World of Cultivation Three The Little Yard

The descriptive chapter titles by Fang Xiang… I have supplemented the Cultivation terms and Info page with additional details, largely drawn from a Baidu entry concerning 修真世界.

A Chinese reviewer noted Zuo Mo’s first “gold finger” has appeared. However, I view this not as his true ultimate advantage, but rather a significant tool at this juncture of the narrative.

Proofread Version: Chapters One to Five

Chapter Three: The Little Yard

Generating rain for fifty mu was a considerable feat, even for Zuo Mo, who had attained the seventh level of lianqi cultivation.

Wiping the perspiration from his brow, Zuo Mo remarked tonelessly, “This is going to be the death of me.”

Old Black enthusiastically offered a thumbs-up. “Brother Mo’s [Little Art of Cloud and Rain] lives up to its reputation!” he exclaimed before squatting down, his face alight with joy as he inspected the growth of the ling grain.

Zuo Mo received the praise with a calm demeanor. Old Black’s ling grain had been planted with great care. From his observation, the harvest this year promised to be abundant. With the added rainfall he provided, the yield would increase by at least twenty percent. In exchange, he would receive ten percent of the harvest, a sum not to be underestimated.

Yet, observing the devoutness and sheer happiness radiating from Old Black as he gazed at the ling grains, Zuo Mo found himself strangely unfulfilled.

For two decades, Old Black had served as an outer sect disciple within the Wu Kong Sword Sect. His cultivation remained low, and for all those years, he diligently cultivated ling grains for the sect.

The fees for the ling fields could be settled using ling grains. Annually, disciples were required to contribute ling grains to the sect, earning contribution points that granted them continued authorization to remain as outer sect disciples. To acquire new spells, one needed to consistently increase their contributions to the sect.

When roughly calculated, the amount that ended up in an individual’s possession was meager. Old Black harbored a deep reluctance to even consume the ling grains he harvested.

The life of an outer sect disciple was arduous; Zuo Mo understood this better than anyone.

Nevertheless, despite the hardships, the Wu Kong Sword Sect, though small, attracted countless hopefuls. Even with the difficulty, the opportunity to learn provided a path to better prospects upon leaving the sect. For someone like Old Black, lacking any significant savings, it represented a stable livelihood.

Zuo Mo’s own circumstances were considerably more favorable. Although also an outer sect disciple, he had been taken under the wing of the Sect Leader, rendering him immune to bullying. His innate talent and comprehension were exceptional. After independently mastering the third level of the [Little Art of Cloud and Rain], his daily life became increasingly easeful.

Zuo Mo harbored no grand aspirations. His origins and past remained unknown to him. Beyond simply living a more comfortable existence, he had no other desires.

Following his labors, he leisurely made his way back to his personal residence.

The Wu Kong Sword Sect was the sole occupant of Wu Kong Mountain, leaving ample space. The entirety of the western peak had been designated as the lodging area for outer sect disciples. The size of their residences was limited only by their ambition and construction capabilities. Most individuals opted for the yards vacated by previous outer sect disciples, requiring little more than a thorough cleaning despite years of disuse.

Zuo Mo’s chosen yard occupied a substantial area. Despite his slender frame, he favored spaciousness, and thus selected the largest yard available on the western peak. It was a compound with a seventh entry, featuring a half-mu fish pond and approximately five mu of ling fields. The senior disciple responsible for constructing this yard must have been a farming enthusiast, as there were no decorative rockeries, flower gardens, or other embellishments. This shixiong had converted the entire space into ling fields.

Other disciples showed no interest in a yard devoid of aesthetic appeal and lacking complete seal formations. Zuo Mo, however, found it immensely pleasing.

He kept nothing in the fish pond; its primary use was for a refreshing summer bath. The ling fields were a significant asset. Zuo Mo had managed his resources wisely. Unlike the sect-rented ling fields, no rental fees were imposed on the fields within his yard. Furthermore, the property included a cold spring.

