**Chapter 42: Not Really in the Mood to Go Out**

Inside the Cool Breeze Abode. 

*Swish swish swish!* 

Qin Ming held the Black Wind Blade, practicing the *Burning Blood Blade Technique* with great diligence. 

However, he hadn't expected this technique to be so difficult to master. 

After half a month of continuous practice, he still hadn't even scratched the surface of the first form. 

This blade technique not only required precision, accuracy, and ferocity in applying force but also demanded precise control over one's blood qi. 

Without it, the flame blade aura wouldn't trigger, and the technique's power would be greatly diminished. 

Previously, Qin Ming had relied on brute strength, which was inefficient. 

Now, he needed to adjust his approach. 

*Knock knock knock!* 

While Qin Ming was practicing, a knock sounded at the courtyard gate. 

He quickly put away the Black Wind Blade and peeked through the peephole. 

"Why is it him again?" Qin Ming frowned upon seeing the visitor outside. 

It was none other than Chen Zi'ang. 

Just half a month ago, Qin Ming's negotiations with Chen Zi'ang's master, Jiang Kun, had fallen apart, leaving things on bad terms. 

What was this guy doing back so soon? 

Qin Ming hesitated briefly but eventually opened the door. 

"Daoist Chen, what brings you here?" 

Seeing Qin Ming, Chen Zi'ang's face lit up with a smile. 

He cautiously glanced around before asking, "Daoist Qin, may we go inside to talk?" 

Qin Ming furrowed his brow, unsure of what Chen Zi'ang was up to. 

But he stepped aside nonetheless. "Please, come in." 

Chen Zi'ang entered the courtyard, looked around, and remarked, "Daoist Qin, your courtyard is quite charming!" 

"Daoist Chen flatters me. It's nothing compared to the buildings at the Spirit Feather Sect headquarters. Please, come inside for some tea," Qin Ming said modestly. 

Chen Zi'ang shook his head and lowered his voice. "No tea necessary." 

"Daoist Qin, let me share a secret with you." 

"But first, let me explain something." 

"The other day, Senior Brother Jiang's tone might have been a bit harsh toward you, but don't take it to heart. That's just how he is—straightforward and blunt. Sometimes he even yells at me, hehe." 

Qin Ming: … 

This explanation sounded eerily familiar—he remembered Jiang Kun saying something similar himself. 

"Never mind that," Chen Zi'ang continued. 

"Daoist Qin, listen carefully to what I'm about to say next. This could be an incredible opportunity for you!" 

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming's mind raced with suspicion. 

'An incredible opportunity? Is this guy really being sincere?' 

Chen Zi'ang cleared his throat and went on. "Half a month from now, Elder Zhuang Xiran, a high-rank second-grade spirit planter from our sect, will publicly lecture on spirit planting knowledge at the sect's headquarters. There's a good chance he'll be selecting a personal disciple." 

"This lecture has limited spots, and very few people know about it." 

"I went through great lengths to secure a spot." 

"I'd like to gift it to you as a token of apology. Not only will this help you advance to a second-grade spirit planter, but if Elder Zhuang takes a liking to you, you could soar to new heights!" 

With that, Chen Zi'ang took out a jade talisman from his storage pouch. Inscribed on it was the character "Zhuang" in seal script, radiating a unique magical energy—it appeared genuine. 

He then smiled warmly and extended the talisman toward Qin Ming. 

Qin Ming didn't rush to take it. 

He knew the saying: unsolicited kindness often hid ulterior motives. 

"Unfortunately, the fields on the mountain are entering their busy season this month, and I'm completely tied up. I appreciate your kind gesture, Daoist Chen, but perhaps you could give this spot to someone else?" 

Qin Ming gave a polite bow to the other man. 

Chen Zi'ang, who had been speaking confidently just moments ago, was now left awkwardly stunned. 

'This is a lecture by a high-rank second-grade spirit planter!' 

'Is this kid's brain malfunctioning? Did I not explain it clearly enough?' 

'How could he just reject it outright?' 

Chen Zi'ang forced a laugh and suddenly asked, "Could it be that Daoist Qin has no intention of advancing to a second-grade spirit planter?" 

"I heard that this year, you've already been helping Alchemist Su grow high-grade and exquisite spirit plants." 

"If successful, the next step would naturally be stepping into the realm of a second-grade spirit planter." 

"What does this have to do with becoming a second-grade spirit planter?" Qin Ming asked, genuinely confused. 

Chen Zi'ang looked surprised. "Huh? Could it be that Daoist Qin doesn't know the requirements for advancing to a second-grade spirit planter?" 

"Uh… I actually don't know. I was planning to ask at the Hall of Duties these past few days, but I haven't had the chance yet," Qin Ming admitted honestly. 

Chen Zi'ang had an epiphany! He smiled knowingly. "Ah, I see now. No wonder." 

"Daoist Qin, there's no need to visit the Hall of Duties. Let me explain it to you." 

"Advancing to a second-grade spirit planter differs slightly from advancing within the first grade." 

"You must meet three conditions simultaneously." 

"First, you must successfully plant and cultivate any second-grade spirit plant." 

"Second, you need the recommendation of a second-grade spirit planter, as this ties into the third condition." 

"Third, you must enter the Spirit Feather Sect's Illusionary Woodland and complete a trial assessment." 

"The recommendation slots for the trial are controlled by the various second-grade spirit planter elders." 

"Each elder can recommend up to three spirit planters to enter the Illusionary Woodland." 

"Daoist Qin, don't miss this opportunity! It's rare for elders to hold public lectures and accept disciples." 

After Chen Zi'ang finished speaking, it was Qin Ming's turn to be shocked. 

He hadn't expected the requirements for advancing to a second-grade spirit planter to be so complicated—not only did it require a recommendation from a second-grade spirit planter, but one also had to participate in the Illusionary Woodland trial. 

It was overwhelming. 

After pondering for a moment, Qin Ming still replied to Chen Zi'ang, "Thank you for informing me, Daoist Chen. However, my knowledge is still shallow, and I'm not sure if I'll even break through to become a high-rank spirit planter this year. Becoming a second-grade spirit planter feels too distant for me right now. I'll set it aside for the time being." 

Chen Zi'ang's expression darkened. He had exhausted all his persuasive arguments, only for Qin Ming to shut him down with a single sentence. 

Though inwardly furious, he forced a strained smile. "If that's the case, then I won't disturb you further, Daoist Qin." 

"I'll hold onto this spot for now. If you ever need it, feel free to come find me at the Treasure Pavilion." 

"I'll take my leave now." 

Qin Ming smiled politely. "Daoist Chen, please take care on your way out." 

---

The conversation ended. 

Chen Zi'ang left the Cool Breeze Abode. 

On the market road. 

After walking a short distance, Chen Zi'ang lost his composure and cursed loudly. 

"Damn this kid! I've been staking him out for days, and he's been holed up indoors every single day, doing who knows what. I'm utterly fed up!" 

"After coming up with such a brilliant idea to lure him out of the market, he didn't even react. Damn it!" 

"Screw this, it's infuriating!" 

"Senior Brother Jiang told me to handle this quietly…" 

"Why doesn't he try it himself?" 

…

(End of Chapter) 

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