Chapter 1: Fang Yuan

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Clear Spirit Mountain.

These mountains went on for hundreds of kilometers, with its depths unknown, and its lands fertile. They were the lifeline of a mountain people.

At this moment, two figures were walking deeper into the mountains together. Regardless whether it was jagged rocks or thick foliage, they walked on with ease as though they were passing through an empty plain.

Before long, a valley appeared before them. The breath of the earth rose from the ground, mixing with wisps of mist, forming crystal-like dew on the green leaves. As sunlight struck the droplets, the colours of the rainbow shimmered in the air.

"Hmm...the breath of the earth rises, and it looks like springtime is permanent here. This is a decent place. Where is that guy?"

The man with a goatee, fierce eyebrows, and chicken claw-like hands asked.

He was clad in a long green robe, with a piercing look in his eyes and a sort of careless aura about him. The other middle aged minister could only smile while wiping the cold sweat on his face.

"Indeed… There's a separate sanctuary in this valley that was built by a good friend of mine. A virtuous young man lives there."

"You're still calling him virtuous at this point in time?"

The old man with a goatee asked coldly.

"Sigh… His master and I had decades of friendship between us after all. Moreover, I'll owe him one this time… Sigh…"

The minister's brows were furrowed as he gave multiple sighs.

While they spoke, the both of them had already entered the mountain valley.

This valley was not particularly large, but still had a sort of homely feel to it. A river flowed gently through the area, and its surroundings were quiet. In the centre, there was an extremely detailed haven which had tall hedges encircling it. In it grew some Vermillion Jade Rice. Each grain of rice appeared full of vitality and was also easy on the eyes.

"Oh… This courtyard, this land, they're all not bad… That old friend of yours must be quite generous. It's a pity that he's dead…"

The old man with the goatee shook his head.

"Master Wenxin isolated himself from civilisation, and did not bother himself with worldly affairs, but he was extremely well versed in medicine and botany. I only got acquainted with him by chance. That virtuous young man I spoke of was an orphan he adopted…"

The minister explained with a shrug.

Both of them continued ahead, before finally leaping over a hedge and knocking on a door.

*Bang bang*

The crisp sound echoed throughout the valley but there was no response.

"Hmm? No one is home?"

The minister was surprised and was even more so when the old man with the goatee barged right in.

"Hmph! Playing tricks with us?!"

Within, they found a rustic and simple layout. Other than some daily necessities, there was a small room as well. At the back of the building, there was a small door that led to a large flower garden.

A spring gurgled through the garden. The sound of flowing water merged with the beautiful, colourful flowers surrounding the spring to form a picturesque scene.

From behind a bunch of flowers, a youth stuck his head out.

"So it is Uncle Lin? Please wait for a moment! Let me finish planting this tea flower!"

He looked like he was 17 or 18, with eyes full of energy. His looks were very plain and ordinary, and he wore clothes made of rough cloth. At this moment, his sleeves were rolled up, and the hem of his pants was stained with dirt, just like a professional farmer.

"Oh, Fang Yuan, just tend to your chores first, I'm not in a hurry!"

Perhaps Minister Lin felt a little guilty, which was why he laughed sheepishly while speaking.

Planting tea plants was an art, especially for this tea flower which preferred a cool environment and did not grow well in hot areas. Thus Fang Yuan found a cool corner near the spring, and carefully placing it into the soil.

First, one had to loosen the soil, immediately water it and add fertiliser. Watering had to be done with water from a mountain spring that had been left to sit still for two days. As he executed these steps, Fang Yuan did not move quickly, instead using 100% of his focus, making people feel like they were watching an art performance.

Once everything was completed, Fang Yuan returned to the side of the spring, washing his hands and feet clean of dirt.

The spring water originated from an underwater source, so it was cool but yet not chillingly cold. It was perfect.

After cleaning up, Fang Yuan walked into the house, to face an old man with an unhappy look.

"Uncle Lin, who is this?"

He asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"Ah… Let me introduce you to him!"

Minister Lin broke into a chuckle, "This is Spirit Returning Sect's Outer Sect Deacon, Cold Iron Eagle Yu Qiuleng…Leiyue has just joined this sect…"

"Greetings Mister Yu!"

Fang Yuan broke into a big smile as he greeted his new acquaintance.

"Hmph! You savage mountain men do not know your manners indeed. I've waited for half a day, yet there hasn't been even a cup of tea!"

Yu Qiuleng snorted. If it weren't for Minister Lin holding him back from the side, he really wanted to teach this brat a lesson.

"I'm sorry, my humble abode is rather run down, hence it held me back from serving you on time…"

As for this, Fang Yuan raised his eyebrows and replied casually, before looking towards Minister Lin.

"Uncle Lin, what's the purpose of your visit?"

"Well...this…."

Minister Lin stammered a little, and only a long while later did he speak properly, face as red as a beetroot.

"Lei Yue entered the Spirit Returning Sect, which is one of the top sects within a 100 mile radius, and also has a Wu Zong in it. The sect head tested Leiyue's aptitude and liked what he saw, so he took her in as a direct disciple. Now she will only learn the sect head's martial arts, and must be of pure yin, hence… your marriage with Leiyue…"

"Hmph!"

At this moment, Yu Qiuleng spoke, "Miss Leiyue is a valued disciple of my sect head, with exceptional aptitude. She'll possibly be able to advance to Wu Zong in the future…"

He did not continue speaking, but the idea of a toad lusting after a swan's flesh [1] still seemed to make its way across the room.

"Oh! So that's it!"

Fang Yuan took in a deep breath, and slowly replied, "Both of you, please wait a moment."

He then stood up and walked into the house.

"Hmm?"

This reaction caught Minister Lin completely off guard.

He was sure that if he had met with such an incident when he was younger, he would definitely not have been able to keep his cool.

"Could he be preparing to wage an all-out war on us?"

Minister Lin was a little scared and looked at Yu Qiuleng at his side. Yu Qiuleng shot a glance over, making his intentions clear.

Even if this youth wanted to pull a 'panicking dog jumping over a wall' [3], he wouldn't be a match for this cold-faced iron eagle.

"Uncle Lin!"

The door to the hut burst open, and Fang Yuan walked over, holding a wooden box in his hand.

"This is the marriage certificate for Miss Leiyue and myself. Since we got engaged, I've thought about this a few times, and I realised that I can't compare to Miss Leiyue. Since Uncle Lin could come today, you're actually helping me to resolve an issue that has been on my mind for some time."

"Huh?"

Minister Lin received the box while in shock, and after he opened it he saw the marriage certificate. It was real.

Never did he expect things to go so smoothly, and he froze there for a moment, confused.

However, Yu Qiuleng stood up and walked off with a 'at least you know your place' look in his eyes.

"Sigh… Fang Yuan, I won't say much about anything else. You and Leiyue really are not fated to be together… This is a small gift, please take it!"

Minister Lin took out a small package while red-faced.

"Since it is a gift from Uncle, then I'll accept it graciously."

Fang Yuan couldn't see what was inside either, and just accepted the gift.

"Good! Good!"

The calmer Fang Yuan was, the more uneasy Minister Lin felt. He pulled Yu Qiuleng away and left swiftly.

...

"Hmm, it's the deed to the land for the entire secluded valley. So Minister Lin could actually pull strings to get this. He's actually quite generous."

After the both of them left, Fang Yuan opened up the package to see a title deed, a few pieces of gold and silver, and a jade bottle.

He naturally knew that this Minister Lin set up the arranged marriage between Leiyue and himself because Master Wenxin had saved Minister Lin's life before.

But now that Fang Yuan's backer had fallen, and the girl had climbed to a much higher position, being able to discuss the marriage annulment amicably instead of falling out was already a blessing.

In reality, he didn't have much of a choice.

That was why he received their compensation gracefully. Otherwise, there would only be hate and anger, which could easily land him in more trouble.

"Instead of agreeing, should I have shouted back and eventually get eliminated in an attempt to remove any future threats?"

Fang Yuan chuckled as he mumbled to himself.

Thankfully, he was an optimistic person and had only met with Leiyue only a few times, so there wasn't any love between them.

As for humiliation, reputation, etcetera…

For a person that lived isolated in the woods, could those mountain chickens and rabbits laugh at him?

As long as he didn't care about it, his reputation in the outside world was but a strand in the wind. Nothing to worry about.

Since he wasn't afraid of losing face, not taking the compensation from the girl's party would be simply a waste.

"Eh? Vermillion Jade Seeds?"

Upon closer inspection after opening the jade bottle, he exclaimed in surprise.

Inside the jade bottle, there were little grains as shiny as jade, round and full, in a beautiful shade of vermillion. They had a fiery aura about them, potentially making people salivate while gazing upon them.

This was a valuable spiritual plant that Fang Yuan had been searching for since a long time ago. He had requested for it from Minister Lin before, and he had finally gotten it.

"Mhmm, this Vermillion Jade Rice is of the yang element, but has to be planted during a yin period [4]. I'll plant them in that newly cleared patch of land tonight..."

Fang Yuan gazed at the jade bottle one more, with a silly smile on his face.

…...

Outside of the valley.

"Sigh..."

Minister Lin let out a long sigh. Although he had set his mind on this a long time ago, when he saw Fang Yuan's classy and unyielding attitude today, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret.

"What is it? Minister Lin is troubled?"

Yu Qiuleng laughed beside him.

"The marriage has been annulled, and he has accepted the compensation. Even if he decides to cause trouble in the future, we will have the moral high ground... Of course, if you're still worried, I can go back and eliminate this problem."

"No No!"

Waving both of his hands, Minister Lin protested, "I just feel that Fang Yuan is really a decent chap, it's a pity that Leiyue..."

"Hmph, if that daughter of yours becomes a Wu Zong in the future, she'll be able to choose any young man she wants, so why should you keep thinking about a mere mountain boy?"

Lei Qiuleng sarcastically remarked.

"Of course, if you still find it a pity, you can get another one of your daughters to marry him! As long as it's not Miss Leiyue, our sect head won't care."

"Sigh….. Since this has already happened, how would I still have the face to bring it up..."

Minister Lin sighed again and picked up his pace.

The two of them walked on further into the distance until they vanished beyond the mountains.

[1] This is a Chinese idiom, which refers to someone very undeserving or under qualified yearning for something that is beyond his reach.

[2] It refers to a cornered person acting out of desperation

[3] Yin and Yang, a Chinese philosophical concept. The yin element is negative/passive/female in nature while the yang element is positive/active/male in nature. Both complement each other in order to become whole.

Chapter 2: Stats

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was midnight and there was a clear moon.

At the back of the valley, there was a hidden pathway. After a short walk through a shrub, the view ahead was a vast grassland with much flora and fauna.

When the sun rose, the view of the valley is clear. This surprised Minister Lin and Yu Qiuleng, but since they had already arrived, why not probe further?

The rice grains here were large as a pearl and shone under the moonlight.

There was also a fertile Jasper fruit tree. The deeper the colour, the stronger the medicinal effects of the Tuber Fleeceflower, and the ones here were purplish-black. There was also the Dragon Fruit Tree, Blue Star Grass, and many other common medicinal plants and food; it was as though the place had undergone a shocking transformation.

Of course, if people found out about this place, they would definitely take advantage of it.

Only in the legends would there be such a miraculous place!

And this type of place belonged to the Spirit Returning Sect.

If Fang Yuan had known about this place, he would scoff because only he knew that although this place was fertile, it was still not comparable to what was described in the legends.

"Master…"

Fang Yuan stood in front of an empty tombstone with sorrow upon him.

He was an orphan and was adopted by Master Wenxin. Master Wenxin was a highly talented and easy-going individual, who was an expert in botany and medicine.

Before his passing, he instructed Fang Yuan to cremate his body, scatter it across mountains, and if Fang Yuan ever wanted to pay his respects, erecting an empty tombstone would suffice.

After instructing Fang Yuan, Master Wenxin closed his eyes for the final time, and Fang Yuan had no choice but to journey alone. He guessed that his Master had too many enemies and was afraid that they would look for him even after his death, which was why he decided to cremate his body and erect the empty tombstone, so there was no way others could track Master Wenxin.

"I planted your favourite tea flowers… and the Nine Purple Grains have started to germinate…"

Fang Yuan continued to mumble to the empty tombstone, "Oh… and Minister Lin came to annul the marriage, but he sent us many gifts, including the Vermillion Jade Rice you mentioned. I shall plant it tonight!"

After his final prayers, Fang Yuan went to a specific empty plot of land.

The moon rose to the top and the moonlight was bright, making it rather visible.

With the aid of the moonlight, Fang Yuan used a hoe and carefully dug a hole and scattered the Vermillion Jade Rice in it.

"This Vermillion Jade Rice needs to be planted at night, the water needs to be directly from the sky, the spring water within the valley can barely be adequate. When first sowed, the soil has to be loosened every six hours, and it must be complemented with Still Fire Liquid..."

Fang Yuan mastered [Botany] under the guidance of Master Wenxin, but lacked hands-on practice.

Though it seemed effortless, his sweat trickled into the soil.

The spiritual plants were far more delicate than other types of plants, and therefore planting them requires more effort.

When Fang Yuan planted the last of them, the sun's brightness had already begun to shine through the horizon.

"Phew… Finally, it's done…"

Fang Yuan wiped his sweat and heaved a long sigh, "Since this is a spiritual plant, it should have advanced my [Botany]?"

Deep down in his heart, there was a secret.

From young, he would often enter a dream. In the dream, it was weird but felt real to the touch. Within the dream, he felt like he was experiencing another life.

Living in the secluded valley and rarely taking a step out, it was surprising that his actions were rather matured for his age, and wiser than normal.

Additionally, there was another bonus, or rather, a gift.

Accompanying Fang Yuan's thoughts, a sight only he can see appeared in front of him,

"Full name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1

Spirit: 1

Magic: 1

Age: 18

Cultivation: None

Technique: None

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 2)]"

This dream-like game vision was Fang Yuan's biggest secret.

It also has a special function.

When he looked at 'Skill', more information popped out,

"[Medicine (Level 1)] - Can heal simple wounds, including mild wounds, and with the aid of medicinal plants can achieve even better results."

"[Botany (Level 2)] - Skilled botanist, can grow any simple plants to its fullest potential!"

So [Botany] was the reason behind the fertile mountains and valleys.

"Essence, Spirit and Magic should be inborn within one, while techniques and cultivation should be one's initiative, and lastly, skill is passive and requires assistance from others…"

After many years of thought, Fang Yuan understood his characteristics even more.

"The present-day me has similar physical qualities as a normal adult, but with skills…"

He already realised that within skills, there should be an attribute like experience which limited growth. Only through intense training and improving one's ability would the skill level be increased.

Take [Medicine] for an example. Even though Master Wenxin had unparalleled Medical skills, and could give focused guidance to Fang Yuan, but unfortunately Fang Yuan had limited subjects to practise his medical skills on, and he couldn't possibly use his Master as a subject. Due to the lack of hands-on practice, from the start till now he was still stuck at Level 1. Even so, he had earned Master Wenxin's praise and thought that he had achieved three-tenth of Master Wenxin's skill.

On the contrary, his [Botany] improved tremendously after Master Wenxin's passing as he had no more considerations. Through his intense training, he managed to attain Level 2 in [Botany], and the results were unparalleled.

Based on Fang Yuan's own guess, even Master Wenxin was not as skilful as himself in terms of botany.

After reaching Level 2, it seemed that his progress in [Botany] came to a halt, even though he planted numerous plants it was seemingly difficult to level up. After countless of uneventful tries, Fang Yuan decided to try out on spiritual plants and deity plants.

Since these plants were very rare, even Minister Lin himself had to wait for his daughter to be promoted in the Spirit Returning Sect before being able to acquire these plants as a form of a gift.

"Vermillion Jade Rice… even being the lowest grade of spiritual plants, but within the Spirit Returning Sect, I believe only a Wu Zong and his descendants can enjoy it…"

Fang Yuan heaved a sigh.

Minister Lin gave it to him as a present purely to make it up to him and had no thoughts of Fang Yuan having any achievements.

In fact, this was true. Without his [Botany], Fang Yuan wouldn't have wanted the spiritual plants.

However, if Minister Lin could help him attain a Level 2 in [Botany] with the aid of the spiritual plants, that was enough!

Now was the time to see the results!

Fang Yuan stared at the soil covering the Vermillion Jade Rice.

Accompanying the sunrise, a white light only visible to him appeared from the ground and slowly gathered around the 'Skill" segment of his information.

Behind the 'Botany', the 'Level 2' wordings became blurred, jumped and became 'Level 3'!

Level 3 [Botany]!

Fang Yuan rubbed his eyes, made sure that what he saw was true, smiled to himself and exclaimed, "Haha...Haha... I've succeeded!"

The reason behind is happiness was because the description for his [Botany] had changed,

"Botany (Level 3) - You are undoubtedly the professional in this field, harnessing unlimited potential, through your plants. There is a slight chance that they might evolve to have special traits!"

Slight chance or not doesn't matter to Fang Yuan, but this meant that one's own skill and ability could be improved through one's intense training!

Once this thought had been proven, it showed that Fang Yuan could achieve something in this world!

Afterall, it was just a normal [Botany] skill level advancement, but what entailed was unbelievable. Imagine other skills or even martial arts, what are the possibilities?

"Evolving into special traits?"

After calming down, Fang Yuan immediately explored his newfound ability.

"All those normal plants can grow to their fullest potential in my hands, maybe… these normal plants can evolve into spiritual plants?"

He mused for a little, and inside of him was excitement waiting to burst out. If his speculation was correct, then the news of his newfound skill must not go out.

Otherwise, he might be captured by other forces and be forced to undergo experiments like a guinea pig or might be a gardener for life.

"After confirming my new ability, should I be looking for a set of martial arts techniques…"

After calming down, Fang Yuan looked at his breakfast, feeling vexed.

Resources were plentiful within the valley, and the food he prepared for himself was exceptional.

The main course was a freshly caught barbequed fish, smoked till the outside was crispy and the inside tender, with no fishy smell. It melted in his mouth and the texture was extremely smooth.

His drink was pure mountain spring water, sweet to the taste and refreshing.

Other than that, there were nutritious Solomon's Seal [1], and a skewer of red berries.

He first dug into a cooked Solomon's Seal, then took a large bite from the barbequed fish, "Mmmm… Delicious! Delicious! I've heard that Spirit Returning Sect is the largest Sect within a 100 miles, I wonder how the atmosphere would be like, or how a Wu Zong would be? Thinking about it, I don't' even know how the outside world looks like! What a pity… Master did not leave behind any secret martial arts manual, isn't he a low-profile revered individual? How is it possible that he doesn't have any secret martial arts manual to pass down? This doesn't add up!"

After living in the secluded valley for eighteen years, Fang Yuan grew restless and wanted to see the outside world.

"Now I should unlock my own potential first… the outside world is interesting, but dangerous as well. Considering my small physique, I should quietly train first!"

After eating, he returned to his room feeling satisfied and slept soundly. Not long after, he entered into his dream.

[1] Solomon's Seal is a real plant, try googling it!

Chapter 3: Spiritual Tea

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The fire from the burning charcoal was heating the bottom surface of the small red teapot constantly, boiling the tea inside the teapot. Water bubbles started forming, with hot steam rising into the surroundings.

In front of Fang Yuan placed a tea set. He prepared the tea meticulously, firstly by letting the tea to be boiled. The first set of tea was not to be consumed as it was used to clean the tea set. After which, the teapot was sealed immediately with the next set of tea boiling, ready to be poured evenly to the teacups and served. Every motion in this process was so natural that one can even sense the peace and tranquility.

Though Fang Yuan's house was simple, he had tea leaves.

Having that tea leaves was not the only thing that was special in his house as the tea leaves was one of the premium goods cultivated by him personally. Besides, he showed superior standards in the preparation of tea ceremonies, which was well commended by Master Wenxin.

Of course, the previous visitor was wicked and so did not experience such great treatment.

The surrounding of the teacups was filled with the fragrance of the tea. Fang Yuan gently lifted up his teacup in a calm motion and began tasting the tea slowly.

To him, the tea ceremony was not just for self-cultivation, but also to remember Master Wenxin's works.

Although Master Wenxin did not teach Fang Yuan martial arts, he did teach Fang Yuan the techniques of the meditative tea ceremony.

Making tea helped to cleanse the soul, which helped the state of the soul to have a greater sense of well-being.

But why a great sense of well-being?

A grandmaster once said, " Not thinking of one's body, not fiddling one's intelligence, being separated from the body, free from the shackles of wisdom and becoming as one with mother earth. This is the state which has the greatest sense of well-being."

The main idea behind Master Wenxin's tea ceremony was to have a unity of man and nature, so as to achieve the great sense of well-being.

For Fang Yuan, he loved making tea. He even went to look for a tea set that was of high quality just to make tea.

However, things were different now.

From the tea aroma, Fang Yuan only felt warmth to his stomach, and then a thin layer of coldness, thus bringing a cooling effect, making him forget how cold or hot the surroundings had become.

Living in the valley and not disturbed by the chaos from the world elsewhere, Fang Yuan drank and cultivated tea every day with a strong will and determination.

To achieve his goals, he had to be determined and have the will to concentrate.

After tea, it was the best time to reorganise his thoughts as his mind would be clearer.

"Recently, I have gathered all the crops in the valley and re-cultivated with [Botany (Level 3)], and indeed the result is very different. The result shows that I have improved further as compared to his previous best results. The mutation probability is also extremely low since there is not even one case appearing in the whole valley. Of course, it is hard to say for now as the Vermillion Jade Rice is not harvested yet…"

Shaking his head, Fang Yuan got up to get the hoe, bamboo baskets and other equipment before starting on his daily cultivation of crops on the farm.

Watering the crops, adding fertiliser, loosening of soil and then treated in accordance to the needs of the different crops. The whole process was a smooth one.

At high noon, Fang Yuan sat on the rocks and quickly drank a gourd of spring water. Looking at his farm, he felt as though a farmer had just harvested his crops, heart filled with joy.

Fang Yuan then started consuming the rice balls that he had prepared in the morning and a flash appeared in his eyes again;

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1

Spirit: 1

Magic: 1

Age: 18

Cultivation: None

Techniques: None

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (level 3)]"

...

"Essence, spirit and magic refer to my physical fitness….."

Thanks to the care by Master Wenxin and his botany skills, Fang Yuan didn't really suffer in his early days. He was well fed and taken care of, allowing his foundations to be strong at the age of 18 and similar when compared to other adults.

"[Botany (Level 3)], with a very low chance of evolving into special traits…."

Fang Yuan sighed and then continued eating his rice balls.

The rice balls were made from the Pearl Jade Crystal Rice cultivated in the farm. Each rice grain was as small as a baby's thumb size. The rice grain was as if an art piece as it was clear and bright. The fragrance of the cooked rice was excellent. One could feel the crisp of the cooked rice which was incomparable to glutinous rice. The rice even tasted great without any side dishes. The rice was best served with sour beans and sour plums.

Jade Crystal Rice had a very high nutritional value. Jade Crystal Rice soup could be fed to babies in replacement of milk. Fang Yuan only ate one rice ball and he was recharged with energy. He then began to continue his work.

"The Fragrance ball and Rutaceae are ready to be harvested. Old Tian from the Medicine Hall should be here soon to collect them in exchange for salt and oil…."

Sometimes, Fang Yuan went around his farm to pluck a few fruits to eat and to ponder about future plans.

