Early the next morning, Lu Xuan got up feeling refreshed and in a good mood after learning how to refine Spirit Seeds.
After taking a stroll in the Spiritual Field, his mood brightened even more.
In the area where the Blood Jade Ginseng was growing, he found that four of the plants were fully matured. Out of these four, two were of good quality, while the other two were of excellent quality.
Blood Jade Ginseng is a first-grade spiritual plant, and it requires more care and a higher concentration of spiritual energy compared to Spirit Firefly Grass. So, Lu Xuan wasn’t too disappointed that the chances of getting perfect quality were lower.
After harvesting the Blood Jade Ginseng, four small white light orbs appeared where the plants had been.
Lu Xuan picked up the four white orbs one by one.
[Harvested one Blood Jade Ginseng, received one second-grade Blood Essence Pill.] *2
Two thoughts flashed through Lu Xuan's mind.
Soon after, two round pills exuding a rich blood aura appeared in his hands. Adding these to the previous four, he now had a total of six second-grade Blood Essence Pills.
The two excellent quality Blood Jade Ginseng plants also yielded the second-grade secret technique, Blood-Burning Arrow.
[Harvested one Blood Jade Ginseng, received one second-grade secret technique, Blood-Burning Arrow.] *2
With this thought, a lot of information about the Blood-Burning Arrow technique suddenly filled his mind.
The two experience packs upgraded his mastery of the technique from proficient to expert level, as if he had fought hundreds of life-and-death battles using it.
His understanding of the details of the Blood-Burning Arrow was now much deeper, and even though he hadn’t used it formally yet, he felt confident in his ability to wield it smoothly.
Although he had learned how to refine the Blood Jade Ginseng Spirit Seeds, Lu Xuan hadn’t fully digested the information yet. So, he decided to wait and not harvest the last two plants, planning to refine their seeds instead.
He separated the remaining nine tangled Blood Jade Ginseng plants and took another look around the Spiritual Field at the other spiritual plants.
The one hundred and twenty Spirit Firefly Grass plants he had carefully nurtured during this time were thriving, lush and green, with slender leaves that glimmered faintly, full of life.
“Once the first batch of Spirit Firefly Grass matures and I absorb a few light orbs with cultivation rewards, along with my hard work during this time, I should be able to break through to the seventh level of Qi Training soon,” Lu Xuan thought without any embarrassment.
During the days without Spirit Firefly Grass, his cultivation seemed to have stagnated, with no progress at all. He was just a step away from the seventh level of Qi Training but couldn’t find a way to break through that thin barrier.
After checking all the spiritual plants in the field, a squinting boy named Yu Jie came over, bringing Lu Xuan a bottle of warm Blood Python Blood.
Lu Xuan paid Yu Jie ten Spirit Stones and reminded him to be careful. The boy smiled, showing his sharp teeth, and expressed his gratitude.
After the boy left, Lu Xuan went to the area where he was planting Flood Dragon Vine. He opened the bottle, and the mixed red and green Blood Python Blood flowed out, soaking into the vine.
Red and green patterns appeared on the vine, creating a striking contrast against the dark black stems.
The vine twisted and turned, strong and alive, moving slowly like a strange black snake lying in wait in the mist.
After the previous bottle of Blood Python Blood, the Flood Dragon Vine had grown about two inches, with the new growth looking a bit delicate and out of place.
After nourishing the Flood Dragon Vine, Lu Xuan went to the Spiritual Spring Pool, intending to scoop some spring water to water the three second-grade Pure Wondrous Tea plants.
As he approached, he noticed white light orbs floating in the pool with the rippling water.
“Rise…”
He only managed to say the word “rise” when the Cloud Stepping Leopard, playing at the edge of the pool, suddenly pulled out the remaining two Red Whiskered Carps.
“You’re quick to react, can’t wait to eat fish, huh?” Lu Xuan was startled by its actions. A Red Cloud Needle shot out from his sleeve, piercing through the head of one mature Red Whiskered Carp and bringing it to the kitchen.
The other Red Whiskered Carp fell into the Spiritual Spring Pool in a panic, splashing water everywhere, causing the Pure Snow Lotus in the center of the pool to tremble as well.
The white lotus leaves slightly opened, revealing layers of tender white petals inside.
The two long red whiskers of the remaining carp swayed uneasily in the pool, trying to squeeze their plump bodies behind the Pure Snow Lotus.
Lu Xuan scooped out the white light orbs from the water, and they transformed into countless tiny light spots that surged into his body.
[Harvested one Red Whiskered Carp, received one second-grade Spirit Beast Pill.]
Immediately, a thought flashed through his mind, and a gray-black pill appeared in his hand.
[Spirit Beast Pill, a second-grade pill made from various low-grade spiritual herbs favored by most spirit beasts, rich in spiritual energy, can be used to feed spirit beasts and promote their growth.]
“A pill just for spirit beasts? Looks like it’s a treat for you, little guy.”
Lu Xuan glanced at the Cloud Stepping Leopard, which was wagging its short, thick tail as it headed to the kitchen, and sighed.
He stored the Spirit Beast Pill and went to the kitchen to remove the long whiskers and scales from the Red Whiskered Carp, preparing a plate of braised Red Whiskered Carp.
It was still incredibly delicious.
“Last time it was boiled, this time it’s braised. Next time I can try steaming it. Three different cooking methods for three Red Whiskered Carps, all will make for a wonderful meal.”
Lu Xuan thought happily after his feast.
“Come here, I have a little snack for you after the meal.”
He called the Cloud Stepping Leopard over and popped the Spirit Beast Pill into its mouth.
Not long after taking it, the Cloud Stepping Leopard’s aura surged, its size increased, and its fur became shinier and darker, with four pure white clouds beneath its paws.
Lu Xuan tested it out, and the leopard’s speed had noticeably increased, and the claws hidden beneath its thick paws were sharper, easily leaving deep marks on the stone wall.
“Roar~”
Feeling the boost in its strength, the Cloud Stepping Leopard couldn’t contain its joy and let out a roar towards Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan keenly noticed that the leopard’s roar was rougher and hoarser than before, not matching its good looks at all.
“That’s a nice roar, but don’t do it again next time.”
Lu Xuan said helplessly to the Cloud Stepping Leopard.
“Roar~~”
The Cloud Stepping Leopard tried to let out a more refined sound, as if to prove to Lu Xuan that it could roar beautifully.
“Haha!”
Lu Xuan couldn’t help but tug at the gray-white fur on the tip of its ears when he heard its exaggerated roar.
The Cloud Stepping Leopard looked up, its green eyes coldly scanning Lu Xuan’s face, then walked straight to the edge of the Spiritual Spring Pool, staring indifferently at the remaining Red Whiskered Carp in the water.
The gray-white fur on its ears twitched slightly, and Lu Xuan could see its inner excitement without even focusing on it.
(End of Chapter)