Chương 15: Chapter 16: The Fickleness of Human Nature

Reyn meticulously reviewed the entire cultivation technique in his mind one last time, ensuring that not a single syllable of the complex script was missing or misinterpreted. After scrutinizing the flow of energy and the mnemonic verses several times over, he finally gave a curt, satisfied nod. With a focused breath, he closed his eyes and plunged into the depths of meditation. Five days later, Reyn's eyelids flickered before slowly drawing back.

Instantly, a strange, transcendental sensation flooded his consciousness. It felt as if his senses had been magnified a thousandfold; within a thirty-meter radius, even the feather-light descent of a falling leaf could not escape his perception. He could feel the microscopic vibrations of the air and the subtle pulse of the earth beneath him. Divine Sense! This sudden development filled his heart with a mixture of shock and exhilaration.

Typically, the ability to project one's Divine Sense was a hallmark of reaching the fifth level of the Qi Condensation stage. Yet here he was, merely at the peak of the first level, already wielding a power far beyond his station. This was the ultimate proof of the Hunyuan True Scripture's heaven-defying nature. With a sharp mental command, he activated the concealment properties inherent to the scripture.

Reyn's presence began to wither, his aura receding like a retreating tide until it settled into the unremarkable rhythm of an early-stage Qi Condensation cultivator. He nodded in approval, a thin smile playing on his lips. While he couldn't be certain of its absolute effectiveness against masters, an inattentive observer would find nothing suspicious about his cultivation level. Stepping out from behind the heavy stone door, Reyn surveyed the desolate, weed-choked valley. His expression darkened.

Although being a disciple under Dan Chenzi offered a degree of freedom, the semi-annual alchemy examinations were an inescapable reality of the sect. Failure meant being cast out of the Hundred Herb Valley and relegated to the status of a common Outer Sect disciple. As a newcomer, Reyn was exempt from the first trial, but the one scheduled a year from now would be unavoidable.

He realized then that Duan Huaming was likely counting on that very outcome—waiting for the day Reyn would be unceremoniously evicted from the valley.

"We'll see about that," Reyn muttered with a cold sneer. After a moment of silent calculation, he turned and made his way toward the valley's exit.

"Liu Si! You are tasked with gathering fifty Clear-Spirit Fruits from the back mountains within the month. Success earns you one low-grade spirit stone."

"Hu Jianwei! You will fetch water from the Spirit Canal to supply the various medicinal gardens. Reward: one low-grade spirit stone."

"Sun Wancheng! You are responsible for the kitchen's firewood for the next month. Reward: half a low-grade spirit stone." In the Outer Sect administrative hall, a crowd of disciples received their assignments and hurried off. Their lives were a relentless grind of heavy labor and meager rewards, leaving them with precious little time for actual cultivation. Every second wasted was a step further away from the path of immortality.

Liu Shengsheng, having finished the monthly distribution of chores, turned to head back to his private quarters. He had recently hit the peak of the sixth level of Qi Condensation. A sect elder had already dropped hints that if he could break through to the seventh level, he would be taken in as a True Inheritance Disciple. Naturally, every moment of his time was now dedicated to that singular goal. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Senior Brother Liu," a familiar voice called out from the doorway. Liu Shengsheng paused, his sharp memory quickly identifying the visitor. An indecipherable glint flashed in his eyes, but he masked it instantly with a practiced smile.

"Ah, Junior Brother Reyn! Please, come in." Reyn stepped into the room. Liu Shengsheng remained seated, his posture relaxed but notably more distant than during their first meeting.

"Take a seat, Junior Brother. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Reyn suppressed a sigh. The fickleness of human nature was a universal constant. Word of his assignment to the derelict medicinal garden had clearly spread through the sect like wildfire, and Liu Shengsheng's warmth had cooled in direct proportion to Reyn's perceived fall from grace.

"I've come to ask for a favor, Senior Brother," Reyn said, keeping his tone humble.

"As you likely know, the garden I've been assigned has been abandoned for years. I was hoping you could spare a few hands to help me clear the overgrowth and restore the soil."

"I see..." Liu Shengsheng knitted his brows, his face contorting into an expression of profound difficulty.

"Junior Brother Reyn, it's not that I don't want to help, but every Outer Sect disciple is currently tied up with their own mandatory tasks. I'm afraid I simply don't have any spare manpower to reassign." Internally, Liu Shengsheng felt a twinge of annoyance. He had previously gifted Reyn several Wind-Walking and Fireball Talismans, thinking the boy was a rising star in the Hundred Herb Valley. Now, seeing Reyn struggle with a wasteland, he felt he had made a poor investment. His smile thinned even further.

Reyn forced a look of desperation onto his face, biting his lip as if making a painful decision.

"I understand your position, Senior Brother. However, surely there must be a way to find a few people? I happen to have a Spirit-Condensing Pill gifted to me by my Master. I would like you to have it, as a token of my gratitude for your assistance." With a look of feigned heartache, Reyn reached into his storage bag and produced a vibrant, emerald-green pill, placing it carefully on the table.

"A Spirit-Condensing Pill!" Liu Shengsheng's eyes widened. He snatched the pill up, examining its luster and scent. It was genuine. This pill was famous for its ability to temper and purify spiritual energy—a godsend for someone at his level. His icy demeanor melted instantly.

"Hahaha! Junior Brother Reyn, you are far too polite! Since you truly are in need, I shall accept this gift. Wait here for a moment; I will personally arrange for twenty disciples to have your garden cleared and ready within half a day." As Liu Shengsheng hurried out to give the orders, Reyn's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. The world of cultivators was even more transactional and cold-blooded than the secular world he had left behind.

He had dozens of superior pills in the storage bags he'd looted from the Black Mountain Old Ghost and his ilk; this Spirit-Condensing Pill was among the lowest tier of his hoard. By claiming it was a gift from Dan Chenzi, he ensured no one would dare question its origin or his sudden wealth. By midday, the twenty disciples had finished their work and departed. The valley was transformed. The choking weeds and jagged rocks were gone, and the earth had been tilled and aerated with spiritual techniques.

Reyn nodded in approval. He pulled out several packets of spirit herb seeds and began the painstaking process of planting them one by one. Using a palm-sized Jade Hoe, he carefully dug a small pit exactly five fingers deep. He placed a seed of Heart-Clearing Grass into the dark soil, covered it gently, and applied just enough pressure to secure it without crushing the delicate casing. He let out a slow, measured breath. Cultivating spirit herbs was an exacting science.

It required specific tools, precise soil conditions, and even a specific amount of physical pressure during planting. One mistake could ruin an entire batch of expensive seeds. After two grueling hours, Reyn had only managed to cover a small fraction of the valley floor.

"At this rate, I won't be finished by nightfall," Reyn muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. He leaned his weight heavily against a nearby stone cliff to rest his aching back. Thud! A dull, hollow sound echoed from the rock face. Reyn froze. He was intimately familiar with that sound. He spun around, staring at the seemingly solid, smooth surface of the cliff. He balled his fist and rapped against the stone again. Thud! Thud! It was hollow. A surge of curiosity washed over him.

This part of the valley was remote and forgotten; it was unlikely anyone would stumble upon him here. After a quick scan of his surroundings to ensure he was truly alone, Reyn reached into his storage bag and drew a sharp spiritual tool, pressing the blade against the seam of the rock.