A few moments later, a touch of green met his eyes, making Fang Yuan slow down his footsteps and whispered "Hey".

Here laid a tea forest and the tea trees were specifically chosen to grow tea leaves which were straight flat. The tea leaves also had a fresh orchid fragrance to it, which make the tea leaves Fang Yuan's favourite.

However, at that moment, something was different.

Among all the tea trees, there was one that had a jasper-like tea leaves growing out, giving a crystal colour. The tea leaves from that particular tree were so special that without going through the process of frying of tea leaves, these leaves were able to give out a very strong fragrance on its own. This fragrance helped to keep the mind awake, leaving a strong aftertaste.

"Premium tea leaves! The premium of the premium!"

Fang Yuan gathered near that tea tree. "So this is the mutated result of the level 3 Botany tea leaves? Has this Houkui [1] become a spiritual plant?"

Unfortunately, he had only seen the grains of the Vermillion Jade Rice, making it impossible for him to compare.

However, such leaves were definitely special!

"It's afternoon, time is just right!"

Seeing this tea tree, Fang Yuan put aside all his worries at that moment and began plucking the special tea leaves to make tea happily.

"No… this is so tempting. I cannot endure anymore!"

After plucking those jasper-like tea leaves, Fang Yuan immediately put a leaf into his mouth.

"Ooohh…."

At the start, there was just bitterness but after which, a very strong taste of orchid came.

His tongue felt bitter with numbness as if it was electrocuted. A clean stream went straight into his mind, making Fang Yuan's eyes glitter, "Spiritual leaf! Definitely a spiritual leaf!"

"There is meaning in the bitterness. The original taste alone has such great flavour, I wonder what happens if such tea leaves are brewed into tea?"

Fang Yuan's eyes shone.

Nighttime.

Fixing, kneading, baking….. Fang Yuan was familiar with the procedures. The effect was still the same even though this time, the tea leaves were different.

Under the fire, he looked at the jasper-like tea leave. His face became sluggish, saying "Beautiful….so beautiful! This newly made spiritual tea is like an art piece!"

Fang Yuan then took out his tea set and went on with the brewing of tea.

At the end, the fragrance of the spiritual tea filled the surroundings, making the place feel as if it was in the Temple of Heaven.

"I can't forget this excellent fragrance and taste. It is definitely a special tea!"

At that moment, Fang Yuan became calm.

The tea ceremony was a process which included the cleaning of tea leaves. The process also removed one's distractions.

Fang Yuan' eyes glittered. His thoughts had become innocent as if they were like a pure child's.

A tea taster firstly smells the fragrance and then the colour of the tea. Just by the fragrance and the colour of the tea, looking a the cup filled with green clear liquid, Fang Yuan was moved as soon as his lip touched the teacup.

Boom!

It was as if a lightning bolt struck in his head.

As if he became a lone tourist walking among the heavy thorns, his tongue and taste being imprisoned by the bitterness of the tea.

While he was suffering, the thorns disappeared. He began to taste fragrance of the tea, as if the fragrance was like a flash flood, breaking the walls of bitterness, allowing the fragrance to take over the bitterness.

Fang Yuan stared into blank space. His eyes glittered.

Normally, after tasting something good, one will be moved with tears flowing down.

Fang Yuan thought this would only happen in his dreams but did not expect a cup of tea could produce such effect as well.

"Good!"

Finishing a cup, he began making another. The fragrance of the tea gradually faded away, but the taste of the tea became even stronger.

After 4 cups, the taste and the fragrance of the tea still lingered.

"Hoooo….."

After finishing the whole pot of tea, Fang Yuan exhaled with a long breath. The taste of the tea still lingered in his mouth, leaving a lasting aftertaste.

"This tea…. It is definitely special. It seems to be able to question the heart..."

Fang Yuan wiped away his tears, "Just one such product can make me feel as if my soul has been cleansed….. I wonder if this the effect of the spiritual object? Or is it just a fateful coincidence that a miracle happened with the combination of spiritual tea and meditative tea ceremony?"

He began questioning this miracle and subconsciously, he started calling out for his stats before staring into a blank space.

At that moment, his stats changed:

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1

Spirit: 1

Magic: 1.2

Age: 18

Cultivation: None

Techniques: None

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (level 3)]"

"Magic increased by 0.2?"

Fang Yuan looked at his stats and mumbled.

These 3 stats: essence, spirit and magic did not have any changes since they rose to a value of 1 after his 18th birthday,

Now, however, his magic stats actually increased by 0.2!

No wonder Fang Yuan suddenly felt full of energy and was quick-witted, as if he became a lot smarter.

"According to theories, essence, spirit and magic are called the 3 treasures, which are the foundation of man"

"And according to my observations and hypotheses, essence refers to the body, the physical strength, the bones and other tangible parts of the body. Spirit refers to the non-tangible part of the body, like the power of the blood. Finally, magic, which refers to the mind, will, perception etc."

"Essence, spirit and magic; these 3 stats complement each other and have their own magical effect!"

Fang Yuan looked at the leftover tea leaves with his eyes glittering. "This tea actually helps to cleanse one's soul and increases the magical effect of it as well. I shall name this tea 'Questioning Heart Tea'."

[1] Houkui is a type of tea leaf

Chapter 4: Questioning the Heart

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"This Questioning Heart Tea, when brewed and consumed directly, already work wonders. But when complemented with the Meditative Tea Ceremony, it will boost your magical abilities!"

Fang Yuan sat up straight in front of the table, gazing at the tiny clump of tea leaves on it as he pondered.

After he considered all that he had learnt, he experimented with the tea leaves as per what he did in his dreams.

One ought to know that when brewed directly, without the sincerity and reservedness of the Tea Ceremony, the Questioning Heart Tea retains its taste and will still have a purifying effect on the soul, but its effect on boosting one's magical capabilities is lost.

This revelation further convinced Fang Yuan that Master Wenxin was a miracle worker.

The second point to consider was an even greater source of regret for Fang Yuan.

"This Questioning Heart Tea is most effective when consumed the first time, and its efficacy diminishes beyond that...there should be a limit. Could this be an issue with tolerance?"

Out of habit, Fang Yuan recorded these thoughts on paper.

Experimenting, standardising, recording, will create solid foundations that future experiments can be based on. This too, Fang Yuan learnt from one of the lives he led in his dreams.

Even though he was only 18, he lived a whole life in that dream.

It was a pity that ever since he entered adulthood, the dreams went away.

"Acquiring this extraordinary item was a matter of great luck. I should be happy."

Fang Yuan comforted himself and began his daily work on patrolling the valley grounds.

"Hm, what should I do with the Questioning Tea Plant? Transplant it?"

As he walked on, creases lined his brows.

Although the botanic garden behind the Spirit Valley was hidden, it was not impregnable. Through his relations with Minister Lin, Fang Yuan obtained the title deed for Spirit Valley and ten miles of the surrounding land. The spiritual plants had their temptations, and Fang Yuan was not about to trust anyone to go near them.

The mutated Questioning Heart tea plant was too conspicuous, and if it were to be discovered, it would be coveted by many. Transplanting it would be for the best.

On the other hand, Fang Yuan had no need to worry about the Vermillion Jade Rice crops, for they were the least spiritual among the plants and had explainable origins.

"I wonder what the spiritual rice tastes like."

Fang Yuan rubbed his chin and felt a rising sense of excitement. He was pleasantly surprised when he arrived at the Vermilion Jade Rice field.

In front of his eyes, fiery red shoots were springing out of the earth, and they reminded him of the lotus plant's sharp corners. This was a place full of life.

"It's really budding?"

Fang Yuan was elated.

After all, Master Wenxin taught him that the spiritual plants relied very much on blessed soil to flourish.

In other places, even the most fertile soil and idyllic landscapes would only support the growth of low-level spiritual crops.

The Spiritual Red Corn crop might be unsightly, but they were spiritual after all!

To think that Fang Yuan himself could grow these crops on normal land. If he could grow the Vermilion Jade Rice crops on more land, not even the Spirit Returning Sect would be as rich as he.

"The Spirit Returning Sect thinks very highly of themselves, but can they eat Spiritual Rice every day? Well, I can!"

Fang Yuan's lips curled up into a slight smile. His eyes gleamed. Suddenly, he let out an exclamation and ran to the edge of the field.

"This…"

What he saw before his eyes made him slack-jawed.

The blue-eyed grass patch on the borderlands of the blooming field was yellowing at the edges. Some of the greenery was clearly withering away. It was as if they had been robbed of their vitality.

And the Yellow Fruit Tree, the Grapefruit Rattan...all the plants that were close to the Vermilion field shared the same fate.

"No way...I grew these low maintenance plants to supplement the Red Corn crops. I thought they'd even make the soil more fertile…"

Fang Yuan took in the sight before him and had a sudden realisation.

"The spiritual plants are so overbearing. They actually sucked the essence out of the neighbouring plants. Well, this was bound to happen anyway. This piece of land is too common to sustain the spiritual crops with its own power."

At this thought, Fang Yuan promptly sped towards the tea garden and carefully examined the immediate surroundings of the Questioning Heart tea plant.

As expected, the Questioning Heart tea plant was blooming fervently, but at the expense of the tea plants around it, which displayed signs of lifelessness.

"I guess the next time I grow the Spiritual crops, I have to grow them separately. Either that or I've got to make sure that the land is fertile enough to support their growth. Otherwise, they would exert a dire impact on their surroundings."

Fang Yuan bit his lip.

"There must be a way around this. Isn't it just because the land is not high-yielding enough? I could dump more fertile soil on the crops, spray Fire liquid on them thrice a day, add some Fire fertiliser around them...I'm lacking in some of these materials though. Aha! Old Tian is the man to look for!"

Old Tian was an employee of a medical hall in the outside world and was in charge of buying and collecting herbs. Sometimes, he would go to the mountains personally to pick these herbs.

Once, he was bitten by a poisonous snake and was coincidentally rescued by Master Wenxin. Thus, a friendship was formed, and Old Tian regularly brought essential items to the master-disciple duo in exchange for herbs.

According to Master Wenxin, Old Tian gave reasonable prices for his goods and was a down-to-earth fellow. Fang Yuan had listened and therefore kept up a regular correspondence with Old Tian.

In any case, Fang Yuan had supplied premium herbs with very potent medicinal properties to Old Tian in their past few interactions. Old Tian must have made a tidy profit from them.

"Young Master! Young Master!''

Old Tian's voice broke into Fang Yuan's stream of thought.

"Ah, Old Tian, it's you. Come in!"

Fang Yuan greeted Old Tian at the valley entrance with a grin and invited him in.

Old Tian was a funny-looking specimen of a man. He had long limbs, protruding lips and sunken cheeks. He reminded Fang Yuan very much of a big ape, and he had a sly gaze that was typical of the mountain folk. He was carrying a bamboo basket on his back and placed it down breathlessly. Old Tian rubbed his hands and smiled apologetically.

"Look, Young Master. The items that you asked for the last time, I have them here."

"Well done. It's been hard on you, Old Tian!"

The mountain roads went a long way, and any normal person would have found them difficult to navigate, much less travel on them with such a heavy load.

"The Yellow Fruits have ripened. Wait here. I'll go fetch them."

Fang Yuan beamed.

"Sigh…"

What should have been elation on Old Tian's features was instead a look of hesitation. Old Tian then began grinding his teeth.

"Err...there is something you must know, Young Master. I don't think we can trade anymore."

"Oh?"

Fang Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly.

"But Old Tian, were you not pleased with the herbs you received the last time? Or did you find my prices too extortionate? These matters are all up for discussion."

"No no no! The herbs and spices cultivated by Master Wenxin are undeniably top grade. As for you, Young Master, even the herbs on the highest mountains or in thickest forests cannot compare to the ones you gave me in terms of their richness in quality. It's just that…"

Old Tian flailed his arms.

"In any case, it won't work out anymore!"

"Alright then!"

Having tested Old Tian, Fang Yuan had gained a rough idea of what was going on.

He let out a grin.

"If that's the case, then let us at least clear our inventory this time round. Have a seat Old Tian. It's getting late. Why not stay for a meal and some tea before you leave?"

"A meal?!"

Old Tian gulped. He could almost smell the fragrance of the Crystal Rice he had dug into the last time he visited. The uncertainty he had felt previously was overcome by his inner glutton.

"If Young Master would kindly spare two rice buns, this old man would be ever so grateful…"

Old Tian showed no more signs of leaving. It was as if his legs were rooted into the ground. Fang Yuan suppressed a giggle.

In the world beyond the valley, Crystal Rice was a superior grain that only affluent families could afford. The Crystal Rice crop cultivated by Fang Yuan was even better in quality. Old Tian only had one serving the last time and was already spellbound. He had even requested for some seeds, but it did not take a genius to figure out what happened to his crop.

"You are too courteous, Old Tian. Your visits to the valley are rare occasions, and I like to think that I am a decent host."

Fang Yuan smiled as he entered his hut, and before long, a rich aroma filled the air.

Old Tian craned his name and sniffed with all his might. His look of intense eagerness made him look even more monkeyish. It was a hilarious sight.

"Do put up with this simple meal!"

Fang Yuan reappeared from the hut with a wooden tray laden with two bowls of Crystal Rice and two more food dishes.

One of the dishes was a freshly picked cucumber, rinsed in spring water and served in slices. They looked like exquisitely carved pieces of jade.

The other dish was pickled beans. The fragrance of the dish wafted into Old Tian's nose and made his stomach grumble in response.

"Excellent! Marvellous!"

Of course, the star of the show was the pearl-like granules of Crystal Rice in the wooden bowls. Their aroma, mixed in with the fragrance of the pickled beans, had Old Tian enthralled.

Old Tian decided to help himself and descended into the rice bowls with relish, letting out grunts of satisfaction at intervals.

Like a raging storm, Old Tian had polished off three large bowls of Crystal Rice and the two dishes. He then seemed to realise that his behaviour was unseemly, and gave a rueful grin.

"Young Master, your culinary skills are legendary. None of the dishes served at the most expensive banquets in the city can compare to the ones you cook!"

"Come come, have some tea!"

Fang Yuan calmly served Old Tian a cup of tea with a look of indifference.

This was a cup of Questioning Heart Tea, but it was not prepared via the Meditative Tea Ceremony. Fang Yuan had long planned to use it on someone so that he could observe its effects for himself. It was just as well that Old Tian had turned up.

"Smells good!"

Although not brewed according to the proper procedures, but the tea was clear and had a pleasant scent. It was the perfect post-meal beverage. Old Tian's hands were trembling as he fetched the cup over.

"I've never seen a finer breed of tea in my life. Is this a new variety cultivated by Young Master?"

Fang Yuan merely smiled in reply and said nothing. Old Tian dared not ask further and without further ado, emptied the cup in one fell swoop.

Kaboom!

As the tea flowed down his throat, Old Tian felt as though a great waterfall had descended into his body and purified his heart and soul. There was also a rush into his brain that triggered vivid images of his life thus far - his childhood poverty, the struggle of his youth, the hardships of his current days. Old Tian could not help but feel a wave of immense sadness, and tears flowed down his cheeks in steady streams.

Fang Yuan observed the interesting changes of expression taking place on Old Tian's face with glee.

"Young Master, I am guilty!"

Old Tian suddenly began to bawl unrestrainedly and fell to his knees.

"Master Wenxin saved my life, and yet I let myself be bribed into destroying your source of income. I deserve death!"

"Ahh…"

Fang Yuan was taken aback at the potency of the Questioning Heart Tea.

He peered carefully at Old Tian and shook his head.

"That's right. Without the Meditative Tea Ceremony, the Tea cannot boost one's magical ability...Otherwise, Old Tian would not be in this state!"

Chapter 5: Leaving the Mountain

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Who let you do this?"

Seeing an opportunity while Old Tian was crying, Fang Yuan questioned him.

The Questioning Heart Tea had the ability to cleanse the soul, but could not turn an evil person into a kind one.

Old Tian had a good heart and was able to feel guilty. Therefore, he could come to his senses under the effects of the tea. If he had an evil heart to begin with, he would have simply found that the tea tasted good, and would not have felt any guilt.

"I am not human… boohoo…"

On the floor, Old Tian was crying, "I understand it now, I have lived as a coward my whole life. Now that I have aged, I have acquired some sort of status. But yet I let myself be pressured into hurting my benefactor's disciple. I am not human... I have thought through it. The stupid Spirit Returning Sect, even if I don't do anything, I will not let my benefactor down…"

"Spirit Returning Sect?"

Fang Yuan was shocked.

'Could it be that they are unwilling to let the matter rest? Wait a moment, this is wrong! If they weren't willing to let the matter rest, they would have killed me straight away. Now the situation is neither here nor there, like kids playing a fool…'

At this point, he enquired, "Did the Spirit Returning Sect instigate this? Who threatened you?"

"One more thing. I'm not sure where I'd heard this from, but I do know that I have some relations with your people… Young Master, why don't we leave this place, since the Spirit Returning Sect dominates the surrounding 100 miles of land. Once we are beyond this 100 miles, we won't have to give a hoot about them! I have some savings with me, as well as some experience in the outside world. The journey should not be a problem…"

Old Tian had found his conscience, and he actively advised Fang Yuan to leave. He began to look for a route.

Fang Yuan looked at Old Tian's shabby appearance and remained speechless, "No rush! No rush! We can wait…"

He then sat down and enjoyed the tea by himself.

"Eh?"

A moment passed, and Old Tian's newfound conscience slowly faded. His sly personality resurfaced. He immediately regretted his words and thought, 'What have I done? Why did I offer to give up my savings to help this Young Master challenge the Spirit Returning Sect?'

To be honest, it was entirely possible for him to warn Fang Yuan and allow him to leave quickly by himself.

But to throw in his life savings and escape together with Fang Yuan? Old Tian scratched his own head and had never felt more foolish.

Fang Yuan stared at him and Old Tian was afraid that he would regain his conscience and run away with Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan observed that Old Tian looked uneasy and awkward, and he found it amusing.

'Old Tian has a good heart, but he has too many worries in this world, which makes him indecisive…'

Fang Yuan said, "Old Tian, don't you worry. I have no intention to escape, and will not bother you for help!"

"It is of no trouble."

Old Tian responded weakly, but deep down, he heaved a huge sigh of relief.

Old Tian was still baffled at how he had found his conscience today, but since he had already agreed to help, Old Tian reminded Fang Yuan, "Civilians who know what is good for them do not challenge officials. The Spirit Returning Sect might not be made up of officials, but they are in fact more powerful. In what way has Young Master offended them? You should quickly look for someone to help you. If not, then you should hurry and leave!"

"Many thanks to your good intentions, but I will miss this place sorely…"

Fang Yuan spoke the truth.

This was where he had grown up and he had definitely developed feelings for the place, feelings that were hard to replace.

Furthermore, he had the spiritual tea and spiritual rice. It was impossible to transfer these goods to somewhere far in such a short notice.

Additionally, Fang Yuan had faith in his own judgement. Since he had annulled the marriage, and accepted the gifts, there was no reason for the other party to stoop this low and behave ruthlessly.

Perhaps it was one of the lower ranking sect members who initiated this, hoping to curry favour with the upper echelons.

'Could it be Leiyue that caused this?'

Fang Yuan flinched for a moment. In his memory, Leiyue was not that pretty, and the image of her face was blurred.

On the contrary, in his dream world, this was a common plot development in the novels, in which love rivals could suddenly appear out of nowhere and cause trouble.

"Also, an embargo of goods isn't such a big deal!"

He looked at Old Tian and smiled.

"Next time you won't have to suffer that much!"

"Eh?"

Old Tian glanced at Fang Yuan, feeling disturbed.

"I am alone, with no attachments, and have nothing to my name. But you, Old Tian, if you follow their orders, they won't cause trouble for you!"

Fang Yuan calmly analysed it for Old Tian, and took out a platter of herbs, "Here is the medicine, our last deal is done."

"Eh… Young Master, take care!"

Old Tian did not approve of Fang Yuan's decision, but seeing his determination, had no choice but to leave.

...

After sending off Old Tian, Fang Yuan flipped the bamboo basket on the floor.

Old Tian had brought along enough goods this time, and inclusive of his current stash, the amount of stock should be enough to sustain him for the next few months.

"One of the ingredients required to create Still Fire Liquid can only be acquired from the outside world. I had thought initially that I could use Old Tian's assistance… Looking at how things are now I guess I'll have to go personally!"

Fang Yuan sighed, "And as for me being a target of the Spirit Returning Sect, this is a matter to be investigated…"

In truth, since Fang Yuan had always lived within the secluded valley and rarely stepped out, he was actually looking forward to seeing the outside world for himself.

Having decided on leaving the valley, Fang Yuan had to prepare himself.

Firstly, he selected some exquisite and aged herbs to fund his trip expenses and changed into a new set of clothing. The most important thing, of course, was to bring enough food.

The normal rice from the outside world could never compare to his self-cultivated Pearl Jade Crystal Rice.

Being used to consuming his own produce, food from the outside world might as well be pigs' feed.

After Fang Yuan was done with his preparations, he equipped himself with a machete for self-protection and proceeded with his journey.

...

Clear Spirit Mountain was vast and stretched across several counties.

Qinghe County was the nearest to the secluded valley.

Fang Yuan rarely left the mountains, but he had accompanied Master Wenxin on his trips out a few times before, and therefore knew his way.

There were a few villages along the way and Fang Yuan approached one of them. Fang Yuan was relieved, "If the Spirit Returning Sect really wanted to deal with me, with their vast capabilities, it would be difficult for me to move around… It seems like my guess was correct, was it the initiative of one of the low ranking sect cronies?"

The thought of being seen as a love rival and having to deal with this mystery opponent gave Fang Yuan the shudders.

"This will not do. I should look for Minister Lin and find out if it really is the Spirit Returning Sect making trouble for me. After all, they were the ones who created the problems. I doubt that he'll just stand by and watch the show."

After paying the entrance fee to the town, Fang Yuan walked around aimlessly and did some deep thinking at the same time.

To him, he was willing to forgo his reputation in exchange for less trouble.

But to constantly trouble others was not a long-term solution. Furthermore, the meeting would definitely be an awkward one. It would be for the best if he could solve the problem by himself.

"Cookies!"

"Cosmetics and accessories!"

"Superior gold jewellery…"

...

Although it was a small town, there were many shops along the streets, and the noise created from all the shouting and bargaining made the town a lively one. It was a sight to behold for Fang Yuan, and there were people who looked at him like he was an alien, but all these did not bother him.

"The creation of the Still Fire Liquid requires some Leaving Fire Wood, water that comes from the sky, and Realgar powder… The first two ingredients can be found in the valley, but the Realgar Powder, I will need to buy it in bulk!"

Fang Yuan considered this for a moment and went into a grocery store.

"What would you like, Sir?"

A middle-aged cashier was at the counter, with a very warm smile.

"I want Realgar Powder of the best quality! By the way… do you accept mountain herbs as payment?"

Minister Lin had given some money to Fang Yuan, but he preferred to use his own medicine, and safekept the money for future use.

After all, if the situation escalated and worsened, and if he needed to run, then bringing money along instead of the miscellaneous stuff would be much more practical.

Fang Yuan was reluctant to leave the valley, but he was also not a fool and knew the obvious choice.

"We do accept medicines!"

The cashier smiled and said, "Whatever mountain herbs you have, bring it to me, young boy!"

"Mmm!"

