NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24: Buying Spirit Seeds
Greenspire Town was a bustling trading hub for dozens of surrounding villages. Thanks to the abundant Spirit Lands, most Spirit Plant-related products were 10–20 percent cheaper compared to other towns.
With his face covered and exuding the aura of a Level 7 Qi Refining Realm cultivator, Ethan searched for Spirit Seeds.
'For now, I'll buy some Rank 1 and Rank 2 Spirit Seeds and worry about the Spirit Fields later.'
Ethan knew that Merrick would eventually grant him some Spirit Fields to manage. When that time came, beyond the Spirit Seeds provided by the Lin Family, Ethan wanted to secretly cultivate additional Spirit Seeds. For others, managing so many Spirit Plants would be difficult, but for Ethan, who could see their live status, it wouldn't be much trouble.
"Brother, do you have Spirit Grass Seeds?"
Ethan soon found the largest shop in Greenspire, the Starlight Shop, and inquired about Spirit Grass Seeds.
Spirit Grass was the most common Rank 1 Spirit Plant, used in many pills like Qi Refining Pills, Fasting Pills, and more. Additionally, it could be fed to Spirit Beasts, making it perpetually in demand.
"Eight seeds for a Spirit Stone; however, if you buy in bulk, I can offer ten seeds per Spirit Stone," the shopkeeper said after noticing Ethan's Level 7 Qi Refining aura, quoting a fair price.
"Hm… Give me fifteen per Spirit Stone, and I'll buy 150."
Ethan had lived in poverty in his past life and knew how to negotiate.
"Ten Spirit Stones? Sure."
The shopkeeper was pleased to sell so many Spirit Seeds at once and was willing to reduce his profit slightly for the bulk sale.
"Sir, do you need any other seeds?" the shopkeeper asked respectfully after completing Ethan's purchase.
"Let me take a look."
Ethan scanned the selection of seeds on display. The shop carried Rank 1, Rank 2, and even a few rare Rank 3 seeds. However, even the most inferior Rank 3 seed cost hundreds of Spirit Stones—far beyond his current means. Besides, cultivating Rank 3 Spirit Plants was a complex process, even with his ability to monitor their live status.
The store's stock of Rank 3 seeds was limited, with only three varieties available, each stored in jade boxes to preserve their vitality and prevent tampering.
"Huh? What rank are these seeds?"
Ethan's gaze landed on a few jade boxes that lacked labels indicating their rank.
"Sir, these are nameless seeds discovered in a recently opened secret realm near Greenspire Town. Our appraisers were unable to determine their names or ranks."
"To identify them, we'd need to invite a skilled Seed Appraiser, which is quite expensive," the shopkeeper explained before continuing, "so we set a flat price of ten Spirit Stones per seed."
"A flat price of ten Spirit Stones?"
Ethan raised his eyebrows. With that amount, he could purchase decent Rank 2 Spirit Seeds. If these unknown seeds turned out to be ordinary Rank 2 seeds, the buyer would be at a loss—unless they were special.
'Wait a second… my special talent!'
Ethan suddenly remembered his ability and felt a surge of excitement. However, he kept his expression neutral and asked the shopkeeper, "Can I examine them closely?"
To activate his talent, Ethan needed to physically touch the seeds. Seeking permission first was the proper course of action.
"Of course, sir, but please be careful."
Ethan wasn't the first to show interest in these unknown seeds. Many cultivators had touched them, attempting to sense their rank. Even the shop's appraisers had failed to determine their quality—so how could ordinary customers?
The shopkeeper had no reason to prevent Ethan from checking them.
[Essence of Bountiful Harvesting]
[Item Name: Mutated Ironleaf Grass Seed]
[Grade: Rank 1]
'Ironleaf Grass is a Gradeless Spirit Plant like Silverstem Flower, but it mutated into a Rank 1 Spirit Plant.'
A Mutated Ironleaf Grass Seed was valuable, but at most, it was worth a single Spirit Stone—not ten.
'Next.'
Ethan picked up the second seed, and its information soon appeared before him.
[Essence of Bountiful Harvesting]
[Item Name: Thunderleaf Seed]
[Grade: Rank 2 (Special)]
'Huh? A Special Rank 2 Spirit Seed?'
Ethan only had knowledge of common Gradeless Spirit Plants grown by his parents, so he had never heard of a Thunderleaf Seed. However, seeing its grade, he immediately knew it was worth far more than ten Spirit Stones.
'I should buy this one.'
He silently made a decision while continuing to examine the remaining seeds, hoping to find another Special Rank 2 Spirit Seed.
[Essence of Bountiful Harvesting]
[Item Name: Mistvine Seed]
[Grade: Rank 1]
[Essence of Bountiful Harvesting]
[Item Name: Moonshade Flower Seed]
[Grade: Rank 2]
'A Rank 2 Spirit Seed?'
Ethan's eyes lit up at finding another Rank 2 Spirit Seed, but he wasn't certain if it was worth more than ten Spirit Stones.
'Right!'
He suddenly thought of a way to determine the value of the Moonshade Flower Seed.
'Let's check the last one.'
Before that, he wanted to see what the final unknown seed was. The moment its information appeared, Ethan's hands trembled slightly.
'T-this…'