Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 248: Growth Requirement

Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 248: Growth Requirement

Translator: Lynn

Sponsored chapter (2/8)

A flicker of sword energy traced across Yun Lie’s fingertips, swiftly puncturing the restriction on the kit without harming its contents—an impressive display of precision and control. The dim light atop the kit seemed to reveal a puncture mark, momentarily easing the pressure, and then the true nature of the kit was unveiled before them. Instead of a sudden glow, it now exuded a vibrant, colorful aura, with a more lively presence.

Xu Ziqing’s expression shifted. “... Wood Qi?”

Indeed, despite the delicate fabric lining the kit, a diverse blend of wood Qi emanated from within, palpable to those observing.

Such a reaction hinted at only one possibility.

The kit likely contained various seeds, possibly cultivated by a female cultivator who served as an attendant in an ancient monk’s medicinal garden.

Thinking along these lines, Xu Ziqing felt a surge of joy. His most pressing need at the moment was seeds—specifically those he could nurture into maturity. Given their ancient origin, these seeds might just be the ones he sought.

As if confirming his speculation, Rongjin, usually so easily suppressed within Xu Ziqing’s dantian, stirred restlessly once more. Xu Ziqing even felt a faint warmth in his palm, as if something within was eager to emerge immediately!

Rongjin’s enthusiasm was unmistakable...

Xu Ziqing glanced at Yun Lie with a questioning gaze.

Yun Lie remained silent, simply touching his forehead with a finger, releasing a golden light that enveloped the courtyard before dissipating into the void—a protective measure to prevent their activities from being detected outside.

With a swift movement, Yun Lie floated several feet away, ensuring their privacy.

Only then did Xu Ziqing relax, ceasing his restraint. He raised his palms, allowing Rongjin to burst forth.

In an instant, thick blood vines sprang forth from both palms, no longer pristine white but a curious crimson hue, clear as if infused with fresh blood.

As these blood vines emerged, dozens of branches branched out, eagerly rushing in various directions simultaneously.

The excitement was palpable for both present.

Fortunately, Rongjin still held a fear of Yun Lie. Despite mobilizing the vines, it hesitated to approach him, halted by the sword energy Yun Lie emitted, stopping just half a foot away—a hair’s breadth from full contact!

Had it not been for Yun Lie’s resolute control, restraining Rongjin at this critical moment, its instinctual drive might have precipitated a reckless action.

Watching Rongjin maneuver the vines, Xu Ziqing hesitated. It seemed to be torn between leaping forward and retreating, its actions almost endearing.

After understanding the situation, Xu Ziqing felt a twinge of happiness.

Once Rongjin matured, its self-control would strengthen, which would greatly aid Xu Ziqing. With Rongjin able to keep other seeds in check, Xu Ziqing could now focus on cultivating more powerful seeds for his dantian—a task far easier without the additional burden of managing Rongjin.

Without further hesitation, Xu Ziqing conveyed his plan to Rongjin, asking it to wait patiently while he gathered and cultivated more of these seeds before feeding them to Rongjin. Although the seeds could have some effects now, they wouldn’t compare to the benefits of mature plants.

Satisfied by Xu Ziqing’s blood essence, Rongjin became cooperative. After spending some time with its owner, it obediently retreated deep into Xu Ziqing’s dantian, no longer agitating for attention.

With a slight smile, Xu Ziqing recounted the events to Yun Lie.

Yun Lie pondered for a moment before cautioning, “Ancient seeds often hold mysteries; proceed with care.”

Nodding earnestly, Xu Ziqing replied, “I understand, Shixiong.”

There was no doubt in Xu Ziqing’s mind that nurturing Rongjin, his natal tree, was paramount. Witnessing the power of its thirty-two vines convinced him that expanding its capabilities would greatly benefit him.

Having made up his mind, Xu Ziqing decided to postpone dealing with the golden blood grass seeds. Knowing their importance to Rongjin, he refrained from experimenting with them first, fearing the loss of such precious seeds if mishandled. Instead, he resolved to cautiously test the other seeds—one step at a time.

Once composed, Xu Ziqing turned to Yun Lie with a solemn expression. “Shixiong, please protect me.”

Yun Lie nodded, his figure blurring into a white shadow that descended like a faint sword light, blending into the surrounding air.

Meanwhile, Xu Ziqing wiped his hand clean and picked up a light yellow seed from the spirit stone board, cradling it in his palm.

As expected, these seeds, hidden within the kit for countless years, though robust, had lost vitality over time despite the sealing.

The pure wood energy sensed by Xu Ziqing was akin to the seeds’ “returning light.”

Without further delay, Xu Ziqing focused, holding a middle-grade spirit stone in one hand and the seed in the other. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them, two orbs of pure blue light gleamed within.

Activating the “Cultivating Wood Technique,” a derivative of the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique,” Xu Ziqing’s palm emitted a soft blue glow.

Amidst this radiance, a surge of pure wood energy flowed from his palm, enveloping the light yellow seed and gradually penetrating it.

Initially passive, the light yellow seed soon reacted, greedily absorbing the wood energy like a hungry glutton—awakening to its potential.

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