The Cultivation Method of Junior Sister is Unscientific

Earth Control Technique, Minor Cloud Rain Technique, and Insect Banishment Finger were the three most useful techniques from the Tianxing Sect’s planting arts manual. Most cultivators specializing in planting, including Ma Hongyu himself, focused on mastering these three.

It was no coincidence that Elder Ming had specifically chosen these three for Yun Jin.

Ma Hongyu looked at Yun Jin and said, “I know you’ve also exchanged for these three techniques from the archive. So, this shouldn’t be considered unfair, right?”

The onlookers’ expressions shifted slightly.

It sounded fair on the surface, but Yun Jin had only been studying for ten days. It was uncertain if she had even grasped the basics. Pitting her against Ye Cheng was like throwing an egg at a stone.

But since Yun Jin herself had proposed the competition, even if she regretted it now, she had no choice but to follow through.

“Of course,” Yun Jin smiled faintly. “Uncle Ma’s method is very fair. I have no objections.”

Ye Cheng nervously added, “I… I have no objections either.”

Ma Hongyu nodded and waved his hand. The spirit field that had been shrouded by a barrier was fully revealed.

“This spirit field has average soil quality, suitable only for growing Yellow-grade plants. For this trial, you’ll be planting Soul-Calming Fruit. Each plant has different soil requirements. You’ll each be responsible for half the area. To prevent interference, I’ll set up a barrier to block your view of each other. You won’t be able to see your opponent’s progress throughout the entire competition.”

With a gesture, Ma Hongyu erected a tall wall in the middle of the spirit field, completely blocking their lines of sight.

“Both areas are identical. Do you need to inspect them?” Ma Hongyu asked.

Yun Jin and Ye Cheng both shook their heads.

Ma Hongyu’s expression improved slightly. “Very well, prepare to begin.”

He hadn’t actually tampered with the spirit field. With so many people watching, there was a risk of being discovered if he did. Moreover, he was confident in his disciple’s abilities. In a fair competition, how could Ye Cheng possibly lose?

Yun Jin and Ye Cheng each entered their designated areas. Once the dividing wall was in place, they could neither see nor hear each other. The spectators, however, could still observe their every move.

As soon as he entered, Ye Cheng grew nervous. Soul-Calming Fruit was relatively easy to cultivate, with one crucial requirement: it demanded exceptionally high soil quality.

The soil for Soul-Calming Fruit had to be repeatedly tilled to ensure every clump was thoroughly loose. Even the slightest compaction would affect the fruit’s growth.

His Earth Control Technique was only at level three, allowing him to manipulate small amounts of soil at a time. He had to meticulously ensure the soil’s looseness. It was a delicate task that also required significant physical effort.

Ye Cheng didn’t dare waste a moment and immediately set to work.

Yun Jin surveyed her plot of land, in no rush to begin. She asked curiously, “Is there a time limit for this trial?”

Ma Hongyu was taken aback. He hadn’t initially planned to set a time limit, but since Yun Jin asked, he saw no harm in doing so.

Estimating the time Ye Cheng would need to complete the task, Ma Hongyu declared, “Two hours, then.”

He had someone light an incense stick. “This incense burns very slowly. It will take exactly two hours to burn out. After two hours, we’ll proceed to the next trial.”

The incense was placed between the two competitors.

Seeing this, Ye Cheng grew even more anxious and quickened his pace.

Yun Jin looked at the incense, feeling somewhat frustrated.

Damn it.

She regretted asking that question!

Two hours!

A task she could complete in fifteen minutes now had to drag on for two hours.

Yun Jin couldn’t help but sigh.

Then she drew out a sword.

What to do now?

With nothing else to occupy her time.

Might as well practice some swordplay.

The onlookers watched Yun Jin curiously, wondering if she had truly learned the Earth Control Technique.

Then they saw her pull out a sword.

And start… dancing with it in the air?

The various peak masters exchanged glances, disappointment flashing in their eyes.

They had hoped Yun Jin might surprise them.

Now it seemed she was merely trying to avoid offending the sect leader too severely, using this opportunity to let Ye Danxia off the hook.

Ah, well.

Tianxing Sect was, after all, Zhao Wuji’s domain.

They quietly retracted any notions of support they might have entertained.

Zhao Wuji watched Yun Jin’s clownish display with amusement. He turned to Lin Ya, “Time is of the essence, yet your disciple hasn’t started? Does she not want to compete?”

Or perhaps she simply doesn’t know how!

Lin Ya nodded seriously, “She probably thinks there’s plenty of time.”

Zhao Wuji laughed, “Plenty of time? Even Ye Cheng is working frantically to till such a large plot with Earth Control Technique, yet she thinks there’s plenty of time?”

Lin Ya sighed, “Indeed, that seems to be the case.”

If only they had known about this lengthy interlude beforehand. Knowing Yun Jin, she might have prepared some entertainment for the occasion.

He had already witnessed Yun Jin’s incredibly innovative Earth Control Technique and knew she wouldn’t need much time to complete the first trial.

A normal person might choose to give their all from the start, finish tilling the land, and then rest easy.

But Lin Ya now understood Yun Jin well.

Going all out from the beginning lacked the satisfaction of a dramatic reveal.

His disciple was once again playing the fool to catch everyone off guard.

Ah.

Such a fine young woman, why did she enjoy showing off so much?

Lin Ya’s entire demeanor became melancholic.

Seeing Lin Ya’s verbal resistance coupled with his worried expression, Zhao Wuji assumed he was merely putting on a brave face. A smile spread across Zhao Wuji’s features.

He had been somewhat tense these past few days, but for what? It turned out this Yun Jin was truly yielding to him!

This was only natural.

Even with tenfold her current courage, she wouldn’t dare harm Danxia.

Zhao Wuji glanced at the other peak masters.

By now, they had all resumed their respectful demeanors, no longer daring to entertain any inappropriate thoughts.

Zhao Wuji was quite satisfied.

This Yun Jin had inadvertently helped him assert his authority!

For this alone, he might allow her a quicker death in the upcoming life-or-death arena.

As Yun Jin diligently swung her sword, everyone else assumed she had given up.

Elder Sword, however, watched intently for a long while.

His brows furrowed and relaxed alternately, his entire being caught in an indescribable struggle.

To say Yun Jin’s technique was unrefined would be an understatement.

And yet…

Why did he sense a peculiar quality hidden within her seemingly random sword strikes?

What quality was it?

He looked and looked, but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

This disciple truly had something unique about her.

However, today’s competition was about planting techniques. Had she really given up so easily?

It seemed unlikely.

Elder Sword recalled the sharp look in Yun Jin’s eyes that day when she declared her intention to walk an undefeated path.

How could someone with such an indomitable spirit surrender so readily?

(End of Chapter)