It was a bight sunny day over the small island located roughly over a hundred li from the Silver moon Kingdom
Enclosed by a eight feet tall stone wall, a small courtyard spanned roughly six yards long by three wide. Most of it was dark soil, with a narrow path of stone running through the center.
In that dark soil, vegetables and leafy plants thrived, nurtured by the rich soil, warm sunshine and daily water
With a creak, the door of an old mansion at the end of the blue stone path swung open, and a teenager emerged.
Fifteen years old, clad in gray, with smooth silky hair, skin pale as the moon and blood red eyes
This was Xiù Fèng
By the way that was not her real name but the name of the game avatar she reincarnated as in this world
Unlike most reincarnated heroes she had a very limited memories of her past life
Important parts like general science, light novel, anime, informational documentary , cooking and modern world ethics and common sense were retained perfectly
Less important stuff like emotional sentiments ,competitive educational environment experience, parents, unnecessary music lessons and deep philosophy on life were removed from her head
As such she adjusted to this world with little effort and now is the sole cultivator in this small area
"Ummm...they are growing well" Xiù Fèng muttered as she looked around at the field
There were about twenty or thirty plants, each with spaces between them, spreading almost two feet wide, their long creeping stem and thick leaves adorned with faint glow
These were the Blood-Devouring Vine, fourth-grade spirit plants, relatively easy to cultivate. When matured, they served as ingredients for body nourishing Elixir and blood pills widely used in the cultivation world.
"Rise!" at once from the tips of her fingers a jet of blood rose into the air and split into small orbs each about a plant
With a flick the blood rained down on the crops
After irrigating each plant glowed vibrantly ready to be harvested
" I should plant few more batches and sell them, I'll need to save some spirit stones to improve the quality gathering array. Relying solely on the daily treasure will take too long...then there is the matter of repairs"
She glanced at the remains of what was a chamber or tower in the far right of her land
After reincarnation she woke up in this ruins of the invincible iron mountain sect
Despite it's grand sounding name it was actually a small third rate sect , the type of sect that could vanish any time.
This one had long since been abandoned but there were still textbook on their cultivation style and some merger resources
Xiù Fèng is the sect leader of the new iron mountain sect and do far the only member of the revived sect
"I should recruit few disciples but..." Xiù Fèng pouted "I am too weak"
She was a peak stage golden core cultivator currently persuing the secret art of the dao core(as opposed to the nascent soul) to further develop her skills
However in the cultivation worlds golden core were little more than cannon fodder for the main character
The outside world was a dangerous place she could encounter a heavenly demon, run into powerful wandering swordmasters, offended a young master who is the son of some great figure, accident release a sealed immortal and so many other ways to die
'Two more months then I will get the fifth daoist seal in my core ' Xiù Fèng assured herself unhappily 'then I can go get myself a disciple...slow and steady take it slow'
Xiù Feng was a type of girl who would be more than happy to travel the world,find rare treasure, hunt down evil cultivators and monsters
Of course she did that many times in the game but in real life there is no save option (and she was not interested in finding out otherwise)
But now with her daily duty done she checked her inventory one last time before flying up
The wind whipped around her as she sped through the air. Below, the landscape slowly changed from the blue ocean to a long line of green flanked by green brown land
As she floated closer, this green line resolved into a wide river.
The Jade river which true to it's name held a distinct green hue, resembling polished jade as it flowed past the city walls.
The city occupied both banks, connected by several stone bridges. Within the walls, buildings were primarily constructed with grey stone and dark tiled roofs, densely packed in some areas and more spread out in others.
This was Xiú Feng's destination the Jade River City, mostly inhabited by cultivators like herself as such seeing a young girl gracefully land in the centeral market from the sky was no big surprise
In fact there were so many cultivators flying around on their own or via boats that the air way was a bit congested
the central market area, it belonged to the prominent families and powerful fractions, a place Xiu Feng frequently ventured.
Her steps carried her along the wide thoroughfare in the market, a street bustling with the varied figures of cultivators and merchants as she heading towards the alchemist district
Situated prominently on a large corner was the Hundred Herbs Hall. It was a solid, multi-story building constructed from stone that possessed a deep, dark green hue. As she drew closer, she could see that its surface was covered in detailed carvings – intricate patterns of intertwined vines, gem entrusted fruits, vibrantly coloured flowers
Stepping through the side door, the air inside felt warmer and was heavily perfumed with the distinct scent of various herbs. A young man was positioned behind a reception desk. Before she could fully address him, a thin elderly man with sharp eyes emerged from deeper within the hall. He spotted her, and a welcoming expression crossed his face.
"Ah! You've finally come, little Feng. Come! follow me ," the thin elderly man immediately took her arm and pulled her along, his grip surprisingly firm.
He led her through a busy hall where alchemists were discussing herbs and elixirs and into a private chamber. This inner room was opulently decorated with soft animal hides covering the floor and furniture crafted from dark, smooth spiritual wood and there were small incense holders emitting a pleasant herbal scent
A graceful young woman sat on a chair,Her features were delicately sculpted, and a single, silver hairpin was neatly tucked into her dark, smooth hair She held herself with a natural poise, her back straight and her hands resting calmly in her lap
Young lady, this is the girl I had mentioned, with remarkable talent in cultivating spiritual plants, capable of mass-producing good to top-tier quality plants," the decon bowed, displaying great respect for the young woman.