Considerations were paramount when establishing a residence. Ideally, a dwelling should be situated atop a ling vein, as constant immersion in an environment rich with ling energy accelerates cultivation speed – the very reason Secret Paradises commanded such exorbitant prices. However, prime locations with ling veins were scarce and certainly not allocated to outer sect disciples like himself.

Yet, who could have imagined that beneath this seemingly neglected yard lay a concealed ling vein!

Upon moving in, Zuo Mo diligently sought a meditation space, discovering a secluded room. As he opened the door, a foul odor assaulted him, revealing numerous prayer mats on the floor, mostly decayed into mere grass. Only a single mat had miraculously retained its form.

After Zuo Mo exerted considerable effort in cleaning the seclusion chamber, this solitary mat was left undisturbed.

The very first time Zuo Mo settled onto the mat for meditation, he was struck with astonishment.

The concentration of ling energy at that particular spot on the mat was significantly denser than anywhere else!

Zuo Mo's heart pounded; initially, he attributed this to the mat itself. However, he soon uncovered the true source – beneath the mat lay a small offshoot of a ling vein! This particular section of ling veins was minuscule, undetectable from even a step away from the mat.

At this moment, the reason for the nameless shixiong constructing such a spacious courtyard became clear: it was most likely intended to conceal this small ling vein.

This anonymous shixiong swiftly ascended to the status of Zuo Mo's idol.

To locate such a subtle ling vein amidst the vast expanse of the western peak and to personally clear an area for ling fields demonstrated an impressive capability, making him seem more than just an outer sect disciple.

Having unearthed the secret of the ling vein, Zuo Mo adopted an even more low-profile approach. He understood the wisdom of not flaunting one's fortune; revelation of this ling vein could invite scheming, with the most favorable outcome being its confiscation by the sect.

In a single endeavor, he laid down over thirty mats across the seclusion room's floor. Additionally, approximately seventy more mats were stacked in the corners. These mats, varying in color and design, were all his handiwork. The peculiar habit of 'Little Zombie Mo' weaving mats was common knowledge among the outer sect disciples. Some, seeking his assistance, would present him with exquisite mats as gifts, inevitably increasing the mat count and filling the entire seclusion chamber.

Nevertheless, Zuo Mo consistently chose to meditate on the original, aged mat. Its remarkable preservation, defying decay over such a long period, suggested a special attribute. The enigmatic nature of the nameless shixiong instilled in him a caution towards anything that had endured in the room, refusing to dismiss any of it.

Zuo Mo's sole regret was that the ling fields had lain dormant for too long, causing their grade to decline. They were currently only first-grade ling fields, and their revival had demanded countless efforts from him. To elevate them back to second-grade would require considerable time.

All five mu of the ling fields were meticulously planted with ling grains. These grains grew to waist height, their leaf edges saw-toothed and exceptionally sharp, posing a risk of cuts if handled carelessly. Having been seeded simultaneously, the ling grains exhibited remarkable uniformity in height, presenting a vibrant expanse of green that was truly pleasing to the eye.

Yet, as night fell, the scene took on a somber hue.

To deter any potential thieves, Zuo Mo installed jinzhi formations all around the yard. These rudimentary jinzhi lacked offensive capabilities but would emit a loud alarm if triggered.

The entire yard was in disrepair, worn and rotten, adorned with cobwebs. All the furniture was dilapidated and decaying. The seal formations within the rooms had failed due to years of neglect. Consequently, no one else vied for its possession.

None of these conditions deterred Zuo Mo. He found solace in sleeping on the roof at night and meditated within the seclusion room. The other rooms were either left vacant or repurposed for storage, holding basic provisions. For lighting, he commissioned a simple light-seal formation, too frugal to invest in anything more elaborate.

Seated upon the prayer mat, the dense ling energy enveloping him brought a comfort so profound it nearly elicited a groan. He suppressed his sensations, refocused his mind, and the ling energy within his body began its slow circulation.

