Cultivating Immortality Starts with Planting Techniques

The Blood Grain Rice field that Li Ye had first tended was now in the best condition of all, and it became the first to return spiritual essence to him. 

By now, his techniques had improved significantly compared to when he first stepped into the fields. He could grasp every detail of the rice plants' condition with ease. 

So once the first feedback appeared, it didn't take more than a day or two for the rest of the seedlings to provide their spiritual returns no longer in the scattered, irregular way of before. 

"The other spirit fields still need adjustments. The Sunfire Flowers grow more slowly, so I can't count on them anytime soon…" 

Flying across the sect's mountain peaks on his spirit boat, a smile spread across Li Ye's face. 

"But these hundred strands of Blood Grain Rice Essence are more than enough to begin my body refinement!" 

He descended and landed in front of a courtyard on one of the peaks, gently tapping the restriction seal on the door. 

Before long, Old Luo stepped out, beaming with delight. 

"Senior Brother Luo, I've come to bother you again," 

Li Ye said with a smile. 

"What are you saying? It's always a pleasure to have you visit! Come, come in quickly!" 

Waving his hand cheerfully, Old Luo warmly ushered Li Ye inside, even showing a bit of extra enthusiasm. 

His change in attitude was quite noticeable. 

Li Ye saw it clearly and knew it was the ripple effect of becoming a spirit farmer under one of the elders. 

Once inside, the two took their seats. Old Luo poured tea and sighed, 

"Junior Brother, you're truly something. That whole situation with Xiong Yinxiu what a mess and yet you handled it so cleanly and decisively…" 

"Ah! I haven't even congratulated you yet for winning the position to serve in the elder's spirit fields!" 

"Hahaha, thank you, Senior Brother!" 

Li Ye laughed and replied, 

"It was nothing more than a bit of luck not worthy of such high praise…" 

"And to have gotten such an opportunity it's all thanks to your recommendation. I won't forget that." 

Hearing this, Old Luo's smile deepened so much that his wrinkles almost folded into a chrysanthemum blossom. 

"You're too kind, Junior Brother…" 

Having received this acknowledgment, Old Luo was visibly at ease, and tactfully asked, 

"So, what brings you here today?" 

He knew Li Ye's temperament well. 

Now that he'd become an official spirit farmer under an elder, with ample spiritual energy and choice of land to manage, there was no way he'd drop by without a purpose. 

"There is indeed something I wish to ask for your guidance on," 

Li Ye said earnestly, no longer beating around the bush. 

"Earlier, I suffered some internal injuries and lost a lot of vitality. I'd like to take some time to cultivate a body refinement technique… You've been a steward for many years and know the sect's affairs inside and out. Would you happen to have any recommendations?" 

"Body refinement, hmm?" 

Old Luo's eyes flickered slightly, and he couldn't help but think of Elder Ji Qing. 

That elder was renowned for his mastery of yang-attribute techniques and body cultivation! 

And now Li Ye, freshly appointed to manage his spirit fields, was already planning to practice body refinement… 

Could it be that he's trying to catch the elder's attention and become his disciple? 

If so… that's quite the smart move making good use of his proximity to gain favor. 

Although body refinement requires a great deal of resources, once mastered, the returns would be tremendous! 

Having already received Li Ye's promise, Old Luo subconsciously tied his interests to Li Ye's future achievements. The more successful Li Ye became, the greater the benefits he would receive in return. 

This is a favor I absolutely must help with! 

With that thought, Old Luo's expression turned serious. 

"This is an important matter. Since you've placed your trust in me, though I don't know much about body cultivation myself, I do happen to have a friend working in the Scripture Pavilion. Why don't we head over there and have a look?" 

Why does this old man look like he's imagining some elaborate scheme again? 

Li Ye found his sudden seriousness a bit odd, but still readily agreed. 

"Then I'll trouble Senior Brother with this!" 

