80: Chapter 80 Farewell to the Herb Garden

Morning light filtered through the dense bamboo leaves of Emerald Bamboo Peak, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone path.

Lin Xuan finished his Cultivation and rose, slowly exhaling a breath of turbid air.

Inside his Dantian, the vortex of Thunder Spiritual Energy was solid and steady, with faint purple lightning flickering at its edges. He was not far from Qi Refining Level 4 now.

He stood in the courtyard, gazing at the rising sun in the east. The golden-red light spilled onto his face, bringing the warmth unique to a spring morning.

Five days ago, he had paid a deposit of five hundred contribution points at Liufeng Pavilion to reserve that First Grade peak-quality cloud-piercing shuttle.

Now, only six hundred and ninety-three points remained in his identity token—it looked like a lot, but calculating his Cultivation expenses, Lin Xuan had a clear account in his mind.

It was time to make a decision.

He returned to the Quiet Room and took a thick, thread-bound booklet from the bookshelf.

The cover of the booklet was neatly inscribed with "Record of Herb Maintenance in Zone C," containing every detail he had recorded in the herb garden over the past year or more.

Data on every growth cycle of the thunder-pattern grass, fertilizer ratios for different seasons, identification and treatment of several common pests and diseases, and even some tips he had discovered himself.

Running his fingertips over the slightly frayed edges of the paper, Lin Xuan was silent for a moment before carefully putting the booklet into his Storage Pouch.

He also placed another thin booklet he had organized last night—'Key Points for Herb Care'—inside.

He had specially prepared this one for Liu Qingyan, excerpting some practical experience as a parting gift.

"The reasons... should be enough." He whispered to himself.

Pushing the door open, the morning breeze carried the fresh scent of bamboo leaves. Lin Xuan took a deep breath and walked along the familiar mountain road toward Qinglin Valley.

Inside Qinglin Valley, the morning mist had not yet dispersed.

Thin white mist flowed between the spiritual field ridges, dampening his shoes and trouser cuffs. As usual, Lin Xuan first went to the thunder-pattern grass experimental field he was responsible for.

He crouched down and lightly touched the leaf of the best-growing thunder-pattern grass.

The leaf was thick and fleshy, with clear and bright silver lightning patterns, and its edges even shimmered with a faint metallic luster.

This plant was now approaching maturity.

"One last time."

Lin Xuan took out a special nutrient solution from his Storage Pouch—this was an improved formula he had created based on the "introduction to hundreds of herbs" and Deacon Wu's notes, which had extra nourishing effects on thunder-attribute herbs.

He carefully watered the roots of several herbs that required special care during their growth period, his movements skillful and focused.

"Senior Brother Lin, here so early today?"

A crisp voice came from the other side of the ridge.

Liu Qingyan walked over carrying a bamboo basket containing freshly picked tender leaves of red sun grass.

The red squirrel Xiao Huo on her shoulder was bouncing around; upon seeing Lin Xuan, it let out a "squeak" and darted over, circling Lin Xuan's feet twice.

"Morning." Lin Xuan stood up, brushed the dirt off his hands, and said, "I have some things to deal with today."

Liu Qingyan walked up close and looked him over: "Senior Brother, are you preparing for the herbalist assessment? I've organized the past exam questions over the last few days, and I have some notes from several Senior Sisters; if you need them..."

"No need." Lin Xuan shook his head, his tone calm. "Junior Sister Liu, thank you for your kindness. However, I am here today to say goodbye to Deacon Wu."

"Say goodbye?" The smile on Liu Qingyan's face faltered, and her eyes widened slightly. "Where are you going, Senior Brother? Are you leaving the Sect?"

"I'm not leaving the Sect." Lin Xuan explained, "I am resigning from my work in the herb garden. From now on, I want to focus on talisman making and Cultivation."

The air was silent for a few moments.

The morning mist flowed slowly, and from the distance came the rustling sounds of other Disciples watering and loosening the soil.

Liu Qingyan lowered her head to look at the red sun grass leaves in her basket, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the edges of the leaves.

"I see..." She looked up and tried to smile. "Senior Brother, your talisman-making skills are superb; focusing on this path is indeed more promising. I heard that the Thunder Shield Talisman you submit every month is of stable quality and is a hot commodity in the market."

She paused, her voice softening: "It's just... with you gone from Zone C, it feels like something is missing. Deacon Wu often praises you for being diligent, for your detailed data records, and for those practical improved maintenance methods..."

