Chapter 54: A Few Drops to Quench the Thirst During a Long Drought
Chapter 54: A Few Drops to Quench the Thirst During a Long Drought
"Of course, I wouldn't doubt you, Fellow Daoist Lu."
The middle-aged cultivator, under Lu Chen's piercing gaze, took a step back.
"I just want to learn more about your cultivation methods. After all, I paid over thirty spirit stones for this information."
Hearing this, Lu Chen let out a cold laugh.
"Then answer me this: Did the quality of the Spirit Glowgrass you harvested improve?"
"Compared to before, there were two or three more plants of good quality, but the number of superior quality plants remained unchanged." The middle-aged cultivator replied honestly.
"Then what's the problem?" Lu Chen asked.
"By increasing the number of good quality plants, you've effectively increased your earnings by nearly one spirit stone. If you cultivate dozens or even hundreds of Spirit Glowgrass, your profits will multiply accordingly."
"Not to mention, this method can also be applied to other spiritual plants."
"So, Fellow Daoist Zhou, what more is there to doubt?" Lu Chen finished speaking and turned to leave, no longer paying attention to the middle-aged cultivator.
But before he had gone far, he was pulled back by the cultivator.
"I gave up most of my cultivation time and paid a hefty sum of spirit stones, and all I get in return is a meager profit?"
"You must tell me the secret to your success today, or I won't let this go." The cultivator said harshly, his tone carrying a veiled threat.
During this period, he had barely practiced his cultivation technique, choosing instead to devote almost all his time to the refined cultivation of spiritual plants.
Initially, he had thought that he would be able to produce high-quality Spirit Glowgrass, but the results had fallen far short of his expectations, and the improvement was minimal.
The vast gap between his expectations and reality led him to suspect that Lu Chen was withholding information. Unable to restrain himself, he had come to Bai Cao Hall to wait for Lu Chen, hoping to extract the key to successful spiritual plant cultivation from him.
"I've already explained it very clearly," said Lu Chen as he shook off the man's hand, a Sword Qi Thousand Seals talisman appearing on his wrist.
"Giving up your cultivation time was your choice."
"I can assure you that my method is correct and effective. As long as you follow my instructions diligently, the average quality of your spiritual plants will definitely improve over time through refined cultivation."
"Whether or not you can achieve perfect quality Spirit Glowgrass or other spiritual plants depends on the cultivator's natural talent and dedication."
"I gave up my cultivation and devoted all my energy to nurturing spiritual plants. Coupled with my innate strong affinity for them, I am able to sense their needs acutely, and that is how I am able to cultivate perfect quality plants."
"I've said all I have to say, so please, Fellow Daoist Zhou, do not pester me further, or I won't be so courteous next time." Lu Chen warned the middle-aged cultivator before ignoring his persistent badgering and leaving.
"You...!"
"You'll suffer the consequences for this!" The middle-aged cultivator's angry voice trailed off as Lu Chen walked away.
Lu Chen found the situation amusing. He felt no guilt, as he had shared a legitimate and effective method with the rogue cultivator, which would indeed slightly improve the quality of the spiritual plants he cultivated.
The only, and biggest, difference between the two of them was that Lu Chen could accurately grasp the immediate state of the spiritual plants and meet their subtle needs at any time, and the appearance of the white light group meant that he didn't have to worry about his cultivation stagnating or lacking spiritual items.
As long as the spiritual cultivator could calm down and follow Lu Chen's instructions, diligently applying the refined cultivation method, he would be able to recoup the spirit stones he had spent in no time.
He made his way to the loose cultivator's market.
Ever since cultivators started transforming into monstrous beings that were neither human nor ghost, the number of Law Enforcement Hall cultivators patrolling the market had noticeably increased.
The cultivators going about their business remained vigilant at all times.
Lu Chen, undeterred by the somber atmosphere, quickened his pace, his eyes scanning the stalls on both sides.
Many stalls were selling demonic beast materials, mostly sourced from the wilderness or secret realms, with a few coming from captive-bred beasts. The most common item for sale was demonic beast meat.
After all, consuming demonic beast meat could slightly enhance a cultivator's spiritual energy, making it a popular daily consumable.
Next were the special parts used for crafting magical artifacts, such as pelts, scales, and bones from certain demonic beasts.
Occasionally, Lu Chen would come across stalls selling demonic beast blood, and his interest would pique. He would inquire about the species, only to be disappointed that it wasn't serpentine blood.
Finally, at the stall of a youth cultivator at the first layer of Qi Refining, he found a bottle of python serpent blood.
The python was known as the Black-lined Serpent, a low-grade demonic beast. According to the youth, he and several companions had joined forces to slay the python. As he had contributed less, he only received a small bottle of its blood, while his companions took the hide and venomous fangs. He put the bottle on display with low expectations.
Lu Chen purchased the small bottle of Black-lined Serpent blood for seventy spirit stones from the youth.
The youth had assumed the blood would go to waste, so he was pleasantly surprised to receive seventy spirit stones. He bowed to Lu Chen in gratitude.
Lu Chen returned to his courtyard with the serpent blood.
Entering the spirit field, everything appeared normal. The waist-high grass puppet tirelessly patrolled the field, its steps unwavering.
As it passed by Lu Chen, its large gray head turned towards his direction, staring blankly for a moment, rotating almost a full 180 degrees, before returning to its original position.
"After absorbing two drops of Grass Spirit Primal Essence, the grass puppet's intellect has noticeably improved. It's probably gone from an inanimate puppet to having the intellect of a one or two-year-old infant."
"What remains unchanged is its unwavering dedication to guarding the spirit field."
Lu Chen marveled, grateful to have such a loyal and obedient helper.
He surveyed the spirit field, ensuring all the spirit plants were growing as they should. He tended to a few that needed nourishment, using his Spirit Rain Technique or Wood Birth Technique to ensure they were well-satisfied.
Finally, he arrived at the area where the Flood Dragon Vine was planted.
Eagerly, he retrieved the small bottle of Black-lined Serpent blood, uncorked it, and carefully poured the blood onto the curved vines.
Instead of dripping off, the crimson blood clung to the surface of the vines, slowly seeping into the plant.
The originally deep black vines transformed into a black-red color. Upon closer inspection, the twisting, knotty vines resembled a small snake awakening from its winter slumber, slowly writhing.
After a few breaths, it came to a stop.
Lu Chen focused his attention on the Flood Dragon Vine.
"It seems like something delicious entered my body, but before I could savor the taste, it disappeared..."
The Flood Dragon Vine seemed to yearn for a satisfying drink, like a parched creature desperate for rain during a long drought, only to be teased by a mere two or three drops.
(End of Chapter)
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