Chapter 322: Plant Spirit Land and Feng Shui Mastery! The Ray Saint's Grudge!

Chapter 322: Plant Spirit Land and Feng Shui Mastery! The Ray Saint's Grudge!

"Chirp, chirp..."

As the warmth arrived, Linzhou, already located relatively south, unknowingly transitioned from spring to summer after April.

Among the sprouting plants, weak chirping sounds began to emerge.

These insignificant creatures, often overlooked by beastmasters, thrived with their robust reproductive abilities and tenacious vitality on the vast land.

However, Su Ping had no time to pay attention to these background creatures. He glanced at the sun high in the sky, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and then stood up the shovel beside him, eagerly observing the scene before him:

At the heart of the Wood Heart, besides his resting area, laboratory, and living space, right in the center of the forest where the forest wolves once lived, Su Ping had finally created a suitable habitat for the Green Demon Spring Ginseng within these two days.

Although Su Ping had some doubts about whether this peculiar legendary resource would truly stay here for long, he couldn't refuse the request of the powerful figure who had helped him so much.

The originally spacious forest had its outer trees transplanted under Su Ping's instructions within these few days.

Adjacent to the Wood Heart, besides the Cloud Heart on the other side, was the boundary of the Earth Heart, which had undergone initial cultivation.

Even though the specific area of the Earth Heart had not yet been demarcated, Su Ping temporarily ignored the terrain modifications.

However, the forest was a necessity, and placing it next to the boundary of the Wood Heart posed no immediate issues.

Fortunately, the initially demarcated area of the Earth Heart was spacious enough, allowing for a larger training ground for the increasing number of forest wolves.

While the Earth Heart could wait, Su Ping's primary focus these past two days had undoubtedly been here.

In the medicinal garden within the Wood Heart, besides connecting a small tributary of the Spirit Stream River to create a modest pond, and the confused Dragon Pattern Bamboo, the Corpse-Feeding Earthworms were finally buried in the soil.

Next, Su Ping would plant the Wood Spirit Grass, which nurtured the wood elemental energy, and the Smiling Sunflower, which absorbed sunlight, completing the requirements for the Green Demon Spring Ginseng!

Over the past two days, Su Ping had not delegated any tasks, personally handling everything in anticipation of this moment.

He firmly believed that the cultivation method taught by the Green Demon Spring Ginseng would not be in vain.

These seemingly low-grade resources, except for the Cloud Water Lotus now settled in the pond, required minimal investment and promised intriguing results, which Su Ping eagerly awaited.

With this in mind, Su Ping wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued digging pits to transplant the Wood Spirit Grass and Smiling Sunflower.

Two figures walking slowly from a distance paused in surprise.

They were two middle-aged men.

Su Ping had a good relationship with one of them, while the other was a mere acquaintance.

Their visit was in response to Su Ping's request.

The primary reason was to fulfill the promise Su Ping made to cultivate and evolve the Mist Water Pine, as mentioned during the previous gathering.

Indeed, these two men were none other than Yang He, a disciple of Liu Fuhai from the Jianghai Beast Tamer Association, specializing in sand wolves and tamarisk plant-type companion beasts, and Shangguan Ye, the senior plant-type beast taming expert who accompanied him to the western suburbs to obtain the numerous plant-type companion beasts now residing in the Heart of Plants, including the Monarch-level ancient tree 'Old Tree' that had experienced a second spring.

Despite possessing an extraordinary system, Su Ping was not arrogant enough to disregard the capabilities of other beastmasters.

When it came to cultivating plant-type companion beasts, he was genuinely clueless.

He had never encountered this field before.

In this unfamiliar territory, having a pioneer guide him through the basics and essential knowledge was crucial.

Su Ping's eyes lit up as he welcomed them:

"Welcome, teachers!"

Yang He quickly waved his hands, saying, "Please don't call me that. Maybe Shangguan can be called a teacher, but I truly don't deserve that title."

Yang He was well aware of his position.

He knew that after the previous competition, the young man had astonished everyone by revealing the extraordinary Sun Heart. From that moment, they were no longer on the same level.

This was evident later on, as beast taming experts like Sun Chao Ju and those specializing in wolf companions from Linzhou occasionally interacted with Liu Fuhai and Su Ping.

However, since Su Ping's return, these interactions had become rare.

