Chapter 22: Preaching Painting

Cultivation spells target specific plants, and different plants grant varying amounts of proficiency. To increase proficiency in the 'Vigorous Growth' spell, it's best to practice on a plant with a short growth cycle.

The plant Zhao Xing saw now was called Toothed Grass.

“Under natural conditions, Toothed Grass can mature from a seedling to flowering and fruiting in less than a month. It's typically used to feed cattle and sheep, but it's rare in the southern regions. Old Master Si Nong's courtyard truly is a treasure trove.”

Zhao Xing immediately ran to the Toothed Grass.

He projected his vital energy, enveloping the Toothed Grass. The 'Vigorous Growth' spell shimmered faintly.

Immediately afterward, the Toothed Grass grew at a visible rate.

You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothed Grass. The plant transitioned from seedling to growth phase. Spell proficiency +50.You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothed Grass. The plant transitioned from growth to mature phase. Spell proficiency +150....

His vital energy rapidly depleted, but the 'Vigorous Growth' proficiency soared. Early-stage spells, being lower rank, can advance quickly if the right practice target is chosen. Of course, this also depends on one's innate talent and comprehension. Zhao Xing wouldn't have gained so much proficiency before taking the Dao Embryo Pill.

“Using the Five Elements Observation technique can make this Toothed Grass grow even faster.” During the casting process, Zhao Xing vaguely gained an insight.

The Toothed Grass before him appeared semi-transparent, its internal roots and veins clearly visible. Knowing where to direct his vital energy to make the Toothed Grass grow faster and smoother... that was the purpose of the Five Elements Observation technique!

With 'Five Elements Observation,' it was like prescribing the right medicine. The 'Vigorous Growth' spell became more effective, significantly boosting cultivation efficiency.

You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothed Grass. The plant transitioned from seedling to growth phase. Spell proficiency +50.You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothed Grass. The plant transitioned from growth to mature phase. Spell proficiency +150....

A sense of emptiness washed over him, and Zhao Xing stopped casting as his vital energy had been depleted. The plot of land before him was completely covered with Toothed Grass, even spilling over into the adjacent areas.

“Gulp, gulp~”

Zhao Xing drew some well water and drank several large gulps, easing his fatigue. He sat by the well, feeling quite satisfied.

Vigorous Growth: Basic SpellProgress: (3210/9999)Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption, shortens plant maturation time.

“'Vigorous Growth' has reached Third Revolution. It's only mid-morning, and it's already climbed two ranks.”

“Let's try this old locust tree.”

Zhao Xing pointed, and a golden light spiraled three times in the air before sinking into the old locust tree. The old locust tree didn't even tremble, indicating that his meager magic power was insufficient. The system panel showed no reaction.

“The old locust tree's roots are deep-seated. While Five Elements Observation can reveal its annual rings and veins, it's like a wall of bronze and iron. My current vital energy is simply not enough to help it break through its growth restrictions.”

Cultivation is inherently a gradual process, so Zhao Xing wasn't surprised.

“I'll stick to cultivating Toothed Grass for now. My small goal is to get 'Vigorous Growth' to Ninth Revolution before the Autumn Equinox minor examination!”

***

Time flowed by, and soon it was the day before the Autumn Equinox minor examination. For these six days, Zhao Xing did nothing but constantly work with the Toothed Grass. He planted, then uprooted, then planted again. When the soil lost its vitality, he moved to a new spot. He even utilized the nighttime hours.

Vigorous Growth: Basic SpellProgress: (9010/9999)Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption, shortens plant maturation time.

“Finally, Ninth Revolution.”

A wave of relief washed over Zhao Xing, and as the joy receded, profound fatigue set in. Ignoring everything else, he found a bamboo mat in the backyard annex and immediately fell asleep.

Xue Wenzhong arrived in the backyard, observing the piles of weeds covering the ground and the soundly sleeping Zhao Xing. He nodded slightly. Then, with a gesture, a gentle breeze swirled around Zhao Xing. Though the movement was subtle, its power was considerable, lifting Zhao Xing directly into the air. Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Xing was carried by Xue Wenzhong into his own bedroom.

When he awoke again, Zhao Xing felt an unprecedented sense of refreshment. It was as if a gentle breeze had been blowing over him while he slept. Despite it being the height of summer, he felt as if he were sleeping in spring.

“Ooh~” Zhao Xing stretched, then realized something was off. *Hadn't he been sleeping outside? How did he end up in a bed?*

“It seems Teacher carried me in, but my clothes are still covered in dirt…”

Looking at the bamboo mat he had soiled, Zhao Xing wanted to find something to wipe it clean. He looked up and saw a painting hanging on the wall. Instantly, Zhao Xing's gaze was fixated. The scroll emitted a faint glow, as if enchanted. He unconsciously walked toward the painting, feeling as though his entire soul was being drawn into it.

In the painting, clouds parted, and green life emerged from the earth. Countless plants sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain. The vital energy, intangible in reality, seemed to take on form and become clearly visible within this depicted world. From beneath the ground came unique frequencies, like a rhythmic breathing.

“Is that… an Earth Vein?” Zhao Xing had an epiphany.

Life and vital energy converged at this moment, the yin and yang of heaven and earth's vital energy merging. Plants appeared distinctly before him, from seedling to maturity, flowering and bearing fruit…

“Buzz~”

After an unknown period, Zhao Xing emerged from the illusion. The painting before him was still just a painting, devoid of its miraculous appearance.

“So this is a 'Myriad Growth Scroll,' a classic work of our school,” Zhao Xing immediately realized. “But the artistic conception is too profound. How high-grade must this replica be?”

He checked his system panel, and indeed, there was a record:

You discovered 'Myriad Growth Scroll Replica' (Tier 4, Low-Grade).This treasure is a teaching artifact. Remaining uses: 1.You observed 'Myriad Growth Scroll Replica' (Tier 4, Low-Grade). 'Vigorous Growth' has reached max level.You comprehended the Intermediate Spell 'Savage Growth'.You comprehended the Basic Spell 'Earth Vein Synthesis'.

“Whoosh~”

The painting hanging on the wall suddenly burst into flames, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

“Huh?” Zhao Xing quickly reached out, but it was too fast; it had burned to ashes in barely a second.

“The teaching artifact had only one use remaining, and I used it,” Zhao Xing thought, feeling a little unnerved. A Tier 4 treasure was no common item, especially a rare 'teaching artifact.' How was he going to explain this to Old Master Si Nong?

As he pondered, Old Master Si Nong's voice came from outside: “It's getting late. The food is ready. Eat before you leave.”

“Yes, Teacher,” Zhao Xing replied nervously as he went to the dining table. Facing Xue Wenzhong, he sheepishly said, “Teacher, when I woke up just now, I accidentally saw a painting in your study, and then it spontaneously combusted.”

“A painting? What painting?” Xue Wenzhong narrowed his eyes, glanced at Zhao Xing, and said, “I don't know what you're talking about. Eat your food.”