Fang Yuan knew that even though the cashier seemed friendly, the moment he handed over expensive medicine, the cashier would likely develop an ulterior motive.

Having the appearance of a poor boy, Fang Yuan looked like he did not have any backing.

After much consideration, he took out a cloth bag, which caught the attention of the cashier. Layer by layer he opened it and when the cashier saw that it was just Red Ginseng, disappointment was written all over his face.

"Red Ginseng, 20-year-old, of rather good quality! Let me take a closer look…"

Fang Yuan took out an inexpensive good, but it was still above average. The cashier wanted to look out for flaws in the red ginseng so as to lower its price but to no avail.

This Red Ginseng had no flaws in its appearance, preservation and colour… so the only thing he could say was, "What a pity, its age is too young, I can only give…"

"Wait a moment, I want this!"

The cashier couldn't complete his sentence, and a stretched arm snatched the red ginseng from him, "A pity… it isn't aged enough!"

The voice was like an Oriolus bird, high-pitched and tender. Fang Yuan turned around and saw this young lady dressed in a yellow dress. With unhappiness in his voice, he said, "Lady, this is my Red Ginseng!"

"How much do you want for it?"

The lady was around 17 to 18 years old, around the same age as Fang Yuan.

"This isn't about money, instead I have been preparing to barter this with the cashier for something else. Your action is like extortion!"

Fang Yuan shook his head, and this angered the young lady, "You!"

"Young man, this sister of mine is worried about her father's condition, which led to her being disrespectful, please do not hold it against her!"

At this moment, behind the young lady appeared an apologetic young gentleman clad in a green gown.

"It's nothing to worry about, your sister's filial piety will definitely touch the gods!"

The young gentleman seemed to be influential, as the cashier rubbed his hands and forced a smile.

Chapter 6: A Trespasser

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Who are they?"

Fang Yuan asked that question while organising the top grade Realgar Powder as he looked at the 2 siblings taking their leave.

"They are from the Zhou family. You are very lucky today to have met the second son of the Zhou family. Imagine if it was the unruly daughter of the Zhou family instead…."

One of the shopkeepers, who seemed to know the Zhou Family, replied and started shaking his head.

"What are you trying to cure with the Red Mountain Ginseng? Is Old Zhou sick?"

"It isn't that simple. The Zhou family is part of the Spirit Returning Sect. Old Zhou, who is a deacon, suffers internal injuries apparently. That is why he needs the medicine now in order to recover. Unfortunately, your Red Mountain Ginseng is not at least 50 years old. Otherwise, there is a chance for you to meet the criteria listed in the announcement!"

"What announcement?"

Fang Yuan showed interest and said to the shopkeeper, "Tell me more about it."

"What announcement? Didn't you see an announcement made by the Zhou family? They are looking for a doctor to cure Old Zhou's illness! The Zhou family promised to give anything that the doctor wants if the doctor is able to cure Old Zhou's illness…."

The shopkeeper sighed, making it seemed like Old Zhou is unlikely to recover.

Fang Yuan listened before viewing his stats subconsciously. His medicine level was recorded in his stats window.

Being recognised by his stats system meant that his ability had attained a certain standard.

Even though Fang Yuan had learnt a few techniques, only those techniques related to medicine and botany, which had been vetted by Master Wenxin were recognised.

Hence, Fang Yuan considered himself as a much skilful doctor as compared to other normal doctors.

The only thing was that Fang Yuan was lazy in nature and he was also not very fond of Miss Zhou's temperament. Therefore, he wouldn't volunteer himself to help her.

'Since the Zhou family is part of the Spirit Returning Sect, perhaps I can pick up martial arts from them….However, this seems dangerous, maybe I should just forget about it….'

Even though the Zhou siblings were rude, they were very generous with the rewards in terms of money. The reward would definitely allow Fang Yuan to purchase the Realgar Powder in bulk with spare change left.

After exiting the shop, Fang Yuan continued shopping happily.

'Thinking about it, someone from the Spirit Returning Sect must have made this decision without consulting anyone. This makes the announcement less reliable.'

At noon, Fang Yuan squatted at a corner and kept thinking about the announcement while consuming the rice balls he brought.

This was good news as it meant that he was not forced to leave his hometown.

When the Zhou Family attempted to cut his supply through Old Tian, they didn't force himself to leave, but it was hard to say what would happen next.

'Maybe….Should I go and pick up martial arts from the Spirit Returning Sect and practice? Legend has it that the Spirit Returning Sect is led by a Wu Zong. What is a Wu Zong? Is it very powerful? But I'm not really sure if the system would recognise martial arts…."

The rice balls were made from Pearl Jade Crystal Rice and sour plums were wrapped inside them which produced a great aroma.

A few beggars gathered around Fang Yuan. Their eyes glittered and they were drooling, obviously attracted by the aroma of the rice balls.

Luckily there were many people along the street. If not, the beggars that gathered would have started snatching the rice balls.

"Haha….so you are here, little beggar?"

At that point when Fang Yuan was surrounded by those pitiful stares and wanted to give up some of his rice balls, a familiar voice was heard.

He lifted up his head and saw Miss Zhou giving him a cocky look.

"Me? I'm a beggar?"

Fang Yuan was stunned as he pointed to himself.

"You are gathering with the other beggars. If you are not a beggar then what are you?"

Miss Zhou grinned and brought out a purse with gold and silver linings. "How about I give you beggars a few coins to go into a restaurant to have a good meal?"

Fang Yuan looked at himself and turned speechless.

Usually, villagers who entered a city were dressed in this manner, which left Fang Yuan no choice but to accept it.

He rolled his eyes and ignored Miss Zhou. He then continued eating his rice balls.

"Haha…..you villagers treat rice balls as if they are treasures. I just came from a restaurant….what is that smell?"

Miss Zhou smelled and found out the aroma was coming from Fang Yuan's rice balls.

Each grain of the Pearl Jade Crystal Rice grains are clear as crystal and they complement well with the sour plums. These rice balls did not seem like what villagers usually eat.

Of course, the main attraction was the fragrance of the rice balls.

She just had the same type of rice from a restaurant, but the aroma of the rice balls is just….too tempting already….

Resentful, Miss Zhou started to realise that her stomach started growling even though she had just finished a meal.

This was not because of her hungriness, but the fact that the delicious rice balls were tempting her!

She started to feel as if the rice balls Fang Yuan were eating were like a black hole, constantly attracting her attention.

If she continued staring, she would drool!

Miss Zhou wisely decided to turn back and walked off.

"Do you….want that?"

Fang Yuan met Miss Zhou' eyes and felt that she was pitiful. Hence, he gave out the last rice ball, "I'm giving you the last one!"

Miss Zhou swallowed and started blushing. Her fingers shook a little, which seemed to be reaching for the rice balls. At last, she blurted, "What a joke….I'm Zhou Wenxin from the well known Zhou family. How could this be happening…."

Her footsteps brought her closer to the rice balls as she blurted.

"Oh, you don't want the rice balls I see!"

Fang Yuan understood her and gave the last rice ball to one of the beggars instead, "Take it!"

"Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"

That beggar was drooling right in front of Fang Yuan before. He became so grateful that he kept thanking while eating the rice ball.

That beggar grabbed the rice ball with a good amount of force. Meanwhile, it seemed that Zhou Wenxin was about to explode anytime.

"Ooohh….this is delicious!"

That beggar wolfed down the rice ball within seconds and started licking his fingers after finishing it.

"You…."

Zhou Wenxin's face became sluggish and blushed. Suddenly, she started crying out loud, "You bullied me!"

Not really sure why she felt that way, she turned and ran away.

The people who knew Zhou Wenxin gathered around Fang Yuan and admired him for what he did.

This guy was able to deal with the rude Miss Zhou by leaving her crying. This guy is capable of accomplishing anything in the future!

"This….'

Fang Yuan scratched his head and thought that he was innocent. It wasn't his fault that Miss Zhou cried. Sometimes, it was better to clear any misunderstandings that were made by others as IQ may not be equal to EQ.

However, he knew his EQ was low and he knew that if he didn't start running, he would be in big trouble when Miss Zhou's bodyguards came for him.

He started fleeing to a corner of another street.

...

Fang Yuan's prediction was correct.

Miss Zhou's bodyguards, looking angry, came running here not long after. Luckily they hadn't started locking down the whole city.

Fortunately, Fang Yuan was already outside the city, on his way back to the valley.

There were a few in the city who recognised Fang Yuan's looks, but no one knew where he lived.

Zhou Wenxin was furious for not learning Fang Yuan's name and could only give up on this matter. The news of Fang Yuan making Zhou Wenxin cry had spread everywhere in the city, causing Miss Zhou to be very embarrassed about the incident. Many had witnessed the incident happening, which made Zhou Wenxin even more furious. Unfortunately, she had nowhere to vent her anger.

"Hmm….So Wu Zong is a cultivation stage a martial artist can attain. A Wu Zong would be powerful to the extent that he would be able to defeat many. In the entire Spirit Returning Sect, there is only one such martial artist…."

Fang Yuan bought a book from a stall nearby using a few copper coins and was enjoying the contents.

This book appeared to be written by a scholar. The contents were based on a personal account and it seemed that the writer loved to travel. The content even mentioned something about Wu Zong, which attracted Fang Yuan.

"And here lies the Clear Spirit Mountain. Here is the Qinghe County and that city just now was Qingye City…."

What made Fang Yuan so interested in the book was that he was able to know where he was and the surrounding places from the book itself.

"The mainland is so big. The county where I am right now is so small when compared to the mainland. However, some may think that this county is quite big already….."

From the book, Fang Yuan knew how big the world is, which made him excited.

"Wu Zong is only well known in this area. There should be other structures other than martial arts…."

Fang Yuan put the book back into his bamboo basket and began trekking.

"Unfortunately, I was unable to get any martial arts manual. I should not think about other types of manuals then…."

Once back into the secluded valley, Fang Yuan felt at ease.

"It is still more comfortable back at home…."

Although he was not away from home for long, Fang Yuan was homesick.

He immediately went to the farm after putting his belongings down.

"Eh?"

Upon reaching the entrance, he was shocked by the presence of an animal's footprint, "A pest?"

Having a farm in the mountains would definitely attract all kinds of birds and animals. Luckily, Master Wenxin had a way to prevent any pest from entering the farm.

Tigers, wolves and other mammals would use their pee to mark out their territories. Other animals would not dare to enter these territories upon smelling the pee. In actual fact, some kind of herb was made into liquid form and would be poured around the whole perimeter of an area, tricking the other animals into think that that area is someone's territory and hence no one would enter.

Even if this method is a failure, the traps would have solved the problem of any trespassing.

However, the traps in the farm were damaged and the baits were missing as if the trespasser was laughing quietly at the back.

Chapter 7: Spiritual Beast

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Hmmm… from the footsteps this is an animal that is not too big not too small just like the size of a hunting dog…"

Fang Yuan kneeled down and observed the distinct footprint, "It is not too deep into the ground so it shouldn't be too big in size. A wild wolf? Fox? Or a weasel or a badger?"

"What a clever animal it managed to destroy our trap…"

Since growing up from the mountains Fang Yuan was skillful in catching wild animals because he often had to catch wild chickens and rabbits for food.

And for a trap this meticulously set up even a wild wolf or boar should not have been able to escape.

But right now the trap was completely destroyed as though the animal had thoughts of provoking the one who set up the trap.

"Master once said in the deep mountains there might be unusual beasts. Even if they started out as normal animals given the right circumstances and conditions they will evolve and become smarter could it be one of those smart animal's doing here?"

By setting up the trap and attempting to 'steal' the animal Fang Yuan felt wiser as though he was not facing a normal animal but a human. This led him to have a heavy heart.

"Hmmm… our losses are not much…"

He scanned around the surroundings and suddenly jumped up. He urgently made his way back to the tea garden, "This isn't good… My spiritual plants!"

Since the thief was not a normal animal normal crops would not be able to attract them therefore the only possibility was the Questioning Heart Tea Tree and Vermillion Jade Rice that attracted it!

After sorting out his thoughts Fang Yuan felt very uneasy and could not calm himself down.

A moment had passed and Fang Yuan felt very angry. He shouted within the secluded valley, "Go and die… Don't let me catch you…"

Fang Yuan stood in front of the Questioning Heart Tea Tree with sorrow on his face.

What used to be emerald-green tea leaves was now empty branches with bite marks on where the branches were broken.

The entire tree looked worn-out. Fortunately, its roots remained undamaged otherwise Fang Yuan would have lost it forever.

"What is this?"

After a close inspection, Fang Yuan discovered more clues around the Questioning Heart Tea Tree.

He rubbed his right hand against the broken branches of the tree. A layer of fine crystal droplets covered his fingertips. He realized the fine crystal droplets were all over the tree not only at the surroundings of the broken branches but near the roots of the tree as well.

"I did not put this here could it be the thief that brought it here?"

Fang Yuan placed these droplets near his nose and immediately smelt a fragrance followed by a putrid smell.

"Fertilizer?"

He looked at the worn-out Questioning Heart Tea Tree made a conjecture and had mixed feelings about it.

This spiritual plant thief dared to treat the Questioning Heart Tea Tree as its own and even defecated on it to make sure it would grow again so it could have another meal.

"It surely must have left the place because if it saw me it would have approached me…"

Fang Yuan shook his head and rushed to where the Vermillion Jade Rice was planted at.

On the contrary, the Spirited Red Corn was left untouched and even grew a little taller than it was before. The surrounding plants around the Spirited Red Corn seemed like they had dried up.

"The Spirited Red Corn couldn't even attract its attention the thief must have quite high standards…"

Seeing that the entire garden was left untouched and that the thief only had the intention to damage the Questioning Heart Tea Tree Fang Yuan was left speechless, "I will immediately set up another trap and wait here day and night just to see who is the thief!"

When his anger had subsided Fang Yuan thought that the whole incident was quite interesting as he could not wait to see who was the one who stole his tea leaves.

...

After calculating all his losses he had to carry on with his normal life.

Fang Yuan processed the Realgar Powder mixed it with the rest of the ingredients according to the correct ratio and placed it in the cellar for three days. He managed to produce a large amount of Still Fire Liquid.

This recipe was passed down from Master Wenxin and was a great fertilizer for many fire-type plants.

Since the Vermillion Jade Rice was a spiritual plant Fang Yuan had to water it thrice a day for it to grow and develop. It no longer had to compete and take the nutrients from surrounding plants to survive anymore and Fang Yuan felt relieved.

Days passed but the mysterious thief had not appeared. On the other hand, the constant lookout day and night took a toll on Fang Yuan.

Midnight with a clear moon.

Fang Yuan placed his trap and observed silently at a hidden spot.

Within the Tea Forest was silence and only occasional crickets which echoed within the secluded valley.

"Could it be that the thief saw me and is unwilling to approach?"

After keeping watch for a few hours Fang Yuan felt sleepy and a little disappointed, "I shall keep watch for another night and if the thief doesn't appear I will graft the Questioning Heart Tea Tree to somewhere safe… as for the crystal droplets it's a pity…"

Through the past few days of observation Fang Yuan became sure of his conjecture and true enough the crystal droplets was a fertilizer to spiritual plants.

Not only did the condition of the Questioning Heart Tea Tree improved its branches had healed and on the Spirited Red Corn which he scattered some of the crystal droplets they too began to grow larger than usual.

This unique fertilizer for the spiritual plants immediately aroused Fang Yuan's interest. He even considered letting the thief go if the thief was willing to share where it obtained the fertilizer from.

"Ahhhchooo..."

The next midnight had arrived and Fang Yuan's eyelids were heavier than before; he was ready to sleep anytime.

"It seems that it will not come tonight and since I have to wake up tomorrow morning to loosen the soil for the Spirited Red Corn I shall go… eh?"

At the moment when Fang Yuan stood up, a white flash caught his eye.

"It's coming!"

Fang Yuan became more energetic and in a moment did not feel sleepy anymore.

The white flash rushed towards the garden and saw the trap left by Fang Yuan. It appeared undisturbed as it gingerly made its way around the trap used its paws to grab the tree branch and pulled it out. This action triggered the trap but it couldn't catch anything as the beast was already out of its way.

"Wow! What a big and clever White Ferret!"

Fang Yuan heaved a huge sigh.

There was no mistake that right in front of him was a large White Ferret. It had large eyes long fur and a pair of extremely agile paws. Its ears would twitch from time to time as though it was listening to the surroundings and its white fur was extremely reflective under the moonlight.

A normal ferret would be about the size of a cat but this one grew a metre long like a small leopard.

"Oh boy! What a large White Ferret…"

Seeing how the ferret moved about freely within the tea garden Fang Yuan took another look at his inadequate equipment and thought, "Why not… I let it do whatever it wants today and the next time it comes I shall get more backup!"

He was not a professional hunter to begin with and even though he prepared a comprehensive list of equipment to catch it but looking at the 'demonic' White Ferret he did not dare to catch it.

"Keke!"

The moment the White Ferret entered the Tea Forest his jet-black eyes focused at Fang Yuan's hiding spot as though it had noticed him!

"How dare you! You beast!"

Fang Yuan had no choice but to reveal himself, "You destroyed my tea tree for the first time and now you're back for the second time do you really treat me as non-existent?

Simultaneously while jumping out Fang Yuan lit a fire torch.

Under the illumination of the torch, Fang Yuan could see the expression of the White Ferret as though Fang Yuan was a joke. It did not run but instead made eye contact with Fang Yuan.

'Oh no, shouldn't these wild animals be afraid of fire and humans? Why doesn't it seem so now?'

Deep down Fang Yuan was regretting his actions.

Seeing that the White Ferret did not treat him seriously and continued to munch on the branches of the Questioning Heart Tea Tree. Fang Yuan flared up, "How dare you!"

He grabbed his fire torch in one hand and his machete in another rushing towards the White Ferret, "Don't touch what is mine!"

"Sssss!"

In the next moment, he saw the White Ferret turned around its fur standing and it was making a hissing noise. Fang Yuan knew that this was bad but proceeded to lunge forward with his machete.

'Sou!'

The white shadow flashed by as Fang Yuan felt a strong force on his wrists forcing him to take a few steps back. His wrists weakened and he dropped both the machete and the fire torch, "This beast is too quick too strong!"

"Keke!"

Seeing how Fang Yuan was unable to withstand his first attack the White Ferret looked away and stroked his tummy as though he was mimicking a human laughing.

He was a spiritual being. He waved his little paws at Fang Yuan and pointed to the Questioning Heart Tree as though he was saying, 'This spiritual plant from today onwards will be mine!'

"No…...I cannot take this!"

Being mocked at by the beast Fang Yuan felt unjust. He did a flip from the ground and exclaimed, "Look out for my hidden weapon!"

With a flick of his wrist, a few small paper packets flew out from his hand.

'Peng peng!'

Smoke and fog exploded in mid-air bringing with it a pungent smell.

Fang Yuan appeared calm but without thought turned around and ran!

Even though a fight might be lost one should naturally look for a way to escape and in the future come back to deal with the white ferret. There was no rush for a gentleman to take his revenge.

"Sssss…"

Within the smoke came a shrill from the white ferret. Fang Yuan stopped in his footsteps.

He turned around and saw the white ferret pacing around the white smoke as though it was very afraid of it.

"Eh?"

Fang Yuan felt relieved.

He only meant for the smoke to help him escape because within the paper packets were normal non-spiritual items.

"I placed plenty of beast-repelling powder and if it is of use how can the beast enter? It seems like it also isn't about the pepper… It must be… the Realgar Powder! Haha… Just wait and see!"

Fang Yuan ran back to the valley and in no time brought along many bags of powder, "So you're scared of Realgar? Hahahaha… let's see!"

'Peng peng!'

With the flick of his right wrist, large amounts of Realgar Powder scattered into smoke covering the entire place.

Although the white ferret seemed determined it appeared that he was really afraid of Realgar and did not dare to move.

When the Realgar smoke settled it was gone

Chapter 8: The Exchange

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It was a quiet morning.

A thick fog gathered around the emerald-green leaves, condensing into water droplets as large as a pearl.

Fang Yuan paced around the garden, and carefully scattered the Realgar Powder on the soil, especially around the Questioning Heart Tea Tree and Vermillion Jade Rice plants, as these were the spiritual plants he wanted to protect.

"I can't imagine, such an agile and strong beast would have so much fear for a normal Realgar? Could it be true that one item would be the perfect counter to another?"

After finishing up, he wiped his sweat, sat on a large rock and started to ponder.

"Ferrets are afraid of Realgar? Wait a minute, this ferret is no ordinary ferret, it's possible that its fears are different from the usual ferret. Ferrets like to eat snakes, could it be that it ate too many snakes and evolved certain special traits?... Luckily I still have quite a lot of Realgar Powder left over!"

In order to make enough Still Fire Liquid, Fang Yuan bought not only the highest quality Realgar Powder, but also got a large quantity of it, and so did not need to worry about not having enough of it for the time being.

"But I'll still have to be careful, as the White Ferret may react differently once it becomes desperate."

Fang Yuan plucked a few fresh fruits for breakfast, went to the river and collected some pure spring water. He then took out his tea set and some Questioning Heart Tea leaves.

These leaves were roasted before they were sealed, which kept the essence of the Questioning Heart Tea leaves, and since they were stored away and well hidden, the White Ferret did not manage to get its paws on it.

If the White Ferret took these last leaves, Fang Yuan would definitely be speechless and depressed.

Boiling water, washing the pot, setting the tea leaves…

Within the peace, every single movement seemed effortless and tranquil.

Not long, the fragrance of the tea leaves rose.

"Good!"

Even though he had drank this tea countless times, the comfort this tea brought to Fang Yuan was still able to earn his praise.

He noticed his qualities and saw a change at the top,

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1

Spirit: 1

Magic: 1.4

Age: 18

Cultivation: None

Techniques: None

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (level 3)]"

"A normal person should have an average magic value of 1, but I have already exceeded that by about half... Although the effects of Questioning Heart Tea has decreased, before it loses all its effectiveness, maybe it can increase my magic level by more than twice of the average?"

More than twice of the average human, how would that feel like?

What Fang Yuan didn't know was that although he had only increased by 0.4 in magic, he would feel much wiser, and memorising books would take a much shorter time than usual, as though the gods were helping him.

Take now for an example, At the corner of his eye, he quickly spotted a white flash.

"Keke… Have you not given up? Come out!"

With the Realgar Powder in one hand, Fang Yuan waited patiently without fear and exclaimed loudly.

From the previous encounter, he knew that the White Ferret was a spiritual being, and could not be dealt with using normal ways, and it seems that it could understand what Fang Yuan was saying.

"Come out!"

"Come!"

"... …"

His voice echoed throughout the valley, but the white shadow was nowhere to be seen.

"That's true, it's daytime now…"

Fang Yuan looked at the sunrise, "Wasn't it night time? Eh… This fellow only appreciates spiritual plants, and the only thing more superior than the Questioning Heart Tea here is the…"

He smiled to himself and brewed another pot of Questioning Heart Tea, the fragrance of the tea spreading far.

"Keke!"

As expected, a loud hissing followed by a white flash appeared. It circled the Realgar Powder but did not dare to approach it.

"Seeing how the Questioning Heart Tea Tree was damaged, the essence of the brewed tea leaves would attract it even more right?"

Fang Yuan took a teacup, walked a few steps forward and stopped one and a half metres from the White Ferret.

"Hisss!"

