Li Chuan soared through the sky at top speed, fearing that if he slowed down, someone might catch up to him.
He wasn't worried about those Spirit Field owners, as they didn't recognize the Spirit-Guarding Grass. What he feared was the news spreading and being exposed by someone who did recognize it.
He couldn't suppress the smile at the corner of his mouth.
The Spirit-Guarding Grass he had just found was actually called the Spirit-Absorbing Grass.
To be precise, wherever its roots were attached, that plant would be called the Spirit-Absorbing Grass.
The grass and roots could actually be separated. Without the Spirit Hoe to lock onto all the roots of the Spirit Plant at once, Li Chuan would never have been able to dig out those fine roots in his lifetime.
The reason many people didn't know about this was mainly because when its roots sensed someone digging, they would immediately detach from the plant and escape.
The roots secretly absorbed Spiritual Qi from other Spirit Plants underground, while the plant itself absorbed air from above.
In other words, its form wasn't fixed. Today, it might be an ordinary Spirit-Guarding Grass next to a Spirit Field, and tomorrow, it could be part of a Spirit Tree in the mountains, then called a Spirit-Absorbing Tree.
Li Chuan recognized it thanks to his level 9 Spirit Plant Identification skill.
He had records in his mind of the subtle changes that occurred when the Spirit-Absorbing Root attached to various Spirit Plants, allowing him to identify it at a glance.
The value of the Spirit-Absorbing Root was almost the pinnacle of non-special first-tier Spirit Plants, easily selling for thousands of Spirit Stones.
Its use was simple; its roots stored a large amount of pure Spiritual Qi, making it ideal for alchemy.
Elixirs made with it would have improved success rates and quality.
No alchemist would dislike such a thing, even if many didn't know about it.
...
At the Outer Sect Mission Hall, a beautiful woman in a dark silk gown embroidered with demonic beast patterns, wearing exquisite bracelets and earrings, and looking slightly pale, approached the long table where Zhou Hanhe issued missions.
Seeing the woman, Zhou Hanhe's face lit up with joy as he said, "Senior Sister Min, you're back!"
Zhao Mingxuan and the others nearby also greeted her.
Zhao Mingxuan approached, noticing the slight pallor on her face, and asked, "Senior Sister Min, was the mission successful?"
Hu Min nodded, "Don't worry, it's done."
With her confirmation, Zhao Mingxuan finally relaxed.
Since his workstation was next to Zhou Hanhe's, he often found himself getting involved in things he didn't want to do, due to Zhou Hanhe's persistent persuasion and the lure of benefits.
For instance, this Hunting Mission wasn't originally meant for Hu Min; there were many more suitable candidates.
But after Zhou Hanhe found out, he had Zhao Mingxuan intercept the mission and leave it for Hu Min.
Fortunately, Hu Min, though looking a bit strained, had completed it.
"Since it's done, let me help you with the settlement, Senior Sister," Zhao Mingxuan said as he returned to his workstation.
Hu Min, not one for many words, followed him.
Zhao Mingxuan took out 30 Spirit Stones and a translucent Jade Tablet from the cabinet and said to Hu Min, "The mission reward is 30 Spirit Stones and 30 Contribution."
He placed the Spirit Stones on the table, and Hu Min handed over her Contribution Token.
Zhao Mingxuan placed Hu Min's Contribution Token on the Jade Tablet to increase her contribution.
This Jade Tablet was somewhat like a transmitter from Li Chuan's previous life, capable of sending any information to the Yin-Yang Sect's database, with records not only at the Branch Sect but also visible to the Main Sect.
Such a method of cultivation was truly wondrous.
Hu Min took only 20 of the 30 Spirit Stones on the table, while Zhao Mingxuan naturally pocketed the remaining 10 into his Universe Pouch.
Though the mission reward was limited, he knew the mission target's possessions wouldn't be empty, so he took the 10 Spirit Stones without any guilt.
Seeing Hu Min being called over by Zhou Hanhe, the two whispering about something unknown, Zhao Mingxuan couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
He wasn't envious of their relationship; in the Yin-Yang Sect, the bond between Dao Companions only lasted as long as they were companions. Once that ended, so did the relationship.
What he envied was Zhou Hanhe, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, being able to keep Hu Min, who was at the seventh level, by his side.
In the Yin-Yang Sect, when a Dao Companion's strength couldn't keep up, the stronger party would immediately choose a more suitable partner, regardless of gender.
So Zhou Hanhe's situation was quite rare.
But envy was pointless; Zhao Mingxuan knew he didn't have Zhou Hanhe's ruthless nature. He was aware of Zhou Hanhe and Hu Min collaborating to seize Spirit Plants from junior disciples, and he could even have his Dao Companion emulate them.
But he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
Even knowing it would increase his income significantly, he couldn't get past his own conscience.
Hu Min stayed with Zhou Hanhe because his position allowed her to earn much more extra income.
Zhao Mingxuan noticed their gazes suddenly shift to the entrance of the Mission Hall. Zhou Hanhe nodded in that direction, and Hu Min seemed to ask, "Is it that sly old man?"
Following their gaze, Zhao Mingxuan saw Li Chuan approaching quickly.
His heart stirred, guessing that the two had set their sights on Li Chuan this time.
Every time Li Chuan came, he would sell Spirit Plants worth hundreds of Spirit Stones, all found in Minor World No. 1, indicating his ability to locate Spirit Plants. Following him would surely yield good results.
With this thought, Zhao Mingxuan felt a bit sour.
They all had the same job, so their income should be similar, but Zhou Hanhe's was much higher, making Zhao Mingxuan uncomfortable.
His eyes followed Li Chuan's steps, curious about what Li Chuan had found this time.
Li Chuan walked to Zhou Hanhe's counter, his gaze lingering on Hu Min beside Zhou Hanhe for a moment.
Hu Min's attire was unlike other female cultivators, resembling more a wealthy family's daughter, adorned with accessories, elegantly dressed, with earrings, bracelets, necklaces...
Her expression was slightly cold and ruthless, resembling a young lady who had risen to power through the blood of her kin, controlling her family's affairs.
Vicious, merciless, ruthless... Li Chuan couldn't help but wonder what expression she'd have if pinned to the ground.
"Junior Brother Li Chuan, what have you brought today?" Before Zhou Hanhe, who was mainly responsible for Spirit Plants, could speak, Zhao Mingxuan had already approached.
Li Chuan took out the Fire Sun Grass.
At the sight of the Fire Sun Grass, both Zhao Mingxuan and Zhou Hanhe felt a jolt in their hearts, knowing it was another bountiful day for Li Chuan.