The primary scripture guiding his cultivation was the [Ten Principle Scripture], a widely accessible second-grade scripture known for its stability and mildness. It virtually eliminated the risk of cultivation deviation or madness, making it the preferred choice for most outer sect disciples of the Wu Kong Sword Sect. However, its efficacy in reaching the Zhuji stage was limited, and disciples with loftier aspirations typically exchanged sect contribution points for more advanced scriptures.

Zuo Mo felt as though he had entered a state of void. The ling energy flowed gracefully through predetermined pathways. Upon completing a single cycle, his body felt infinitesimally lighter.

With his cultivation at the seventh level of Lianqi, he could manage three full circuits each time. He sensed that with every inhale and exhale, a portion of the spiritual energy he absorbed would integrate with the spiritual energy already circulating within his body. The denser the surrounding spiritual energy, the greater the amount he could absorb in a single breath. Over the past two years, this specific spiritual vein had been critical for his advancement from the third to the seventh level of Lianqi.

Upon completing the third full circuit, his consciousness withdrew from the profound stillness. His entire being felt invigorated, the previous exhaustion completely vanquished.

He casually consumed some food to satisfy his hunger. Prior to reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, cultivators still required sustenance from normal food. While ordinary food provided no spiritual energy, it remained vital for cultivators in the Lianqi stage. Fortunately, the cost of regular food was minimal, eliminating any concerns about starvation.

He retrieved the jade slip he had acquired the previous day. This jade slip, fashioned from fine jade, possessed a verdant sheen and a cool, substantial feel in his hand.

Images of vast mountains of spiritual grains filled his mind, with him blissfully reclining upon them.

––A truly enviable existence!

Within the dimly lit chamber, a slender young man with a face as impassive as a wooden zombie emitted a chilling chuckle that might unsettle any observer.

Having concluded his reverie, Zuo Mo intently examined the jade slip held in his palm.

By channeling spiritual energy into the jade slip, numerous words materialized in his mind.

The jade slip contained five distinct spells: [Lesser Art of Cloud and Rain], [Art of Earth Energy], [Art of Aged Gold], [Art of Flora], and [Art of Crimson Flame]. Apart from the [Lesser Art of Cloud and Rain], Zuo Mo had no prior experience with the other four.

The prospect of learning new spells filled Zuo Mo with immense joy, prompting a deep, excited inhalation.

He surmised that for a considerable period going forward, his primary focus would need to be dedicated to mastering the remaining four spells.

His first attempt was with the [Art of Aged Gold]. Within the five elements, gold's inherent nature is one of destruction and offense. Consequently, the majority of gold-attributed spells are geared towards combat. Spiritual grains possess numerous formidable natural adversaries, particularly various species of pests that can infest and hollow out the stalks. Average cultivators often find themselves powerless against these threats.

The [Art of Aged Gold] provided an effective solution. It allowed the essence of gold to infiltrate the spiritual grains, eradicating the internal pests. This was precisely the spell Zuo Mo most urgently required at that moment. Beyond the cultivation agreements he had undertaken with fellow disciples, he personally leased fifty mu of spiritual fields.

The yield from these fifty mu of spiritual fields constituted a substantial portion of his annual earnings.

He meticulously studied every word of the [Art of Aged Gold], paying close attention to each detail. The number of spells he had managed to learn thus far was lamentably small. Embarking on the acquisition of an entirely new spell presented an immediate and significant challenge.

After two arduous hours, he had made no discernible progress. Despite his persistent efforts, he was unable to manifest the 'aged gold energy' described within the [Art of Aged Gold].

All the techniques within the [Art of Aged Gold] were predicated on the existence of aged gold energy. Without the ability to form this specific energy, he was incapable of learning any of the spells contained therein.

Though his expression remained that of a wooden zombie, a glimmer of fierce determination flickered within his sharp eyes.

[1] 亩: A unit of land measurement, roughly equivalent to one-fifteenth of a hectare.

[2] 师兄: Refers to a senior male disciple or fellow student within a sect or school.