Uncle Nine: Scattering beans to create soldiers? I'm using plants and trees to create soldiers.

slam-la-

The covered boat glided across the water, creating ripples.

The old man stood at the stern of the boat, poling with a bamboo pole, his cloudy old eyes fixed on the river, the veins on the back of his hand slightly bulging.

He said he felt reassured with Lin Xuan by his side, but when they actually arrived at the Beiqing River, his expression involuntarily tightened.

The horrific scene on the river last night sends chills down my spine just thinking about it.

However, seeing Lin Xuan beside him, he felt relieved.

With Master Xiaolin around, his safety is absolutely guaranteed.

Lin Xuan stood at the bow of the boat, his robes fluttering gently in the river breeze.

Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai stayed on the shore to help the security team maintain order.

After all, this trip wasn't a magical battle, but rather retrieving a corpse.

The fewer people on the boat, the quieter the commotion.

The covered boat slowly sailed towards the center of the river.

The closer you get to the floating corpses, the stronger the stench of blood becomes on the river.

The moisture, mixed with the stench of corpses, was blown into people's nasal cavities by the morning breeze.

Several corpses were bobbing up and down with the waves.

As you get closer, you can see its appearance more clearly.

These people had bluish-white skin, swollen faces, bulging eyes, and slightly open mouths, as if they were desperately calling for help before they died.

Furthermore, the vital energy and spirit within the corpse were almost completely drained.

Obviously,

The people on Boss Wang's boat were treated as tonics by that thing underwater.

Lin Xuan glanced at it, picked up the fishing net, and flicked his wrist.

Whoosh!

The fishing net was unfurled and fell into the water, catching the nearest corpse.

Lin Xuan pulled hard with both hands, causing water to surge, and the corpse was slowly dragged to the side of the boat.

One body,

Two,

Three,

As more and more corpses were caught in the net, the boat moved more and more slowly.

Just then, Lin Xuan suddenly saw two dark brown objects floating on the water not far away.

The object swayed gently with the waves, sometimes sinking and sometimes floating, and at first glance it looked like a piece of ship plank.

But as he got closer, Lin Xuan's gaze sharpened slightly.

It is two broken swords.

He raised his hand and used a bamboo hook to pull the two pieces of the object out of the water.

pat-

The broken sword fell onto the deck, splashing up a few drops of muddy river water.

These two sections of the sword are made of peach wood. Although they are broken, a faint spiritual aura still remains inside the sword.

The system light screen appeared before Lin Xuan's eyes.

The Broken Peach Wood Magic Sword

[Quality: Gray]

Condition: Damaged

[Residual spiritual energy: exorcism, suppression of evil spirits, peach wood sword energy]

[Can be used as a enhancement material to transform plant-based spiritual plants.]

……

Lin Xuan's eyes flickered slightly.

These two peach wood magic swords were probably magical artifacts used by Boss Wang on his ship to ward off evil spirits.

Unfortunately, the crafting technique was crude, and the runes were not particularly exquisite. When it encountered that ferocious creature in the water, it couldn't withstand it at all.

However, for Lin Xuan, this was an unexpected bonus.

Peach wood is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Although the broken sword is useless, the residual peach wood essence and sword energy within it still remain.

If used to enlighten the calamus sword grass, it can perfectly complement the calamus sword grass's exorcising and sword-like properties.

Lin Xuan casually waved his hand, directly putting the two broken pieces of the peach wood magic sword into his system inventory.

The boat continued to approach the center of the river and soon reached the location where the cargo ship had sunk the previous night.

The river water here is noticeably darker than the surrounding area!

Even though it was already daylight and sunlight was falling on the water, the river still had a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere.

Lin Xuan closed his eyes, and the Dao Qi within his body slowly circulated.

A moment later, he felt a slight coolness between his brows, his senses traveling downwards along the moisture.

Deep in the riverbed, a sinister aura lingered.

Compared to when he sneaked into Beiqinghe the night before, this aura was much stronger.

At that time, that thing underwater was probably only at the late-stage level of a warlock.

But now...

"Warlock Perfection".

Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze slightly darkening.

The security guards had already mentioned this on the way here.

Boss Wang's ship was loaded with a whole ship full of funerary objects.

These things are now all sunk to the bottom of the river, which is equivalent to giving that water ghost a large vat of yin energy.

In addition, there was the high morale and energy of Boss Wang and his crew.

It's not surprising that the water ghost's aura surged after killing someone last night.

Now, that water ghost should be hiding in the sunken ship, using those funerary objects to strengthen itself.

