Télécharger l’application
95.23% I forge eternal life with the Dao seed / Chapter 20: Chapter 20 - Mastery of Spiritual Herbs

Chapitre 20: Chapter 20 - Mastery of Spiritual Herbs

"One cycle for one day, completing a year, with a full set of 730 in total!"

On the vast open field, thousands of servant disciples turned their gaze toward Zhao Heng.

Before their eyes, Zhao Heng had recited the Compendium of Spirit Herbs, a manual that every servant of the Spirit Medicine Garden had access to.

The Compendium of Spirit Herbs contained over ten thousand words, yet Zhao Heng flawlessly recited it without missing a single word. This feat left even many of the Spirit Medicine Garden servants feeling ashamed of themselves.

This scene astonished Zhou Cang and Liu Hong, while a faint gleam appeared in Yun Qingsnow's eyes.

Facing the crowd's surprised gazes, Zhao Heng pretended to be bashful and spoke humbly, "Although I've been working in the mines, I've always been learning about the art of herb cultivation and am confident I can take on this responsibility."

Liu Hong, clearly unprepared for Zhao Heng's display, hesitated for a moment before voicing his doubts again.

"Zhao Heng, cultivating spiritual plants isn't just about reciting theory. Memorizing the compendium is one thing, but without practical experience, how can you ensure there won't be any mistakes?"

Zhao Heng grinned, as if expecting this challenge.

"Deacon Liu, how do you know I don't have any experience?"

Liu Hong let out a cold snort. "That's easy to determine. Let's call upon a servant disciple from the Spirit Medicine Garden to test your knowledge on the spot. That should make things clear."

Zhou Cang, observing the tension between Liu Hong and Zhao Heng, hesitated briefly before nodding. He then instructed the deacon in charge of the Spirit Medicine Garden to personally assess Zhao Heng.

The deacon turned out to be an elderly man with graying hair. Hearing that a miner like Zhao Heng claimed to understand the art of spiritual herbs piqued his curiosity. He proceeded to ask a few obscure questions about spiritual herbs, expecting Zhao Heng to perhaps answer one correctly at best.

To his astonishment, Zhao Heng answered each question fluently and with impeccable accuracy, leaving no room for error.

This left the elder deeply impressed. His gaze toward Zhao Heng now carried a hint of admiration, as if seeing a "raw gem" waiting to be polished.

After a brief pause, the elder retrieved a plant from a pouch at his waist—a vibrant herb with seven distinct types of leaves. With a smile, he looked at Zhao Heng and said:

"Young man, do you recognize this herb? If you can accurately describe its characteristics and determine its growth cycle, you'll pass this assessment."

Hearing this, Zhao Heng focused his gaze on the herb in the elder's hand. A strange sense of familiarity welled up inside him, making the corners of his mouth curve into a peculiar smile.

"Sir, I must admit, I can't determine the growth cycle of this herb," Zhao Heng replied humbly.

The elder's smile widened, as if he had expected this response.

Liu Hong, on the other hand, was overjoyed. If Zhao Heng failed the assessment, he would have no choice but to stay in the mines under Liu Hong's control.

However, Zhao Heng continued, "That's because this herb doesn't have a definitive growth cycle. If I'm not mistaken, it's a hybrid created by grafting seven different spiritual plants together!"

The elder's smile froze, his pupils contracting with shock.

"You… you've actually discerned my 'grafting technique'! Grafting… What a fitting name. Why didn't I think of that?" The elder exclaimed in amazement. He couldn't help but ask further, "And can you identify the seven spiritual plants used in this grafting?"

Zhao Heng assumed a thoughtful expression before hesitantly answering, "If I'm not mistaken, the plants include Snow Lotus Seeds, Drunken Dragon Grass, Returning Spirit Red Fruit, Tranquil Mind Flower… and possibly Blood Crystal Grass?"

He listed all seven plants in an uncertain tone.

The elder was already stroking his beard in excitement, visibly impressed.

"Excellent, truly excellent! To be able to accurately identify all seven plants is beyond my expectations. In fact, you've already passed the assessment. I merely wanted to see how much skill you truly have. From what I can see, your knowledge of spiritual plants in the Servants' Peak Spirit Medicine Garden is second only to mine!"

Hearing the elder's praise and noticing the shocked gazes from the surrounding crowd, Zhao Heng's lips twitched as he suppressed the urge to curse.

You old bastard! Passing the test is one thing, but why did you have to give me an 'extra challenge'? And now you've made me stand out even more. Are you trying to get me killed?

