However, despite the critical role the first two types of medicinal fields play in the development of the Lingyin Sect, their importance pales in comparison to Xiaguang Garden, as pointed out by Steward Wei!
The plants cultivated in these fields cannot be used for alchemy nor for healing; their only purpose lies in their elegant taste and beautiful appearance...
Chen Ye listened to Wei Cheng’s introduction, then looked at this indulgent spectacle served as if it were enjoyed by royalty, and praised:
"Steward Wei indeed has rendered meritorious service, managing Xiaguang Garden so well. The sect elders must surely be pleased."
"I just wonder, how are the medicinal fields supplying the Herb Pavilion and alchemists? Surely, under the diligent care of Steward Wei, the losses must be minimal?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Cheng’s rigid old face showed a trace of embarrassment: "There’s no choice, manpower is indeed limited. But thankfully, with Steward Chen overseeing, these medicinal fields should be safe in the future."
He led Chen Ye around Xiaguang Garden to another area.
The scene before them was a stark contrast to the vitality earlier.
Large swathes of medicinal fields had yellowing leaves, the spiritual qi was withered, and some spirit plants were already completely dead.
Steward Wei cupped his hands and said, "From now on, Lisong Valley is entrusted to Steward Chen! After all, you’re the one in charge, how you manage Lisong Valley is entirely up to you..."
Having said this, he left with a few disciples and swaggered off.
Chen Ye looked at his pretentious demeanor and shook his head repeatedly.
He’s really left him with a mess...
"Master, it’s so rundown here!"
As soon as Wei Cheng left, Qing Jun couldn’t hold back any longer. She looked at the large expanse of yellowing medicinal fields with disdain on her little face, "It’s even more rundown than our old home in Yunxi District! And it’s so smelly!"
Zhiwei walked around a nearby medicinal field, squatted down, picked up a withered spirit grass, and pondered: "Master, the spirit plants here are damaged, not just by natural disasters... I observe that after the cold calamity, in order to ensure Xiaguang Garden’s vitality, Steward Wei and others concentrated Lisong Valley’s earth power towards Xiaguang Garden using arrays, resulting in insufficient earth power here, damaging the spirit plants."
Chen Ye nodded, Zhiwei hit the nail on the head, pinpointing the root of the problem.
This, in fact, is one of the reasons Tian Nong chose him to be in charge of Lisong Valley.
During the Spirit Plant Master’s assessment, the Cloud Rain Technique he demonstrated inherently contained vitality, which is perfect for nourishing earth power.
"Oh well, this is a lucrative position after all. If it weren’t tricky, it wouldn’t have landed on his master’s lap." Chen Ye was rather philosophical.
In the long run, he might be here for six months to a year, so there’s no rush.
"Master, what do we do now?"
Qing Jun tugged at his sleeve, the little girl sighed,
"With such a big medicinal garden, if they don’t help us, when would the three of us be able to finish it?"
Lisong Valley typically has eight outer disciples as assistants, but now it’s clear that all eight disciples follow Steward Wei’s orders, and they might play tricks.
Fortunately, since Tian Nong appointed him as the supervisor of Lisong Valley, and Tian Nong himself has a strained relationship with Steward Wei, he had anticipated these issues early on and proposed that Chen Ye could find other help.
As for their wages, the sect would cover them.
Although Lisong Valley used to be sect territory, barring outsiders, during these extraordinary times, extraordinary measures can naturally be taken.
"Who said there’s only the three of us?"
Chen Ye smiled faintly, squatted down, and patted the shoulders of his two disciples.
"Master has decided to find some helpers in the future, to help us manage this medicinal garden together."
"Helpers?" Qing Jun and Zhiwei were both taken aback.
"Exactly."
Chen Ye nodded and explained slowly,
"Later on, Master can have Granny Li’s family come over, they can keep you company... Although they don’t know the Spirit Plant Technique, handling chores is easy for them. As for spirit plants, we can look for the fruit farmers from Peach Mountain District."
The little girl’s eyes lit up, "Granny Li!! And Yuanyuan! Qing Jun hasn’t seen them in so long!"
The older girl thought for a moment, "But... Master, the situation in Lisong Medicinal Garden is tricky, can these fruit farmers handle it?"
"Why wouldn’t they be able to?"
Chen Ye stood up, looked at the medicinal garden full of potential and the vast expanse of the Three Thousand Great Mountains in the distance,
"Zhiwei... actually the world is a great stage for spirit plants, many seemingly sophisticated things can be done by ordinary people. These fruit farmers, though loose cultivators, rely on the Spirit Plant Technique to feed their families, having practiced it for most of their lives, how could they be inferior to the eight outer disciples? Moreover, you have your master."
"Master handles the difficult issues. As for the others, it’s left to you and them."
Master’s words were very ordinary, not at all profound.
Today was just another ordinary day.
As the sun set in the west, the spirit fields were wilting.
The weather was stuffy, with clothes sticking to moist skin.
Master stood before the spirit fields, gazing at the distant Three Thousand Great Mountains, his steady voice sounding as if it came from another world.
Zhiwei looked up at her master’s imposing silhouette, and a sudden indescribable feeling filled her heart.
It’s like...
As long as Master is here, everything will be okay.
"Alright then, Qing Jun will take care of it all!"
Qing Jun cupped her hands like a megaphone and shouted toward the spirit fields, full of fighting spirit.
Master quickly knocked on Qing Jun’s head, feigning seriousness: "Humph, Qing Jun, secrecy ensures success! We must not let Old Man Wei know!"
Qing Jun froze: "Oh no! Qing Jun won’t let Master’s plan be exposed, right?"
Zhiwei chuckled, her dark eyes filled with gentle laughter.
Every day is so ordinary, yet each ordinary day is extraordinary.