Now that Su Ping had reached out again, Yang He, after several months, felt like he was facing his teacher, Liu Fuhai, when he saw this young man.

Perhaps even more so, as the outside world speculated that Su Ping might become a true master beast tamer without much difficulty.

Shangguan Ye, standing beside him, smiled and declined, "You are now the honorary vice president of the Jianghai Beast Tamer Association. Even if we were on the same level, I couldn't accept the title of 'teacher'."

Su Ping was speechless but didn't mind this minor detail. "I called you both here, and since you've come, I won't waste your time."

The two men understood that people wouldn't visit the 'Three Treasures Palace' without a good reason, and Su Ping wouldn't have summoned them without a purpose, likely related to plant-type companion beasts.

Shangguan Ye, intrigued, glanced at the land Su Ping had been digging and followed him onto the sightseeing car, heading towards the dining room in the Cloud Heart.

One dish after another was served, leaving the two men in awe. Yang He couldn't help but express his envy, "I heard from the teacher that you went to Yueya Island and unleashed your might, slaying numerous aquatic monsters. Now it seems that's indeed the case. These are all high-grade aquatic companion beast meats. Hehe, this trip wasn't in vain!"

Su Ping didn't feel the slightest pity for the fish's final fate. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shangguan Ye spoke up, "Su Ping, is there something you wanted to discuss with us?"

Su Ping took a bite of the cafeteria-prepared green-scaled cod and then spoke, "It's like this. Last time, I brought back many plant-type companion beasts, as you and Yang Ge know. Recently, I've been thinking about trying to cultivate some of those plant-type companion beasts. I'm quite interested in their cultivation, not just finding corresponding evolution methods. So, I've been searching, and it seems only you two have extensive knowledge in this field. That's why I've asked you here for guidance."

"Of course, rest assured, I won't let you teach and help without reason."

The two glanced at each other, not showing any surprise.

In fact, this was entirely within their expectations.

What could Su Ping possibly want from them if not for their expertise in cultivating plant-type companion beasts?

Undoubtedly, they had no reason to pass up such an opportunity.

Not to mention, ever since they saw Old Sha in the western suburb forest, Shangguan Ye had been thinking about it day and night.

He had ascended to the Monarch Rank not long ago and hadn't decided on his fourth companion beast yet. After seeing the Ten Thousand Trees Wolf, Shangguan Ye's heart stirred.

However, Su Ping hadn't revealed who he was cultivating the Ten Thousand Trees Wolf for during this time. Moreover, the reputation of the Sun Heart made Shangguan Ye hesitant to ask, fearing that Su Ping would think he was after the beast's Extraordinary Skill.

He felt that Sun Chao Ju was unreliable, and he couldn't trust him with the cultivation either.

Now, an opportunity had presented itself.

He wasn't worried about Su Ping's demands; instead, he feared they would be too few!

Thus, the only senior plant-type cultivation master in Linzhou spoke up, "What's this? It's rare for Su Ping to make a request. I'll use all my skills and bring out my best techniques. I'll make sure you understand, and who knows, maybe you'll achieve success in plant-type companion beast cultivation like you did with the Forest Wolf. I might even gain some fame from your success!"

The thought of being the mentor of a future master cultivator of plant-type companion beasts excited Shangguan Ye.

Shangguan Ye's enthusiasm left Su Ping feeling a bit lost, but he couldn't refuse his eagerness.

"Since that's the case, thank you, Senior Shangguan. If there's anything I can help you with, please let me know."

"There's no rush. We can discuss it later. But since we have time now, Su Ping, why don't you tell us about your thoughts on cultivating plant-type companion beasts?"

Shangguan Ye wasn't in a hurry and smiled slightly.

Su Ping shook his head, "I genuinely know nothing about plant cultivation. You and Yang Ge can start from the basics."

Shangguan Ye nodded and, after tasting a piece of fish with his chopsticks, slowly began to explain, "In that case, I'll first give you a brief overview of the differences between cultivating plant-type companion beasts and other types."

"Companion beast cultivation and evolution, regardless of the type, require resources as the primary factor. Simultaneously, the beast itself must meet certain requirements. Plant-type companion beasts are no exception.

However, plant-type companion beasts, whether in cultivation, evolution, skill cultivation, or other aspects, have one additional requirement compared to ordinary beasts.

