Pies don't fall from the sky; that's already common sense.
Although Song He considered himself lucky to have obtained the Spirit Plant Entry Panel, he wasn't the type everyone adored. Even his appearance was considered quite ordinary among cultivators.
After much hesitation, he chose to stand up and bow respectfully, cautiously asking, "Honored uncle, your kindness is more than I can bear."
Seeing Song He like this, the old man understood. He just smiled and asked, "When you inquired with your senior brothers, did any of them refuse or give evasive answers?"
"Uh... no."
Upon careful thought, there really hadn't been any.
Even though Song He had lowered his stance and sought help everywhere, there wasn't a single senior brother who had refused him whenever he made inquiries.
Some even invited him to admire their spirit plant gardens.
They were very amiable, freely sharing their knowledge on planting spirit plants and dealing with pests.
As a result, even after arriving in the Cultivation World, he quickly accepted his new reality in this strange world. It was his concern about being unable to stay that made him take such great care of those Spirit Grasses.
Could it be...
A somewhat absurd idea flooded Song He's mind.
The old man looked up at a certain empty spot and stroked his well-maintained white beard.
"Ever since our ancestor founded the sect, it's been strictly forbidden for disciples to scheme against each other and vie for resources. Do you know why?"
After searching through his memories, Song He still shook his head; he really didn't know.
The memories of the original body were of a novice who hadn't been in the sect for a year, and he wasn't one to socialize much, so he knew very little.
So, he honestly answered, "Disciple does not know."
The old man revealed a sly smile and spoke with a light tone, "Because we are but farmers tilling the land, why should we scheme and struggle like nobles and royals?
Fighting against others has little interest. But cultivating Spiritual Objects, gathering the essence of heaven and earth, controlling the natural providence in our hands, and battling with the cosmos itself—that is where the true joy lies!
Wouldn't you agree?"
Hiss!
Song He was genuinely shocked.
He had never expected it to be for such a reason.
What grand aspirations! Is this what it means to be a cultivator?
He couldn't help but show a look of understanding and smile.
He bowed deeply once more and said,
"Disciple understands, thank you for your teachings, honored uncle!"
Only then did the old man nod with satisfaction and continued, "The effort and seeds I've spent, and the opportunities I've given, are not for you alone.
To recognize and take them is the reward you deserve.
So rest assured and accept them, and seeing how clever you are, lad, I promise you, if the Wood Gourd matures, I shall let you choose another spirit plant to take away.
Focus on tilling the land. The sect has plenty of resources and won't mistreat you."
After that, he shifted the topic.
"Although I can have a say about the qualifications for a cave, the Spirit Stones needed for renting a cave must still come from you, not one less."
In an instant, he transformed from that grand elder to a somewhat penny-pinching merchant, changing his demeanor so quickly that Song He was left somewhat speechless.
He didn't even have time to react.
But he wasn't overly concerned and counted his savings carefully in his mind.
'The original body has a savings of about three hundred Spirit Stones, I wonder if that's enough, how long it could last...'
Renting a cave dwelling was essential, as Class III Spirit Plants had environmental requirements that his own Spirit Grass Field absolutely could not meet. Moreover, due to certain reasons, he was extremely eager to have a private space of his own.
This was a good opportunity, and with an elder from the sect speaking up, it was just right to rent one, and no one would say anything about it.
"Elder Uncle, how many Spirit Stones are needed to rent a cave dwelling?"
"You don't need to consider the caves at Five Elements Peak, wait until you officially become a Foundation Building Cultivator before making plans for that. If we talk about other places with abundant Ethereal wood aura..."
After pondering for a moment, the elder continued, "Green River Peak is not bad, I remember you just took out two fruits of the Golden Jade Water Tree, which also requires an environment with a plentiful supply of water and Wood Spiritual Energy.
You should go take a look."
He did not give an exact price, but the hint was enough.
It seemed that what was to be said and what was to be given was now complete. The elder pointed to a box on the table, signaling Song He to take it, and then picked up the book he had set down earlier, immersing himself in it once again.
Immersed in a split second, undisturbed by the outside world.
"Thank you, Elder Uncle. Your disciple takes his leave."
Song He did not dare to disturb further and, after performing a ritual salute, he withdrew.
It was only after he stepped out that he was surprised to discover... outside the door, there were actually dozens of his fellow disciples waiting, but all were blocked by rising thorns on the ground.
No wonder there had been no interruptions during their long conversation.
It turns out... an array was set up especially to keep people out.
As soon as he emerged, those thorns retracted, and the disciples looked at him with some surprise.
They all seemed curious as to why he had stayed inside for so long.
But curiosity couldn't outweigh the task of handing over the Spirit Grass, so only a few familiar disciples nodded at him without saying anything.
Song He also returned the salutations one by one, maintaining the harmless and somewhat clear smile on his face as he quickened his pace and left the small peak.
With a Class III Spirit Plant seed in his arms, he really was a bit frightened, and he decided it was best to head back quickly.
...
Soon, he returned to his little wooden hut.
After setting up a small array, he carefully took out the jade box, and his expression gradually turned to one of unbridled admiration as he examined the gourd-shaped seed for a while.
If it weren't for the array's lack of soundproofing ability, he truly would have liked to laugh loudly.
This was a Class III Spirit Plant seed with an orange entry, after all!
And he had obtained it just like that?
With the Spiritual Object in hand, he was excited, but he didn't dare to relax even after his excitement subsided.
Encountering such an opportunity even once was a stroke of incredible luck. He didn't know how he had caught the eye of that Elder Uncle, and he only half believed what the elder had said.
Perhaps for a high-class Cultivator, a mere Class III Spirit Plant seed wasn't so precious, but it certainly shouldn't just be given away for a Little Qi cultivator and a novice spirit planter to cultivate.
There must be a deeper reason.
But... what did that matter?
On the surface, he was just a little new Cultivator, and he should seize every opportunity to grow. With the Spirit Plant Entry Panel in hand, he was confident he could be stronger than other Cultivators.
If he wasn't strong even with the entry panel, then he might as well have found a mortal realm early on to exploit mortals for fame and fortune—why bother cultivating at all?
After silently chanting calming scriptures several times, Song He quickly calmed down. With a grave expression, he took out all the books collected by the original owner and then located those records pertaining to "Wood Gourd" and "Ethereal Wood" Spirit Plants.
He started to read carefully through each entry and detail.
The matter of renting a cave dwelling was not urgent. It was more important to first understand the growth requirements of the Wood Gourd, so he could find the most suitable area and environment when looking for a cave dwelling later on.
Cultivating Spirit Plants can't be rushed, nor should it be.