You Cultivate, I Farm

Lu Xuan left the Agriculture Hall, surveying the surroundings before approaching a group of spirit cranes.

These cranes, elegant and graceful in stature, soared occasionally at incredible speeds. They were specifically bred by the Sky Sword Sect to transport outer disciples, requiring only a spirit stone and the destination's address to swiftly ferry cultivators, making travel incredibly convenient.

As Lu Xuan took out a spirit stone, ten cranes gathered around him eagerly, their eyes fixed on the stone. However, well-trained, they didn't compete or clamor for it.

"Even these ethereal cranes succumb before spirit stones," Lu Xuan mused, observing the cranes. He selected one of the larger ones, placing the stone into a small bamboo tube tied to its foot, then mounted it.

"To the Scripture Repository."

The crane emitted a crisp call, spread its wings, and shot into the sky, swiftly navigating through the clouds.

In less than a moment, it halted before a towering structure.

This seven-tiered building decreased in size from bottom to top. A prominent plaque at its center bore the characters 'Scripture Repository' in a flamboyant manner.

Lu Xuan entered the first level, where a simple prohibition lay at the entrance. He presented his identity plaque, causing a door just large enough for one person to pass through to materialize within the prohibition.

Successfully passing through, Lu Xuan found the interior hollow with two winding stone staircases spiraling upwards. The walls housed numerous books, scrolls, and jade slips. Each level was fortified with different prohibitions, and at the top, a radiant galaxy spun slowly, countless dots moving in a peculiar pattern.

In the center of the first level, an elderly man with graying hair but youthful features dozed off, eyes shut in repose.

Lu Xuan scanned him with his spiritual sense, recognizing the elder's high-level cultivation.

He contemplated addressing the man as senior disciple but hesitated. The multitude of legends surrounding this repository—the librarians from his past life, the various grandfathers concealed within similar repositories in s—made him cautious.

"Friend?" He eventually chose a universal address, his tone respectful.

"Hmm?" The elderly man woke, rubbing his eyes upon seeing Lu Xuan beside him.

"My apologies for dozing off in the Scripture Repository. It gets dull sometimes," the elder said.

"Don't feel obliged to keep a formal distance, I'm considerably older than you. 'Senior brother' will do," he chuckled. "Don't let your thoughts wander. Many newcomers speculate about my true strength, believing I'm more than I appear. It's just a routine duty, with few challenges despite the scarcity of sword seals. The peace is its advantage."

"I'm just an ordinary cultivator, assigned to tend to this Scripture Repository," he clarified.

Lu Xuan listened attentively, concealing his perplexity. He had always presented himself as an ordinary spirit plant cultivator.

Tucking away his doubts, he spoke to the elder, "Senior brother, I'm here to select a cultivation technique and two methods. Here's my identity plaque; please verify."

The elder took Lu Xuan's plaque, examining it in a manner that unveiled the truth of Lu Xuan's words.

"Newcomers indeed have the right to choose techniques. If you seek guidance on what suits you or fits your needs, ask me," the elder offered. "While high-tier techniques won't be available, there are decent options for Qi refinement. Choosing wisely could establish a strong foundation for your future cultivation."

"For more techniques later, it'll cost sword seals."

"Can sword seals be exchanged for refining spirit plants?" Lu Xuan queried.

"Indeed. Within this repository, methods even exist to refine fifth or sixth-grade spirit plants, provided you have enough seals."

The elder grinned knowingly, handing Lu Xuan a book detailing specific techniques and methods available to him.

Lu Xuan perused the contents, contemplating his choices. Eventually, he settled on a technique called 'The Five Elemental Technique.'

Adaptable to various spiritual environments, it subtly enhanced the practice speed of elemental techniques and could be cultivated up to the Nascent Soul realm. However, its drawback lay in its relatively slow cultivation pace.

He chose it primarily for its ability to aid in cultivating elemental techniques crucial in nurturing spirit plants. Additionally, its balanced spiritual energy allowed flexibility to switch to other techniques in the future, aligning with potential rewards for proficiency in techniques.

As for methods, he possessed the high-tier 'Golden Sword Technique,' the second-tier 'Blood Ignition Arrow,' and the third-tier 'Thunder Sword Pill,' making him exceptional in offensive capabilities among high-tier Qi cultivators.

For defense, he owned the first-tier 'Wooden Wall Technique' and the second-tier 'Crimson Scale Armor.'

He selected a second-tier technique called 'Cloud-Soaring Skill' among several agility techniques, attracted by its minimal spiritual energy consumption and reliance on one's physical strength and footwork, which complemented his 'Concealing Spirit Robe.'

While in stealth, his spiritual energy depleted rapidly. Thus, choosing an agility technique with low energy consumption was crucial to avoid exposing himself.

Lastly, he opted for a second-tier body-refining method named 'Brutal Elephant Force,' which, upon mastery, bolstered his physique and defensive capabilities.

"Senior brother, I've chosen 'The Five Elemental Technique,' 'Cloud-Soaring Technique,' and 'Brutal Elephant Force.' The technique only provides the first two levels; I'll return for subsequent levels upon reaching the Foundation Establishment stage."

The elder advised him, "Once you've absorbed the knowledge from these jade slips, they'll self-destruct. Be mindful of that."

Lu Xuan nodded, acknowledging the instruction.

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