Chapter 322

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Protagonist:

Xu Zhangqing

Immediately, Xu Zhangqing stepped on the Big Leaf Grass and rose into the air.

But he wasn't flying toward the Ling Tian Periphery; instead, he planned to go home first.

After all, Wangwang, Gege, a flock of pearl chickens, and even the turtles and fish in the pond hadn't been fed yet.

Although missing a meal or two wasn't a big deal — they wouldn't die anyway.

But Xu Zhangqing believed that since they had followed him, it was fate, and he must take good care of them.

Just like that, without any delay along the way, he soon returned to his own Spirit Field.

Seeing his "master return from the hunt," Wangwang wagged his tail enthusiastically and ran over, pouncing wildly into his arms, even though his hands were empty.

Looking at Dog, who was about the size of a calf, Xu Zhangqing couldn't help but compare him to his puppyhood, discovering that he hadn't changed at all from beginning to end — still just as cute and lively.

After a bout of vigorously ruffling the dog's head, he took out Top-grade Spirit Rice from the Lightly Vitality Gourd, feeding Gege first, then twenty pearl chickens, five Fire Crows, and finally the turtles and fish in the pond.

Ever since the Dragon Fish was gone, the originally lazy Light Spirit Turtle wasn't lazy anymore.

It had become the undisputed overlord of the small pond, making those Red-tailed Carp tremble in fear.

Xu Zhangqing clicked his tongue in amazement: "Never expected that you're actually this kind of turtle?"

After feeding everyone, he glanced at the Yang Tree, saw no issues, then entered the Stone House and began preparing today's breakfast and lunch.

Time flew by; one hour passed.

With everything settled, Xu Zhangqing rose into the air again, flying toward the Ling Tian Periphery.

He had a rough headcount in mind of how many people would be promoted at the Periphery this time.

Aside from Miao Huayu, who was promoted early because she cultivated a Mutant Spirit Plant, the number of Outer Disciples most likely to be promoted at summer's end wouldn't exceed fifteen.

After all, Xu Zhangqing often patrolled the Periphery and understood the situation there very well.

Arriving at the Ling Tian Periphery, Xu Zhangqing was surprised to discover that the Formal Disciple harvesting Spirit Rice this time wasn't Luo Bucheng, who raised the Golden Toad.

Instead, it was a different person, and not even a Spirit Beast Valley disciple.

It was actually a Metal Spirit Root from Zhuqi Peak.

Also a Formal Disciple, he looked a bit older, appearing forty or fifty years old.

His whole person was tall and thin, comparatively silent and stern, seemingly disliking conversation.

Seeing Xu Zhangqing arrive, Lin Ya instantly relaxed: "You've finally come!"

Xu Zhangqing said half-jokingly: "With you guys here, it's the same whether I come or not."

Lin Ya glanced at the person beside her, then introduced: "Senior Brother Xu, this is Senior Brother Luo Tan from Zhuqi Peak, responsible for this summer's harvest."

Xu Zhangqing cupped his hands: "Dao Friend Luo."

Luo Tan originally didn't want to bother with these young people, but upon seeing a Spirit Field Cultivator's token hanging at the other's waist, he was startled and hastily returned the salute: "So it's Daoist Xu… Spirit Cultivator!"

Seeing his before-and-after contrast so great, Lin Ya couldn't help but purse her lips.

Originally thought he just didn't want to interact with young people.

Now it seems he still treats people differently based on status.

Xu Zhangqing smiled slightly: "Let's begin the harvest."

Compared to the Golden Toad's automatic harvesting, Luo Tan had to do it personally.

He mobilized the Metal Spiritual Power in his Qi Sea, releasing the Geng Metal Diversion Technique.

In an instant, Spiritual Power transformed into dozens of fine golden streamers, scattering like fine rain over one mu of Spirit Field; each streamer precisely locked onto a stalk of Spirit Rice, and the sharp metal force severed them instantly.

