eyes. ”This sister is so badly hurt... her life force is so weak, like a candle in the wind.”

She then looked at Zi Linger, her eyes suddenly lighting up. ”Eh? The aura on you... it feels so comfortable, like the smell of a big tree... but also a bit different.”

Zi Linger also felt the pure natural aura from the girl and instinctively felt a sense of closeness. She smiled weakly. ”I... I am a Wood Spirit...”

”A Wood Spirit?” The girl blinked her large eyes, seemingly confused. ”I haven’t heard the Elders mention a Wood Spirit Clan nearby... But it doesn’t matter! You’re so badly hurt, stop talking for now. I’ll take you to the ’sacred spring’! The spring water there will definitely save this sister!”

As she spoke, she reached out to help Su Muxue.

Nangong Xuan’s heart tightened, and he instinctively blocked her. ”Wait, young lady. May I ask where this is? And who are you? The sacred spring... such a precious thing, how can we outsiders use it so easily?”

It wasn’t that he was overly suspicious, but after experiencing the Tiangong Sect’s schemes, he had to remain vigilant in unfamiliar environments and with strangers.

The girl wasn’t angry at being stopped; instead, she nodded understandingly. ”Oh, right. The Elder said not to trust strangers easily. My name is Qing Zhi, this is the Qinglin Forest, and we are the Green Wood Clan. Although the sacred spring is precious, the Elder said that life is even more precious. If we stand by and watch someone die, the sacred spring will be unhappy too.”

Her words were innocent and blunt, yet they contained a pure natural Dao. She pointed at Su Muxue. ”If this sister doesn’t go to the sacred spring soon, she really will die. Don’t worry, we Green Wood Clan people don’t like fighting. We only like taking care of flowers, trees, and small animals. We won’t hurt you.”

Her gaze was clear and sincere, carrying an unquestionable purity. Nangong Xuan’s Divine Sense stirred as he carefully perceived his surroundings. He indeed detected no hidden malice, only a peaceful and tranquil natural intent. Looking at Su Muxue’s increasingly pale face, he knew he could no longer hesitate.

”I have been impolite. Then... I shall trouble you, Miss Qing Zhi!” Nangong Xuan no longer hesitated and solemnly cupped his fists.

”Follow me!” Qing Zhi showed a happy smile and turned gracefully to lead the way. She moved through the dense forest like a fish in water, her figure flickering. The surrounding vines and branches seemed to have lives of their own, automatically parting to make a path for her.

Nangong Xuan carried Su Muxue on his back and supported Zi Linger, following closely behind. He was surprised to find that although this girl’s cultivation was not high, she was extremely familiar with this forest, with every step landing in the safest and most convenient spot. Furthermore, as they went deeper, the Wood Spirit Qi became even denser, even beginning to actively pour into their bodies to nourish their injuries.

Nangong Xuan felt his parched Meridians were like a long-awaited rain after a drought, greedily absorbing this pure life energy. His recovery speed increased significantly. The silent Star Core on his shoulder seemed to stir slightly, transmitting a faint sense of ”comfort” toward this energy. Zi Linger also became much more energetic, almost able to walk slowly on her own.

This was definitely a Grotto-heaven!

After walking for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick and passing through a sea of flowers filled with rainbow-colored mist, the view suddenly opened up.

A small valley appeared before them. In the center of the valley was a spring with water as clear as crystal. The spring water displayed a soul-stirring emerald green color, radiating life energy that felt almost tangible. A faint green mist hovered over the water’s surface; a single breath of it made one feel a hundred times more energetic. Around the spring’s source grew several ancient-looking trees that looked like jade carvings, bearing a few fruits that emitted an enticing fragrance.

”This is the sacred spring!” Qing Zhi pointed at the emerald water. ”Quick, let the sister soak in it!”

Nangong Xuan no longer delayed and carefully placed Su Muxue into the spring water. The spring wasn’t deep, just enough for her to sit against the edge with her head above the surface.

A miracle occurred.

As soon as Su Muxue’s body was immersed in the sacred spring, the emerald water seemed to come alive, with threads of pure life energy actively drilling into her body. Her paper-pale face flushed with color at a speed visible to the naked eye. Her weak aura quickly became steady and powerful, and the depleted Taiyin Star Power in her body even began to circulate on its own, absorbing the energy from the spring. A moon wheel Illusory Shadow flickered behind her, becoming more solid.

Even some of her old, lingering injuries seemed to be being repaired by this powerful life energy!

Nangong Xuan was shocked. The effect of this sacred spring was practically comparable to top-tier Heaven And Earth Treasures!

He couldn’t help but dip his hand into the spring. A surging yet gentle energy instantly rushed up his arm, quickly repairing the injuries and damaged Meridians within his body. Zi Linger simply sat by the spring, soaking her feet in it as she closed her eyes to absorb the energy. A brilliant emerald light erupted around her as her damaged Origin was being rapidly restored.

Even the Four-Key Cycle within Nangong Xuan’s Dantian accelerated its rotation due to the infusion of this energy.

”How is it? I didn’t lie to you, did I?” Qing Zhi sat on a smooth blue stone by the spring, swinging her fair legs and smiling proudly.

”This spring... can be called a divine object. Miss Qing Zhi, thank you for saving our lives!” Nangong Xuan thanked her sincerely. If they hadn’t met this pure-hearted Green Wood Clan girl, Su Muxue would likely have been in grave danger.