For plant-type companion beasts, this might be considered a resource requirement unique to them—'Sacred Ground.' You should be familiar with this, Su Ping. So, let me explain the attributes of Sacred Ground and the resource consumption differences when using it for plant-type companion beast cultivation..."

Hmm? Su Ping was listening intently when he suddenly paused, wondering how he knew about this.

Su Ping interrupted, "Senior Shangguan, could you please explain in more detail? I don't know much about this. What is this 'Sacred Ground' you mentioned?"

"Oh? Isn't the small grove in your home a Sacred Ground?"

Shangguan Ye also paused, clearly aware of Su Ping's recent actions.

After all, a cultivator like Su Ping wouldn't personally tend to resources, and even if he did, it wouldn't be so troublesome.

Even with a cursory glance, Shangguan Ye could tell it was a Sacred Ground.

Su Ping paused again.

He naturally knew what he had been doing—preparing the necessary environment for the Green Demon Spring Ginseng.

He had been thinking that after finishing, he would stay up all night to complete the task and see how the Green Demon Spring Ginseng would fare in this environment.

But now, it seemed he had inadvertently created a so-called Sacred Ground.

"That's right! What you were doing just now should be the Sacred Ground. But since you asked, it's no big deal to explain. For plant-type companion beasts, the soil and surrounding environment where they grow are far more critical than for other types.

During evolution, the Sacred Ground can play a decisive role, and an excellent Sacred Ground might be even more valuable than any other resource for critical cultivation.

Therefore, the Sacred Ground is the key among keys! Cultivating a Sacred Ground is challenging, and its use is limited, requiring considerable resource consumption. As such, mastering the setup of each Sacred Ground is crucial for every plant-type cultivation master.

For example, I specialize in developing companion beast evolution bodies and have achieved three different Sacred Ground setups with distinct attributes. These include the Overlord Rank fire attribute 'Red Flame Scorched Earth,' the ordinary wood attribute 'Spirit Cultivation Ground' commonly used by the Cultivation Association, and the most precious Monarch Rank metal attribute Sacred Ground: 'Golden Bamboo Grove.'"

"Yang He chimed in, "The classification of Sacred Grounds is also based on Companion Beast rankings. The main factor is the grade of the attribute spiritual energy contained within the formed Sacred Ground. Of course, it's generally related to the resource level used in the layout of the Sacred Ground."

"Even the lowest-grade Sacred Grounds offer slight benefits and assistance for the evolution of advanced Plant-type Companion Beasts. For example, some Plant-type Beastmasters without their own exclusive Sacred Ground layout methods can still evolve advanced Plant-type Beasts using the most basic Sacred Ground layout methods provided for free by the Beastmaster Association."

"However, this requires more resources and results in greater evolutionary consumption."

Su Ping blinked, feeling grateful for his decision to invite these two experts for guidance.

Previously, he had no knowledge about Plant-type Companion Beasts, let alone their evolution and skill cultivation. He feared that even with the evolution and cultivation methods for Plant-type Companion Beasts, he might not fully understand them.

Apparently, there was such a concept in Plant-type Companion Beast cultivation.

However, if what he said was true, then the scene that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng conveyed to him was a Sacred Ground layout using various materials and resources.

No wonder Shangguan Ye had spoken up earlier.

Su Ping couldn't wait to ask, "You just mentioned that this Sacred Ground has a limited number of uses, is that right?"

Shangguan Ye nodded, "Yes, each evolution of a Plant-type Companion Beast within a Sacred Ground will consume the resources used in the layout to a certain extent. This consumption is permanent.

"But as I mentioned earlier, the benefits of Sacred Grounds are significant, especially for some Plant-type Companion Beasts that cannot evolve without a qualified Sacred Ground, no matter how many resources you use."

"It's rumored that some high-level Sacred Grounds can gradually recover after being used by Companion Beasts, given enough time, allowing them to persist indefinitely.

"Not only that, but these Sacred Grounds also greatly benefit the health of humans and other Companion Beasts living within them. However, such Sacred Grounds are extremely difficult to set up. The most crucial factor is that the resources required to maintain them are incredibly rare. Have you heard of the Holy Spirit-ranked Earth Attribute resource, Xi Soils?"