It will not leave this area of ​​water anytime soon.

That's perfect.

This gives Lin Xuan more time to prepare.

The Yinshui grass is about to mature, and the Dao fruit of "Grassroots Soldiers" is about to be harvested.

Just wait one more night!

At dawn tomorrow, he will be able to use the special water-attribute straw man as a base to summon the Water Palace troops and open the altar to exorcise the ghost!

With that thought in mind, Lin Xuan stopped lingering.

"Old man, let's go back to shore."

The old man nodded quickly and pushed off with a bamboo pole.

The covered boat, carrying the last few corpses caught in the fishing net, slowly sailed towards the shore.

……

After the boat docked, security guards rushed forward and used long hooks and ropes to drag the bodies ashore one by one.

Once the body was out of the water, the stench became even stronger.

Several timid team members turned pale and almost vomited on the spot.

Awei covered his nose and took a half step back, but then felt that his action was too embarrassing, so he quickly tried to stand firm.

Lin Xuan stepped off the boat and calmly ordered, "Awei, take all these corpses to the mortuary."

Awei nodded quickly, "Okay, I'll arrange for someone to send it over right away."

After saying that, he couldn't help but take a few steps closer and lower his voice to ask, "Lin Xuan, what are you planning to do about the thing in the water...?"

The surrounding people also perked up their ears when they heard this.

After all, this is what they care about most.

If the Beiqing River remains blocked, fishermen cannot fish, boat owners cannot ship goods, and porters at the docks will have no work.

One or two days is fine.

Over time, the entire town will be affected.

Lin Xuan looked up at the sky.

The sun has risen high.

The purest ray of morning sunlight has already dissipated.

"The best time for exorcising ghosts today has passed."

"I will begin the ceremony at dawn tomorrow."

Awei paused for a moment, then subconsciously said, "Tomorrow morning? Can't we do it at noon?"

He pointed to the sun in the sky, puzzled, and said, "I've heard that the yang energy is strongest at noon. Isn't that the best time to exorcise ghosts?"

Lin Xuan glanced at him and explained, "The yang energy is indeed at its peak at noon."

"But yin arises from yang!"

"At noon, the yang energy begins to decline, and the qi mechanism gradually becomes turbid. It is sufficient for ordinary exorcisms, but it is not the best time to go into the river to retrieve such aquatic monsters."

After a pause, Lin Xuan continued,

"The hour of Mao (5-7 AM) is when the sun rises and dawn breaks, when the yang energy of heaven and earth is just beginning to emerge. It is the purest and most conducive to dispelling yin and driving away ghosts."

"Therefore, the Beiqing River must be closed until at least tomorrow morning. We must be especially careful tonight; no one is allowed to approach the riverbank, let alone disembark on their own."

As soon as Lin Xuan uttered this profound yet simple explanation of the Dao, the townspeople around him immediately showed expressions of sudden realization, and their gazes toward him became even more awe-inspiring.

"Master Lin's explanation is truly insightful! This is real knowledge!"

"Could those charlatans compare to the highly skilled disciples taught by Master One-Eyebrow?"

Awei nodded quickly, repeatedly saying, "Understood, understood!"

He agreed verbally, but in his heart he couldn't help comparing Lin Xuan and Chen Daoshi.

When that Taoist priest Chen performed his ritual yesterday, he made a grand spectacle of it, with an altar, an iron plow, and horns, shouting loudly.

In contrast, Lin Xuan, though young, did not make empty promises and always put his words into practice!

If I had listened to Lin Xuan yesterday, Boss Wang's ship wouldn't have been in trouble.

If Boss Wang doesn't die, he'll have even more ways to make money in the future.

Now look what's happened.

People died, the ship sank, the money was gone, and the blame was still pinned on them.

Thinking about this, Awei was filled with deep regret.

Lin Xuan ignored Awei's expression and turned to Qiusheng and Wencai, "Let's go back to the mortuary."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai quickly followed.

The three walked back along the crowd outside the dock.

The surrounding people automatically made way for him, and many of them looked at Lin Xuan with obvious awe and anticipation.

……

After returning to the mortuary, the security team brought the bodies over one after another.

Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai were assigned to help collect and arrange the bodies in the morgue.

Lin Xuan ate a simple breakfast and then returned to the backyard.

He walked up to the calamus sword grass and took out the two broken pieces of the peach wood magic sword.

The broken sword still carried a chilling, river-like aura as soon as it was in hand.

Yet beneath that chilling aura, there remained a stubborn, lingering spiritual essence of peach wood.

