Cultivator's Slice of Life: Spiritual Farming System

39 Chapter 39: Tricking Ma Chen for an Alchemy Furnace

We departed from the main building and ascended towards the mountain peak where the Foundation Establishment cultivators resided, including myself. As we approached, I was aware that Tang Yusheng, being a Qi Condensation cultivator of only the first layer, required a special permit to enter this restricted area. It didn't take long for an Elder to intercept us.

The Elder, an old man who appeared more like a living corpse due to his age, greeted me with a nod of respect. "Elder Li," he acknowledged.

"Elder Shun," I replied in kind.

Knowing that Elder Shun would inquire about Tang Yusheng, I swiftly explained, "He is a new disciple, assigned to me by the Patriarch."

With that brief explanation, Elder Shun understood the significance of Tang Yusheng's presence and departed, likely returning to the library to ensure the disciples didn't engage in any foolishness.

We continued our journey towards my immortal cave, which, according to Sun Liang, was considered one of the best in the entire sect, second only to his and the Head Elder's caves.

I couldn't help but wonder why Sun Liang treated me with such favor. Was it solely due to my talent, or did he harbor other motives? Only time would reveal the answers to such questions.

Regardless, as we entered the cave, Tang Yusheng was awe-struck by the grandeur of his new dwelling. My immortal cave was vast, but the most remarkable aspect was the density of Qi permeating the air.

Even Tang Yusheng, who had yet to commence cultivation, could sense that something extraordinary was present within those walls.

"Can I truly live here with you? I don't want to hinder your cultivation," Tang Yusheng expressed his concern. 𝚋𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚘𝚟ｅｌ.ｃ𝚘𝚖

"Don't worry," I reassured him, pointing towards a stone door. "That room is specifically designed for secluded meditation, equipped with a formation that blocks external sounds. I will use that room."

The secluded meditation room was the ideal space for cultivation. Not that the rest of the immortal cave was unsuitable. On the contrary, the Qi density within my cave surpassed that of 99% of the caves in the sect.

However, as one ascended in cultivation, external disturbances could hinder progress. Hence, I chose to utilize the secluded room.

Tang Yusheng's curiosity grew as he noticed a separate room within the cave containing soil, resembling a small garden. "What is this? Will you farm here, just like in Riverside?" he asked.

I smiled, affirming his observation. "Yes, indeed. This is where I will continue my farming. It serves as a reminder of my connection to Riverside. Now, let me examine your cultivation technique and offer guidance."

While I wasn't the most accomplished cultivator, my understanding of absorbing Qi from the atmosphere and channeling it towards the Dantian surpassed that of Tang Yusheng. However, in order to provide him with the necessary guidance, I had to familiarize myself with his cultivation technique and its methods. According to the scroll Sun Liang had given him, practicing the technique while basking in sunlight yielded the best results. This made sense since the technique was specifically tailored for individuals with fire as their primary element.

"You can meditate in the garden area," I informed Tang Yusheng. "There's a formation in the roof that directs sunlight to the plants."

Tang Yusheng attentively absorbed every word I uttered. I found great satisfaction in his attentiveness. Despite being only fifteen years old, he did not exhibit the typical characteristics of most teenagers. Perhaps the hardships he endured in Riverside had forged his determination and resilience to surpass that of the average cultivator.

However, at his current stage, there was only so much I could do for him. He had yet to even reach the first layer of Qi Condensation. It would be impractical to teach him advanced techniques when he was still a novice.

"I will practice diligently and not bring shame to your name," Tang Yusheng declared, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Master, for taking me under your wing. This disciple is truly grateful."

With those heartfelt words, he proceeded to the garden area, laying a mat on the ground and assuming a seated position to commence his meditation. I admired his indomitable spirit.

Satisfied that my disciple was settled, I exited my immortal cave. Two pressing matters demanded my attention: acquiring alchemy tools to practice the peculiar alchemy art I had obtained from Sun Liang's friend long ago, and procuring Spiritual Herbs to cultivate.

I could already envision my system supplying me with an abundance of herbs, enhancing their spiritual level and allowing me to practice alchemy without depleting my resources. Alchemy, at its core, was a lucrative path to follow, but success often required the sacrifice of numerous materials in the process of perfecting pill-making techniques, which could often lead to a bankrupt cultivator.

The trading and exchanging area was the sole source for obtaining the items I needed. Cultivators earned points through completing missions or performing specific tasks for the sect, which could "Get real! He would never be interested in someone as weak as you. Besides, I heard he already has a 12:44

disciple!" retorted another girl.

then be exchanged for various items such as tools, techniques, herbs, and artifacts.

Since I had only recently arrived, I was certain I hadn't accumulated any points. However, being regarded as the golden boy of the sect granted me certain advantages.

As I entered the alchemy room, where Ma Chen oversaw the instruction of his disciples in the art of alchemy, he approached me with a welcoming expression.

"Are you here to begin learning this art? I believe you have potential, although I'm quite sure you lack Fire Qi..."

Fire was considered an advantageous element for alchemy, but that didn't mean it was exclusive to fire-aligned cultivators or that others couldn't excel at it.

My primary element was lightning, one of the most powerful yet challenging elements to master. However, my second Dantian possessed the poisonous element, and I was determined to eventually acquire the fire element as well.

Nonetheless, I hadn't come to the alchemy room to enroll in Ma Chen's classes. In fact, I had a different motive — I was there to acquire the necessary tools for my alchemical practice within my immortal cave.

"Sun Liang mentioned that you could provide me with alchemy tools for practice in my immortal cave," I stated.

Ma Chen appeared somewhat skeptical, likely questioning the validity of Sun Liang's claim. Nevertheless, he complied with my request, possibly due to recalling how Sun Liang had treated me since my arrival in the sect.

"Very well. I will fetch the best equipment we have, although to obtain superior alchemy furnaces, you'll need to exchange points or search for them in the world," Ma Chen replied.

After a brief absence, he returned with an alchemy furnace, arousing envy among the cultivators who had been attending his class.

"Is that the youngest Elder in our sect's history? He's adorable," whispered a girl with a ponytail.

"Get real! He would never be interested in someone as weak as you. Besides, I heard he already has a disciple!" retorted another girl.

"He does? Well, maybe I can become his disciple's girlfriend then," the first girl replied, prompting laughter among them.

All I could think was how poor Tang Yusheng would have to contend with persistent attention from these infatuated girls.

Having secured the alchemy furnace, I sought out Sun Liang. I needed Spiritual Herbs, but lacked the necessary points to acquire them.

"Oh mighty Patriarch, lend me your assistance!" I implored, hoping for his aid.

My master only feeds me bugs...

Look, the priv is pretty cheap this month.

Would you help this starving frog?

BigToad