The Immortal Herb Purveyor

Chapter 5: The Path of Wealth

The next morning, Shi Yue opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and alert.

Suddenly, Dang! Dang! Dang!Three resonant, melodious chimes echoed from afar, ringing clearly throughout the Ethereal Sect. Recognizing the signal for the monthly lecture, Shi Yue’s face brightened. He hurried out of his courtyard and soared into the air on his artifact.

Simultaneously, dozens of figures emerged from dwellings across Verdant Origin Peak, all flying towards the same destination. Shi Yue navigated over a dozen peaks and skirted a vast, shimmering lake. Soon, a majestic palace came into view, seemingly floating atop a sea of clouds—its foundations hidden on a mountain largely swallowed by mist. Built of massive azure stone blocks and towering impressively, its entrance bore a plaque with gilded characters: ​Discourse Hall.

Shi Yue landed and entered the cavernous hall. Hundreds of simple azure meditation mats covered the expansive floor. Over a hundred Qi Refining disciples already sat attentively, their gazes fixed with palpable eagerness on the scholarly man in pristine white robes at the front—Martial Uncle Yan Ge, who delivered essential cultivation lectures monthly.

Shi Yue secured a mat near the front. Disciples continued to stream in rapidly. Within moments, every mat was occupied; late arrivals had to stand along the walls. Soon, the hall thrummed with the energy of nearly six hundred focused disciples.

Yan Ge raised a hand, producing an intricate jade disk etched with luminous spirit patterns. He tossed it lightly; the disk expanded and began a slow, steady rotation, emitting a faint hum. "Silence," he commanded, his voice amplified clearly and evenly to every corner by the ​Sound Amplification Plate. "Today, we address a fundamental pillar: Wealthwithin Location, Method, Companions, and Wealth—essential for any seeking to ​attain the Dao and seek truth."

A profound hush descended. Hundreds leaned forward, straining not to miss a word.

"Advancing along the Dao requires resources," Yan Ge stated plainly. "The most lucrative paths—Talisman Master, ​Alchemist, ​Artifact Refiner, ​Formation Master—demand immense investment or rare innate talent. Many pour their all into mastering them, only to face ruin." He paused, letting the warning sink in. "Our Ethereal Sect thrives on alchemy. A more accessible path for most lies in cultivating spirit herbs. Begin with hardy, high-demand varieties. Master their needs through diligent care and study. Our ​Scripture Repository​ holds detailed records on every known herb's growth and properties. Gain experience beforerisking rarer specimens..."

For two full hours, Yan Ge shared practical insights and cautions. Not a single disciple stirred or left early.

"We conclude," Yan Ge announced. A gesture stilled the glowing disk; it vanished into his sleeve. He departed swiftly.

As the hall erupted into movement, disciples chattering and heading for the exits, Shi Yue remained seated, utterly still. Yan Ge’s words resonated deeply, striking a chord. It felt as if a vast door had swung open before him.

His mind raced to his secret advantage: the ​Mysterious Space. Its three precious muof ​spirit fields, where time flowed ten times fasterthan the outside world. Using this extraordinary gift solely for ​spirit rice​ suddenly seemed unforgivably shortsighted. What greater potential lay untapped?

He sat motionless for the span of sipping tea, lost in intense calculation. Then, his eyes snapped wide open, brilliant with realization. A spark of excitement ignited within him. He sprang to his feet and strode purposefully from the emptying hall. Mounting his artifact, he flew directly to the ​Mission Hall, bypassing the lower floors for the specialized third level.

The third-floor hall was spacious and well-appointed, with polished Crimson Tung Wood counters and shelves laden with artifacts, pill bottles, ores, and talismans. Disciples of varying cultivation levels conducted transactions with stewards.

Shi Yue approached a counter stacked with labeled ceramic jars. "Martial Brother," he addressed the steward, "I require spirit herb seeds—varieties with a relatively short growth cycle that command a good market price upon harvest."

The steward nodded professionally. "Three primary candidates, Martial Brother: ​Blazing Sun Grass—matures in ten years but demands constant, strong sunlight; ​Frigid Shade Flower—takes seven years, needs rich spiritual energy and absolutedarkness; ​Condensing Mist Grass—only five years, very low maintenance, just needs regular watering."

Shi Yue quickly assessed his space's perpetual bright conditions. "Pricing for Blazing Sun and Condensing Mist?"

"Blazing Sun seeds cost ten ​Contribution Points​ per catty. Condensing Mist is five Points per catty."

"One catty of Blazing Sun, please," Shi Yue decided, "and two catties of Condensing Mist."

The steward efficiently measured seeds from two large jars into sturdy cloth pouches—red for Blazing Sun, blue for Mist. "Twenty Contribution Points total." He presented a small silver ledger plate. Shi Yue produced his jade ​Identity Token​ and pressed it firmly against the plate. A brief silver flash confirmed the deduction. Shi Yue retrieved his token, grasped the precious pouches containing the seeds of his accelerated future, and turned to leave, his steps filled with renewed purpose.