Old Zhao's residence was simple and unadorned. Xiao Bei stood respectfully at the door, waiting to be called in.
Before long, the door creaked open, and Old Zhao's weathered face was filled with impatience.
"What is it?" he asked curtly.
"Old Zhao, I would like to apply for a handyman position in the herb garden," Xiao Bei said without beating around the bush.
Old Zhao sized Xiao Bei up, a trace of suspicion flashing in his eyes.
"The herb garden? What would you do there? That place isn't for you."
"Elder Zhao, I heard that the herb garden is rich in spiritual energy, and I'd like to cultivate more efficiently there," Xiao Bei explained, while inwardly cursing Lin Hu for being so ruthless and deliberately sowing discord between him and Elder Zhao.
"Cultivation? Hmph! What do you think the herb garden is? That place is for talented disciples. You're just a lowly servant disciple. You should focus on doing your current job properly first!" Old Zhao's tone was hostile, clearly showing his low opinion of Xiao Bei.
"Elder Zhao, although I am humble, I have a strong interest in spiritual herbs and a great capacity to learn. I believe I can adapt to the work in the herb garden very quickly," Xiao Bei argued calmly, knowing how hard-earned this opportunity was.
Old Zhao pondered for a moment before finally shaking his head.
"No. Uncle Sun, the herb garden's caretaker, is very strict. No one can enter without his permission. Besides…" Old Zhao paused, doubt flickering in his eyes. "You've been standing out too much lately. I'm afraid you'll cause trouble if you go in."
Xiao Bei's heart sank. It seemed Lin Hu's slander had already taken effect.
Just as Xiao Bei was about to continue persuading him, a mocking voice suddenly sounded from outside the door.
"Well, isn't this our great genius Xiao? What, trying to enter the medicinal garden and soar to the top in one step?"
Lin Hu walked over arrogantly, followed by several lackeys, a sneer plastered on his face.
"Lin Hu, stop spouting nonsense!" Xiao Bei suppressed his anger, knowing Lin Hu was deliberately stirring up trouble.
"Nonsense? Don't you want to enter the herb garden? With your abilities? Take a good look at yourself!" Lin Hu grew more arrogant as he spoke and deliberately tripped Xiao Bei.
Caught off guard, Xiao Bei stumbled and nearly fell.
He steadied himself and stared coldly at Lin Hu, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes.
"Lin Hu, you—"
"What? Want to hit me? Come on! Who's afraid of who!" Lin Hu shouted arrogantly, completely ignoring Xiao Bei.
Xiao Bei took a deep breath. He knew this wasn't the time to act impulsively.
It was a waste of time getting angry at this clown.
He straightened his clothes, a contemptuous smile on his lips, and walked straight past Lin Hu toward the herb garden.
"Tch! You really think you're something special? Just you wait!" Lin Hu shouted angrily, but he didn't dare stop him and could only watch Xiao Bei leave.
When Xiao Bei arrived at the entrance to the herb garden, he saw an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face sitting in a wicker chair with his eyes closed. It was none other than Uncle Sun, the herb garden's caretaker.
Xiao Bei bowed respectfully. "Uncle Sun, I'm here to apply for a handyman position in the herb garden."
Uncle Sun slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Xiao Bei, and said calmly, "You want to enter the herb garden? Very well. Answer one question first."
Hearing this, the surrounding servant disciples immediately perked up and crowded around, eager to see Xiao Bei embarrass himself.
They had long been dissatisfied with Xiao Bei's recent rise to prominence, wondering why a newcomer like him could be so bold.
"Recently, a type of spiritual herb called Purple Magnolia in the herb garden has started to wither. Do you know why?" Uncle Sun stroked his beard, a crafty glint in his eyes.
As soon as the question was asked, the surrounding servant disciples began whispering among themselves.
"Purple Magnolia? That herb is notoriously hard to care for.""That kid definitely won't know the answer.""Exactly. Uncle Sun is clearly making things difficult for him on purpose."
Lin Hu fanned the flames from the side, full of triumph. "Xiao Bei, aren't you so capable? Go on, answer! Don't be a coward!"
Xiao Bei ignored the mockery. He carefully observed the magnolias and noticed yellowing leaf edges and signs of rot at the roots.
"Uncle Sun, may I take a closer look at the magnolia?"
Uncle Sun nodded slightly, tacitly granting permission.
Xiao Bei walked over, crouched down, and examined it carefully. He even lightly touched the soil with his hand.
"Putting on an act!" Lin Hu sneered. "I think you're just trying to buy time."
Xiao Bei stood up and said confidently, "Uncle Sun, if I'm not mistaken, these magnolias are suffering from root rot."
His words caused an uproar.
Even Uncle Sun showed a hint of surprise.
"Root rot? How do you know?"
Xiao Bei smiled faintly. "Well…" He deliberately paused, keeping everyone in suspense. "That's a secret."
