Chapter 14: The Cracks Begin to Show
The aftermath of the festival disaster swept through the Yin family home like a silent storm. Whispers filled the rooms as the servants and guards wondered what or who had caused the trouble. Angered by this humiliation, the patriarch ordered an internal investigation, and the problem was discovered.
For Adam, this was a big deal.
The next morning he went about his business without thinking, careful not to come across anything but a whisper. a slave He scrubbed the floors, fetched water, and endured the guards' scolding without complaint. But beneath the surface, his mind was a whirlwind of plans.
The
Jade Soul Pendant, his latest purchase, was hidden beneath his clothes. The slight warmth of the pendant on his chest was a reminder of his growing armor. With its ability to increase the power of the soul, it was invaluable when he began to cultivate with strength.
But A garden is more than just tools - it's resources, knowledge and most importantly, time. And in the Yin family's home, time is a precious commodity that he doesn't have.
That evening, as the other servants were getting ready for bed, Adam walked to one end of the house. The cultivated area was sparsely populated, making it the perfect spot for what he had planned.
Adam sat down on the damp floor, closed his eyes, and focused inward.
Note: The path to the garden has been found. Should you begin?>
[yes] [no]
"Yes," Adam whispered, his voice inaudible.
the garden sequence...>
The leader does not have a valid garden technique. Until a technique is learned, progress will be limited. >
you want to change the system codes to unlock a basic garden technique?>
Adam's face lit up. "System symptoms?" he whispered. He had never seen this source before. Description: System Points are earned through pranks, quests and legendary achievements. Current Balance: 25 points Advanced Garden Value: 10 points. > Adam's lips curled into a smile. "That's the way it is," he said. "Okay. Unlock."
< Take 10 points... Unlock Basic Garden Technique: [Basic Garden Technique]. >
completed. Shall we begin?>
"Yes," said Adam. position
The air around him changed as the system guided him through the procedures of the procedure. The Root Foundation procedure was simple but effective and focused on drawing spiritual energy from the environment and channeling it into the body.
At first, the procedure seemed strange, like trying to navigate a dark, uncertain path. But as Adam followed the system's instructions, he began to feel a surge of energy flowing through him. It was weak, fragile, but progressive.
hours had passed, broken only by the rustling of leaves. When Adam opened his eyes, the moon had risen in the sky and his body felt lighter.
Adam's breathing slowed, and then his heart settled. There was a long journey ahead, but this was a great first step.
As he stood, groping, his mind turned to the next step in his plan. The foundation That was a good start, but it wasn't enough. He needed a real way to grow—a way to allow him to rise above his enemies and claim the power he desired.
and he knew where to start looking.
The Yin Family Library is a treasure trove of knowledge containing everything from ancient records to advanced gardening techniques. Access to the library is limited, but Adam has spent a lot of time on the floor getting to know the keepers. Tasks
The challenge is not to break in, but to find the things you need without taking them.
Objective: Enter the Yin family library and obtain the gardening technique. Bonus Objective
: Prevent the Search.
Price: [Mystery Box Tier 2].
"It's a mystery box, isn't it?" Adam whispered in surprise. The costs of the system are not obvious, but they are part of the fun.
nights later, Adam carried out his plan. Wait until supplies run out He kept quiet and then left the slave house. His movements were deliberate, his footsteps silent as he moved through the dark corridors.
The library was on the east side, and the entrance was guarded by two guards. Adam watched them from the shadows, noting their movements and timing.
After a few minutes he saw his chance. The guards turned to talk to each other, their minds shifting for a moment. Adam stepped forward, his body stretched He could move with speed and precision.
walked through the library doors and closed them slowly behind him. The air inside was cool and pale and old. A row of shelves stretched out into the darkness, illuminated by the small amount of moonlight streaming through the windows.
Adam wasted no time. He quickly but carefully browsed through the columns of books and pamphlets on all things garden techniques. Most of the titles were Principles—family, business strategies, and principles—but finally he found what he was looking for.
The scroll
titled [Scarlet River Technique] caught his attention. The name was unfamiliar, but the description intrigued him.
[Scarlet River Technique]: The Middle Garden Technique focuses on increasing the flow of spiritual and physical energy. Good for the farmers of the past
As Adam placed the book in his heart, his heart began to flutter This cloak was what he needed.
He turned to leave, but suddenly he heard a soft sound—a soft sound, like the groan of a tree under pressure. Someone was coming.
Adam's mind raced as he ducked behind a nearby shelf, panting. The library door opened, and the glow of a candlelight flickered into the room.
4,444 figures entered, their figures tall and imposing. From his hiding place, Adam immediately recognized them - Yin Zhou.
Adam thought with his slyness: "Of all the people...".
Yin Xue moved through the library, her eyes searching the shelves. Adam held his breath as his mind calculated his next move.
If Yin Zhou found her, the consequences would be dire. But if Adam played his cards right, this might be his chance to learn more about his family's secrets.
While Yin Zhuo waited to examine a nearby shelf, Adam braced himself for what would happen.
End of Chapter 14