The Eternal Farmer: I Trade My Harvest for Immortality Chapter 14

Jiang Chen had originally planned to use the remaining Spirit Rice to brew [Spirit Wine]. He never expected his plans to be ruined by these [Winter Awakening Insects].

He had already given Jin Fugui twenty jin of Spirit Rice earlier. Combined with what he had consumed himself during this period, only sixty jin remained. Now, he had to give away fifty jin in one go, even if it was only [Tier-1 Spirit Rice].

This was a significant loss for him. After all, the Spirit Rice paddies wouldn't be ready for harvest for at least another month.

Staring at the dense swarm of yellowish-brown insects before him, Jiang Chen didn't even have the heart to cultivate. He just stood there, watching helplessly.

Right then, the spirit talisman in his hand suddenly vibrated. A faint layer of light immediately shimmered across its surface. The [Core Management Office] he had visited in the morning had posted a task.

He hadn't expected someone to accept the pest extermination task by noon.

He wondered what kind of spiritual root they possessed. If it was a Water spiritual root, they could both kill the pests and nourish the Spirit Rice paddies.

As time passed into the afternoon, the spirit talisman flashed with increasing frequency. This meant the person who accepted the pest extermination task must be getting closer.

Jiang Chen hurriedly went to the edge of the paddy field and waited patiently.

Before long, a lean man gradually approached.

The other party held a spirit talisman that kept flashing intermittently. Clearly, this was the person who had accepted the pest extermination task.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and looked toward the other's chest. Instead, it was an inverted golden sword.

This meant the newcomer was not a Water spiritual root disciple, but a Metal spiritual root disciple.

The Metal spiritual root governs slaughter and combat. Even in the early stages of [Qi Condensation], they possess considerable fighting prowess.

As soon as this person approached, Jiang Chen felt a prickling sensation on his back, very uncomfortable. There was no helping it; the Wood spiritual root is suppressed by Metal and Fire spiritual roots, instinctively causing a repulsive reaction.

Sun Jin looked him up and down and asked, "Are you Fellow Daoist Jiang, who posted the pest extermination task?" He shook the constantly flashing spirit talisman in his hand and quipped, "Your place is really remote."

"I prefer peace and quiet," Jiang Chen explained with a smile.

Sun Jin continued, "Before I start killing the pests, take out the Spirit Rice and let me have a look first."

"Why?" Jiang Chen's smile faded, replaced by a puzzled expression.

Sun Jin said with a bitter laugh, "I've been stiffed on payment many times already, so I'm a bit... wary."

Jiang Chen didn't hesitate. He immediately took out the Spirit Rice from his small storage pouch.

Only after confirming it was correct did Sun Jin relax, a friendly smile appearing on his face. "My name is [Sun Jin]. I'm a Metal spiritual root disciple from [Fire Peak]."

Jiang Chen asked with slight surprise, "The [Fire Peak] that forges spirit tools and magic artifacts?"

Jiang Chen couldn't help but say, "Aren't you guys usually quite busy?"

"I'm just an apprentice," Sun Jin said, spreading his hands and shrugging.

Jiang Chen blinked. "Then can I buy spirit tools from you?"

Ever since he started cultivating on the [Tier-2 Spirit Farm], he found ordinary farming tools were no longer sufficient. If it weren't for lacking [Spirit Rice] and [Spirit Stones], he would have wanted to buy a set of spirit tools long ago.

"I'm not qualified to sell them, but I can introduce you to someone," Sun Jin waved his hand dismissively.

"We'll talk about it later then," Jiang Chen said, deciding not to waste any more time.

With a flick of his wrist, a white sphere flew out from his sleeve.

Spiritual power from within his body continuously poured into it.

Immediately, Jiang Chen saw this sphere light up, emitting a white halo.

At the same time, a sharp, piercing intent began to permeate the air.

Sun Jin seized the moment and flung it forcefully toward the [Spirit Farm] ahead.

