Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Xiguang Seed Nurturing Technique, Calming the Sword Vein Bamboo Shoot
"Actually, it was quite a coincidence."
"This person is a Sword Cultivator from the south. In his sect, they have a habit of using their Essence Blood to nurture Sword Embryos during the Foundation Establishment Stage, allowing them to achieve Man and Sword Unity during the Golden Core tribulation crossing."
"I initially diagnosed that the Sword Bamboo within him was resisting Spiritual Power."
"This situation is extremely rare. Presumably, he encountered this issue during his travels and came to seek our help in resolving it."
"I do have a magic that should be appropriate for the diagnosis, but it’s somewhat difficult."
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine wasn’t troubled because this magic couldn’t be passed on.
After all, this Li Ye was definitely going to join their sect. Not only had he received treasures from a Nascent Soul cultivator, but it was also predetermined that its master would accept him as a disciple.
Rules are made by people, and apart from some extremely strict old rules—such as the requirements of the Temple of All Gods—the rest of the rules can be bent for a Nascent Soul cultivator.
The only trouble is that the magic requires a high level of Divine Sense because it involves soothing and coordinating the relationship between the Spirit Plant and its owner.
No matter, it will serve as a test for Li Ye, and at worst, it’ll just waste a Dharma Transmission Jade Scroll.
It explained everything clearly first and then said, "Think it over. If you’re unwilling, I’ll let him try his luck with the sect and have someone else diagnose him."
Li Ye furrowed his brows.
A Sword Cultivator—the kind of cultivator with whom establishing a good relationship would be worthwhile. He needed to expand his network, just like an Alchemist has extremely complex relationships, and it’s the same for a Spirit Plant Master.
These connections would be a great asset. If he ever needed to travel, having more friends would open more paths.
"In the elder’s opinion, how much chance does the junior have to learn this magic?"
Under the subtle "gaze" of the Spiritual Mechanism Vine, Li Ye changed his form of address.
The former nodded with satisfaction: "You should learn it. Even if you can’t succeed, if you can temporarily soothe the spirituality of the Sword Bamboo, it’s enough for him to seek help from the sect."
"Moreover, he is only at Foundation Establishment, and certainly can’t find a Golden Core to help him. He can only find a Foundation Establishment to assist him."
Just go boldly; with the sect backing you, why worry about such trivial matters?"
It took a Jade Scroll from under the counter.
"Learn it quickly. I will have the Sword Cultivator sent to a quiet room upstairs."
Learning on the spot.
Li Ye placed the Jade Scroll on his forehead, and the knowledge flowed into his mind like water.
He had expected it to be something related to Divine Sense, but it unexpectedly involved melody as well.
"Xiguang Seed Nurturing Technique."
His face showed a bitter smile: "Uncle, can I really learn this quickly? It seems extremely complicated."
In simple terms, this magic involved condensing one’s Divine Sense into the form of a "Xiguang Bell," mimicking the warmth of sunlight with its chime.
The chime would stabilize Spirit Seeds in their budding phase, helping cultivators establish a connection with them.
It seemed very much like a kind of "Spiritual Comforter," no wonder that Sword Cultivator had sought help here—it was indeed treating the problem correctly.
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine replied:
"All things grow as the sun and moon rise."
"This magic is different for every cultivator to learn, despite everyone having experienced sunshine. Leisurely basking under it, our insights still differ."
"It’s not difficult to coalesce the Xiguang Bell following the Jade Scroll instructions, but the chime of the Xiguang Bell depends entirely on the cultivator’s Mental Cultivation."
"Thus, this magic doesn’t have high requirements for Cultivation."
Li Ye contemplates these words. Recently, the magic he’s encountered from the Four Seasons Sect seems to center around Mental Cultivation—like the Scattering Beans into Soldiers technique earlier, now this Xiguang Seed Nurturing Technique too.
Considering the Spiritual Mechanism Vine’s earlier advice about not rushing to learn too much magic.
Could it be that the Four Seasons Sect values the training of Divine Sense and Mental Cultivation more? Is it also a trial for him?
"I am willing to try, Uncle."
He picked up the Jade Scroll again, studying it intently.
The more he read, the more he understood, as if the information and words actively flowed into his mind, like a capstone, quickly comprehending its meaning.
The seconds ticked away.
Li Ye’s expression changed continuously, from confusion to bewilderment, to sweating profusely—despite having the Dharma Transmission Jade Scroll, learning this magic was quite challenging.
If not for his strong Divine Sense and the sensitivity to sunlight instilled by Spirit Plants and Spirit Beasts, it would have been difficult.
But fortunately, he succeeded.
As a slight ripple appeared in his Divine Sense.
"Crack."
The Jade Scroll shattered completely.
