Chapter 113: Golden Orchid Fruit

Chapter 113: Golden Orchid Fruit

Standing in the spirit field, Chu Ning carefully inspected the rows of Iron Stem Orchids closest to the Golden Origin Fruits.

Finally, he confirmed his speculation.

The Iron Stem Orchids near the Golden Origin Fruits had petals that were interspersed with a golden hue.

The row further inside had only a small portion with a similar golden tint.

Moving further in, only a sparse one or two plants displayed this variation.

It was indeed highly possible that a crossbreed mutation had occurred.

After reaching this conclusion, Chu Ning didn't know how to feel.

In fact, when cultivating spirit plants, especially on a large scale, different spirit plants are often separated.

These twenty acres of spirit fields were indeed separated from other spirit fields.

But within these twenty acres, they were not divided.

The previous season, Chu Ning had planted Golden Origin Fruits and Purple Crystal Bamboo together, and the two spirit plants had no adverse effects on each other.

Chu Ning had momentarily overlooked this aspect.

To be precise, it wasn't that he had completely ignored it.

Regarding the cultivation of Golden Origin Fruits, Chu Ning was well aware that there was no mention of any possible influence from the Iron Orchids.

Chu Ning guessed that a significant reason for this was that Iron Stem Orchids and Iron Orchids did not coexist in the Qingxia Mountains before.

So the person who recorded the information for Qingxi Sect was unaware that the two spirit fruits could affect each other.

At this moment, looking at these rows of Iron Stem Orchids, Chu Ning frowned slightly, caught in a dilemma.

If he left them be, he wasn't sure if this crossbreed would be beneficial or detrimental.

He didn't know if these Iron Orchid Fruits could still grow normally and, after they matured, if they could still be used for body tempering.

If he decided not to keep them and destroyed them to replant, it would mean that his hard work for nearly two and a half months would be wasted.

"Forget it, let's take a gamble."

Chu Ning gritted his teeth and decided to keep these Iron Orchid Fruits.

Rather than wasting two and a half months, he might as well give it a try.

If these mutated spirit fruits could grow to maturity, he wanted to see what they would turn out like.

If they didn't grow, the worst-case scenario would be wasting another three months.

After all, it was just two rows, and the rest were mostly normal.

With that in mind, Chu Ning chose to ignore whether the Iron Orchid Fruits had crossbred and instead nurtured them using the standard method.

Subsequently, Chu Ning began to explore these unusual Iron Orchid Fruits from various angles.

After some experimentation, he discovered that these two rows of Iron Orchid Fruits absorbed spiritual energy at a significantly faster rate.

Chu Ning's Greenwood Spring Technique could be cast an additional 30% of the time, and they would still be able to absorb the energy.

Subsequently, Chu Ning also found that this portion of Iron Orchid Fruits seemed to require more water.

If he didn't cast the Sweet Rain Technique every other day, the spirit fruits would appear slightly withered on the surface.

Naturally, Chu Ning didn't skimp on his spells and increased the frequency accordingly.

What also pleasantly surprised Chu Ning was that since the fruits had started growing, these two rows of crossbred Iron Orchid Fruits had been growing noticeably faster than the normal ones.

With his increased casting frequency, this batch of Iron Orchid Fruits was about half the size of the others.

At the same time, as time went on, the brown skin of these fruits gradually faded, and the initially interspersed golden hue began to deepen.

Following this trend, by the time they fully matured, the color of this batch of Golden Orchid Fruits would most likely not be brown.

Instead, like the Golden Origin Fruits, they would turn golden yellow.

Two months later, in the spirit field.

Chu Ning held a jade box and began harvesting the Golden Origin Fruits.

After being harvested once, the regrowth period for the Golden Origin Fruits seemed to be slightly shorter.

It took a little over a month for the fruits to regrow and blossom after being picked.

From flowering to fruition to maturity, it had only taken four months.

Chu Ning intended to sell all these Golden Origin Fruits to Gu Xiaoqin.

Due to the increasing number of late-stage Qi Refining cultivators in Fengxia Town, Gu Xiaoqin had started selling Spirit Origin Pills.

The Golden Origin Fruits were also one of the critical materials for the pill.

However, unlike the Gathering Origin Pill, refining the Spirit Origin Pill required other more advanced materials.