Behind the line marked out by the Realgar Powder, as White Ferret tried to approach, its fur stood and he made a sound of fear but dared not to approach.

The fragrance of the tea made the White Ferret even more desperate as it scratched its head like a monkey.

"Haha… you are a ferret, not a monkey!"

Fang Yuan became intrigued and the kid in him took over. After a round of fooling with the White Ferret, he exclaimed, "If you don't ask and take, that makes you a thief! This tea tree and tea leaves have an owner, and only if I am willing to give it to you, then will it be yours. Understood?"

Within the secluded valley, he was always living along and had already been used to himself mumbling to himself. He laughed at himself, "How would I expect for you to understand such complicated teachings..."

At this moment, Fang Yuan's eyes grew wide.

The White Ferret clasped its paws together as though a human apologising, its jet-black eyes staring at the cup of tea, as though it was begging for the tea.

"This White Ferret is magical!"

Fang Yuan mumbled to himself, looked at the cup of tea in his hands, and suddenly he realised, "Yes… this Questioning Heart Tea has magical properties and would be even more valuable to the wild animal. Could it be that the tea leaves made it smarter?"

Fang Yuan told the White Ferret, "If you want to drink this cup of tea, you will have to understand… It is hard to obtain this tea, and I do not have much of it left. If you really want this tea, you will have to exchange it with the fertilizer that you brought the other time!"

Fang Yuan was still thinking about getting his hands on the crystal droplets, as they were spiritual fertilizer.

This was because he noticed that by using the crystal droplets as fertilizer, the Vermillion Jade Rice grew very well, and even the broken branches of the Questioning Heart Tea Tree began to heal and shoots began sprouting.

This led Fang Yuan to realise that the translucent crystal droplets that the White Ferret brought were a superior spiritual fertilizer, and it enhances the growth of all spiritual plants in ways no one could imagine.

Because of his limited experience, Fang Yuan could not tell what were the crystal droplets.

About 100 miles from Clear Spirit Mountain, much of it remained unexplored and only a spiritual beast like this White Ferret could have explored the uncharted territories and knew where to look for such a precious item.

"Do you understand?"

Fang Yuan noticed that the White Ferret was a little confused, so instead, he took out some of the spiritual fertilizer, "This is the one I'm looking for! I shall treat you to this cup of tea first, treating you as a guest. Next time if you want another cup of tea, bring me this spiritual fertilizer!"

The White Ferret looked at the spiritual fertilizer in his hands and appeared to understand a little of what Fang Yuan said.

"Alright, now take a step back, otherwise if I topple this cup of tea, don't blame me!"

Fang Yuan took two steps forward.

The White Ferret could understand and immediately backed away.

Fang Yuan approached the line made by the Realgar Powder, and placed the cup of tea beyond the line, "Enjoy!"

"Keke!"

The white flash appeared like lightning.

As the White Ferret approached the boundary of Realgar Powder, it slowed down and circled the cup of tea, and sounded delighted.

"Mmm, it seems that it is enjoying the cup of Questioning Heart Tea! After all, I used the Meditative Tea Ceremony to brew this cup of tea…"

Fang Yuan observed it, nodded his head and opened his eyes wide.

He thought that the White Ferret would lick the cup of tea. However, he never expected that it would stand up, sit down like a human, then used two paws to lift the cup up and took a sip.

"Phew... Keke..."

After taking a small sip, the White Ferret smiled, took another sip as though it appreciated the cup of tea.

"What the! I must be seeing things! This isn't a ferret…"

The appearance of the White Ferret led Fang Yuan to think about Master Wenxin. Master Wenxin also had the same expression when drinking the tea Fang Yuan brewed.

"Did the White Ferret learn these actions from a human?"

Although he took small sips, a cup of tea was still a small amount of tea.

After drinking, the White Ferret stared at Fang Yuan, as though he was an abandoned dog, and it appeared as if he wanted another cup of tea.

"You are quite clever..."

Fang Yuan scoffed, "Now you know how hard it is to obtain and brew these tea leaves?"

Questioning Heart Tea had always been a spiritual object, and combined with the Meditative Tea Ceremony, the effects were remarkable. Other than Fang Yuan himself, even Old Tian could never have enjoyed such a tea previously.

"If I gave him enough tea to drink, would it be possible for this White Ferret to become as smart as a human, and enable him to talk?"

Fang Yuan looked at the seemingly smarter White Ferret, with an idea evolving in his head.

"Alright, alright, looking at you, such a poor thing, how about another cup!"

"Ah? Do you want more?"

"No… I can't give you more, that's all the tea leaves I have for today!"

Within the secluded valley, divided by a line of Realgar Powder, sat a human and a ferret enjoying tea. It was an interesting sight to behold.

At the end, the White Ferret sniffed the spiritual fertilizer that Fang Yuan threw, confirmed that the teapot had no more tea, before leaving in a white flash.

"One should always hold his guard against other people… animals!"

Fang Yuan looked at the shadow of the White Ferret, and mumbled to himself, "Although wild animals have a purer mind than humans, I still have to guard against it, and only when it brings me the spiritual fertilizer, will I give him a few raw tea leaves, so that it knows that if it wants the real Questioning Heart Tea, he will have to obey me, then I can feel slightly relieved."

Since the tea was finished, he stood up, satisfied, stretched a little and began the day's work.

"Spiritual fertilizer, oh spiritual fertilizer!"

Within the Vermillion Jade Rice farm, Fang Yuan poured the last of Still Fire Liquid. From the corner of his eye, he noticed one of it growing exceptionally large and therefore felt resentment.

Because based on his calculations, even if the Vermilion Jade Rice was able to grow smoothly, it would still take a few months before the first harvest.

But if he was able to supply the spiritual fertilizer every day, then he probably would be able to taste the Spirited Red Corn in the following month.

"Originally, the spiritual tea will only grow new tea leaves in the next season, but today new shoots are sprouting… This spiritual fertilizer is amazing!"

Fang Yuan thought of following the White Ferret, but the only problem was that it ran as quick as lightning, and so he gave up on that thought.

Anyway, he just needed to have faith in his own Questioning Heart Tea.

As long as the White Ferret want the Questioning Heart Tea, It would have to obediently bring the spiritual fertilizer.

That night, Fang Yuan dreamt of something.

In the dream, he took out large quantities of the spiritual fertilizer, and covered the Questioning Heart Tea Tree and Spirited Red Corns with it. The harvest he managed to get was so plentiful he was not able to store it in the storage, and even though it was in his dream, he smiled to himself.

...

"Keke!"

"Keke!"

The next morning, Fang Yuan was woken up abruptly.

"Ferret Brother! The sun has not risen yet!"

Hearing this sound, Fang Yuan knew who had arrived. He sneezed, went to the garden and saw the White Ferret.

The moon had set and the stars were dim, but its white fur still shone brilliantly. He waved his paw and pulled out a green bag from behind.

"Eh?"

Fang Yuan took the bag, smelt the fragrance and exclaimed, "Spiritual fertilizer! So much of it!"

Chapter 9: Guest

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Sizzle!"

In the middle of a clearing within Spirit Valley, a fire was lit. A whole chicken was being roasted on a spit, its golden brown skin crackling with oil. The aroma of chicken meat filled the air.

"Keke!"

By the fire, a large white ferret moved about impatiently.

"Relax! It's still early!"

Fang Yuan rotated the spit gingerly, sprinkling salt and pepper on the meat at intervals.

Ever since the deal, Fang Yuan had gradually grown accustomed to the presence of the white ferret.

After drinking the Questioning Heart Tea brewed via the Meditative Tea Ceremony, and eating a few Questioning Heart Tea leaves, the white ferret immediately lost interest in the Questioning Heart Tea tree. But the ferret also required Fang Yuan to brew tea for it daily.

In return, the ferret would bring spiritual fertiliser to Fang Yuan. Even better, the ferret would sometimes offer pheasants and rabbits that it had hunted down to Fang Yuan as tributes.

Fang Yuan was not stingy with the ferret either. He had planned to share half of his meat with the ferret after it was done roasting on the spit.

The ferret was used to ripping into its prey raw and had never eaten cooked food before. The taste of the cooked meat was complemented by the seasoning and Fang Yuan's roasting technique. Before long, cooked food became the white ferret's obsession.

These days, Fang Yuan would open his door every morning to find that the ferret had lain wild game on his doorstep. He would never be in want for fresh meat again.

"Come on! The meat is ready!"

Fang Yuan tore the roasted chicken meat in half and threw it to the white ferret. The white ferret was ecstatic and in the blink of an eye, it had ripped into the meat and guzzled it down. It then licked its muzzle. It was apparent that it wanted more.

"Wow, that was fast…"

Fang Yuan was speechless. He bit into a chicken wing.

"Ahh, this tastes wonderful!"

The roasted chicken was not only aromatic, but the meat was tender and juicy. The chicken in question must have been living on pine nuts, hazelnuts and the like, for its meat had a herbal quality to it. It was no wonder that even Fang Yuan, a half-baked cook, was able to achieve such a great taste.

"You want some more?"

Fang Yuan took notice of the pleading gaze of the white ferret and threw him a piece of chicken thigh meat. The ferret received it excitedly and dug into it with great fervour.

"Don't just eat meat all the time. It's not very nutritious…"

Fang Yuan then took out the Crystal Rice and a few dishes. The white ferret could not withstand the sumptuous sight and beg for another bowl of rice. Fang Yuan was convinced that the white ferret's stomach was a bottomless pit.

Having eaten his fill, Fang Yuan crept up to the ferret, still preoccupied with its food, and traced his hand along its back.

The white ferret had the softest fur, smoother than silk of the highest quality, and Fang Yuan could not help but run his hands over its fine, velvety hair over and over again. Also, he was secretly glad that the ferret had begun to see him as a friend.

"Such a majestic and fearsome beast. If I manage to tame it, it would become a great protector of the Valley. No one would ever dare to trespass again!"

Fang Yuan had not forgotten that he had an unexpected enemy in the outside world.

"There is no other post-meal beverage better than tea…"

After finishing the last of the roast chicken, Fang Yuan smiled and went back into his hut to fetch a teapot.

The white ferret's eyes lit up immediately when it saw the teapot.

To the ferret, the roast chicken only satisfied its appetite, but the Questioning Heart Tea would heighten its senses and give it a new lease of life.

"Sizzle"

Tea, clear to the point of transparency, flowed into the teacup and gave off an amazing fragrance.

Fang Yuan cleared his sight and mind, settling into a familiar set of processes. The white ferret seemed to understand the importance of this procedure and sat cross-legged solemnly.

"Please help yourself!"

Fang Yuan offered the white ferret a cup.

Man and beast thus sat facing each other and had tea together. Both were enjoying it immensely.

"Hmm, I can sense the ferret's purity of heart. It seems as though it knows how to appreciate Master's Meditative Tea Ceremony…"

Fang Yuan was overjoyed.

This was reflective of Master Wenxin's joy at seeing Fang Yuan comprehend the teachings of the Tea Ceremony for the first time all those years ago.

"So this is what it means to pass on the torch. No wonder they say that civilisation is inherited."

Fang Yuan exhaled and unexpectedly came into mental contact with a consciousness that was not his own. He sensed ignorance and curiosity, and he turned his head only to meet the questioning eyes of the ferret.

"Wow, I can actually feel the emotions of the white ferret?"

Fang Yuan suddenly snapped out of his trance and found that he was unable to re-enter this mysterious state of mind.

"If I could hold on longer to this mental state, perhaps I might be able to communicate with you directly one day!"

Fang Yuan ruffled the white ferret's crown and sighed.

It was a pity that Fang Yuan was a long way off from mastering this supernatural skill.

"Alright let's go! We need to add some fertiliser to the tea tree!"

Having sat down and contemplated for a while, Fang Yuan stood up and clapped his hands.

"Luckily you fetched me the Spiritual fertiliser, or we would not be able to enjoy this much tea with the natural yield of the tea tree…"

Fang Yuan walked to the tea tree and undid a pouch. He then reached into it and sprinkled bits of Spiritual fertiliser onto the base of the tea tree.

The ferret did its part by loosening the soil with its claws. Man and beast had achieved a comfortable rapport with each other.

To others, this was indeed a sight to behold.

"Ferret, shall I name you?"

"Keke?"

"Yeah. I remember from my dreamscapes a legendary ferret that was very powerful. It was a magical beast from the epic Investiture of the Gods. It was said to resemble a white rat, was the size of an elephant and had wings, sharp teeth and claws. It was a ruthless beast and was a scourge to mankind. They called it the Flower Fox Ferret. Shall we call you that?"

"Keke?!"

"I'll take this as a yes, Flower Fox Ferret! Haha!"

Fang Yuan was extremely happy and he laughed heartily.

Beyond the Valley.

"Uncle Lin, does the Master that you speak of live here?"

The Zhou Siblings that Fang Yuan had met before were trekking in the forest with their house servants and Minister Lini. It was a long and gruelling trek indeed.

Zhou Wenxin, the spoilt young mistress of her noble household, was on the verge of tears. The mountain roads were winding and they seemed to never end.

"Ah Sister, you should have stayed at home and waited for my updates. There was really no need for you to come along."

Second Young Master Zhou (Zhou Erge) could not bear to see his sister suffer.

"I only wanted to do my part for Papa…"

"Hehe...my dears, we will arrive at the Valley shortly!"

Minister Lin looked as though he was in the pink of health, not breathless in the slightest. He chuckled.

"Master Wenxin was a true master. We regret that he has already passed on. However, he has left behind a disciple, who has at least inherited some of Master Wenxin's healing skills. He might not be the best physician there is, but he is pretty good…"

In truth, Minister Lin was not very confident of Fang Yuan's competence either.

However, he was aware that Master Wenxin and his disciple were both adept as botany, and given that they lived in the mountains, they must have gathered some valuable herbs and spices over the years.

Minister Lin hoped to shamelessly acquire some of these medicinal resources for the Zhou Family so that they would owe him a favour.

"Lei Yue was accepted into the Spirit Returning Sect recently. I must get into her good books!"

Minster Lin had other things on his mind as well. Considering the state of his relations with Fang Yuan, it would be extremely awkward for them to meet.

"What? Only one disciple?"

Zhou Wenxin felt her anger rising, and was immediately held back by her brother.

"Uncle Lin has our best interests at heart. Have faith in Uncle Lin. Don't be rash!"

Zhou Erge then turned to Minister Lin sheepishly.

"I apologise on my sister's behalf. Please don't hold it against her!"

"Haha...your sister is such a bright and lively young lady. You must be proud of her!"

Minster Lin laughed outwardly in response, but he was secretly relieved that his few daughters were unlike Zhou Wenxin, or he would never enjoy peace in his household.

As conversation wore on, the group finally found themselves at the entrance of the Valley.

"My dear lad!"

Minister Lin had been hardened by his life experiences and was thick-skinned as a result. His loud and clear voice was carried by the wind into the distance.

"Oh? What is Minister Lin doing here?"

Fang Yuan was clearing weeds in the Red Cornfield and was baffled when he heard the call.

"I shall go take a look. Hide, Flower Fox Ferret! Remember, don't eat any of the corn sprouts!"

The Flower Fox Ferret was a magical creature. Fang Yuan saw it as his trump card and did not intend to alert anyone to its existence.

"Keke!"

The white ferret cocked its head to one side and glanced at the Valley entrance with disdain before disappearing into a nearby garden.

Fang Yuan watched the white ferret go before tidying himself up. He then went over to the Valley entrance to greet his guests.

"Ah, Uncle Lin. What brings you here again?"

"My dear lad. Let Uncle Lin introduce you to my two companions. This is…"

Minister Lin kept a wide smile plastered on his face as he spoke, but Zhou Wenxin's voice pierced the air without warning.

"You little thief!"

"Thief?!"

Minster Lin and Zhou Erge were stunned.

"Second Brother, it's him! He's the fellow who took advantage of me!"

Zhou Wenxin's features were coloured in a violent shade of red. She was so mad that she became incoherent.

"Young lady!"

Fang Yuan frowned. He obviously recognised this difficult young woman.

And her choice of words was misleading! How had he taken advantage of her if he had not even laid a finger on her?

"What are you guys waiting for ...get him!"

Zhou Wenxin exploded.

"Yes, Missy!"

The manservants moved forward aggressively.

"Wait! This must be a misunderstanding!"

Minister Lin rushed to position himself between the potential clash and calmly reasoned.

"I watched this young man grow up. I can vouch for his character!"

"You are...the kid who peddled the Red Mountain Ginseng the other day?"

Zhou Erge had recognised Fang Yuan too.

Second Young Master Zhou had sent men to get to the bottom of things that day and had been dumbfounded when he pieced together the whole picture.

To be fair, Fang Yuan was indeed blameless.

"Hehe...it must have been a mistake…"

Seeing that Minister Lin was trying his best to defuse the tension, Zhou Erge chipped in.

"Yes yes, let's talk this over!"

He was used to tolerating his sister's obstinate behaviour, but he had to proceed with tact this time round because he needed Fang Yuan's to do him a favour.

Chapter 10: The Trade

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

" Let me get straight to the point, virtuous young man. I am here today to request a favour from you!"

Minister Lin glanced towards a frustrated Zhou Wenxin, hesitated for a moment, then looked at Fang Yuan.

"My father is sick, and I have long heard of Young Master's impeccable medical skills. I have come to request for medicine!"

The second son in the Zhou Family had a good upbringing and was humble in requesting for the favour, "I hope Young Master would help us out, and the entire Zhou Family will be grateful to you!"

At his side, Zhou Wenxin wanted to say a few words of her own but thought twice after seeing her brother's strict expression.

'Never would I have thought that the incident at the town would come back and hound me…'

Fang Yuan remained silent.

He noticed the expensive clothing donned by the Zhou siblings, and also their servant with a large build. If Minister Lin was not here today, these people would never be so polite.

As for Minister Lin, the previous incident of annulling the marriage resulted in their friendship becoming weaker.

Unless Fang Yuan recruited the help of Flower Fox Ferret to kill all of them and run away, he could not avoid this situation.

'Until now, they are still oppressing me…'

Fang Yuan mulled silently, but instead said, "Brothers, you have arrived late. My Master, Master Wenxin is the true master of Medicine skills. And as for me? I only learnt a few basics from him, and before seeing your father, I cannot assess his condition…"

"You little mucker…"

He only thought of planning an escape route for himself, but unknowingly, Zhou Wenxin felt so unjust that she started to cry.

To her, the bullying act by Fang Yuan back at the town was the biggest insult she had received.

And now, even when they have approached him and humbly requested for his help, he still rejected them!

This made Zhou Wenxin very angry and pushed her to the brink of crying.

"Keke... You are too humble. Even though Master Wenxin is not around anymore, I could recall that you should have kept plenty of good quality herbs right? If only I could have one portion to aid my father in his recovery, that would be enough..."

Minister Lin smiled and rubbed his hands together.

On the other hand, Fang Yuan frowned and felt that he could not trust him.

Minister Lin and Fang Yuan's friendship was the strongest as if they understood each other perfectly well.

Fang Yuan was thankful that he was not Master Wenxin himself, otherwise if Minister Lin knew about the Questioning Heart Tea Tree, Fang Yuan would get into trouble.

"Eh? In our previous encounter, Young Master was selling Red Ginseng. Even though the Red Ginseng was not aged enough, the medicinal properties were shocking! After my father consumed it, his conditioned improved!"

Zhou Erge nodded his head as though he thought of something, and looked happy.

Fang Yuan rolled his eyes but did not want to sound untrustworthy in front of Minister Lin.

Fang Yuan was put in a spot. Half a day later, he responded, "Minister Lin knows that Master Wenxin and I have lived in the secluded valley for less than 20 years, therefore the aged mountain herbs we have are all harvested by my Master from the deep mountains. There is a limited supply, and this is all we have now..."

"I also understand..."

Minister Lin felt embarrassed because he knew that Master Wenxin was a legend that could traverse the deep mountains and forest as though it was flat ground, but Fang Yuan? He could not have such abilities yet.

And therefore to eye on Fang Yuan's limited supply of mountain herbs was a little too much...

For the sake of Leiyue's future, he had no choice but to ask, "Virtuous young man, if you may have any request or anything that I can help you with, spill it out!"

"That's right, the Zhou Family announced that if Young Master is able to heal my father, whatever request you may have will be acceded to." Zhou Erge added.

"Then I shall say..."

Fang Yuan was delighted because this was what he really wanted. He was afraid that he would not get anything in return for the herbs that he would provide. A human favour was the most unreliable because one could forget about it any other day. Minister Lin was right to realize this and promised something in return.

"As for the precious herbs, I have the last stash here with me. It is a 60-year old aged Red Ginseng and is definitely real. But I cannot confirm that it will improve Old Zhou's condition, and therefore I will not request for anything. But because I am living in the deep mountains and forest, I would like to learn a few martial arts for self-defence. Therefore I hope that it would be possible to get a martial arts manual or something similar…"

"You want to learn martial arts?!"

Minister Lin appeared shocked, took a moment to observe the surrounding mountains and forest, and seemed to empathise a little.

As for the Zhou siblings, their facial expressions turned sour.

Seeing their reactions, Fang Yuan realised that they wrongly thought of him as the one who wants to secretly steal the Zhou Family's set of martial arts. He immediately waved his hands, "Of course, I only request the basic types of martial arts, only for self-defence. I would never hope for the most profound martial arts. If only Minister Lin gave me the most widely circulated, easiest-to-learn set of martial arts manual, that would be enough!"

"Oh, this… This is simple..."

Minister Lin stroked his beard, and deep down felt relieved.

If Fang Yuan requested for the Spirit Returning Sect's most profound set of martial arts, even if the Zhou Siblings agree, the Sect might not agree.

Only the most basic martial arts, with no specified type?

Considering how affluent the Zhou Family was, several skilled martial artists were recruited to protect their house. Putting together all their martial arts manual, they might have a few books.

Furthermore, these are the widely circulated ones, and therefore would not be any trouble to obtain.

"This request is simple, I shall agree to it on behalf of the Zhou Family! Just look for me whenever you want it!"

Minister Lin smiled to himself.

"Good, then that's a promise. A 60-year-old Red Ginseng, for a martial arts manual, not including others… Of course, this does not include Zhou Family's reward! This is only between Minister Lin and me!"

Seeing how much effort Minister Lin put in, Fang Yuan understood that giving a favour to others would establish their relationship very clearly.

"Deal!"

The Zhou Siblings looked at one another and realised that they were in no position to talk, and could only witness the both of them agreeing to the deal.

For Zhou Wenxin, she unhappily mumbled a sentence, "Aren't you a little old to be learning martial arts? Keke... You don't even know about the 12 Golden Gates, and you still want to achieve something in martial arts?"

Her tone was a condescending one.

Fang Yuan remained calm as though he did not hear her. He secretly took a mental note of '12 Golden Gates' to find out about it in the future.

"Please follow me, Minister Lin!"

Fang Yuan open his the door of his storage and invited Minister Lin in. He did not attempt to stop the Zhou Siblings from following.

As long as the Questioning Heart Tea and Vermillion Jade Rice remained a secret, it does not matter if his stored medicine was being seen by others.

By letting them in, it would also dismiss any greedy thoughts that they might have.

Otherwise, in the future, wouldn't it be impractical if everyone who fell sick came over here to ask for herbs?

"Hmm, you kept the storage neat and tidy."

