After a full half-hour of focused Cultivation, the Spiritual Qi around Tian Xiaobao’s body, which had previously been like a dried-up stream, now seemed to be re-gathered by a mysterious force, becoming full and surging.
He gently exhaled a turbid breath, as if expelling the internal impurities and fatigue from his body.
As he exhaled this turbid breath, Tian Xiaobao slowly opened his eyes, and a hint of agile light flashed within them—the vibrant spirit that comes with abundant Spiritual Qi.
After a brief adjustment, Tian Xiaobao raised his hands, his fingers flexibly intertwining to form seals, and he chanted a profound and incomprehensible incantation.
As he chanted, the surrounding air seemed to tremble slightly.
Immediately after, Tian Xiaobao once again cast the Spirit Rain Technique. A faint light gradually brightened in the palm of his hand, like the first ray of morning sun piercing through the clouds and falling upon the earth.
...
The casting of the Spirit Rain Technique lasted for some time, and a thin layer of sweat gradually appeared on Tian Xiaobao’s forehead, but his expression remained focused and determined.
Finally, the Spirit Rain Technique was completed, and Tian Xiaobao stopped his movements, gazing at the water level in the five mu of Spirit Rice fields.
It was currently the critical heading stage for the Spirit Rice, an important period that determined the quality of the harvest. During this stage, the water in the Spirit Rice fields absolutely could not be cut off, and the water depth had to be maintained at least three centimeters to ensure the Spirit Rice received sufficient water supply and grew robustly.
Of course, it was also a good method for Tian Xiaobao to apply the Spirit Rain Technique to the Spirit Rice.
Through the nourishment of the Spirit Rain Technique, the Spirit Rice could absorb more Spiritual Qi, thereby becoming fuller and more imbued with Spiritual Qi.
If the Spirit Rice was not properly cared for during this critical stage, then even if Tian Xiaobao had worked diligently for the past year, he might still fail at the last step, which would undoubtedly cause immense regret and frustration, even bringing him to tears.
Therefore, to ensure the growth of the Spirit Rice, Tian Xiaobao would carefully check the water level in the Spirit Rice fields every day after casting the Spirit Rain Technique. If the water level dropped, he would promptly open the ditches to allow the water from the ditches to flow unhindered into the Spirit Rice fields.
Watching the Spirit Rice gradually head, Tian Xiaobao’s heart was filled with anticipation.
In Tian Xiaobao’s memory, he originally endured the blessings of 996 on Blue Star, living a busy and exhausting life.
However, while he was sleeping, he somehow Transmigrated to this world.
Tian Xiaobao instantly achieved two major life ideals—farming and cultivating immortality. How could this not fill him with joy and anticipation?
After all, as he grew older, the genes of the Yan Huang descendants seemed to gradually Awaken. Whenever he saw an empty plot of land, Tian Xiaobao would instinctively want to plant something. This love for the land and passion for planting seemed innate.
Tian Xiaobao cherished his current life and everything he possessed.
Although he was currently only a small Cultivator at the Qi Cultivation First Layer, he still firmly believed that as long as he worked hard to Cultivate, he would one day become a powerful Cultivator.
After checking the growth of the Spirit Rice, Tian Xiaobao nodded with satisfaction.
He opened the Formation, carefully passed through its protection, and then walked with light steps towards his small courtyard in Lingjiao Market.
"Hey, Xiaobao, you're still young. Planting Spirit Rice fields is too hard. Let your uncle plant them for you, and you can just collect rent!"
Upon hearing this, Tian Xiaobao’s heart sank, and he had a bad feeling.
Why was this guy here?
The speaker was a somewhat thin, small-eyed, and slightly gloomy middle-aged man.
"Uncle, do you need me for something?"
Tian Xiaobao asked indifferently, neither warm nor cold.
Tian Xiaobao’s parents in this life were both Tian Clan members, but his father was a Cultivator who became one after his Spiritual Root was tested in the secular world.
His mother was born into the main Tian Family, but she was only from a collateral branch.
The man in front of him was Tian Xiaobao’s maternal uncle, named Tian Xing, with a Cultivation of Qi Cultivation Third Layer. However, they had stopped associating with each other last year due to certain matters.
Tian Xing rubbed his hands and said with a smile:
"I just saw that you were working too hard farming and wanted to come see you!"
Tian Xiaobao looked at his uncle and said:
"Uncle, there's no one around here right now. Just tell me what you need, otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to resist cursing!"
Tian Xing immediately looked awkward and hastily explained:
"I was just afraid you wouldn't have anyone to look after you and would misuse Spirit Stones!"
Tian Xiaobao said nothing, only looking at Tian Xing with a hint of mockery.
Tian Xing looked at Tian Xiaobao’s expression and continued:
"Isn't that Secret Realm in the sea opening again? Your uncle here has been at Qi Cultivation Third Layer for several years, so I want to try my luck and see if I can gain anything, but I'm short on Spirit Stones, so I thought of you, Xiaobao."
...
Tian Xiaobao had actually seen Tian Xing from afar and had intended to pretend he hadn't, but he was called out.
He knew that Tian Xing was a person who wouldn't do anything without benefit. The only possibility for him to come looking for him when their two families were not in contact was—to borrow money.
Tian Xiaobao muttered to himself:
"I knew this guy had no good intentions; he must be here to freeload again."
He had thought Tian Xing only wanted to borrow a small amount of money and he could just dismiss him, but he didn't expect Tian Xing to be so greedy, practically asking for an exorbitant amount!
One must know that exploring a Secret Realm was not an easy task.
It not only required purchasing some high-grade Medicinal Pills and Magical Artifacts to deal with various potential dangers but also preparing one or two life-saving Magic Treasures, and all these things were extremely expensive.
Without enough Spirit Stones, how could one successfully complete a Secret Realm exploration? Wouldn't that be equivalent to going to one's death for nothing?
Tian Xiaobao suppressed the anger in his heart and said impatiently to Tian Xing:
"You're not unaware that my parents unfortunately died in a Secret Realm, and they couldn't even bring out their storage bags.
Moreover, didn't you take most of last year's Spirit Rice income? Where would I have Spirit Stones to lend you now!"
Tian Xing heard Tian Xiaobao’s words, and a hint of an awkward smile appeared on his face. He chuckled a few times, seemingly a little embarrassed.
"Didn't your parents die unexpectedly while exploring a Secret Realm for the Family, and the Family compensated you with some contribution points? If you mortgage those, you can still get a few hundred Spirit Stones!"
Tian Xing’s tone carried a hint of urgency.
However, Tian Xiaobao remained silent, his heart a mix of emotions.
Seeing Tian Xiaobao’s silence, Tian Xing seemed to realize that his request was a bit excessive. A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face, and then he hastily added:
"I'll mortgage the three mu of Spirit Rice fields left by your maternal grandfather, but I can only give them to you after the autumn harvest."
Upon hearing this, Tian Xiaobao’s heart involuntarily trembled. He certainly knew the value of those three mu of Spirit Rice fields; they were Medium Grade First-Tier Spirit Rice fields that his maternal grandfather had bought in Area C.
Tian Xiaobao looked at Tian Xing with some surprise, secretly thinking:
"It seems my uncle is determined to go to the Secret Realm this time, to actually mortgage the Spirit Rice fields!"
Tian Xiaobao was indeed very interested in those three mu of Spirit Rice fields, after all, who wouldn't be interested in Spirit Rice fields?
"Then wait until after the autumn harvest, Uncle, and come find me. I have something to do now, so I won't stay here with you."
As soon as Tian Xiaobao finished speaking, he left without looking back.