At this moment, Chu Ning picked and stored all the Golden Origin Fruits.

Then he walked amidst the rows of Iron Orchid Fruits and began to cast the Greenwood Spring Technique.

After finishing the spell, Chu Ning walked to the row closest to the Golden Origin Fruits.

"Can these still be called Iron Orchid Fruits? Maybe I should call them Golden Orchid Fruits?"

Looking at the two rows of Iron Orchid Fruits that were now a bright orange, Chu Ning shook his head with a smile.

Then he sat down cross-legged and began to cultivate the Greenwood Eternal Spring Art.

Because these two rows of Iron Orchid Fruits absorbed spiritual energy faster, they benefited more from the cultivation of the Greenwood Eternal Spring Art.

Over the past two to three months, Chu Ning had mostly cultivated the Greenwood Eternal Spring Art in this spirit field.

As he finished cultivating, Chu Ning naturally checked his cultivation proficiency.

【Greenwood Eternal Spring Art (Lower Tier Yellow Grade), 3rd Layer (500/2100)】

【Nine Transforming Body Refining Manual, 1st Volume, Unending Sinews 313/1500】

【Refine God Technique, 1st Layer 780/1000】

"In about one more month, I should enter the 8th layer of Qi Refining!" A slight smile appeared on Chu Ning's face.

It had been nearly five months since he entered the late Qi Refining stage.

In these five months, Chu Ning had spent almost the first month steadily cultivating with the aid of the Greenwood Spring Technique.

After purchasing the Spirit Origin Pills from Fengxia Town, he had started to cultivate quickly with their help.

However, Chu Ning didn't go overboard. After taking the pills for a few days, he would usually take a break.

He would then cultivate using only the Greenwood Spring Technique and spirit stones.

In the last few days, after consuming all the Spirit Origin Pills, Chu Ning hadn't rushed to buy more pills.

He felt that it was good to cultivate steadily for a short period without relying too much on pills at this stage.

Based on Chu Ning's previous experience, he deduced that once his proficiency in the third layer broke through 600, he would likely advance to the eighth layer of Qi Refining.

And to advance from the eighth layer to the ninth layer of Qi Refining, he would need to increase his proficiency by another 700, reaching a total of 1300.

As for increasing his proficiency to 2100, that would probably be the limit.

If he wanted to continue cultivating, he would need to find the subsequent cultivation techniques.

However, Chu Ning had a vague feeling that if he could perfect his Greenwood Eternal Spring Art at the third layer, his Yin Wood Spirit Body might evolve again, possibly unlocking the next step in his cultivation journey.

This reminded him of when he had perfected the Nine Transforming Body Refining Manual, and he felt there was a certain correlation.

It was also because of this that Chu Ning was not far from reaching the eighth layer of Qi Refining.

But when it came to cultivation techniques, he wasn't in a rush.

"I've taken a break from the Spirit Origin Pills for a while, so it might be a good time to use them again. Otherwise, I won't be able to reach the eighth layer of Qi Refining in a month."

Chu Ning stood up from the spirit field and put Ling Xiao Bai directly into his spirit beast bag.

After using his spiritual sense to ensure no one was around, he changed his appearance with the Illusion Transformation Technique.

There had been too many wandering cultivators and cultivators from the nearby cultivation families in the area over the past few months.

Each time Chu Ning altered his appearance, he had to be extremely cautious.

With his current cultivation base of the fifth layer of Qi Refining, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to go to Gu Xiaoqin to buy Spirit Origin Pills.

He needed to assume a different identity.

With a completely new face, Chu Ning entered the market and made his way straight to Gu Xiaoqin's spirit pill shop.

Today wasn't a market day, and he wasn't sure if Gu Xiaoqin would be open for business.

He could only come and try his luck, and if she wasn't there, he would come back another time.

To his surprise, not only was Gu Xiaoqin there, but there was also another customer present.

Chu Ning recognized the other customer as Du Han from the Enforcement Hall.

The two of them were chatting, and Gu Xiaoqin, facing outside, had a troubled look on her face.

But when she saw Chu Ning's unfamiliar face, she seemed to relax.

"Brother Du, I have a customer. Please excuse me while I attend to them."

Gu Xiaoqin spoke and then quickly walked towards Chu Ning with a warm smile.

