Chapter 40: Special Treatment

The relationship between He Song and Zhao Lin had undergone a significant change over time.

From the initial encounter filled with mixed emotions.

To gradually becoming familiar with each other.

And finally, feeling as though they had met too late.

Over the past three years, He Song and Zhao Lin had grown increasingly close, and their interactions had become more frequent.

Now, the two could be considered good friends.

Although He Song had yet to introduce Zhao Lin to the small circle that included Wei Fan and others, he was already making preparations.

Zhao Lin was acquainted with Meng Guan and was now also a good friend of He Song's.

Bringing him into the small circle was something He Song needed to consider.

Today.

After spending half an hour casting the Rain Spell on the spirit fields he managed, He Song made his way to the Spirit Herb Pavilion.

Since his cultivation had stabilized, it was time to claim two additional acres of spirit fields.

His annual income from now on would be higher than it had been during the early stages of Qi Refining.

Soon, He Song arrived at the Spirit Herb Pavilion.

Inside the Spirit Herb Pavilion.

It happened to be Zhao Lin's shift today.

As soon as He Song stepped into the pavilion, Zhao Lin, who had been passing the time by reading miscellaneous books, immediately stood up.

"Congratulations on breaking through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining! Your cultivation has advanced greatly, and Foundation Building is now within reach!" With a flash of spiritual light in his eyes, Zhao Lin didn't hesitate to offer his congratulations.

Although Zhao Lin was also at the fourth layer of Qi Refining, he and He Song were good friends. Seeing his friend make a breakthrough, it was only natural to congratulate him.

At the same time, several spirit talismans quickly appeared in Zhao Lin's hand.

"Here, take these. They're a few Earth Protection Talismans I drew myself. They're not worth much, but consider them a token of celebration for your breakthrough." Zhao Lin handed over the talismans to He Song, a hint of joy flickering in his eyes.

His friend's breakthrough to the mid-stage of Qi Refining meant that his own footing in the immortal marketplace had become a bit more secure.

If anything were to happen in the future, He Song's advancement would be of some help to him.

Just like Meng Guan had been before.

After befriending Meng Guan, Zhao Lin had been given the lucrative position of managing the Spirit Herb Pavilion.

Therefore, in Zhao Lin's eyes, exchanging benefits with friends was still advantageous.

"Thank you, Brother Zhao. I happen to be in need of such life-saving talismans. Your generosity is much appreciated." He Song didn't refuse and directly accepted the Earth Protection Talismans.

Earth Protection Talismans were items that could save one's life in critical moments. Even if He Song didn't lack them, he would still take them.

Moreover, Zhao Lin was a talisman master himself, so the cost of producing these talismans was minimal.

He Song hadn't forgotten the great calamity from three years ago, so he was determined to continuously strengthen his ability to survive. Only by doing so could he live safely in this ruthless world of cultivation.

Over the past three years, most of the spirit stones He Song had earned had been spent on carving array patterns, leaving him with very little. Now that he had a new source of income, the more the better.

As for owing favors, it didn't matter much. After all, it was a favor owed to a friend, and he could always find an opportunity to repay it later.

Now that He Song had successfully broken through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, he was no longer the same as before.

He could save up to ninety spirit stones a year. A few Earth Protection Talismans' worth of favor was nothing in comparison.

"Brother He, you must be here for those two acres of spirit fields, right?" Seeing He Song accept the talismans, a look of satisfaction flashed in Zhao Lin's eyes.

Clearly, he approved of He Song's straightforward acceptance of his congratulatory gift.

He Song was about to nod.

But then Zhao Lin suddenly smiled and shook his head, continuing, "But you're a bit late. When you mentioned you were going into seclusion to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, I already allocated those two acres to your name. The location of those fields is right here."

After a roundabout explanation, Zhao Lin pulled out a map and pointed to the location for He Song.

On the map of the spirit fields outside the immortal marketplace, various plots were labeled with people's names.

He Song was surprised but quickly spotted his own name.

The area marked with "He Song" consisted of two plots, one large and one small.

However, the two plots were connected, with only a black line at the junction indicating that the smaller plot had been added later.

As He Song's gaze swept across the map, he noticed that many people had their names in two different locations.

For example, he saw a name labeled "Chen Zhou" in two separate areas.

But before He Song could ask any questions, Zhao Lin's finger was already pointing to the location marked with He Song's name.

"Brother He, look here. This larger area is your original five acres of spirit fields. The newly added smaller plot is the additional two acres. Having them next to each other saves you the trouble of running back and forth and casting the Rain Spell twice."

As Zhao Lin spoke, He Song was momentarily stunned but quickly understood.

It was likely rare for a spirit farmer like him to have new fields allocated right next to his existing ones.

Most mid-stage Qi Refining spirit farmers would have their additional fields located in a different area.

Just like the Chen Zhou he had seen earlier, who had his name in two separate locations.

This meant that those cultivators would have to travel between two different areas daily, casting the Rain Spell twice.

Casting the Rain Spell twice, each time taking half an hour, and having to travel a considerable distance to reach the other field, naturally consumed more of their time.

But what about He Song?

He only needed to cast the Rain Spell once in his field, albeit over a slightly larger area, and he didn't have to travel far. The entire process would only take half an hour.

In comparison, cultivators like He Song, who had their fields located together, were undoubtedly much more comfortable than those who had to run between two separate fields and cast the Rain Spell twice.

"Thank you, Brother Zhao!" Faced with Zhao Lin's blatant act of favoritism, He Song felt a warmth in his heart and his approval of Zhao Lin grew even stronger.

Not only had Zhao Lin allocated the two additional acres to He Song's name while he was in seclusion, allowing him to receive his annual income sooner, but he had also gone out of his way to ensure that the two plots were adjacent.

This meant He Song could earn more without having to spend extra time.

In this way, Zhao Lin had done everything he possibly could to help He Song.

Whether it was the early allocation of the spirit fields or the effort to place them together, Zhao Lin had gone above and beyond.

This gave He Song a new perspective on Zhao Lin and the world of cultivation.

So, this was how power could be used in the cultivation world.

Zhao Lin was truly someone worth befriending. When it came to helping a friend, he didn't hold back.

"No need to thank me. Between us, such formalities are unnecessary. It's just a small matter. As long as I'm here in the Spirit Herb Pavilion, anything I can do for you, I'll make sure it's done perfectly."

In response to He Song's gratitude, Zhao Lin waved his hand dismissively, as if it were nothing.

It was just a small favor.

(End of Chapter)