The next morning, Hun Yan woke before sunrise. Normally, after a hard day's work, his body would feel sore and sluggish, needing time to recover. However, today was different. He felt light, energetic, and completely refreshed, as if he had slept for a whole week.
This was the effect of the First Level of the Qi Refinement Realm. Although he was only at the initial level, the Qi refined through the Five Elements Cultivation Technique had completely purged his physical fatigue. His strength, agility, and endurance had all increased significantly.
Hun Yan got out of bed and immediately performed a simple cleansing ritual. The smell of impurities released from his pores last night, a byproduct of the marrow cleansing, had evaporated. He felt clean, both inside and out.
He exited his wooden room. The morning air in the valley was still chilly, but to Hun Yan, the chill now felt refreshing, not piercing.
The sky to the east was beginning to redden, welcoming the approach of dawn. The entire valley was covered in a thin layer of mist scented with herbs. Hun Yan walked towards the nearest water source. Along the way, he began clearing some weeds in the small plot he had been assigned—a plot filled with low-grade Pure Jade Plants.
Every movement of his hands now felt more controlled and precise. This was no longer painstaking labor, but rather a hidden cultivation movement. As he pulled the weeds, he instinctively directed a small portion of the Qi within his body. Wood Qi was used to enhance the vitality of the plant roots, and a small amount of Water Qi to maintain soil moisture, while Earth Qi absorbed the excess weeds.
This was a perfect form of practice.
Every second of work was every second of cultivation.
Hun Yan looked up and took a deep breath. The morning mist, containing thick dew, glittered like diamonds on the tips of leaves. He felt the abundant Water Qi from the dew, Wood Qi from the thriving trees, and Fire Qi from the first rays of the sun beginning to warm.
The Cycle of the Five Elements within him revolved naturally, absorbing the pure essence of the morning. This was a vast difference from fragmentary techniques; A perfect technique is not only fast but also harmonious with nature. He smiled, a sincere smile that reflected his inner peace. If cultivation was like this, he could do it forever.
He had just finished clearing the first plot and tidying up his tools when two figures emerged from behind the mossy path, walking quickly toward him.
They were outer disciples, dressed in slightly dirty gray robes, indicating they had just finished their task. One was tall and thin with a sharp gaze; his name was Zhao Ping. The other was shorter and stockier, walking with heavy footsteps; he was Chen Hao.
Hun Yan, still dressed in his simple work robes, immediately bowed respectfully. As a new disciple, he should always show respect to his seniors.
"Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Brother Chen," he greeted politely.
Zhao Ping, who was leading the way, merely gave Hun Yan a quick, appraising glance. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes, perhaps from seeing Hun Yan already working so early in the morning.
"Are you Hun Yan?" Zhao Ping asked, his voice a little rough.
"Yes, Senior Brother," Hun Yan replied.
Chen Hao, who was standing behind Zhao Ping, scratched his head. "Good. We've come on orders from the Medicine Gathering Pavilion. There's a special task for you."
Hun Yan was a little surprised. A special task? Usually, outer disciples were only assigned to tend to the ordinary fields.
"What should I do, Senior Brother?" Hun Yan asked.
Zhao Ping folded his arms across his chest, his gaze now a little envious. "You're lucky, brat. You're being transferred from this plot."
Hun Yan had expected him to be transferred to a worse plot as punishment.
"You'll be transferred to manage the private Herbal Garden of the Outer Sect Elder, Lin Ming," Zhao Ping continued, his voice slightly strained by undisguised jealousy.
Hun Yan's eyebrows rose. The Sect Elder's Garden?
Elder Lin Ming was one of the most respected Elders among the Outer Disciples, renowned for his skills in alchemy and cultivation. His garden must contain unimaginably precious herbs.
"But... Elder Lin Ming should be on a sect mission outside the valley, right?" Hun Yan asked, recalling the rumors he had heard from other disciples.
Chen Hao nodded, moving forward slightly. "Exactly. The Elder is traveling and needs someone truly reliable to tend his garden in his absence. We don't know why, but Senior Brother Zhang Li personally chose you for this task."
Zhao Ping snorted softly. "Zhang Li said she noticed you're working the hardest among all the new disciples. So, brat, don't embarrass her. That garden contains high-grade herbs—if one of them is damaged, you know the consequences." There was a veiled warning in his words. Clearly, this was a task many people desired, but also a daunting one because of the responsibility.
Hun Yan, however, felt a hidden surge of excitement. High-grade herbs? To him, this was a treasure!
"I understand, Senior Brothers. I will do my best and will not disappoint Elder Lin Ming or Senior Brother Zhang Li," Hun Yan promised in a firm tone.
"Good," Zhao Ping said, his tone softening slightly after seeing Hun Yan's sincerity. "Let's go. The Elder's Garden is located in a secluded area behind the main Pavilion. We'll show you the way and help you move your belongings."
Without wasting any time, Hun Yan nodded. He quickly packed his few personal belongings—a spare pair of robes, his gardening tools, and of course, the now-useless scroll of parchment.
He left the Pure Jade Plant plot without regret. That plot was his past as a Mortal.
He walked between the two seniors. The envious gazes of some of the other newly hired disciples could already be felt on his back. Moving to the Elder's garden was a major leap in status.
As he walked, Hun Yan pondered: Why had Zhang Li chosen him? Was it really just hard work? Or could it be that Zhang Li had somehow sensed Hun Yan's unique foundation, the Five Elements spiritual root?
Whatever the reason, Hun Yan knew this was a golden opportunity. A better environment, richer spiritual Qi, and most importantly, access to high-quality herbs!
His steps towards a higher destiny were now accelerating. Elder Lin Ming's garden would become his new cultivation garden.