"According to rumors, Xi Soils, as a Holy Spirit-ranked Earth Attribute resource, is one of the key materials for setting up the highest-level Sacred Grounds."

"Unfortunately, I've only heard about it and have never seen it, let alone tried it." Shangguan Ye expressed slight regret, unaware of Su Ping's slightly pursed lips.

Su Ping recalled that Master Zhu Hong had once instructed the Forest Dragon 'Dahuang' to extend the Bird Cage from the Buddha's Hand Cliff in the Heart of the Forest to the Heart of the Phoenix in the sky, and it seemed to be made from something called 'Grass Xi Soils'.

How precious is this thing?

What a waste! It's too extravagant!

At this moment, Su Ping couldn't help but marvel.

However, returning to the topic...

The Sacred Ground layout that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng asked him to set up used the highest-grade resource, the Water Attribute Monarch-ranked Companion Beast, the Cloud Water Lotus.

So, is this a Monarch-ranked Sacred Ground? But something still didn't seem right. The most crucial point was that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng was not a Plant-type Companion Beast, at least not from his observation at the moment.

The Green Demon Spring Ginseng itself is a resource!

If these 'low-grade' resources serve as a backdrop and the Green Demon Spring Ginseng becomes the center of this realm, wouldn't it meet the requirements of the legendary Sacred Ground layout as mentioned by Shangguan Ye?

In that case, could future evolutions of Plant-type Companion Beasts take place here? However, this was just Shangguan Ye's claim and Su Ping's speculation. They would have to wait and see after the layout was completed, as Su Ping couldn't be sure if this was indeed the Sacred Ground they were referring to.

"Since you don't know, how did you set it up in your place? I caught a glimpse of it, and the resource level you used wasn't low!" Yang He asked curiously.

Shangguan Ye, sensing Su Ping's hesitation, spoke up, "I heard that you're quite interested in Mystic Realm exploration and that a Mystic Realm once appeared in your home, from which you obtained the inheritance diary of an ancient Feng Shui Master, right?"

Feng Shui Master?

Su Ping was taken aback.

What's the connection here?

Before Su Ping could ask, Shangguan Ye continued with understanding, "Hehe, those ancient Beastmasters who specialized in researching and setting up Sacred Grounds liked to use such cryptic terms and even came up with something called Feng Shui.

"Fortunately, in this new era, these so-called Feng Shui practices are mainly associated with Plant-type Beastmasters.

"Terms like Sacred Ground are also popularized in this new era. In the inheritance of ancient Beastmasters' Mystic Realms, they mostly passed down their knowledge through so-called Feng Shui Secret Techniques. It's normal for you to want to try these techniques without knowing their background."

"However, note that the methods for setting up Sacred Grounds, especially those with high cost-effectiveness, are as precious to Plant-type Beastmasters as Companion Beast cultivation methods.

"Moreover, the value of powerful Sacred Ground layouts is even more precious!

"If you're interested in this aspect, I can share with you the layout method for the Fire Attribute Sacred Ground 'Crimson Flame Scorching Earth' that I researched in my youth.

"I remember that among the Companion Beasts brought back from the forest, there was a 'Flame Clematis', and evolving it with the help of Crimson Flame Scorching Earth can save a lot of trouble!"

It was surprising to Su Ping that this previously unfamiliar teacher, Shangguan Ye, had such insights.

Not only was it a case of "knowing everything without speaking, and speaking without exhausting all possibilities," but even the words spoken by the person were so generously shared with him, including the invaluable Sacred Ground arrangement method, the so-called 'Feng Shui Secret Techniques'.

This made Su Ping feel a little embarrassed.

"I won't need this for now, thank you for your kindness, Senior Shangguan."

It was quite surprising that just hearing Shangguan Ye speak made Su Ping very interested in this Sacred Ground.

Of course, the main reason was that, without realizing it earlier, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng had already given him such a prerequisite.

Moreover, the conversation with the two while eating also allowed Su Ping to confirm a few things.

The image that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng conveyed to him through mental power showed a complete Sacred Ground layout for the placement and planning of these resources.

From the two of them, Su Ping learned the basic knowledge of Sacred Grounds and Wood Attribute Companion Beasts, as well as their years of experience in cultivating Wood Attribute Companion Beasts, which made Su Ping feel like he had gained enlightenment, saving him from many detours in his experience with Wood Attribute Companion Beasts.

