Chapter 101: One Year Later (Seeking Monthly Votes)
Chapter 101: One Year Later (Seeking Monthly Votes)
The next day.
Emerald Cliff.
Fang Xi rubbed his waist, let out a sigh, and continued to bend down to replant the 'Blood Spirit Rice'.
This time, besides the Blood Spirit Rice, he also selected a plot of land with the most abundant spiritual energy and planted an acre of 'Clear Lotus Spirit Rice'!
This type of spirit rice needs to be planted in watery fields, taking the form of lotus flowers. When it's time to harvest, one can peel open the lotus flowers and leaves to find lotus pods full of spirit rice.
Moreover, when eaten, it has the fresh fragrance of lotus flowers and an excellent texture.
This was spirit rice meant for cultivators!
Fang Xi planted it, intending to eat it himself.
After tending to that acre of land, he flew into the air, pulled out his restriction token, and cast a spell.
Whoosh!
An invisible ripple spread outwards, and a large amount of white mist gathered, transforming into rain clouds, sprinkling threads of spiritual water.
With the grand formation now in place, farming became much more convenient.
...
Fang Xi was busy for several days straight before he finally finished replanting the spirit rice.
Before he could even rest and catch his breath, he noticed a sound transmission talisman flying towards him.
After receiving it, he opened the formation, only to see Ruan Xing Ling flying in, treading on a flower basket, a smile gracing her lips.
"Greetings, Island Master."
"I looked for you several times before, but you were nowhere to be found. . . I even thought something had happened to you, Fellow Daoist. " Ruan Xing Ling scrutinized Fang Xi, noticing that his cultivation was still at the fifth level of Qi Refinement, and her brows subtly furrowed.
"I was in secluded cultivation, practicing a spell, and was unable to go out. Does the Island Master have something important?"
Fang Xi casually offered an excuse.
"Nothing major, but we did discover a few immortal seedlings at the 'Spirit Testing Assembly', and I wanted to invite Fellow Daoist to observe. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling seemed to sigh, "This Myriad Islands Lake is hardly peaceful these days. First, there was a madman outside Treasure Ship Market who consecutively killed five late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, causing power shifts and unrest within the market. . . Half a month ago, my great-grandfather and the Mo family ancestor were even ambushed by unknown cultivators while out, sustaining severe injuries!"
"What?"
Fang Xi's expression changed drastically. "So many major events have happened? Could that madman outside Treasure Ship Market be a Foundation Establishment cultivator? And as for the Feng family ancestor and the Mo family ancestor, are they alright?"
"It's not very optimistic, but thankfully their lives were saved. They say the assailant was a silver-armored giant wielding a black sword. . . their attacks were incredibly sharp. Even with a high-grade defensive artifact, the Mo family ancestor had a large portion of his body shattered by a single sword strike. If not for timely rescue, they might have. . . " Ruan Xing Ling's expression became extremely solemn. "This person has never appeared in the Myriad Islands Lake cultivation world before, and their origins are unknown."
"Could it be. . . an outside helper invited by the Golden Tooth Old Freak?"
Fang Xi pondered for a moment, then spoke his conjecture with a straight face.
"Impossible. . . " Ruan Xing Ling said, "The Golden Tooth Old Freak's Golden Flame Island was also attacked by this silver-armored figure, and many disciples died. The Golden Tooth Old Freak personally intervened but still couldn't defeat this person, and even suffered some qi depletion. . . If he hadn't retreated into the formation in time, he might have been severely injured as well. . ."
Regardless of who the mastermind was before, Fang Xi had struck at everyone he suspected, and the Golden Tooth Old Freak was naturally no exception.
"Hiss. . ."
At this moment, he cooperatively drew in a sharp breath. "Such fierce power, is it not another Perfected Qi Refinement cultivator?"
"Indeed, this person is unpredictable; you must be careful. Do not leave the island recently."
Ruan Xing Ling cautioned him, then looked at the spirit field where the Clear Lotus Spirit Rice was planted. "This is. . . Clear Lotus Spirit Rice?"