”No need for thanks!” Qing Zhi waved her hand, looking at Nangong Xuan curiously. ”But where did you come from? Your clothes and aura are so strange. Also, there seems to be something very powerful yet very tired hidden inside your body?” She pointed toward Nangong Xuan’s Dantian, seemingly able to vaguely sense the existence of the Star Core.

Nangong Xuan was slightly startled. This girl’s spiritual Perception was actually so sharp? He was considering how to answer without being rude while also gathering some information.

Suddenly—

From the entrance of the valley came a flurry of urgent footsteps and several low, authoritative shouts.

”Qing Zhi! You’ve secretly brought outsiders to the sacred spring again?!”

Several tall men wearing vine-like armor and holding wooden spears burst in, their auras fierce. The leader was a middle-aged man with a resolute face and sharp eyes whose aura had impressively reached the Late Golden Core Stage! The people behind him were all at the Peak Foundation Establishment or Early Golden Core level.

When they saw Su Muxue in the spring and Nangong Xuan and Zi Linger on the bank, their expressions immediately turned very ugly, their eyes filled with vigilance and hostility.

Qing Zhi was startled and quickly jumped off the blue stone, running to the middle-aged man to explain hurriedly, ”Uncle Teng Shan! Don’t be angry! They fell from the heavenly rift scar and were very badly injured, especially that sister—she was almost dying! That’s why I brought them to the sacred spring! They are good people!”

The man named Teng Shan furrowed his brows, his gaze sweeping over the three of them like lightning. His expression became even more solemn when he sensed Nangong Xuan’s unfathomable aura—which was still heart-palpitating despite his injuries—and Zi Linger’s pure yet unfamiliar Wood Spirit aura.

”From the heavenly rift scar? Hmph! Who knows if this is a trick from the Black Fiend Forest or the Earth Fire Fortress!” Teng Shan’s voice was cold as he pointed his spear at Nangong Xuan. ”Leave the sacred spring! Come back to the tribe with us and let the Elders decide your fate!”

The atmosphere instantly became tense, with swords drawn and bows bent.

Nangong Xuan slowly stood up, shielding Zi Linger behind him as he looked calmly at Teng Shan. Although his injuries had not yet healed, the Four-Key Cycle had recovered some of its power; he did not fear these few people.

However, having just accepted their kindness, he did not want to resort to violence.

Just as the two sides were in a deadlock, an old and peaceful voice came from outside the valley:

”Teng Shan, put away your weapons. Guests from afar are to be treated with courtesy, not rudeness.”

An old man with white hair and beard, holding an ancient vine staff and wearing a deep green hemp robe, slowly walked in supported by a young girl. The old man’s face was kind, yet his eyes were as deep as an ancient well. He radiated an aura that was perfectly integrated with this forest. For a moment, Nangong Xuan actually couldn’t see through his cultivation; he was at least at the Nascent Soul Stage!

”Grand Elder!” Seeing this, Teng Shan and the others immediately bowed respectfully.

Qing Zhi cheered, ”Grandpa! You came just in time! They aren’t bad people!”

The old man affectionately patted Qing Zhi’s head, then his gaze landed on Nangong Xuan. He nodded slightly, an imperceptible flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

”This old man is the Grand Elder of the Green Wood Clan, Qing Lin. My friends, you must have suffered a disaster to end up in my Qinglin Forest, yes?” The old man’s voice was gentle, carrying a power that soothed the heart. ”There is no need to be nervous. The Green Wood Clan loves peace. As long as you have no ill intentions, you are our guests.”

He glanced at Su Muxue, whose aura was rapidly recovering in the spring, and added, ”Although the sacred spring is our tribe’s sacred object, saving a life is the true fulfillment of its value. You may heal your injuries here in peace. We can talk in detail once you have recovered.”

Nangong Xuan’s heart settled slightly, and he cupped his fists. ”Thank you, Grand Elder. I am Nangong Xuan, and these two are my companions, Su Muxue and Zi Linger. We will never forget this life-saving kindness. We mean no harm and will explain our Origins to the Elder after we have healed.”

Grand Elder Qing Lin smiled and nodded. His gaze lingered on Zi Linger for an extra moment, a flash of deep thought crossing his eyes, before he said to Teng Shan and the others, ”Alright, there is nothing more here. Return to your posts. Strengthen the patrols; the frequent movements of the heavenly rift scar lately are likely not a good omen.”

Teng Shan and the others respectfully complied, giving Nangong Xuan a wary look before retreating.

The Grand Elder then said kindly to Nangong Xuan, ”Little friend Nangong, please heal in peace. Qing Zhi, stay here to look after them. If you need anything, you can come find me directly.”

”I know, Grandpa!” Qing Zhi replied happily.

The Grand Elder nodded to Nangong Xuan once more before slowly departing, supported by the girl.

Tranquility returned to the valley once again.

Nangong Xuan watched the Grand Elder’s departing back, his mind racing. This Green Wood Clan seemed indifferent to worldly affairs, but that Grand Elder was definitely no simple character. His cultivation was unfathomable, and he seemed to have noticed something.

However, for the time being, the other party indeed showed no ill will.

He sat back down by the spring, feeling its powerful healing strength, and felt slightly more at ease. Regardless, he had to recover his strength first.

He inspected his Dantian and found that under the nourishment of the sacred spring’s energy, the cracks on the surface of the Star Core seemed to have healed a bit more. Although it remained silent, its condition had clearly improved.

Perhaps this Qinglin Forest would be the turning point for them to recover their Origin Qi or even find a blessing in disguise.

And what kind of stories were hidden behind that ’heavenly rift scar’, the ’Black Fiend Forest’, and the ’Earth Fire Fortress’?