Jiang Hao forced a polite smile. "I'm glad to hear you're concerned, Senior Sister. The mine has been running smoothly," he said, though the truth was quite the opposite. His time at the mine had been fraught with pressure from Yan Hua of the Heavenly Saint Sect. Yet, before him stood Senior Sister Mingyi, another hidden agent of the Heavenly Saint Sect.
"I've heard you not only returned safely but secured great merit," said Fairy Mingyi, her face alight with friendly warmth. She handed a potted plant to Jiang Hao. "Could you take a look at this spirit herb? Lately, it seems to be wilting. I recall purchasing it from your Spirit Herb Garden."
"Is it Sweet Basil?" Jiang Hao asked with surprise as he examined the potted plant. "This herb is usually very resilient. It's unusual for it to wither. Did you do anything specific to it, Senior Sister?"
As he asked, Jiang Hao led the way toward the Spirit Herb Garden's pavilion, collecting a few bubbles along the path.
[Strength +1]
[Endurance +1]
[Ordinary Spirit Sword +1]
Noticing the subtle changes, Jiang Hao arrived at the pavilion, placing the pot to the side. The plant boasted seven petals of purple, known for its fragrant aura that lingered over long distances—not quite a hundred miles but enough to fill a garden with its soothing scent, a mild aid in concentration during cultivation. Despite its benefits, its modest support in cultivation made it affordable.
"Upon reflection, I haven't done anything significant aside from tending to it as usual," Fairy Mingyi mused, unable to deduce the issue after pondering for a while.
"Let me take a closer look," Jiang Hao said, unfazed. Guiding his spiritual energy through the Sweet Basil, he soon detected damage to its roots, likely from an excess of spiritual energy.
"Do you have any Blue Lotus in your garden, Senior Sister?" Jiang Hao asked.
"Indeed, is there a connection?" Fairy Mingyi replied.
"Yes, a little. Avoid placing the Sweet Basil next to the Blue Lotus. One herb disperses energy while the other gathers it, causing an eventual conflict. Over time, one of them will suffer," Jiang Hao explained simply. Having identified the problem, he began addressing the root damage.
"Brother Jiang, it seems you've made quite a few enemies recently," Fairy Mingyi remarked suddenly.
Jiang Hao glanced up briefly before refocusing on the spirit herb. "What makes you say that, Senior Sister?"
"When I first emerged from seclusion, I heard you had trouble with the Heavenly Joy Pavilion due to a traitor. It was quite the incident upon further investigation," Fairy Mingyi noted with a tone that seemed casual yet intentional. "While you seem capable of handling it, I also hear you've tangled with the Heavenly Saint Sect. Are you unaware?"
Perplexed, Jiang Hao realized Mingyi might be probing him. "They suspect Yan Hua associated with the sect. After she vanished, some of her puppets behaved erratically, prompting the Law Enforcement Hall to uncover many leads."
Jiang Hao was genuinely taken aback by the senior sister's words; it was an unforeseen twist. Yan Hua, he thought, might possess something of value. But what could it be?
"Senior Sister, is this all there is to it? I achieved significant merit regarding Xuanyuan Tai of the Profound Heaven Sect. Do you think Senior Brother Barbarian Dragon surrendered his accolades to me out of goodwill?" The realization pieced together by Jiang Hao, chatting with another friend earlier.
Jiang Hao pondered, realizing he might be a mere shield for the deeds of others like Barbarian Dragon, who forewent his merit. Senior disciples often bore ulterior motives, using others to forge their paths. Barbarian Dragon's generosity seemed anything but altruistic.
After sending Fairy Mingyi on her way, Jiang Hao was interrupted by his master's summons, thwarting his intent to appraise her affiliations. With the Heavenly Saint Sect, he knew he could only partially trust Mingyi's words.
"The Sweet Basil will require another treatment tomorrow," Jiang Hao considered, reflecting on the looming competition's rewards. His master indicated an exhibition of prizes for those aspiring to build their foundation, wherein his merits would permit him significant choice, barring a complete defeat. He aimed for a particular seed, which soon awaited his appraisal.
In the evening, Jiang Hao sat within his courtyard, deep in thought. Strength was the surefire means to erase enmity swiftly. Physical might, however, needed channeling through the right avenues.
"I could always return to mining," Jiang Hao sighed wistfully, hefting his hoe.
BANG!
A sudden commotion snapped him from his thoughts. Turning, he saw a white figure colliding heavily with the courtyard wall—it was a rabbit, now lying unconscious on the ground, battered and bruised.
Gazing towards the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, a new silhouette appeared. Clad in red, her expression composed and unwavering.
"You truly have a passion for mining, don't you?" Hong Yuye remarked, her attention drawn especially to the hoe in Jiang Hao's grasp.
"Apologies for disgracing myself before you, Elder," Jiang Hao said respectfully, stowing the hoe, "Just reminiscing about the hardships of mining."
"You're quite adept at falsehoods," Hong Yuye responded, before kneeling to examine the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, which had now sprouted three tender leaves.
"This flower grows swiftly," she noted.
Jiang Hao wavered, gaze lowered. Perhaps he should attempt appraisal after all.