No, I absolutely cannot stay on Servants' Peak any longer!

Fortunately, Zhao Heng had passed the assessment, largely thanks to the late Spirit Medicine Garden servant, Liu Feng. Using his memory-plundering ability, Zhao Heng had inherited Liu Feng's expertise in spiritual plants and the Boulder-Splitting Fist technique.

The earlier recitation of the Compendium of Spirit Herbs and the answers to the elder's questions were all thanks to Liu Feng's knowledge.

In particular, the hybrid plant presented by the elder was something Liu Feng had personally tended to in the past. It couldn't have been more familiar to Zhao Heng.

"Steward Zhou, Deacon Liu, do you now believe I am capable of serving as Senior Sister Yun's assistant in the medicine garden?" Zhao Heng asked confidently.

Zhou Cang nodded in approval. "To pass Deacon He's assessment is no small feat. You've done well. Serve Nephew Yun diligently and bring honor to the Servants' Peak."

"Thank you, Steward Zhou. I will do my best!" Zhao Heng replied.

He cast a glance at Liu Hong, whose face had turned sour. Yet for the moment, Liu Hong dared not say another word.

At this time, Yun Qingsnow spoke up. "Very good. Since you're skilled in cultivating spiritual plants, it seems I made the right choice. Pack your things and report to Qingxia Peak today."

With that, Yun Qingsnow left behind a token and turned to leave.

Zhao Heng accepted the token, feeling as though he had grown wings and could fly straight to Qingxia Peak.

Under the envious and jealous gazes of the other servant disciples, he bid farewell and departed.

As he left, Deacon He from the Spirit Medicine Garden sighed wistfully.

"What a fine seedling. If only he could've joined my Spirit Medicine Garden. Such a pity that my top disciple, Liu Feng, died mysteriously in the assessment area. Who will take care of my precious herbs now?"

Cough, cough.

Hearing this, Zhao Heng gave the elder a sympathetic look and said, "Please take care of yourself, sir. My condolences."

"Thank you, young man!" The elder replied kindly, watching Zhao Heng leave.

Meanwhile, Liu Hong's face was so dark it looked like it might drip water.

Zhou Cang glanced at him and said meaningfully, "I don't care what grievances you have with Zhao Heng, but I strongly advise you not to provoke Yun Qingsnow. If you cross her, no one will be able to protect you."

Liu Hong's heart trembled.

"Steward Zhou, isn't Yun Qingsnow just an outer disciple? Even if her cultivation is impressive, she's still no match for you, right?"

Zhou Cang sneered. "You clearly don't understand. Yun Qingsnow breaking into the Innate Realm is only a matter of time. Additionally, she has already been accepted as a formal disciple by 'that person.' Right now, I can't afford to offend her. In the future… I'll be even less able to."

Hearing this, Liu Hong's mood became even more complicated. He lowered his head, concealing the malice in his eyes.

After leaving the assessment area, Zhao Heng returned to Servants' Peak, quickly packed his belongings, and headed straight for Qingxia Peak.

The Nine Peaks of the Yuhua Sect were vast and interconnected mountain ranges, each with numerous subsidiary peaks, stretching far and wide.

Qingxia Peak, located in the southeast of the sect, was majestic and rich in spiritual energy, standing as an equal to the other eight peaks.

Compared to it, Servants' Peak was nothing more than a small hill.

With the token Yun Qingsnow had given him, Zhao Heng easily entered Qingxia Peak's territory as a servant disciple.

As he stepped into Qingxia Peak, Zhao Heng felt as though he were Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden—a completely new and dazzling world opened before his eyes.

Pavilions, palaces, and temples dotted the mountain. Glowing formations emitted radiant barriers of five colors, guarding the structures.

In the void above, auspicious lights shimmered, cranes soared, and disciples in outer-sect robes traversed the mountain paths.

Everyone carried themselves with pride and strength, exuding an air of extraordinary capability.

What shocked Zhao Heng the most was a beam of white light shooting skyward from near the mountain's peak, breaking through the sect's grand formation and ascending into the heavens. Within the light, Zhao Heng could faintly discern a figure.

"Flying through the air!"

Even though it was just a fleeting sight, Zhao Heng was overwhelmed with excitement. The restrictive formations around the Nine Peaks had always prevented him from witnessing such a spectacle.

Without experiencing it firsthand, it was hard to imagine the impact this scene had on a former youth of the 21st century.

At that moment, Zhao Heng gained a deeper understanding of the extraordinary nature of this world.

