**Chapter 74: Trouble Brewing**  

The position of Medicinal Hall manager. 

While it wasn't a high-ranking role, it was far more relaxed than being a spirit farmer and came with a higher income. 

Wei Fan was naturally pleased to see He Song rise from the muddy pit of being a spirit farmer. 

However, he didn't know that for He Song, the position of Medicinal Hall manager held little appeal. 

Although it would elevate him to the mid-tier of the market and grant him managerial authority, He Song didn't care much about management. 

What mattered most to him was being able to cultivate without interruptions. 

That was his top priority. 

While becoming a Medicinal Hall manager would earn him a bit more spirit stones, the increase wasn't significant. 

Zhao Lin was one of the Medicinal Hall managers, and He Song knew his income—around a hundred and a few spirit stones per year. 

Compared to the ninety spirit stones a spirit farmer earned annually, it was only a difference of a dozen or so. 

To earn an extra dozen spirit stones a year, He Song would have to spend every day toiling in the Medicinal Hall. 

He wasn't willing to do that. 

He'd rather remain a humble spirit farmer, spending half an hour each day casting the Rain Summoning Technique and using the rest of his time for cultivation or other pursuits. 

Wasn't that better than being overworked? 

"Perhaps it's better to decline. Being a spirit farmer is fine. I have plenty of time for cultivation every day. If I became a manager, I'd have to be on duty at the Medicinal Hall every day, and my cultivation speed would slow down significantly." 

He Song naturally wanted to accept Wei Fan's kind offer, but after some thought, he decided to refuse. 

The reason was simple. 

Remaining a spirit farmer allowed him to cultivate daily within the Spirit Gathering Formation at home, which would naturally speed up his progress. 

If he took on the role of Medicinal Hall manager, he would lose the benefits of the Spirit Gathering Formation, and his cultivation speed would undoubtedly slow. 

For the sake of a dozen extra spirit stones, slowing his cultivation progress and having to be on duty at the Medicinal Hall was something He Song absolutely did not want. 

"Don't worry, I've considered everything you're concerned about. One of the two deceased Medicinal Hall managers had a very relaxed role that wouldn't interfere with your cultivation. I've taken all of this into account." 

Seeing He Song's reluctance, Wei Fan quickly explained. 

"The position I'm trying to secure for you is overseeing the Medicinal Hall's herb garden. You'd only need to be present in the garden during the day, and the rest of the work would be handled by others." 

"All you'd need to do is oversee the garden during the day and inspect it before leaving. Additionally, the spiritual energy concentration in the herb garden is much higher than elsewhere, so your cultivation speed would actually increase." 

As Wei Fan explained, He Song quickly gained a better understanding of the herb garden manager position. 

The herb garden manager was essentially a supervisor. 

Tasks like casting the Rain Summoning Technique, tilling the soil, watering, and fertilizing would be handled by others. 

If He Song took on this role, he'd only need to count the herbs when he arrived and before he left each day. 

The rest of his time would be entirely his to use as he pleased. 

Moreover, since the herb garden required a higher concentration of spiritual energy for the herbs to thrive, the spiritual energy within the garden would be significantly denser, speeding up cultivation. 

Even compared to the Spirit Gathering Formation in He Song's home, the difference would be negligible. 

With the natural spiritual energy emitted by the herbs, cultivation speed in the garden might even be faster. 

In short, the herb garden manager position was indeed a sweet deal. 

Even with the Spirit Gathering Formation at home, cultivating in the herb garden wouldn't be slower—it might even be faster. 

With this in mind, He Song clasped his hands toward Wei Fan and expressed his gratitude. 

"Thank you, Brother Wei. I will definitely keep this in mind." 

He Song agreed to the offer. 

Seeing He Song's acceptance, Wei Fan nodded in satisfaction. 

Having been friends with He Song for over a decade and having helped each other multiple times, he naturally hoped that He Song's cultivation would progress faster. 

Only when He Song's cultivation improved could he truly be of help to Wei Fan. 

This kind of behavior was sometimes called forming alliances, but more often, it was referred to as mentoring the younger generation. 

When the younger generation grew stronger, the benefits they could bring would naturally be significant. 

And Wei Fan wasn't losing anything. 

He was merely putting in a request. 

If anyone could take the herb garden manager position, why not He Song, who was on good terms with him? 

With the matter settled, the two chatted for a while longer in the Spirit Construction Pavilion before He Song took his leave. 

Leaving the pavilion, He Song thought for a moment and then headed toward his home. 

After being away for over half a month, his room needed a thorough cleaning. 

Now that he had mastered the Object Control Technique, he could use it to handle tasks like cleaning. 

As he walked, He Song quickened his pace. 

However, as he approached his home, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing outside his door. 

Zhao Lin. 

He was pacing back and forth in front of He Song's room, seemingly hesitating about whether to knock. 

Seeing this, He Song was puzzled but quickly approached and invited him in. 

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, why don't we talk inside?" 

The sudden voice startled Zhao Lin, and several Earth Talismans instantly appeared in his hand. But when he saw that it was He Song, he finally relaxed. 

Putting away the talismans, Zhao Lin's face showed a hint of embarrassment. 

Without questioning how He Song had appeared beside him, Zhao Lin clasped his hands and said, "Then, as you wish, let's talk inside." 

The two entered the room together. 

He Song used the Object Control Technique to clean the dusty room before inviting Zhao Lin to sit at the table. 

By the desk, He Song skillfully prepared tea. 

When guests arrived, mortals cooked meals, while cultivators brewed tea—it was a universal custom. 

Although He Song didn't know why Zhao Lin had come to see him, he couldn't neglect the proper etiquette. 

As He Song brewed the tea, Zhao Lin stared out the window, lost in thought. 

It wasn't until the room was filled with the aroma of tea and He Song placed a freshly brewed cup in front of him that Zhao Lin finally looked away from the window and picked up the cup. 

Then, he let out a deep sigh. 

"Fellow Daoist, do you know why I've been pacing outside your door for so long but didn't dare to knock?" 

Zhao Lin's face showed no emotion as he looked at He Song. 

But before He Song could respond, Zhao Lin spoke again. 

"Fellow Daoist, over half a month ago, I promised to arrange for someone to take care of your seven acres of spirit fields. Do you remember?" 

As he spoke, Zhao Lin set down his teacup and stood up, bowing to He Song. 

Seeing this, He Song suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. 

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(End of Chapter)