Lin Xuan placed the two broken sword sections flat in front of the calamus sword grass, made a hand seal with his right hand, and a wisp of Dao Qi fell from his fingertip.

A system notification sounded.

[Upgradeable material detected: Broken peach wood magic sword.]

[Is this used to enhance the efficacy of Acorus calamus and Smilax china?]

"Yes."

The words fell.

The two broken pieces of the peach wood magic sword trembled slightly.

The next moment, the remaining runes on the surface of the sword glowed with a faint blue light.

click-

The wooden blade began to disintegrate from the break.

A tiny green light flew out from inside the sword, like countless tiny fireflies, and slowly drifted toward the calamus sword grass.

The leaves of the sweet flag and sword grass trembled slightly.

Those green spots of light blended into the leaves and roots.

Gradually, strands of woody texture appeared on the originally verdant leaves.

The texture doesn't appear bulky; instead, it resembles a natural sword ridge, extending from the root to the leaf tip.

As the spiritual essence of peach wood was incorporated, the sharp edge of the calamus sword grass became even clearer.

A gentle breeze blows, and the leaves lightly brush against the air.

A faint, delicate sword cry could be heard.

Zheng—

Clear and concise!

Lin Xuan's eyes brightened slightly.

System prompts appeared one after another.

The calamus sword grass absorbed the residual spiritual energy of the peach wood magic sword.

[Trait enhancement in progress...]

[New trait attribute: Evil-repelling Sword Pattern.]

[Dao Guo's "Exorcising Sword Technique" has been enhanced.]

[New Dao Fruit: "Huang Ting Jing - Throat Spirit Enlightenment"]

The next moment, the attribute light screen of the calamus sword grass reappeared.

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus)

[Quality: White]

Maturity: 78%

【Special Features: Dharma Lineage Carrier, Evil-Repelling Sword Mark】

[Dharma lineage carrier: It can bear Dharma energy, military forces, and spiritual entities, and has the effect of nurturing and protecting them.]

[Evil-repelling Sword Pattern: A special pattern formed after absorbing the residual spiritual energy of a peach wood magic sword. It possesses the effect of warding off evil spirits and suppressing malevolent forces, and also carries a trace of sword energy. Items made from this herb have a natural restraint on evil spirits.]

[Dao Guo: "Exorcising Sword Techniques", "Huang Ting Jing: Throat Spirit Enlightenment"]

……

Lin Xuan looked at the panel, a smile appearing on his lips.

This enhancement was even better than he had expected.

Not only has the calamus sword grass itself gained more exorcising sword properties, but the "Exorcising Sword Technique" has also been strengthened.

More importantly, it also gave rise to the "Huang Ting Jing: Throat Spirit Enlightenment".

The inner landscape of the Yellow Court reveals the wondrous functions of both body and spirit.

The throat deity governs the inhalation and exhalation of breath, and the incantation of sounds.

If he can absorb the insights of the throat spirit into his body, his power will surely increase even further when he chants incantations, recites scriptures, or commands troops in the future.

The coverage area will also increase accordingly!

Thinking of this, Lin Xuan felt even more satisfied.

He sat cross-legged by the edge of the field, formed a mudra with his hands, and slowly closed his eyes.

The deep chanting of sutras once again echoed in the backyard.

"When the Supreme Lord was at leisure, he composed a seven-character poem to explain his physical form and the various gods."

"Above is the Yellow Court, below is the Guanyuan Gate, behind is the Nether Gate, in front is the Gate of Life..."

The calamus sword grass swayed gently, and the sword-like patterns on its leaves shimmered with light.

The water plants by the well stretched out their leaves, creating a fine ripple on the water's surface.

[You have completed one effective recitation of the Huangting Sutra. Your Huangting Sutra experience points will increase by 1.]

at the same time.

Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai also finished breakfast and walked over from the front yard.

The two were originally going to the morgue to collect miscellaneous items.

But as soon as Qiu Sheng reached the backyard gate, he heard Lin Xuan chanting scriptures.

He stopped abruptly.

Yesterday, when he listened to his senior brother chanting scriptures, he had a faint feeling of mental clarity and relaxed energy.

If Wen Cai hadn't interrupted him, he might have been able to reach the threshold of breakthrough on the spot.

Upon hearing the chanting of the sutras again, Qiu Sheng's eyes immediately lit up.

Seeing that he wasn't leaving, Wen Cai asked in confusion, "Senior brother, what are you standing there for? Weren't you going to clean the morgue?"

Qiu Sheng stroked his chin, then suddenly turned to Wen Cai, "Wen Cai, you go and do those odd jobs in the morgue."

