Chapter 52: Questions and Sudden Change

Inside the Hall of Enlightenment.

The cultivators eagerly responded, answering Elder Zhuang Xiran's questions with enthusiasm.

"Cultivating spiritual plants involves seizing the essence of heaven and earth, mastering the transformations of all things, and bringing boundless joy."

…

After a while,

Elder Zhuang Xiran's gaze swept over the crowd, and he casually pointed.

"That cultivator over there, stand up and answer."

Qin Ming had been listening intently and didn't plan to speak.

When he noticed Elder Zhuang pointing in his direction, he glanced around.

To his surprise, all eyes were on him.

Qin Ming suddenly realized.

Elder Zhuang was clearly pointing at him.

Qin Ming froze for a moment, feeling uneasy under so many stares.

How could this be so coincidental?

But he remained calm, standing up from his seat and, after a brief thought, said:

"The way of spiritual plants requires familiarity with the habits of crops, mastery over spirit rain, weeding, pest control, and daily interaction with spirit fields and soil."

"It's just farming."

His words hung in the air.

A slight silence followed.

The cultivators present struggled to hold back their laughter at this response.

However, some nodded, seemingly agreeing with his straightforward explanation.

"Heh, you may sit," Elder Zhuang Xiran said, a rare smile appearing on his face.

This left the cultivators stunned, confused by the unexpected reaction.

"In truth, what he said isn't entirely wrong.The path of spiritual plants is no different from farming."

"Only—"

"Mortals grow grains and cereals, using them as sustenance."

"We cultivators plant to nourish our path to immortality."

…

Just as Qin Ming was about to sit down,He noticed a cultivator to his left front, staring intently at him.

Qin Ming looked up, locking eyes with the man, and immediately felt uneasy.

It was Jiang Kun!

'What is this bastard doing here at a spirit farmer's lecture?'

Instantly, Qin Ming tensed, his mind racing with countless thoughts.

The four subordinates Jiang Kun had sent had already been disposed of.

Could Jiang suspect him?

Or was he holding back for some reason?

With these thoughts,Qin Ming sat back down.

Meanwhile,Jiang Kun, sitting in front, furrowed his brows, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

Though he harbored some suspicion,No matter how he imagined it, he couldn't connect the deaths of four mid-to-late Qi Refining cultivators with a mere spirit farmer.

"Hmm, after the lecture ends, I'll test this kid."

Jiang Kun made up his mind, glancing at Qin Ming before turning his attention back to the front.

Qin Ming's heart sank, a bad feeling creeping over him.

The hall returned to calm.

Elder Zhuang Xiran began teaching the way of spiritual plants.

Though Qin Ming's focus had been disrupted by Jiang Kun's presence, he didn't dwell on it.

He listened attentively to Elder Zhuang, a second-tier spirit farmer.

By the end of the lecture,

Qin Ming was deeply moved, gaining much insight.

Elder Zhuang's profound mastery of spiritual plants left the cultivators spellbound.

The public lecture lasted an entire day.

Finally, Elder Zhuang Xiran answered some questions from the spirit farmers present.

"That concludes today's lesson on spiritual plants."

"There will be more content tonight."

"Tomorrow, I will test all of you."

"You may stay in the Guest Pavilion for the night."

"But remember, only spirit farmers of mid-grade or higher may participate in tomorrow's test.The rest may leave."

With that, Elder Zhuang rose and departed.

The cultivators in the Hall of Enlightenment also began to disperse.

Qin Ming planned to slip away quietly.

But just as he stepped out of the hall,A familiar voice called out behind him.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, don't rush off!"

Qin Ming turned to see none other than Jiang Kun.

Jiang Kun's phoenix-like eyes narrowed as he stared coldly at Qin Ming.

"My useless junior brother Chen Zi'ang was found dead near the back mountain of the spirit fields."

"What do you think about that, Fellow Daoist Qin?"

He fixed his gaze on Qin Ming, observing his reaction.

Qin Ming feigned shock, exclaiming, "What?Such a thing happened?"

Jiang Kun continued to press, "Do you really not know?I heard Chen went to see you before he died."

"Yes, Brother Chen did come to discuss joining your pavilion.But I haven't seen him in days."

"And where did you get that jade token?" Jiang Kun asked further.

"This jade token was given to me by Elder Gu.

If you don't believe me, you can ask her yourself." Qin Ming lied smoothly, his face unwavering.

After all, Jiang Kun and Mirror Snow Pavilion were sworn enemies.

It was unlikely Jiang would dare confront Elder Gu to verify the claim.

Qin Ming spoke confidently, pausing briefly before asking, "Brother Jiang, surely you're not suspecting a mere spirit farmer like me?"

Jiang Kun's gaze wavered, deep in thought.

Then he smiled faintly.

"Hmph, of course not."

"I just have a few doubts.Just asking casually."

Qin Ming forced a smile, bowing slightly.

"If there's nothing else, then I'll take my leave."

He was certain Jiang had no evidence, only suspicions.

Moreover, Jiang wouldn't dare act openly within Lingyu Sect.

Qin Ming followed the other spirit farmers into the neighboring Guest Pavilion to rest and enjoy tea and dinner.

After Qin Ming left,A cultivator beside Jiang Kun stepped forward and asked, "Brother Jiang, what should we do?Should we…"

"Not yet.Let's wait and see."

"These next two days are crucial for Master Zhuang.Don't cause any trouble."

"If we act, it can't be within the sect."

"I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how those four, including Junior Brother Chen, disappeared."

"For now, keep a close eye on this kid.After Master Zhuang's matters are settled tomorrow, we'll decide."

Jiang Kun gave his orders with a dark expression.

"Yes!"

…

As Qin Ming sipped his drink, his mind raced, processing the earlier events.

He had already devised a plan.

An hour later,The lecture resumed.

This time, only a third of the spirit farmers remained in the hall.

About a hundred cultivators were left.

Qin Ming scanned the room and noticed Jiang Kun hadn't returned.

Soon,Elder Zhuang Xiran re-entered the hall.

He surveyed the remaining cultivators, nodded, and began his lecture again.

At that moment,

BOOM!

A deafening explosion shook the ground outside, startling everyone inside.

(End of Chapter)