Chapter 3 : A Garden of Growth and Trust

A year passed by quickly.

Devor sat casually in front of his small hut, gazing at the five-hundred-square-meter garden spread out before him. This Spiritual Garden, where he spent most of his time, was a sight both calming and full of challenges.

As he inhaled the fresh air from the garden, a peaceful feeling flowed through his entire body, bringing a sense of refreshment and healing that was hard to describe. Life at the Azure Sky Sect had changed Devor significantly. His appearance now was far from that of the shabby village boy he once was. His skin was clean, his body more erect, and his aura radiated tranquility, as if in harmony with the nature surrounding him.

His black hair, now growing longer, swayed gently in the breeze. Devor stood up, his body straight and alert, as though sensing something approaching. Soon, a middle-aged man appeared in the sky, floating gracefully before silently landing in front of Devor. The figure was Elder Sorin, one of the respected Elders of the Azure Sky Sect, whose aura could make the natural energies around him gather.

"Greetings, Elder Sorin," Devor said, bowing deeply in respect.

Elder Sorin wore a dark purple robe adorned with golden lines along the sides, a symbol of his authority within the sect. He closed his eyes for a moment, activating his mental power. A light blue aura enveloped his body, slowly spreading across the garden. In an instant, every plant in the garden—from medicinal herbs to rare flowers—became clearly visible in his vision.

Devor observed Elder Sorin closely, noting how the man used his Spiritual Sense to inspect the garden. Sorin's movements were calm yet full of alertness, showing the depth of his knowledge about the garden and nature. His steps paused in front of a flowering plant that seemed slightly wilted.

"Devor," Sorin's voice was deep and calm, echoing among the neatly arranged plants. "This plant seems to lack enough sunlight. Though it doesn't appear alarming now, it could affect the quality of its flowers in the long term. Be sure to move it to a brighter spot."

Devor nodded slowly, taking the advice to heart. "Thank you, Elder Sorin. I'll move it right away."

Sorin continued his inspection, his gaze sweeping across the garden carefully. Each plant was examined with attention, and when he reached a row of neatly arranged fruit plants, he paused again, assessing their condition.

"These plants are growing quite well, but they're spaced too closely together," Sorin spoke softly, yet with authority. "They need more space to thrive. If they're too crowded, their roots will compete, which will reduce their fruit yield. Don't hesitate to prune a few branches."

Devor listened intently, noting each suggestion in his mind. His eyes glowed with deep respect. He understood that attention to detail was key to keeping this garden healthy.

Sorin's steps paused in front of a plant with slightly yellowing leaves. "This plant is too moist," he said, feeling the soil around it. "Reduce the watering and allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again. This plant will grow better with more balanced care."

Devor let out a light sigh, a slight anxiety visible on his face. "I'll adjust the watering schedule, Elder Sorin."

After several minutes of inspecting every corner of the garden, Sorin finally stopped in the middle. He turned, gazing at Devor with a soft yet meaningful look. "Overall, the garden is quite good. There are no major issues to worry about. However, remember, Devor, that meticulous care and attention to small details are the key to maintaining quality and improving the harvest."

Devor nodded, a sense of responsibility weighing on his shoulders, but there was also a spark of determination in his heart. He was resolved to care for this garden to the best of his ability, bringing honor to both himself and the Azure Sky Sect.

Devor bowed deeply once more, this time with a great sense of relief. "Thank you, Elder Sorin. I'll correct any shortcomings."

Sorin smiled faintly, and for a moment, the mysterious aura surrounding him seemed to loosen. "You have developed well, Devor. Keep learning and practicing. The Azure Sky Sect will not offer an easy path to anyone who is not wise enough to recognize their own shortcomings."

"I always try my best, Elder Sorin," Devor replied, his face serious.

During his time at the Azure Sky Sect, Devor had always worked hard to learn and improve himself, hoping that one day he would truly capture the attention of the esteemed sect.

Sorin nodded, his smile softening. "I know, Devor. Your efforts have never lacked for this sect." His gaze became gentler. "You are still a mortal, yet your performance far exceeds those who rely solely on their Spiritual Root to gain acceptance into the sect."

Devor fell silent, choosing not to respond. He knew how valuable Sorin's words were, but the awareness of the hierarchy kept him bowing silently. Sorin, after all, was an Elder, a figure both respected and feared. And because the position of Garden Hall Master had been vacant after his predecessor's death, Sorin now held that responsibility due to his expertise with spiritual plants.

Sorin, with his reputation as a poison expert, made many people wary. The whispered warnings to be cautious of his gifts were not unusual within the sect.

"I have already spoken to the Spiritual Hall Master about making you a true disciple of the Azure Sky Sect," Sorin said, his gaze meaningful.

