The second floor of the Spirit Point Pavilion was sparsely furnished, with only a few chairs and tables scattered across the room. Directly opposite the staircase hung a large, ornate scroll. Senior Brother Ma approached it and cast a hand seal, causing the scroll to shimmer with light before unfurling slowly.
The scroll revealed a detailed map, densely labeled with characters. Ma performed another hand seal, and much of the map dimmed, leaving only a few scattered patches illuminated.
"Junior Brother Xiao Chen," Ma said with a friendly smile, "these are the remaining unclaimed herb gardens within the sect. Since you have Fifth Elder's special permission, you may select any of these. Once chosen, the garden will officially be yours." He stepped aside to give Xiao Chen room.
Xiao Chen bowed respectfully and approached the scroll, studying it carefully.
As Xiao Chen examined the map, Duan Huaming spoke up with a mocking smile. "Junior Brother Xiao Chen, though our Master has granted you the privilege of owning a herb garden, let's be honest—you lack spiritual roots. Your cultivation will likely remain stagnant at the Qi Refinement stage, and your skills in alchemy will be just as limited. Why waste precious resources? How about I choose a suitable garden for you instead? It'll save time and spare the sect unnecessary waste."
Xiao Chen's body tensed at the jab. So, the real test begins. He took a deep breath, calming his emotions before turning around with an impassive expression. "If Senior Brother insists, I'll defer to your judgment."
Senior Brother Ma glanced at Xiao Chen, his expression unreadable. Instead of showing disdain, as Duan Huaming likely expected, there was a flicker of admiration in Ma's gaze. This young man is composed under pressure. Interesting.
Duan Huaming smirked and pointed at a remote corner of the map, where a tiny plot was labeled in barely visible characters: Abandoned Herb Garden.
"This one looks perfect," Duan Huaming said, his tone dripping with feigned benevolence. "Though it's been neglected for some time, it likely still contains some medicinal herbs. Junior Brother can collect a few seeds from the warehouse and restore it with hard work. Eventually, it'll be productive."
Xiao Chen clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms within the sleeves of his robe. This is deliberate. He wants to humiliate me. But a flash of cold rationality stilled his anger. What's the point of resisting? Without power, I'd only make matters worse.
"I trust your judgment, Senior Brother. I'll take that garden," Xiao Chen said evenly, his face betraying no emotion.
Duan Huaming raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised at Xiao Chen's composure. He had expected resistance or at least frustration. However, with no argument to exploit, he could only hide his annoyance and maintain his smug facade.
"Junior Brother Xiao Chen truly knows his place," Duan Huaming said with a mocking smile. "Senior Brother Ma, please register this garden under his name."
Ma Yun, meanwhile, felt his respect for Xiao Chen grow. This young man is sharp and patient. He knows how to endure. Such traits often lead to great things.
After the paperwork was completed, the garden—long abandoned and overgrown—was officially assigned to Xiao Chen.
Duan Huaming smirked as he turned to leave. "Junior Brother, work hard. In Spirit Herb Valley, we pride ourselves on both our alchemy and cultivation skills. Don't lag behind and become a laughingstock." His voice carried a thinly veiled condescension.
Xiao Chen's expression didn't waver, but his fists clenched tightly. No matter what it takes, Duan Huaming, I'll repay this humiliation a hundredfold.
The Abandoned Garden
Returning to Spirit Herb Valley, Xiao Chen collected some seeds and alchemy manuals from the warehouse. The quartermaster seemed unusually generous, likely under Yaodaozi's orders, allowing him to take whatever he needed.
When he finally arrived at his assigned garden, located in a secluded valley, Xiao Chen's breath caught. This...
The garden was a disaster. Overgrown weeds choked the soil, rocks were strewn across the ground, and the faint spiritual energy typical of fertile herb gardens was nearly non-existent. It was clear the previous owner had utterly ruined the land.
Xiao Chen wandered the small valley, inspecting the damage. His expression darkened. This is worse than I imagined. Planting herbs here would be futile. Even reviving the soil would take years of effort and resources. Duan Huaming planned this perfectly—to destroy my chances in alchemy before I could even begin.
Standing amid the wreckage, Xiao Chen's frustration boiled over. His fists clenched, and his voice was a low growl. "Duan Huaming, I swear—one day, I'll make you regret this humiliation a hundredfold!"
But after a few moments, he forced himself to calm down. Anger would accomplish nothing. For now, I'll do what I can.
Settling into the dilapidated stone hut at the edge of the valley, Xiao Chen began meditating. He activated the Grasswood Vitality Technique, hoping to center himself.
Then, something extraordinary happened.
Spiritual energy from the air rushed toward him at a speed he'd never experienced before—hundreds of times faster than normal. His eyes snapped open, astonished.
What's happening? Why is this technique suddenly so effective?
He quickly closed his eyes again, using the inner sight technique to observe his body. The process appeared normal at first: spiritual energy entered his dantian and circulated through his meridians. But as he focused on his soul, he noticed something unusual—the golden seal.
The seal glowed faintly, radiating a golden light that seemed to draw in spiritual energy like a vortex. Most of the energy was absorbed by the seal, but even the small fraction that entered Xiao Chen's body was enough to expand his spiritual power significantly.
When he opened his eyes again, his expression was a mix of amazement and excitement. This seal... it's more than just a mysterious artifact. It's my key to overcoming my limitations! Even without spiritual roots, my cultivation speed can rival the greatest prodigies.
That night, Xiao Chen's spiritual energy surged to the level of a first-stage Qi Refinement cultivator—a feat that would have taken even the most talented disciples weeks, if not months.
As dawn broke, Xiao Chen emerged from the hut, his confidence renewed. He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes.
"Duan Huaming," he muttered, "you gave me this garden to cripple me, but instead, you've handed me an opportunity. Someday, you'll regret it."
Over the next two days, Xiao Chen stayed hidden in the valley, meditating and refining his newfound power. By the end of the second night, his cultivation had reached the peak of the first Qi Refinement stage.
However, a frown crept across his face. This rapid progress is too conspicuous. If anyone finds out, it'll raise questions. I need a way to hide my true cultivation level.
At that moment, the golden seal within his soul glimmered, and intricate runes appeared on its surface. Ancient and cryptic, they exuded a profound and dignified aura.
Xiao Chen's eyes widened as he instinctively understood their meaning. The seal had revealed a cultivation technique: the Primordial Divine Scripture.
This scripture not only enhanced spiritual cultivation but also included a method for concealing one's aura. Xiao Chen grinned, his earlier worries melting away. This is perfect. With this, no one will suspect a thing.