[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl":3,"chapter-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-87":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Great Jin's Most Iron Rice Bowl",{"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},1896861,2531,"Chapter 87: Ride the Great Trend, and You Can Soar","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-87",87,"\u003Cp>\"What do you think of Hua Ninth Lady?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bidding farewell to the Hua family and Steward Kong, once the carriage set in motion, Hua Tai began speaking to his eldest son, Hua Mingzhe, about Hua Changxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Mingzhe said, \"She is indeed as Grandmother described, somewhat unruly; her attitude toward Steward Kong was beyond my expectations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For a young lady to fear not the power of the Marquis's Manor, she does possess some backbone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, Father, since Hua Ninth Lady and Hua Tenth Lady are twins, there is no reason for the younger sister to be a cultivation genius while the elder remains a mortal, is there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard from Uncle Hua Bin that she has not yet tested her spiritual veins; should we send her to the Count's Manor for a test?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Tai shook his head, \"There is no rush; that girl is exceedingly proud. If we rush too eagerly, she might suspect ill intent on our part. Let us wait until she seeks us out herself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Mingzhe nodded, then sighed with emotion, \"We originally thought Uncle Hua Bin's branch would achieve nothing significant, yet unexpectedly, it produced six cultivators.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Tai was equally envious, \"There cannot be so many people born with spiritual veins; Hua Tenth Lady must have provided the pills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, desire instantly flared in Hua Mingzhe's eyes, \"Father...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his eldest son's expression, Hua Tai immediately knew what he intended to say and sighed, \"Pills for forging spiritual veins are too scarce; even the Marquis cannot obtain them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although Hua Tenth Lady is a disciple of the Taisu Palace Sect Master, she likely received only a few. With so many people in Uncle Hua Bin's branch, none will fall to us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Mingzhe's face filled with disappointment, \"Do we truly have no chance to become cultivators?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Tai looked at his eldest son, \"Serve the Heir Apparent diligently. Pills are refined from spiritual herbs and fruits; if the Count's Manor can seize more mountain ranges, opportunities may arise in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, you must have your wife keep a closer watch on Wan Yue. Martial artists cannot do without pills, nor can cultivators; our family needs its own pill refiner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Furthermore, have Wan Yue pay close attention to news from the Medical Bureau. Although Hua Ninth Lady is merely a laborer, we must maintain contact with her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The emergence of cultivators is both an opportunity and a challenge; the imperial court will reshuffle because of it, and so will our clan. Whether our family can retain its position as clan elders remains uncertain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grave expression appeared on Hua Mingzhe's face; he had already sensed this. Previously, their family was the Count's Manor's most capable ally, but now the Marquis and the Heir Apparent valued the few cultivators within the clan more highly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, after Steward Kong's carriage left the Xiuzheng Ward, he boarded another luxurious carriage waiting by the roadside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage, Third Master He held the \"Five Elements Technique,\" reading it with careful attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you see all those in the Hua family who possess spiritual veins?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw them; only Hua Eldest Young Master and Hua Tenth Lady were absent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A strange treasure has appeared in the northwest; as a member of the Demon-Suppression Bureau, Hua Eldest Young Master has likely gone there. As for Hua Tenth Lady... with a strange treasure emerging, the Taisu Palace will not stand idly by. What arrangements has the Count's Manor made for the other four?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aside from Hua Eleventh Young Master continuing his studies at the Martial Academy, Hua Fourth Young Master, Hua Seventh Lady, and Hua Twelfth Lady will all cultivate at the Count's Manor. The Manor spent a fortune inviting a Qi Sea realm cultivator to guide the Hua clan members in cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Third Master He felt somewhat envious, \"The Hua clan's fortune is indeed remarkable; they produced Hua Tenth Lady, and the clan still has so many younger generations who have tested positive for spiritual roots.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong hesitated briefly before mentioning Hua Changxi, \"Regarding Hua Tenth Lady's twin sister, Hua Ninth Lady, this old servant feels she is no ordinary person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Third Master He became interested, \"Does she possess some special quality?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong replied, \"...This old servant cannot specify exactly; it is merely a feeling. She truly possesses the fearlessness of a newborn calf toward a tiger, yet it is not bluster; she seems to have substantial confidence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master He asked, \"Could it be... that she is also a cultivator?