Devor felt his heart race faster. The blood in his veins seemed to flow more rapidly as he waited eagerly for the next words.

"Your Spiritual Root is indeed a hindrance," Sorin continued gently, "but your contributions are far more valuable to the sect. The Hall Master has granted you the opportunity to become a true disciple of the Azure Sky Sect."

A wide smile spread across Devor's face. The joy he could not hide overflowed from his heart.

Sorin reached into the collar of his robe and pulled out a green book. With a light motion, he directed the book to float in the air, gently pushing it towards Devor.

Devor extended his hand, carefully catching the green book. In his heart, he knew this was a major step toward his dream of becoming a true cultivator.

"It is a unique Cultivation Technique, perfect for someone who tends to the Spiritual Garden," Sorin said with a small smile on his face. "Study it slowly, and if you need guidance, come to me anytime."

Devor's heart warmed. A wide smile appeared on his face, filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Elder!"

"You deserve it," Sorin replied, casually waving his hand. "This is all due to your own hard work. Once you reach Stage-2 Qi Refining, you will be accepted as a true disciple of the Azure Sky Sect."

"I will do my best!" Devor nodded enthusiastically, determination shining in his eyes.

Sorin looked at him with a gentle gaze. Compared to the other true disciples, he held Devor in higher regard, for even though Devor was just an ordinary human, he had an extraordinary spirit and dedication.

"This technique is very unique," Sorin continued. "It absorbs Qi and Spiritual Energy produced by various spiritual plants, strengthening both your body and soul."

Devor's eyes shone with hope upon hearing this explanation.

However, despite the joy filling his heart, Devor felt that this wasn't enough. There was something else he wanted to ask.

"Elder Sorin, forgive me," he said, taking a deep breath to gather his courage. "May I request knowledge of other basic cultivation techniques?"

Sorin raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "Oh? Why do you need that? The Cultivation Technique book you're holding already includes the basics of cultivation."

Devor slowly shook his head. "I read in a book that, in the end, cultivation techniques or battle techniques are just rough foundations. To maximize their potential, we need to adjust the circulation of energy and techniques to suit ourselves."

Realizing that he might have spoken too freely, Devor immediately bowed deeply. "Sorry, Elder Sorin. I was too presumptuous."

Devor let out a long sigh, regret flashing through his heart. In the cultivator world, where status was so important, his actions could be seen as impolite.

"No need to apologize. I understand your meaning," Sorin said, looking at Devor with an understanding gaze, albeit hidden.

Devor sighed in relief and straightened up, feeling a little calmer.

"What you said earlier is true," Sorin continued, gently stroking his beard. "However, such changes must be made gradually. It cannot be done instantaneously." He paused for a moment, weighing his words before continuing. "With the contribution points you've never used, you could actually buy and learn several Cultivation Techniques from the Outer Disciples. Your contribution points are enough for that."

Devor knew about this, but he had other plans. He wanted to gather more contribution points to obtain cultivation techniques that truly suited him and would provide great advantages. Rather than rushing, he preferred seeking advice from someone more experienced like Sorin.

Rather than spending points on random techniques, it was better to consult Sorin—someone whose knowledge and insight far surpassed his own.

"I can help you," Sorin said, squinting his eyes as if weighing something. "However, there's one condition."

"What is that condition, Elder?" Devor asked seriously. "As long as it doesn't betray the sect, I will do anything for Elder!"

Devor felt nervous, fearing this might be a test of his loyalty to the sect. He didn't want to be seen as a potential traitor.

Sorin shook his head gently, his smile calming. "Of course, I wouldn't ask for something like that. What I ask is... you plant certain poisonous plants. I will harvest them when the time comes."

Sorin's smile seemed gentle, almost reassuring. However, his request made Devor's shoulders tremble slightly. Poisonous plants? That was not something he had expected.

Sorin, who had temporarily taken over this position, was clearly seizing the opportunity to plant poisonous plants. However, the quota for these plants was very limited and strictly monitored by the Inner Sect Herb Hall Master. With Devor's help, Sorin could take advantage of Devor's quota and plant more poisonous plants.

Devor paused for a moment, considering. This request was not without risk, as it could affect other plants. But he knew this was also an opportunity to prove himself further to Sorin—whether he had the ability to cultivate poisonous plants. Slowly, he nodded, agreeing to the request.

Seeing Devor agree, Sorin laughed with satisfaction. "Good," he said, his smile widening. "You're truly a disciple I can rely on."

Devor felt the weight on his shoulders, but also a growing pride inside him. Sorin's trust in him felt like a major achievement, as if he had just stepped into a higher level.