Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 47 Medicine Garden
Lin Fan, filled with anticipation for the future, galloped non-stop towards his destination. After an incense stick of time, he finally reached the mountain range surrounding the medicinal garden.

The mountains before me undulate, their peaks towering into the clouds, half-hidden by swirling mist, like a slowly unfolding ink painting, a scene of profound beauty and dreamlike wonder. The mountains are lush with vegetation, and the verdant trees drape the mountains like a emerald green robe. Occasionally, a few bright wildflowers can be seen swaying gently in the breeze, their lively and playful appearance adding a unique vitality to the mountain forest.

Surrounded by the mountains lies the mysterious medicinal garden, which is tightly guarded by an exquisite array formation. This array is like a huge, invisible barrier, completely isolating the garden from the outside world.

On the surface of the formation, multicolored light shimmers like shimmering waves, constantly flowing and rippling. A closer look reveals that these lights are actually composed of countless tiny runes, each imbued with unique power and meaning. They intertwine and interdepend on each other, forming a solid and powerful defensive system. As the runes flicker, sometimes bright and sometimes dim, they seem to whisper ancient incantations, or like vigilant guards, constantly observing their surroundings.

At the edge of the formation, a few faint strands of spiritual energy spread outward like gossamer threads, gently touching the surrounding air and causing ripples. These threads were like sensitive tentacles. If any uninvited guest intruded, they would instantly trigger the formation's defense mechanism, protecting the tranquility of the medicine garden.

From the side, the formation resembled a giant, inverted bowl, gently enveloping the medicine garden. It not only protected against physical attacks from the outside world but also shielded it from prying divine senses, keeping everything within the garden in absolute secrecy and security, like a secluded paradise.

As the jade token in Lin Fan's hand shone brightly, the mysterious formation finally slowly opened, emitting a slight humming sound, just like the low humming of an ancient stone door being pushed open.

Lin Fan entered with great anticipation, but the scene before him was slightly different from what he had expected. This medicinal garden wasn't very spacious, measuring roughly a few hundred feet in length and width. Compared to the vast expanse of mountains and rivers outside the Hundred Machine Hall, it seemed particularly small and exquisite.

Yet, within this small space, vibrant fig trees flourished unchecked. Neatly arranged, like well-trained soldiers, they took root in the fertile soil. Their branches, thick and twisted, stretched out in all directions, as if warmly embracing the medicinal garden, displaying a vibrant vitality.

The lush branches and leaves, layered like giant green umbrellas, interweave into a dense shade overhead, shielding the scorching sun from view, leaving only specks of light scattered across the ground. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, as if whispering a hymn to life, proclaiming the tranquility of time.

Looking closely, the veins of the palm-sized leaves were clearly visible, like a meticulously drawn map by nature, recording the trajectory of life. And among the branches, figs shone shyly, some green, some purple, plump and round, their surfaces covered in a layer of fine hairs. They shimmered with an alluring luster in the sunlight, as if telling Lin Fan of the joy and sweetness of maturity.

The air was filled with a sweet fruity aroma, mixed with the fragrance of soil and the faint scent of grass and trees. It penetrated into Lin Fan's nostrils, making him unable to help but take a deep breath. He suddenly felt refreshed, as if all his fatigue was swept away by this fresh breath.

Small, unidentified grasses and wildflowers grow on the grounds of the herb garden, dotted around the fig trees, adding a touch of color and vitality. At its edge, a clear stream gurgles, meandering along the terrain. The occasional splash of water creates a melodious sound, bringing a touch of life to the tranquil garden, like a vibrant symphony played by nature.

Lin Fan wandered around the herb garden for a long time when he suddenly noticed a small wooden house in a corner. It wasn't large, only a few feet long and wide, but within the herb garden, it felt exceptionally cozy, like a quiet haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the world.

He approached the cabin and gently pushed open the slightly mottled wooden door. With a creak, the door slowly opened, and the air of antiquity filled the air. The room was simply furnished: a wooden table, a chair, and a simple bed, but everything was neatly arranged, exuding a rustic cleanliness.

On the wooden table lay several thick notebooks. Curious, Lin Fan walked over and picked up one. The pages were yellowed, the edges slightly curled, and they looked quite old, as if carrying the memories of the past. Flipping open the notebook, it was densely packed with detailed notes on caring for the figs, each stroke embodying the painstaking effort and experience of those who had come before.

