Spirit Plant Entry: Immortality Begins with Farming

Deep within the Medicine Valley lies the Apricot Grove Garden.

The door to the alchemy room slid open silently, and a lingering fragrance of bitter herbs mixed with a faint hint of heat wafted out.

Su Wanqing stepped out of the threshold, the hem of her plain white Taoist robe brushing against the bluestone ground, spotless.

Her complexion was clearer than before she went into seclusion, and a hint of spiritual light shone deep within her eyes. The Foundation Establishment Pill had been completed, and although she deliberately concealed her aura, it still exuded a sense of calm and dignified composure after achieving perfection.

She did not leave immediately, but stood under the corridor, closed her eyes, and let her consciousness spread quietly throughout the entire Medicine Valley like a calm body of water.

This is her habit after she came out of seclusion—to sense how this "domain" that belongs to her has changed when she is not around.

A stable and restrained Yin-attribute spiritual energy fluctuation came from the direction of the Yin Soul Flower plot (plot number 73). The fluctuation carried the fullness of the fruit just beginning to ripen, which was better than she had expected.

Her brows relaxed almost imperceptibly.

Immediately, she frowned slightly.

From the direction of Zone C, an unusually active fire elemental energy emanated, as clearly as a flame leaping in the darkness.

The spiritual energy was not very pure, but it had a peculiar sense of "gathering" and a faint pulse that seemed to "infect" the surroundings.

It doesn't have the scent that a natural spiritual plant should have.

Su Wanqing opened her eyes, a hint of surprise flashing across them before turning into calm contemplation.

She took a step, her figure flashing a few times under the corridor, and arrived at a quiet medicinal garden outside Xinglin Garden.

"Lin Wan'er," she called out.

A round-faced, big-eyed girl ran out of the nearby hut; it was her junior sister, her follower: "Senior Sister Su! You've finished your seclusion! Did you successfully refine the elixir?"

"Okay." Su Wanqing nodded slightly. "Go to the outer sect and find Chen Yuan. Tell him to come see me immediately."

Lin Wan'er blinked: "Chen Yuan? Is that the disciple who takes care of the Yin Soul Flower? Senior Sister, he seems to be making quite a stir lately by getting some Golden Thread Grass in the shantytown..."

"Hmm." Su Wanqing interrupted her, her tone still calm. "Just call him over. Also, if you see Zhang Jun of the Array Court or his men spying near Medicine Valley, ignore them, but make a note of it."

"Yes!" Lin Wan'er didn't dare to ask any more questions and turned to run away.

Su Wanqing turned around and looked towards Section C, unconsciously twisting her cuff with her fingertips.

Mutant spiritual plants are not uncommon, but to appear in an ordinary medicinal garden tended by a disciple with four spiritual roots, and with such unusual characteristics... is it a blessing or a curse?

---

Half an hour later, Chen Yuan stood on the bluestone path outside Xinglin Garden.

He had just finished his "nourishment" for the day in the fields of the shantytown, and his face was still a little pale, but his eyes were bright.

Lin Wan'er brought him here and then obediently retreated to the distance under the corridor to stand guard.

Su Wanqing had her back to him and was looking at a "Frosty Jade Grass" with veins like ice patterns on its leaves. She didn't turn around when she heard footsteps.

"How is the Ghost Flower?" she asked bluntly.

"Reporting to Master Su, the result has been successful." Chen Yuan's voice was steady. "The fruit's initial shape is stable, the yin energy is contained, and it is slowly ripening."

Su Wanqing turned around, her gaze falling on his face, scrutinizing him for a moment: "Are you still going to use the Five Elements Guiding Yin Technique to draw out the earth's veins?"

"Yes." Chen Yuan did not hide anything. "The power of the earth veins has been restored. Currently, it is maintained only by the residual effect of the formation and daily spiritual energy."

"Hmm." Su Wanqing took two steps closer, stopping about ten feet away from him. "While I've been in seclusion, you haven't been idle. What's going on with that Flameleaf in the medicinal garden of District C?"

Chen Yuan felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the real topic was about to be discussed.

