5: Chapter 5 Fellow Villagers

Rather than biting off more than he could chew and inviting unnecessary trouble, it was better to focus on deep Cultivation for a few years, using the [Cultivation] trait to grow enough Spirit Rice for his own practice—it was both steady and safe.

The following afternoon, Qin Changsheng packed his things and headed toward Qingyun Tower.

Qingyun Tower was situated at the intersection between the Heavenly Sword Sect's Outer Sect and the marketplace. Although not a top-tier establishment, its exquisite dishes and faint spiritual nourishment made it a frequent gathering spot for new Disciples.

His trip to Qingyun Tower was to meet several Fellow Villagers from his past as invited.

Four years ago, Qin Changsheng and the others left their hometown together to take the Heavenly Sword Sect entrance examination.

However, their fates diverged; most were unable to join the Heavenly Sword Sect because they lacked Spiritual Roots.

Only a few managed to join the Sect.

Although Qin Changsheng joined, he was relegated to being a Utility Disciple due to his Five Elements Mixed Spiritual Root;

In a Private Booth by the window on the second floor, several people were already seated.

These people were all his former Fellow Villagers.

His childhood friend Zhang Han and Lin Yao were also there.

As Qin Changsheng approached, the noisy chatter suddenly fell silent. Several gazes landed on him simultaneously—some with surprise, some with indifference, and most with ill-concealed disdain.

"Oh, isn't this Qin Changsheng? I thought you'd long forgotten us Fellow Villagers." It was Zhang Han who spoke, his tone full of mockery and his eyes scanning Qin Changsheng with undisguised distaste.

Qin Changsheng's expression remained calm as he nodded in greeting. "Fellow Villagers, my apologies for being late."

With that, he moved to take a seat in an empty corner.

"Wait." Zhang Han raised a hand to stop him. "Qin Changsheng, I'm not trying to be mean, but you're just a Utility Disciple now; coming to Qingyun Tower isn't appropriate. We are all Outer Sect Disciples. If you sit here and others see it, they'll think we're mixing with utility workers. Wouldn't that lower our status?"

The booth fell deathly silent. Though the others didn't speak, they all tacitly looked away or picked up their Spiritual Tea to take a sip, clearly agreeing with Zhang Han's sentiment.

Qin Changsheng was somewhat stunned; he hadn't expected his former friend Zhang Han to say such things.

"I came because I was invited, simply to catch up with Fellow Villagers. I had no other intentions."

"Catch up on what?" Zhang Han sneered. "We're talking about Cultivation progress, Outer Sect assessments, and the Sect Competition. Can a Utility Disciple like you even understand? Besides, you've cultivated for four years and you're still at the First Layer of Qi Refining. What is there to talk about with us?"

He paused, his tone becoming increasingly sharp. "I advise you not to come to these gatherings in the future, just to save everyone the embarrassment."

At this point, the previously silent Lin Yao finally spoke up.

Her hair was tied high, and her features carried a hint of cold superiority. Her Cultivation had reached the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of Qi Refining, and she possessed Dual Spiritual Roots, making her the most outstanding among them. Rumor had it she was recently scouted by an Inner Sect Elder and might be promoted exceptionally to an Inner Sect Disciple.

"Zhang Han, that's enough." She seemed to be mediating, but her gaze fell on Qin Changsheng with a sense of condescending pity. "Brother Changsheng, it's not that we're excluding you, but the Cultivation world is hierarchical. Since you are in the Utility Courtyard, you should focus on doing your duty. A cross-tier gathering like this is inappropriate for both you and us."

"Yeah, Changsheng, Lin Yao is right," another fellow villager chimed in. "It's not easy for us in the Outer Sect either. We've finally gained some dignity. If word gets out that you were here, it'll reflect poorly on us."

"Qin Changsheng, if I were you, I'd head back home sooner rather than later to marry and have kids!"

Qin Changsheng looked at these familiar yet strange faces, and the last shred of old sentiment in his heart gradually faded.

He had thought that their bond as Fellow Villagers could overcome the difference in status, but he had forgotten that in this world of the strong devouring the weak and strict hierarchies, a bridge-less chasm already existed between a Utility Disciple and an Outer Sect Disciple.

What they looked down upon was never him as a person, but his status as a Utility Disciple and his mediocre Five Elements Mixed Spiritual Root.

He didn't argue or get angry. He simply withdrew his foot slowly, and the usual calm returned to his eyes.

"I was presumptuous." Qin Changsheng's tone was flat, without a hint of subservience or resentment. "In that case, I won't disturb you all further."

Having said that, he turned and left without sparing another glance at the people in the booth.

Behind him came Zhang Han's disdainful scoff and Lin Yao's faint sigh. Those sounds were like passing clouds, failing to stir much of a ripple in his heart.

Qin Changsheng knew very well that in this Cultivation world, strength was the only foundation. Sentiment and dignity ultimately had to be supported by power.

Qin Changsheng looked up at the mountain gate of the Heavenly Sword Sect, a flash of determination in his eyes.

The disdain and exclusion of others were merely embellishments on his path of Cultivation.

He didn't need to care about this hollow dignity. He only needed to hide his secrets, stay low, and develop. Once his Cultivation was strong enough, there would come a day when those who looked down on him would see him in a new light.

As for this disheartening gathering, even if he were invited again, he would never return.

...

Early morning, a few days later.

Qin Changsheng arrived early at the entrance of the General Affairs Hall.

The General Affairs Hall was the place where the Sect handled chores and distributed resources. There was a constant stream of Disciples queuing outside, most of whom were there to collect Spirit Rice seeds.

Just as Qin Changsheng reached the end of the line, Overseer Hu Yuanfu appeared not far away.

"Changsheng, are you here to collect Spirit Rice seeds?" Overseer Hu Yuanfu asked with a smile.

Without waiting for Qin Changsheng's reply, Overseer Hu Yuanfu added, "Changsheng, no need to queue. I've already collected them for you!"

With that, Overseer Hu Yuanfu handed a cloth bag to Qin Changsheng.

Qin Changsheng frowned slightly as he took the bag.

The bag wasn't heavy in his hand. The opening was loose, and he could see the small grains of Spirit Rice seeds inside.

"Thank you, Overseer Hu!" Although Qin Changsheng said this, he was very suspicious in his heart.

Hu Yuanfu had always wanted Qin Changsheng's Spirit Sand; there was no way he would kindly help him collect Spirit Rice seeds.

Furthermore, during the two years of Qin Changsheng's reduced yield, it was also Hu Yuanfu who had helped collect them.

"Alright, get them in the ground early and strive for a good harvest this year!" After speaking, Hu Yuanfu hurried toward the next Utility Disciple.

Qin Changsheng's sharp eyes noticed that Hu Yuanfu had over a dozen more of these cloth bags hanging from his waist.

Returning home, Qin Changsheng carefully inspected the Spirit Rice seeds.

He soon discovered that half of the Spirit Rice seeds were problematic.

This half of the seeds had a dull color and cracked hulls!

Although it wouldn't prevent them from being planted and they would still sprout,

these seeds grew extremely slowly. Often, when it was time to harvest, the stalks would still be green.

Memories of the past two years flashed through Qin Changsheng's mind:

Over these two years, the Spirit Rice he cultivated always grew poorly, with a harvest barely exceeding a hundred pounds.

He had always assumed it was due to his Five Elements Mixed Spiritual Root providing insufficient nourishment or his own lack of care, but now he suddenly understood.