Chapter 22: The Legendary Painting
The cultivation of Magic Arts has specific methods and goals. Different plants provide varying levels of proficiency. To increase the proficiency of 'Vigorous Growth,' it's best to find a plant with a short growth cycle to practice on. Zhao Xing now sees a plant called 'Tooth Grass.'
"Tooth Grass, under natural conditions, can mature from a seedling in less than a month, blooming and bearing fruit. It's usually used to feed cattle and sheep, but it's rare in the South. The old farmer's courtyard is truly a treasure trove," Zhao Xing exclaimed as he ran to the Tooth Grass.
Releasing his Yuan Qi [a form of spiritual energy], he enveloped the Tooth Grass, and the 'Vigorous Growth' Magic Arts began to glow faintly. Immediately, the Tooth Grass started to grow visibly.
"You have applied 'Vigorous Growth' to the Tooth Grass, advancing it from the seedling stage to the growth stage. Magic Arts proficiency +50."
"You have applied 'Vigorous Growth' to the Tooth Grass, advancing it from the growth stage to the mature stage. Magic Arts proficiency +150."
The Yuan Qi was rapidly depleting, but the proficiency of Vigorous Growth was steadily rising. In the early stages of Magic Arts, with the right practice target, one can progress quickly. Of course, this is also related to innate talent and comprehension. Without the Dao Embryo Pill, Zhao Xing wouldn't have gained so much proficiency.
"Using Five Elements Observation can make the Tooth Grass grow even faster," Zhao Xing thought, gaining some insights during the process.
Before him, the Tooth Grass appeared semi-transparent, revealing its internal root system clearly. The Yuan Qi's flow could be directed to make the Tooth Grass grow faster and more smoothly... This is the effect of Five Elements Observation!
With 'Five Elements Observation,' it's like prescribing the right medicine. The effect of Vigorous Growth Magic Arts is greatly enhanced, significantly improving cultivation efficiency.
"You have applied 'Vigorous Growth' to the Tooth Grass, advancing it from the seedling stage to the growth stage. Magic Arts proficiency +50."
"You have applied 'Vigorous Growth' to the Tooth Grass, advancing it from the growth stage to the mature stage. Magic Arts proficiency +150."
A sense of emptiness came over Zhao Xing, and he stopped the method as his Yuan Qi was exhausted. The ground before him was now completely covered with Tooth Grass, even extending to the sides.
"Gulp, gulp~" Zhao Xing drank deeply from the well, relieving his fatigue and sitting by the well, feeling quite satisfied.
"Vigorous Growth: Beginner Magic Arts"
"Progress: (3210/9999)"
"Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption, shortens plant maturation time."
"Vigorous Growth has reached the third turn, and it's only halfway through the morning, yet I've advanced two levels," Zhao Xing mused.
"Let's try this old locust tree," he said, pointing a finger. A golden light spun thrice in the air before entering the old locust tree.
The old locust tree didn't even tremble, indicating that Zhao Xing's method was far from sufficient. The surface showed no reaction.
"The old locust tree's roots are deep and firm. With Five Elements Observation, I can see its annual rings and veins, like a copper wall and iron bastion. My Yuan Qi is simply not enough to break its growth barriers," Zhao Xing realized.
Cultivation is a gradual process, and Zhao Xing wasn't surprised. "Better to focus on cultivating Tooth Grass, set a small goal, and reach nine turns of Vigorous Growth before the autumn exam!"
Time passed quickly, and soon it was the day before the autumn exam. Zhao Xing spent the past six days doing nothing but working with Tooth Grass. Planting and pulling, pulling and planting, and when the soil was depleted, he moved to a new plot. He even used the evenings.
"Vigorous Growth: Beginner Magic Arts"
"Progress: (9010/9999)"
"Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption, shortens plant maturation time."
"Finally reached nine turns," Zhao Xing sighed with relief, his joy tempered by deep fatigue. Without much thought, he found a bamboo chair in the backyard and fell asleep.
Xue Wen Zhong came to the backyard, seeing the pile of miscellaneous grass and the sleeping Zhao Xing, he nodded slightly. He then waved his hand, and a gentle breeze swirled around Zhao Xing. Though the movement was small, the force was not, lifting Zhao Xing directly.
Unaware, Zhao Xing was carried by Xue Wen Zhong to his own bedroom. When he awoke, he felt unprecedentedly refreshed, as if a gentle breeze had been blowing the whole time he slept. Despite the summer heat, he felt like he was sleeping in spring.
"Huh~" Stretching lazily, Zhao Xing realized something was off. Wasn't he sleeping outside? How did he end up in bed?
"Looks like the teacher brought me in, but my clothes are still covered in dirt..." Seeing the mess he made of the bed, Zhao Xing looked for something to clean it up.
Raising his head, he noticed a painting hanging on the wall. Instantly, Zhao Xing's gaze was captivated.
The painting emitted a faint light, as if it had a magical allure. He unconsciously walked to the wall, feeling as if his entire soul was being drawn in.
Clouds and mist dispersed in the painting, revealing a lush landscape. Countless plants seemed to sprout after a rain, breaking through the soil. The once elusive Yuan Qi in this world seemed to take form, clearly visible.
A unique frequency emanated from the ground, like breathing.
"Is that... the earth's veins?" Zhao Xing had an epiphany.
Life and Yuan Qi intertwined at this moment, the heaven and earth's Yuan Qi harmonizing. Plants appeared clearly before him, from seedlings to maturity, flowering and fruiting...
"Wow~" It was unclear how long had passed when Zhao Xing emerged from this illusion.
The painting was still a painting, but it no longer held its miraculous image.
"So this is a 'Growth Chart of All Things,' a classic work of my sect," Zhao Xing immediately realized. "But this realm is too powerful. What level of advanced tome is this?"
Looking at the panel, he found a record:
"You have discovered the 'Growth Chart of All Things' tome (Fourth Stage, Lower Grade)."
"This treasure is a legendary work, remaining uses: 1."
"You have comprehended the 'Growth Chart of All Things' tome (Fourth Stage, Lower Grade), and Vigorous Growth has reached max level."
"You have comprehended the intermediate Magic Arts 'Wild Growth.'"
"You have comprehended the beginner Magic Arts 'Earth Vein Fusion.'"
"Phew~" The painting hanging on the wall suddenly self-ignited, disappearing in a blink.
"Eh?" Zhao Xing hurried to grab it, but it was too fast, burning to ashes in almost a second.
"The remaining uses of the legendary painting were only 1, and I used it up," Zhao Xing felt a bit guilty.
A Fourth Stage treasure is not something common, especially a rare 'legendary painting.' How should he explain this to the old farmer?
As he pondered, the old farmer's voice came from outside: "It's late, dinner is ready. Eat before you go."
"Yes, teacher," Zhao Xing obediently went to the dining table. Facing Xue Wen Zhong, he sheepishly said, "Teacher, I just woke up and accidentally saw a painting in your study, and then it self-ignited."
"A painting? What painting?" Xue Wen Zhong's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Zhao Xing. "I don't know what you're talking about. Eat your meal."
(End of Chapter)