Li Ye, unaware, continued to channel his Divine Sense and Spiritual Power.
The ripples illuminated with brightness unique to Divine Sense, slowly forming a white bell. It radiated warm, gentle light, accompanied by a harmonious chime.
In Li Ye’s heart, sunlight had a special significance—a bond forged through panels, Cultivation Techniques, and interactions with Spirit Plants and Spirit Beasts. Occasionally, he even sensed their enjoyment of bathing in sunlight.
Warm, gentle, and full of vitality, like soaking in warm water...
The nearby Spiritual Mechanism Vine certainly sensed Li Ye’s chime.
It was curious; most Xiguang Bells gathered were gold, red, or orange, so why was Li Ye’s virtually white?
It didn’t understand, but since Li Ye had been able to condense a Xiguang Bell, it unhesitatingly extended a vine to lightly touch Li Ye’s forehead.
The slightly cool touch startled Li Ye from his trance.
"Uncle?" Li Ye asked in confusion.
"Check your Divine Sense; you will need to assist the Sword Cultivator for casting the spell shortly; don’t waste time here. Having just learned, your insights are deepest now, so go ahead!"
With its words, Li Ye felt himself being propelled upward on his chair.
The ceiling above quickly transformed into a hole, transporting him into a quiet room.
The entire process spanned less than two breaths; one moment with the Spiritual Mechanism Vine, the next facing the black-clothed Sword Cultivator.
The latter sat cross-legged, a sword resting across his knees.
"You are indeed a Spirit Plant Master,"
He opened his eyes, speaking in an unusually calm tone: "I can feel the Sword Bamboo sprout repelling me. I rely on you to cast the spell. If it succeeds, I will offer you a great reward!"
With that, he opened his left hand to Li Ye.
In his palm lay a tender green bamboo shoot, seemingly rooted in his flesh.
[Name]: Sword Vein Bamboo Shoot
[Mood]: Displeased, Irritated
[Status]: About to detach, will wither from lack of blood nourishment.
Li Ye easily sensed the aversion emanating from the Sword Vein Bamboo Shoot, as if it wanted to crash into something to end itself.
What had this black-clothed Sword Cultivator done to make the Sword Vein Bamboo Shoot detest him so? Or was that the shoot’s inherent nature?
Li Ye pondered, and then said, "I will do my utmost to soothe this Spirit Plant, though outcomes are uncertain, but I’ll do my best."
"That’s fine. Regardless of the outcome, I will repay you," the Sword Cultivator said, his face slightly pale.
Seeing the situation, Li Ye hesitated no longer. He closed his eyes and, channeling his Divine Sense and Spiritual Power, began his attempt to pacify the agitated shoot.
The silvery chimes gradually emerged.
The ripples, carrying a soothing chime, slowly gathered, emanating a warm and gentle light, seemingly emitting a gentle ringing sound.
—— In Li Ye’s heart, sunshine held a unique, cherished spot. Through communion with the Spirit Plants and Spirit Beasts, he occasionally felt their enchanting enjoyment of the sun.
Warm, gentle, full of vitality, as if soaking in warm water...
The nearby Spiritual Mechanism Vine sensed Li Ye’s bell.
It was perplexed. Most people’s Xiguang Bells were golden, red, or orange-red. Why was Li Ye’s nearly white?
It couldn’t comprehend, but Li Ye had indeed managed to condense the Xiguang Bell, so without hesitation, it reached out to help stabilize the connection.
"Look at your Divine Sense. Soon, you’ll use it to pacify his Sword Bamboo and help form a connection, don’t worry about my words," it instructed.
At its word, Li Ye felt his seat suddenly spring him into action.
Before he knew it, he was face to face with the black-cloaked Sword Cultivator.
The entire transition took less than two breaths; once by the Spiritual Mechanism Vine, now by the black-clothed Sword Cultivator.
"As expected, you are indeed a Spirit Plant Master."
The Sword Cultivator opened his eyes, speaking with an eerily calm tone: "I can feel the Bamboo Sword shoot’s resistance diminishing. I’ll do my best to help it thrive with my Essence Blood."
He held out his left hand to Li Ye.
In his palm was a sprouting green bamboo shoot, looking as if desperate to thrust itself out.
Li Ye could readily sense the animosity the sprout emitted, as if wishing to crash and end it all.
Despite pondering these thoughts, he said aloud, "I’ll endeavor to help you comfort this Spirit Plant sprout, Dao You."
"I will do my best..."
An ashen-faced Sword Cultivator opened his eyes and nodded.
Faced with this, Li Ye lost no more time in hesitation. He closed his eyes and channeled his Divine Sense and Spiritual Power.
The white bell gradually emerged.
It rippled waves with calm, resonant chimes filling the air around, radiating a soft and gentle glow.