Chapter 13
The newly ripe Lunar Erosion Fruits were twice the quantity of the first batch, a total of eight.
All eight Lunar Erosion Fruits were of excellent quality. Lu Xuan carefully placed them into a specific container, eagerly anticipating the appearance of eight white orbs.
"Harvest one Lunar Erosion Fruit, gain a top-grade artifact, the Fractured Silver Blade (damaged)."
"Harvest one Lunar Erosion Fruit, gain a top-grade talisman, the Sword Qi Talisman."
"Harvest one Lunar Erosion Fruit, gain a top-grade elixir, the Elemental Refinement Elixir."
"Harvest one Lunar Erosion Fruit, gain a top-grade talisman, the Explosive Flame Talisman."
Among the eight rewards, five were fragments of the Fractured Silver Blade, two were top-grade talismans, and one was a top-grade elixir.
"The Elemental Refinement Elixir, a top-grade elixir that rapidly replenishes spiritual power when consumed by a cultivator."
Lu Xuan carefully stored this top-grade Elemental Refinement Elixir. While he had heard of this elixir before, it was his first time owning one. It held significant value, especially for low and mid-level cultivators, costing a fair amount of spirit stones.
"The fragments of the Fractured Silver Blade seem to be increasing. I've got eight now."
Lu Xuan gazed at the eight thin, silvery fragments swirling around him with a hint of helplessness.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. The eight fragments instantly converged, edges tightly aligned, forming a peculiar entity.
"Why does it feel like a silver sword blade, albeit with many missing pieces?"
The more Lu Xuan looked, the more it resembled the prototype of a sword blade.
"If it is a blade, does that mean it could act as a standalone artifact when integrated, confusing opponents in battle, unexpectedly splitting into numerous thin shards?"
The more he thought about it, the more plausible this scenario seemed. He eagerly anticipated the moment when all the fragments would be collected.
There were still thirty Lunar Erosion Fruits remaining. Considering the probability of fragment appearance and the size of the missing segments on the incomplete blade, there shouldn't be a significant issue.
But recalling his experiences with random draws in his past life, his optimism dwindled.
"Uncle Lu, do you want spirit stones?"
Amid Lu Xuan's contemplation, he heard Zhang Xiuyuan's familiar mischievous voice from outside the courtyard.
Lu Xuan quickly opened the courtyard gate.
"What's up? Do you have spirit stones for me?"
"I don't have spirit stones for you, but I have an opportunity for you to earn them."
Zhang Xiuyuan grinned mischievously, displaying a cunning beyond his age.
"Oh, tell me more?"
Lu Xuan, eyeing the straw puppet tightly held by Zhang Xiuyuan, felt a tinge of curiosity.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
"A few days ago, you helped solve the pest problem at my home. Today, I heard Cai Bin saying they're facing a similar issue at their place. I mentioned your exceptional abilities, and now they urgently want me to bring you over to help."
"His father is deeply troubled by this problem. If Uncle Lu, like last time, lends a hand, you can earn a lot of spirit stones!"
"Cai Bin?"
In his memory, Cai Bin was a skinny kid who often played with Zhang Xiuyuan. Their house was about two or three miles away from Lu Xuan's courtyard.
"I wouldn't say exceptional skills, but I've improved in a certain
technique recently, precisely to counter these Black Budworm larvae."
Lu Xuan explained, then added, "I'll do my utmost to help with the pest issue, but before that, let me make it clear: my fee is five spirit stones, non-negotiable."
"Even Level Four cultivators ask for only seven spirit stones. How can a Level Two like you demand five spirit stones?"
Li interjected.
"Both of us are here to solve the same problem. If you doubt my abilities, why not invite that Level Three Qi Cultivator?"
Lu Xuan responded coldly.
Naturally, Li didn't follow up. After a pause, she said, "Five spirit stones could work, but what if the problem remains unresolved?"
"Get back inside!"
Cai Hai barked at Li in a low voice.
"A hot-tempered woman, forgive her, Friend Lu."
He turned, revealing a bitter smile.
"Whether you solve the issue or not, I'll pay five spirit stones. We just hope you'll do your best; after all, we cultivators understand that spiritual plants are everything to us."
"Understood."
Lu Xuan replied earnestly.
He disregarded Li's negative comments, focusing on getting the spirit stones. Approaching the afflicted spiritual plants, he concentrated, and a fine golden sword energy, as thin as a hair, gracefully emerged. It carried an unmatched sharpness as it targeted the Black Budworm larvae.
Within moments, all the larvae were severed by the golden sword energy, falling to the ground in pieces.
"Mission accomplished."
He stood up, addressing the tense Cai Hai.
Meanwhile, behind him, Zhang Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow to his companions.
"See how amazing my Uncle Lu is?"
"Thank you, thank you so much, Friend Lu!"
Cai Hai's face showed a relieved expression.
Not far away, a window in the house shut suddenly, accompanied by faint sobbing.
Lu Xuan accepted the payment from Cai Hai and, together with Zhang Xiuyuan, left the residence.
Weighing the spirit stones in his hand, feeling their weight, Lu Xuan suddenly suggested, "Little Xiuyuan, how about we collaborate? You find nearby cultivators facing pest issues, and I'll step in to resolve them. For every intervention, I'll split thirty spirit stones with you. What do you think?"
"Uncle Lu, you helped me so much last time; I'll find them for you directly. No need to split the spirit stones."
Zhang Xiuyuan replied innocently.
"No, I can't let you do it for free. Let's make this decision!"
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