SPMT : Chapter 28: Xu Mu’an’s Discovery

With the fields fully reclaimed, Xiao Jingting reluctantly became the small landlord of the village. As crops gradually ripened in several medium-grade fields, he ensured enough remained for sustenance while selling the surplus botanicals for over three hundred taels of silver. With some silver in hand, Xiao Jingting didn’t undertake every task personally, such as planting. Instead, he sought out villagers with little land but ample labor to do the job.

For the lower-grade fields, Xiao Jingting hired two second-level botanical cultivators from the village to assist and personally checked on them every ten days to two weeks. His generous wages and decent meals garnered gratitude from those farming for the Xiao family.

“A prodigal son’s return is worth more than gold.” Xiao Jingting’s transformation made him an inspirational figure in the village. While his improved reputation brought benefits, it also brought its share of troubles. Those who used to keep their children indoors upon seeing him now pestered him for work. The disdainful youngsters now sweetly called him “Brother Xiao.” Even Qiu Bai, who used to be indifferent, now frequently hovered around, showing concern.

“Cuiyun Grass?” Upon returning from the fields, Xiao Jingting was immediately caught by Xu Mu’an, who recounted his findings in the mountains.

Perplexed, Xiao Jingting wracked his brains. He had no recollection of this type of botanical; many plants in this world differed from those in his previous world. Hindered by the ignorance of the previous host, Xiao Jingting knew nothing about these matters.

Seeing Xiao Jingting’s confusion, Xu Mu’an patiently explained, “Cuiyun Grass is a spiritual herb that aids third and fourth-level beings, whether human or demonic, in leveling up. Before maturing, it has no medicinal properties. However, as it nears maturity, it emits a rich aroma, attracting nearby third and fourth-level demonic beasts. This scent dissipates only after the Cuiyun Grass is fully mature.”

“When I went there today, a third-level python was already guarding it. I didn’t want to alert it, so I retreated. It should take another six or seven days for the Cuiyun grass to mature. It’s not too far from our fields. If a battle erupts due to the Cuiyun grass, it could easily affect our land,” Xu Mu’an explained.

Xiao Jingting pondered and asked, “You mentioned that Cuiyun Grass can also enhance a cultivator’s strength and aid breakthroughs?”

Xu Mu’an nodded and continued, “Yes, when the Cuiyun grass matures, crystal-clear seeds fall. Consuming these seeds with water can help break through bottlenecks.”

“Can’t we lure away the snake and transplant the Cuiyun grass outside the jungle?” Xiao Jingting proposed.

Although Xu Mu’an had been considerate in managing logistics to reduce his burden, Xiao Jingting was still busy all day. As a second-level botanical cultivator, his ability to cultivate medium-grade fields was stretched thin. While there were a few third-level botanical cultivators in the village, their services were costly, and they each had their own fields to tend to, making it impractical to hire them.

Seeing an opportunity to enhance their strength, Xiao Jingting was reluctant to give up. However, Xu Mu’an hesitated before saying, “Generally speaking, it’s difficult for Cuiyun Grass to survive after transplantation.”

“In that case, let’s lure away the snake and destroy the Cuiyun grass. It’s better to avoid the risk of attracting advanced demonic beasts to the jungle,” Xiao Jingting decided.

Although Xiao Jingting voiced this, he was secretly thinking: Xu Mu’an mentioned that Cuiyun Grass is difficult to survive after transplantation, but difficult doesn’t mean impossible! He could try transplanting it near the Lingquan. After extensive research, Xiao Jingting found that his crops, when irrigated with Lingquan, thrived well.

Xu Mu’an nodded in agreement, expressing some regret, “Alright.”

In reality, Xu Mu’an was quite intrigued by the Cuiyun grass. Recently, Xu Mu’an’s food had been rich in spiritual energy. Not only had Xu Mu’an’s meridians healed, but there were also faint signs of breakthroughs. However, once the Cuiyun grass fully matured, it would likely attract five or six third-level or even higher-level demonic beasts. Xu Mu’an weighed the options and felt that attempting to seize the spiritual herb after maturity was too risky.

“Mu’an, you know a lot!” Xiao Jingting exclaimed, somewhat surprised. Xu Mu’an, coming from a farming background and leading a secluded life after marrying into the Xiao family, possessed an unexpected breadth of knowledge.

Xu Mu’an hesitated for a moment before confessing, “You have a complete collection of botanical texts in your room, and I occasionally flip through them.”

Xiao Jingting’s study housed several books, some less reputable than others. Among them was a legitimate guide to botanical cultivation.

Despite being nominally Xiao Jingting’s wife, Xu Mu’an was often excluded from his affairs. In his quest for better survival, he found ways to educate himself. Xiao Jingting’s study was off-limits to him, so he would sneak in when the opportunity arose.

Upon hearing Xu Mu’an mention the study, Xiao Jingting blushed, realizing he had overlooked a valuable resource.