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong shook his head; he truly did not know how to determine whether someone was a cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master He pondered for a moment, \"Who has our family arranged to enter the Medical Bureau?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong quickly replied, \"The Second Lady of the eldest branch and the Fourth Lady of the second branch have both entered the Medical Bureau.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master He frowned, \"Was it not previously said that the Third Young Master would be arranged for the Medical Bureau?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong answered, \"The Marquis stated that the young masters of the family must first elevate their cultivation; regardless of future upheavals, formidable martial power is the Marquis's Manor's true foundation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master He greatly agreed with these words, thought for a moment, and said, \"Go to the Treasure Pavilion shortly and select several pieces of jewelry; upon returning to the manor, I intend to visit Concubine Hua.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong immediately agreed, understanding that Third Master intended to inquire about Hua Ninth Lady through Concubine Hua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master He added, \"Select even more pieces; deliver them personally to the Second Lady and the Fourth Lady. Since you believe Hua Ninth Lady is extraordinary, we must ensure they keep an eye on her within the Medical Bureau.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong fully endorsed Third Master He's instruction; whether it was his illusion or not, upon seeing Hua Ninth Lady again today, when her gaze swept over him, he actually felt a fear that prevented him from meeting her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Hua family residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing off Steward Kong and the father-son pair of Hua Tai, the Hua family gathered in the main hall, where Old Lady Hua, along with Lady Yao, Second Aunt Hua, and Fourth Aunt Hua, happily examined the New Year gifts sent by the Marquis's Manor, the main branch of the great clan, and the Count's Manor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Master Hua addressed his three sons and several grandsons, \"Pack up neatly tomorrow; I will take you to pay New Year calls at the clan. Judging by what your Uncle Hua Tai implied, we may also need to visit the Count's Manor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fourth Young Master and Eleventh, when you meet others in the clan who have tested positive for spiritual veins tomorrow, you must ensure you build good relations with them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Fourth Young Master smiled, \"Grandfather, rest assured, we will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delighted by the success of the younger generation, Old Master Hua remarked, \"The Wu Yi Marquis's Manor is such a large family, yet they have fewer people testing positive for spiritual veins than our Hua clan; this shows our Hua clan's fortune surpasses theirs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Count's Manor and the Wu Yi Marquis's Manor openly discuss the matter of testing spiritual veins within the clan, Hua Changxi immediately understood that among the noble circles, cultivation had likely become entirely public knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking that Hua Tai had personally brought his eldest son to deliver New Year gifts this year, Old Master Hua felt immensely proud; suddenly recalling something, he looked toward Hua Minghe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eldest Son, the matter of Eldest Young Master entering the Demon-Suppression Bureau was arranged by the Marquis; if we can meet the Marquis tomorrow, you must express your gratitude properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that Eldest Young Master had entered the Demon-Suppression Bureau, Hua Changxi exclaimed in surprise, \"Big Brother went to the Demon-Suppression Bureau?\" She then looked at Hua Minghe, \"Father, was entering the Demon-Suppression Bureau Big Brother's own decision?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Minghe shook his head, \"Your big brother has not returned yet; the family does not know the specific details.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Fourth Young Master took up the conversation, smiling as he asked, \"What, does Ninth Lady also know about the mysterious Demon-Suppression Bureau?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi replied, \"I heard people mention it at the Medical Bureau; the duties of the Demon-Suppression Bureau are extremely dangerous; why would Big Brother think of joining?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Lady Yao's face turned anxious, \"Is Eldest Young Master really...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not wishing to frighten Lady Yao, Hua Changxi remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Minghe, serving in the Six Gates, had also heard of the Demon-Suppression Bureau and knew its duties, so his heart was filled with immense worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Lady Hua, listening nearby, dismissed it carelessly, \"Ninth Lady is merely a laborer; can the news she hears be trusted? Besides, would the Marquis harm Eldest Young Master? Eldest Son, stop worrying unnecessarily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, she happily began distributing gifts to everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had tested positive for spiritual veins received specific gifts, while others received ordinary New Year presents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since Ninth Lady works in the Laborer Hall, the items sent by the Marquis's Manor and the Count's Manor are of no use to her, so I will not give them to her for now.