Chapter 25: Azure Dragon Grass Seed, Training Starts
[Essence of Bountiful Harvesting]
[Item Name: Azure Dragon Grass Seed]
[Grade: Rank 3 (Special)]
'T-this is… a Special Rank 3 Spirit Seed.'
Looking at the information about the last unknown seed, Ethan's hand shook a little.
Even an inferior Rank 3 Spirit Seed costs hundreds of Spirit Stones, not to mention a Special Rank 3 Spirit Seed, which costs at least a thousand Spirit Stones.
Now, Ethan had an opportunity to buy it for just 10 Spirit Stones.
'As far as I know, Rank 3 Spirit Plants are used in creating pills that are effective for Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators.'
Ethan didn't know the exact use of the Azure Dragon Grass Seed, but he knew it was extremely valuable.
"Shopkeeper, I will take all these unknown seeds."
Ethan no longer hesitated as he informed the shopkeeper that he wanted all the unknown seeds.
"Really?"
The shopkeeper was excited to hear Ethan's words because it had been quite a few days since he placed these unknown seeds in the shop.
He had even considered lowering the price, yet no one was willing to buy them—and now, someone wanted to buy them all.
So, of course, the shopkeeper was pleasantly surprised.
"Yes, but I will only pay 40 Spirit Stones."
Ethan still bargained for 10 Spirit Stones, and the shopkeeper didn't mind, happily agreeing to the transaction.
'After my shopping, I only have 20 Qi Refining Pills.'
Ethan spent all his Spirit Stones and even some Qi Refining Pills for the earlier transaction; however, thinking about the worth of the seeds he had bought, Ethan was happy.
'If I can nurture these seeds into Spirit Plants and harvest them, I can not only get a good amount of Life Points but also thousands of Spirit Stones.'
Thinking about the potential harvest from these seeds, Ethan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
However, he also understood that the higher the rank of the Spirit Seed, the longer the cultivation period and the greater the complexity required to nurture them properly.
'It's time to meet Father and Uncle.'
Soon, Ethan exerted his senses to the fullest to check whether anyone was following him, and after making sure he was alone, he found a secluded corner, put on the Lin Family Robes, and went to find his father and uncle.
"Father, Uncle."
Before long, Ethan met with them and recounted everything that had happened at the Lin Family Manor during his return journey.
Garrick was happy and rushed their journey to share the good news with his wife.
As for Joran, he was happy for Ethan and encouraged him to work hard in the future to become a good Spirit Farmer.
That night, the two families had a big feast, filled with different varieties of meats and wines, celebrating all the good things that had happened today.
Next Morning
At the Spirit Fields managed by Ethan's parents
"The foundation of Spirit Farming is soil, and Spirit Plants can't be cultivated in ordinary soil."
"This particular field contains a bit of Spirit Soil, which is very suitable for cultivating Gradeless Spirit Plants."
"Of course, you can cultivate Rank 1 Spirit Plants, but it would put a toll on the Spirit Farmer, and even then, the quality and quantity of the harvest might drop."
Merrick pointed at the plain Spirit Field, which Ethan had harvested yesterday, and began his training.
"Also, just because you have a plot of Spirit Field doesn't mean you can nurture Spirit Plants endlessly in it. After every harvest, the Spirit Field must be infused with Spirit Energy."
"That's where the Spirit Farmer comes into play…"
Merrick started with the basics, helping Ethan understand some questions that had previously puzzled him.
For example, he had always thought that even his parents should be considered Spirit Farmers since they could nurture Gradeless Spirit Plants on their own.
However, Ethan got his answer after hearing Merrick's explanation.
After every harvest, the soil in the Spirit Field loses its Spirit Energy, and the Spirit Farmer uses special cultivation techniques to enrich the soil again.
Moreover, the Spirit Farmer also injects Spirit Energy into each Spirit Seed to speed up its growth.
Other than that, the Spirit Farmer can create artificial rain filled with Spirit Energy, clear out bugs and insects infesting the Spirit Plants, and do much more.
"For Gradeless Spirit Plants like Silverstem Flowers, the Lin Family sends a Spirit Farmer once a week, or sometimes twice a month, to check on the Spirit Fields managed by the Spirit Labourers."
"Because of this, the Spirit Labourers receive only 10 percent of the harvest. Do you still think it's unfair?"
Merrick seemed to recall Ethan's thoughts from yesterday and explained why the Spirit Labourers received only 10 percent.
"T-this… it's a fair share. I understand now."
Ethan felt a little embarrassed but didn't hesitate to agree with Merrick's words.
The Lin Family not only provided the Spirit Field and Seeds, but they also sent a Spirit Farmer to enrich the soil, create artificial rain, and help the Spirit Labourers with pest control.
So, Ethan's previous minor complaints about the Lin Family's share of the harvest were resolved with Merrick's explanation.
"Now, see how a Spirit Farmer enriches the soil of this Spirit Field."
Merrick smiled at Ethan's response and asked him to focus, then placed his hand on the ground.
[Earth Essence Integration Technique]
The next second, Merrick activated his cultivation technique while standing in the center of the Spirit Field.
Swiish
A faint, earthy glow began to emanate from his hands, spreading into the ground like ripples in a pond.
'T-this… is magical.'
Ethan watched, wide-eyed, as the previously dull earth seemed to come alive, faintly shimmering with energy.
"Since my cultivation is high, it didn't take much time to enrich the field. Thus, cultivation is also important for a Spirit Farmer."
After a couple of minutes, Merrick removed his hand from the ground and informed Ethan.
"The training session ends here for today, but I have an assignment for you."
Merrick took out a jade slip and handed it to Ethan.
"Your task is to cultivate the Earth Essence Integration Technique to the beginner's stage within a week, and if you succeed, I will give you a reward."
"In a week? I'll complete it, Uncle Merrick, so make sure you prepare the reward."
Ethan had been waiting for a useful cultivation technique to test his new system feature, and finally, he had the chance.
"Don't just say it—prove it with actions."
Merrick shook his head and left, leaving Ethan in the Spirit Field.
'Of course, I will.'
Looking at the system notifications that appeared before him, Ethan laughed.