"Now that's over with, we should go restock on ingredients for your potions." Feng Wu said as we left the noodle shop.

 

When the two hooded individuals trying to poach Tianyi left, we got to enjoy our meal. I could get used to eating like this. Although the entertainment was short-lived, I'm pretty sure an argument between two other cultivators was brewing by the time we exited, so the patrons would have another show to watch.

 

"That would be a good idea. I know this might sound shameful, but do you mind if I borrow some money to purchase them? I'll pay you back as soon as I'm able."

 

The second-class disciple gently shook his head. "You won't have to pay for a single thing. The Verdant Lotus sect will reimburse you for all the damages."

 

"Ah, are you really sure about this? Although they're not from premium ingredients, it was a sizeable sum. I'd feel bad if you guys paid for it all."

 

"Nonsense. You are our guest. I failed to protect you during our journey, and a critical component to our victory against the Wind Serpents."

 

I squirmed uncomfortably. It was my decision to do all that. It would've been nice if they paid for it partially, but the entire stock of ingredients? That was way too generous. Tianyi's wing grazed my cheek as she turned to see everything in our surroundings.

 

"Bu-"

 

"If we allowed you to pay, the sect would lose face." Feng Wu said, emphasizing the last word. Although his face looked perfectly inviting, he wasn't budging on this topic.

 

What a pain. In the best way possible. I sighed and relented.

 

"I know you have a sizable amount of money on you, but I don't want to run us broke from the amount I'm going to buy."

 

"Don't worry, our supplier bills the sect directly. There is no worry in that regard."

 

"Who is this supplier? I hate to be picky, but I do hold my ingredients to a certain quality!" I said with conviction. It was true. Regardless of me or the sect paying, I would've searched for good-quality ingredients. After several dozen uses of my essence extraction skill, I knew that fresher ingredients had more potent turnouts. "I can't in good conscience create mediocre potions."

 

Feng Wu patted me on the back. "I believe you'll be satisfied with the quality. Our supplier is the best in the province."

 

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" I said with a grin.

 

---

 

Tranquil Breeze Farm was located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The horizon was covered in regular crops. I grew most of these at home, but not even close to the scale at which they did it. The beaten path that led to further towards the farm gave me a proper view of the quality of their crops. It was high-quality. Better than the ones I grew. Even without touching them, it was clear that they were healthy and thriving.

 

It shouldn't have been a surprise, but I was far and away the best gardener in my village. I had my pride too, you know.

 

The environment was rich with qi. I could feel it. My steps felt lighter. My back straightened. Even Tianyi seemed to go still, pulling energy towards herself and glowing slightly. Our connection twinged, as she expressed feelings of satisfaction.

 

The main entrance is a grand, intricately carved wooden gate. A wide, square stone was situated right across the gate. It looked like it was missing something. Almost like a pedestal without a statue.

 

"Well, this is it. You'll see a few of our disciples working here as part of our agreement with Tranquil Breeze Farm." Feng Wu said, stopping at the large wooden gate.

 

"Have you worked here?"

 

"Not me, specifically. Many of our third-class disciples are assigned to Tranquil Breeze Farm as a way of learning more about cultivating plants, and to act as guards."

 

"Ah! I see," I nodded sagely. "This is a training opportunity for them, being low-risk and to establish a rapport with the supplier. Am I correct?"

 

The disciple flashed me a small smile. "Correct. Occasionally, our second-class disciples who joined the alchemy division would serve here for an extended period of time. There is much to learn from one of the largest farms in the province."

 

I looked around, curious. Nobody was tending to the fields. For a place of this size, I wouldn't be surprised if it took two dozen cultivators to maintain the crops here. But it was strangely empty. The farm was sprawling and full of life, with the crops looking lush and verdant. Yet, there wasn't a single cultivator in sight tending to the fields. No water channels, no sprinklers, and nothing to suggest how these plants were being hydrated. For a farm that produced such a massive yield, this was unusual.

 

Perhaps there was some sort of sorcery at work here?

 

"...Feng Wu, where is everybody?"

 

"Ah, you'll see. Most of the workers stay within the gates. We need to wait to be let in. They'll be here shortly."

 

"Who's they?"

 

Just as I said that, a rustle came from the grass. I stepped back and faced the source of the noise, but Feng Wu didn't seem to react. Perhaps it was the owner of the farm? He was likely-

 

WOOF!

 

A beast unlike any other I'd seen.

 

The creature was petite, but its presence was undeniable. It stood low to the ground with sturdy, muscular legs that belied its small stature. The most striking feature, however, was its face – it was unlike any I had ever seen. It was like Elder Wen's dog. Instead of the familiar elongated muzzles of the village canine, this creature had a broad, almost flattened snout. Its nostrils flared with each breath, and I could hear a soft wheezing, a testament to the uniqueness of its facial structure.

 

Its eyes, large and round, were pools of curiosity. Framed by dark black fur, they seemed even more prominent on its face. Those eyes held a hint of mischief, but also a profound depth, as if they had witnessed stories from faraway lands.

