Cultivating Immortality Starts with Planting Techniques

The moment Elder Ji spoke, the breathing of the four disciples, including Li Ye, grew noticeably heavier.

A second-tier spirit plant! 

Even if they didn't manage to earn the elder's favor and be selected to tend to his spirit fields long-term, 

just being able to assist in the planting and care of Sunfire Flower for some time would be a tremendous gain. 

For these four, this experience could serve as a major stepping stone for advancing their skills in spirit planting to the second tier. 

For Li Ye, this was also a chance to absorb the unique spiritual essence of flora during the process. 

That alone was an incredibly tempting opportunity! 

As Elder Ji looked at the four disciples whose eyes were now burning with eagerness, he asked calmly: 

"Which of you will go first? The others may observe." 

Do they observe too? 

Yao Shaohui and Gu Daojin, who had been ready to leap forward, exchanged a glance and immediately held back. 

It wasn't that they had never come across second-tier spirit herbs before, 

but when it came to Sunfire Flower, they only had book knowledge they had never personally handled. 

Jumping in without practical experience would inevitably lead to mistakes. 

But if they could observe first, they might pick up on subtle techniques and details. Then, when it was their turn, they'd be able to perform much better. 

Wouldn't that be the safer move? 

Just as they hesitated, Xiong Yinxiu stepped forward and bowed to Elder Ji with confident grace. 

"Elder, I have some experience tending to flower-type spirit plants… I would like to volunteer to go first."

"Very well, you may begin." 

Elder Ji didn't seem to mind and turned to head toward the second-tier spirit field at the mountain peak. 

This particular spirit field was protected by an array. Though the array wasn't high-level, it was enough to lock in spiritual energy and greatly enrich the soil's potency. 

The closer they got, the thicker the spiritual energy became. 

Once they entered the field, the environment was fully that of a second-tier cultivation zone. 

Even though the three Yao, Gu, and Xiong had come mentally prepared, the moment they stepped in, their faces flushed red with blood as they struggled to maintain composure. 

Li Ye's complexion was a bit red as well, but he looked far more relaxed than the others.

"Hmph! Do you want to observe? First, let's see how long you can endure this level of spiritual pressure…" 

"If you can't even make it past this, then even if I wanted to hand you this field, you wouldn't have the ability to manage it." 

Elder Ji looked at their rather pitiful states and didn't bother offering any help like he had the day before. Instead, he turned to Li Ye. 

"Why don't you go first instead? In their current condition, I'd rather not have them ruin my precious seedlings." 

"Elder, I've already adjusted." 

If Li Ye hadn't said anything, it would've been fine. But the moment the elder mentioned changing the order, Xiong Yinxiu's face changed. 

She forcibly stabilized her spiritual power. 

Was she willing to risk internal injury just to be the first one to impress the elder?

Li Ye watched silently, a cold smirk in his heart. 

Ever since experiencing the intense spiritual energy shock yesterday, he had already anticipated the conditions here. 

He had long made up his mind not to rush in, even if it meant giving up the chance to observe. 

After all, everyone would get a turn. If you truly had the skills, no one could stop you from proving yourself. 

So what did it matter who went first? 

Being overly eager for quick success wasn't as wise as first adapting to the environment. Otherwise, forcing your spiritual energy to flow incorrectly could cause internal damage wasn't that just shooting yourself in the foot? 

Elder Ji didn't say much more. He simply pulled out a jade box, inside of which were scattered rhizomes and seedlings.

Carefully picking one up, he began channeling a spell to awaken its vitality while speaking: 

"Compared to those delicate spirit herbs, Sunfire Flower is far more resilient… but it still has its taboos. Listen carefully if any of you make even the slightest mistake, you'll be dismissed immediately." 

Everyone's expression turned solemn as they listened even more intently. 

Since it concerned his valuable plants, Elder Ji held nothing back. As he carefully planted the seedling, he explained each step in detail. 

"The Sunfire Flower belongs to the fire and yang attributes. When watering it, remember both the amount and technique are crucial. Don't disrupt the balance of fire and water spiritual energy in the field…" 

He continued elaborating on the subsequent care and cultivation techniques. Only after finishing with this particular seedling did he turn to Xiong Yinxiu. 

"Nephew Xiong, give me a hand." 

"Yes, Elder!" 

Xiong Yinxiu suppressed her excitement and quickly crouched down. 

She seemed quite familiar with the process. Even though she had only observed it once, her assistance was precise and competent. 

Her movements were smooth and accurate, without the slightest mistake. 

Not only did this spare Elder Ji some trouble, but their speed was noticeably faster than before. 

The elder couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. 

"Very good! Seems you weren't exaggerating about your skills." 

"It's all thanks to your detailed guidance, Elder," 

Xiong Yinxiu replied with a smile, shooting a sideways glance at Li Ye and the others, her eyes brimming with confidence. 

Yao Shaohui and Gu Daojin both felt a surge of frustration, though there was little they could do.

Even though they had watched the entire demonstration, some things just couldn't be copied and mastered on the spot. 

Though spirit planting was one of the most basic arts in cultivation, it still held its own depth and complexity. True mastery took time and understanding. 

At the moment, the two of them could only admit they were inferior. 

But Li Ye's expression didn't change in the slightest it was as if none of this concerned him. 

Xiong Yinxiu caught that look and grew even more displeased. 

"Hmph! Putting on a calm front! Even if you have some foundation, second-tier spirit plant care techniques aren't something even cultivation clans pass down easily… This Sunfire Flower is going to be my ticket to advancement!" 

"Once the three of you mess up and get kicked out by the elder, I'll see if you can still keep that smug look on your face!" 

After a few more seedlings were planted, Elder Ji looked more and more pleased. 

Xiong Yinxiu's performance met his expectations. 

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Elder Ji didn't particularly care about minor gains from crops like Blood Grain Rice. The difference of a few dozen jin wasn't enough to concern him. 

But Sunfire Flower, being a second-tier spirit plant, was a true treasure. Even losing a single bloom would pain him. 

Xiong Yinxiu had proven competent with the Blood Grain Rice and now seemed just as skilled with the Sunfire Flower. The chances of her making mistakes were minimal. 

He could indeed feel assured entrusting the field to her. 

Seeing how things were unfolding, Yao and Gu's faces darkened even more. 

Just then, Elder Ji suddenly stood up and motioned for Xiong Yinxiu to stop, walking over to a different area.

"Nephew Xiong, rest for now. Let the next person try." 

To ensure fairness, he even divided the spirit field into four sections using a formation, allowing him to evaluate each participant separately. 

From all of this, Li Ye couldn't help but admire Elder Ji's conduct. 

For someone of his status to offer such a fair evaluation process to low-level disciples, he was already doing more than most would. 

With fairness like this, whoever was ultimately chosen would surely give their all in tending the spirit field, without a shred of laziness. 

Xiong Yinxiu didn't dare object to the elder's instructions. 

She respectfully acknowledged and stepped aside, though her eyes once again swept across the other three.

This time, her contempt was almost entirely unmasked she didn't believe any of them could outdo her in this discipline. 

Arrogant. 

Utterly clueless...

Yao Shaohui and Gu Daojin glared back furiously but hesitated to speak. Deep down, they lacked the confidence. 

Instinctively, both turned to look at Li Ye. 

"After the elder's demonstration, I believe I've gained some insight…" 

Li Ye spoke with a faint smile, completely ignoring Xiong Yinxiu. He confidently stepped forward to catch up with Elder Ji. 

"Senior brothers, I ask you to wait just a little longer. Allow me to assist the elder in planting the Sunfire Flower next."