If not for Chu Ning's confidence in his Illusion Transformation Technique, he would have suspected that she had recognized him.

"Alright, I'll wait for you," Du Han said, turning around and giving Chu Ning a slight frown, seemingly displeased with his presence.

Chu Ning was puzzled by this reaction but quickly averted his gaze.

After all, he was now a wandering cultivator at the seventh layer of Qi Refining, and he had never met Du Han before.

"Fellow cultivator, what pills are you looking for?" Gu Xiaoqin asked.

Chu Ning replied promptly, "Do you have any Spirit Origin Pills or similar pills for late-stage Qi Refining cultivators?"

"Spirit Origin Pills? Yes, I do," Gu Xiaoqin answered promptly.

"But please give me a moment to retrieve them for you."

Chu Ning was slightly taken aback. Shouldn't she keep such pills on hand in her storage bag?

However, he didn't ask further and simply nodded.

Gu Xiaoqin turned and walked inside, passing by Du Han. She paused and apologized, "Brother Du, please wait a moment. I need to get some pills for my customer."

But Du Han smiled and said, "It's fine. Take your time with the customer. I can wait."

Gu Xiaoqin didn't say anything more and quickly walked into the courtyard.

It took her quite a while before she reappeared with a jade bottle in hand. She approached Chu Ning and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, fellow cultivator. I have so many pills that it took me a while to find the Spirit Origin Pills, as they aren't commonly requested lately."

Chu Ning could guess that Gu Xiaoqin had intentionally delayed her return.

And considering Du Han's presence, although he didn't know the specifics, he could surmise that it had something to do with him.

He took the jade bottle from Gu Xiaoqin and casually asked, "How many pills are in this bottle?"

"Ten," she replied.

Hearing this, Chu Ning frowned slightly. He had intended to buy thirty pills.

But when Gu Xiaoqin had rushed off earlier, he hadn't had the chance to specify.

Gu Xiaoqin had been observing Chu Ning's expression, and when she saw his frown, she quickly asked, "Do you need more, fellow cultivator? I can get you more."

Chu Ning nodded, "Yes, please get me two more bottles."

Hearing this, a delighted smile appeared on Gu Xiaoqin's face, and she said, "Of course, fellow cultivator. Please wait a moment while I get them for you."

As he watched her walk slowly inside, Chu Ning sighed inwardly.

"Sister Gu, I'm afraid this is all I can do to help you," he thought to himself.

At that moment, Chu Ning keenly sensed a displeased gaze on him, undoubtedly coming from Du Han.

Without turning to look, Chu Ning knew it was him, but he pretended not to notice and inspected the pill bottle in his hand, opening it to take a look and then smelling its contents.

Perhaps realizing that she couldn't delay any longer, Gu Xiaoqin didn't take long to return with two more jade bottles, which she handed to Chu Ning.

"Three bottles of Spirit Origin Pills, 600 lower-grade spirit stones," she said.

Chu Ning took the bottles and placed 600 spirit stones on the table in front of Gu Xiaoqin, which he retrieved from a spare storage bag he had bought after purchasing the Illusion Transformation Technique in Fengxia Market.

He opened the other two jade bottles to inspect their contents, ensuring there were no issues before storing all three bottles in his storage bag.

Then, without further ado, he turned and left.

Upon leaving the market, Chu Ning intentionally found a secluded spot to dispel his Illusion Transformation Technique.

Then, he slowly made his way back to the market.

What slightly surprised Chu Ning was that Du Han was still with Gu Xiaoqin at that moment.

However, Gu Xiaoqin had stepped out of her shop and now stood outside.

The two were still talking, but Gu Xiaoqin's face now wore an obvious look of dismay.

"Ai, a beauty is truly a calamity." Chu Ning muttered to himself.

What piqued Chu Ning's curiosity was that it had already been almost a year since Gu Xiaoqin had come to the market, and before today, he had never seen Du Han show any interest in her. Why had he suddenly taken a fancy to her?

"Chu Ning!"

Just as Chu Ning was deep in thought, he heard Gu Xiaoqin's delighted voice.

Chu Ning paused for a moment, then turned around.

Gu Xiaoqin was already walking briskly towards him, with Du Han following close behind.

"Chu Ning, you mentioned a few days ago that the Golden Origin Fruits could be harvested. Have you picked them yet? If not, let's go pick them now; I need them for my pill concoction."

