[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my":3,"chapter-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-77":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Eternal Life: Starting with Farming to Refresh My Stats",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2331950,4560,"Chapter 77: Top-Rank Spirit Cultivator [Please Follow!]","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-77",77,"\u003Cp>After one incense stick’s time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by Gu Qing, Qin Ming arrived at the Executive Hall of Qingyang Marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Gu, Brother Qin, please wait a moment! Several Elders are inside discussing matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duty official, seeing that Gu Qingzhao had come in person, hurried inside to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Executive Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four senior Elders of Lingyu Gate were in discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who would have thought this young man’s mastery in spirit cultivation has reached such heights—clearly an extraordinary talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, he even successfully cultivated supreme beast fang rice, surpassing several of our own unworthy disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pity he isn’t one of our Lingyu Gate disciples—he was conscripted from a cultivator family to serve corvée labor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I intend to take him as my final disciple and exempt him from corvée.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such a fine talent—I’m tempted too. But I fear he won’t accept. Zhuang, you know how resentful these spirit farmers are toward the sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if he only wants the recommendation slot and has no intention of joining us? What then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you suggesting this brat aims to become a second-rank spirit cultivator and then break free from our control?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely. With his talent, he may very well reach that level.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you all propose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, feel out his intentions. If he refuses to join us, raise the difficulty of the examination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not so bad to remain a mid-rank spirit cultivator, growing spirit rice for the sect his whole life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man in gray Daoist robes stepped out from the inner chamber, white-haired and ruddy-faced, radiating the spiritual power of Foundation Establishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Elder Zhuang Xiran! “Chief Gu, what brings you here today? Please, come in!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing’s voice was clear as a spring: “I’ve come to witness Qin’s promotion to top-rank spirit cultivator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, that’s not certain yet. The top-rank spirit cultivator examination is no easy matter.” Elder Zhuang smiled, stroking his beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to Qin Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qin boy, after a year’s absence, I never imagined I’d be your examiner. Fate is indeed strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming hadn’t expected Elder Zhuang to be the chief examiner; he quickly bowed deeply. “Elder Zhuang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for formalities. Come with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang led Qin Ming to the innermost courtyard of the Executive Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he suddenly stopped, his expression gentle as he asked: “Qin Ming, I wish to take you as my final disciple. Will you accept?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming froze, pondering long and hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He answered seriously: “Thank you, Elder Zhuang, for your kindness—but I must decline.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, if Elder Zhuang had asked him this, he would have knelt instantly to become his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, with his divine advantage, becoming a second-rank spirit cultivator is merely a matter of time—even third-rank is possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming had already planned: once free of Lingyu Gate, he’d find a spiritually rich mountain peak, cultivate his own fields, and live in peace—far from sect politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he needed was the recommendation slot to enter the Verdant Illusion Trial—not to join their sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Since your mind is made up, I won’t force you.” Elder Zhuang’s face revealed no emotion as he replied coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked through the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang brought Qin Ming before a small plot of spirit medicinal herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plot contained a variety of spirit plants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang led him to a small, stunted spirit tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming looked up—the tree was on the verge of death, its leaves yellowed and wilted, listless, with parts of its trunk already dried and cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its vitality was clearly fading fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is your examination: within half a month, by any means necessary, revive this dying top-rank spirit plant, the Golden Sun Tree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And during these half-months, you must remain within this courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you need materials, you may request them through the Executive Hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you fail to revive it within the deadline—or fail entirely—it counts as failure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have any questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming replied: “All clear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think this examination is too difficult?” Elder Zhuang asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming inwardly thought: this would be nearly impossible for others—but for him, it was trivial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top-rank spirit plant, Golden Sun Tree, was extremely delicate; even slight deviations in its environment or spiritual energy would cause it to wither. Worse, once signs of decay appeared, revival was nearly impossible—irreversible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving his instructions, Elder Zhuang turned and left with a stern face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming was alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extreme difficulty of this task was clearly meant as punishment—he knew his refusal had displeased Elder Zhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Half a month remains. No rush. I’ll wait ten or so days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning to the inner chamber, Elder Zhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Elders immediately asked: “Zhuang, how did it go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh—just as you predicted. His spirit cultivation talent is exceptional, but his heart isn’t with the sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What question did you give him for the exam?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Revive the Golden Sun Tree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, without exception, he’ll fail this exam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guest chamber of the Executive Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao were sipping tea, waiting. When Elder Zhuang entered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>she rose and asked: “What is the examination question for the top-rank spirit cultivator?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang smiled faintly: “Top-rank spirit cultivators are exceedingly rare; the exam questions vary yearly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This year’s question for Qin boy: revive the Golden Sun Tree. Not an easy task.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s still half a month. Chief Gu, no need to wait here daily. I’ll send word once the result is decided.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingzhao’s star-like eyes flickered with surprise; her eyebrows furrowed slightly. “The Golden Sun Tree? Is the top-rank spirit cultivator exam truly this difficult?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She began to worry whether Qin Ming could pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the herb field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming ignored everything, swallowed a Spirit Gathering Pill, and sat cross-legged to cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang came to check progress. The Golden Sun Tree was nearly dead, and Qin Ming still looked helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Day five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming had the Executive Hall procure a large pile of miscellaneous spirit materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang was baffled—he couldn’t fathom what Qin Ming intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he was surprised to see Qin Ming tinkering with the Golden Sun Tree, though he couldn’t tell what he was doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the tree showed no sign of revival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Day ten—the half-month deadline loomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming felt it was time. He mentally tapped the [Regenerative Spirit Seed] entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant he used it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A purple spore sprouted at the base of the dying Golden Sun Tree, wrapping its roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly, the purple spore was absorbed by the tree and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-withered Golden Sun Tree began, slowly, to regain vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang came as usual to check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened in disbelief—the withered tree had sprouted lush green leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face filled with shock: “This—this—how is it alive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half an incense stick’s time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming and Elder Zhuang emerged from the inner courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stepped out, he saw Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao still waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingzhao, seeing him emerge five days early, assumed he had failed—the Golden Sun Tree revival was far too difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming walked over and greeted them: “Brother Gu, why are you still here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not waiting—just happened to have free time today and came to see.” Gu Qingzhao’s starry eyes smiled as she hesitated, then asked: “Brother Qin, how did your promotion exam go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shopkeeper Liao also looked on with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Qin Ming could answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zhuang Xiran spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Qin has passed the examination and been promoted to Top-Grade Spirit Planter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1282,"2026-06-20T20:44:51.995Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c16015d3cb9e87a62715672364ca1d6e916072e08ff27b6803acbb81633ab2a3","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-78","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-76",755,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-cover.jpg"]