Chapter 199: Sacrifice is Nothing for the Sect
Chapter 199: Sacrifice is Nothing for the Sect
"For example, planting Sword Grass in an environment rich with fiery spiritual energy and nurturing it with intense sword intent may result in the mature plants exhibiting a burning effect."
"Through generations of experimentation and persistent efforts, the Sword Grass breed can be improved upon."
Shen Ye's expression softened as he continued, "However, improving Sword Grass is significantly more challenging than with ordinary spiritual plants. After all, during the cultivation process, regular Sword Grass already requires nourishment and stimulation from sword energy. If one attempts to modify the breed, the experimental sword energy and sword intent may very well end up damaging the Sword Grass plants."
Lu Chen nodded, his expression filled with doubt as he asked, "Senior Brother Shen, according to what you said, why didn't the Sword Grass I cultivated long ago, which was nourished by the Jin-type Sword Technique, exhibit any abnormal states after maturing?"
"There are many influencing factors," Shen Ye replied. "Firstly, since you cultivated it in the loose cultivator's market town, even the basic pure spiritual energy couldn't be guaranteed, let alone a special spiritual energy environment.
"Secondly, the sword energy you used to cultivate the Sword Grass was the Gengjin Sword Technique, a first-rate technique. Using it to cultivate second-rate Sword Grass is somewhat inadequate.
"Additionally, if I'm not mistaken, your mastery of the Gengjin Sword Technique during the cultivation process hadn't yet reached the current Grandmaster realm, which also affected the final quality of the Sword Grass."
"Of course, it's not entirely without effect," Shen Ye continued. "If I recall correctly, the Sword Grass in your possession is sharper and more robust than ordinary Sword Grass, which should be influenced by the Gengjin Sword Technique."
Lu Chen nodded lightly, indicating his understanding. What Shen Ye said was true—he had indeed reached the Grandmaster realm in the Gengjin Sword Technique through constant absorption of experience packets.
"By the way, Lu Chen, aside from mastering the Gengjin Sword Technique, have you practiced any other sword techniques?" Shen Ye asked.
"After advancing to the Foundation Establishment realm, I chose the 'Four Seasons Sword Technique' from the Scripture Pavilion," Lu Chen answered honestly.
"The Four Seasons Sword Technique... That's a superior sword technique with endless variations that can easily catch one's opponent off guard," affirmed the gentle-looking cultivator. "Moreover, it's quite suitable for cultivating Sword Grass."
"With Lu Chen's talent in the path of the sword, I believe you'll soon be able to cultivate that sword technique to a profound level. At that point, you'll definitely be able to cultivate Sword Grass of even better quality," Shen Ye said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he looked at Lu Chen.
"Thank you for your high expectations, Senior Brother. My talent in the sword path isn't worth mentioning within the sect," Lu Chen said with a forced smile.
"You're being too humble, Junior Brother," Shen Ye said warmly. "Being able to cultivate a first-rate sword technique to the Grandmaster realm during the Qi Refining stage is no easy feat, no matter where you go."
"That's only because I absorbed a lot of experience packets..." Lu Chen couldn't refute, as this was the first time someone had asserted that he possessed outstanding talent in the sword path.
"A sword genius is a sword genius. Anyway, now that you're planting Sword Grass and raising the Sword Peacock, the light group reward will definitely be related to the sword. Perhaps you'll obtain a sword technique experience packet..." Lu Chen's heart was filled with apprehension. No matter what, he had to plant the Sword Grass, even if it meant doing so through tears.
Fortunately, he still had the Xuntian Sword Pill, a third-rate sword cultivation treasure, in his dantian, so he could handle the situation for the time being.
As Shen Ye chatted casually with Lu Chen, he also introduced him to the Sword Hall's layout and rules.
"Since you've already broken through to the Foundation Establishment realm, I'll now formally induct you into the Sword Hall, Lu Chen. Are you willing?" After showing Lu Chen around, Shen Ye asked gently.
"I'd be delighted," Lu Chen readily agreed. Being able to slowly gain access to the core secrets of the Celestial Sword Sect, as well as cultivate rare spiritual plants like the Sword Grass and Sword Peacock, was something he naturally had no objections to. He nodded in agreement without hesitation.
Shen Ye held Lu Chen in high regard and personally accompanied him, ensuring that all the necessary procedures were completed as swiftly as possible.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Shen," Lu Chen replied hastily, his respect for Shen Ye growing.
As the person in charge of the spiritual plants and refinement methods in the Agriculture Palace, as well as holding a prominent position in the important Sword Hall, and possessing a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation base, Shen Ye's status in Lu Chen's eyes had risen sharply.
Second only to the Little Luan Bird and the White Jade Baby Monkey.
"Junior Brother Lu, these are ten Sword Grass spirit seeds. This is the initial number of spirit seeds that every new member of the Sword Hall receives."
"You can cultivate them here in the Sword Hall or in your own spirit herb garden. Once they mature, you'll need to hand them over to the Sword Hall. Of course, the Sword Hall won't let you work for nothing. You'll be compensated with a certain number of Sword Seals as payment."
"Based on the number, quality, and improvement of the Sword Grass you turn in, the Sword Hall will decide on the number of spirit seeds you'll receive next time and whether to teach you more advanced cultivation methods for higher-grade Sword Grass."
"Cultivating ten Sword Grass may affect your normal cultivation, so I apologize for the inconvenience, Junior Brother Lu."
Ten slender, sword-like dark gray seeds floated towards Lu Chen.
"Huh?"
Lu Chen was taken aback, not quite processing what was happening.
"They're spending Sword Seals to hire me to cultivate Sword Grass, and I get the light group reward for it?"
"Where else could I find such a good deal?"
He solemnly accepted the ten Sword Grass spirit seeds, his expression earnest as he said, "For the sake of the sect, this sacrifice is nothing."
Hearing this, Shen Ye felt a sense of respect for Lu Chen, finding the young man increasingly agreeable.
He had a keen interest in cultivating Sword Grass, but sacrificing his cultivation time for it was out of the question.
Thus, he admired Lu Chen's choice.
After giving Lu Chen a tour of the Sword Hall and providing him with the ten Sword Grass spirit seeds, Shen Ye personally saw him off, watching as he rode the spirit crane into the clouds.
Back at the foot of the mountain, Lu Chen activated the Light Talisman Array, returning to his peak and then to his courtyard after a few breaths.
Having obtained ten Sword Grass spirit seeds without any cost, he felt extremely pleased, his steps lighter than before.
Entering his room, Lu Chen took out the ten Sword Grass spirit seeds and placed them on the table.
"I never thought that one day, cultivating spiritual plants would bring me generous rewards."
Although he would have to return the mature Sword Grass to the Sword Hall, at the very least, the light groups formed during the cultivation process were his to keep.
With his extensive experience in cultivating spiritual plants, he knew that the light group rewards often exceeded the value of the plants themselves.
"I must perform well and strive to obtain more and higher-grade Sword Grass spirit seeds."
Lu Chen secretly made up his mind.
"During the cultivation process, I can try using different sword energies to nourish and stimulate the Sword Grass, aiming to cultivate variant Sword Grass."
"Compared to other Sword Hall members, I have a natural advantage due to my ability to understand the Sword Grass' real-time state. This allows me to stimulate the plants without causing them harm."
"As a result, I can ensure that all the Sword Grass matures intact, and I can also make minute adjustments during the cultivation process, increasing the probability of the Sword Grass mutating."
"Currently, my only concern is that my understanding of the 'Four Seasons Sword Art' isn't profound enough."
As Lu Chen pondered this, a sudden idea flashed through his mind.
(End of Chapter)
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