You Cultivate, I Farm

Chapter 30

After Lei Fei's departure, Lu Xuan closed the courtyard gate tight.

He felt no ripples in his heart regarding their invitation to explore the hidden realm. Seeking opportunities in the mysterious realm was merely chasing fleeting chances. He knew that nurturing spiritual plants diligently would naturally yield such opportunities.

The better the quality of the cultivated spiritual plants, the higher the value of the treasures that would manifest. A trip to the so-called Southern Hidden Realm might not compare to the rewards from cultivating a single spiritual plant.

Furthermore, venturing into the wilderness, even with a well-planned route or despite the realm being explored for centuries, didn't guarantee safety.

Beasts, malevolent spirits, treasure-seeking murderers, and even accidents among companionsall could be avoided by staying put.

Lu Xuan remained in the yard, adopting an attitude akin to "guarding the spiritual field as a unified whole, regardless of seasons."

Days passed, and the voice of Wang Shan, the neighbor next door, reached Lu Xuan through the courtyard gate.

"Lu Xuan, open up, got a wedding invitation for you."

As Lu Xuan opened the gate, he saw Wang Shan holding a fiery red wedding invitation, his face beaming with joy.

"What's the grand occasion, friend Wang?" Lu Xuan inquired curiously.

"I recently took a concubine. Planning to gather some friends and neighbors for a celebratory drink in a few days," Wang Shan said, smiling.

"Sure, I'll make sure to be there," Lu Xuan nodded affirmatively.

"Changed your ways, Wang friend? Not keeping the old company?" Lu Xuan teased.

"Well, I can always visit them for a chat when I miss them," Wang Shan chuckled, a mysterious smile crossing his face.

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"One's a staple, the other, a dessert, no conflict there," he added confidently.

"Got her from the black market, to tend to personal needs, won't restrict my movements," he declared.

"The black market?" Lu Xuan's interest was piqued.

"Exactly, you must have heard. Recently, there were female cultivators for sale. They're top-notch in appearance, physique, talent, and cultivation. I bought a Qi-refining level three cultivator for less than a thousand spirit stones. If you're interested, you should check it out," Wang Shan earnestly recommended.

"They say these female cultivators undergo special training, practicing the Yin-Yang techniques of the Harmonious Union Sect. When intimate, they can exchange spiritual power, boosting each other's cultivation faster than solitary practice," he added.

"Ha-ha, I might visit if the opportunity arises," Lu Xuan chuckled, noncommittal.

Once Wang Shan left, Lu Xuan returned to the yard. While the idea of the female cultivators didn't interest him much, the notion of the black market intrigued him.

He had heard of the black market in Lin Yangfang, located on the other side of the market, concealed and accessible only at specific times. It hosted shady cultivators and their forbidden treasures.

Lu Xuan had contemplated going there to find unknown spiritual species. However, due to his inadequate cultivation, the plan had been shelved.

"When a few more spiritual plants mature, perhaps then I can go and take a look," he pondered.

The newly planted spiritual plants, though of no rank, boasted in quantity. With a better aura environment and meticulous care since planting, Lu Xuan believed his strength would skyrocket upon maturity.

Apart from those, the Crimson Cloud Pine had reached the fruiting stage, and the Sword Grass was thrivinghis expectations soared for these two grade-one and grade-two spiritual plants.

Three days later, Lu Xuan accompanied a fellow enthusiast of spirit wine, a cultivator named Wu, to the banquet venue specified in Wang Shan's wedding invitation.

Wu, always ready for a drink, had become somewhat familiar to Lu Xuan during his stay.

As it was just taking a concubine and not a traditional union, Lu Xuan inquired about the customary gift money, indulging in the feast, determined to make the spirit stones he gave as a gift worth it.

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate. I propose a toast to everyone," halfway through the banquet, clad in a crimson robe, the groom showed signs of excitement.

Lu Xuan finally got a glimpse of the concubinea stunning woman adorned in ceremonial garments, exuding grace and charm. Even under the loose robe, her curves were evident. A beauty mark beneath her left eye added an alluring touch.

"Wang Shan seems to have forgotten everything in his joy. Yet, looking at him, his cultivation must have advanced during this time," remarked Wu after Wang Shan departed, a tinge of envy in his tone, as Lu Xuan observed.

"He acquired his concubine from the black market. Maybe you should go check it out too, buy one and turn the pear blossoms into a grove?" Lu Xuan jested.

"He's a patrol leader, has access to plenty of spirit stones, unlike me," Wu replied with a hint of melancholy.

After this episode, Lu Xuan returned to his tranquil and simple life.

He spent his days observing the Red Whiskered Carp in the spiritual spring, gathering spiritual rice or feeding the odd insects, then nurturing the Pure Snow Lotus with basic ice elemental techniques. Periodically, he'd tend to the burning Crimson Cloud Pine and electrify the Sword Grass.

Perhaps stimulated by Wang Shan's concubine, Lu Xuan exhibited more initiative in separating and pairing the Blood Jade Ginseng, ensuring they wouldn't begin the first step on their own.

In his spare time, he focused on practicing martial arts, studying the few techniques he had mastered, and delving into the formula of the Primordial Nourishing Pill he had obtained earlier.

Occasionally, he strolled through the freelance market, hoping to find a couple of unknown spiritual species or perhaps eye-catching spiritual beast eggs or younglings.

One day, stepping out of his gate, Lu Xuan encountered Wang Shan's concubine.

"Hello, Brother Lu," she greeted, carrying bags of spiritual medicine and beast meat, offering a slight courtesy.

"Madam, just returned from a shopping spree in the market?" Lu Xuan casually asked.

"Yes, bought some nourishing spiritual medicine and beast meat. My husband works tirelessly; he needs these," replied Madam Wang in a gentle tone, a blush tinting her cheeks. Her eyes sparkled, seemingly even the beauty mark at the corner of her eye was lively.

"You're trained professionally, every move exudes charm. Shouldn't it be to nourish you rather than your husband?" Lu Xuan teased inwardly, maintaining his composure.

"Master Wang works tirelessly day and night; it's time for a good nourishment," she replied, the scent of her passing creating a fragrant breeze that made Lu Xuan sneeze involuntarily.

"Achoo!" The scent overwhelmed him, and Lu Xuan couldn't help but sneeze.

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