Chapter 40
After rewarding the Cloud-Stepping Lynx, Lu Xuan retrieved a peculiar spirit seed resembling wisps of smoke from his storage pouch.
He found an empty space in the spiritual field, using Earth Attraction Technique to create a fitting crack in the spirit soil, welcoming the wispy smoke seed.
His consciousness gathered on the seed within the soil.
A thought emerged in his mind.
"The Illusory Smoke Fruit, a third-grade spiritual plant. When matured, consuming it can accelerate the practice of illusion techniques, enhancing their power."
"It can also be used to nurture creatures with related abilities or refine specific elixirs."
"As the plant grows, it will emit smoke, even potentially creating a low-grade illusionary realm after accumulating for a long time, concealing itself within."
"I'm right before your eyes, why can't you find me?"
Detailed information and real-time status of the seed flashed in Lu Xuan's mind.
"A third-grade spiritual plant, this is a find!"
Digesting the information, Lu Xuan couldn't help but rejoice.
Third-gradenow that's entering the Foundation Building realm.
So far, the best plants in the spiritual field were two second-grade ones: Sword Grass and Dark Marrow Fungus.
Others like Blood Jade Ginseng, Crimson Cloud Pine, and Pure Snow Lotus were first-grade, and there were even dozens of ungraded Firefly Grass.
Similar to the Illusory Smoke Fruit, both second-grade plants were acquired as unknown seeds, successful through revealed real-time information.
Without this miraculous ability, even with unknown seeds, one would stumble blindly, unable to cultivate them.
After planting the Illusory Smoke Fruit seed, Lu Xuan sensed faint wisps of smoke emanating from it, nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
"When it grows larger and produces more smoke, it might play hide-and-seek, but since I can see its real-time status, I needn't worry about losing it."
Lu Xuan contemplated while casting the Spirit Rain Technique on the seed.
Understanding the characteristics of the Illusory Smoke Fruit, Lu Xuan then checked the growth of other plants in the field.
Inside the Crimson Cloud Pine, the size of the five crimson pine seeds amidst the red pine needles had increased, nearing maturity.
Lu Xuan held high expectations for this first-grade plant. Previous matured plants, be it Firefly Grass or Lunar Erosion Tree, were ungraded, and he wasn't sure what rewards a first-grade plant might offer.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
Both the Sword Grass and Dark Marrow Fungus showed promising growth, though it would take some time for them to mature.
Around the Sword Grass, the spirit soil plowed by implied sword intent formed numerous tiny furrows, making the sword intent even sharper.
The dark red mycelium extended by the Dark Marrow Fungus enveloped the decaying spirit wood tightly, absorbing nutrients noticeably faster than before. Lu Xuan estimated that new rotting wood would be needed soon.
Proudly standing in the Spiritual Spring Pool, the Pure Snow Lotus exhibited several jade-like leaves, no longer as tender as when they first sprouted, quietly flourishing.
"If I absorb light clusters with recipes and elevate my proficiency to mastery or even expertise during leisure time, it might be worth a try."
Lu Xuan packed the ten Firefly Grass plants in a jade box and stowed them in his storage pouch.
Considering the Firefly Grass's maturation pace, he estimated he'd have to visit the Hundred Herbs Hall again in two or three days.
After inspecting the spiritual field, Lu Xuan intended to return to his house to cultivate.
Observing this, the Cloud-Stepping Lynx, engrossed in teasing the Red Whiskered Carp in the Spiritual Spring Pool, stopped and elegantly followed Lu Xuan.
"Friend, are you at home? We are stewards from the marketplace."
"We're conducting routine inspections due to sightings of anomalies in the area to maintain order. We hope for your understanding."
Not long after, a voice echoed outside the courtyard.
"Marketplace stewards for an inspection?"
Lu Xuan knew refusing wouldn't be wise and, with curiosity, opened the courtyard gate.
Three practitioners stood outside, all bearing solemn expressions. One was at the fifth level of Qi cultivation, the others at the third level.
"Greetings, friend."
The one at the fifth level initiated a greeting upon seeing Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan nodded in acknowledgment, his expression cautious.
"May I ask how you plan to conduct the inspection?"
"We'll use artifacts to search your courtyard and release a purifying spell on you, if you don't mind."
One of the third-level practitioners explained.
"Releasing the purifying spell is acceptable, but searching the courtyard might be inconvenient. Nobody likes their privacy intruded upon."
Lu Xuan politely declined. While he had no issue with a spell cast on himself, he wasn't keen on a thorough search; after all, he didn't want others to see the rare plants in his spiritual field.
If there
were anomalies, the spell should detect them, and the prominent families and forces in the marketplace, even Wang Shan next door, wouldn't, in Lu Xuan's judgment, conduct a detailed search.
"The plight of an independent cultivator..."
"If it comes to it, I'll have to resort to this method."
Lu Xuan sighed inwardly, his finger reaching for his sleeve.
Witnessing this, the three practitioners tensed as if facing a formidable foe.
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