Simultaneously, a thought naturally arose in his mind:

"If one day I can also fly through the skies and step into the Innate Realm, how incredible would that be? At that point, anyone who wants to harm me—I'll deal with them first. Just the thought of it feels amazing!"

Although his heart harbored such lofty aspirations, Zhao Heng maintained his usual cautious demeanor.

Keeping his head down, he walked along the edge of the mountain path, careful not to draw any trouble.

Eventually, he arrived at the western slope of the mountain, where a hidden cave estate stood nestled within a dense forest—this was Yun Qingsnow's residence.

The Yuhua Sect had a rule that all formal outer disciples were entitled to their own cave estate.

However, the location and scale of Yun Qingsnow's residence made it stand out, even among the outer disciples.

"You've arrived."

The cave's door opened, and Yun Qingsnow gracefully stepped out, clad in a flowing white dress with her hair styled in a high bun.

Even though it wasn't the first time Zhao Heng had seen Yun Qingsnow, he was still struck by her beauty. She seemed as though she had stepped right out of a painting, so ethereal it felt unreal.

"Senior Sister Yun, thank you for your assistance today!" Zhao Heng said, bowing respectfully with hands clasped.

Zhao Heng knew Yun Qingsnow's actions at the assessment weren't by chance. She had deliberately chosen to recruit him as her servant disciple, a favor he felt obliged to acknowledge.

Yun Qingsnow, however, waved her hand.

"There's no need to thank me. Consider this as me repaying the favor I owe you. Besides, you earned the position through your own abilities. Now that you're here, let me take you to see the medicine garden and familiarize yourself with your new work environment."

With that, Yun Qingsnow walked past Zhao Heng.

As a fragrant breeze drifted by, Yun Qingsnow's elegant figure quickly disappeared far ahead.

Startled, Zhao Heng hurried to keep up. Now in the eighth stage of the Body Tempering Realm, his vitality was abundant, and his speed wasn't slow.

However, Yun Qingsnow's pace was even more astonishing. Without seeming to exert much effort, her figure moved faster and faster until she was nearly out of sight.

Afraid of losing her, Zhao Heng adjusted his footwork. His movements suddenly became ghostly and elusive, his speed increasing sharply as he chased after her…

[--------------------------------------------]

Enjoyed the chapter?

If you want early access to new chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you! 

 

Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy


Chapitre 21: Chapter 21 - The Ways of the World

Zhao Heng and Yun Qingsnow, one chasing and the other running, quickly traversed four or five miles.

Yun Qingsnow finally stopped in a mountainous medicinal field, where Zhao Heng caught up, panting and sweating profusely.

In contrast, Yun Qingsnow remained pristine and composed, though she did glance at Zhao Heng with some surprise.

"You managed to keep up? What kind of movement technique are you practicing? It looks a bit unusual," she asked.

Zhao Heng's heart skipped a beat. In his haste, he had instinctively used the modified version of the Bone-Melting Steps technique.

Fortunately, Zhao Heng's version was a heavily altered one, significantly different from the original.

"Senior Sister, it's just a crude technique I practiced randomly. It's not worth mentioning—please don't laugh at me. By the way, is this your medicinal garden?" Zhao Heng quickly deflected the question and changed the topic.

Yun Qingsnow didn't press him further. She turned to look ahead, where a series of terraced fields stretched across the mountains.

These fields were scattered across the slopes, varying in size, and covered in dense mist that obscured the view within.

Yun Qingsnow led Zhao Heng toward one of the medium-sized fields. She took out a small crimson flag, and a faint blue energy emanated from her fingertips.

Zhao Heng's eyes narrowed as he immediately sensed a surge of profound energy and a chilling aura.

"Releasing profound energy!"

Zhao Heng recalled tales he had heard: martial artists in the Organ Refinement Realm could store a portion of the world's profound energy within their bodies. This must be Yun Qingsnow's own stored profound energy.

As Yun Qingsnow infused a strand of profound energy into the small flag, the flag emitted a flash of white light. The mist ahead churned and parted, creating a clear path.

The two of them entered through the path, and the view ahead suddenly opened up. A rich medicinal aroma greeted them.

In front of them lay a lush spiritual field spanning several acres, filled with various types of spiritual herbs. In one corner of the field stood a simple grass hut, next to an ancient well.

"This is my medicinal garden," Yun Qingsnow explained. "All official Outer Sect disciples in the sect are assigned a personal cave dwelling, but spiritual fields must be rented separately."