Xu Zhangqing nodded slightly: "With this efficiency, we should be able to return home early."

At this moment, an Outer Disciple wearing white clothes walked out from the side: "Senior Brother Xu!"

Xu Zhangqing glanced at him and quickly recognized him: "Miao… Huayu, right?"

His impression of this person was deeper than that of ordinary Outer Disciples.

The main reason was that this fellow's luck was heaven-defying, his planting talent also high; he stubbornly cultivated Mutant Spirit Rice in a First Grade Spirit Field.

Where could one reason about this?

It would be hard not to remember!

Miao Huayu asked a bit shyly: "Senior Brother Xu, I just heard others say that after promotion, one can choose the location of a Second Grade Spirit Field?"

Xu Zhangqing gave an affirmative: "Correct."

Miao Huayu asked again: "They all say that once promoted, one should choose the position closest to you — why is that?"

Xu Zhangqing, hearing this, pondered for a good while before answering: "Perhaps… because I'm not a bad person?"

Miao Huayu hurriedly pressed further: "Then can I also choose the position closest to you?"

Xu Zhangqing smiled: "Of course you can."

Miao Huayu's eyes brightened: "That's wonderful."

The harvest continued.

From morning, continuing until afternoon.

Luo Tan, the Metal Spirit Root, was indeed more efficient than Spirit Beast Valley's Luo Bucheng.

Previously, it would take until at least evening to finish; now it ended one hour early.

And those who successfully promoted this time, besides Miao Huayu, indeed matched Xu Zhangqing's prediction — fifteen Outer Disciples succeeded.

Last time, during the spring harvest, only thirteen people successfully promoted.

This time, without Miao Huayu it is 15 people; adding her makes 16.

Although only a few were added, it broke the record once again.

Only three months have passed since before and after — just one quarter.

Lin Ya couldn't help but exclaim: "By the time of the Winter harvest, I'm afraid it will break through 20 people."

Luo Tan isn't very familiar with this aspect; after all, the number of times he has come to the Spirit Field can be counted on one's fingers: "Then, do I need to send the promoted Outer Disciples to the Spirit Field Core?"

Xu Zhangqing waved his hand: "No need; I'll take it from here."

Luo Tan nodded lightly: "Alright, then this Task of mine is complete. Goodbye, Spirit Envoy Xu!"

Xu Zhangqing cupped his hands in salute: "Goodbye, Dao Friend Luo."

At this moment, a group of Outer Disciples who had successfully been promoted surged forward.

Basically all familiar faces.

They had been following Xu Zhangqing since Spring, and now they have finally succeeded.

"Senior Brother Xu, I've finally been promoted this time!"

"Thank you for your cultivation, Senior Brother Xu!"

"In the future, whatever you command, we will certainly do our utmost!"

Each of them had immature faces, their eyes revealing excited expressions.

Successful promotion is one aspect; the main thing is not having betrayed Senior Brother Xu's trust.

According to normal procedure, Xu Zhangqing should first help these people collect their Small Storage Bags and Formal Disciple attire, and only then bring them together to report at the Spirit Field Core.

But because they still have to capture the Spirit-Eroding Fungus King in the evening, he doesn't want to delay.

He simply had everyone go pack their things now, planning to go report early.

Everyone excitedly turned and ran toward their rooms.

Only Miao Huayu stayed behind; he had already obtained his Small Storage Bag earlier and had already packed all his things.

About ten minutes or so, these people returned one after another.

Many people.

Lots of stuff too.

Therefore, Xu Zhangqing did not summon the Big Leaf Grass this time, but instead summoned the Yao Long Shui Shui Chuan.

Seeing such a strange boat, everyone stared wide-eyed, and some even retreated several steps in fright.

Xu Zhangqing leaped up first, landing steadily on the Ship Deck, then waved at the rather nervous crowd below: "Don't just stand there, get on up!"