\" Mindful of her eldest son's feelings, Old Lady Hua added, \"Once she is no longer a laborer, I will give them to her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi had long ceased holding any expectations for Old Lady Hua; possessing Mount Wuzhi, to speak boldly, she no longer valued such things; too lazy to remain in the main hall, she rose directly and returned to her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eldest son, eldest daughter-in-law, just look at your fine daughter, what a terrible temper! So unfilial; don't expect to benefit from this family in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Sanlang followed Hua Changxi out of the main hall, and upon hearing Old Lady Hua's words, he hurried to catch up: \"Ninth Sister, Grandmother just has a sharp tongue but a soft heart...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi sneered: \"Third Brother, don't say that. Grandmother might have a sharp tongue but a soft heart toward you, but toward me, it's a sharp tongue and a sharp heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to comfort me. How Grandfather and Grandmother treat me isn't something I care much about anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hua Changxi didn't wish to discuss the matter further, Hua Sanlang dropped the subject, followed her into her room, closed the door, and returned the *Burning Flame Technique* and *Introduction to the Four Arts* to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've finished copying both books.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi took them back: \"Third Brother, why haven't you guys guided Qi into your bodies yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Sanlang replied: \"With the New Year approaching, there are many chores, and many people in the house.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said: \"This won't do; you must hasten your cultivation.\" After a moment's thought, she handed him the *Qi Concealment Technique* as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once you master this technique, unless you encounter a cultivator more than one major realm higher than you, no one will detect that you are cultivators.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's an essential skill for playing the pig to eat the tiger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Sanlang asked curiously: \"Have you learned it too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi nodded. She didn't know why others couldn't sense the spiritual energy on her, but to be safe, she had learned the Qi Concealment Technique as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mastering the technique herself gave her greater peace of mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment's thought, Hua Changxi took out four bottles of top-grade First-Rank Yuan Spirit Pills: \"After guiding Qi into your body, take this pill to rapidly advance your realm. One bottle each for you and Father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering that there were four other cultivators in the Hua family—Hua Silang and the others—and worrying that other cultivators visiting the Hua residence might discover that her parents and two elder brothers were cultivators, she went to their rooms and set up isolation arrays to ensure no spiritual energy fluctuations would escape during their cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the Spring Festival of the 23rd year of Yongxing, the Hua family was busier than ever; Hua Changxi was the most idle. On the fourth day of the first lunar month, taking advantage of her family visiting relatives and friends, she returned to Mount Wuzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this trip, she properly practiced the Somersault Cloud along the way, significantly increasing her cloud-riding speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she neared Mount Wuzhi, Hua Changxi noticed the long queue forming outside the perimeter of the First Peak, as well as the two stone halls bustling with incense offerings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fairy (Master), you're back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Hua Changxi return, Shan Ling and Xiao Song immediately pounced forward, each hugging one of her legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not having seen them for half a month, Hua Changxi noticed Shan Ling and Xiao Song had grown considerably taller: \"Have you two grown taller?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling grinned and nodded vigorously: \"Fairy, Xiao Song and I have become stronger. Have you become stronger too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi asked: \"Why do you ask?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling's smile faltered; pointing at the Fire Lotus Hall, he asked in surprise: \"People offer incense at the Fire Lotus Hall every day. Haven't you received any incense energy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Hua Changxi's heart skipped a beat: \"You became stronger because you received incense energy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling nodded: \"Yes. Xiao Song benefited just from handing out pine needles to people every day; there's no reason you wouldn't receive anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi seemed to guess why her cultivation speed had suddenly increased, yet she remained somewhat puzzled: \"I haven't done anything special; how could I receive incense energy offered by others?