"Since I also practice alchemy, I planted these spiritual herbs myself and have been personally tending to them," she continued. "Now, as I'm preparing to break through to the Innate Realm, I won't have time to manage this place. From now on, you'll stay in the grass hut and take care of these herbs. With your abilities, you should have no trouble looking after them."

Zhao Heng was overjoyed to hear this.

This spiritual field was located halfway up Qingxia Peak, where the planted herbs naturally attracted an abundance of heaven and earth energy. The environment for cultivation here was leagues better than the conditions on the Servants' Peak.

Yun Qingsnow then went on to explain some of the rules of Qingxia Peak.

For example, servant disciples were not allowed to roam freely or trespass into others' spiritual fields…

After a series of instructions, she handed Zhao Heng the small flag that controlled the spiritual field's formation and departed.

Watching Yun Qingsnow's graceful figure disappear into the sea of mist, Zhao Heng felt a sense of emptiness, as though he had lost something very important.

He thought it might be the feeling of having a "crush," but upon closer consideration, he realized what was actually bothering him.

"Damn it! I forgot to ask her how much my monthly wages will be!"

In the end, Zhao Heng settled into the medicinal garden, making the grass hut his new home.

With Liu Feng's memories, Zhao Heng quickly became adept at tending to the spiritual field.

The work was straightforward—watering, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control—none of which took much time.

Compared to working in the mines, Zhao Heng now had an abundance of free time.

He wasted none of it, dedicating most of his time to practicing his cultivation techniques and martial skills.

He also spent time studying his Poison Manual and the Thirty-Six Strategies for Survival, learning more about poison refinement and crafty techniques for dealing with enemies.

As for cultivation resources, Zhao Heng had used up almost all his savings to pass the servant disciple assessment.

Thankfully, after passing, he received a reward of 100 profound crystals and a Body Refining Pill, ensuring he didn't have to worry about resources in the short term.

For the next half month, Zhao Heng stayed in the medicinal garden without distractions, fully focused on cultivation.

He could feel his cultivation steadily improving, and his Stone-Splitting Fist and Bone-Melting Steps became increasingly refined.

Thanks to Liu Feng's memories, Zhao Heng managed to advance his Stone-Splitting Fist to the "Minor Accomplishment" level within just half a month, significantly enhancing its power. He was delighted by the progress.

However, despite his improvements, Zhao Heng's sense of crisis remained undiminished.

He knew Liu Hong wouldn't let him off the hook.

Liu Hong was similar to him in some ways—a person who would spare no effort to eliminate potential threats to his safety. He was likely waiting for an opportunity to strike.

While Zhao Heng was temporarily safe on Qingxia Peak, he couldn't shake the worry that Liu Hong might use other means—or even leverage special connections—to deal with him.

The more people that got involved, the harder it would be for Zhao Heng to find peace.

"I must raise my cultivation quickly and deal with him as soon as possible!"

Currently at the eighth level of the Body Refinement realm, Zhao Heng planned to stabilize his cultivation before using the Body Refining Pill to break through to the ninth level.

But before that, he needed to visit the sect's Library Pavilion to claim his reward.

The previous day, the Servants' Peak overseer, Zhou Cang, had sent someone to inform Zhao Heng that the top three disciples from the servant disciple assessment could visit the Library Pavilion to collect their rewards at Chenshi (between 7–9 a.m.).

Zhao Heng arrived at the Library Pavilion before Chenshi.

The Library Pavilion, along with the Weapon Refining Pavilion, Merit Hall, and Punishment Hall, was one of the sect's key buildings. It was located in the central area of the Nine Peaks, near a spacious square. Zhao Heng didn't need a pass to reach the area.

The Library Pavilion was a towering, square structure with seven levels, majestic and imposing. Outer Sect disciples stood guard around it.

As Zhao Heng approached within 100 meters of the pavilion, a dozen sharp gazes locked onto him.

"Who goes there? This is a restricted area—unauthorized individuals are not allowed!" one of the guards barked.

The intimidating display made Zhao Heng hesitate slightly, but he quickly reported his identity, explaining that he was there to claim his servant disciple assessment reward.

One guard stepped forward to verify his identity token.

After confirming everything was in order, Zhao Heng was led to the side entrance of the Library Pavilion, where two other figures were already waiting.

One was a tall, imposing young man with a confident demeanor, and the other was a graceful girl with willow-like brows and almond-shaped eyes, radiating an elegant beauty.

Zhao Heng recognized them immediately—they were the first and second place winners of the servant disciple assessment.

The man was Ye Bufan, and the woman was Xiao Chuner.