Xiu Feng also bowed respectfully
The young lady glanced at Xiu Feng with her green eyes which were like uncut emerald
"Old Wu, it's rare for you to introduce a plant cultivator to our hall for cooperation,Her skill, I presume, speaks for itself," the lady said, raising her chin slightly." What is your name little girl ?"
"My name is Xiu Feng... young lady "
Old Wu," she turned her head slightly towards the him, "you say she has remarkable talent in cultivating spiritual plants, capable of mass-producing good to top-tier quality plants? With all due respect, that is a bold claim for someone who appears so young and...."
The young lady trailed off trying again to sense Xiu Feng's cultivation but all she got was a blank
. "Young lady, while Xiu Feng is indeed youthful, her skill with the spiritual herbs she has shown me, is truly exceptional. The large quantity and high quality of the herbs are far beyond what one would expect from a cultivator of her.... apparent level."
In reality both old Wu and the young lady were at the foundation establishment level a far lower level compared to Xiu Feng's golden Dao Core
Being in a lower level they were naturally unable to sense the power of someone who was an entire level above them that coupled with Xiu Feng being a fourteen years old girl made them assume that she was weaker then them
"Is this true, Xiu Feng? You claim to cultivate high-quality spiritual plants rapidly ?"
"Yes, young lady. The plants I cultivate mature significantly faster than average and consistently yield high-grade material suitable for top-tier elixirs. My techniques are effective for their rapid growth." Xiu Feng met her gaze steadily.
"Your techniques you say " the young lady echoed, the phrase capturing her interest. "Many cultivators guard such methods fiercely. They are often the result of several generations of research or fortunate inheritances."
"I must refuse what you are going to ask young lady " Xiu Feng cut "My techniques are a family secret and I can not share them"
Very well," she said. "Since your methods are... unique, a different approach is necessary. We require proof of consistent quality and yield over time."
She leaned forward. "I propose a trial period. You will provide us with specific batches of spiritual plants that you grow for rigorous testing." She outlined the terms. "We will evaluate the quality, potency, and consistency of these batches."
"If your claims are true, and your methods are indeed efficient as Elder Wu suggests... It will be a valuable asset to the Hundred Herbs Hall" She paused "That being said I'm hesitant to entrust you with high-tier plants from the hall. So, initially, the hall will provide you with a specific quantity of two or three tire seeds. If you performs well, we'll consider offering you a long-term arrangement for supply, with some special benefits of course," she explained.
"That seems reasonable, it's more than enough for a start," Old Wu nodded respectfully, pondering for a moment.
"The hall currently has a few first-tier plants in short supply mainly the white moon flower and Firefly Grass I took the liberty of arranging the seeds. Young Lady, what do you think?" Wu enquired
"Agreed," the lady nodded in approval.
Seeing her consent, the decon's face lit up with joy and with a bow of thanks he led Xiu Feng out of the chamber
"Old Wu What's is going on? Who was that young lady ?"
"Do you know the master behind the Hundred Herbs Hall? Master Bai Yu of the most renowned alchemists in the city," Old Wu said.
"The one you just met is his granddaughter, Bai Lingyu. Exceptionally talented, she is. Already at the mid-level of Qi cultivation at your age, greatly favored by the Master and authorized to handle most critical affairs within the Hall. Her judgment is sharp, as you likely saw."
"I see," Xiù Feng nodded upon hearing Decon Wu's explanation.
"But what about this test?" she asked.
"You're just a freelance cultivator of average spirit plants. The young miss doesn't fully trust you, so she can only entrust average-quality spirit species for you to cultivate."
"However, I believe in your abilities. You'll soon be no less than those skilled spirit planters in the Hall."
"As for the plants I mentioned earlier, I was afraid you might not be familiar with the young lady's choice of spirit plants and make the wrong choices. So, I took the liberty of deciding for you. I hope you don't mind."
Xiù Feng quickly shook his head, "I'm grateful, why would I mind?"
Having dealt with old Wu on numerous occasions, she could sense the goodwill directed towards her.
"Among the first-grade spirit species, the Firefly grass has the lowest requirements for spiritual fields and qi. Its cultivation conditions are simple," old Wu explained. "they fetch a reasonable price. It's considered the most cost-effective among these spirit plants."
"The only downside is that its cultivation method requires more qi than other plants to make the bulbsm on its stems glow...hence the name firefly grass"Old Wu explained " but that being said for a mid level Qi layering cultivator like you it is only a little extra effort "
Xiù Feng didn't refute the old man's perception of her as an ordinary mid-level Qi cultivator. It was better if she remained low key
"Thank you, Old Wu, I can't thank you enough!" she grinned, flashing a set of white teeth.
Xia Feng departed from the Hundred Herbs Hall in a good mood ,as a sect master (in spirit if not in reality) an long term agreement or trade relations with a influential Alchemist hall was mutually beneficial for both parties
"Speaking of which I have to find a disciple even a mediocre talent will do extra hands are always welco....!"
Xiù Feng frozen her eyes narrowing as she sensed an foreign presence in the island more specifically inside her house
Abandoning her leisurely flight, she cut through the air with urgency, landing swiftly in the small courtyard. Her gaze immediately swept across her carefully tended field of spiritual plants.
And then she saw her.
injured, bloody a woman stumbled as she half raised her sword at Xiu Feng
A wave of pure, unreasoning panic seized Xiù Feng. An intruder, injured but armed and still capable of fighting, in her field – her safe, secret space,
"Huff a child? Wha.." the woman slumped down as a massive pressure crashed on her battered body
The last thing she saw was the Xiu Feng running towards her worried before darkness overtook her