Within the storage room, a strong scent filled the air. Zhou Wenxin held her nose, but Minister Lin kept his hands at his back, "This Jade Crystal Rice is the most special, and cultivated with the best last time I ate this rice, I did not have to worry about food and even the smell of meat could not entice me..."

"If Minister Lin likes it, then please help yourself to a few bags before leaving..."

Fang Yuan replied without looking back.

This scene reminded Zhou Wenxin of the first time she met Fang Yuan and made her feel embarrassed and angry at the same time.

All the way at the end of the storage room were rows of wooden racks, with many empty boxes at the top.

Fang Yuan walked to the right side of the room, took out a box and handed it over, "Minister Lin, please have it!"

Minister Lin received the box and opened it. It was a large ginseng, of deep red jadeite colour. It was preserved to perfection and of top-notch quality, and the best part of the ginseng was that none of its roots was flawed.

"Mmmm, very good! Very good!"

His eyes darted around the floor, and shook his head in disappointment, 'Looks like Master Wenxin's storage is indeed going to be empty soon…...'

"Good! Good! Good!"

Zhou Ergu took a quick look at the Red Ginseng and was ecstatic, "Its medicinal powers would be at least 60 years old since the medicinal value of a Red Ginseng goes up with its age. Red Ginsengs aged above 50 is a rarity! Father has hope now!"

"Mmm, please keep it properly..."

Seeing this Red Ginseng, Minister Lin felt reluctant, but still passed it to Zhou Erge for safekeeping, and told Fang Yuan, "Don't you worry, the martial arts manual that you requested will be delivered to you."

"Many thanks, Minister Lin!"

Fang Yuan clutched his fist and paid his compliments.

"Mmm, I shall take my leave!"

Staying after the deal would make things more awkward. Minister Lin, together with the Zhou Family, walk out and disappeared outside the valley.

"Keke?!"

Fang Yuan let out a long sigh as he watched them walk away.

At this moment, a white flash appeared and Flower Fox Ferret appeared again. It pointed its paws around and in its eyes, it seemed confused.

"This time you don't have to fight..."

Fang Yuan stroked Flower Fox Ferret's head, and mumbled to it, "Next time, without my presence, if anyone approaches the garden, go for the kill. Understood?"

Flower Fox Ferret was able to understand Fang Yuan's intentions, and like a human nodded his small head.

"I'm not sure if one Red Ginseng is able to cure Old Zhou's illness, and if it cannot be cured, then what happens afterwards would be a little troublesome..."

Fang Yuan took a look at the column of his own qualities:

"[Medicine (Level 1)] - Can heal simple wounds, including mild wounds, and with the aid of medicinal plants can achieve even better results."

"[Botany (Level 3)] - You are undoubtedly the professional in this field, harnessing unlimited potential. Through your plants, there is a slight chance that they might evolve to have special traits!"

"Mild wounds, I don't even know if Old Zhou's illness can be classified as mild… but with the aid of medicinal plants to achieve better results, that is worth seeing if it will work..."

Fang Yuan now wanted to attain a higher level for his [Medicine].

Through experimenting in [Botany], it became clear to him that to attain a higher level, one needed to be proficient and undergo intense training.

His own [Botany] levelled up to Level 2 through numerous cultivation of plants, but without the help of the spiritual plants, he could never have attained Level 3.

To improve his [Medical], he would have to begin with a large number of patients.

"Hmm… the Zhou Family? Keke..."

Fang Yuan shook his head and remained silent.

Chapter 11: The Secret Manual

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Minister Lin was a trustworthy person. Not long after, a small bag was delivered to the secluded mountains.

Maybe because he felt guilty, or maybe he felt that the basic martial arts weren't much trouble, so he delivered three manuals at one go, which surprised Fang Yuan.

He sat on an emerald rock, and with Flower Fox Ferret by his side, carefully flipped the pages of one of the manuals.

"Black Sand Palm?"

Fang Yuan flipped the manual and scanned the manual quickly. He noticed that even though the book seemed old, the wordings were written with much force, and some of it was blurred. The corner of some pages was torn, which showed how many generations the book was passed down from. This manual was simply an antique.

"I can't believe he sent the original copy to me, looks like Minister Lin did not have any intention to cheat me..."

Fang Yuan nodded his head.

These type of martial arts manuals had to be as accurate as possible because even the slightest deviation from copying to another copy might result in an entirely different result altogether, so the original copy was still the best.

Just by holding on to the manual, Fang Yuan was able to know the amount of effort the martial artist placed into compiling the manual.

"Hmm... Even the most basic martial arts getting widely circulated goes to show that it has its own unique points!"

The other two copies were in a similar condition to this manual, and this made Fang Yuan feel slightly ashamed. He only requested for the most widely circulated ones because they were the easiest to verify.

Anyway, he was not allowed to practise martial arts if the manual was given by someone else. Afterall, learning martial arts was one of the easiest ways to lose control of one's conscious mind.

"It seems... I am guarding against others..."

Fang Yuan heaved a long sigh: "After all, I still have my medical skills. Even if I only research and not practice, I should be able to spot any problems. Compared to internal techniques, external techniques are better as it's quite difficult to go wrong with them, even if there are traps inside..."

Although this was known from another subject, it could also be used to prove the same theory.

He put down the manual and flipped the other two manuals.

"Eagle Claw Technique? It seems that the representative from the Spirit Returning Sect, Cold Face Steel Eagle, knew this technique. He probably knew the secret manual version of this technique, and would likely overpower the other widely circulated versions…"

Out of the three manuals, two of which taught external martial arts, and the last one taught a nameless technique. It focused on how to train one's body, increase tolerance to punches, and some breathing techniques as well. According to the author, once practised fully, holding a single breath would be able to take a hit from a normal weapon.

In the bag, there was also a small piece of paper, jotted on it the origins of these three books.

"Presenting the Black Sand Palm, the most widely circulated version of martial arts within Qinghe County."

"From villager Mengyuan, the Eagle Claw Technique. The most basic martial arts, but one will require a special set of Inner Power to be able to train to its highest level."

"The last book is the simplest set of breathing techniques, no, it is just some breathing techniques and methods to take hits from opponents, and it doesn't even have a name, so let's call it "Rough Breathing Technique..."

...

Fang Yuan realised that these three manuals were indeed the most widely circulated, and none of them was a treasure.

However basic a set of martial arts might be, it was also passed down from generations to generations with much thought put into it. Any normal person who was able to practise any type of martial arts would be able to defend oneself, so it was still worth cherishing the martial arts manual.

Using a 60-year-old Red Ginseng in exchange for these books was a fair trade.

"Considering how good the conditions of these manuals are… Minister Lin was still sincere."

Fang Yuan sighed and started to study each manual in detail.

Unknowingly, half a day went by and the sun began to set, with its rays scattering across the horizon.

"Keke!?"

"Keke?"

The Flower Fox Ferret saw how focused Fang Yuan was in studying the manuals, and became curious. It could not understand a single word written in the manuals and so it gave up trying to read it. The Flower Fox Ferret ran out into the forest, and not long after, dragged a large wild rabbit back and placed it in front of Fang Yuan.

"Haha... You only know about eating!"

Fang Yuan closed the last manual on the Rough Breathing Technique, looked at the Flower Fox Ferret and laughed.

The sky began to darken.

Next to the fireplace, Fang Yuan skinned the rabbit, marinated it and roasted it. He yanked out the thigh of the roasted rabbit and threw the remaining to the impatient Flower Fox Ferret. His mind was filled with the contents that he read about in the manuals.

'The world of martial arts seems to be of a higher level than the normal world... Black Sand Palm and Eagle Claw Technique are purely the outer power that can be stimulated with medicine. On the other hand, cultivating the inner power requires proper breathing techniques and patterns, or even focusing the mind… Regardless of the type of martial arts, there are always different levels of cultivation, and this is the 12 Golden Gates!'

This term '12 Golden Gates' was constantly repeated in all three manuals. Fang Yuan thought about it hard, and finally knew what it meant.

"Based on the theory of martial arts, the human body has unlimited potential. However, there are many mental barriers which restrict the use of maximum power. Therefore, the purpose of learning martial arts is to learn how to destroy these barriers to unleash one's potential!"

There were 12 of these barriers, as described in the manuals. This was why it was called the 12 Golden Gates.

Every time a martial artist broke through one of these gates, his strength would increase. The more gates that were broken through, the scarier it became.

After breaking all 12 Gates, one would attain the level of 'Wu Zong'!

There was only one such person alive, even within the Spirit Returning Sect.

"The 12 barriers within the human body... sounds similar to the 12 Meridians, 8 Veins in Medicine. Does that mean that the cultivation of martial arts is actually to strengthen the meridian of the human body?"

"The 12 barriers represent 12 levels, and in order to attain Wu Zong, every single one must be broken! I can't imagine how clever Leiyue is!"

After understanding the difficulty in practising martial arts, Fang Yuan had some doubts.

His impression of Leiyue's martial arts was not of such a high level.

"At that point of time I couldn't understand martial arts, but Master should have noticed, that the marriage was a little too rushed…..."

When he thought of Master Wenxin, Fang Yuan sighed.

Master Wenxin treated him fairly, and everything was for his own good. The only regret was that he passed on early.

If he was still alive and saw Minister Lin, how would he react?

After his thoughts, the roasted rabbit in his mouth became tasteless.

Fang Yuan stood up, tidied the place and prepared some tea in the moonlight.

While performing the Meditative Tea Ceremony, Fang Yuan reminisced Master Wenxin, and this was his unique way of keeping his Master in his memory.

"Hisss!?"

The Flower Fox Ferret seemed to understand Fang Yuan, and at the same time seemed like it could feel the sorrow in Fang Yuan, and did not appear as joyful as the past few times.

In the deep secluded valley, there was no sun and moon. Time passed quickly and it was dawn.

Fang Yuan woke up early, and as usual, drank his morning tea and proceeded to farm.

In the Vermillion Jade Rice farm, the shoots grew to his hip level, and fruits started to form at the top of the shoots, causing the shoots to bend.

Fang Yuan dissolved the spiritual fertilizer in the spring water and watered the plants with the water. A light fragrance filled the air.

"Keke!"

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret jumped around as though it was very excited.

Although the small shoots of the Vermillion Jade Rice did not catch its attention, the ripened Vermillion Jade Rice did make it excited.

"Remember, don't steal it!"

For this, Fang Yuan had to sternly remind it and brewed large amounts of tea for it to drink before being able to appease it.

"Previously we did not plant much, so it would be good if we can harvest more than 10 pounds. But after this, we can plant even more, and should consider expanding the farm..."

Fang Yuan was excited.

The speed at which the Spirited Red Corn germinated and grew was faster than expected.

It must have been due to the spiritual fertilizer that was brought by the Flower Fox Ferret, and also his [Botany], which resulted in the speedy growth.

"Don't worry, Flower Fox Ferret! Once we harvest it, I will let you have your fill! After all, credit goes to you for finding the spiritual fertilizer!"

Fang Yuan caressed the head of the Flower Fox Ferret, and comforted it: "And also, as for the spiritual tea, it's the second harvest already..."

He smiled and felt happy from his bountiful harvest.

Every day while patrolling the farm, Fang Yuan would stop by a hut and flip the martial arts manual on the table.

"I have already memorised these three manuals, and already cross-referenced with my [Medicine], and nothing seems to be wrong with it... should I start practising?"

Fang Yuan imagined himself trying out the moves, but adamantly shook his head: "No way! This is not safe! I am such a coward! The only plan is to go to the town, spend some money and get another one of these manuals to refer to, or pass it on to someone else to practice..."

Martial arts was not a normal thing, and therefore Fang Yuan had no confidence to practise it.

"The small thief is inside!"

"Surround him, don't let him run away!"

"Faster!"

...

Suddenly, a lot of noise came from outside, which confused Fang Yuan.

"What is it?"

He opened the door and saw a large group of men, furiously entering his home. Zhou Wenxin stood in front of the pack, looking proud.

"You small thief!"

Zhou Wenxin's old and new hatred for Fang Yuan grew as she saw him. Her voice became sharper: "You insulted me, and now you used fake medicine on my father! I will not let you off today!"

With a wave of her hand, a few men rushed towards Fang Yuan, surrounding him.

Chapter 12: Poisonous Dragon Grass

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Numerous hostile big-sized men surrounded Fang Yuan with wooden bats.

Under normal circumstances, one would have been beaten badly.

Fang Yuan hadn't started practising martial arts and hence would likely be beaten badly. However, he looked at these hostile men with a smile.

"You dare to smile still. Beat him till his bones break!"

"Hit!"

These men from the Zhou family were violent and rude.

Whizz!

A bright light appeared and flashed a few times in the area.

"Aaah!"

After which, a few screamings were heard.

When Zhou Wenxin came back to her senses, she realised all her bodyguards were defeated. She held her bleeding right arm tightly.

"What….what kind of power is this?"

Her face immediately turned white. When Fang Yuan started to approach her, she was so scared that she immediately retreated and said, "Don't….do not come near me!"

"Miss Zhou, I made a deal with Uncle Lin. The medicine was approved by him, so who told you the medicine was fake?"

Fang Yuan slowly approached her with a cold look. If he had a Flower Fox Ferret with him, the consequences for Miss Zhou would have been even worse.

"Wuahhh!"

Zhou Wenxin tripped and fell while retreating. She began crying, "Oooooo….. you're a bully!"

"Bullshit!"

Fang Yuan was left speechless.

These men were obviously hostile in nature and why were they hired as bodyguards?

"Speak now, or you will end up like them!"

Fang Yuan intimidated her by kicking one the downed men.

From the scream, Zhou Wenxin immediately stopped crying and said, "It….It was Song Zhigao who said it!"

"Who is Song Zhigao?"

"A comprador of the Spirit Returning Sect!"

...…..

Through Fang Yuan's method of interrogation, the arrogant Zhou Wenxin was able to spit out the truth and reveal everything.

According to her, after obtaining the Red Mountain Ginseng from the previous deal, the siblings happily gave it to Old Zhou.

Old Zhou did recover from his illness and got better, but not for long. His condition deteriorated and until now, no medicine could help to cure his illness!

Of course, Zhou Erge[1] and Lin Benchu understood that it was not that Fang Yuan's Red Mountain Ginseng was not effective. However, due to her bad temper, how could Zhou Wenxin have understood?

Plus, the Zhou family was close to Song Zhigao and Song Zhigao started questioning the effectiveness of the Red Mountain Ginseng.

"Song Zhigao? The one that is in charge of external trade?"

Fang Yuan touched his chin and recalled something vaguely.

"I have not met or heard about this man before. No offence, but I'm guessing it is likely Leiyue's marriage that is creating this mess…."

Had one known that the marriage would create such a mess, one would not have accepted the marriage no matter what.

"You have said what others had said. Now can you let me go…."

At that moment, Zhou Wenxin was tearing and seemed pitiful instead of unruly.

How did it look for a lady from a wealthy family to be defeated in the mountains?

Anyway, Fang Yuan said his age is definitely bigger than hers.

"You can leave now! Bring your men along with you as well!"

Fang Yuan's true colours had been seen by many. He couldn't bear to kill one and destroy the traces of the murder. He then gave cold look.

"Leave now!"

Zhou Wenxin and her bodyguard retreated immediately as if there was a big flood that was charging towards them.

In their minds, Fang Yuan, who could now defeat so many strong men is no different from a magician who practices dark magic in the mountains.

...….

"Keke?"

Flower Fox Ferret appeared after they left. It went round and round around Fang Yuan as if it was asking for a treat.

"You did well! The main point is that your speed….became even faster!"

Since then at the farm, Fang Yuan was able to see Flower Fox Ferret's full power for the first time. The previous Flower Fox Ferret escaped and only its shadow could be seen.

Till now, it seemed that it was because of the spiritual tea that improved the speed. The speed was so fast that those downed bodyguards didn't even know what attacked them.

Even though Fang Yuan has requested to go easy on them, those bodyguards were still attacked quite badly.

"Luckily you were not too hard on them just now, if not….."

He touched the Flower Fox Ferret's head, with his mind lingering with fear.

The Flower Fox Ferret comfortably close its eyes and raise its paws, as if it was saying, "There is no one I cannot defeat!"

Fang Yuan couldn't help but laugh at the Flower Fox Ferret's posture.

...….

"Even though the Flower Fox Ferret is very powerful, according to a manual, one may still be able to track the Flower Fox Ferret's location even if the Flower Fox Ferret is able to defeat a very good martial artist with its skills that are way beyond a normal human being!"

Inside the secluded valley, Fang Yuan was reading Black Sand Palm's secret manual.

At the moment, the Flower Fox Ferret could be considered one of the great martial artists.

The men Zhou Wenxin brought last week were lowly-skilled in terms of martial arts. They were not considered the ones who really practice martial arts even if they had learnt a few moves.

Based on the ability of the Zhou family, they should have the good ones.

Fang Yuan then may not be confident enough to defeat the better ones when Zhou Wenxin returned next time with them.

"My Red Mountain Ginseng should not be a problem. If Old Zhou had a problem with his vitality, his condition shouldn't deteriorate after consuming the Red Mountain Ginseng!"

Fang Yuan was naturally confident about his products.

"Then….his injuries is definitely linked to something else!"

He admired Lin Benchu's courage for dealing with such muddy water with just his bare arms.

"The main point is that when you jump, you somehow got my whole body in mud as well!"

Fang Yuan showed a slight resentment.

In fact, this was a positive solution to the problem, but Fang Yuan was not willing to execute it.

As to the reason why is because…..

He had trekked out of the mountains once this year already and he didn't want to do it again. Plus, it was too troublesome to find the culprit while curing the illness.

Fang Yuan yawned a few times and decided to go for a nap.

...…..

"Flower Fox Ferret, my life will depend on you if I was to be running away for my life next time!"

Half a day had gone. Fang Yuan carried his bamboo basket and continued trekking in the mountains. He envied the Flower Rox Ferret when meeting one along the way.

The secluded valley was linked to the mountains and there was no risk of an ambush especially when Master Wenxin built the houses. He left a few escape roads purposely and only Fang Yuan knew these roads.

Fang Yuan strongly believed that Master Wenxin probably had made a grave mistake elsewhere and was cautious of his survival ever since, which resulted in Master Wenxin creating a few escape roads.

However, due to Master Wenxin's works, Fang Yuan was able to sleep peacefully every day without having to worry about any danger.

Looking at how the Flower Fox Ferret was able to run freely in the forest, Fang Yuan joked about it but was also regretful.

If the white ferret had been big enough to be ridden, Fang Yuan can travel and explore the whole Clear Spirit Mountain. That would have been a great thing to do.

Trekking the mountains was physically demanding, especially when trekking deep in the mountains and the old forests, where there were no small rocky pathways but full of dangerous animals and poisonous insects.

Fang Yuan used his knife to remove the thorns and tall plants that were in the way. He then continued on while panting.

These few days he used all kinds of coercion to lure the Flower Fox Ferret to bring him deep into the mountains to find the Spiritual Fertilizer.

He suspected that the Flower Fox Ferret had been tricking him. Ever since he entered deep into the mountains, he only encountered a few rare herbs and medicine but could not find the Spiritual Fertilizer.

"Don't quibble with me, Flower Fox Ferret. Judging from the amount you had brought, there should still be a good amount of Spiritual Fertilizer left!"

Fang Yuan looked at the sky and stopped trekking. He found a big rock to sit down, passed one of his rice balls to the Flower Fox Ferret and then started eating.

"Keke! Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret carried the rice ball around and then bit the rice ball like a squirrel. It finished the rice ball quickly and then started gesturing using its paws.

After a long time trying to figure out what its gesture meant, Fang Yuan managed to understand what the Flower Fox Ferret was trying to say, "So I cannot go there yet? I can only find the good stuff nearby?"

He looked over his shoulders and eyed a number of rare herbs and medicine that he had collected today. He managed to agree with the idea, "Alright, we will go back home after going there for a while more! The rare herbs and medicine collected must be locked up somewhere safe or else it will be a waste to lose them!"

After gulping down a mouthful of spring water, Fang Yuan was recharged and ready to trek with the Flower Fox Ferret. They then reach a depression where there was full of fog.

"Well…. This place is full of miasma and poisonous fog!"

Fang Yuan then saw some colour in the fog and frowned. He immediately applied some of Master Wenxin's medicine onto his nose.

Hunters and herb collectors who trekked this far into the mountains would have such medicine to apply, but the medicine made by Master Wenxin had the best remedy.

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret seemed quite anxious.

"Haha…. What is the issue?"

Fang Yuan happily followed it and breathed in, "Poisonous Dragon Grass?!"

In front of him lay a small pool with white rocks around it. A purple herb was in sight.

This expensive herb was mentioned by Master Wenxin before. Such herb grew in toxic places and was highly effective in dealing with other poisons when it was used as medicine. Many serious antidote prescription required such a herb.

"Good herb!"

Fang Yuan's eyes glittered but did not move.

Waiting for this herb was equivalent to getting half of it as there could be animals nearby guarding this herb!

[1] Zhou Erge and Zhou Wenwu are the same person

Chapter 13: Fisherman

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Hiss!"

After the Poisonous Dragon Grass was found, the Flower Fox Ferret started making a hissing sound to indicate there was danger approaching. The Flower Fox Ferret's fur rose and its back became arched like a bow.

"Hiss!"

At that moment, Fang Yuan heard a sound from a pile of white rocks and a black long animal came crawling out with half of its body raised. It showed hostility while showing its purple-red coloured tongue.

"Is this….a snake?"

He was shocked by the sudden presence of the snake.

This snake was about 3 feet long and as wide as a thumb. The black scales on it was glittering. What caught his eye was its white tail which was like a pearl necklace. Its fangs were sharp and there was a big bulge on top of its head. The bulge was like a purple pearl showing a bit of glitter.

"Pearl Tail Snake?"

Fang Yuan recalled what Master Wenxin mentioned and linked the different types of the very poisonous living matter that existed in the Clear Spirit Mountain. "Definitely….not a normal Pearl Tail Snake as this black one is way longer. Plus, the black one has an additional bulge on top of its head….perhaps because of mutation?"

He was very sure that this black snake was neither a spiritual animal nor just a normal Pearl Tail Snake.

"Hiss!"

At that moment, the Flower Fox Ferret showed its claws and started moving forward.

Seeing a white furred Flower Fox Ferret, this mutated Peal Tail Snake seemed to be afraid of the Flower Fox Ferret. It then curled into a circle, with its head popping out.

"Yes….Flower Fox Ferrets are naturally enemies with snakes. Since this ferret is a Spiritual beast and has the effects of the spiritual tea, it should be able to defeat the snake…."

Pearl Tail Snake was extremely poisonous and Fang Yuan was definitely no match for the snake with just his knife and the antidote. He immediately went to hide and anxiously oversaw the situation.

Both beasts stared at each other for a while. Suddenly, the Flower Fox Ferret moved a few steps.

"Hiss!"

The Pearl Tail Snake started spitting out translucent liquid, like shooting an arrow, from its fangs.

"Spitting poison?"

Fang Yuan was watching frantically at the side, knowing that he was unlikely to dodge away from the poison if he was the one dueling.

At that moment, the Flower Fox Ferret was in mid-air and dodged away from the poison quickly like the speed of lightning. The Flower Fox Ferret then moved to the pile of white rocks and then clenched onto the neck of the Pearl Tail Snake using its front claws. The tail of the Pearl Tail Snake was left wrapping around and the Flower Fox Ferret, showing its sharp teeth, took this chance to take a bite around the neck.

