Cultivation begins with planting techniques

Even just recently, when he was chatting with other Yuan Dan elders who had paid some attention to Li Ye, he criticized this young man for choosing to stay in a place like the Spirit Herb Garden instead of leaving the sect to hone his swordsmanship at such a young age.

They believed he had absolutely no ambition and wasted his talent, so he was not worth their attention or being taken as a disciple.

But upon seeing it today, he realized that their judgment of Li Ye was still too biased.

Having such a son is truly a blessing for the Heavenly Sword Sect!
Therefore, He Shuyuan, who possessed the cultivation level of Yuan Dan, controlled his turbulent emotions and addressed the people in front of him:

"This matter is of utmost importance, and I must also report it to the Supreme Elder..."

Lian Yang, who had been following along, looked somewhat numb.

Has this escalating reporting reached the point where even the Supreme Elder is alarmed?

He looked again at Li Ye, whose face showed a hint of excitement, and felt that this person was truly a stranger.

Having only been in the Heavenly Sword Sect for a little over ten years, he has already accomplished such a feat. Even if such a person fails to achieve further cultivation, he will likely be remembered by the world!

Not to mention, with such contributions he has made, he will surely be richly rewarded by the sect and will rise rapidly in rank!
Its future achievements are truly immeasurable!
……

According to tradition, the strongest Nascent Soul cultivators in the Heavenly Sword Sect all inherit the title of Heavenly Sword Child.

However, this mysterious figure is rarely seen and prefers to travel around. Even the sect leader, He Shuyuan, does not know where he is now.

The person he was meeting was Jade Sword True Monarch, one of only two Nascent Soul cultivators in the Heavenly Sword Sect.

He was young and handsome, with a dashing appearance and a flowing robe, making him quite dashing.

After being personally informed by the sect leader, he quietly left seclusion and arrived at the Spirit Herb Garden.

Upon his appearance, those who were only at the Innate Realm, such as the Pill Hall Master and Lian Yang, were immediately intimidated by the faint sword intent emanating from him. Their magical power was suppressed by more than half, and their faces were filled with awe.

Li Ye mingled among them, also displaying a respectful demeanor.

Only the sect leader, He Shuyuan, was able to maintain his composure.

Jade Sword True Monarch's eyes flashed like lightning as he swept over the willow grove, which was less than an acre in size, and a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.

"To think it could cultivate such a spiritual plant... If it were to be refined into a treasure after a certain number of years, it might even be of some benefit in that vast Demon Abyss..."

He didn't try to avoid suspicion and simply murmured to himself.

Li Ye's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this.

This world was once invaded by external demons. Although the turmoil was eventually quelled, most of the land fell and turned into a turbid and chaotic atmosphere, filled with various mutated monsters.

This region, which is even larger than the current cultivation world, is the Demon Abyss.

After he reached the Innate Realm, he had higher authority and access to more ancient texts, which allowed him to learn some information about the Demon Abyss.

However, most of these clues were superficial, with only a few hints suggesting that although the area had fallen and was no longer a suitable place for cultivation, it seemed to hold other opportunities.

Now that I see that even a Nascent Soul cultivator like Jade Sword True Monarch is excited, he is indeed extraordinary!

Perhaps Tian Jianzi, who has been missing for years, is searching for opportunities in that Demon Abyss.

After inspecting the Spirit Cleansing Willow and confirming that there was generally no problem with the spiritual plant, Jade Sword True Monarch immediately turned to Sect Leader He Shuyuan with a solemn expression.

"Starting today, disciples will be mobilized to cooperate with Li Ye in planting and cultivating Pure Spirit Willows in certain areas of the sect, in conjunction with the grand formation, to observe their effect in purifying spiritual energy..."

"If it proves effective, then we will extend it to more areas, giving the mountain a renewed spiritual energy!"

"Yes!"

The sect leader solemnly agreed.

After giving his instructions, Jade Sword True Monarch turned to Li Ye and said, "Li Ye, you have made a great contribution to our sect by cultivating such a spiritual plant. I will reward you handsomely. Do you have any requests?"

His tone was calm, but his words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

The two people, the Pill Hall Master and Lian Yang, who had been standing still for a long time and were simply waiting, were shocked.

This was a personal gift from a Nascent Soul True Monarch, and Li Ye could even request it himself.

If one can seize this opportunity to become a disciple of Jade Sword True Lord, from this day forward, one will truly soar to great heights, and one's future achievements will be immeasurable.

However, Li Ye, with a respectful demeanor, simply cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Reporting to the Elder, Li Ye is devoted to the sword path and wishes to see the Nine Heavens Sword Manual!"

He really was... huh?!
The people present nodded subconsciously, and in the instant they realized what was going on, they couldn't help but look at Li Ye.

With such a golden opportunity before him, how could he not become an apprentice?!

Even though he was only at the early stage of the Innate Realm, he set his sights on the Nine Heavens Sword Manual, the supreme martial art of our sect!

If you can truly understand it, then dare to speak up!
What is this kid thinking?

Not to mention them, even Jade Sword True Monarch was somewhat surprised, and then chuckled slightly.

It's unclear whether they were mocking Li Ye for being overly ambitious or finding it amusing that he dared to make such a statement.

He looked at Li Ye and used his spiritual sense to see through him. Apart from his seemingly special physique, he found no treacherous schemes or hidden tricks.

As for its origins, He Shuyuan had already investigated and secretly reported it to him, so it was fairly clear.

Such a talented person, although I have not yet seen him display any sword skills, the sword energy in his body, though not released, is like a vigorous green tree, pure and sharp.

To have mastered the Green Wood Sword Technique to this level is quite a testament to his talent.

If Li Ye were to mention becoming his disciple, he wouldn't mind taking him on as a nominal disciple.

This is a perfect opportunity to cultivate the Pure Spirit Willow for him, in preparation for his next exploration of the Demon Abyss.

But he actually asked to see the Nine Heavens Sword Manual. As a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he couldn't possibly take this kid in on his own initiative!

Jade Sword True Monarch's thoughts raced, and he said in a deep voice:
"The Nine Heavens Sword Manual is the supreme cultivation technique of our sect. At the very least, one must be a true disciple with the cultivation level of the Core Formation stage or an elder who has made sufficient contributions to be able to view it. You are currently only at the Innate stage, and you are not qualified..."

Hmm? Does this mean I'm going to be rejected?

Since the sword manual is unavailable and he cannot be accepted as a disciple... wouldn't all this effort be in vain!
Lian Yang was stunned, wishing he could take Li Ye's place and make the choice again.

Then he heard Jade Sword True Lord continue.

"However, considering your great contributions to the sect and even this world in cultivating the Pure Spirit Willow, I will grant you the status of a personal disciple. Once you break through to the Yuan Dan realm, you will be able to view the Nine Heavens Sword Manual!"

"Li Ye, what do you think?"

A true disciple?!
Lian Yang and the others were momentarily speechless.

Such titles are given in fixed numbers within the sect and come with numerous great benefits. Only a handful of true prodigies can defeat many fellow disciples and obtain such glory and treatment.

Even if they haven't broken through to the Yuan Dan stage, their status is not much lower than that of the sect's elders.

Once one breaks through to the Yuan Dan stage, they become a seed for the Nascent Soul stage, and are highly valued!
Without even drawing his sword, Li Ye managed to obtain this identity from the Jade Sword True Monarch simply by cultivating spiritual plants?!

At that moment, they felt a sense of existential unease.

Li Ye also looked excited, "Thank you, Elder, it is my greatest honor!"

"Hahaha! Good!" (End of Chapter)