"I harvested the Golden Origin Fruits today," Chu Ning replied honestly.

"Wonderful!" Gu Xiaoqin exclaimed. "Let me see the fruits you picked, Chu Ning."

After saying this, Gu Xiaoqin turned to Du Han and said, "Du Han, I need to check the fruits with Chu Ning. Please wait a moment."

Du Han, who seemed to be growing impatient, nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I'll wait. Take your time, and I'll come back another day if you're busy."

Without another word, Du Han turned and left.

He didn't show any displeasure towards Chu Ning, though.

Apparently, Du Han didn't think much of either of them, as they were only at the fifth layer of Qi Refining.

After Du Han left, Gu Xiaoqin sighed in relief, clearly glad to be rid of his company.

Then, she turned to face Chu Ning.

"Chu Ning, let's go to your shop and check the Golden Origin Fruits."

At this moment, Chu Ning pretended to be completely oblivious to what had just transpired.

He simply nodded and used his restriction plaque to open his shop, inviting Gu Xiaoqin in.

"Sister Gu, here are a thousand Golden Origin Fruits, the same amount as before."

Chu Ning took out several jade boxes from his storage bag, opening each one to display the fruits to Gu Xiaoqin.

She only glanced at them briefly before putting the boxes away.

Then, she took out 1,000 lower-grade spirit stones and placed them in front of Chu Ning.

Chu Ning set aside 50 spirit stones and smiled at Gu Xiaoqin.

"Sister Gu, you can just give me 950 spirit stones. That will be enough."

Gu Xiaoqin nodded noncommittally and took back the 50 spirit stones.

However, she soon seemed to realize her slip-up and quickly offered Chu Ning an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Chu Ning. I've been so flustered by Du Han's constant pestering these past few days."

"It's fine," Chu Ning reassured her with a casual smile.

At this moment, Gu Xiaoqin seemed to be in the mood to confide in someone, and she took the initiative to speak to Chu Ning.

"Du Han has been stuck at the ninth layer of Qi Refining for some time and hasn't been able to reach the perfect stage. Lately, he's been thinking about using the dual cultivation technique to break through and wants me to be his cultivation partner."

As she mentioned dual cultivation, Gu Xiaoqin's face flushed slightly.

Chu Ning finally understood the situation.

No wonder Du Han hadn't shown any interest in Gu Xiaoqin before but had suddenly started pursuing her.

"I've already made it clear to him that I'm focused solely on my cultivation and am not looking for a cultivation partner at the moment. But Du Han just won't take no for an answer. Ai..."

Gu Xiaoqin's face was filled with worry.

This matter had nothing to do with Chu Ning, but considering how Gu Xiaoqin had taken care of him since he arrived in the market nearly a year ago, he felt compelled to help.

After a moment's hesitation, Chu Ning suggested, "Why don't you give him a good reason to back out, like saying that you once swore an oath not to take a cultivation partner until you reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Breaking that oath now would negatively impact your cultivation, so it's not a good idea."

Chu Ning left the rest unsaid, but Gu Xiaoqin's eyes lit up as she understood his implication.

"Why didn't I think of that?"

Her face brightened, and she smiled at Chu Ning.

"Thank you, Chu Ning."

"You're welcome, Sister Gu," Chu Ning replied with a smile.

As he watched Gu Xiaoqin's retreating back, he shook his head.

If Gu Xiaoqin gave that reason, Du Han wouldn't be able to force the issue.

After all, the impact on one's cultivation was a mysterious and profound matter, and even Du Han wouldn't dare to insist on dual cultivation if it might hinder her progress.

With the streets being relatively empty, Chu Ning decided to close his shop for the day.

Back in his courtyard, he took out a Spirit Origin Pill and began cultivating.

In the following days, Chu Ning continued his routine of farming, crafting talismans, and cultivating.

He focused on nurturing his spirit plants while also pushing his cultivation forward, aiming to reach the eighth layer of Qi Refining soon.

Ten days later, the mutated Iron Orchid Fruits in his spirit field matured first.

Chu Ning decided to name them Golden Orchid Fruits and harvested them all, placing them in jade boxes to bring back to the market.

However, he wasn't sure what these Golden Orchid Fruits were useful for and would need to figure out how to utilize them.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end