Sacred Grounds required changes in soil quality, accumulation and absorption of energy and spiritual power, adjustments to sunlight intensity and variations, and considerations for watering with streams or other methods. These were all critical components of a Sacred Ground.

To create a qualitative change and form a Sacred Ground under various conditions and resource combinations was an extremely complicated task.

This was why, in ancient times, it had become a unique profession with a long and profound tradition.

It was a field that not just anyone could fully understand.

From these reference conditions, the Green Demon Spring Ginseng's requirements were basically met.

This was a Sacred Ground layout.

Su Ping hadn't expected that he was thinking of helping the Green Demon Spring Ginseng make their small residence more comfortable, as cultivation resources had high demands, even though the Green Demon Spring Ginseng was no ordinary resource.

However, he hadn't expected that, by chance, he would gain such a benefit from the Green Demon Spring Ginseng.

This made Su Ping even have some wild ideas.

If the entire Heart of All Spirits were turned into a huge Sacred Ground...

Obviously, Su Ping's far-fetched ideas, especially his grandiose thoughts about his own construction, had occurred many times and had been dispelled just as often.

Sacred Ground layouts required a lot of resource consumption, and the Heart of All Spirits was too large. Moreover, Wood Attribute Companion Beasts had limited uses when not in use.

Upon careful consideration, it didn't seem to be that significant.

But could he develop a Sacred Ground that wasn't just for Wood Attribute Companion Beasts? Su Ping pondered for a moment.

Nevertheless, through the two of them, Su Ping thoroughly learned about the cultivation and evolution of Wood Attribute Companion Beasts.

He was no longer the pure Wood Attribute novice who, even if given an evolution cultivation method, would have a low chance of success.

This meal lasted from noon until the afternoon.

However, for Su Ping, who valued time highly, it was well worth it.

Of course, after the two of them told him about the afternoon, Su Ping didn't continue to bother them. After asking for their opinions, Yang He needed to return to Linzhou, and Shangguan Ye didn't mind. Following Su Ping's arrangement, he stayed in the single suite at the Heart of Cloud.

After all, the Heart of Cloud, as the legacy of the Cloud Heaven Resort, had many real estate projects. "Okay, Senior Shangguan, please rest here first! If you need anything, just find me or Uncle Guan. Tomorrow, I'll come to find you and go to the Heart of Wood together to look at those Wood Attribute Companion Beasts. I still have a lot to learn from you in this regard!"

With a smile, Su Ping said goodbye to Shangguan Ye and left the courtyard of the single suite.

However, just as he was about to step onto the sightseeing car, he noticed a gaze not far away.

Su Ping turned to look instinctively.

It was the gaze of a child squatting by the roadside.

The child was probably only twelve or thirteen years old, with bright, sparkling eyes. At that moment, he curiously squatted on the curb, staring at Su Ping without blinking.

Su Ping was slightly startled but realized that the child was probably a guest's kid who had arrived recently. He smiled slightly but didn't say anything.

The child also smiled, showing his two white front teeth, and watched as Su Ping boarded the self-driving sightseeing car and left the Heart of Cloud.

As he watched Su Ping's departing figure, the child rested his chin on his hand and continued to mutter to himself:

"Wasn't it this kid who discovered the revival of the Fire Sovereign back then? Speaking of which, is he still making that Dream Heart? Hasn't his company released it yet? Does he really have to expose his identity and ask for it?

But if I ask him directly, it will inevitably bring up the matter of the previous game helmet, which will damage my tall and mighty image in his eyes. Damn it! I'll die if I don't have a virtual game to play... Damn that cold old man, did he forget about my business?"

Su Ping was unaware of the child's suspicions and resentment.

He naturally wouldn't have thought that just a few days ago, the Ray Saint, who had been dominating the East Sea and averting the water disaster, was now a little kid squatting in his home, waiting for the release of the Dream Heart.

After chatting with Shangguan Ye, Su Ping felt a surge of excitement and interest in the Sacred Ground that the Green Demon Spring Ginseng wanted him to arrange.

Upon returning to the Heart of Wood, he naturally had to complete the transplantation of these resources and take a good look at the so-called Sacred Ground commonly used by Wood Attribute Companion Beasts, as personally instructed by the Green Demon Spring Ginseng.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end