……

Lin Fan carefully removed from his storage bag the elixir seedlings he had painstakingly harvested from the Blood Forbidden Land. Each seedling shone with a strange luster, its leaves trembling slightly, as if recounting its thrilling past within the forbidden land. Their roots, slender yet resilient, carried the unique aura of the Blood Forbidden Land. Gently swaying in Lin Fan's hands, they emitted wisps of spiritual energy, as if calling for new life.

He chose a corner near the cabin, one with soft soil and relatively rich spiritual energy, and slowly crouched down. His hands transformed into gentle shovels, carefully spreading the earth, his movements as cautious as if he were protecting the most precious treasure in the world. With each layer he removed, he carefully inspected it, ensuring it was free of impurities and suitable for the seedlings to take root and grow.

After completing his preparations, Lin Fan gently placed the first spiritual medicine seedling into the dug hole. He then used his fingers to gradually cover the surrounding soil, gently compacting it until the seedling stood firmly in the ground. Throughout the process, he constantly monitored the seedling's condition, ensuring the roots were intact. He then planted the second, and third seedlings in the same manner... With each seedling, he poured his complete concentration and patience into the planting, as if he were carving a rare treasure.

Lin Fan planted the medicinal seedlings, knowing full well that this was the crucial period for them to take root. He immediately began to dance with his hands, his ten fingers deftly forming complex spells. In an instant, his spiritual energy surged into the air like an activated torrent.

The previously clear sky suddenly shifted to a swirling mass. Dense clouds of water vapor rapidly condensed, as if drawn in by an invisible hand. The vapor gathered, gradually forming a thick rain cloud that hung low over the medicine garden. The cloud roiled endlessly within, occasionally flashing with faint lightning, as if gathering immense power.

Then, fine raindrops drifted down from the clouds. This was the spiritual rain imbued with spiritual power. The raindrops were like ox hairs and flower needles, glittering and translucent. Each drop shimmered with a subtle spiritual light, like carefully carved crystal, emitting a mysterious and enchanting brilliance.

The spiritual rain trickled down upon the young medicinal plant seedlings, making a subtle rustling sound. Like travelers who had been welcomed by a long drought, the seedlings eagerly absorbed this bounty. Their leaves, once slightly wilted, gradually regained their vitality under the nourishment of the spiritual rain, becoming even more emerald and plump. Glistening water droplets clung to the leaves, refracting in the sunlight, radiating a myriad of colors, like sparkling gems.

The roots of the seedlings also grew happily underground, greedily absorbing the spiritual energy from the spiritual rain, constantly spreading deeper and wider. As the spiritual rain continued to water the medicine garden, the spiritual energy in the garden became increasingly rich. It seemed as if the spiritual energy transformed into wisps of mist, lingering and swirling among the seedlings, providing them with a constant supply of energy for their thriving growth and helping them to move towards higher levels of life.

Lin Fan stared intently at the seedlings, watching them blossom with vitality under the nourishment of the spiritual rain, his heart filled with joy. He knew that these seedlings carried many of his hopes for cultivation, and right now, this spiritual rain was a crucial step in their journey of thriving growth, paving a hopeful path for his future.

Time flew by like a fleeting white horse, and over a month had passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Lin Fan had meticulously tended the young medicinal seedlings in the medicine garden, watching them thrive under his care, his heart filled with joy. And today, the day had finally arrived for the sect to distribute the Foundation Establishment Pills.

A streak of light streaked across the sky, landing in front of Lin Fan's medicine garden in the blink of an eye. The light dissipated, revealing a middle-aged man in a brown robe. This man was none other than the Chen family's Foundation Establishment Elder. His face was stern, his eyes radiating a powerful, unforced aura. The spiritual energy emanating from him was steady and powerful, like a towering mountain, inspiring awe.

The Chen family's Foundation Establishment Elder reached into his bosom and pulled out a thin, cicada-wing-thin "Transmission Note." The note was a brilliant white, its runes shimmering and faintly aura flowing, as if containing a mysterious message. With a flick of his finger, the note, like a white meteor, landed precisely on the medicine garden's formation.

In an instant, the formation seemed to have been triggered, and the light flickered. The light grew from weak to strong, from steady to rapid, as if a mysterious and rapid information transmission was taking place, conveying the elder's intention to the guardian of the medicine garden.