These two were considered the leaders among the servant disciples of the Yuhua Sect. Both were at the peak of the Body Refinement realm and had one foot in the Bone Refinement realm. Their strength surpassed that of Liu Feng.

However, Zhao Heng, now at the eighth level of Body Refinement, with his Minor Accomplishment Stone-Splitting Fist and Bone-Melting Steps, might not necessarily lose to them in a fight.

Still, Zhao Heng didn't want to draw attention. He approached them and greeted them respectfully, "Senior Brother Ye, Senior Sister Xiao!"

Ye Bufan and Xiao Chuner exchanged glances but didn't return the courtesy.

Ye Bufan sneered, "So you're the kid who got third place in the servant disciple assessment by sheer luck?"

Xiao Chuner added disdainfully, "Don't think that just because you got lucky and managed to place third, or because you're helping Senior Sister Yun with her medicinal garden, you're on the same level as us."

"Senior Brother Ye and I are already starting Bone Refinement training. Soon, we'll step into the Bone Refinement realm and become official Outer Sect disciples!"

Their unwarranted hostility left Zhao Heng momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood.

These two clearly looked down on him and were jealous that Yun Qingsnow had chosen him to tend her garden. Their egos were bruised, and they were lashing out to feel superior.

Faced with this classic "arrogant provocation" scenario, Zhao Heng decided to forego any posturing.

He smiled apologetically and said, "Senior Brother Ye, Senior Sister Xiao, I indeed got lucky. Otherwise, how could I possibly stand here with such extraordinary individuals as yourselves?"

"As for helping Senior Sister Yun, it's only because she took pity on me. Who knows—if she's unhappy with me one day, she might kick me out. When that happens, I'll have to rely on Senior Brother Ye and Senior Sister Xiao, the future Outer Sect elites, to look after me!"

"What?"

Zhao Heng's response caught Ye Bufan and Xiao Chuner off guard. They had expected him to confront them or escalate the situation into a physical altercation, giving them a chance to "teach him a lesson."

Instead, Zhao Heng was so humble and self-effacing that it felt like punching cotton.

Still, they couldn't help but feel flattered. His words, especially calling them "Outer Sect elites," were like honey to their ears, filling them with satisfaction.

They suddenly found Zhao Heng much more tolerable and even somewhat likable.

Ye Bufan laughed heartily, "Haha! Junior Brother, don't take it personally. I was just joking earlier. If you ever run into trouble, feel free to come to me for help!"

Xiao Chuner, too, softened her tone, saying, "Junior Brother, luck may have helped you, but you should still work hard to improve yourself and rise in rank."

Zhao Heng nodded repeatedly, wearing an expression of utmost gratitude. He added a few more compliments, making both of them beam with pride and warmth.

To Zhao Heng, their reaction was unsurprising. Life wasn't just about fighting—it was also about navigating relationships.

Because of his physical ailment, Zhao Heng always sought to turn potential enemies into harmless acquaintances. As for those who couldn't be turned, he made sure to eliminate them as soon as possible.

As they spoke, the Library Pavilion's doors opened.

An Outer Sect disciple appeared and called out to the trio, "The lower-tier manuals are available on the first and second floors. You have one hour to make your selections. After that, you must leave!"

The three immediately entered the Library Pavilion and began their search...

[--------------------------------------------]

Enjoyed the chapter?

If you want early access to new chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you! 

 

Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy


Load failed, please RETRY

Un nouveau chapitre arrive bientôt Écrire un avis

État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire

Chapitres de déverrouillage par lots

Table des matières

Options d'affichage

Arrière-plan

Police

Taille

Commentaires sur les chapitres

Écrire un avis État de lecture: C20
Échec de la publication. Veuillez réessayer
  • Qualité de l’écriture
  • Stabilité des mises à jour
  • Développement de l’histoire
  • Conception des personnages
  • Contexte du monde

Le score total 0.0

Avis posté avec succès ! Lire plus d’avis
Votez avec Power Stone
Rank 200+ Classement de puissance
Stone 0 Pierre de Pouvoir
signaler du contenu inapproprié
Astuce d’erreur

Signaler un abus

Commentaires de paragraphe

Connectez-vous

tip Commentaire de paragraphe

La fonction de commentaire de paragraphe est maintenant disponible sur le Web ! Déplacez la souris sur n’importe quel paragraphe et cliquez sur l’icône pour ajouter votre commentaire.

De plus, vous pouvez toujours l’activer/désactiver dans les paramètres.

OK