Born with immortal seed

Chapter 534: Shenmu Sect

Among the various sects in the Central Region, when it comes to the art of cultivating spiritual plants, the Daode Sect is the most revered.

With tens of thousands of years of accumulated experience and the number of secret realms they control, they still maintain a significant lead even without investing much in this area.

Many spiritual fruits and herbs that had long since disappeared and were considered impossible to appear in the human world have reappeared in the secret realm of the Moral Sect's medicinal garden.

Huang Tingfeng's disciples, in particular, were not skilled in combat, but each had their own strengths in the various arts of cultivating immortality.

Not only are there fifth-tier spirit plant masters, but they have also achieved success in different categories.

Bai Zichen would not be able to invite the spiritual plant masters of the Morality Sect back to the Northern Region. For the sake of secrecy, it would be best to hire someone who is not from a super sect.

The Azure Dragon Spirit Rice is of great importance and we do not want it to be exposed in the short term, lest it attract the covetousness of outsiders.

Of course, no secret can be kept forever; sooner or later, it will be leaked.

However, as long as it can be kept secret for a period of time at the beginning, it will take time for it to spread to the northern region and then to the central region.

With the demon race facing a formidable enemy, it remains to be seen whether any forces would turn against them for the sake of Azure Dragon Spirit Rice.

And by then, he will surely have the strength to protect the Azure Dragon Spirit Rice.

What we lack most right now is time.

Wuzhong Ridge, the easternmost peak.

This place is surrounded by 365 divine trees, naturally forming a great array. Entering rashly will only result in becoming a skeleton on Wuzhong Ridge.

In the late Middle Ages, as the demonic chaos subsided and the situation stabilized, the cultivators of this world, taking advantage of the disappearance of the Ascension Platform and the complete failure of all long-distance teleportation arrays, finally brought the cultivation world back into the hands of their native faction.

The number of immortals from the upper realm and demons descending to the lower realm is decreasing.

Legend has it that a powerful being from the upper realm who was unable to return home settled on Wuzhong Ridge and planted all 365 immortal seedlings he had brought from the Earthly Immortal Realm.

Over a thousand years, it grew into a towering tree, upon which an array was set up, creating a fifth-order grand array.

Meanwhile, that upper realm deity recruited disciples on Wuzhong Ridge, passed down his cultivation techniques, and established his own lineage, which became known as the Divine Wood Sect.

This sect once enjoyed a glorious period. After all, with his cultivation at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage, that powerful cultivator from the Earth Immortal Realm was untouchable, except for a few Void Refining Venerables or monstrous cultivators from the mortal realm who could ascend at any time.

After his passing, another Nascent Soul cultivator emerged from among his disciples and grand-disciples.

Later, they provoked the Taibai Sword Sect, and a disciple of the sect wanted to cut a piece of spiritual wood on Wuzhong Ridge as material for forging swords.

That spirit tree branched off from three hundred and sixty-five divine trees and grew into a third-tier spirit plant.

The cultivators of the Divine Tree Sect cherish these sacred trees like treasures and never allow outsiders to pick up a single branch or leaf from Wuzhong Ridge.

This action immediately angered the cultivators of the Divine Tree Sect, who captured the swordsman, whipped him three hundred times, and hung him on the top of the Divine Tree for a hundred days as a warning to others.

The disciple of the Taibai Sword Sect was of a fierce nature. After being released, he felt that he had disgraced the sect and directly detonated his flying sword, going to the Yellow Springs with a cultivator from the Shenmu Sect.

This news caused an uproar within the Taibai Sword Sect.

At this time, the Taibai Sword Sect was the number one sword cultivator sect in the world, but it was still far from the supreme throne of the cultivation world. Not to mention compared with the Morality Sect, it was even inferior to the other Nascent Soul level forces.

The founding patriarch had just ascended to heaven, and since there was no ascension platform, he had to forcibly cross the spatial passage, so he brought all his treasures with him to resist the spatial turbulence.