After a while, a slight buzzing sound was heard, and the formation slowly opened. Lin Fan walked out quickly from it.

Lin Fan, dressed in a green Taoist robe and with a respectful expression, quickly bowed to the elder and said, "Greetings, Elder."

The elder raised his hand slightly, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "You're welcome. You're my ancestor's direct disciple, and your status is extraordinary." He then pulled a small jade bottle from his storage bag and handed it to Lin Fan. "Here are your Foundation Establishment Pills, three in total. Keep them safe. These pills are hard-earned and crucial to your breakthrough. Don't waste them."

Lin Fan took the jade bottle with both hands, his eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Elder. Lin Fan will definitely cherish it."

The elder nodded slightly and continued, "When you are free, go visit the Chen family."

"Yes, Lin Fan will keep the elder's teachings in mind." Lin Fan responded quickly.

"I have other things to attend to, so I'll leave first." After the elder finished speaking, the spiritual power around him surged, turning into a stream of light and instantly disappearing into the sky, leaving behind only a brilliant light and shadow that disappeared in a flash.

Lin Fan stared at the direction the elder had left, his eyes filled with determination and longing. He gripped the jade bottle tightly in his hand. The jade bottle felt warm and soft, emitting a gentle glow, as if it contained endless power and hope, the key to his advancement to the Foundation Establishment stage.

In Huangfeng Valley, the foundation-building stage is an important watershed. Only by breaking through to the foundation-building stage can one choose a place in the sect to open a cave, and at the same time have more resources and a higher status, opening a new chapter on the road of cultivation.

Lin Fan, with an urgent desire to break through the foundation-building stage, set out for the Chen family the next day after receiving the invitation from the elders of the Chen family.

The Chen family mansion was imposing, its vermilion gate towering above. Two majestic stone lions glared before it, as if guarding the mansion's dignity and honor. Lin Fan gave his name, and the attendant respectfully ushered him in. The mansion's inner courtyard was deep, with rockery and flowing water arranged in an orderly pattern. A faint spiritual aura permeated the air, making it resemble a fairyland on earth.

In a quiet courtyard, Lin Fan met Chen Minghui, the patriarch of the Chen family. Lin Fan hurriedly bowed respectfully, "Disciple Lin Fan, I pay my respects to Master. I have come to ask for guidance on the key points of breaking through the foundation-building stage."

Chen Minghui nodded slightly, raised his hand to signal Lin Fan to sit down, and slowly spoke, "Breaking through the Foundation Establishment Stage may seem difficult, but there are actually some steps to take. The first step is to cleanse your marrow with the Foundation Establishment Pill according to the I Ching. The Pill contains tremendous medicinal power. After taking it, you need to circulate your spiritual energy to guide the medicinal power through your meridians, cleansing impurities and rebuilding your body. This process is extremely painful, so don't give up halfway."

Lin Fan listened intently, nodding his head repeatedly, "Disciple understands. I will grit my teeth and persevere."

Chen Minghui continued, "After completing the I Ching Marrow Cleansing, the next step is to transform spiritual energy into liquid. This step involves compressing and condensing the gaseous spiritual energy you've absorbed within your body, transforming it into liquid spiritual fluid. The storage of the spiritual fluid in your Dantian marks the key to your entry into the Foundation Establishment stage. This process requires meticulous control of your spiritual energy; any slight error will disrupt your spiritual energy and cause a backlash."

Lin Fan frowned, his expression solemn: "Disciple must practice diligently to improve the control of spiritual power."

Chen Minghui's eyes were gentle, and he spoke earnestly, "As for the third step, it's actually the simplest: the transformation of your spiritual consciousness. As long as you complete the first two steps firmly and accumulate sufficient spiritual and mental energy, the transformation of your spiritual consciousness will come naturally. By then, your perception will far surpass that of ordinary people, allowing you to better understand the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and complete your life transformation."

Lin Fan stood up and bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Master, for your generous teaching. I have benefited greatly from this."

Chen Minghui waved his hand: "Go ahead, prepare well, and I look forward to your breakthrough soon."

Lin Fan said goodbye and left, with a clear path to breakthrough in his mind. He walked with a firm step, determined to go all out to meet the challenge of building the foundation and climb bravely towards a higher level of cultivation.

(End of this chapter)