20: Chapter 20 Planting Moonflowers, Planning Space, Seeing the Big Picture from Small Details

The Breakthrough to Level 5 Qi Refining brought not only a transformation in strength, but also a calmness of mind and a broadening of horizons.

A ten-zhang space with four zhang of black soil was enough to do much more.

Ye Qing first turned his attention to the remaining moonlight flower seeds.

Previously, for the sake of caution, he had only test-planted one.

Now that the parent plant had matured and bloomed, and the cuttings had survived, it proved that the spatial environment was extremely favorable for the growth of the moonlight flower, and possessed the characteristics of accelerating growth and improving quality.

It was time to expand the scale of cultivation.

That night, once the snoring of his roommates became steady, Ye Qing's consciousness sank into the space.

The ten-zhang space was quiet and peaceful, with the Spiritual Qi in the central black soil swirling like mist.

He "walked" to the edge of the black soil, his mind stirred slightly.

The soil, like living skin, automatically and evenly rose and separated according to his will, forming a dozen miniature fields, each about three feet long and wide, arranged neatly.

Between the fields, narrow "paths" were left, convenient for his consciousness to "walk" and observe.

Next, he took out the remaining moonlight flower seeds he had carefully treasured, totaling eleven.

These gray-white seeds appeared unremarkable under the soft glimmer of the space.

But Ye Qing could feel that the faint vitality within them was faintly echoing with the spatial environment.

He came to the first field, using his consciousness as a hand, and gently poked a shallow pit in the center of the soil.

A seed fell in, and the soil covered it.

He did not immediately plant the next one, but first mobilized the spatial energy, injecting it gently.

The black soil sent back a joyful resonance, and the pure vitality energy wrapped around the seed like the gentlest embrace.

Ye Qing carefully perceived the changes in the seed's state, verifying them against the feeling of planting the first one.

"The input of spatial energy can be gentler; the emphasis should be on guidance rather than infusion. Let the seed absorb it on its own; the Foundation will be more stable."

He adjusted the rhythm of the energy input.

Soon, the first seed was planted, and its state was stable.

Then came the second, the third...

He poured his whole heart into every seed, making subtle adjustments to the method of energy guidance based on the slight differences in the seed's own vitality.

This process seemed repetitive, but it was extremely draining on his mind, requiring extremely high concentration and the keenest perception of energy and vitality.

But Ye Qing enjoyed it.

He felt that this was not just planting, but a kind of cultivation, a process of dialogue with the space and with the Origin of life.

As the planting progressed, his control over the spatial energy became more refined, and his understanding of the Dao of "Spirit Cultivation" was also deepening rapidly.

Even the Level 5 Qi Refining spiritual power within his body, under such highly focused conscious activity and micro-manipulation of energy, seemed to be undergoing a different kind of tempering, circulating more smoothly and freely.

When the eleventh seed was safely in the soil and properly nourished, Ye Qing let out a long sigh of relief. His consciousness felt a faint trace of exhaustion, but his spirit was exceptionally full and clear.

Eleven miniature fields were neatly arranged, and the planted seeds were quietly nurturing new life under the nourishment of the black soil and spatial energy.

Added to the previously survived parent plant and the cuttings, he already possessed a small moonlight flower "nursery" in this tiny space.

"Next, it is just patient waiting, observation, and recording. The subtle differences in energy input at different positions, their effects on germination, growth speed, and final quality... these are all valuable data."

Ye Qing, like a rigorous Spirit Planter, began to plan his observations and records.

He tried to leave vague markers in the space with his mind, recording the planting time, initial state, and energy input parameters for each field.

This was not easy, but the space seemed to respond to his "management" behavior. Although those markers were illusory, they could appear clearly when his consciousness was focused.

"Is the space assisting me in management? Or, because I am the will of the 'Heavenly Dao', the space spontaneously responds, forming this function similar to 'Rule Recording'?"

This discovery pleasantly surprised him.

This meant that as his control over the space improved, he might be able to achieve more refined and automated management in the future.

Having planted hope and planned the "experimental fields," Ye Qing's attention returned to the overall layout of the space.

A ten-zhang radius; it was not large, but it was not small either.

The four-zhang black soil occupied the center and was the absolute "essence area," which had to be used efficiently.

Currently, using it all for planting moonlight flowers was slightly monotonous and not a long-term solution.

"Zoning planning is needed. moonlight flowers like shade and are suitable for areas near the edge's gray fog where the light is slightly dimmer. In the future, if I obtain Spirit Medicine that likes the sun, it must be arranged closer to the 'center,' where the Spiritual Qi is most dense."

"I also need to reserve a 'breeding area,' 'seedling area,' 'mature Spirit Medicine area'... and even locations for Spirit fruit trees that I might try planting in the future..."

"The gray fog zone at the edge seems barren, but perhaps I can try stacking some 'Materials' that don't need planting, only requiring the space to slowly absorb and transform them? Like refined Ore rough embryos? Or residues with certain special attributes?"

Ye Qing's consciousness "paced" within the space, carefully surveying every inch of land, feeling the subtle differences in Spiritual Qi concentration, soil characteristics, and light and shadow in different areas.

Combining the rudimentary knowledge of Spirit Plants, Formation, and geography he had learned from the Library Pavilion, a preliminary, dynamic development plan for the space gradually took shape in his mind.

He did not seek to do everything at once, but sought a reasonable layout with sufficient room for maneuver and adjustment.

After planning, he exited the space. The sky in reality was already faintly bright.

The handyman in the same room was still struggling with the last bit of sleepiness.

Ye Qing got up and dressed, his movements carrying the same "weary" slowness as usual.

But deep within those lowered eyes, a clear and wise light flickered.

Steady development was not just about the improvement of cultivation level and the accumulation of combat power.

It was also about a clear understanding and long-term planning of one's own resources, potential, and development path.

He had the space, Comprehension Ability, and patience.

Now, he even had preliminary "means of production" and "development plans."

This made him feel less confused and more confident and expectant about the life of a Loose Cultivator that might come in the future.

On the way to the Library Pavilion, he heard disturbing discussions again.

"...The warning Formation on the back mountain was triggered last night. Although no Yao Beast was found, the on-duty Disciple said they saw several strange shadows flash by..."

"...The healing Medicinal Pill at the Contribution Hall is now in limited supply, and the price has risen again..."

"...I heard that the Sect Master and several Elders argued fiercely yesterday. It seems they have different opinions on whether to fight or defend..."

The wind is full of the coming storm; black clouds hang over the city, threatening to crush it.

Ye Qing did not stop his pace and walked past with his head lowered.

But his heart was completely clear.

The preparations that needed to be made were being implemented one by one.

The knowledge that needed to be learned was being absorbed bit by bit.

The "field" that needed to be planted was being opened up ridge by ridge.

As for the wind and rain outside...

He looked up and glanced at the slightly gloomy sky above the Qingyun Sect.

Develop steadily and wait for the opportunity.

When the wind comes, I will look at the wind direction.

When the rain comes, I have my own world to take shelter in.

If there is no wind or rain...

Then I will continue sweeping the floor, reading books, and farming.

Steady as an old dog; it is nothing more than this.