 

The creature's coat was a marvel in itself. Like the hides of the cows that grazed in the Qingmu fields, its fur was a patchwork of black and white.

 

As it trotted around, the sunlight caught the creature's coat, revealing a soft sheen on its short, smooth fur. The dark fur around its eyes extended to its ears, which stood erect, always alert to the myriad sounds of the village.

 

Feng Wu clasped his hands together and bowed. "With your permission, Venerable Guardian, I wish to tread upon these grounds."

 

This was the guardian of the farm?

 

I glanced over at Feng Wu, just to make sure he wasn't pulling my leg. But he wasn't; he dipped his head and kept a serene expression. I decided to follow suit behind him, clasping my hands together and bowing.

 

A few moments of silence passed before I felt something pressing on my leg. I opened my eyes to see the 'guardian' sniffing my leg rigorously. It turned to look at me with its large, bulbous eyes, before letting out a small bark.

 

The massive wooden gate began to open. I watched as the rest of the farm was revealed before me.

 

"Many thanks, Venerable Guardian."

 

"T-thank you!"

 

The guardian seemed content to sit on the pedestal at the front of the gate, staring at us as we went inside. As the gate slowly shut itself, I noticed nobody in the vicinity opening the gate. A few people milled about, but clearly uninvolved in the process of letting us in.

 

"Feng Wu, was that really the guardian of this place? How'd he manage to open the gate by himself?"

 

The animal wasn't quite what I expected for a gate guardian. It looked like a normal dog, albeit with a unique face and color. Perhaps it was a light-hearted joke?

 

The man didn't even look at me while he replied, glancing as though he was searching for someone.

 

"You'd do well not to judge a book by its cover, Kai." Feng Wu said, walking slightly ahead of me. "Ma Xi has been the guardian of this farm for over a century. One of the oldest spirit beasts in the province. Even the elders of established sects would have to tread carefully here. None are allowed entry without his approval."

 

I balked. Spirit beasts came in all shapes and sizes, so I should've expected that. I need to broaden my horizon! After all, who would expect Tianyi, a fragile and delicate butterfly, to be capable of gouging out a Wind Serpent's eye?

 

I could imagine it already. Ma Xi, the unassuming gate guardian is underestimated by a couple of thieves. They attack him only to be met with spells, magic, and that laborious breathing. It was certainly enough to drive away skittish animals.

 

"Then was him smelling me his way of checking if I'm worthy?"

 

"I don't think so. He likely found your scent interesting. He's never had to do that with me or other disciples."

 

I placed my forearm to my nose, taking a deep breath. I didn't smell anything particular.

 

"I don't smell bad, do I?"

 

Feng Wu's silence was deafening.

 

Before I could repeat the question, a man walked towards us, stopping the two of us in our tracks.

 

"Ah, Master Lian!" Feng Wu greeted us warmly, bowing respectfully to the man approaching us. This man was tall and lithe, his movements graceful and calculated, reminiscent of a cat prowling in the night. His skin was sun-kissed, his hands rugged from work – a stark contrast to his polished green robes that flapped gently around his ankles.

 

"Greetings, disciple Feng Wu," the man said, his voice smooth and deep. His eyes, a rich shade of hazel, bore into mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "And who might this be?"

 

"This is Kai," Feng Wu introduced, placing a hand on my shoulder. "A gifted herbalist. He will be our sponsored participant in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet. We need to restock on several ingredients for his potions."

 

Master Lian's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Ah, a herbalist! Welcome to Tranquil Breeze Farm. How can I be of service?"

 

I cleared my throat, trying to hide my nervousness under his intense gaze. "Thank you, Master Lian. I am in need of Morning Dew grass, ginger, and goji extract. And if possible, I'd like to see where these ingredients are cultivated."

 

Master Lian chuckled, the sound echoing like a soft chime in the air. "Of course! Right this way."

 

He led us past various patches, each brimming with unique flora, the air around them humming with the rich concentration of qi. But what truly captivated my attention were the specialized greenhouses dotted across the farm. These weren't your ordinary glasshouses. Made from a crystalline material, they refracted sunlight in such a manner that it painted rainbows across the ground, creating an ethereal ambiance.

 

"Ah, here we are," Master Lian gestured towards a vast field, golden grass glistening under the sunlight. "Morning Dew grass. As for the ginger and goji extract, they're stored in our main storehouse. We’ve just had a fresh batch extracted a week ago."

 

"That's fantastic!" I exclaimed, rushing over to touch the grass, feeling the coolness on my fingers. The potency of this grass was unparalleled. It made mine look subpar. Was it because of how rich the qi was in this area? Or something else?

 

I'd need to learn all I could and apply it to my garden at home!

 

Our tour led us to a massive wooden building, intricately carved, not unlike the main entrance. The storehouse was divided into several sections, each dedicated to various ingredients. The ginger was fresh, its spicy aroma tingling my nose, while the goji extract was stored in neatly labeled amber vials.

 

We were almost done gathering the ingredients when I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer.