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling explained: \"Fairy, by opening Mount Wuzhi, you aligned yourself with the great trend of the Spiritual Energy Revival. The incense offerings people make are the Heavenly Dao's reward to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi listened, impressed despite not fully understanding: \"Do you mean that as long as one acts in accordance with the Spiritual Energy Revival, one can receive rewards from the Heavenly Dao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling's round face scrunched up; this question was beyond his scope. He could only sense matters within Mount Wuzhi; outside of it, he was clueless. But unwilling to let Hua Changxi think poorly of him, he forced a nod: \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi harbored no doubt whatsoever. She recalled a saying: even a pig can take flight if caught in an updraft. It meant that aligning with the great trend could grant unexpected assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she recalled the first time she noticed her cultivation speed abnormally increasing: when she went to help at the First Bureau and taught the apprentices in the Apprentice Hall how to process medicinal herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did that count as aligning with the great trend of the Spiritual Energy Revival?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi wasn't entirely sure; she decided to test it again after the Spring Festival when she returned to duty at the Labor Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, Hua Changxi began observing the continuous stream of people entering Mount Wuzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small portion were cultivators; the majority were martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ling vividly recounted what he and Xiao Song had been doing during this period: \"Fairy, the An Ze and An Ran you saved before might have done well. They've been guarding your Fire Lotus Hall and my Mountain Spirit Temple. Why don't you take them in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked past the crowd, her gaze landing accurately on An Ze and An Ran. She saw them leading several others in maintaining the queuing order and explaining the rules for entering and exiting Mount Wuzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two siblings likely possessed spiritual roots; since she happened to have cultivation techniques on hand, taking them in wasn't out of the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling that the siblings were merely villagers from nearby, Hua Changxi's eyes flashed with thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If teaching apprentices to process medicinal herbs could truly increase cultivation, then wouldn't teaching villagers to plant spiritual grain work as well?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already perfected the *Shennong Planting Technique* while at San Cha Medicine Valley but had never found an opportunity to put it into practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go fetch those two siblings over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Shan Ling and Xiao Song immediately hopped over; soon, they had dragged An Ze and An Ran before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fire Lotus Fairy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing their address, Hua Changxi smiled but didn't correct them: \"I wish to employ you. Help me guard the two stone halls and plant spiritual grain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Ze and An Ran spoke in unison: \"Fairy, we are willing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their reaction, Hua Changxi smiled: \"I have two ways to employ you. One: you work for me, and I pay you a monthly stipend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The other: I provide cultivation techniques to help you embark on the path of cultivation, but if you choose this, you must swear a Heart Demon Oath, pledging never to betray me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing An Ze about to answer immediately, Hua Changxi stopped him: \"Don't answer hastily. This concerns your entire future; think carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Ze and An Ran exchanged a glance, then both bowed deeply to Hua Changxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fairy, we are willing to work for you and also wish to embark on the path of cultivation. We choose the second option; no need to consider further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at the two, then took out five top-grade spirit stones of Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth attributes, asking them to hold each one and sense which felt most comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lacked a spirit-testing stone, so this was the only method available to test their spiritual roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those with spiritual roots possess a sensitivity to spirit stones of their corresponding attribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fairy, we feel most comfortable holding this red stone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked surprised: \"Both of you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Ze and An Ran both nodded affirmatively: \"Yes. Holding the red stone makes our whole bodies feel warm and extremely comfortable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Hua Changxi took out the *Burning Flame Technique*: \"Can you two read?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Ze and An Ran nodded again: \"There is a clan school in the village; we attended for a few years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi took out the Heart Demon Curse beast-skin scroll, had the two follow its instructions, and only after they swore the Heart Demon Oath did she give them the *Burning Flame Technique*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take this cultivation manual back and copy it; when I come next time, you must return the original to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, when I return next time, I will teach you how to plant spirit grain; you must hurry to draw Qi into your bodies, as planting spirit grain requires casting certain spells.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",3088,"2026-06-12T02:51:22.172Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","31c8248761a2fe71ecab34336586ea426189ed506655191585d957aafb31faf2","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-88","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-86",558,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-cover.jpg"]