Kacha!

The head of the Pearl Tail Snake dropped with just one bite from the Flower Fox Ferret.

"Well done!"

Fang Yuan came over and celebrated.

He went to look for the place where the poison landed from the Pearl Tail Snake. The place became burnt, with the rocks being disintegrated into pieces.

"Not bad Flower Fox Ferret!"

Fang Yuan complimented the Flower Fox Ferret and carefully kept the Poisonous Dragon Grass. "Combine this with the Three Star Grass, a leaf and this Pearl Tail Snake….The ingredients for Master's 'Yama's Order' would be complete!"

The name of this medicine sounded scary, but in fact is a detoxification medicine, which can detoxify many types of poison. This medicine can even save one's life who was almost dying from poison.

"Hey! Stop eating so much, I still need the snake!"

After the quarrel, Fang Yuan silently looked at the Flower Fox Ferret carrying the Pearl Tail Snake. The snake was bitten into half like a sugar cane. The Flower Fox Ferret dug out a purple green snake bile and swallowed it down.

"Luckily, the poisonous capsules are still inside…."

Fang Yuan went to check again and was relieved.

Knowing that even though how divine the Flower Fox Ferret was, when facing such mutated Peal Tail Snake with extreme poison, the Flower Fox Ferret was cautious when eating the Pearl Tail Snake.

...….

"Even though this time when I enter the mountains, I cannot find the Spiritual Fertilizer but I manage to gather all the ingredients for Yama's Order. I can start to prepare this medicine when I get back…."

On the way back home, Fang Yuan's mood was great.

Even though the effect of Yama's Order is very strong, the process of making it is not really complicated. Only a few types of ingredients were needed in ratio. Mixing and tanning of these ingredients would then produce the medicine. The only difficult part was getting the ingredients as they were rare.

"With this medicine, it will be much more convenient when I go travel next time…."

Fang Yuan pondered his face changed suddenly.

A broken tree appeared suddenly in front of him. The tree, which was as wide as one's waist, was truncated at the middle portion.

This was nothing but what was strange was that a very clear palm print was on the truncated portion of the tree!

"Definitely a person, but someone with such strength?!"

Fang Yuan became alert and found some footprints of a wolf pack. "The wolves fought all the way till the Clear Spirit Mountain here?"

"Hiss!"

The white Flower Fox Ferret became tense up as well after seeing the wolves' tracks.

"Let's go and have a look!"

Fang Yuan was a young adult and out of curiousity, wanted to find out what happened.

The Flower Fox Ferret sniffed the ground and then went off in a direction.

Fang Yuan went after it closely but along the way, he saw even more footprints and traces of blood.

"Judging from the scene, definitely one is chasing the other…."

Fang Yuan was cautious and slowed down his footsteps even more when he heard noises coming from ahead.

"Han Shou….a traitor….."

Along with the wind blowing from the mountains, a series of human voice could be heard vaguely.

Fang Yuan didn't dare to charge to the front. He observed his surroundings and then climbed up onto a big tree. He used the massive size of the canopy of the tree as a cover and observed from above.

He was lucky as it was just a piece of grassland further up front. He saw 2 people fighting, one in white while the other in black. Both of them didn't seem to know that they were being watched.

"Master….I was wrong. Please spare me…."

Fang Yuan came at the wrong time as the fight seemed to be ending. The one in black was punched at the middle of his chest. He began spitting out big pool of blood and then kneeled down to beg for forgiveness.

After seeing what happened, Fang Yuan felt that his faith in great martial artists were destroyed.

"Hey….it seems that skilled martial artists need not have a good character….. Previously they could fight with no regard for their lives. But the moment when he was losing he immediately knelt and beg for his life to be spared..."

Being an observer, he only thought about himself and did not think from the perspectives of these martial artists.

After the one in black kneeled down, the one in white seemed to hesitate while raising his right hand. His face turned red and started scolding loudly.

Fang Yuan could only hear the 2 words 'traitor' and 'treasure' vaguely. He couldn't catch the rest of the sentence.

Just when he was about to leave since he thought the show had ended, something happened!

The man in black suddenly gave a strong punch to the chest of the man in white.

Kacha!

The sound of fractures was so deafening that Fang Yuan could hear it very clearly. The man in white then returned with another punch onto the man in black. The man in black was now injured badly, but was spitting out blood and laughing, making him looked arrogant.

"That man is ruthless!"

Fang Yuan was amazed by the comeback. "That comeback was a big turnover!"

At that moment, the man in black stumbled forward to the dead man in white and seemed to be looking for something. However, the man in black went down as well.

"What? Both parties are defeated? Looks like the man in white is more skilled than the other as he managed to injure the other one before he die!"

Fang Yuan hurried down the tree and went to the edge of the fighting zone, but didn't dare to move any nearer.

The fight between the two and the damage they had caused scared him a little, hence he didn't dare to move closer.

The man in black who survived was especially cunning. What if he realised that he was being watched the whole time and decided to pretend to be dead, wouldn't it be Fang Yuan walking into his own grave if he decided to recover the bodies?

Upon consideration, Fang Yuan picked up a rock and threw it on the man in black.

Bang!

There was no reaction.

He picked and threw another again!

Bang!

There was no reaction still.

Fang Yuan became suspicious and picked a very large rock. He used all his strength and manage to throw it on the man in black.

The sound of a bone fracture was heard…..

"Still no reaction? Or is it because he was seriously injured?"

Fang Yuan saw a pool of blood flowing and was forming a small creek.

"Flower Fox Ferret, go and bite his neck gently!"

Fang Yuan gestured for a long time to the Flower Fox Ferret before it went forward to hold the man in black by the neck. Fang Yuan then slowly went nearer to check.

The man in white had already became a corpse. He looked simple and honest, looked like he was in his 30s.

However, the man in black, who looked okay, had a slightly sharp chin, making him look slight ruthless. At that point, his face was as white as paper. His chest had depression, along with fractured ribs and leg.

"This man is ruthless….however, he is still useful…."

Fang Yuan began searching the 2 men. He found nothing from the man in black and then cursed him silently. Flintstones, a golden leaf and 2 bottles of good medicine were found in the pocket of the man in white. These things were probably what the man in black was looking for but unfortunately, he fainted due to his serious injuries.

"This medicine should be good and well known elsewhere. Unfortunately, I don't know this medicine personally…."

After an intensive search, Fang Yuan couldn't find any martial arts manual that he wanted badly. He then looked at the mess the man in black made and hesitated.

He bit his teeth and decided to dig a grave to bury the man in white. He looked at the man in black again and had mixed feelings.

...….

"Don't….Don't come any closer!"

He dreamt of his senior brother being covered in blood, came pleading to survive.

Han Shou screamed and then woke up from his dream.

He was lying on a wooden bed, which had a slight soft curvature to it. There were many wooden furnitures around him and the place looked simple.

To him, who had been so close to death, this place was like heaven.

"What happen? Didn't I…."

Han Shou quivered and struggled to get up. However, he was injured so badly that there was intense pain at his chest and his leg. He couldn't help but felt everything that happened was strange.

He could remember vividly that he was punched in the chest with great force by his senior brother, but he just couldn't figure out why his leg was injured badly as well?

Plus, how did he end up here? What was this place?

"You are finally awake?"

The creaking sound of the door opening revealed a normal looking young adult carrying a bowl of medicine into the room. Heaving a sigh of relief, he said "The other day I was collecting medicine and found you injured by chance. I was scared to death but luckily thank god…."

He helped Han Shou to get up and wanted to feed him medicine.

Han Shou managed to sit upright. He realised his clothes and his right boot were untouched, then heaved a sigh of relief.

Chapter 14: Mixed Poison

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"I came here to pluck herbs. There was so much blood and even a corpse! I was so scared..."

The young man continued to rattle on, appearing a little silly.

Han Shou was a martial artist and therefore could tell that there was no poison in the medicine prepared. He took a few sips and felt warmth in his stomach, but gazed at the young man with a sinister look.

Although the young man saved his life, in order to keep his secret safe, Han Shou decided to kill him after recovering.

He appeared thankful, "The few of us brothers encountered such a disaster, and I am so thankful to have been rescued by you young man, you mentioned a corpse... Could it be my elder brother... is he dead?"

Han Shou face was filled with sorrow and started to tear up, as though he had real emotions. Fang Yuan felt rather impressed at his acting.

"Hmm... There was no choice, I have already buried your elder brother. When you have recovered, I shall bring you to where I buried him for you collect his bones..." Fang Yuan comforted.

"I couldn't be more thankful, my benefactor! Even if both of us brothers reincarnate as animals in our next lives, we will also repay your kind favour!"

Han Shou remained unaware and continued acting.

"Keke… No need, no need!"

Fang Yuan scratched his head and smiled.

Han Shou was no different from a vegetable. Every time he moved he would require Fang Yuan's assistance, and therefore could not plot anything against Fang Yuan now.

After observing the surroundings, Han Shou realised that there was nothing else around the place and felt relieved. He noticed Fang Yuan reading a manual and out of curiosity, asked, "What are you reading, my brother?"

"This is a treasure passed down from my father!"

Fang Yuan passed the book forward, "It's just that I don't recognise some of these words…"

He looked at Han Shou, with embarrassment in his face, "Can you explain it to me?"

"Mmm... tendons, bones, claws and joints, the tendons are the most important. In the same way as how an eagle uses its claws, quick and deadly… Isn't this the Eagle Claw Technique?"

Han Shou read a few more lines, but inside he felt that this was a total waste of time.

Seeing how excited Fang Yuan was, he smirked and said, "This is a secret manual, I don't think it's a good idea for me to read on!"

"Since I cannot understand it, how about you teach me!"

Fang Yuan forced a look of excitement.

'Mmm, you chose this path of no return, don't blame me!'

Han Shou thought to himself, but felt that he had to repay the favour, "Since you saved my life, reading a few words shouldn't matter right?"

"This is great, so how do I interpret these few words?"

Fang Yuan acted as though he was interested.

"Mmm, this is Guan Yuan, it represents an acupoint on the body!"

"What about this?"

"Gu Hai!"

"Qi Yuan!"

...

Han Shou explained casually, but in his mind, he was mocking him.

If Fang Yuan followed the instructions of Han Shou, he would lose his self-control while practising this set of martial arts.

'This person... He is really evil!'

Fang Yuan thought back, 'On the contrary, Minister Lin's manuals were the ones with no problem.'

His theory was simple. He was literate since he was able to attain his [Medicine]. If the manuals Minister Lin provided had problems, based on Han Shou's experience he would be able to tell.

But now, Han Shou was intentionally twisting the meaning within the manual, in the process showing that the manuals had no problem.

"How do I read this word, Brother Han?"

Fang Yuan played along.

"Oh this, Nian Ming Men, a vital point on the body!" Han Shou replied casually.

"Wait, how did you know that my surname is Han?"

"Not only that, you interpreted the same thing differently from before!"

Fang Yuan took a step back and smiled.

Han Shou face reddened and knew that under such circumstances if he spoke and explained himself without much thought, he would expose himself.

At the moment, his expression changes, "You tricked me?"

"Han Shou, you scum, you are no better!"

Fang Yuan took a few more steps back and shouted.

"Go and die, you sneaky kid!"

Han Shou recovered quickly and equipped himself with a copper button. If anyone approached him, he could use his final breath and kill Fang Yuan. Never would he have thought that Fang Yuan was so sneaky and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"Wait, it is all my fault. If would continue healing me, I would be willing to pass down my divine martial arts to you!"

Now that Han Shou was weaker than Fang Yuan, even if he doesn't burn down the place, Han Shou would die of hunger if Fang Yuan simply did not serve him food, therefore he had to back down.

"It's alright. You tried to trick me even with these basic martial arts! How would I dare to learn your 'divine martial arts'?"

Fang Yuan sounded sarcastic, "Brother Han, with your amazing abilities, you should just walk into your grave."

Han Shou was far more scheming and skilful than Fang Yuan.

Therefore, Fang Yuan was afraid that Han Shou would recovered quickly even though his condition seemed bad. It was best to kill Han Shou straight away.

He would rather practise the basic martial arts than try to learn from Han Shou and risk getting harmed.

"You are good!"

Han Shou rolled his eyes, plotting a scheme in the meantime.

Fang Yuan's voice was heard from afar, "Mister Han, you don't have to think of anything already, because your life is now in my hands!"

"In your hands?!"

Han Shou snickered, "The medicinal soup had no problems, how would I..."

He stopped halfway.

He recalled that he was all under Fan Yuan's control while he was unconscious. This meant that Fang Yuan could do anything he wanted to him, right?

"You're right. I placed some Qiluo Xiang in your bandage. This Qiluo Xiang can cleanse the wound and stop the bleeding. But if it comes in contact with Canhe Zi from the medicinal soup I gave you, you would experience some stiffness in your muscles, and in some parts, even rotting..."

"Mixed poison?!"

Han Shou looked solemn, took a deep breath, and indeed, felt stiffness in his limbs. He forced a smile.

No matter how clever he was, he was still a normal person. How would he know the potential of a martial artist who had already broken through the 5 Golden Gates?

Just a petty mixed poison would do no harm to his body and disappear after a few hours, considering his Inner Power.

The most important thing to do now was to find a way to deal with Fang Yuan, or at least, buy some time for himself.

"Oh? You seem to have a lot of confidence in yourself!"

Fang Yuan's voiced travelled in, and sounded surprised, "It seems that top martial artists have such confidence to deal with this type of poison?"

Han Shou suddenly felt helpless.

Fang Yuan did not sound fearful of scared.

On the other hand for himself, he was temporarily keeping the poison under control. But now, the feeling of stiffness came back, and there were obvious signs of rotting on his skin.

"I had forgotten to mention... My own concoction of poison, with some added ingredients, has an amplified effect!"

Hearing screams from the room, Fang Yuan remained calm, and took a look at his stats:

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1

Spirit: 1

Magic: 1.4

Age: 18

Cultivation: None

Techniques: None

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]"

"[Medicine (Level 1)] - Can heal simple wounds, including mild wounds, and with the aid of medicinal plants can achieve even better results."

"Apart from healing, on the other hand, I would be more skilled in making poison! However, the most crucial ingredient is still the poison of the Pearl Tail Snake right?"

After a short while, the house was dead silent, apart from the sound of meat rotting.

Fang Yuan covered his nose, entered and witnessed a rotten corpse with holes and maggots around, and a pool of bodily fluid on the ground.

"How's the effect?"

Such a shocking effect even stunned Fang Yuan, " At least it solved the problem of dealing with the corpse..."

He picked up his clothing and prepared to burn them all to remove all traces.

Han Shou had an impressive origin, which meant trouble would come. Fang Yuan wanted to clean the mess up and cut all ties with Han Shou.

"But…...What treasure are they fighting over?"

He saw Han Shou's boots and smiled.

He kept it so well hidden that if not for him looking at his boots the moment he became conscious, Fang Yuan would not have know where to look for it.

He immediately went up to the pair of boots, took out a dagger and cut it up into 8 pieces.

In the sole of the right boot, a piece of black leather appeared.

"This is the treasure which caused the brothers to fight each other with their lives?"

Fang Yuan looked at the lines on the black leather and guessed, "A treasure map? It seems torn... Creepy..."

This leather was hidden very well and was only discovered after cutting the boots up, which explained how valuable this object was to Han Shou.

But it was just a torn map, what use could it have?

Fang Yuan did not understand but still decided to keep it anyway. He burned Han Shou's belongings and washed up the place.

From then, Han Shou had disappeared from the face of the planet.

"I had forgotten to ask him which Sect he belonged to, but I believe there is only one Sect nearby, the Spirit Returning Sect?"

After burning his corpse, Fang Yuan let his mind run wild. "It was such a pity that I wasn't able to obtain the divine martial arts manual, but seeing how things went, I guess it was still worth it."

Chapter 15: Making Amends

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Within the deep valley.

In the early morning, Fang Yuan gathered an iron pot, boiled the spring water, added fine sand and herbs, and allowed the concoction to boil.

"The Black Sand Palm requires the use of specific herbs, allowing those herbs to be absorbed into the body...together with style, technique, perfecting it would allow one to split rocks and be invincible….."

The 3 scrolls were checked by Fang Yuan, who confirmed that there was no problem. It was also checked by Han Shou. Now it was finally time to train.

"Within the martial arts world, there are the 12 Golden Gates of cultivation, perfecting the Black Sand Palm would allow us to reach the level of the 5th gate at most..."

That was the limit of the Black Sand Palm, which was also the difference between normal martial arts and magic.

"The Eagle Claw Technique is even worse, only allowing us to reach the 3rd gate, after which it requires special mental cultivation. However, if it was attained, it would be sufficient to overcome the restraints, allowing one to reach the 8th gate. It is considered not bad within the sect..."

Fang Yuan carefully arranged the information obtained from his own scrolls.

"There is the Rough Breathing Technique still. While there is some vested interest, I am afraid not even the original creator knew what level the technique could reach. He failed to overcome 6th gate, the Pain Gate, resulting in his death..."

Fang Yuan sighed.

Every stage of the 12 Golden Locks was complicated with multiple obstacles.

"Out of the 12 Golden Locks, I only know the first 8 gates: Initial, Rest, Life, Restriction, View, Pain, Shock, and Death! There are still subdivisions within these. The first 3 gates, Initial, Rest, Life, once overcome, would result in the growth of the person, Failing to overcome gates is not a problem. For the foundation of martial arts, the two gates, Restriction and View would cause trouble. However, failing to overcome these gates would not cause much harm to the body, for the last 3 gates, once the martial artist is unsuccessful in overcoming the gates, he would suffer backlashes or even death! This is especially true for the 8th gate, the Death Gate which must be overcome in one shot as failure will result in death!"

It was never easy to practice and cultivate.

"The first 8 gates are already so formidable, and the last 4 gates are rumoured to be of another level. No one knows the realm that the Wu Zong above the 4 gates is in either."

Fang Yuan let out a faint sigh.

"According to legend, there are more roads to cultivation, with more unimaginable, unbelievable masters that are more highly skilled than the martial artists..."

Fang Yuan suddenly yearned for a new goal in his heart.

While he did not have many ambitions, the thought of becoming a deity, never to grow old and die, being happy and carefree was not bad.

"Furthermore, I do need some power to protect myself!"

With the sand herbs done, the fine sand which was originally exquisite and white turned black in colour, emitting the scent of the herb. Fang Yuan found a rough cloth and delicately kept the sand.

"The Eagle Claw Technique does not combine mental cultivation and internal energy, at most reaching the 3rd gate, which makes it very commonplace..."

"The Rough Breath Technique was self-created, not many practices it. The original creator himself died when he was unsuccessful in overcoming the stage... It can only reach the 5th stage at most..."

According to the scrolls and Fang Yuan's own deduction, the first three gates were mainstream and the martial artists were good at overcoming the stages.

Those who were able to overcome the 4th and the 5th gates were rare, well-off and commanded high positions in society.

Those who were able to overcome the Pain Gate were considered to be highly skilled and geniuses within the sects.

"The first 8 gates are already so formidable, what about the last 4 gates and the realm of Wu Zong above them..."

Fang Yuan let out a long sigh, well-aware that the Spirit Returning Sect dominated the area and was not dependent on weaponry.

One Wu Zong would be sufficient to suppress everything!

"The world is so big, Clear Spirit Mountain is but one corner of the world, I must continuously cultivate and improve myself if I want to explore and understand the world..."

While Fang Yuan might be indifferent and lazy, once he set his mind on something, he would focus all his effort in achieving his target.

"The Black Sand Palm is the most suitable for me!"

All he needed was a skill which would enable him to overcome the stage, where could he find the skill which would not corrupt him?

"Sigh..."

Looking at the previously-filled sandbag in front of him, Fang Yuan inhaled deeply: "Palm slam!"

Bang!

His palm strike left a print on the sandbag. He temporarily felt a burning pain in the back of his hand.

"Training is hard, even though my master forced me to train in the past, I might still escape from it..."

10 Strikes!

50 Strikes!

100 Strikes!

500 strikes!

Fang Yuan finally drew back both hands after a thousand palm strikes, looking at the blisters on his palms, both palms stinging, yet feeling the cooling sensation of the herbs entering his hands.

"Sigh..."

Fang Yuan dared not neglect his hands and dipped his hands into the basin of water that he had previously prepared.

"While training the Black Sand Palm, one must not interrupt the effects of the herbs, especially the last healing procedure. Without this, one would become useless."

After half an hour, Fang Yuan discarded the water that turned black and placed a new basin of fresh water.

"It's lucky that the herbs are commonly found in large amount in my valley..."

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret, which had been observing and yawning for half the day, suddenly ran to the side and took a sniff at the discarded herbs solution. It gave a look of disdain and walked off.

The actions of the Flower Fox Ferret reminded Fang Yuan of a human.

"Okay, Flower Fox Ferret, stop messing around, I will prepare grilled meat for you!"

Fang Yuan scolded while laughing before looking at both of his hands.

After soaking his hands in the water, the burning pain subsided. His palms felt cool, the blisters healed and the dead skin peeled off.

"According to the manuals, once the Black Sand Palm is perfected, one's palms would be even smoother and paler than that of a young maiden. However, once the skill is activated, the palms would instantly become as tough as steel, enabling the user to split rocks and even increase the damage dealt by poison to the body..."

"From today onwards, I will dedicate 6 hours to honing the Black Sand Palm. I am unsure if it would be enough to overcome the gate..."

Fang Yuan felt somewhat helpless looking at his own stats.

It was no easy feat to be selected and chosen in this system.

"If I am able to master the Black Sand Palm technique, it would be acknowledged even if it just overcome the first stage? "

Fang Yuan thought, immensely proud of himself.

...

"Erge, why do we still need to come here?"

Outside the mountain, Zhou Wenxin and Zhou Erge were slowly making their way together into the valley. Zhou Wenxin looked both reluctant and faintly scared.

"There is finally someone who is able to control my younger sister..."

Zhou Erge smiled and put on a front. "You previously denounced him without distinguishing the facts, it is only right that you apologize..."

The Zhou family was rich and influential, how would something as important as herbs not go through various testing before reach Old Zhou's mouth?

Even Lin Yuanwai was no exception.

After both parties ensured that there was no problem, Old Zhou refused to take the medicine, as if to make things difficult for others.

"Then why are we still looking for him... he is obviously someone who does not know martial arts..."

Zhou Wenxin was about to finish her sentence when the image of Fang Yuan appeared in her mind, scaring her and causing her limbs to tremble, making her unable to speak.

"He might not know martial arts but he may be skilled in other areas... In this world, there are not just martial artists. It is rumoured that there are those who practised magic and necromancy where even those martial artists who are able to overcome the 8 gates need to respect..."

Zhou Erge looked solemn. "I have looked at Ri Jiading's wound. It is curious indeed. According to your description, you are only able to see a blinding white flash despite being sharp-eyed. This is the work of the spiritual knights ..."

Thinking of the miracle that Fang Yuan pulled off that day, Zhou Wenxin was unable to speak.

"Remember not to throw a tantrum today, understand?"

Zhou Erge tone turned strict: "This is for our father's sake!"

No herbs and stones were effective in Old Zhou's current condition. It was possible that only the spiritual masters of the legends were able to bring him back.

"I... I understand!"

While Zhou Wenxin was pampered since young, she understood her priorities, lowered her head and spoke with a soft voice.

