Chapter 19: Completing the Task, Paying Homage to Qingyunzi

This was not Su Xing's first time entering an instance, yet never had one left him so astounded.

At this moment, Su Xing stood atop a mountain, its height indeterminable, yet all around lay a sea of clouds, an ethereal sight reminiscent of celestial realms.

Several acres of fields adorned the mountain, filled with lush spirit grains and numerous unnamed herbs.

About a hundred meters away from Su Xing stood a thatched cottage, beside it, a well.

Drawing a deep breath, Su Xing sensed the drifting spiritual aura in the air, instinctively engaging his techniques. These essences continuously nourished his body.

"Indeed, this is a land of immortals!" Su Xing sighed faintly, filled with emotions and excitement.

Jin Congxue seemed somewhat perplexed, mentioning, "I've never encountered an instance like this. Perhaps there are hidden creatures around here… Let's proceed cautiously!"

After her statement, Jin Congxue began to survey their surroundings, and Su Xing did not intervene.

Before long, Su Xing pointed towards the thatched cottage ahead, suggesting, "Shall we investigate that cottage?"

Initially reluctant, Jin Congxue hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Approaching the cottage, Su Xing knocked softly on the door and waited in silence.

Soon after, an elderly man dressed in Daoist robes, exuding an aura of wisdom, opened the door, displaying a hint of surprise on his face.

"How did you two find this secluded place of mine?" inquired the elder.

Su Xing and Jin Congxue exchanged glances, both asserting they had stumbled upon it by chance.

The elder nodded slightly upon hearing their explanation, remarking, "It seems both of you are individuals blessed with good fortune, fated to meet with me!"

"Since you have encountered me, how about I bestow upon you a chance encounter?" proposed the elder.

Su Xing and Jin Congxue agreed with a nod.

"I wonder, what exactly does this 'chance encounter' entail?" Su Xing pretended ignorance and inquired.

Glancing at Su Xing with a hint of surprise before regaining composure, the elder calmly explained, "The farmland on this mountain has been neglected for several months. Perhaps you could assist me in tending to it?"

Subsequently, Su Xing and Jin Congxue were led to a piece of farmland.

Pointing to a smaller plot, the elder addressed Jin Congxue, "This young lady, this plot shall be entrusted to your care, agreed?"

Although bewildered, Jin Congxue nodded in acceptance.

"Yes, Elder!" she replied.

Then the elder turned to Su Xing, saying, "Young man, this larger plot shall be entrusted to you, alright?"

Su Xing looked towards the field, arching an eyebrow.

This piece of land was larger than a mere acre; it might easily encompass two or three acres.

This field was different in size from the simulated one… What changes had occurred there exactly? Su Xing had an inkling; his greatest change was his cultivation level!

Allowing oneself to manage more fields might be a greater test?

Su Xing cupped his hands and replied, "Yes, Elder!"

Subsequently, they each received farming tools and began tending to the fields.

Having grown up in the countryside, Su Xing had done farm work during his childhood. Moreover, he had recently bolstered his knowledge on farming techniques, allowing him to start quickly.

However, Jin Congxue was different; she couldn't distinguish between the different grains, let alone the weeds and spirit grains.

Hence, after finishing his own work, Su Xing diligently guided and taught Jin Congxue on weeding and irrigation.

Thankfully, spirit grains didn't require fertilization; otherwise, it would have been awkward for Su Xing to explain how to apply manure.

After advancing to the Foundation Building stage, Su Xing's Eternal Spring Technique had also broken through to the second level, enhancing the wood attribute spiritual energy within his body.

Even when tending to two or three acres simultaneously, Su Xing didn't feel fatigued. He even had time to infuse spiritual energy into Jin Congxue's spirit grains.

Infusing spiritual energy into the fields involved absorbing spiritual energy from the air and then applying it to the spirit grains.

During this process, Su Xing further honed his mastery over spiritual energy and mana.

"The water in this well is incredibly sweet."

After completing their farm work, Su Xing sat by the well, savoring a sip of its pure and refreshing water.

This well also contained abundant spiritual energy, deserving to be called a spiritual well.

"Su Xing… What's the benefit of us farming like this?" asked Jin Congxue, patting her weary shoulders, complaining after a day's labor.

She hailed from the city; initially intrigued, but after a day of toil, tiredness and dirt had dulled her enthusiasm.

Su Xing shook his head lightly and responded, "I'm not certain about the rewards… Yet, amidst the serene landscapes and abundant spiritual energy in this instance, farming can also refine one's character and nurture the soul."

Rolling her eyes at Su Xing's words, Jin Congxue remarked, "Oh, spare me! The harder the task, the more rewarding it tends to be… But farming as a task in this instance, what kind of reward could that possibly yield?"

Despite her words, Jin Congxue showed no intention of leaving the instance.

In a blink, seven days had passed. Su Xing's two or three acres of spirit grains thrived exceptionally well, devoid of any weeds.

Even the plot tended by Jin Congxue, thanks to Su Xing's assistance, showed remarkable progress.

On the evening of the seventh day, the elder summoned Su Xing and Jin Congxue into the thatched cottage.

Firstly, the elder handed Jin Congxue a bag of spirit rice and a small pouch of spirit stones, stating, "Your spirit field has prospered. Here are fifty catties of spirit rice and fifty spirit stones as your reward."

After Jin Congxue expressed her gratitude, she glanced somewhat guiltily at Su Xing.

She didn't know how to farm at all, yet Su Xing had done at least sixty percent of the work!

"Thank you, Elder!"

After Jin Congxue's thanks, the elder turned to Su Xing and retrieved a transparent stone from his pocket, remarking, "Young man, place your hand on this, alright?"

Su Xing's heart pounded rapidly. Despite simulating this scenario multiple times, he couldn't help feeling nervous at this moment.

After cautiously placing his hand on the stone, it flickered with red and green lights.

Satisfied, the elder nodded and commented, "Not bad, possessing the Dual Wood-Fire Elemental Roots. While not as exceptional as a single high-grade Elemental Root, it's enough to embark on the path of cultivation…"

"Observing how you broke through to the Foundation Building Ninth Layer on your own and diligently tended the fields without complaints, your aptitude and temperament are truly outstanding!"

"Encountering me in this vast world must signify a special fate between us…"

The elder paused briefly before continuing, "I am Qingyunzi, a humble farmer of the Qingyun Sect. Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

"This humble one wishes to accept you as an official disciple…"

(End of this chapter)