Chapter 9
"Though merely an auxiliary technique, unsuitable for cultivation or practical combat, its value to me at present is no less than that of a cultivation method."
The appearance of the white light sphere caused Lu Xuan's cultivation to soar like a rocket.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
However, with his average aptitude, while it was fine for a short time, prolonged exposure would undoubtedly lead to others noticing peculiarities in his cultivation. This could potentially land him in trouble.
Normally, cultivators refrained from actively probing into others' cultivation levels, as it was considered impolite and could easily upset the other party.
But with frequent interactions, inadvertent scrutiny was inevitable.
The Concealment Technique allowed him to disguise himself to some extent, appearing as nothing more than a modest spirit plant cultivator with low cultivation.
Unless someone had significantly higher cultivation or practiced specific detection techniques, it was difficult to discern his true abilities.
Following the technique's progression, Lu Xuan slowly circulated his spiritual energy within, instantly concealing the fluctuations. His presence diminished significantly.
After some experimentation, he revealed the cultivation of the second level of Qi Condensation, returning to his usual unremarkable appearance as a casual independent cultivator.
In his spiritual field, the previously harvested Firefly Grass had been completely gathered, leaving only two Lunar Erosion Trees on either side.
During this time, the Lunar Erosion Trees had also grown considerably. Among the emerald leaves, the moon-shaped Lunar Fruits had transformed from concave to flat, then to round as they became fuller.
When they reached the silvery-hook stage, they could still hide within the foliage, subtly revealing themselves. As they grew fuller, they appeared partly concealed, almost ready to emerge.
While the Lunar Erosion Trees hadn't reached maturity, Lu Xuan anticipated what rewards the full moon would bring from them.
The newly planted Firefly Grass and Crimson Cloud Pines in the spiritual field still had some time before reaching maturity.
The Firefly Grass had a relatively low cultivation period, typically around two to three months before reaching maturity. As for the Crimson Cloud Pines, being a first-grade spirit plant, Lu Xuan estimated it would take about half a year to mature.
Of course, these were the standard growth periods for most low-tier spirit plant cultivators. Lu Xuan speculated that due to his acute awareness of the immediate status of the spirit plants, he might slightly shorten their maturation time.
"It seems, perhaps, you have a decent talent for nurturing spirit plants," he remarked, gazing at Lu Xuan and sighing in admiration.
"It's just luck. I simply utilized the time others spend on cultivation for cultivating spirit plants," Lu Xuan replied half-seriously.
"Regardless of your methods, the more high-quality Firefly Grass you cultivate, the better. I'll purchase this one for seventy Broken Spirit Stones. How does that sound?" Steward He inquired.
Lu Xuan raised an eyebrow, smiling but not saying a word.
It was obvious: he wanted more money!
The lean elder naturally understood the implication and soon proposed a price that tempted Lu Xuan.
"Four Broken Spirit Stones more, I can't go higher. After all, it's about twenty to thirty percent more than the purchase price of regular Firefly Grass."
"Deal!" Steward He swiftly exchanged the fifteen Firefly Grass for fifty-one Broken Spirit Stones and eighty Broken Fragments, totaling almost fifty-five Broken Spirit Stones when added to the three he had from before.
"Young Lu, if you come across this quality of Firefly Grass again, remember to bring it to me. I promise the price will not disappoint you," Steward He advised as he watched Lu Xuan amassing the Spirit Stones around his waist.
"If you indeed have a talent for spirit plant cultivation, I might introduce you to a path. It could be your opportunity," he added.
"Oh?" Lu Xuan, intrigued by the elder's words, looked curiously at him.
"It's not enough now. Let's see the quality of the spirit plants you bring in the future."
"Thank you, Steward He. I'll make sure to visit often to take care of your business," Lu Xuan replied, indifferent to the elder's hinted opportunity. After all, the appearance of the white light sphere had diminished the significance of any potential opportunity. If anything, it might disrupt his current peaceful life of farming.
He bid farewell to Steward He, carrying a heap of Spirit Stones, and headed straight home.
Initially considering purchasing some demonic beast meat or spirit rice to improve his living conditions and satisfy his cravings, he found himself reluctant upon passing by the stalls.
Next month's rent for his courtyard was due!
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