Ever since the previous time when Fang Yuan taught her a lesson, a shadow was casted in Zhou Wenxin's heart. Even without the advice of Zhou Erge, she would definitely not go looking for trouble.

Not long after, the valley came into sight.

Zhou Erge circled the valley one time before exclaiming: "Zhou family's Zhou Wenwu, Zhou Wenxin would like to meet Young Master Fang!"

His crisp voice echoed through the valley far and wide.

"Hmmmm? "

Within the valley, Fang Yuan, who was honing his skills lifted his head: "Zhou Family's 2nd young master, this voice... It is hard to imagine that he is also one who practice martial arts, and at a higher level too. I am not sure which gate he has attained..."

Fang Yuan currently still had 1 gate to overcome. However, he had sufficient energy to do so.

Fang Yuan was unafraid. If attacked, he had the Flower Fox Ferret which was capable enough to fend off a highly trained martial artist. If he was unable to win the battle, given the valley's location and secret tunnels, he would be able to make a swift escape.

Upon reaching the opening of the valley and spotting Zhou Wenwu and Zhou Wenxin, Fang Yuan grimaced: "If it isn't the two of you. Is this still about the previous incident?"

"Master Fang, please do not misunderstand. My little sister was impetuous and clashed with you!"

Zhou Wenwu was very sincere and turned his head. "Sister!"

"I...I understand."

Zhou Wenxin slowly moved in front and looked at Fang Yuan in the eyes, her limbs started trembling unconsciously.

Under Zhou Wenwu's glare, she stammered: "Master Fang, regarding the previous incident, I sincerely apologize and hope that you are magnanimous….."

Chapter 16: Breaking Through Gates

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

'There's more trouble!'

Seeing how helpless Zhou Wenxin was, Fang Yuan was speechless.

They must have a purpose other than apologising since they were so polite.

"Young Master!"

Indeed, Zhou Wenwu continued, "My father is sick, and I would like to trouble Young Master to take a trip and visit him. The entire Zhou Family will be so grateful!"

Old Zhou was already at his dying breath, and Zhou Wenwu felt desperate.

"Hmm, this is weird."

Fang Yuan felt suspicious, "Seeing how the Zhou Family and the Spirit Returning Sect are on good terms, did the Sect not render any assistance?"

"How is this possible?"

Zhou Wenwu replied, " The Sect's physicians have visited him, but were unable to find out the cause of the sickness. Based on what they said, if his sickness was so simple, then it wouldn't have evolved to this stage... If the Sect Master did not go travelling with his new disciple…... Sigh….. Such is life..."

"Now I understand!"

Fang Yuan scoffed. "Even the Sect's physicians couldn't tell what's wrong with him, how would I able to?"

He glanced at the Zhou Siblings, "My apologies, I cannot help your father. The valley is cold, you two should take your leave!"

Without waiting for their reply, Fang Yuan walked back in, leaving the Zhou Siblings at the entrance.

"Brother... He..."

Zhou Wenxin waited for Fang Yuan's silhouette to disappear before acting up, "He's too…... full of himself, right?"

"Hmm, he's giving me some really weird vibes..."

Zhou Wenwu looked into the valley, eager to fight, but managed to control himself, "This valley feels dangerous... it seems perilous..."

"Is he really a spiritual knight?"

Zhou Wenxin shuddered in fear.

"No! They're different!"

Zhou Wenwu shook his head, and his face was full of sorrow.

Although the Zhou Family had a low position within the Spirit Returning Sect, it was still considered one of the best families within its vicinity.

Everybody would panic when Old Zhou pass away. At that point, even the Lin Family, with only one disciple in the Sect, would be above the Zhou Family.

"Zhou Family... Is this the end for our family?"

The mountain breeze blew, and Zhou Wenwu shuddered.

...

"Eh? We can't leave?"

Not long later, The Flower Fox Ferret came to report the news to Fang Yuan, who was busy practising his Black Sand Palm.

This spiritual beast became more and more human-like. It was able to convey simple messages to Fang Yuan, with the help of body language.

Fang Yuan estimated that its IQ was of a 10-year-old child.

"The Zhou Family is in a mess. If Old Lin wants to go ahead, so be it..."

Fang Yuan stopped thinking and started to dig in.

Since practising martial arts, his appetite grew. Luckily for him, there were plentiful amounts of food within the secluded valley.

The Pearl Jade Crystal Rice was a superior food and was able to sustain his enormous diet.

The sky darkened and the moon rose within the stars.

Within the valley came a continuous echoing of palm-striking.

Fang Yuan was sweating profusely but he was unaware, as he focused on his Black Sand Palm training.

He had only one thought, that he would master this skill today!

"In order to learn martial arts, one must break through the first gate. Only by breaking through this gate will I be a true martial artist!"

The feeling of the Pearl Jade Crystal Rice lingered in his mouth, as he felt a burst of energy within him. His limbs felt energetic.

"Breathe in... Breathe out..."

"Breathe in... Breathe out..."

Accompanied by his deep breathing was a flow of energy in his body, as though it was about to break through a gate.

"Black Sand Palm!"

He shouted, and struck his right palm out.

Peng!

The sandbag broke, and its fillings poured out.

Fang Yuan could feel that a long-awaited gate within him finally broke through!

Kacha!

A loud sound broke the silence, and large amounts of energy flowed within him, making him feel renewed.

"That's the first Golden Gate, I've succeeded!"

Fang Yuan clenched his fists, looked up and let out a cry.

The first three gates of the Golden Gates were Initial, Rest and Life. These three were the first level of cultivation within the world of martial arts. Failure to break through these gates would not hurt one.

In truth, even a normal person practising a martial arts manual over a long time would be able to successfully break through three gates.

But to Fang Yuan, it was a matter of days for him to break through his first gate. He had the potential.

Not just potential, but a good foundation developed in 18 years!

After all, the Pearl Jade Crystal Rice and other rare fruits did help in developing his foundation.

"Is this... how a martial artist feels?"

Fang Yuan stood on the ground and stared intensely at his hands.

He felt that all of his abilities improved after breaking through the first gate, as though he removed a restrictive barrier.

"To know in general, I will still have to refer to the stats board!"

Fang Yuan looked around, and the stats board appeared:

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1.1

Spirit: 1.1

Magic: 1.5

Age: 18

Cultivation: [Martial Artist (1st Gate)]

Techniques: [Black Sand Palm (Grade 1)]

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]"

When he focused on his Techniques, the relevant information on Black Sand Palm flashed, "[Black Sand Palm (Grade 1)] - External technique, if mastered, one's palm would be as strong as steel, and would be able to break metal. There are a total of 5 Grades. This technique might encompass a poisonous effect. Currently at Grade 1!"

"Even Magic has increased by 0.1?"

Fang Yuan sighed, "No... the effect on Magic must be due to the Questioning Heart Tea..."

He cleared his thoughts. The stats represented his physical fitness, which meant it would be increasingly hard to improve.

An increment of 0.1 had a different meaning between the different stats.

"By breaking through the gates and becoming a martial artist, would it result in an improvement in one's physical fitness?"

After realisation, Fang Yuan felt satisfied.

"Most importantly is that the Black Sand Palm is now an actual technique!"

As long as the technique was recognised by the stats board, it meant that it could be further improved with intense training, in a more systematic way. It was a good deal.

On the flipside, Fang Yuan was still a long way from being able to break through the first gate in every type of martial art technique, seeing how much effort was required just to break through the first gate.

"Unfortunately... … I am unable to see my experience with the technique, otherwise, that would have been perfect..."

Fang Yuan let out a sigh.

Hidden at the back, Fang Yuan spotted an empty progress bar behind [Black Sand Palm].

The progress bar seemed blurry and required one's focus for it to appear. Once the focus was lost the progress bar would disappear.

"Is this... An original feature? Or is it that this stats board would monitor my progress and add more features as I improve?"

Fang Yuan knew that this progress bar would show his experience.

As for now, since the [Black Sand Palm] had just been registered, the progress bar would appear to be 0%. He focused on his [Medical] and [Botany] and unknowingly realised that his [Medical] had about 70% and should not be far from attaining the next level. As for [Botany], the progress was more than half. It seemed that using the spiritual fertilizer did help him improve his [Botany].

"With this experience bar, it would be much easier to track my progress in the future!"

On the route to becoming a martial artist, Fang Yuan felt full of energy, and without hesitation, started a new session of training.

"Black Sand Palm!"

After another session of training, Fang Yuan took a wooden board to test out his strength.

His palm struck the wooden board, but only a faint outline of his palm appeared. It seemed that his technique still had room for improvement.

"Stats board!"

In the progress bar, there was an improvement. Based on statistics, it seemed like there was almost no improvement.

"Does this mean that one can foolishly practise up to a million times and still break through the gates and attain the next grade?"

Fang Yuan could not hold his excitement in.

He knew that this was probably due to the fact that Black Sand Palm was a normal and widely circulated martial arts technique.

There must be certain criteria being met before one could really attain the next grade.

Taking [Botany] for example, he needed the help of the spiritual fertilizer before attaining the next level.

But compared to those who trained for years and were still stuck status quo, this was a huge improvement for Fang Yuan.

"Stats and the progress bar are physical quantities, and with hard work, there must be some sort of improvement!"

Fang Yuan sighed, "But who am I? Who am I to deserve good potential and luck?"

With hard work come rewards!

Many people could only wish for such progress.

Additionally, he could access his own stats window and his dream experience.

"I will unravel this mystery one day!"

Fang Yuan stared into the mountains, determined.

Even if he had the potential, he knew he needed to work hard and train hard.

Even if he could enjoy the riches of the world, he knew he had to worry and be even more cautious.

He wanted to improve himself, unlock his own potential and understand what was really happening to him.

"The journey ahead is arduous, but I will walk on!"

He let out a long sigh as Flower Fox Ferret witnessed everything that happened. It seemed to understand what was happening.

Chapter 17: Spying

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Black Sand Palm!"

In the secluded valley, a man swiftly stretched out his right palm and left a very clear palm print on a target board.

"My power has improved again? Not bad!"

Fang Yuan kept his palm and felt excited that his experience bar was more than half filled.

He became more familiar as he trained. He was completely fascinated with the feeling of himself getting stronger after every training.

"If the stats for martial arts isn't as hard to improve as the one for botany, I would have attained [Black Sand Palm (Level 5)] easily!"

"Of course, nutrition is also a priority…."

It was noon. Fang Yuan had Pearl Jade Crystal Rice for lunch and sighed while eating.

If it was other normal families, they wouldn't have an abundant supply of Pearl Jade Crystal Rice like him.

Also, how could one endure the repeated tough training for the Black Sand Palm? Unless one was talented enough to enter a Sect and be cultivated, it would be almost impossible for one to become a powerful martial artist.

"Besides….. practising martial arts is also beneficial for the body…."

The physical body of a martial artist would be as strong as a rock. As one's foundation of his techniques got stronger, he would be able to achieve greater things in future.

Fang Yuan suspected that the reason why he was able to master Black Sand Palm so quickly was not because of his increase in magical energy.

"Soon, Master Wenxin's tea tree will have fully grown tea leaves and Vermillion Jade Rice can be harvested... Even though Wu Zong needs this Spiritual Rice, there should be enough left!"

Fang Yuan felt hopeful.

His martial arts improved a lot faster with the presence of the spiritual plants.

The reason why Fang Yuan was in a rush to master his techniques was to be able to protect himself from any danger in future.

"The comprador from Spirit Returning Sect, Song Zhigao?!"

If it was Lin Benchu or the Zhou siblings, it would mean no harm. However, this comprador from Spirit Returning Sect showed hostility, causing Fang Yuan to be more cautious.

Although he looked like he did not have any hard feelings against anyone, he did not seem like a fool. He wouldn't allow someone to be spying on him easily.

"An amount of effort is still needed to complete a tasking once and for all!"

His future and skills in martial arts depended on this spiritual plant.

...….

It was night time.

A few shadows appeared at the outskirts of the secluded valley.

"Comprador Song said that this is the place?"

A man in black observed his surroundings and then cursed softly, "The environment here is so harsh. Only the savage can live in such conditions!"

"This is the place definitely. It shouldn't be wrong!"

A huntsman carrying a giant steel fork was beside him and said, "I have been here before to trade with Master Wenxin's disciple for animal skin and herbs…."

He sighed in between his words.

"Why? Is reminiscing the past making you hesitate to do it?"

The leader, who was the man in black, laughed.

"How can that be? Ten golden leaves are equivalent to the lives of ten villagers. Dealing with this teenager is a piece of cake"

The huntsman laughed and gave an evil look. "In my opinion, why even bother spying on him. We should just charge in and kill him straight away. We will then leave the body in the forest and let it rot till only left the bones!"

"I agree with that but Comprador Song will not be happy about it. We are instructed to let him be ruined and condemned by the public. Then that is when we can take action!"

The man in black said in a deep voice, "Who let that poor kid be in the way of Comprador Song's magnate?!"

"Magnate?!"

The people around consist of a few villagers and huntsmen living nearby and pirates. Seeing that the leader was hiding something fiercely, no one dared to question further.

"This is it. Our mission today is just to investigate the situation in the secluded valley and also to find out if the boy has any hidden agenda!"

The leader said, "Most importantly, of course, is to not leave any of our traces behind!"

"Understood!"

A few of them laughed ferociously and gathered in the secluded valley.

The surroundings were pitch dark. Even though there was light coming from the moon, the visibility was too low. Still, these people did not dare to reveal their positions to prevent any attacks.

The resistance in the secluded valley was not that strong and plus, they were dealing with just one guy. Hence, these people were more relaxed.

"Hmm….This is the secluded valley? This place is actually pretty good to live in….."

"There is a flower garden and a spring. This looks normal. Let's go take a look at the back….."

The group of them split up and found the farm at the back of the valley.

"Looks like there is something behind the shrubs!"

The ones who spotted something were experienced huntsmen and thieves.

"Oh?"

The leader then came forward and found a small pathway behind the shrubs. He was overjoyed when he found the pathway and said, "Let's go take look quickly! Be careful. This guy is full of tricks, even the bodyguards from the Zhou family who came the other time were all defeated by him…."

He spoke halfway and heard a loud biting sound suddenly.

"What happen?"

A few looked at the ground immediately and spotted a black beast. The black beast then went on to bite the leader's leg.

"A trap!"

"Damn it!"

The whole situation became chaotic.

Previously these people sneaked in quietly. Now wouldn't they be discovered if they started screaming in the middle of the night when their screams could be heard clearly in this secluded valley?

"This is unacceptable…."

A few of them looked at each other, their eyes filled with anger.

Even though the mission objective was just to investigate, they would have to take action since they were under attack.

They did not believe the rumours.

How could a teenager be able to deal with the whole group of them?

This teenager was cunning as he knew where to place the traps. The group had to be even more careful.

"Hiss!"

"Hiss!"

However, they did not expect the white ferret to appear instead of the teenager!

It was the guardian of the valley, the white Flower Fox Ferret, which pounced on them so quickly like a lightning strike.

At that moment, the Flower Fox Ferret's fur stood up and gave a hostile behaviour.

After all, whatever that was on the farm was the Flower Fox Ferret's lifeblood. How could the farm be spied on by others?

"What is that?"

"A ferret?"

"It is so big!"

The huntsman warned, "Careful everyone. This mutated ferret could belong to the teenager…."

"Heh… it's nothing much. It is just a beast and is not any different from a wild dog."

One of them who was laughing changed his complexion suddenly.

A bright light flashed by in front of him.

"What happened, Dacheng?"

Seeing that Dacheng was motionless, one of them pushed him slightly and Dacheng's body was split in half.

No one knew when he was cut in half by the Flower Fox Ferret!

"Ghost….there is a ghost!"

This bloody scene scared the hell out of everyone.

"This ferret is definitely not a normal one. It is a Spiritual Beast and a weird one!"

The huntsman's scalp became numb. He suddenly recalled the legend of Spiritual Beasts.

Judging from what happened, the ferret was able to understand what human said! Plus, with such body shape and skills, this ferret is definitely a Spiritual Beast.

"Leave now!"

A few of them looked at each other and then hurried away, leaving their leader behind.

They had no choice as their employer, Song Zhigao, was just a mere comprador. How much power could he hold? The leader, who was the man in black was the only one under Song Zhigao that was out here. The rest were all hired.

Such team was able to complete a tasking only when there were no troubles surfacing.

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret purposely slowed down and chased after the huntsman, as if it found a toy to play with.

"Damn it!"

The huntsman looked at the Flower Fox Ferret and tried to hit it with his giant steel fork.

The huntsman missed and felt a sharp pain in his right hand. A row of sharp teeth appeared in front of his eyes.

At that moment, blood splashed everywhere….

...….

"This noise is killing me. It's midnight. Can't they just let me have a good sleep?"

Fang Yuan couldn't sleep through the series of screams.

He grabbed his coat and yawned while exiting the house. "Thieves? It must have been difficult for them to come to such desolated place to steal from me…."

Even though he said that, his biggest asset was still his farm and he was worried about it. He then quickened his footsteps and went to the back of the valley.

"This….."

It was truly shocking to see a scene with blood everywhere. Fang Yuan was dumbfounded and also furious at the same time. "What have you done, Flower Fox Ferret?! When will I be able to finish cleaning up this mess you made?"

"Keke!"

Flower Fox Ferret's claws were stained with blood. It was going round and round around the leader and showed an innocent look.

"Don't act innocent in front of me. You will have to help to clean up this mess tomorrow!"

Fang Yuan went around a few corpses and reached for the leader who was still panting.

This unlucky guy got his leg broken but his life spared by the Flower Fox Ferret. He was somewhat lucky.

"Don't….don't eat me!"

Of course, this guy was completely scared. He started tearing when he saw Fang Yuan approaching as if he had met a saviour. "Please spare me, sir! I was instructed by Song Zhigao. I will reveal everything!"

How pitiful!

To be bitten by a beast and die without burial, such way to die was too mentally demanding for one.

Chapter 18: The Plot

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Dawn.

The sun inched above the horizon, illuminating the morning fog. The Valley slowly came alive, and the vegetation thrived.

"Song Zhigao, comprador of the Spirit Returning Sect."

"Song Yujie, the Sect Elder's beloved son."

"Song Zhong, Elder of the Spirit Returning Sect."

Fang Yuan was sweeping the floor casually, removing traces of the previous night's happenings. He was deep in thought.

The man in black from last night almost suffered a mental breakdown after being intimidated by the Flower Fox Ferret. Fang Yuan did not even have to interrogate him before he gave away everything.

According to him, Young Master Song Yujie was gifted in both the classics and martial arts and was in every sense a suave and accomplished young man. The most important thing to note was that Song Yujie had developed a serious obsession with Fang Yuan's ex-fiancee Lin Leiyue ever since he laid eyes on her.

Elder Song Zhong observed these developments with interest. After all, Lin Leiyue was the Sect Leader's right-hand disciple and had a bright future ahead of her.

It was too bad that Lin Leiyue did not reciprocate Song Yujie's feelings and rejected him outright.

Song Yujie was enraged but naturally did not dare to pursue the matter further with Lin Leiyue, the Sect Leader's favourite pupil. However, he had no reservations about taking out his anger on Fang Yuan.

"Perhaps he thinks that Lin Leiyue and I are lovers? And because of this, Song Yujie's henchman Song Zhigao, with the help of Old Tian, tried to get rid of me. A shame that I did not budge, hence the follow-up…"

From the information that he gathered, Fang Yuan made a few guesses and had arrived at a reasonable conclusion. This rendered him quite speechless.

"I have nothing to do with Lin Leiyue. Ahh, I'm just an innocent bystander, the most innocent party there is..."

The weak often become prey in this world. Song Yujie had not even designed to make things hard for Fang Yuan and his men were already raring to take action.

"Oh man, I feel like the coming times will be tough…"

Fang Yuan threw his broom away and turned towards the sun. He closed his eyes and stretched.

According to the man in black, there were so many people in Spirit Returning Sect who admired Lin Leiyue that they could form a clique of significant influence. After all, she was the apple of the Leader's eye, one of the future leaders of the Wu Zong!

Even if Song Yujie didn't look him up, a Zhao Yujie or Zhang Yujie would turn up eventually.

At that moment, Fang Yuan felt extremely helpless.

Heaven have mercy on him! Fang Yuan was not interested in inviting trouble, but if people were hell-bent on making life difficult for him, hiding in a corner was not an option.

"Song Zhigao must die!"

Fang Yuan steeled his resolve.

Fang Yuan could bear with anything as long as his interests were not threatened. Events such as the cancelled engagement and the row with the Zhou Siblings, he could tolerate.

However, Song Zhigao had malevolent intentions and conspired to pry open the secrets of the Valley.

To Fang Yuan, other than his own stats, the Spiritual plants of the Valley were things that he would protect with his life.

If his bottom line was breached, he would respond with fire and blood!

"Song Zhigao must be eliminated, but I cannot put myself at risk either...I have to think of a foolproof plan...Of course, the key is still to level up my skills!"

The man in black from last night was Song Zhigao's confidant and knew him very well indeed.

The comprador of the Spirit Returning Sect was undoubtedly intelligent, but he was not well-versed in martial arts. His cultivation level was only around the Third Gate.

He definitely stood no chance against the Flower Fox Ferret.

But the man backing him, Elder Song Zhong, was a different story. That man had broken through the 3 Prosperous Gates, 2 Peaceful Gates, to the level of the 3 Perilous Gates. He was an extremely skilled pugilist and was a known figure in Qinghe County. Song Yujie had every sign of surpassing his master in the near future.

There were the metaphorical 12 Golden Gates in martial arts. One could cruise through the Initial Gate, the Rest Gate and the Life Gate, and unlocking them would lead to a definite increase in powers. Thus they were known as the 3 Prosperous Gates. The following Restriction Gate and View Gate were not too difficult to break through either. They were the 2 Peaceful Gates. It was the Pain, Shock and Death Gates that one had to take caution with. Failure to navigate through these three gates would lead to serious injury and even death. Hence, they were known as the 3 Perilous Gates.

The martial arts were indeed challenging, with so many obstacles to overcome.

Not to mention that after the Death Gate, there were the 4 Heavenly Gates and the Wu Zong Level. It was truly depressing to see that it was such a long and arduous way up.

"Fortunately, the only person we need to deal with right now is Song Zhigao. This should be a piece of cake."

So what if the martial arts were challenging?

With his stats and practice, Fang Yuan had not encountered any impossible problem before.

"Just as well!"

Fang Yuan glanced at his progress bar and saw that he had almost mastered the first level of the Black Sand Palm technique. All he needed was some more proficiency points, equivalent to tens of practice sessions.

"Today, I shall unlock the second gate!"

Fang Yuan had made up his mind.

Fang Yuan could potentially break through the various stages at a phenomenal speed, a speed that could even attract a Wu Zong attention.

After all, every stage of the 12 Golden Gates required meticulous study and intense effort, even the 3 Prosperous Gates.

Fang Yuan, however, only needed to increase his Proficiency points and all would be fine.

Sunrise was the best time of the day to train.

"Huff"

Fang Yuan achieved a state of Zen and displayed the different styles of the Black Sand Palm technique with familiarity. He further conditioned his hands with ointments and potions.

After some time, the Black Palm Sand technique's progress bar in the stats window was finally filled up.

"Kachak!"

Fang Yuan let out a roar as he suddenly felt barriers breaking down within his body. He felt as though streams of energy were exploding from every one of his pores.