He raised his eyes, his gaze honest yet tinged with appropriate confusion: "This disciple was just about to report to my master. About twenty days ago, that Firefly Grass began to act strangely, its growth accelerated, its fire spiritual energy gathered on its own, and... it seems to be able to slightly affect other similar plants around it. This disciple is ignorant and does not understand the reason, and I am uneasy, not knowing how to deal with it."

Su Wanqing listened quietly, and only said after he finished speaking, "Take me to see it."

"Yes."

The two walked silently through the medicine valley path, one after the other.

When outer disciples saw Su Wanqing along the way, they all bowed respectfully, and when their eyes swept over Chen Yuan behind her, they couldn't help but look on with surprise and curiosity.

Beside the medicinal herb garden in Zone C, Zhou Ming was squatting there, nervously staring at the edelweiss that had become the focus of attention.

Upon seeing Su Wanqing and Chen Yuan approaching, he jumped up in fright and awkwardly bowed, saying, "Master Su!"

Su Wanqing nodded slightly, her gaze already fixed on the center of the herb garden.

Three edelweisses stand side by side, with the one in the middle standing out.

The leaves are crimson to purple, with veins flowing like lava, and the air within three feet around them is slightly distorted, with heat rising.

What's even more striking is that the tips of the leaves of the two ordinary edelweisses next to it have turned an unnatural pale red.

Su Wanqing extended her index finger and pointed at something in the air.

A wisp of pure cyan wood-elemental spiritual energy emerged, like silk threads, and gently wrapped around the mutated grass.

The moment the spiritual energy made contact, the grass blades trembled violently. The fire spiritual energy gathered around them attempted to erode the wisp of wood spirit in the opposite direction. Although it was immediately suppressed by the stronger spiritual energy, its "activity" and "aggressiveness" were already fully revealed.

She then tried the two plants next to her, her brows furrowing slightly.

"The spirit-gathering effect is stable and has a slight assimilation tendency." She withdrew her hand, her tone unreadable. "Although its grade is only around the upper level of the first rank, such characteristics are quite rare. Have you stimulated it with external objects? Or come into contact with any unusual fire-attribute materials?"

"This disciple has not," Chen Yuan replied quickly. "The herb garden is only used with regular spiritual spring water and humus. After discovering anything unusual, I dared not act rashly."

Su Wanqing glanced at him but didn't press the matter further. She strolled slowly around the herb garden, seemingly sensing the earth's spiritual energy and subtle fluctuations.

After a moment, she paused and made a decision.

"I'll take this herb with me." The voice was cold and brooked no argument. "Leaving it in the outer sect's herb garden will only bring trouble, not fortune."

Chen Yuan felt reassured, but feigned feigned confusion: "Uncle-Master, what's wrong with this herb?"

"The tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind," Su Wanqing said bluntly. "If word of this herb's properties spreads, the alchemy room, the array formation court, and even those in the inner sect who cultivate fire-based techniques will all be interested. You, a mere Qi Refining Level 6 disciple, can't protect it. Besides..."

Her gaze swept over the two reddish grasses beside her: "The extent of this assimilation tendency is unknown. If it gets out of control, it may damage the surrounding spiritual plants and even the earth's veins."

Zhou Ming, who was listening nearby, turned pale.

Chen Yuan was silent for a moment, then bowed and said, "This disciple is terrified and will leave everything to Master Su's discretion. However... this herb was grown under my care, so if anyone asks..."

"I will announce publicly that this is a mutated spiritual plant discovered in the herb garden of District C in Medicine Valley, reported by the registered disciple Chen Yuan, and after my identification, it was moved to the Apricot Grove Garden for further study." Su Wanqing had already considered everything thoroughly. "You will receive a credit, and the sect contribution points will be allocated later. As for—"

She looked up and gazed at the other end of the path. There, two figures stood, none other than Zhang Jun of the Array Academy and one of his followers.

Zhang Jun wore his usual calculating smile as he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Junior Sister Su has emerged from seclusion? Congratulations on your successful completion of the elixir. I've heard that an interesting herb has appeared in District C; I've come to see it for myself."

