You Cultivate, I Farm

Chapter 87

The appearance of the Hidden Spirit Robe and the Xun-Lei Sword Pill boosted Lu Xuan's confidence considerably, providing ample energy for cultivating spirit plants.

One day, a gentle voice suddenly echoed outside the courtyard.

"Is Lu Dao-you here?"

Lu Xuan opened the courtyard door to find two advanced cultivators standing outside. The leader was an elegant scholar with a warm smile, while the other had a scar resembling a centipede on his face, emitting a faint malevolent aura.

"Are you Lu Xuan, Dao-you?" the scholarly man asked with a smile.

"Yes, I am," Lu Xuan confirmed.

"You are younger than I expected, yet your expertise in cultivating spirit plants is profound for your age. Your future is limitless," the scholar praised.

"And who might you both be?" Lu Xuan inquired, puzzled.

"I am Wang Ruhai from the Lin Yangfang Wang Family, and this is Li Jianfeng, a guest cultivator of our family."

"We've come with a request. We'd like to invite you to visit a newly discovered hidden realm," the scholar said with a smile.

Lu Xuan furrowed his brow upon hearing this. "I usually keep to myself. How did you find me?" he asked.

"You're being modest. With your expertise in cultivating spirit plants, it's hard to remain hidden," the scholar replied. "The Wang Family sought out plant cultivators in the market and learned about your skill from an alchemist at the Hundred Herbs Hall. So, we came to extend the invitation directly."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xuan sighed inwardly. It seemed the alchemist from the Hundred Herbs Hall either wanted to impress the Wang Family or saw some benefit in recommending Lu Xuan. But regardless of the motives, it contradicted his initial intentions.

"I've heard the Wang Family already has a good grasp of that new hidden realm. Is there a need for a plant cultivator?" he asked.

"Our family discovered a peculiar area in the realm, where exotic second-grade spirit plants grow alongside some sinister flora. It's challenging to distinguish them from the outside. Additionally, there are parasitic insects. Hence, we require higher-level plant cultivators to identify, separate, exterminate the pests, and harvest," Wang Ruhai explained.

Lu Xuan nodded, feigning contemplation, displaying a hint of hesitation on his face.

"I'm grateful for the Wang Family's regard, but I'm merely an independent cultivator with humble abilities. I'm afraid I might not be up to the task," Lu Xuan replied hesitantly.

"Are you considering declining the Wang Family's invitation?" Wang Ruhai interrupted directly, his tone carrying a sense of coercion.

As a high-level cultivator in charge of the Lin Yangfang market, his words were final, leaving no room for opposition.

Seeing Lu Xuan's serious expression, Wang Ruhai softened his tone. "You need not worry about safety. The destination in the hidden realm's mid-region has already been cleared of malevolent creatures. Moreover, there will be at least two advanced cultivators accompanying us for protection."

"And besides, many plant cultivators invited this time come from prominent families and powers in the market. If any accidents occur, it won't reflect well on the Wang Family."

Seemingly understanding Lu Xuan's hesitation, Wang Ruhai assured him of the expedition's safety.

"Allow me to consider this inside," Lu Xuan said.

"Very well. We'll await your response here," Wang Ruhai replied, adamant in his stance.

Returning to his house, Lu Xuan appeared uncertain.

The Wang Family's invitation to enter the hidden realm and harvest special spirit plants presented him with only two choices: either to go or not to go.

If he refused, it would likely sour relations with the Wang Family, and as an independent cultivator, it would be challenging to remain in the market. Moreover, two advanced cultivators awaited outside.

To extricate himself, he could either silently slip away or confront and defeat the two.

The former, with the Hidden Spirit Robe, had some feasibility, yet success was uncertain. His cultivation at the seventh level could only be sustained briefly, and in the bustling market, depletion of spiritual power might attract the notice of the two higher-level cultivators.

Regarding the latter option, Lu Xuan was confident in his possession of numerous treasures to overpower them. However, mere victory was not enough; a swift and noiseless confrontation was essential, a feat he wasn't entirely sure of accomplishing.

"If I go..."

"If what the Wang Family cultivator said is true and the task involves dealing with spirit plants in the mid-region, it shouldn't pose significant problems."

"There will be other cultivators from influential families. In case of any trouble, they wouldn't want to draw attention either."

Gradually, Lu Xuan leaned towards acceptance.

"Once in the realm, I must avoid trouble, avoid unnecessary conflict, steer clear of the core area, and not engage in fights for resources," he admonished himself silently.

With advanced Qi cultivation, the Golden Sword Technique, the Red Thread Needle, the Crimson Scale Armor, Sword Grass, talismans, and various other treasures, Lu Xuan felt confident.

"So, I'll go as a renowned plant cultivator from the Lin Yangfang market," he decided.

In the spirit field, he quickly harvested the remaining ninety-five Glowfire Grass.

He wasn't concerned about being seen, concealing the resulting talismans and elixirs covertly into his storage bag. His cultivation surged, masked by the Hidden Spirit Robe.

As it wasn't the ideal time for harvesting, the quality of the Glowfire Grass ranged from ordinary to good. Nonetheless, not knowing when he'd return, he preferred enhancing his strength in advance.

Ninety-five orbs granted him over a decade's worth of cultivation rewards, propelling Lu Xuan to the eighth Qi cultivation level.

Moreover, he acquired dozens of first-grade talismans, various experiences in botanical techniques, and elemental cultivation.

The remaining third-grade spirit plants were too valuable to move. Hence, Lu Xuan transplanted the Dragonvine and Illusory Smoke Fruit into his life-sustaining pouch to maintain their vitality.

The Pure Snow Lotus and Copper Bone Bamboo, among other first and second-grade plants, remained in the spirit field.

"Do you want to come with me? You might need to stay in the life-sustaining pouch during the journey," he asked the Cloud-Stepping Lynx at his feet.

Without hesitation, the Lynx nodded and allowed itself to be placed in a grey-black pouch, feeling uncomfortable.

"During my absence, take good care of the spirit field, especially ensuring the Iron-Clawed Crabs don't escape," he instructed while embedding three spirit stones into the Grass Puppet's massive tumor-like head.

Using a telepathic symbol, he instructed the Grass Puppet repeatedly.

Slightly reassured, he sent a voice-transmission symbol to Steward He, asking him to check the courtyard frequently.

Opening the Mist Concealment Formation, dense white mist enveloped the courtyard.

Lu Xuan walked out, nodding lightly to Wang Ruhai and his companion waiting outside.

"Please take care of me, both of you," he said.

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