"Yes, the spiritual land's fertility has recovered recently, and with the help of the formation, I can now plant some good rice."
Fang Xi crouched on the field ridge, his eyes filled with anticipation for a bountiful harvest.
"This rice is good. When you harvest the spirit rice, be sure to send me some. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling said, a faint, unreadable smile on her face, then sighed softly, "Alas. . . This Island Master has been busy recently, and I still have to help stabilize the situation for the Feng family and the Mo family. . . I'm afraid I'll be occupied for some time."
Although Feng Bai Meng and the Mo family ancestor didn't die, they suffered a great loss of vitality.
Given their age, even if their injuries recover, they are nearing the end of their lifespans. . .
Therefore, all schemes and plots had to be put aside.
This made Ruan Xing Ling feel that the island's affairs had become much more relaxed recently. Feng Man Lou and Mo Qing Yu also stopped causing trouble, appearing quite subdued. . . as if walking with their tails between their legs.
This was also Fang Xi's objective.
After this incident, apart from late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, hardly anyone dared to leave the protective island formation's range.
This island region would thus become peaceful recently, perfectly suited for planting trees.
Of course, to be safe.
It would be best to wait another year, until the storm passed. . .
...
Spring passed and autumn came.
Another year went by.
Fang Xi calculated with his fingers; he was now twenty-three years old, and his cultivation remained hovering at the fifth level of Qi Refinement.
Splash!
Inside the courtyard, by the edge of the pond, the Big Green Fish looked plump and robust, having grown considerably since before.
Fang Xi casually conjured a spiritual power shield, blocking the pond water, while muttering to himself, "This fish. . . no matter how I raise it, it won't advance. Should I just stew it?"
Splish-splash!
The next moment, the Big Green Fish, frightened, hid in the mud at the bottom of the pond, trembling faintly. . .
'Little rascal. . . '
Seeing this, Fang Xi chuckled inwardly, rose, and went to the spirit fields to begin harvesting the spirit rice.
This time, the twelve acres of Blood Spirit Rice, having been planted a bit late, yielded only about two hundred catties per acre.
After several days of continuous work, he finally stacked all of the more than two thousand seven hundred catties of spirit rice into the warehouse.
"So much spirit rice, even the Taisui can't finish it all. . . I can try brewing wine now. The 'Divine Wine Compendium' has a first-order wine recipe that can strengthen blood and qi, perfect for Blood Spirit Rice. . ."
Fang Xi made his mental calculations, then immediately went to the edge of the best watery field.
Upon the shallow water surface, there were conspicuously individual lotus leaf bundles.
He picked one up, peeled back the lotus leaves, and saw a lotus pod filled with spirit rice within.
A fresh lotus fragrance immediately wafted forth.
Fang Xi carefully peeled it open and saw that each grain of Clear Lotus Spirit Rice was the size of a longan fruit, resembling a lotus seed, entirely white, with only its tip bearing a faint lotus hue. At a glance, they looked like tiny longevity peaches, making for a very pleasing appearance.
"Island Master Ruan had long been coveting this spirit rice; it's time to send some to her!"
The Clear Lotus Spirit Rice had an even lower yield per acre, only about one hundred catties.
Fang Xi packed thirty catties of spirit rice. After thinking for a moment, he packed another ten catties. He then boarded his Black Feather Boat and traveled to Mirror Moon Lake, to the 'Mirror Moon Villa' where the Ruan family resided.
"Fellow Daoist Fang, you've arrived!"
Feng Man Lou had just stepped out. Upon seeing Fang Xi, he bowed. "Have you come to see the Island Master? The Island Master happens to be free; I will inform her for you!"
"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist."
Sensing a trace of goodwill from Feng Man Lou, Fang Xi cupped his hands and expressed his gratitude.
Indeed, ever since Feng Bai Meng was severely injured, Feng Man Lou seemed to have given up certain ambitions. He had already begun to take a wife and have children, striving to integrate into Peach Blossom Island.
His relationship with Fang Xi had naturally shifted from hostility to friendliness.
As for Mo Qing Yu, he still seemed to harbor ill intentions, but without the Mo family's support, he couldn't stir up any trouble.