Su Wanqing turned to face him, her face expressionless: "Senior Brother Zhang is well-informed. I have already examined this herb; it is a mutated fire spirit and has some research value. It is about to be moved to Xinglin Garden. If Senior Brother is interested, you can apply to Danxia Hall for a joint study."

Zhang Jun's smile froze for a moment before returning to normal: "Junior Sister, you're quick. However, mutated spiritual plants often involve environmental anomalies, and our Array Court is responsible for maintaining part of the array in Medicine Valley, so investigating the cause is within our duties..."

"The formation here is intact, and I have checked the records of spiritual energy flow; there are no abnormalities." Su Wanqing interrupted him, her tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "If Senior Brother Zhang insists on investigating, he can report to the Hall of Affairs and apply for a formal inspection document. If there is no document, please do not disturb the normal work of the Medicine Valley disciples."

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the disciple following Zhang Jun. The disciple, caught by her cold gaze, instinctively took a half-step back.

Zhang Jun's smile finally crumbled. He stared at Su Wanqing, then glanced at Chen Yuan, who stood to the side with his head down, his eyes filled with malice.

"Since Junior Sister Su puts it that way, then I, your senior brother, will naturally act according to the rules." He smirked. "However, Junior Sister is quite protective of this nominal disciple. Even the Yin Soul Flower he's been tending is about to bear fruit? The bet's due date hasn't arrived yet."

"I will discuss the bet with Senior Brother Zhang and even Dean Zhang myself," Su Wanqing said unmoved. "There's no need for Senior Brother to remind me. If there's nothing else, please leave."

The order to leave was made perfectly clear.

Zhang Jun's face turned ashen. He snorted heavily, flicked his sleeves, and turned to leave. His follower quickly followed.

Only after the two figures disappeared at the end of the path did Su Wanqing turn her gaze to Chen Yuan: "The Yin Soul Flower plot, you'll come with me too."

"Yes."

---

At plot number seventy-three, the Yin energy had thinned considerably compared to before. The Yin Soul Flower in the center stood quietly, its dark petals drooping, protecting a pigeon-egg-sized, grayish-white fruit with a faint black aura swirling around its surface.

Su Wanqing carefully examined the condition of the fruit, the spiritual energy of the roots, and the remnants of the surrounding array. A faint hint of satisfaction finally flashed across her eyes.

"Well done." She rarely gave such direct affirmation. "With your cultivation level, it is truly remarkable that you were able to guide the earth's veins and balance the five elements within the damaged Yin Sha Formation to achieve the desired result. It is indeed remarkable."

Chen Yuan bowed: "It is all thanks to Master Su's instruction and the help of the black jade bee."

Su Wanqing waved her hand, disliking formalities: "The bet still has half a month left. We cannot relax before the fruit ripens. Although it was caused by me, as you have seen, the Array Court will not be willing to admit defeat, and Dean Zhang Yuanqing is also paying attention to this matter. You will stay in Medicine Valley these days and focus on taking care of this flower."

As she spoke, she tossed Chen Yuan a warm, cyan jade token: "This is my Xinglin Garden's temporary steward token. With it, you can be exempted from some miscellaneous duties, and outer disciples will not dare to disturb you easily. But remember, this token is only for use in Medicine Valley and for travel to and from it. Do not cause any trouble."

Chen Yuan accepted the jade token, feeling its warmth against his skin. He knew it was both a protection and a constraint: "Disciple will remember this. Thank you, Master Su."

Su Wanqing nodded, seemingly intending to leave, but then stopped, asking casually, "I heard you were in the shantytown, trying to improve the golden thread grass?"

Chen Yuan's heart tightened, but his face remained calm: "Yes. I thought it was a pity that those eight acres of land were left empty, so I thought I would try planting some easy-to-grow and fast-growing forage grass, which might help supplement our expenses. It is just a rough attempt, and I dare not call it an 'improvement'."

Su Wanqing glanced at him, her gaze seemingly able to see through appearances.