"Why should I go? Didn't we agree to do it together?" Wen Cai's face fell immediately.

"Of course we'll do it together," Qiu Sheng said seriously. "You do most of the day, and I'll do the rest."

Wen Cai's eyes widened immediately, and he said angrily, "You call this working together?"

Qiu Sheng patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Junior brother, you can't be too petty. Besides, if you hadn't bothered me yesterday, I would have broken through already."

"Now is your chance to make amends!"

Wen Cai's lips twitched. "When did I bother you?"

"Still arguing with me?! Remember yesterday morning?!" Qiu Sheng glared, gesturing with his foot. "Get to work! If you say another word, I'll kick your ass into eight pieces!"

Wen Cai subconsciously touched his buttocks, his face full of reluctance.

But he also knew that if he really got into a fight with Qiu Sheng, he would most likely be the one to suffer in the end because of his small stature.

He pouted pitifully, glancing back every few steps as he made his way to the morgue: "Then you absolutely must remember to come and relieve me this afternoon..."

"Go ahead without worry! When has your senior brother ever lied to you?" Qiu Sheng waved his hand righteously.

Wencai stared at him for a long time.

That sounds so unbelievable!

But Qiu Sheng no longer cared about him.

Qiu Sheng scurried over to Lin Xuan and found a clean spot to sit down.

He imitated Lin Xuan by crossing his legs, closing his eyes, and trying his best to appear serious.

Wen Cai, who was peeking out from outside the moon gate, saw all of this and looked on with great curiosity.

He knew his second senior brother best.

He's usually a rascal and restless person, unable to sit still for even half a cup of tea.

Getting him to practice martial arts is harder than getting him to clean coffins in a morgue.

But today he actually took the initiative to chant sutras with his senior brother?

Wen Cai scratched his head, a hint of anticipation gradually appearing in his eyes.

Could it be that chanting scriptures with the senior brother can really improve one's cultivation level?

Thinking about this, Wencai felt a little itchy.

Or perhaps he could find an opportunity this afternoon to sit down and listen?

Maybe if the senior brother keeps reading, his literary talent will be enlightened?

But right now...

Wen Cai glanced back at the direction of the morgue, and his face immediately fell again.

There was a pile of corpses and chores waiting for him over there.

"Ugh."

He sighed deeply and walked towards the front yard with his head hanging low.

……

Meanwhile.

In an inn in Renjia Town.

Chen Bingwen pushed open the door and came out yawning.

He didn't sleep well last night.

For some reason, I always feel a tightness in my chest in the middle of the night, as if something is weighing on me.

However, thinking of the religious ceremony that had taken place during the day, he forcibly suppressed this unease.

He, Chen, performed a ritual in full view of everyone and received money from Boss Wang.

Now that the water ghost of Beiqing River has been eliminated, its reputation has been established.

If I stay in town for another two days and wait for things to calm down, I might be able to get a few big jobs.

Chen Bingwen went downstairs while thinking about it.

But as soon as he entered the inn's lobby, he heard several guests at the next table whispering among themselves.

"Hey, did you guys hear? Something big happened again in Beiqinghe last night!"

"How come I didn't hear about it! There was such a big commotion! I heard that Boss Wang's smuggling cargo ship sank, and everyone on board, including Boss Wang himself, died in the river!"

"Hiss—they're all dead?! Didn't a Taoist priest from Lushan perform a ritual yesterday and say the water ghost was exorcised? How come people are dying last night?!"

"Get rid of it my ass! That water ghost is still in the river! The security team announced today that the Beiqing River is going to be closed again!"

"Master Lin is the real expert. He said yesterday that the river could not be unblocked, but no one listened."

"Absolutely! However, I heard that Master Kobayashi has already taken over the task and will be holding an exorcism ceremony at dawn tomorrow."

"Tomorrow at dawn? That's so early! I've never witnessed anything like exorcising a water ghost before. I'll have to go check it out early tomorrow morning!"

"Let's go together! Come wake me up tomorrow morning!"

"..."

Hearing the surrounding chatter, Chen Bingwen abruptly stopped in his tracks.

The sleepiness on his face vanished instantly.

Is Boss Wang dead?

Everyone on the ship died?

The water ghost of Beiqing River... is it still there?

He stood at the top of the stairs, his fingers gripping the handrail tightly, his face gradually turning grim.

"How could this be... I clearly used the Fire Plow to suppress that underwater corpse... Where did this water ghost come from?!"

Chen Bingwen's brows furrowed repeatedly.

Then, he walked quickly outside.

He wanted to see if this was true or false!