https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-128-A-Sudden-Shift-in-Art-Style-for-Farming/12543926/
Chapter 129: A New Spirit Grass Seed
Chapter 129: A New Spirit Grass Seed
The Sword-Nurturing Gourd had already grown a small section of tender green vines.
The vines climbed up the broken top-grade flying sword, drawing upon the spirit seed of the gourd. The sword, now devoid of sword intent, had transformed into a long bar of mundane iron.
"It can still be used as a trellis for the gourd."
Lu Chen propped up the discarded flying sword to facilitate the climbing and growth of the Sword-Nurturing Gourd's vines.
He took out three second-hand top-grade flying swords from his storage bag and placed them around the gourd to satisfy its need for sword intent during its growth.
Then, he turned to the Dragonvine, which was also a third-rate spiritual plant. After absorbing the blood of various dragon-like creatures and giant pythons, its growth rate had increased significantly. Its pitch-black vines resembled a thick, long venomous snake.
"What flavor should I go with today? How about this!"
Lu Chen retrieved a small white jade bottle from his storage bag. Inside was the blood of the two-headed flood dragon.
The blood contained a large amount of violent energy, and after irrigating the Dragonvine with it, the plant's body became much more agitated.
Lu Chen then proceeded to search for the Illusory Smoke Fruit, guide the veins and leaves of the Luminous Tree, check on the Yin Poplar Tree in the cave, feed the Copper-boned Bamboo with the iron powder extracted from the Iron Crab Claws, and finally, separate the incessantly entwining Blood Jade Ginseng.
After a busy day, Lu Chen arrived at the remaining fifty Spirit Firefly Grass plants.
These Spirit Firefly Grass plants were meant for spirit seed cultivation, so after they matured, he didn't harvest them immediately. Instead, he let them continue growing and guided them to bear grass seeds, following the method recorded in the Hundred Grass Hall.
At the tips of the slender leaves, one could already see the nascent grass seeds. Each Spirit Firefly Grass plant would likely produce a dozen or so spirit seeds. At a certain stage, these grass seeds would need to be harvested and processed using a special technique for storage.
Returning to his cave abode, Lu Chen resumed his previous lifestyle.
Every day, he would go to Thousand Dragon Lake to feed the numerous flood dragons and giant pythons that he had tamed into submission. The rest of his time was spent cultivating spiritual plants and beasts.
One day, he sensed some unusual movement outside his courtyard gate. When he reached the entrance, he found a sound-transmitting talisman hovering in the air, vibrating slightly as it awaited Lu Chen's touch.
"Brother Lu, it's Xia Chen from the Ministry of Agriculture. Upon hearing that you can cultivate the Sword Grass independently, Shen Ye, the head of our ministry, has taken a keen interest in you. Please come over."
A familiar voice, belonging to the farmer-like cultivator, delivered this pleasant message through the talisman.
"The head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shen Ye..."
Being in charge of one of the ministries in Celestial Sword Sect naturally implied a high cultivation level, not to mention the authority over the distribution of various spirit seeds within the sect.
The fact that such an important figure wanted to meet him, a mere Qi Refining cultivator, due to the Sword Grass, made Lu Chen's heart race.
Steeling himself, he made his way to the Ministry of Agriculture.
"Brother Lu, you're here. Come with me to meet Head Shen."
The farmer-like cultivator, Xia Chen, had sharp eyes and immediately spotted Lu Chen, urging him toward the inner hall.
From Xia Chen, Lu Chen learned that Shen Ye had a late Foundation Establishment cultivation base and presided over the Ministry of Agriculture. He was also renowned for his profound knowledge of spiritual plants and his reputation as a sword cultivator.
Soon, the two arrived at a simple and elegant room.
Seated in the center of the room was a cultivator with a gentle temperament. Resting on his lap was an eye-catching, deep black sword box.
"Head Shen, this is Brother Lu Chen, the one who cultivated the Sword Grass."
The gentle cultivator lifted his head and glanced at Lu Chen, who felt as if a soft sword intent had brushed past him. He quickly lowered his head and greeted with respect.
"Lu Chen pays his respects to Head Shen!"
"Indeed, heroes do emerge from the younger generation. At such a young age, you're able to cultivate the Sword Grass, the foundation of our Celestial Sword Sect, independently.
The sword qi shifted and moved with agility, lingering in the air.
"A sword technique of the Grand Master realm! No wonder you were able to cultivate the Sword Grass independently with ease," Shen Ye exclaimed, a hint of surprise on his face.
"Although it's only a first-rate Metal-element sword technique, the fact that you've cultivated it to the Grand Master realm indicates an exceptional talent for the path of the sword, coupled with diligent practice, to reach such an advanced level," he added.
"Your praise is too kind, I dare not take such credit," Lu Chen said humbly, his expression a bit flustered as he refrained from explaining further.
"What exceptional talent for the sword, what diligent practice... those are all fictitious claims. I merely have a large collection of sword technique experience packs!" he thought to himself.
After confirming Lu Chen's capability in swordsmanship, the gentle cultivator, Shen Ye, proceeded to inquire about the details of his Sword Grass cultivation. He asked about how sword qi nourished and stimulated the growth of the Sword Grass, the delicate balance of its influence, and the morphological changes of the Sword Grass during each stage of its growth.
Lu Chen remained calm and responsive. Although his mastery over sword techniques had diminished, his success in cultivating the Sword Grass was undeniable, especially with his meticulous cultivation method. This deep understanding of the Sword Grass's growth stages allowed him to answer fluidly and confidently.
Shen Ye's smile grew warmer, and he nodded frequently. "Excellent. Regarding your cultivation of the Sword Grass, I am already ninety percent convinced. The remaining ten percent is only because I haven't witnessed it with my own eyes."
"Your situation is indeed a first for me. According to the sect's rules, only inner disciples are allowed to plant Sword Grass, but you have not only come into contact with it early on but also succeeded in cultivating it," he said, pausing briefly in thought.
"How about this," he continued. "To ensure authenticity, I will personally provide you with two Sword Grass spirit seeds free of charge, and the fully grown Sword Grass will also belong to you."
"If you can cultivate them successfully, the sect will make an exception and accept you as an inner disciple, helping you break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."
"Before I came here, I learned about your cultivation talent. It's average, and it may take you at least ten years to reach the peak of the Qi Refining stage, not to mention the even higher threshold to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage," Shen Ye explained.
"For a second-rate Sword Grass to mature, it usually takes about one to two years. Once we confirm your success in cultivation and the quality is comparable to the previous plant, I will guide you to join the team working on cultivating and improving the Sword Grass. You will surely benefit greatly from this opportunity," he promised.
"Thank you, Head Shen!" Lu Chen quickly expressed his gratitude.
The offer of receiving two free Sword Grass spirit seeds, along with the potential benefits of a successful cultivation, made his momentary hesitation seem like a slight to the white light ball.
"Here are the two Sword Grass spirit seeds, along with a message talisman. If there's anything important, you can contact me directly," Shen Ye said, and as his voice trailed off, his figure disappeared from the room. Two slender, sword-like grayish-black spirit seeds and a white jade talisman appeared before Lu Chen.
"To be valued by Head Shen Ye and receive Sword Grass spirit seeds as a gift, Junior Brother Lu, you indeed have a deep reservoir of good fortune," the old farmer cultivator in the corner said, unable to hide the hint of envy on his face.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