"For those who cultivate, resources are certainly important, but ultimately, one's own cultivation is fundamental." Her tone was calm, making it impossible to tell whether she was admonishing or reminding them. "Being bogged down in trivial matters can easily lead you astray on your path. You should take care of yourself."

"Disciple understands."

Su Wanqing said no more, and with a slight movement, she drifted away, leaving only a wisp of cool medicinal fragrance.

Chen Yuan held the jade pendant, still warm in his hand, and stood there, gazing in the direction she had disappeared. After a long while, he gently exhaled.

The bet involving the Yin Soul Flower received her explicit approval and further support.

They even received this temporary steward's plaque, which provided them with many conveniences at the outer gate.

Although it seems that the situation is developing in a positive direction.

But Zhang Jun's gloomy expression when he left, and Su Wanqing's slightly tense tone when she mentioned that "Academician Zhang Yuanqing is also paying attention," were like a thin layer of ice covering the temporary calm.

There are also shantytowns... Ten days later, the Golden Thread Grass Ring was redeemed for the first time.

He put the jade token into his pocket, turned around, and walked out of the Medicine Valley.

By the time he returned to the shantytown, the sun was already beginning to set. Chen Yuan didn't go straight back to his residence, but instead went to the fields at the east end of the town.

The eight acres of golden thread grass gleamed with a warm golden-brown luster under the setting sun, and were growing exceptionally well.

Along the edge of the field, Widow Li, with two newly hired women, was carefully harvesting the first batch of mature grass. Ping An squatted beside them, trying to distinguish between the old and young leaves.

Upon seeing Chen Yuan, Widow Li wiped her sweat, her face showing both fatigue and radiance: "Brother Chen, you're back! Look, the grass is growing so well! We harvested almost two hundred catties today; after drying it for two days, we can start weaving the first batch of rings!"

Chen Yuan nodded and squatted down to examine the harvested grass leaves. The leaves were thick, and the faint golden light in the veins did not immediately dissipate even after being removed from the roots, indicating that the spiritual energy was well preserved.

"Where are the people who registered?" he asked.

"More than before," Widow Li said in a low voice, both excited and uneasy. "By this afternoon, there are already more than two hundred and forty people! Spirit Stones... can we really collect that many?"

"We can accept it." Chen Yuan stood up. "But there's a proper way to accept it. What about Zhou Ming?"

"They went to the market to buy more hemp rope and bone needles, saying they were afraid they wouldn't have enough."

Just then, Zhou Ming came running back, panting, carrying a large cloth bag. When he saw Chen Yuan, his eyes lit up: "Senior Brother! You're back! Did... you get it done?"

Chen Yuan knew he was asking about Edelweiss and Su Wanqing, and nodded: "They're fine for now. How are the grass rings being prepared?"

"We have enough materials!" Zhou Ming put down the cloth bag, panting. "The only problem is manpower... The two women Sister Li found are skilled, but there aren't enough people. We need to weave over two hundred rings in ten days, and maintain quality. I'm afraid..."

"Find two more," Chen Yuan said. "We can increase the wages by another half percent, but they must be reliable and keep their mouths shut. And don't set up the ring weaving place in the shop; find a quiet, empty room instead."

"Understood!" Zhou Ming replied, then leaned closer and lowered his voice, "Senior brother, there's something else... Wu Xiaoshuan came again this afternoon, not to register, but just wandering around outside the shop, bragging to people about how bad his mother's cough is and how she's counting on our straw rings... I just feel like something's not right."

Chen Yuan's gaze turned slightly cold.

"Keep an eye on him," he repeated what he had said that morning. "Starting tomorrow, have people take turns guarding the harvesting, drying, and ring-making areas. Even at night."

Zhou Ming and Widow Li exchanged a glance, both seeing tension in each other's eyes.

"Brother Chen," Widow Li's voice trembled, "you mean... someone is trying to ruin our plans?"

"Prevention is better than cure." Chen Yuan's tone was calm, yet carried a reassuring quality. "Ten days from now, the exchange will proceed as planned. What's meant to happen will happen."

He looked towards the gambling den at the west end, then glanced at the faint outline of the Flying Feather Sect's mountain gate in the twilight.