The second-generation patriarch struggled to maintain his position, having only reached the Nascent Soul stage a century ago, and he had no sect's foundation whatsoever.

Therefore, only a sect like the Divine Tree Sect, with its extraordinary lineage and possession of a fifth-order divine tree array, dared to disrespect the Taibai Sword Sect and severely punish its disciples.

Unexpectedly, the second-generation patriarch arrived upon hearing the news, shattering the divine tree formation with a single sword strike and breaking through the fifth-order technique left behind by the founder of the Divine Tree Sect. Before the third sword strike could land, it was caught by the Nascent Soul stage of the Moral Sect.

The Taoist deity intervened and persuaded the two families to turn their hostility into friendship.

With the prevailing opinion that he was the best in the world, the sword could not be used to continue its strike, and a contract was concluded when neither side was satisfied.

The Taibai Sword Sect felt the punishment was too lenient, while the Shenmu Sect felt that since your disciple had taken the spiritual wood from Wuzhong Ridge without permission, I was only detaining and punishing him; his eventual death was his own doing.

The losses are already huge enough; to demand such large compensation is equally unacceptable.

But there was nothing they could do; the Moral Sect was at the height of its power and prestige as it led the end of the demonic chaos.

The Daode Sect subtly embodies the spirit of a universal ruler, and no other sect dares to openly defy it when it occupies a position of reason.

No matter how much dissatisfaction one feels, one can only swallow it down.

The cultivation world generally believes that this incident led to the peak duel between the second-generation patriarch of the Taibai Sword Sect and the Nascent Soul stage cultivator of the Daode Sect.

The Divine Tree Sect directly compensated for the more than thirty fourth-order divine trees that were cleaved down by the sword light, which directly led to the incompleteness of the mountain-protecting formation and reduced its power by nearly 30%.

These fourth-tier divine trees have forged countless third-tier flying swords, and two or three of them eventually became fourth-tier flying swords.

In addition, ten top-grade spirit stones will be awarded as compensation to the disciples and their spouses of the Taibai Sword Sect, ten top-grade spirit stones will be awarded for the care and cultivation expenses of their wives and children, and ten top-grade spirit stones will be awarded for the funeral expenses of their remains.

Another thirty top-grade spirit stones were lost in this process.

The Shenmu Sect's prestige plummeted from then on, and after the passing of this group of Nascent Soul True Monarchs, it began to decline.

With the formation broken, people could come and go freely. If it weren't for the help of the Daoist Nascent Soul cultivator, they would have been pierced through by a single person and a sword.

Basically, during the thousands of years when the Taibai Sword Sect was at its peak, the Shenmu Sect declined rapidly, and it was considered good if each generation could barely retain one Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Their cultivation resources can support at most three Nascent Soul seed cultivators simultaneously.

When it comes to the final Nascent Soul stage, the Nascent Soul Pill, a guarantee of that level, can only be provided to one person.

As the Divine Tree Sect continued to decline, it could only resort to the methods it had initially looked down upon: exchanging spiritual plants for cultivation resources.

With the inheritance from the upper realm, the sect of spiritual plants can almost be called the strongest second-tier sect below the Moral Sect.

Bai Zichen's choice of the Shenmu Sect was naturally a calculated move.

This sect's skills in cultivating spiritual plants are remarkable; even spiritual seeds that have completely died can revive after hundreds of years under their care.

Meanwhile, its situation has worsened recently, and it is on the verge of losing even its title as a Nascent Soul Grandmaster.

Every now and then, a hundred years pass without a single Nascent Soul True Monarch remaining in the sect.

After the destruction of the Taibai Sword Sect, the downward trend of the Shenmu Sect did not stop.

If it weren't for the remaining divine tree formation, which could still maintain its peak at the fourth level, it would have long been unable to withstand the forces that coveted Wuzhong Ridge.

This fourth-grade top-quality spiritual vein can condense into a fifth-grade spiritual land at its core, which is something that the current Divine Wood Sect cannot protect.

