Chapter 364 - 242: Spirit Plants and Geomancy, Meeting the True Inheritance Again

Chapter 364: Chapter 242: Spirit Plants and Geomancy, Meeting the True Inheritance Again

Right. Steward Shangguan had mentioned the island’s Spirit Fields were a form of extra income. Lin Changheng just hadn’t expected this "extra income" to be on such a massive scale, covering almost all of the island’s usable flat land.

Only a few houses were scattered across the island, serving as sparse decorations amid the vast expanse of farmland.

’It seems the renter, that cultivator surnamed Xu, must be a Spirit Plant Master—a cultivator completely devoted to the path of Spirit Plants.’

Lin Changheng thought to himself.

This scene, though slightly different from the secluded cultivation retreat he had initially imagined, had its own unique charm in its lush and thriving atmosphere, feeling more grounded and stable.

Soon, the two of them flew over the farmland and saw a complex of large halls situated in the rear.

There, they saw a middle-aged, farmer-like Foundation Establishment Cultivator waiting in the hall—

This person wasn’t wearing a magnificent Magic Robe, just a short coat of coarse cloth, washed so many times it had faded. Fresh specks of mud still clung to his pant legs, as if he had just returned from working in the fields.

His face was dark and tan, etched with deep wrinkles, clearly showing he had endured many hardships. His large hands, with their thick knuckles and layers of calluses, were casually wiping themselves on the front of his shirt.

Yet, despite this simple, unadorned, and even somewhat rustic appearance, the Spiritual Pressure emanating from him was steady and profound. It was indeed the Cultivation of a Late Stage Foundation Establishment!

His eyes were especially striking—wide and bright, with a gaze that was gentle and clear, as if he could see through the ways of the world, entirely lacking the muddiness of an ordinary farmer.

When he saw Lin Changheng enter with Chu Lingyu, he didn’t put on any airs of a senior or a host. Instead, like greeting a neighbor, he broke into an extremely kind, even slightly simple and honest smile, and took two steps forward to welcome them.

"You must be Mr. Lin, right? The name’s Xu Maoling. My apologies for the poor welcome! Come on in, please! Try some of the Cyan Jade Spirit Tea I just picked from my own fields and quench your thirst!"

He spoke with a thick, rustic accent, his tone warm and natural, making it impossible not to feel a sense of goodwill toward him.

As he spoke, he led Lin Changheng to a tea table on one side of the hall. A simple, rustic ceramic tea set was already arranged on it, with steam gently curling from the spout of the pot, emitting a unique aroma that blended fresh tea leaves with the rich scent of Earth Spirit Qi.

This demeanor was completely different from what Lin Changheng had imagined for the master of a cave mansion. He had none of the aloof pride of a Cultivator, resembling instead a warm, hospitable country elder who loved his land. The distance between them closed in an instant.

Lin Changheng was slightly surprised, but he showed none of it on his face. He smoothly went along with it, clasping his hands and smiling. "Brother Xu, you’re too kind. It is I who am intruding. I’ve heard occasional mentions of this Cyan Jade Spirit Tea before, so I am fortunate today and must certainly savor it."

The two exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere immediately became harmonious. In his heart, Lin Changheng’s appraisal of this Spiritual Land and its unconventional master rose another notch.

By now, he had met a fair number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and had even seen Fake Core and True Core Cultivators, but this was the first time he had encountered one quite like this.

Moreover, he had secretly used his [Insight Skill] to observe him and found the man’s aura was peaceful, with no trace of Evil Qi.

He was nothing like his two neighbors back on Cui Ping Mountain, whose eyes were filled with bloodlust and malice. They had looked like bad news from the start.

After all, an "artisan" like this, with valuable Skills and a stable way to acquire resources, would generally not walk the bloody path of a Tribulation Cultivator...

When the man learned that Lin Changheng might rent the vacant Moonrest Island, he immediately expressed his welcome.

When he further learned that Lin Changheng was a renowned Tier Two Alchemist in Floating Immortal City, his enthusiasm soared.

He immediately made no secret of his hope that if Mr. Lin moved in, it would bring a certain number of visiting Cultivators, which in turn might open up new markets for the Spirit Plants, Spirit Rice, and other things he grew.

Lin Changheng couldn’t help but marvel, ’Brother Xu is truly a straightforward man.’

Xu Maoling just grinned, unconcerned. "I’ve never been one for beatin’ around the bush. Straight to the point, plain and simple. Saves a lot of trouble. All that time spent overthinkin’ things is better spent on Cultivation and honing my Skills."

