Chapter 29
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 29: Spirit Fields
Ye Yun’s brows furrowed instantly at the sound of Qu Yiping’s voice.
“Brother Ye, are you short on spirit stones these days?”
Before Ye Yun could turn around, Qu Yiping spoke again, his words sharp in the air.
“No one refuses extra spirit stones. Besides, I need time to get accustomed,” Ye Yun replied flatly, turning to face Qu Yiping standing a few paces away.
He held no fondness for the man.
Qu Yiping maintained a calm expression, even offering a faint smile. “Brother Ye, since we’re both in the East Hall now, we ought to support each other. Our true rivals lie in the West Hall—people like Duan Chenfeng.”
Ye Yun’s face remained blank. “I’ve never sought conflict with anyone. Senior Brother Duan hails from the royal capital and has endless spirit stones. Crossing him isn’t wise.”
Qu Yiping lowered his voice, brows knitting. “You saw the trial results. Among our peers, our cultivation levels rank highest. If we ally, both halls will fall under our control.”
Ye Yun shook his head. “You’ve forgotten Jun Ruolan. With her around, when would it ever be our turn?”
He saw through Qu Yiping’s intentions. Though he disliked both Duan Chenfeng and Qu Yiping, if forced to choose, he’d trust Duan Chenfeng over this schemer.
“Jun Ruolan’s cultivation has clearly reached the Qi refining stage. A genius like her won’t linger long on Tian Zhu Peak—she’s no future rival.” Qu Yiping’s frown deepened. “Unite against Duan Chenfeng, and we’ll command respect here. Gathering spirit stones will become trivial.”
Ye Yun scoffed. “Impossible. We should worry about survival, not power. Do you think senior disciples here all died off?”
As if on cue, a Tian Zhu Peak disciple strode past, aura dense and steady. The man didn’t spare them a glance, face taut with purpose.
Ye Yun eyed Qu Yiping. “Many senior brothers here are at Body Refinement Stage Seven. If they target us, we’re finished. Focus on cultivation, not schemes.”
Qu Yiping’s eyes narrowed. “So you refuse?”
“Elder Sun made it clear—outer disciples earn training resources through tasks.” Ye Yun shrugged. “Unless you offer enough spirit stones, I might consider helping.”
Rage flickered in Qu Yiping’s gaze. “Do you think spirit stones grow on trees?”
“You still owe me a top-grade spirit stone.” Ye Yun’s tone turned icy. “Settle debts before asking favors.”
Qu Yiping inhaled sharply, murderous intent simmering. “I’ll repay you. But curb your greed, Brother Ye.”
Unmoved, Ye Yun turned away. “Anything else, Junior Brother Qu? I need to review sect tasks.”
“Farewell then.”
As Qu Yiping left, fury blazed in his eyes. _You’ll regret rejecting me, Ye Yun. Soon._
Ye Yun faced the task board, indifferent. Having reached the Internal Breathing stage, even Qu Yiping’s spiritual weapon posed little threat. With steady spirit stones, he’d outpace them all.
Tasks ranged from complex to simple.
“The summons in two days complicates things. Can’t accept time-consuming missions now.”
His gaze settled on the lowest-tier task:
_Spirit field cultivation: 1 middle-grade spirit stone per acre._
Spirit fields—legendary plots for growing spirit herbs and strange flowers in abundant spiritual energy. Rumors said discovering rare herbs brought great rewards.
“A middle-grade stone… Generous payment. Is the work that hard?”
Ye Yun was intrigued by spirit fields and wanted to see them firsthand. After brief consideration, he headed toward the Trial Hall.
At the hall’s entrance, a Tian Zhu Peak outer disciple sat drowsily behind a long table, eyes half-shut.
Ye Yun bowed respectfully. "Senior Brother, how do I accept the first-level task of reclaiming spirit fields?"
"Reclaim spirit fields? You’re certain?" The young disciple jerked his head up, astonished.
"Yes. I’ve never seen spirit fields before and wanted to learn." Ye Yun nodded. "Might prove useful later."
"Show your waist token." The disciple extended his hand without explanation.
After Ye Yun handed over the token, the disciple made a quick mark and threw it back.
"Done. When finished, have Elder Seven confirm your work to claim a middle-grade spirit stone." The disciple kept his head lowered. "Follow the map marker I added."
Ye Yun channeled spiritual power into the token. Seeing the new red dot on its Glowing Screen, he bowed again. "My thanks."
The disciple hesitated at Ye Yun’s courtesy. "Reclaiming fields seems easy, but it’s thankless labor. If spirit herbs underperform, caretakers get blamed. Elder Seven’s temperament is… peculiar. Few take this task."
"Peculiar temperament? Thank you for the warning." Ye Yun blinked but remained earnest. "I’ll proceed carefully. The experience matters more than the reward."
Following the map, Ye Yun soon reached a valley mouth. Strange fragrances immediately enveloped him – a unique blend of scents that invigorated rather than overwhelmed.
"These aromas alone calm the mind."
Drawing deeper breaths, he noticed denser spiritual energy here than outside. As someone at the Internal Breathing stage, this environment promised greater cultivation benefits.
"Halt! State your business!"
Two black-robed disciples materialized on the path ahead like dark shadows.
Ye Yun presented his token. "Senior Brothers, I’m Ye Yun. I’ve accepted the spirit field reclamation task."
"Reclamation? Seriously?" The left disciple snatched the token, exchanged meaningful looks with his companion, then demanded, "Didn’t the Trial Hall senior warn you?"
"He only mentioned Elder Seven’s… unusual disposition."
After another shared glance, they returned the token. "Proceed then. Report to Elder Seven first – he’ll assign your plot."
Their expressions deepened Ye Yun’s unease, but retreating wasn’t an option. Thanking them, he continued onward.
After several hundred zhang, the path curved, revealing an impossible vista.
Stretching beyond sight lay spirit fields spanning dozens of miles – inconceivable given the valley’s modest exterior. The fields teemed with unfamiliar flora: twisting vines bearing crystalline fruits, flowers glowing with inner light, all releasing harmonized fragrances.
Ye Yun inhaled sharply. This vast expanse clearly existed within an expanded-space array. The formation’s dual functions of purifying and concentrating spiritual energy explained the environment’s exceptional richness.