Fang Xi simply let Ruan Xing Ling deal with her own headaches regarding him.
A moment later, Feng Man Lou emerged. "The Island Master requests your presence!"
Fang Xi nodded, entered the main hall, and saw Ruan Xing Ling.
Compared to before, the woman now carried a heavier aura of authority. The image of the gentle, generous, and radiant woman that Fang Xi remembered was gradually fading. . .
". . . With this spirit rice harvest, I thought of bringing some to the Island Master."
Fang Xi chattered on, speaking of nothing more than trivial matters like farming and raising fish, then presented the Clear Lotus Spirit Rice.
"I merely mentioned it in passing, but you have a good heart."
Ruan Xing Ling gazed at the lotus leaves wrapping the spirit rice, then suddenly asked, "Since Fellow Daoist is so dedicated to farming, why not find a Daoist companion? It would be good to have someone to help, wouldn't it? If Fellow Daoist is willing, this Island Master is prepared to act as a matchmaker for you. . ."
"Well. . . actually, besides farming, I still have some aspirations for my cultivation path. Since this body is already dedicated to the immortal Dao, it's difficult to pledge it to another. I ask the Island Master not to trouble herself further."
Fang Xi raised an eyebrow and refused, "Actually. . . after I return, I intend to enter prolonged secluded bitter cultivation. In the future, I'm afraid I will have fewer opportunities to visit the Island Master. . ."
"I didn't expect you to be a bitter cultivator."
Ruan Xing Ling's expression remained gentle. "Very well. . . you may go!"
"I take my leave!"
Fang Xi bowed and exited the main hall.
Behind him, a faint sigh seemed to drift, but the pleasing sound of bells did not accompany it. . .
...
After leaving Mirror Moon Lake, Fang Xi pondered for a moment. Instead of heading directly back to Emerald Cliff, he took a detour to Twin Peaks.
On East Peak, Mu Wen had become the head of the Mu family, establishing a grand residence. Outside the mansion, he had even reclaimed numerous spirit fields. It seemed their days were quite prosperous.
Aside from lacking a mountain-guarding formation, it could be considered the embryonic form of a small clan.
Looking at the diligent old farmers working in the spirit fields, Fang Xi nodded, then shook his head. He didn't land his flying boat but departed directly, heading towards Twin West Peak.
Upon West Peak.
Flowers bloomed everywhere. In a valley, a spiritual spring flowed.
By the spiritual spring, a small dwelling had been built, encircled by a bamboo fence.
Inside the fence, there were also more than a dozen beehives, with pure white jade bees flying in and out.
Hua Chan Juan looked slightly more gaunt than before. With a baby girl strapped to her back, she was tending to the beehives.
Upon seeing the escaping light, she was startled at first. Then, realizing it was Fang Xi, her expression softened. "So it's Fellow Daoist Fang. What brings you here this time?"
"Fellow Daoist Hua!"
Fang Xi presented ten catties of spirit rice, then stated, "I will also be entering prolonged secluded bitter cultivation after I return, hoping to strive and break through to the late-stage Qi Refinement before I turn forty. . . Although the path is dim, I must at least try my best. Therefore, I won't be able to visit often in the future. Please forgive any discourtesy!"
"Cultivating behind closed doors, very good, this is very good!"
Upon hearing this, Hua Chan Juan actually broke into a smile. "To tell you the truth, I want my Yi Xi to always stay by my side. It's best if she doesn't even descend West Peak; outside, there are nothing but bad people!"
'Has something gone wrong with this female cultivator's mind? '
Fang Xi, witnessing this scene, secretly grumbled to himself.
"Oh, I haven't even invited Fellow Daoist inside to taste a bowl of spirit honey water!"
Hua Chan Juan seemed to have just realized this. "Even the Island Master praises my 'Jade Bee Spirit Honey' after tasting it. . ."
"No need."
Fang Xi waved his hand, hopped onto his flying boat, and departed.
Returning to Emerald Cliff, he took a deep breath, feeling a slight thrill.
Everything was ready; it was time to start planting the tree!
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