Then he lowered his voice and added mysteriously, "Actually, my ancestors were physicians for generations, so I know a bit about herbs. The symptoms of this magnolia are very similar to root rot I've seen before."
It was a half-truth—but who would believe things like systems and time travel if he said them out loud?
Uncle Sun stroked his beard, his eyes shining.
Having lived so long, what kind of people hadn't he seen?
Xiao Bei was clearly hiding something, but his powers of observation and judgment could not be underestimated.
"Interesting." Uncle Sun gave Xiao Bei a meaningful look. "Then do you know how to treat it?"
Hearing this, Xiao Bei's spirits lifted instantly.
Opportunity!
It had arrived!
"Of course!" Xiao Bei said confidently. "The key to root rot is proper drainage and soil ventilation. First, loosen the soil around the sick plant so the roots can breathe. Second, irrigate with specific agents to kill pathogens. Finally, adjust the soil's pH to promote healthy growth."
Xiao Bei spoke eloquently, presenting a series of modern botanical theories that left the servant disciples confused—yet impressed.
Even Uncle Sun nodded repeatedly, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Good! Good! Good!" Uncle Sun praised three times in a row. "I didn't expect you to have real ability!"
Seeing Xiao Bei about to succeed, Lin Hu grew anxious.
"Uncle Sun, don't be fooled by him!" He jumped out and pointed at Xiao Bei's nose, shouting. "This kid is talking nonsense! What does he know about root rot? I bet he just got lucky!"
Lin Hu's interruption cast a shadow over Uncle Sun's previously bright expression.
He looked at Xiao Bei again, his eyes filled with scrutiny.
"Can these magnolias really be cured?"
Xiao Bei's lips curved slightly into a confident smile.
"Of course. If I fail, I'll accept whatever punishment Uncle Sun decides!"
"Good! What courage!" Admiration flashed in Uncle Sun's eyes, but he soon changed his tone. "However, I can't just take your word for it." He paused, his gaze fixed on Xiao Bei. "How about this: if you cure one Purple Magnolia, I'll allow you to enter the herb garden."
Xiao Bei was secretly delighted and was about to agree when Lin Hu sneered from the side.
"Uncle Sun, what if this kid can't cure it?"
Uncle Sun glanced at Lin Hu and said indifferently, "If he fails, then throw him out of the servant quarters."
"Great!" Lin Hu exclaimed excitedly, as if he could already see Xiao Bei being driven out.
Xiao Bei took a deep breath and looked firmly at Uncle Sun. "Deal!"
Uncle Sun nodded and ordered someone to bring tools and medicinal materials.
He pointed to the most severely affected magnolia in the garden.
"This one. Let it convince everyone."
Xiao Bei walked toward the Purple Magnolia, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.
"Let's begin…" he said softly, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation.
He picked up a hoe and, without the slightest hesitation, skillfully loosened the soil around the sick plant, allowing the roots to breathe.
His smooth, efficient movements left the surrounding servant disciples stunned.
"Wow, this kid really has skill!" someone exclaimed.
Lin Hu watched from afar, grinding his teeth in fury.
"Keep pretending! Let's see how long you can keep up this act!" he cursed inwardly.
Xiao Bei seemed oblivious to the chatter. He carefully removed the rotten parts of the roots and then irrigated them with a special potion provided by the system.
This medicine was a reward from completing the beginner mission and possessed extremely strong antibacterial and restorative effects.
After that, Xiao Bei adjusted the soil's pH according to the magnolia's growth habits.
As he worked, he also explained some planting techniques to Uncle Sun, who nodded repeatedly, his eyes filled with approval.
"Not bad, not bad! You truly are a planting prodigy!"
As the magnolia's leaves gradually regained their luster, Lin Hu grew as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
He rushed forward, pointing at Xiao Bei and shouting, "You cheated! This is impossible! How could the magnolia recover so quickly?"
Xiao Bei sneered. "Cheating? With which eye did you see me cheat? If you're so capable, come and try it yourself!"
Lin Hu was left speechless. What did he know about planting? He only knew how to bully others by abusing his position.
Uncle Sun could no longer tolerate it. He shouted, "Lin Hu, shut up! I've clearly seen Xiao Bei's abilities. From today onward, he will work in the herb garden!"
"What?!" Lin Hu's eyes widened as he stared at Uncle Sun in disbelief. "Uncle Sun, you—"
Uncle Sun completely ignored Lin Hu's protests. He smiled at Xiao Bei and said, "Xiao Bei, from now on, you'll work hard for me. The spiritual herbs in the garden will be under your care!"
Xiao Bei was secretly overjoyed, but on the surface he put on a respectful expression.
"Thank you, Uncle Sun! I definitely won't let you down!"
"Wait!" A cold voice came from behind.
Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Old Zhao approaching with a gloomy expression…