Lin Xuan took the thin booklet from his Storage Pouch and handed it over: "These are some insights I've compiled, mainly on the maintenance points for thunder-pattern grass and several common First Grade herbs. You have talent and are meticulous; your future achievements will surely surpass mine. This booklet might be of some use."

Liu Qingyan took the booklet and flipped to the first page. The dense yet neat and clear handwriting recorded every detail from soil ratios to watering frequency, and even included diagrams for different growth stages.

She pursed her lips and solemnly tucked the booklet into her robes: "Thank you, Senior Brother. I... I will study it well."

The two chatted for a few more moments about recent events. Liu Qingyan mentioned that the batch of red sun grass she was cultivating was growing very well, and Deacon Wu had promised to let her be independently responsible for a small area next month.

Lin Xuan briefly mentioned his progress in talisman making, avoiding specific income figures.

The atmosphere was a bit sentimental, but mostly calm. In the world of Cultivation, meeting and parting were the norm. Besides, it wasn't a life-and-death separation, just that they wouldn't meet every day anymore.

"Then I'll head to Deacon Wu's place first." Lin Xuan said.

"Mm." Liu Qingyan nodded, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Senior Brother, if you need any specific herb Materials in the future, you can tell me. Here in the herb garden... I can help out a little."

"Okay, I definitely will."

At the entrance of the bamboo house, Lin Xuan knocked gently.

"Come in." Deacon Wu's voice came from inside, as flat as always.

Pushing the door open and entering, the furnishings inside the bamboo house were simple. A wide desk was placed against the window, piled high with account books, Jade Slips, and a few pots of herb samples with peculiar growth patterns.

Deacon Wu was sitting behind the desk, holding a Jade Slip to his forehead to read it. Seeing Lin Xuan enter, he slowly put it down.

"Something up?" He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan bowed respectfully: "Deacon, I have come today to resign from my work in the herb garden."

Deacon Wu did not respond immediately. He picked up the coarse pottery teacup beside him, took a sip, and then slowly said: "Decided?"

"Yes, I have thought about it carefully."

"Reason."

Lin Xuan had been prepared and spoke clearly: "Firstly, the Dao of talismans is the means of earning a living that I am currently best at. To be honest, Deacon, my monthly earnings from talisman making far exceed the reward from the herb garden. Cultivation requires resource support, and with my ordinary Aptitude, I need to be even more calculating."

"Secondly, my Thunder Body Refining Technique is at a critical stage, and daily medicinal baths and body refining take up a lot of time. Being unable to be in two places at once, I fear I might delay the herb garden's affairs and also slow down my own Cultivation."

He paused and added: "Working in the herb garden for over a year, I have benefited a lot. The Deacon's guidance and the accumulation of knowledge about herbs have been rare gains. It's just that right now... I really cannot manage my time."

The reasons were half-true and half-false, but reasonable.

A Disciple with a Low Grade Spiritual Root finding they had more talent in talisman making and thus choosing to focus on that path to seek a way out—this was too common within the Sect.

One could even say it was the realistic choice for the vast majority of Disciples with ordinary Aptitude.

Deacon Wu listened silently, his fingers tapping the tabletop unconsciously.

Sunlight slanted in through the bamboo window, casting a bright patch of light on the desk, where dust motes slowly floated.

After a long while, he slowly opened his mouth: "Over this past year or more, you have been diligent. That thunder-pattern grass experimental field has detailed data records, which have reference value for those who come after. Your talent for herbs... is actually not bad."

This remark surprised Lin Xuan. Deacon Wu had always been strict and rarely praised anyone.

"It's a pity, but everyone has their own aspirations." Deacon Wu put down his teacup, his gaze falling on Lin Xuan's face. "Talisman making is fine, at least it's a solid trade. With chaotic times approaching, having a trade to rely on is better than anything."

He took an identity token from his drawer, tapped his fingers on it a few times, and took out a small bag of Spirit Stones: "This is your contribution points for this month, issued in full. I've added fifty points as an extra reward for your dedicated work over these years."

Lin Xuan took them with both hands: "Thank you, Deacon."

"Go." Deacon Wu waved his hand, his gaze returning to the account book on the desk, but he added one more sentence: "Remember, on the path of Cultivation, focus is a good thing, but do not work in isolation. The doors of the herb garden are always open if you ever want to come back and take a look."

There was care in these words, as well as a reminder.

Lin Xuan bowed deeply and exited the bamboo house.

The bamboo door closed gently behind him. He stood outside the door, taking a deep breath of the air in the valley, which carried the fresh fragrance of herbs.

The invisible pressure on his shoulders—the daily, clockwork routine—seemed to slowly dissipate with that breath.