Early morning, Lin Daofeng did not head directly toward the herb fields. Instead, he walked once more to the Task Hall. The sky was still pale, touched faintly by the rising sun, and a thin mist lingered along the stone paths. The air carried a cool stillness, and only a few disciples moved about, exchanging tokens or selecting tasks in low voices. The hall itself felt calmer than before.
The Ninth Elder sat in his usual place, this time not pretending to be asleep. "You came back," he said, glancing at him.
"I've decided," Daofeng replied. "Spiritual plant assistance."
The old man gave a short grunt. "Mm. Not a bad choice. Not many youngsters pick that willingly—too slow, too quiet. Still… it suits your temperament." His gaze lingered briefly. "Your fifth uncle, Lin Yunhao, is heading to the same field today to collect this month's yield. Go with him. Saves you the trouble of walking."
"…Understood."
Not long after, Daofeng met Lin Yunhao outside the hall. His fifth uncle stood calmly, his presence steady and grounded. Though appearing to be in his forties, his aura carried quiet experience.
"So, you're coming along?"
"Yes, Uncle."
Yunhao gave him a brief look, then nodded.
"Third layer at your age… not bad. Don't waste it."
"I won't."
"Good. Stay close."
With a flick of his sleeve, a flying sword rose into the air, hovering steadily. Daofeng stepped onto it, and in the next moment—they lifted off.
Wind rushed past as the ground fell away. Qingshan Mountain spread beneath them, vast and silent, forests rolling like waves across the land. The clan grounds quickly shrank into the distance. For the first time, Daofeng truly experienced flight in this world. He didn't speak, but his gaze moved, taking everything in. It wasn't just movement—it was freedom.
"First time?" Yunhao asked with a faint chuckle.
"…Yes."
"Get used to it. Once you reach the fourth layer—the middle stage—you'll manage basic flight. Though control… takes time."
Daofeng nodded. "I understand."
They traveled for nearly two hours before descending. Ahead lay the spiritual field—smaller than the main clan grounds, but far more orderly. Rows of spiritual plants stretched neatly across the land, each section arranged with precision. Beneath the soil, a first-order high-grade spiritual vein nourished everything above it. A faint barrier shimmered around the area—a defensive formation, stable and constant.
Yunhao activated a message talisman, and the formation rippled open. Two figures stepped out. The first was Lin Yunyi, composed and steady. Beside her stood a young man.
"Father!"
Yunhao nodded. "Daoxin."
Lin Daoxin stepped forward, his fifth-layer cultivation evident in his aura. "You came earlier than usual."
"Had something to do," Yunhao replied casually.
Daofeng stepped forward. "Aunt. Cousin."
Yunyi nodded gently, her gaze lingering. "Third layer. Not bad."
Yunhao handed over a storage pouch. "This month's harvest."
Yunyi accepted it, then glanced at Daofeng.
"He's taken a task here. Spiritual plant assistance."
"Mm," she said. "That's fine."
Before leaving, Yunhao looked at his son. "Daoxin."
"Yes, Father."
"Don't neglect your cultivation just because you're managing the fields."
Daoxin scratched his head slightly. "I know…"
"Knowing isn't enough," Yunhao said calmly. "You're at the fifth layer. If you remain here too long without progress, you'll fall behind."
Daoxin's expression straightened. "…I understand."
Yunhao gave a small nod, then rose into the air once more and departed.
—
Daofeng followed Yunyi and Daoxin into the field. The moment he stepped past the formation—he paused. A faint sensation spread through his body. Not strong. Not overwhelming. Just… comfortable. The air felt different. The qi felt closer—smoother, almost gentle.
"…What is it?" Yunyi asked.
"Nothing. Just adjusting," Daofeng replied.
She didn't press further.
They walked deeper into the field. Rows of spiritual plants swayed lightly, each carrying faint traces of qi. Some were vibrant, others slightly dull.
"This will be your working area," Yunyi said. She handed him a booklet and a jade slip. "Basic guide. Spiritual Rain Technique. Learn it."
"I understand."
"Don't rush. Start with observation."
She left shortly after.
—
Daoxin remained behind.
For a moment, he watched Daofeng silently before speaking.
"So… why did you choose this task?"
Daofeng glanced at the surrounding plants. "It seemed suitable."
Daoxin smirked slightly. "That's what most people say at the start."
Daofeng didn't respond.
Daoxin continued, "Spiritual plant work looks simple, but it's not. If you're careless, you can ruin an entire batch."
"How?" Daofeng asked.
"Balance," Daoxin said. "Every plant has its own rhythm. Too much qi, and it destabilizes. Too little, and it withers. Even the soil matters."
He crouched beside a plant and pointed.
"See this one? Looks fine, right?"
Daofeng observed it carefully. "Its qi flow is uneven."
Daoxin blinked, slightly surprised. "…You noticed that already?"
Daofeng didn't answer directly.
Daoxin chuckled. "Not bad. Most people need a few days to even see that."
He stood up and continued, "Spiritual plants aren't just resources. They're closer to living things than tools. If you treat them like objects, they won't respond well."
"…Respond?" Daofeng repeated.
"Mm." Daoxin shrugged. "Hard to explain. But after a while, you'll feel it."
Daofeng's gaze shifted slightly.
Feel it…
He didn't say anything.
—
Daoxin stretched. "Anyway, your main job is simple—observe first. Don't try to fix anything immediately. That's how beginners make mistakes."
"I understand."
"If you can learn the Spiritual Rain Technique properly, things get easier. Otherwise, you'll just be doing manual work all day."
Daofeng nodded.
After a moment, Daoxin added, "If you're serious about this path… it's actually not bad."
Daofeng looked at him.
"Spiritual plant masters don't need to risk their lives like combat cultivators," Daoxin said. "Stable income. Stable growth."
"…And limitations?" Daofeng asked.
Daoxin smiled faintly. "Everything has those."
—
After a while, Daoxin left him alone.
—
Silence settled.
—
Daofeng stood among the spiritual plants.
The faint sense of comfort returned.
This time—
He focused.
—
It wasn't from the air.
—
It was from the plants.
—
Each one carried a faint presence. Not consciousness. Not thought. But something alive. When the wind moved, they swayed. When qi shifted, they responded.
And when he stood among them—
That subtle connection became clearer.
—
For a brief moment, he extended his awareness.
Not forcefully.
—
Just enough.
—
And in that instant—
—
Something responded.
—
A faint ripple.
—
Like acknowledgment.
—
Gone in a moment.
—
Daofeng remained still.
His gaze deepened slightly.
"…Interesting."
—
No excitement.
No surprise.
—
Only understanding.
—
Whatever this was—
—
It was not ordinary.
—
And it had only just begun.