As Fang Yuan's Proficiency points reached the maximum, the skill level of the Black Sand Palm technique increased by one.

Black Sand Palm Level 2!

In only a few days, Fang Yuan had accomplished a commendable feat.

"Not only that, but I have broken through the Rest Gate!"

Fang Yuan took a look at his stats window and noticed that there were some changes.

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1.3

Spirit: 1.3

Magic: 1.5

Age: 18

Cultivation: [Martial Artist (2nd Gate)]

Technique: [Black Sand Palm (Grade 2)]

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]"

"Having trained the Black Sand Palm technique to Grade 2, its power has been greatly boosted. Whenever I prepare to channel the technique, my palms change!"

Every time Fang Yuan intended to use the skill, both his palms would darken in colour, signifying a tremendous increase in pain tolerance.

"Of course, the most important thing was to have broken through the Rest Gate! My Essence and Spirit points have increased by 0.2?"

Fang Yuan was shocked to see that his Magic Points remained at 1.5.

"Was it because the previous upgrade was due to the Questioning Heart Tea, and a normal breakthrough in martial arts only increases Essence and Spirit points? Or is it because my Magic points are too high and thus, a small increase wouldn't be obvious?

Too bad his current experience in martial arts was not enough to help him decipher this problem.

Nevertheless, Fang Yuan was satisfied to know that his Black Sand Palm technique could level up quickly through proficiency points and that the sky was the limit when it came to improving.

"Song Zhigao…"

Fang Yuan clenched his fists and felt a surge of energy.

...

"Wang San hasn't returned yet?"

Currently, Song Zhigao was suffering from sleepless nights.

As the Spirit Returning Sect's comprador, he had a genial look on his face at all times, while his little eyes carried a hint of slyness. Every matter that he was put in charge off, he settled it reliably and appropriately.

Until he tried to deal with that poor rascal from the mountains in a bid to gain favour with Elder Song Zhong and Song Yujie. Everything changed since then.

"Damn it!"

The more he thought about it, the more he felt like throwing his beloved rain flower porcelain teacup onto the floor.

That darn kid had no idea of what was good for him.

When he ordered Old Tian to cut off the supply of necessities to Fang Yuan and to give him a warning, Fang Yuan should have heeded it and fled. Why was he still hanging on?

It was the late afternoon now, nearly dusk, and Wang San had not returned yet. Song Zhigao couldn't sit still and paced up and down his hall.

"That kid might be a mysterious character, but Wang San has always been careful, and had only gone on a scouting trip this time. Surely nothing could've gone wrong?"

Song Zhigao clasped his hands together and waited till nighttime. At this point, he felt a chill in his heart, as well as a tinge of regret.

If only he had known better, he would not have messed with the kid.

A shame that there was an enmity between them now. He had no choice but to take action.

Only when the matter was settled, he could answer to his masters. But what if everything screwed up?

Song Zhigao only had to think about Elder Song Zhong's methods before he became numb in the skull. He suddenly lifted his head and whispered to himself as he faced the city.

"It has come to this. There is no other way."

"Men!"

He bellowed.

"Yes, Master?"

A manservant shuffled into the room and bowed.

Song Zhigao might be a comprador, but he was influential enough to have a group of servants at his beck and call.

"Find Old Tian from the medical hall and tell him that if he still wants to make a living in Qinghe County, get his ass over here!"

Song Zhigao had a fearsome look on his face.

"Roger!"

The manservant was flummoxed, but he went about his business dutifully. In no time, he had Old Tian following him back into the hall. Old Tian greeted him with a sheepish smile.

"I hope you have been well, Master Song!"

"Old Tian! The herbs and spices in your medical hall are of rather good quality. The Sect has decided to purchase a larger quantity next year!"

Song Zhigao mentioned the news casually as he sent the manservant away.

"Ah? Thank you so much, Master!"

Old Tian bowed multiple with his hands clasped, delighted beyond belief.

"Of course…this is not without a price though. I need you to do something for me!"

Song Zhigao glared at Old Tian. He was confident that Old Tian would give in. The Sect was the medical hall's biggest client. Old Tian could not afford to refuse him.

"Old Tian is at your service, Master. Old Tian will do anything for you even if it means going to Hell and back!"

Old Tian was a worldly man and continued with his public display of loyalty even though he secretly dreaded what was to come.

"Easy! That is…"

Song Zhigao whispered a string of commands into Old Tian's ear. Old Tian immediately turned pale.

"What? This...this…"

"Hehe, I know that Master Wenxin rescued you once. But you owe nothing to Fang Yuan…"

Song Zhigao laughed coldly and issued a threat.

"If you do not obey me, starting from next month, the Sect will no longer take any of your goods. You might as well crawl out onto the streets !"

Chapter 19: Spiritual Rice

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Yuan was still unaware that the gears of a great conspiracy had started turning

Quite the opposite, the current Fang Yuan's heart was filled with ecstatic joy.

"This is…"

The moment he entered the paddy field, he was struck by a flash of red.

The entire vermillion jade paddy went through a complete change. All of the grains were large and full, almost to the point of bursting out of their shells, and they gave off a slight spicy fragrance, as though as they were spices, enticing one's appetites.

"The Vermillion Jade Rice is fully grown!"

Fang Yuan instantly burst out in happiness

"Keke!"

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret was also elated and really wanted to leap forward to help itself to the rice.

Thankfully after this period of training, it finally understood that this spiritual rice was the same as Jade Crystal Rice, and had to first have their shells removed, before being steamed, only then one would be able to taste an unparalleled taste. Otherwise, it would just be wasting a treasure.

Thus, the ferret still maintained its self control, simply staring at Fang Yuan from afar.

"Mhmm, let's harvest it first!"

After that, Fang Yuan returned to his house, retrieved a sickle and other tools, before starting to harvest the rice carefully.

The good thing was that he had already broken through the Rest Gate, hence his stamina was great, surpassing that of an ordinary man, and his magical energy levels were high, thus there was confidence in every motion. With a few swings of the blade, the stalks of Vermillion Jade Rice fell in an organised manner.

From one side, the Flower Fox Ferret saw the scene unfolding before him, licking his claws, but still not daring to go forward to help out.

It was very aware that its future happiness depended on this paddy field. If anything it did scr*wed things up, wouldn't it just cry itself to death?

"Ok we're done, help me move these seedlings back."

Fang Yuan tied up the Vermillion Jade Rice seedlings into bundles, at the same time tossing over the Flower Fox Ferret's share, "Careful!"

After harvesting, the next step would be drying, threshing, deshelling...

When the final step was completed, he gazed upon the shiny red Vermillion Jade Rice, and couldn't help but break into a smile.

The Vermillion Jade Rice in front of him was about the size of a fingernail, sparkled like jade, with a blazing red line that ran through the center, and brought about a spicy fragrance to one's nose.

"This harvest has yielded around 50 pounds, of which we have to keep half for planting…"

On the other side, Fang Yuan piled up the grains with their shells intact in the storeroom. After keeping them properly, he let out a sigh of relief, and looked at the remaining Vermillion Jade Rice, rubbing his hands impatiently, "I'll be the one to taste this spiritual rice…"

From the side, the Flower Fox Ferret had been staring at the Vermillion Jade Rice until it started drooling, but it still did not dare to make a move. Instead, it turned around to munch on a good portion of the husks, rubbing its belly with a look of satisfaction on its face.

"So obedient!"

This series of actions by the ferret did not escape Fang Yuan, and he couldn't help but comment.

Although rice husks were usually used to feed livestock in villages, they could not compare to the husks of spiritual rice. These husks probably had many more times the nutrition and elemental energy of Crystal Jade Rice.

"But… if you're eating so much now, do you still have the space for the cooked Vermillion Jade Rice later?"

Fang Yuan said while rapping the Flower Fox Ferret's little head.

The white ferret rolled its eyes, bared its claws, and stared with a strong desire in its eyes, as though as it could eat everything regardless of the amount.

"Really...I can't deal with you!"

After a long guffaw, Fang Yuan went to draw some water from the spring, and added a steamer basket, placing 1 pound of Vermillion Jade Rice inside.

"This Vermillion Jade Rice is a spiritual plant, so I'd better take care when cooking it. Let's start by steaming it…"

Stuffing the rice straw underneath the furnace, Fang Yuan looked as blazing red light lit up the entire room, which made it seem like the entire kitchen was on fire. On top of that, the fragrance emanating from the steamer made the both of them salivate profusely.

The rice straws were from a spiritual plant, but now it was being used as fuel for a fire. If this was seen by members of Spirit Returning Sect, they would lament about how wasteful Fang Yuan was.

However, to Fang Yuan, wasn't using rice straw to cook rice the proper thing to do?

Moreover, combining these two things could possibly draw out some special benefits too.

"Next time I'll use the rice husks to raise a batch of chickens and duck, then I'll have a complete spiritual feast. That would be really living the life!"

In his heart, there was still that little idea.

As the rice straw burnt easily, hence he had to keep adding more continuously. Once the last bundle turned into fire and vanished, a fragrance 10 times stronger than before filled the entire kitchen.

"The Vermillion Jade Rice is ready!"

Fang Yuan opened the steamer basket, which released a large amount of red gas into the air. The water vapour added onto the bright glow from the Vermillion Jade Rice, which had all turned completely red, like a cloud of fire.

Inside the steamer basket, all of the rice had developed nicely, turning into the size of normal crystal rice. After they absorbed more water vapour, each grain appeared fuller than ever, with a slight hint of fire burning within.

"Keke! Keke!"

Leaping up, the Flower Fox Ferret seemed very impatient.

"Haha...How could your share be any less! Here, eat!"

Fang Yuan took out chopsticks and bowls, giving the Flower Fox Ferret a full bowl, and an identical serving for himself too.

With rice fragrance swirling around him, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva before sending the Vermillion Jade Rice into his mouth.

"Woo…"

In that instant, his pupils dilated.

The Vermillion Jade Rice melted upon contact with his mouth, stimulating his taste receptors like a stream of magma with a dense, fragrant spicy tinge.

This sort of spicy feeling, coupled with the rice's original texture, turned into the best meal. There was no need for any dishes to go with it.

When he finally swallowed the rice, this stream flowed straight into his stomach, immediately turning into icy.

Such spicy rice actually turned into an icy stream after reaching the stomach?

This sensation made it seem like he was inside a dream world. It was as though as after getting steamed for a good half a day inside the kitchen, Fang Yuan went to take a refreshing cold water shower. His whole body felt extremely comfortable, and every inch of his skin felt they were renewed.

The Flower Fox Ferret at the side cleaned out its bowl even faster and stared at Fang Yuan anxiously.

"So greedy!"

Looking down at the remaining amount of rice, he felt a little regretful, but even more fear.

He was afraid that he could not stay disciplined enough, and eventually would take out the last tens of pounds of rice to polish off!

As he saw the look of desire in the Flower Fox Ferret's eyes, he knew that this was not impossible.

"But… Since it's the first harvest, there's no problem to eat a little more today."

Fang Yuan mused while stroking his chin. The taste of Vermillion Jade Rice was simply too good!

Upon hearing this the Flower Fox Ferret jumped up gleefully, almost using its claws to give a round of applause.

…..

"Whew...I'm satisfied…"

An unknown period of time later, Fang Yuan clutched his belly and lay down on the ground, not feeling like moving even a finger.

At his side, there was the similarly full Flower Fox Ferret.

This human and beast did not have any self-restraint, eating over 5 pounds rice. When thinking back about this, Fang Yuan's heart ached.

His original plan was to rely on this harvest to sustain him till the next one, but it seemed like this was no longer a possibility.

"It looks like we still have to exercise some restraint. Otherwise, we'll only be able to eat rice husks and drink porridge, living life counting every grain that we have…"

Fang Yuan was very frustrated.

Who didn't know that even for the Spirit Returning Sect, Vermillion Jade Rice was only consumed by the sect head and his direct disciple? Moreover, it was not something that was eaten daily.

The life that he and the Flower Fox Ferret led would definitely draw many jealous stares if anyone else knew.

"But...The Vermillion Jade Rice seeds that Minister Lin gave me didn't look like this…"

After eating his fill, this afterthought appeared in Fang Yuan's mind. "So this is the effect of Level 3 Botany? I think the spiritual rice of Spirit Returning Sect is probably not as high quality as mine. Moreover, this is still before any mutation has happened…"

"It's time to train!"

When some of the food in his belly had been digested, Fang Yuan stood up, subconsciously turning to look at his stats window. What he saw shocked him, as there were new changes.

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1.4

Spirit: 1.3

Magic: 1.5

Age: 18

Cultivation: [Martial Artist (2nd Gate)]

Techniques: [Black Sand Palm (Grade 2)]

Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]"

"Essence increased from 1.3 to 1.4?"

It seemed like Essence meant the state of his body. A sum of all of his physical qualities and attributes.

Before this, the only time it rose was when he broke through a gate.

But now, just from a meal of Vermillion Jade Rice, his Essence actually rose by 0.1?

"Even though it should have the greatest effect since this is the first time, but isn't this a little too much?"

Fang Yuan couldn't believe his eyes.

A body's quality was the foundation of everything, and after a single meal of spiritual rice, there were such stunning changes. Then how impressive would those geniuses from families with an unlimited stream of spiritual rice be?

"But… Their spiritual rice might not be as good as mine. Moreover, they do not have these magical fingers!"

With the help of the stats window, Fang Yuan was confident in climbing to the peak of the world, obviously not fearing any geniuses at all.

"Since it is so, one can't travel a thousand miles without accumulating a number of steps over time… So I can't slack for my daily training!"

Very quickly, he immersed himself in Black Sand Palm training.

But today, he felt that something was different.

During the process of training, a stream of warmth spread out from his limbs and bones. It felt like warm water covered his entire body, giving him energy, and a slight numb feeling all over as though as there was an electric shock.

"This is…"

Since he knew something was different, Fang Yuan did a thorough check of his entire body and looking at the stats window, he made a discovery.

"Black Sand Palm's progress bar is filling up really fast. Is this the effect of Vermillion Jade Rice?"

If his progress bar filled up by one part in 10,000 after one round of practicing the palm technique, now it filled up by one part in 1,000!

An increase of 10 times, how scary was that!

"Vermillion Jade Rice's effect should not have anything to do with my progress, so could it be due to my physical state?"

A thought popped into Fang Yuan's mind.

Since Essence was the foundation of everything, now that his base had grown, the difficulty of martial arts training naturally dropped.

At least this was the case for his progress.

"It seems like I must raise my body's quality faster!"

Clenching his fist, Fang Yuan's eyes glittered with excitement.

Vermillion Jade Rice, Questioning Heart Tea, together with the stats window. These were literally helping him cheat at life.

Chapter 20: The Approach

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Whoooo..."

Fang Yuan practised his breathing, while the sun rose.

"With the help of the Vermillion Jade Rice, my improvements are tremendous!"

Lately, he had become addicted to practising his martial arts. After all, the feeling of gaining experience and becoming stronger was an addictive one.

"Maybe…...It would be much easier to master the Eagle Claw Technique and Rough Breathing Technique now!"

He used to be afraid of not being able to handle many skills at once, but now, he had no more considerations.

When one was at the highest level of a certain martial art, he would experience very fast improvements if he chose to practise other martial arts, like the speed of a rocket.

"Maybe I should wait till I have broken the 5th Golden Gate before attempting it…"

Fang Yuan took a look at his stats:

"Name: Fang Yuan

Essence: 1.8

Spirit: 1.6

Magic: 1.5

Age: 18

Cultivation: [Martial Artist (3rd Gate)]

Techniques, [Black Sand Palm (Grade 3)]

Skills, [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]"

"The increment to my Essence and Spirit is 0.3 after breaking the 3rd Gate, the rest must be the credit of the Vermillion Jade Rice..."

"But my Magic has not increased since consuming the Questioning Heart Tea, and still remained stagnant after breaking three through 3 gates..."

Fang Yuan placed more importance on Magic as it was the hardest to increase.

After all, having more Magic than the average person already made Fang Yuan feel different.

If he could increase his Magic even further, what would the unimaginable effects be?

Fang Yuan was excited to know.

"The Questioning Heart Tea is about to germinate soon... and the Vermillion Jade Rice too, I have assigned a larger plot of land to sow the rice... The only thing lacking is the spiritual fertilizer!"

The droplet-like fertilizer that the Flower Fox Ferret brought had extraordinary capabilities to boost the growth of spiritual plants.

And now that Fang Yuan was undergoing martial arts training, he would require large amounts of Vermillion Jade Rice, which increased his dependence on the spiritual fertilizer.

"I need the spiritual fertilizer! And lots of it! Otherwise, the Vermillion Jade Rice and the Questioning Heart Tea would be useless..."

The Flower Fox Ferret had already described to Fang Yuan how dangerous it would be to obtain the fertilizer, and it was best not to attempt to obtain it based on his current skills.

"I am already a martial artist who broke through 3 gates and can even know the whereabouts of the Flower Fox Ferret if I focus... It seems that the level of danger is equivalent to in between the 2nd and 3rd Gate!"

No martial artist could escape the 12 Golden Gates.

Fang Yuan had already broken through the 3 Prosperous Gates. If he could break through the Restriction Gate, he would enter a new realm.

Based on the Rough Breathing Technique, if the martial artists within the first 3 gates were considered beginners, then those who managed to break through the Restriction Gate and View Gate would have just realised their potential.

As for those who managed to break through Pain Gate, Shock Gate and Death Gate, the 3 Perilous Gates, they could lift their heads up high and would be the ones worthy to be elders in the Spirit Returning Sect.

Song Zhigao's backer, Song Zhong, was an example of a successful martial artist who cleared the 3 Perilous Gates.

Furthermore, at his age, it seemed impossible to cross the 3 Perilous Gates and enter the 4 Heavenly Realms.

"Keke!"

"Keke!"

The Flower Fox Ferret appeared, nibbled at Fang Yuan's robe, and ran out of the valley.

"Hmm? There's someone!?"

Fang Yuan started to feel annoyed but had no choice but to take a look.

In front of him was a large group of people. Minister Lin stood in front of everybody, and even the Zhou Siblings were there.

There were another 4 strong bodyguards behind, carrying a carriage, with what seemed to be a silhouette within the carriage.

"Virtuous young man!"

Minister Lin stood at the entrance and waved, "Do you really have the confidence?"

"Confidence for?"

Fang Yuan was confused.

"Of course, about saving a life! The Zhou Family took a gamble and brought Old Zhou here!"

Lin Benchu seemed serious, "Days ago you sent Old Tian to pass me a letter, saying that you had a plan to save his life, on the condition that he was brought to the secluded valley… Ahh, you must have forgotten!"

"Letter?"

Fang Yuan's heart sank and was left speechless. He took the letter and read it. The letter was exactly what Minister Lin described, and the main idea was that he had a plan to save Old Zhou's life, but would need him to be physically here.

The funny thing was that the handwriting on the letter was exactly the same as his own.

"Old Tian..."

Fang Yuan knew exactly where the problem was.

As the only person who traded with Fang Yuan, he would have many of Fang Yuan's letters for him to copy.

Furthermore, Minister Lin met Old Tian before, knew of his background and therefore trusted him.

He wasn't even sure of himself, and knew nothing about Old Zhou's condition!

"That sly fox!"

Fang Yuan felt fear, "What a perfect scheme, I have nothing to defend myself now!"

Old Zhou was at his dying breath and was tricked to travel a long way to the secluded valley. Old Zhou might just pass away within the valley, and he would be blamed for his passing!

Even if he argued that the letter was not written by him, no one would believe.

Seeing how helpless the Zhou Family was, Fang Yuan remained silent.

He thought to himself, if he was the mastermind behind this plan, his final step would be to kill Old Tian to make it perfect!

"It may even be plotted perfectly since Old Zhou was an old enemy of Song Zhong. But Song Zhigao would not have such guts to do this..."

"Why, virtuous young man, don't tell me..."

Minister Lin was wise and seemed to be able to guess, as he became increasingly worried.

It was likely that the Zhou Family were at their wits ends that they decided to listen to Minister Lin, do the unconventional and send Old Zhou into the secluded valley.

In all of this, Minister Lin swore and gave assurance to the Zhou Family that this was the right choice.

If he were to back out now, the consequences would be unimaginable!

"Let me take a look at him first!"

Fang Yuan took another glance at Minister Lin and knew that he could not blame him.

After all, it was true that he did use Old Tian as a messenger a few times before, as it was very hard to communicate with the outside world within the valley.

"This of course!"

Minister Lin felt a little scared and brought Fang Yuan to the carriage.

"Master Fang, he's all yours now!"

Around the carriage, Zhou Wenwu together with Zhou Wenxin and a few members of the Zhou Family greeted him. A few more highly skilled martial artist stood their ground.

Fang Yuan observed and laughed to himself. It made no sense because if he was really that skilful and could save Old Zhou, that was the best. But if he failed…...The number of expectations on him would likely lead to his death.

Was there a need for any more explanation?

Would the Zhou Family members heed any advice now?

"What a big graveyard, the mastermind must be Song Zhigao!"

Now that everything was prepared, he had no choice but to go ahead.

Fang Yuan took a step forward, opened the curtains, and a rotten stench filled the air.

"What the heck! What's the difference between Old Zhou and a dead man?"

Fang Yuan felt a chill down his spine, as he forced himself to see.

In the carriage laid an old man, as though he was in a deep sleep. He had a very weak breath, and it felt like he might go any moment.

Any professional physician would conclude that there was no cure for him.

The injury was at the chest of the old man, and it was no light injury. It seemed to be recovering under bandages.

"Eh? This is weird!"

Fang Yuan observed and unknowingly said.

"Young master, how's my father? Is there any cure?"

Zhou Wenwu frantically asked, and the Zhou Family members were all staring at Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan set too high an expectation for himself!

His arrogance made the entire family traverse within the forest and valley, many of which had already cursed and sworn at Fang Yuan. If he was a normal person, they would deal with him!

"I already have some idea, but for the details, I'll have to observer further!"

Fang Yuan returned to the valley, and not long after returned with a box of silver needles. He casually took one of Old Zhou's arms and inserted a needle in.

Puff!

After a short while, he removed the silver needle, and it looked unchanged. Fang Yuan focused on the needle tip, took out a torch and heated the silver needle. He sniffed the needle and could smell a refreshing fragrance.

"Old Zhou was not hurt, but poisoned!"

Fang Yuan looked at the weak old man, and thought, "Could it be…...the Drunk Lover Poison that Master mentioned before..."

Master Wenxin was an expert in medicine, with plenty of experience in saving lives. He briefly mentioned to Fang Yuan before on a few medical cases, and the Drunk Lover Poison was one that was etched in his memory.

This poison had no colour and taste, and even no symptoms at the beginning. It would only make the affected person feel skinnier, less focused, and end up with depression, like a heartbreak, making it extremely unusual.

When affected by this type of poison, it would be hard to observe the poison, and only by heating a silver needle would the light fragrance give away the presence of this poison.

Since Fang Yuan felt interested in the Drunk Lover Poison, he took down notes from his Master, and never would he have guessed that he would personally encounter a person affected by the Drunk Lover Poison.

"How?"

Fang Yuan appeared stressed for a moment, then relaxed, and the Zhou Family did not dare to disturb his thoughts.

"I can heal Old Zhou!"

Fang Yuan nodded to himself.

If he encountered other serious illnesses, then he would not have been qualified enough to help, but this was different.

The next moment, Fang Yuan shouted, "But, I have one condition!"