"First, it needs to have sufficient destructive power. Second, the range of damage must be controllable."
Because of his humble origins and his cultivation level being only at the Qi Cultivation Second Layer, he had so far only mastered two low-tier spells.
One was the Spirit Rain Technique, mainly used to cultivate spirit plants, while the other was the Fireball Technique, used for self-defense.
However, he was far from proficient in either of these spells, unable to refine or skillfully control them.
Moreover, neither spell seemed suitable for dealing with the Black Bud Worm larvae in a targeted manner.
In its initial stage, the Spirit Rain Technique could only serve to nourish spirit plants. Lu Xuan estimated that if he unleashed the spell, the Black Bud Worm larvae wouldn't be harmed in the slightest; instead, they might become even more excited…
As for the Fireball Technique, while its destructive power was adequate, a single fireball would spell mutual destruction for both the Spirit Firefly Grass and the Black Bud Worm larvae.
"Looks like I'll still have to seek help in the market, spending money to resolve this disaster."
"At least I can address the issue directly. Saving wherever possible is the only option."
Lu Xuan gently patted the thin cloth pouch hanging at his waist, letting out a wistful sigh.
…
"Little Brother Lu, are you home?"
Amidst the sound of knocking at the door, a loud voice came from outside the courtyard.
Soon after, a gray-black grass rope slithered its way over from a corner of the courtyard, lightly tapping Lu Xuan's knee.
It was the Grass Puppet that resided in the courtyard. Sensing someone nearing the spirit field's boundary, it came to alert Lu Xuan.
"They've been standing outside for a while, even greeting me, and only now you're warning me? If someone had malicious intentions, you wouldn't even realize until the house was looted."
Looking at the retreating gray-black grass rope, Lu Xuan couldn't help but press his fingers to his forehead.
The voice outside sounded familiar. It belonged to one of the few cultivators Lu Xuan had become acquainted with after arriving here.
"Coming, Brother Zhang!"
He replied, heading to the courtyard gate and opening the door.
A tall and burly cultivator with a kind face walked in.
The visitor was named Zhang Hong, a Third Layer of Qi Cultivation practitioner. He lived next door to Lu Xuan, had a Dao companion at the Qi Cultivation Second Layer, and a six-to-seven-year-old child. Zhang Hong had given Lu Xuan plenty of guidance when he first came here, sparing him from taking many wrong turns.
"Brother Zhang, come inside and have a cup of hot tea."
Lu Xuan led Zhang Hong into the house.
As Zhang Hong turned to look at the thriving Spirit Firefly Grass and Moon Erosion Tree along the bluestone path, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Little Brother Lu, you've cared for these two spirit plants exceptionally well. Looks like there might be a nice harvest in a while."
"It's nothing special, not comparable to the ones in your spirit field, Brother Zhang."
After Zhang Hong took a seat, Lu Xuan brewed him a cup of hot tea.
Two or three tender green tea leaves floated and swirled in the teacup without pause.
Zhang Hong didn't mind at all. Knowing Lu Xuan's cultivation level and modest household, a cup of tea containing spiritual leaves was already quite hospitable.
"As expected of Clear Rain Tea. Drinking it feels like a gentle drizzle refreshing one's heart. I can only enjoy such a fine cup at your place, Little Brother Lu."
"At home, your sister-in-law allows nothing indulgent, it's so dull."
Enjoying the effect brought by the spiritual tea, Zhang Hong closed his eyes in appreciation, shook his head, and smacked his thigh at the thought of his stifled days at home.
"There's no helping it. Sister-in-law has to prepare for Little Yuan's future. Naturally, she has to economize wherever possible."
"That's true."
Zhang Hong sighed heavily.
"Sometimes, I can't help but envy you, Little Brother Lu. Alone, free from the burden of supporting a household."
"You can live however you want, without arguing over trivialities like food or expenses, nor worrying whether a child will grow up healthy or decide on the appropriate cultivation technique, or whether they'll make it into a decent sect."
"Such freedom!"
"If you really ended up like me, Brother Zhang, you'd probably start missing the comforts of a wife, child, and a warm house to come home to."
Lu Xuan smiled as he spoke.
"You rascal, so young yet already so insightful."
Zhang Hong chuckled and casually shifted the topic.
"I came by today to share some news with you."
"I've heard from another source that the Wang Family, a prominent household in the market, recently stumbled upon information regarding a new secret realm. However, the realm is located deep in the wilderness. In a short while, they'll be recruiting hundreds or even thousands of cultivators above the Qi Cultivation Second Layer to explore and develop the realm."
"See if you're interested. If so, you can start preparing early."
"Developing a secret realm?" Lu Xuan murmured, falling into thought.
"I plan to go and take a look this time. A new secret realm means considerable rewards, though with notable risks. Staying in the market just growing spirit plants barely covers household expenses."
"As for you, Little Brother Lu, I'd personally suggest you also go check it out. With Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Wang Family leading the way, those high-level demon beasts and monsters shouldn't cross paths with us."
"What's more, you're still young. Being a Spirit Plant Master is steady work, but the resources gained are limited, and it's hard to raise your cultivation level quickly. Over time, you might lose the spirit of striving for further breakthroughs."
Watching Lu Xuan lower his head in contemplation, Zhang Hong offered his suggestion.
Lu Xuan nodded slightly. Indeed, Zhang Hong's words made sense. Exploring a secret realm came with risks, but they were within a controllable range. A newly discovered secret realm often signaled enormous returns. Even a small share of the leftovers could take a long time to fully consume.
*Previously, he might've entertained the idea.*
*But now, with the appearance of the White Light Group, that slim possibility vanished entirely.*
*Venturing out was all for obtaining cultivation resources to exchange for elixirs, techniques, and magic artifacts. Yet, cultivating spirit plants at home could achieve all this!*
*It was safer, more profitable—farming was bliss!*
He feigned pondering for a while, wearing a conflicted expression. Finally, he lifted his head with an apologetic look toward Zhang Hong and said,
"Brother Zhang, I appreciate your kind intentions. But I've always been cautious and risk-averse. With my low cultivation level and lack of proficient spells, heading out may very well be a one-way trip."
"So, I'd rather stay home, tending to my small spirit field and quietly cultivating spirit plants."
"As for the future, well, we'll just see how things go."
Zhang Hong saw that Lu Xuan had made up his mind and couldn't help but sigh.
"Your thinking isn't wrong. Developing a secret realm carries risks, albeit minimal ones. Yet even a slight mishap can claim lives among practitioners like us in the Qi Cultivation stage."
"Still, I must take a chance. Little Yuan can't follow my path, stuck practicing an obscure technique."
The two fell into a moment of silence. After sitting for a while, Zhang Hong rose to leave, reminding Lu Xuan to look out for his little one from time to time.
Lu Xuan nodded in agreement, watching as Zhang Hong departed before closing the courtyard gate.
*With the White Light Group now present, I must avoid placing myself in precarious situations in the future.*
*If I'm not ninety percent certain… No, having ninety percent certainty is akin to having none. Without absolute confidence, I mustn't venture out lightly.*
As Lu Xuan gazed at the Spirit Firefly Grass and Moon Erosion Fruits by the bluestone path, he felt a newfound sense of confidence.