The two of them set out at once, making their way toward the Scripture Pavilion. 

It was an ordinary solitary peak, with a pagoda-like building atop it. 

After landing, Li Ye and Old Luo entered upon verification and found a weary-looking middle-aged man behind the counter, engrossed in a book. 

Sensing someone's arrival, the man lazily lifted his eyelids. When he saw Old Luo, he showed a hint of surprise. 

"Senior Brother Luo, what brings you here? Haven't you already read every single care manual in this pavilion? No matter how many times you go through them, there's nothing new!" 

"At your age, it's only natural that your strength isn't what it used to be. Why not focus on rest and inner cultivation? Even if your cultivation doesn't advance further, you should avoid exhausting your life force!" 

He spoke with a trace of genuine concern. 

Still working so hard at your age? Truly a youthful heart in an old body! 

Li Ye instinctively cast a look of admiration toward Old Luo. 

Old Luo's face immediately darkened. 

"Niu Ba, stop spouting nonsense!" 

"I didn't" 

The disheveled man wanted to protest, but Old Luo quickly rushed over and covered his mouth, giving him a meaningful look. 

Only when the man nodded did Old Luo let go. 

"Ahem… Junior Brother Niu likes to joke around. Don't take it to heart," 

Old Luo explained to Li Ye, before putting on a more formal tone, 

"Junior Brother Niu, this is Junior Brother Li. He's looking for a suitable body refinement technique. I hope you can recommend something for him." 

"Many thanks, Senior Brother Niu," 

Li Ye stepped forward just in time, expressing his gratitude while discreetly slipping a few spirit crystals into the man's hand. 

Hearing Old Luo's tone and feeling the weight of the crystals, Niu Ba immediately understood and smiled. 

"It's a small matter! And for Senior Brother Luo to come here in person Junior Brother, you're too polite…" 

"But you came to the right person. Among those stationed here, when it comes to understanding these lower-tier scriptures, no one knows more than me, Old Niu!" 

He puffed out his chest slightly with pride and began listing: 

"The first floor is just mundane books. Starting from the second floor, you'll find true cultivation manuals. The body refinement techniques are located there five in total." 

"Of those, three are incomplete and not fit for actual cultivation. The only two that can be practiced to completion are the Iron Body Technique and Elephant Armor Force." 

Seeing Li Ye's interest piqued, Niu Ba asked, 

"What type of spiritual root do you possess?" 

This wasn't a secret, so Li Ye answered directly, 

"Wood-type spiritual root." 

"In that case... I'd recommend the Elephant Armor Force!" 

Niu Ba's eyes sparkled slightly. 

"It doesn't favor any particular attribute and focuses solely on raw strength and physique. Once mastered, you'll possess the strength of an elephant, with skin as tough as armor practically a walking beast!" 

"On the other hand, the Iron Body Technique requires iron sand tempering and absorbing metal energy. Though just as fierce, it clashes with your wood-type root." 

"Moreover, it's said that Elephant Armor Force is a simplified derivative of the renowned Ten Thousand Beasts Physique. If you achieve results in body refinement and reach the Foundation Establishment stage in the future, you can smoothly transition to a higher-level technique without any conflicts." 

He explained the pros and cons in clear detail, showing thorough consideration. 

This perfectly highlighted the advantage of Li Ye seeking out Old Luo. 

Without this personal connection, even offering spirit crystals might not have earned him such a patient and detailed explanation. 

"Senior Brother flatters me. Foundation Establishment is far too distant for someone like me. I wouldn't dare hope for such good fortune…" 

Li Ye smiled awkwardly and shook his head. 

"But your analysis is very fair. I'll go with the Elephant Armor Force, then!" 

Niu Ba's face lit up with a smile. 

"The full manual requires 200 sect contribution points or 50 spirit stones. You'll also need to swear an oath not to spread it beyond the sect… How would you like to pay?" 

"Uh…" 

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