In order to turn enemies into friends, the Shenmu Sect even took the initiative to cede part of its territory on Wuzhong Ridge, making it the training ground for two Nascent Soul cultivators.

They themselves mainly retreated to the eastern peak.

In this situation, the disciples of the Divine Wood Sect are not averse to going out to earn spirit stones, as it is not difficult to hire them as long as they have the money.

"Bai Zichen from the Northern Region has come to pay respects to fellow Daoists of the Divine Wood Sect."

It's best for the Ziwei Star Lord to avoid being exposed recently, as the mask will be useless then, and he can visit in his true identity.

The title of Nascent Soul True Monarch is widely accepted in most parts of the Central Region, not to mention that the Divine Sword of Time is now resounding throughout the cultivation world.

Bai Zichen followed the rules and presented his visiting card, then waited at the foot of the Eastern Peak.

Before long, a group of cultivators came down from the ridge and set up a solemn formation.

"Gu Jue, the acting leader of the Shenmu Sect, along with his fellow disciples, pays respects to the Sword Lord of Time."

The group bowed in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized, showing utmost respect—this was the ceremonial procession to welcome the Great True Lord.

Gu Jue, who was in the lead, secretly sized up the cultivator in front of him. He was handsome and elegant, just like the portrait of Bai Zichen that was rumored outside.

This sword cultivator has stirred up a rare storm in the Central Region. It has been a long time since a cultivator from outside the Central Region has been recognized as having the potential to become a Nascent Soul cultivator.

If it hadn't coincided with a major war between the two races, the attention it would have garnered would have been even more intense.

After defeating Xiang Banshan, Bai Zichen remained silent.

Unexpectedly appearing at Wuzhong Ridge today, Gu Jue felt both honored and somewhat embarrassed.
The only Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Divine Wood Sect has been away from the sect for a hundred years, and has not even sent a reply yet.

Gu Jue was the one who was elected by his fellow disciples to support the overall situation after the original sect leader disappeared.

But in this situation, there isn't even a Nascent Soul True Monarch of equal standing. If the Divine Wood Sect tries to negotiate with them, they'll definitely suffer a great loss.

"No need to be so polite. I'm here because I need your help."

Bai Zichen could sense the other party's apprehension and fear; the emotions projected in their eyes were timid and hesitant.

However, the so-called acting sect leader only had the cultivation level of the late Core Formation stage, and the people behind him were mainly in the early and middle stages of Core Formation.

For such a lineup to remain calm and composed in front of a Nascent Soul cultivator whose strength is comparable to a Great True Monarch is indeed asking too much.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries in the side hall, he got straight to the point.

“I have a fourth-grade spirit rice that must grow in the Black Mountain of the Northern Region. It is currently only a spirit seed. Therefore, I would like to invite the most accomplished spirit plant cultivator from the Divine Wood Sect to accompany me on a journey to cultivate the spirit rice together… The reward will certainly far exceed that of other spirit plant masters of the same level, and will not disappoint you.”

Bai Zichen glanced at these people's cultivation levels and felt a slight worry about their spiritual plant techniques.

"I wonder who can help me solve this problem?"

"As you requested, senior, our sect will do our utmost... However, the cultivation of spirit rice involves many aspects, and each spirit plant master has their own area of ​​expertise. It is not necessarily true that a higher rank is suitable for your fourth-grade spirit rice."

Gu Jue sighed inwardly, feeling the burning gazes of his fellow disciples behind him, which felt as if they were about to pierce through his body.

Even without any reward, countless people flock to sign up for the chance to make the Sword Master of Time owe a favor.

The current Shenmu Sect certainly has no room for criticism.

Being able to do this well and form a good relationship with the Sword Lord of Time is far more important than a few spirit stones.

Even if you disagree, it won't matter. Afterwards, a large number of Shenmu Sect cultivators will definitely rush over like hungry dogs with their name cards in hand.

If that's the case, there's no need to be the bad guy.

