Through the perspective of [Natural Symbiosis], Li Pingcan curiously observed the two small creatures before him.
One was an unopened seed.
[Name]: Seven-Leaf Paris
[Status]: Weak, eager to sprout
The other was an aging centipede on its last legs.
[Name]: Purple-Gold Blood Centipede
[Status]: Elderly and feeble
"Who would've thought a poisonous creature and a detoxifying herb could form a symbiotic bond? This is truly marvelous."
Considering natural symbiotic relationships—mutualism, commensalism, parasitism—there was no doubt [Natural Symbiosis] belonged to the first category of mutual aid.
Since the skill indicated the Seven-Leaf Paris and Purple-Gold Blood Centipede could coexist symbiotically, and he could sense the centipede's eager excitement while the herb showed no resistance, Li Pingcan didn't hesitate to bind them together.
[Symbiotic binding successful. Current match: Purple-Gold Blood Centipede (Blood Qi seed) and Seven-Leaf Paris (Treasure seed)]
As the words materialized, the centipede coiled its body into a semicircular shape resembling a flowerpot. A faint red mist emanated from its body, conveying its needs to Li Pingcan.
"You need soil for planting? Fertile soil?"
Li Pingcan murmured the spell, causing the surface soil to automatically separate impurities. Rich black earth settled into the "centipede flowerpot." After burying the Seven-Leaf Paris seed and watering it, a pale green sprout visibly broke through the shell within moments, brimming with vitality and the joy of breaking ground.
"It actually sprouted!"
Amazed, he turned to the centipede. The previously listless creature had now fallen into peaceful slumber, its fading life force gradually transforming into vigor.
"So this is what symbiotic binding means."
Li Pingcan rejoiced. The Purple Centipede Paste provided by the Purple-Gold Blood Centipede was invaluable—losing this resource would undoubtedly slow his martial progress. Now, the centipede's Blood Qi stimulated the treasure herb's growth, while the plant's properties extended the centipede's lifespan. A perfect mutualistic relationship.
He also received information from the centipede: planting the Seven-Leaf Paris in yin-attributed soil would accelerate its growth. Immediately, Li Pingcan thought of the soil near the Li family ancestral graves—if anywhere embodied yin attributes, it was there.
"Ancestors, lend me your strength."
He headed toward the Li family burial grounds.
Nourished by the Purple-Gold Blood Centipede and yin soil, the Seven-Leaf Paris had grown into a robust seedling. Its seven oval leaves flourished like petals, while the flower stalk's crown exuded a thick, faint purple-gold liquid.
Unlike the centipede's foul-smelling venom, this liquid carried a fresh herbal fragrance and had a stickier consistency, glimmering softly in the breeze.
"Symbiotic binding actually makes the treasure herb produce the centipede's venom!"
The yield wasn't low either—one droplet accumulated every five days!
Overjoyed, Li Pingcan carefully collected the liquid in a jar and rushed home to share the news with his father.
Li Rongzhou was equally astonished. After close examination, he even dared to taste a tiny amount.
"Father!" The three brothers panicked, knowing the centipede's venom was extremely toxic. Lady Qin jumped up in alarm, scrambling for antidote pills.
"I'm fine, truly." Li Rongzhou stopped his wife, gazing at the liquid with awe. "This isn't poisonous!"
"No poison?" Li Pingfu and Li Pingcan exchanged bewildered looks.
As regular users of Purple Centipede Paste during training, they knew full well the centipede's vicious toxicity—overdosing caused intense prickling sensations like countless needle jabs.
If not for the three-day usage restriction due to toxicity, their martial progress would've been faster. Yet now their father claimed this venom-like liquid was harmless?
Trusting Li Rongzhou's judgment, Li Pingcan excitedly suggested, "Father, since Chonglou is a detoxifying herb, could it have neutralized the centipede's venom, transforming it into harmless nectar?"
"Highly likely." Li Rongzhou confirmed with a hearty laugh. "Moreover, this new treasure liquid surpasses the original venom in potency."
Quick-witted Li Ping'an grasped the key implication: "When making Purple Centipede Paste, we use supplementary herbs to counteract the venom's toxicity, which dilutes its medicinal effects. But this treasure liquid requires no suppression—when combined with Blood Qi herbs, its full potency can be unleashed."
Such precious medicine was extraordinarily rare—perhaps only the martial school masters in Flat Peach Town possessed anything comparable.
"Let's call medicine made from this treasure liquid Seven-Leaf Purple-Gold," proposed Li Pingfu.
Meanwhile, Li Pingcan gazed at the Seven-Leaf Paris growing in its centipede "flowerpot," marveling at their harmonious coexistence.
Symbiotic binding had not only revitalized two dying creatures, extending each other's lifespans, but also produced this invaluable treasure liquid—an incredible blessing.
Life was truly wondrous!
Li Pingfu visited the black market to procure supplementary herbs, purchasing cautiously.
The family had spent considerable silver acquiring residency documents and housing for Zhou Yu, and next year's medicinal field cultivation would require more funds.
Of course, this investment would pay off—even one-year herbs would guarantee modest profits, while older specimens would be exponentially more valuable for both sale and personal use.
"Too many expenses—Ping'an's scholar status requires future academy tuition, and little brother's martial training isn't cheap either."
With expenditures outpacing income, Li Pingfu grew anxious, contemplating the black market's underground fighting rings—though age and strength restrictions applied.
"Once I break through to the Bone Realm, I'll give it a try."
As the eldest brother, he felt compelled to shoulder family responsibilities and shield his siblings from hardship.
Returning home, they prepared the Seven-Leaf Purple-Gold medicine.
Unlike the pungent Purple Centipede Paste, its preparation released a refreshing herbal aroma. The finished product gleamed with purple-gold radiance.
Dissolving it in warm water, Li Pingcan sampled the concoction—smooth, sweet, and cool like summer iced herbal juice, devoid of the paste's fiery burn.
Upon consumption, invigorating energy surged through his organs and meridians to every extremity. His fair skin flushed deepening red—a clear sign of accelerated martial progress.
"This is insanely potent!"
Elated, Li Pingcan realized that with Seven-Leaf Purple-Gold medicine, his recent entry into the Skin Realm could advance to the Meat Realm within six months!