Chapter 46: Regarded as a Treasure

Hearing this, the few people all wore solemn expressions, focusing on the field. They saw that on the two mu of land there were only four solitary rice plants; though unremarkable, they firmly believed the Human Ancestor's arrangement had its own reason.

Thus they acted at once, not only enclosing the plot but also casting a spell to set a sturdy barrier around it, to prevent members of the race from unintentionally damaging the precious spiritual rice.

"Aren't you leaving?" Zhou Yi asked the Hen Ren who had brought a chair from somewhere and sat beside him.

"I'm not leaving; after all, idling is idling." She answered calmly.

Knowing she was guarding, Zhou Yi felt much more at ease, stopped urging, turned to inform Sui Huang and others to promptly arrange related matters, ensuring the safety of the spiritual rice and the smooth progress of its cultivation.

Sui Huang, upon learning the news, was extremely excited, came personally to inspect carefully, and after confirming the miraculous effect of the spiritual rice, firmly demanded to stay here to guard it.

To fulfill the task assigned by the Human Ancestor, the hunting squad members took turns, pouring their spiritual energy without reservation, retreating only when exhausted to make way for the next member.

This cycle continued all day until sunset, the pond filled with heavy spiritual rice, and Xiao Ling'er and Shan Ji hurriedly organized everyone to begin harvesting.

"Children, you have done well; this is a crucial moment for the development of the Human Race. Now we must keep this secret until the time of large‑scale promotion," Sui Huang's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

He carefully cupped the heap of rice with both hands, as if holding the weight of the whole world.

Although for a master like him the weight was negligible, in his heart the rice bore the future hope of the Human Race, immensely heavy.

Eagerly, he and his companion hurried back to the cave.

Yao Yan, Ye Yi and others had already received the news, waiting here for a long time, each face full of anticipation and excitement.

At first, hearing Zhou Yi speak of this spiritual rice did not attract much of their attention, after all the Vast Wilderness World is full of rare treasures.

However, when they learned the spiritual rice could yield over a thousand jin per mu, everyone was shocked.

In this world brimming with spiritual energy, even a ladle of water contains spiritual aura, let alone this rice that can be ripened using spiritual energy.

As Sui Huang entered the valley carrying heavy wheat ears, everyone's gaze was drawn; the massive wheat ears themselves were the best proof.

No special abilities were needed; with the naked eye one could see the pearl‑white flawless grains, which emitted a soft glow.

"A thousand jin! A full thousand!" Sui Huang's voice echoed through the valley, and Yao Yan and the other two were so excited they could not contain themselves, stepping forward to examine, confirming they were indeed full of spiritual energy.

"With this rice, the Human Race's food problem will be solved," Yao Yan said, looking at Zhou Yi, full of admiration, "You truly are our hero, fundamentally strengthening our power."

"Alright, everyone take some, gather a team to plant," Zhou Yi said, smiling inwardly at the eager friends, and said no more.

The crowd could no longer hold back; at the command they surged forward to seize the rice ears.

"Leave some for me, leave some for me, don't take it all."

"Leave a bit for me, don't take everything, I'm competing with you," the scene instantly became lively.

Soon, only Zhou Yi and Hen Ren remained in the cave. The two stared at each other, greatly surprised by the sudden change.

In the next three months, the entire Human Race turned its attention to the spiritual rice. Even the hunting squads began to help tend these special grains.

Every day a specialist went to the fields to infuse the spiritual rice with spiritual energy, prompting rapid growth. Initially it was a small test plot; as demand grew, the cultivated area kept expanding.

When space ran short, Ye Yi decisively struck, shattering a mountain with a palm, opening a vast plain for everyone to farm.

When the spiritual rice ripened, golden waves swayed in the wind, fragrance filled the valley, enveloping it. Everyone was curious about this miraculous crop.

Finally, after the first harvest, ordinary members of the Human Race tasted it, causing a sensation.

Everyone treasured it like a precious gem, carefully preserving the delicacy.

As time passed, ten years later, every household had accumulated enough spiritual rice seeds, even beginning to plant themselves.

With the bodily enhancement from the spiritual rice and the supplement of meat, within thirty years more and more of the Human Race embarked on the cultivation path.

The once scarce cultivator group quickly swelled, numbers exploding. Meanwhile, hunting teams kept expanding, reaching tens of thousands.

However, as food increased, a new problem arose: how to deal with surplus grain?

Although spiritual rice stores well, the yearly new yield still makes the problem more severe.

Now, almost every doorstep has bags full of spirit rice casually placed, and stray grains are often seen on the road.

Sui Huang and others weren't too concerned; they cared more about feeding people. But Zhou Yi had a different view, thinking such waste was not good.

Thus, he decided to use the excess spirit rice to try brewing wine. This would not only solve the surplus grain problem but also create commercial value.

More importantly, in this world no one had tried such an innovative drink. Thinking of it, Zhou Yi immediately began his plan.

Zhou Yi used his prior memory to craft a distiller himself in the cave.

Seeing all this, Sui Huang and others were puzzled, not understanding what it was. But Yao Yan and Ye Yi saw at a glance.

"This is for brewing," Yao Yan said with a smile, eyes sparkling with excitement.

After speaking, the two immediately stepped forward to help, making small adjustments to the distiller. Then they put the spirit rice into the pot to begin distillation.

Soon, vapor rose, gathered in the air, blocked by a thin membrane, condensing into droplets that slid down the pipe.

When the first drop of liquor fell into a bamboo cup, a rich aroma instantly spread throughout the cave.

Zhou Yi showed a satisfied smile. He had only wanted to try, after all he was not a professional brewer.

But he didn't expect Yao Yan and Ye Yi to be so experienced. The faint fresh scent, the pure liquor seemed quite good.

Never having seen such a clear drink, Sui Huang curiously lifted the bamboo cup and drank it in one gulp. It looked crystal clear, with a hint of fragrance.

However, as soon as the liquor touched his tongue, a fiery sting erupted on the tip of his tongue, like flames burning inside his mouth. Sui Huang's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to vomit.

At that moment, Zhou Yi quickly stepped forward, pressed his mouth, "Swallow it, swallow it."