Whoosh! The white sphere whirled through the air. It released faint threads of white-gold energy in a scattering pattern. A continuous series of "pfft" sounds followed wherever it passed.

Jiang Chen was shocked to discover that all the yellowish-brown [Winter Awakening Insects] on the Spirit Rice had been sliced apart. They died in large batches one after another, without even a chance to struggle.

In no time at all, one-third of the area was cleared. Yet the Spirit Rice plants showed not a single scratch; they were all completely intact.

This showed that Sun Jin's control was exceptionally strong.

"What is that thing?" Jiang Chen stared wide-eyed.

Sun Jin's voice rang out, "This is called a [Sword Pill]."

"Sword Pill?" Jiang Chen looked at him inquiringly.

Sun Jin immediately explained, "All us formal disciples who awaken Metal spiritual roots receive an Iron [Sword Pill]. We have to nourish it daily with our own spiritual power. If I didn't come out to earn some extra income, I'd damn well not be able to afford raising it."

Jiang Chen suddenly understood.

It seemed different spiritual roots came with different troubles. Although Wood spiritual roots weren't suited for combat, at least their resource needs were manageable. With this comparison in mind, he instantly felt much better.

Back and forth like this, evening arrived before they knew it.

Sun Jin had nearly exhausted all his spiritual power before finally clearing all the insects from the [Spirit Farm].

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Sun," Jiang Chen quickly clasped his hands in gratitude.

Sun Jin handed over a spirit talisman and said, "Don't mention it. If you need help next time, just use this communication talisman to find me directly."

"I'm off." Sun Jin placed fifty jin of [Tier-1 Spirit Rice] into his small storage pouch and then turned to leave.

Jiang Chen watched as the other man gradually disappeared into the distance. Then he turned his gaze back to his own [Tier-2 Spirit Farm].

Actually, dealing with these insects wasn't difficult at all. If he himself possessed a Metal or Water spiritual root, he wouldn't even need outsiders for help, let alone consume so much [Spirit Rice].

At this moment, his desire for other spiritual roots grew even stronger.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang!" Suddenly, a call came from afar.

"Fellow Daoist Sun... Huh?" Jiang Chen initially thought Sun Jin had returned but realized it wasn't him.

It was an acquaintance, someone who became a formal disciple alongside him.

The other party ran over panting heavily, sweat covering his face.

Lin An complained, "Fellow Daoist Jiang! You really made me search high and low!"

Jiang Chen looked at him with surprise. "Were you looking for me for something?"

Lin An was about to explain when he became captivated by the Spirit Rice before him.

The entire [Tier-2 Spirit Farm] was lushly filled with it—a scene of prosperity. These Spirit Rice plants were exceptionally robust; each grain on their panicles was plump and full, clearly indicating not only high quality but also likely high yield as well.

Jiang Chen prompted, "What did you need me for?"

"Right." Lin An snapped back to attention and said, "Tomorrow there's a Senior Brother at [Foundation Establishment] stage who needs help harvesting spirit plants. I've already notified Zhao Ziyao. Do you want to join?"

Spirit plants cultivated by [Foundation Establishment] disciples were definitely extraordinary, and might bring him unexpected gains beyond imagination.

Lin An continued, "It's not free labor; there's compensation—ten jin of [Tier-2 Spirit Rice] afterward."

Jiang Chen couldn't help but ask further, "How many days' work?"

Lin An thought for a moment. "One mu of [Tier-2 Spirit Farm] per person; should be done in one day probably."

"I'll take it." Jiang Chen agreed while chuckling, "Not because of the ten jin of [Tier-2 Spirit Rice] compensation, though—it's seeing you come all this way looking for me; I can't let your effort go unrewarded."

"Hahaha!" Lin An immediately felt much better emotionally; he couldn't help laughing out loud heartily.

"Don't leave now either; let's go together tomorrow then." Seeing daylight fading fast, Lin An pulled his friend along toward his own wooden hut.

This friendship wasn't made in vain after all, Lin An thought, feeling somewhat moved inside.