He then thumped his chest and declared that if Mr. Lin moved to the island, the Three Islands could form an alliance, coordinating their offense and defense, watching each other’s backs, and be more than capable of handling any external threats.

To this, Lin Changheng nodded with a smile. "Who knows what the future holds? I may very well have to rely on Brother Xu’s help then."

After chatting for a little while longer, Xu Maoling heard that Lin Changheng was taking his leave to visit Floating Star Island, and he offered to accompany him.

The Isle Master of Floating Star Island was a young Female Cultivator who looked to be about twenty-six or twenty-seven.

She had a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation.

Her name was Cheng Suling.

She also possessed a Tier Two Middle Grade Skill, known as [Geomancer].

This Skill allowed one to find auspicious locations, determine the proper placement for dwellings, and more by perceiving the distribution of nature’s spiritual energy and observing the contours of mountains and the flow of Earth Veins.

Specifically, this included surveying Spirit Veins, distinguishing types of Earth Qi, and sensing whether the qi of a place was auspicious or baleful—whether it was a prosperous land, a blessed land, or a land of death, evil, or misfortune. This served as the basis for selecting a cave mansion or establishing a family or Sect headquarters.

A Geomancer could also plan layouts, designing the most rational arrangement of buildings based on the terrain and the flow of Spiritual Qi, and even make preliminary plans for Array nodes.

They could also find ores and prospect for treasures. A High Tier Geomancer could even deduce the presence of underground Spiritual Ores or certain Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that rely on Earth Veins for growth by detecting anomalies in the veins and concentrations of Spiritual Qi.

A sufficiently powerful Geomancer could not only "see" but also, to a certain extent, "change."

By setting up Arrays, moving mountains, or filling in chasms, they could fine-tune the distribution of Spiritual Qi in a local area, turning baleful energy into auspicious energy, and even raise the grade of a region’s Spirit Vein. However, this was exceptionally difficult and could only be accomplished by a Geomancer of profound attainment.

Xu Maoling had explained to Lin Changheng on the way that this Skill was very mysterious. It was slightly less difficult to master than Arrays, but it was truly rare.

Lin Changheng nodded thoughtfully. ’A Geomancer...’

He wondered if the new Three Techniques Combined Magic Technique he had mastered also contained the rudiments of [Geomancy].

...

The two entered the island and were warmly received by Cheng Suling.

Lin Changheng could clearly see that the two Foundation Establishment Cultivator neighbors had a good relationship.

After some introductions, Cheng Suling looked at Lin Changheng with her star-like eyes and said directly, "Alchemist Lin, I’ve heard of you."

After a moment of surprise, Lin Changheng smiled. "I’m surprised my humble reputation has reached the ears of Master Cheng."

"I also lived in the Immortal City for a while," Cheng Suling explained, "but that was right when Alchemist Lin was making a name for himself. I had to move away from the city early for certain reasons, otherwise we might have met long ago."

"I see. But those who are fated to meet will meet eventually. And this time, it looks like we’re likely to become neighbors."

Lin Changheng smiled and raised his cup in a toast.

"In that case, the two of us will take this tea as an early welcome for Mr. Lin," Xu Maoling said as he and Cheng Suling exchanged a smile and raised their cups in unison.

...

「Half a month later.」

Lin Changheng reappeared in Floating Immortal City.

He went straight to the Purple Extreme Sect’s garrison, confirmed the Spiritual Land with Steward Shangguan, and signed the Magic Contract.

The Magical Power Mark was applied directly, and the agreement was sealed.

After returning to Outer Lake No. 98 Cave Mansion and informing Yan Mingyi, Lin Changheng could see her become visibly excited.

She joyfully went to pack up their belongings.

Meanwhile, Lin Changheng went directly to Artifact Master Guo’s home to retrieve the repaired Copper Bowl Spiritual Artifact.

He also left his new address with the artifact master, so Guo could find him if he needed anything in the future.

Then, he activated a Communication Jade Scroll. With a HUM, it shot through the air, flying toward Fusheng Lake.

This was a message for Bai Zhenchuan, Bai Hengwan.

It was mainly for two reasons:

First, to inform her of his new whereabouts.

After all, he had a good relationship with Bai Zhenchuan, built on a foundation of trust. Plus, he still needed her help with the Demon Beast Essence Blood, so he couldn’t afford to lose contact unexpectedly.

This connection would be useful in the future as well.

After all, she possessed a Wind Anomalous Spirit Root of the Earth Grade Level and had been taken as a disciple by a Late Stage Core Formation Master who governed an entire Immortal City. Her future was promising, and she could be a powerful ally.

...