Xiao Chen carefully reviewed the Primordial Divine Scripture in his mind, ensuring he understood it thoroughly and without errors. After deliberating over its intricacies, he nodded in satisfaction and began cultivating with renewed focus.
Five days later, Xiao Chen's eyes fluttered open, and he slowly sat up, a strange sensation coursing through his body. His perception had heightened dramatically—every movement within ten meters, even the fall of a single leaf, was clear as day to him.
Divine Sense!
The realization left Xiao Chen both startled and overjoyed. This ability, typically reserved for cultivators at the fifth stage of Qi Refinement, was now at his disposal despite only being at the peak of the first stage. The power of the Primordial Divine Scripture was truly astonishing.
With a thought, the scripture's aura-concealing technique activated. Xiao Chen's presence rapidly diminished, appearing to be no more than an early-stage Qi Refinement cultivator. Satisfied with the results, he smirked faintly. Though he couldn't gauge its effectiveness against a more powerful foe, it would suffice for now.
He stepped out of the stone hut, his gaze scanning the desolate valley. Despite the relative freedom granted to Yaodaozi's disciples, the biannual alchemy exams were an unavoidable challenge. Failing the test would mean demotion to an outer disciple, a humiliation that Duan Huaming was likely counting on.
"You wish to see me fail? I'll prove you wrong," Xiao Chen thought coldly as he made his way out of the valley.
At the outer sect task hall, a steward assigned missions to a line of outer disciples.
"Liu San: Harvest fifty Clear Spirit Fruits from the rear mountains within one month. Completion will earn one low-grade spirit stone."
"Hu Wei: Draw water from the rear mountain's spirit spring to supply the major herb gardens. Completion will earn one low-grade spirit stone."
"Sun Ce: Gather firewood for the kitchens. Completion will earn half a low-grade spirit stone."
The disciples quickly scattered to complete their assignments, each racing against time to balance their arduous tasks with cultivation.
Liu Tao, an outer disciple, had just finished his monthly duties and was hurrying back to his quarters. Recently, his cultivation had reached the peak of the sixth stage of Qi Refinement. A sect elder had hinted that advancing to the seventh stage could secure him a spot as an inner disciple. Naturally, he was eager to focus all his efforts on breaking through.
"Senior Brother Liu," called a familiar voice from outside his door.
Liu Tao paused, his brow furrowing slightly before recalling the speaker's identity. A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he quickly composed himself and smiled. "Ah, it's Junior Brother Xiao Chen. Please, come in."
Xiao Chen entered and greeted him with a polite nod. Liu Tao remained seated, his demeanor more distant than before.
"Junior Brother, what brings you here today?" Liu Tao asked, his tone cordial but lacking warmth.
So, the rumors have spread. Xiao Chen sighed inwardly. His assignment to the abandoned herb garden must have reached the sect's ears, and Liu Tao's earlier friendliness had turned tepid.
"Senior Brother," Xiao Chen began, feigning a bitter smile, "I've come to ask for your assistance. My assigned herb garden is in disrepair, and I was hoping you could spare a few workers to help restore it."
Liu Tao frowned slightly, appearing hesitant. "Junior Brother, it's not that I'm unwilling to help, but all the outer disciples are already burdened with their own tasks. I'm afraid there's no manpower to spare."
Xiao Chen noted the subtle change in Liu Tao's expression, catching a glimmer of regret—likely over the resources he had wasted on Xiao Chen during their initial meeting.
"Senior Brother, I understand your concerns," Xiao Chen said, his tone carrying a hint of desperation. He hesitated briefly before pulling a small jade bottle from his storage pouch. "I'd hate to impose, but I'd be willing to part with this Refined Spirit Pill as thanks for your assistance."
The pill was a brilliant green, exuding a faint medicinal fragrance as Xiao Chen placed it on the table.
"Refined Spirit Pill?" Liu Tao's eyes lit up with excitement. He picked up the pill and inspected it closely, confirming its authenticity. The pill was highly beneficial for refining spiritual energy and was especially valuable for cultivators at the Qi Refinement stage.
"Junior Brother, you're too kind," Liu Tao said, his demeanor suddenly much warmer. "Very well, I'll arrange twenty workers to assist you. They'll have your herb garden restored by midday."
As Liu Tao left to fulfill his promise, Xiao Chen smirked faintly. Human nature is predictable. Greed outweighs reason every time. The Refined Spirit Pill, while useful, was among the least valuable treasures he had acquired from the Black Wind Ghost and his companions. Claiming it was a gift from Yaodaozi ensured Liu Tao wouldn't question its origin.
By midday, the twenty outer disciples had cleared the overgrown valley of weeds and stones, even using spirit arts to till the soil. Xiao Chen thanked them and began planting the seeds he had collected earlier.
Equipped with a palm-sized jade hoe, Xiao Chen carefully dug small holes in the soil, each about five fingers deep. He placed a Clearheart Grass seed into the hole, covered it with soil, and gently pressed it down.
The process was tedious and required precision. Even slight errors in soil density or placement could ruin the seed's chances of sprouting. After two hours of meticulous labor, he had barely planted half the valley.
Looking at the remaining barren ground, Xiao Chen sighed, leaning against the rocky wall behind him. "At this rate, I won't finish before nightfall."
Thud!
A dull sound echoed from the wall, causing Xiao Chen to pause. He turned, his brow furrowing as he tapped the surface lightly.
Thud! Thud!
It was hollow.
Curiosity piqued, Xiao Chen's eyes lit up. A hidden chamber? Here? He quickly scanned the area to ensure no one was watching. Once confident he was alone, he retrieved a spirit tool from his storage pouch and began carefully carving into the stone.