Chapter 49
Within the lush and dense crimson pine needles, five pine cones were partly concealed, one of which had ripened.
The red husk on the outside resembled fish scales, layering and enclosing the pine nuts within from bottom to top.
The number of pine nuts at the center wasn't substantial, around twenty, each the size of a fingertip, resembling pomegranate seeds.
They were a faint red, crystal clear, exuding a fragrant aroma that made one's mouth water and fingers itch to taste.
Focusing his mind on the ripe Scarlet Cloud Pine nut, Lu Xuan swiftly accessed detailed information about it.
"The Scarlet Cloud Pine nut originates from the top-grade spirit plant Scarlet Cloud Pine, containing abundant spiritual energy. It slightly enhances cultivation for low to mid-level Qi cultivators."
"Its taste is refreshing and enduring, highly favored by many female cultivators."
Lu Xuan carefully detached the ripe Scarlet Cloud Pine nut, placing it into a specially crafted vessel inscribed with runes to maintain its freshness.
While detaching the pine nut, he discerned its excellent quality.
Naturally, a white light mass appeared at the spot where the Scarlet Cloud Pine was plucked, faintly shimmering.
Lu Xuan's heart raced. This was the first mature top-grade spirit plant he had harvested. Previously, whether Firefly Grass or Eclipse Moon Fruit, they were all lower-grade spirit plants, considerably less valuable than the Scarlet Cloud Pine.
"Harvested one Scarlet Cloud Pine nut, obtained a second-grade Flying Sword - Fire-Departing Sword."
The white light mass transformed into countless dots streaming into Lu Xuan's body, prompting a thought that materialized into a floating sword in his hand.
The sword was about three feet long, light-bodied with a fiery-red hue, red veins tracing the blade, tiny flames flickering off its edge.
"A second-grade Flying Sword!"
Lu Xuan couldn't help but exclaim. It was the first second-grade magical tool he'd obtained in his cultivation journey.
Previously, without obtaining a spiritual field's mystical properties, he had contemplated purchasing a Sword Qi Talisman, a plan that required substantial savings.
Now, not only did he possess the Fractured Silver Blade and Thunderfire Bead, but the number of talismans had increased significantly. What was once elusive, like the Sword Qi Talisman, was now piled up along with two second-grade Myriad Sword Qi Talismans.
Moreover, acquiring a second-grade magical tool like the Fire-Departing Sword reaffirmed his determination to peacefully cultivate while tending his fields.
He stowed the Fire-Departing Sword into his storage pouch and moved to the area of Firefly Grass.
Of the initial hundred Firefly Grass, sixty-five remained, rapidly maturing with tiny flickers of light on their slender leaves, eye-catching even in daylight.
A droplet of semi-solidified green liquid appeared in Lu Xuan's hand, the Grass Spirit Essence containing abundant plant essence.
Lu Xuan summoned the Grass Puppet and inserted the green liquid into the grayish lump atop its head.
Soon after insertion, the gray lump visibly transformed into lush green, resembling a rejuvenated old tree, emanating vitality.
"Only when nourished can one guard the spiritual fields more effectively."
Lu Xuan grinned as he looked at the puppet now crowned with greenery.
"Lu Fellow Daoist, Lu Fellow Daoist, are you there?"
From outside, a somewhat familiar voice reached Lu Xuan's ears. After a brief recollection, he recognized it as a nearby cultivator named Wu, an older man fond of drinks. He had previously visited Lu Xuan's yard inquiring about suitable spirit plants for brewing.
"Wu Friend, I'm here. Is something the matter?"
"Nothing major, just relieved that those lackeys from the enforcement hall have finally left. I thought of finding someone for a drink and immediately thought of you, Lu Friend."
Lu Xuan opened the courtyard door, smiling at Wu, saying, "Alright, let me tidy up a bit, and I'll join you for a drink."
The elderly Wu nodded and departed.
Lu Xuan returned inside, concealing the Thunderfire Bead and Myriad Sword Qi Talismans within his robes in case of unexpected situations. Despite any potential concealment, he was confident with numerous talismans and artifacts in hand.
Thinking twice, he called forth the Cloud-Stepping Lynx.
The lynx cub, expressionless on the surface but internally jubilant, leaped onto Lu Xuan's shoulder, its emerald eyes fixed. Four white clouds clung tightly to Lu Xuan's robe.
Only then did Lu Xuan feel completely at ease. With the lynx's mystical eyes, any sinister intentions that ordinary cultivators might harbor would be difficult to conceal, further ensuring his safety.
With the lynx cub by his side, he activated a formation and made his way toward Wu's residence.
Coincidentally, he had some
matters he wished to discuss and seek advice on from the elder cultivator.
Finding unknown spirit species had become rare at the independent market, and the large stores mostly held varieties of lower-grade spirit plants, often at exorbitant prices, failing to meet Lu Xuan's increasingly discerning standards.
Hence, the idea of exploring the mysterious black market in the city emerged, intending to make some trades.
Given the senior Wu's decent cultivation level and extended time in the city's markets, he likely held valuable knowledge about the black market.
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