 

"Master Lian," I began, trying to choose my words carefully, "earlier, when I arrived, I noticed the vast fields outside the main entrance. They seemed to be flourishing, yet I saw no water channels, sprinklers, or any form of irrigation. How do you tend to those crops?"

 

Master Lian's eyes sparkled with pride, "Ah, you have a keen eye, young herbalist. Follow me."

 

He led us to a patch of land just a little distance away from the storehouse. From afar, it looked like any other field, but as we approached, I noticed small mounds of earth between the plants.

 

Master Lian knelt down and began to brush away the dirt from one of the mounds, revealing a buried clay pot. "This," he began, with a hint of pride, "is an ancient form of irrigation we use called the clay pot irrigation system."

 

I leaned in, intrigued. The pot seemed to be quite rudimentary – nothing more than a simple, unglazed clay pot with a lid. Yet, I could feel the moist soil surrounding it.

 

Master Lian continued, "Water is poured into these buried pots, and since they're unglazed, the water seeps out gradually, providing consistent moisture directly to the roots of the plants. The soil draws out the water from the pot as needed, ensuring the plants get just the right amount."

 

I was astounded. "So, you're saying the crops take only the water they need, minimizing wastage?"

 

"Precisely," Master Lian nodded. "The pots need to be refilled every few days, depending on the crop and the climate. But compared to traditional methods, this technique saves an immense amount of water and ensures the plants are neither overwatered nor underwatered. The lid on top prevents evaporation and any unwanted critters from drinking from it."

 

I whistled in admiration. "It's simple yet incredibly effective. I've never seen such a method in action before. It's ingenious!"

 

Master Lian smiled, "This method has been passed down through generations. It's a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors and their understanding of nature. We've continued the practice, merging old wisdom with new techniques, ensuring that our crops get the best care possible."

 

I spent some time talking with Master Lian. He was forthcoming with the information, quite unlike what I expected. I suppose this information was readily available and not unique to Tranquil Breeze Farm. If I used this in my garden, I could expand it tenfold without having to hire someone to help me water the plants! It was nice talking with someone about the cultivation of plants. Feng Wu was knowledgeable, but it was clear his focus was on martial arts.

 

Tianyi wandered around, flattering between the plants in the storehouse and outside. I could only imagine how she felt. This was likely a paradise for her. I even got to talk about her with Master Lian, who took note of her qi-gathering abilities and gave her a coneflower to procure nectar from, free of charge.

 

Mid-conversation, I received a message from the Heavenly Interface.

 

 

It seems expanding my knowledge in all aspects of growing and cultivating plants raises my level for the newly evolved skills. Still, it was hard to believe that just one conversation was enough to tilt the scales. This trip would be an immense boon to all my skills. Soon, I'll be able to create powerful pills at home! And then, I'll be able to rule the heavens! Haha! Muahaha! HAHAHA-

 

"Will this be all for today?" Master Lian asked. I snapped out of my stupor and nodded, as Feng Wu came over to discuss how he'll pay.

 

After finalizing the details, workers came over and packed it up. Feng Wu explained it would be delivered to the sect.

 

The midday sun hung high, its rays spreading warmth over Tranquil Breeze Farm. We left the storehouse, stepping back into the picturesque scene that had welcomed us. I took a moment, inhaling deeply and feeling the vibrancy that surrounded us, a blend of nature and craftsmanship, old wisdom and new advancements. It felt as though the farm was a living, breathing entity, a place where time melded seamlessly with the essence of the earth.

 

Walking beside Feng Wu, my mind swirled with newfound knowledge and possibilities. The secrets I'd uncovered here had the potential to revolutionize my approach to herbalism and cultivation. The passion that ignited within me felt like a rekindling of a flame that had always been there, now fanned into a vibrant blaze that consumed my every thought.

 

"Today has been quite enlightening," I said, finally breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us. Feng Wu glanced at me, his eyes twinkling with a knowing smile.

 

"I knew you would appreciate this place, Kai," he responded. His words carried a weight of understanding, a testament to the depths of the friendship that was forming between us. Or had it formed, already? I mean we have gone through a battle together. It's safe to say we're comrade-in-arms!

 

We reached the entrance where our faithful, unassuming guardian Ma Xi awaited, his wise eyes seemingly knowing of all that transpired. Before we stepped out, I turned once more to behold the farm – a vibrant representation of what was possible when nature and nurture worked hand in hand. It felt like a sanctuary, a hidden paradise amidst a world teeming with chaos and battles.

 

I was jealous. Ma Xi seemed to have the best life, roaming the fields and enjoying fresh fruit whenever he pleased. If I had a chance to be reincarnated, I'd hope it was in a similar position to the gate guardian.

 

A gentle breeze swept through, carrying with it the sweet fragrances of blossoms and earth, whispering secrets and tales of the land. I felt a deep connection, an intertwining of my essence with the very heartbeat of the farm. It was a profound moment of symbiosis, a reminder that in this world of magic and might, the subtleties of nature held power unmatched, wisdom unspoken.