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Chapter 40: Public Awareness
Chapter 40: Public Awareness
"Yes!"
The group chorused in response, and Elder Chen's gaze swept across them all before landing on Yuan Guang and Chu Ning. A hint of tension crept into Chu Ning's heart as he felt the weight of the elder's stare.
His actual cultivation base had reached the fifth layer of Qi Refinement, but he had intentionally used the innate ability of his Yin Wood Spirit Body to conceal his true power, appearing only as a third layer cultivator. No one had discovered this until now. But Elder Chen, a reputed mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, might have sensed something.
"As disciples of the Spirit Planting Room, it's commendable that both of you have reached the third layer of Qi Refinement in almost a year," Elder Chen said, causing Chu Ning to breathe a sigh of relief while marveling at the power of his Yin Wood Spirit Body's innate ability. Even a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn't see through his disguise.
Elder Chen continued, his eyes still on Chu Ning, "You cultivate the Green Wood Eternal Spring Art as well, and your spiritual power is exceptionally pure. That's quite surprising."
"This disciple thanks Elder for his praise," Chu Ning replied, bowing respectfully. "I believe it's because I have a natural affinity for wood-attribute techniques, as I was told by the disciples in charge of teaching and labor."
"What about wood-attribute spells? Are you able to cast any instant spells?" Elder Chen inquired further.
Chu Ning's thoughts raced before he answered, "I have a good affinity for them as well. I can instantly cast the Stimulation Spell and the Cleansing Spell, but I'm not quite there yet with the Green Wood Springtime Spell."
His words were half-true. In fact, he could also instantly cast the Green Wood Springtime Spell, but he didn't want to appear too formidable, considering he had only joined the sect less than a year ago.
Chu Ning recalled Shang Zhaoxiang's words about how the sect had been sending out many labor disciples on external assignments in recent years, and while they were currently only selecting those at the sixth layer of Qi Refinement and above, he didn't want to take any chances. He preferred to keep a low profile, especially since he didn't know the full details of these assignments.
Even so, Elder Chen seemed pleased, nodding in satisfaction. "Excellent! Continue to cultivate the Green Wood Springtime Spell. It will greatly benefit your spirit plant cultivation."
"Yes, Elder," Chu Ning replied.
Elder Chen didn't say anything further, but the others in the spirit boat couldn't hide the complex emotions on their faces as they looked at Chu Ning.
Qiu Shuny and Lyu Xingyuan wore looks of happiness, while those around Yuan Guang exchanged glances, their expressions incredulous. They had just learned from the conversation between Chu Ning and Elder Chen that Chu Ning's cultivation far surpassed Yuan Guang's. They had never seen Yuan Guang cast any instant spells, and now, Elder Chen from the Teaching Hall had praised Chu Ning's pure spiritual power.
This shocked Chen Youdao and the others, who had previously thought that Chu Ning was overreaching himself by cultivating Ink Spirit Bamboo and that his cultivation had fallen far behind Yuan Guang's.
Yuan Guang, on the other hand, wore an extremely embarrassed expression. He had already suspected that Chu Ning's cultivation was higher than his when he learned that Chu Ning had been recommended by Zhuang Yunde to become an apprentice disciple. Now, Elder Chen's words in front of everyone had stripped away his last shred of pride.
However, out of respect for Elder Chen, neither Qiu Shuny nor Yuan Guang and Chen Youdao said anything. But the atmosphere in the spirit boat had changed, and the way the group looked at Chu Ning was noticeably different. Even Chen Youdao and his companions no longer teased or mocked him.
As soon as Elder Chen was out of sight, Qiu Shuny eagerly approached Chu Ning and asked, "Chu Ning, you can cast multiple instant spells now?"
"Yeah, and I know two of them!" Lyu Xingyuan chimed in excitedly.
"By the way, have you mastered the Green Wood Springtime Spell as well? I've only just learned it myself," Qiu Shuny added.
Chu Ning smiled faintly. "It's just that wood-attribute techniques and spells seem to suit me well."
As the three chatted, Yuan Guang's face twitched slightly.
Chen Youdao, who had been standing next to Yuan Guang, hesitated and seemed like he wanted to join their conversation, but he looked a bit embarrassed.
Just then, another voice piped up. "Chu Ning? Oh, you guys are all here too?"
It was Zhuang Yunde, passing by the mountain gate. He greeted them with a question.
The group from the Spirit Planting Room naturally recognized Zhuang Yunde and greeted him warmly.
Zhuang Yunde was in a good mood and returned their greetings before turning to Chu Ning. "Did you just come back from the market? By the way, Mu Ling asked me to remind you about the things she asked you to buy. She tried to contact you with a Sound Transmission Talisman this morning, but you weren't home."
"I bought them already. I'll deliver them now," Chu Ning replied.
Hearing this, Zhuang Yunde nodded slightly. "Alright, go ahead. She lives in Courtyard 32 of the Outer Sect. You can go directly to her."
Chu Ning bid them farewell and headed into the mountain gate, making his way toward the Outer Sect.
Zhuang Yunde and the others from the Spirit Planting Room continued on their way to the spirit fields.
After walking a few steps, Chen Youdao couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Brother Zhuang, can Chu… can Brother Chu enter the Outer Sect on his own?"
"Of course," Zhuang Yunde replied nonchalantly.
"He was recommended to study at the Hundred Arts Hall, so he has the opportunity to enter and exit the Outer Sect a couple of times a month."
"He was recommended to study at the Hundred Arts Hall?"
"Brother Zhuang, what is Brother Chu studying?"
Aside from Yuan Guang, the others were hearing this for the first time and were naturally curious.
"He's learning how to make talismans," Zhuang Yunde replied casually, turning to look at them with a surprised expression.
"Don't you guys know?"
The group shook their heads. However, upon hearing that Chu Ning was learning to make talismans, they could guess the reason behind it.
Only Chen Youdao still seemed unsatisfied and probed further. "So, how's the harvest of his Ink Spirit Bamboo?"
At this moment, Zhuang Yunde finally seemed to understand the underlying tension. He glanced meaningfully at Yuan Guang and Chen Youdao, then smiled. "Since Chu Ning has already learned how to make talismans, what do you think about the harvest of his Ink Spirit Bamboo?"
The group could clearly understand the implication behind Zhuang Yunde's words. Recalling how they had invited Chu Ning to see Yuan Guang's purple sweet potatoes, they all felt embarrassed.
As for Yuan Guang, he was so embarrassed that he wished he could disappear into the ground.
After Zhuang Yunde left, he didn't linger and quickly took his leave as well.
Of course, Chu Ning was unaware of all this. Adhering to his principle of keeping a low profile, he hadn't proactively told anyone about being recommended as an apprentice disciple.
After parting ways with the group, he hurried to the Outer Sect.
Ever since learning about the rarity of the Seven Star Spirit Fruit, he had been feeling uneasy about leaving it unattended.
After all, the fruit was nearing maturity, and it wouldn't be long until it was ready for harvest.
As Chu Ning approached his courtyard, he spotted a figure standing outside the gate from a distance. He quickened his pace.
(End of Chapter)
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