“Senior Brother Bai is a mid-grade fourth-level spirit plant master with nearly two hundred years of experience in spirit farming… He has cultivated more than thirty kinds of spirit rice in his lifetime, with a wide range of attributes. I believe that no matter which category your spirit rice leans towards, he can give you the most appropriate advice.”

Gu Jue called out to someone, bowing slightly, and began to introduce them.

Since we can't stop it, we might as well push the candidate forward; at least our own people can benefit from it.

This senior brother Bai had gray hair, a weathered face, large knuckles, and dressed no differently from an ordinary spiritual farmer.

His feet were bare, and he was walking on the ground with mud still clinging to the backs of his feet.

'The practitioner is a hands-on plant grower who truly gets things done, rather than a theoretical plant grower who is oblivious to the outside world...'

Bai Zichen glanced at him; his appearance and demeanor were quite good, vaguely reminding him of the old man Ye from before.

The two were worlds apart in cultivation level, and their temperaments were also completely different.

However, in some subtle and easily overlooked details, they are indeed similar; both are spirit farmers who devote themselves wholeheartedly to the spirit fields.

"And then there's Lin Shan, who has only recently advanced to the fourth-tier spirit plant master... but he's quick-witted. Not only spirit rice, but also several extinct spirit fruits in recent years were arranged according to his ideas, and he successfully brought them back to life."

At Gu Jue's call, a pale-faced cultivator with a youthful appearance, who looked like he was still a minor, stepped forward.

However, this person lacked the aura of a spirit farmer and didn't look like someone about to work in the spirit fields.

Gu Jue took great care of him, and there was a look of doting in his eyes. This person must be either his descendant or his disciple.

"Alright, then please take action. I'll leave my spirit rice in your care."

The pairing of the old and the young was exactly what Bai Zichen wanted.

Even the most skilled plant masters are hard to find, and the key is to keep the information secret later on. These two from the Divine Wood Sect are a perfect match.

"Tell me what kind of compensation you want. I'm not a stingy person..."

"It is an honor to be able to grow rice for you, senior. There is no need for payment... If you can give us some guidance in cultivation, we will be extremely grateful."

Elder Bai adopted an even lower posture, not only because of the difference in status and position, but also because he harbored another unrealistic longing for Bai Zichen.

He was not young, and was still only in the early stage of Core Formation. He had originally given up hope on this cruel path of cultivation.

If all I think about is tending to the spirit rice, and after another hundred years when my true essence declines, I can use the remaining time after retiring from my duties to compile a book on spiritual farming experiences, then I won't consider my journey to this world as a wasted cultivation trip.

However, Bai Zichen's appearance gave Elder Bai a glimmer of hope.

This Sword Master of Time possesses not only exceptional talent in swordsmanship, but also unparalleled aptitude for cultivation.

According to the information transmitted from the Northern Region, Bai Zichen's Nascent Soul stage age would be considered a once-in-a-millennium genius even in the Central Region.

Compared to the most prosperous and magnificent periods in history, those powerful figures who eventually ascended to the upper realm and left their names in the cultivation world forever entered the Nascent Soul stage at most within the same timeframe.

Even if it's faster, there's not much difference.

Unless one is a naturally born genius from an earlier period, the age at which one transforms into an infant would not be significantly earlier.

Being able to follow such a person, perhaps with some casual advice, would allow one to break through a level that has been stagnant for a long time.

Elder Bai held this view; otherwise, given his seniority in the Divine Wood Sect, there would have been no need for him to compete for this opportunity.

"I don't know how many spirit stones I'll receive each year, but as long as you grow the spirit rice I need, the rewards will definitely exceed your imagination."

Bai Zichen didn't know how many years it would take to cultivate Azure Dragon Spirit Rice, or whether high-level spirit plant masters would still be needed once it was on track.

However, if the other party seeks guidance in cultivation, it is even simpler for him than rewarding him with spirit stones.

I recommend a new science fiction book to a friend.

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(End of this chapter)