Elder Mu reminded them, “There are houses near your Spirit Farms, so you don’t need to worry about resting. If you’re not satisfied or have your own ideas, you can ask earth spiritual root disciples to help with renovations.”

Elder Mu added, “Also, considering the fourth quarter is winter and you’ve just joined, you can be exempt from submitting a yield this year. It will officially start next year at the beginning of spring.”

“Excellent.” Lin An and Zhao Ziyao’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

“So we can still plant if we want?” Jiang Chen blinked.

Elder Mu immediately said, “If you choose to plant, you must submit at least one thousand jin of [Tier-2 Spirit Rice] by the end of the year.”

“I’d like to give it a try.” Jiang Chen didn’t want to give up the chance to harvest lifespan.

Elder Mu cautioned, “Young one, you should think it through clearly. Winter yields will decrease.”

Lin An couldn’t help but advise, “Yes, Fellow Daoist Jiang, is it really necessary to work so hard?”

“You’re making it seem like the rest of us are lazy,” Zhao Ziyao said with slight dissatisfaction.

“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; I should do something,” Jiang Chen shrugged.

“As you wish.” Elder Mu noted down Jiang Chen’s name.

The reactions of the others nearby varied.

After some internal struggle, Lin An ultimately chose to give up, not daring to plant in winter.

There were two main reasons.

First, winter yields would decrease, making it very likely he couldn’t complete the task.

Second, once planting began, he would have to give half the harvest to Tie Zhu and Zhao Xin. This meant that if the yield was insufficient, he might fail to submit the task.

By waiting, not only did he have several months of preparation time, but he could also learn about the entire operation of the Core Farm area.

Seeing that Jiang Chen, who had failed twice in a row, dared to take on the task, Zhao Ziyao felt quite indignant. Therefore, he also went to Elder Mu to receive the task, intending to give it a try.

As for Zhao Ying, he had no choice in the matter. Wang Hu merely gave him a look, and he was forced to step forward and submit his name.

Elder Mu continued, “By the way, official disciples can receive one high-level spell.”

“High-level?” Jiang Chen and the others all had shining eyes.

“There are three in total: [Spirit Growth Art], [Vine Bind], and [Wood Spirit Longevity Art],” Elder Mu introduced.

“What are their specific effects?” Jiang Chen pressed.

“The [Spirit Growth Art] accelerates plant growth. As for [Vine Bind], it is the only offensive spell. Regarding [Wood Spirit Longevity Art], as the name suggests, it extends your lifespan,” Elder Mu explained.

Jiang Chen thought to himself, The first and third aren’t suitable for me.

First, his [Evergreen Art] had already reached the Fifth Layer, which was more than sufficient.

Second, he didn’t need to worry about lifespan at all, so he could ignore that one.

Considering that Wang Hu beside him kept giving him a “predatory” look, it was obvious this guy was planning something. Without some means of protection, he might end up dead.

Lin An pondered, Is there even a choice? It has to be [Spirit Growth Art]!

Wang Hu said expressionlessly, “The Growth Art.”

Soon, those ahead had all made their selections.

Seeing Elder Mu’s gaze fall on him, Jiang Chen inquired, “Can these high-level spells be exchanged for later?”

“If you have enough contribution points,” Elder Mu gave an affirmative reply.

Jiang Chen hesitated no longer.

He decisively stepped forward. “I choose [Vine Bind].”

He chose an offensive spell because he feared Wang Hu might seek revenge later; it was better to strike first if needed. For planting purposes, his max-level [Evergreen Art] was sufficient enough. At worst, he could exchange for [Spirit Growth Art] later using contribution points.

“Huh?” Elder Mu seemed rather surprised that he chose the only offensive spell among the three.

However, he didn’t say anything more. Everyone had the right to choose. Even as a Manager, he couldn’t interfere.

“What did you pick?” Lin An leaned in curiously and asked.

“The same as you,” Jiang Chen lied, shrugging.

Lin An and Zhao Ziyao immediately showed expressions that said, ‘Just as expected.’

For Spirit Farmers, yield determined everything. They didn’t need to go out and fight; there was no need to choose [Vine Bind].

As for lifespan? Wood spiritual root cultivators naturally lived longer than others!

At this moment, Jiang Chen held a jade slip in his hand and then covered it with spiritual power.

Instantly, information about [Vine Bind] appeared in his mind.

It truly was a high-level spell, much more profound than the low-level [Evergreen Art]. Being an offensive spell also came with certain requirements. One needed at least mid-stage [Qi Condensation] cultivation to qualify for practice. Early-stage [Qi Condensation] was somewhat inadequate for it.

Upon successful cultivation of this art, a ‘Spiritual Seal’ would form within one’s body. Thereafter, by consuming spiritual power, one could control surrounding plants.

Elder Mu’s gaze swept back and forth as he asked, “Next, will you choose familiar Spirit Rice or other spirit plants?”

Jiang Chen put away his jade slip into his small storage pouch and then asked curiously, “There are others?”

“Naturally there are, and plenty of them,” Elder Mu replied with full confidence.

“The ones suitable for us probably aren’t many, right?” Zhao Ziyao wasn’t foolish.

“If you are at early-stage [Qi Condensation] and with [Evergreen Art] below the Second Layer, you can only choose Spirit Rice. Upon reaching mid-stage [Qi Condensation], the number of spirit plants you can choose from increases to over ten,” Elder Mu gave a brief explanation.

“I choose Spirit Rice,” Jiang Chen said, not asking further.

Although his cultivation realm had already reached mid-stage [Qi Condensation], and his [Evergreen Art] had even advanced to the Fifth Layer, meeting the requirements to choose other plants in theory, these facts couldn’t be revealed for now.

Therefore, [Spirit Rice] was his only choice. Otherwise, it would easily attract attention from others, especially Wang Hu.

“I also choose Spirit Rice.” Seeing how decisive Jiang Chen was, Zhao Ziyao naturally didn’t dare be careless.

Soon, Zhao Ying also chose Spirit Rice.

When they were in the outer areas, they had planted for two or three quarters already. They were very familiar with it and had relatively rich experience. If they switched to other spirit plants, even if they didn’t fail outright, the yield wouldn’t be high either.

“Take your things. You may leave now.” After distributing the spirit seedlings, Elder Mu’s reception task concluded.

“Let’s go.” Jiang Chen was the first to head outside.

Before long, everyone arrived outside the palace hall.

Then they looked at each other, and finally, all looked toward Zhao Ying beside Wang Hu.

Only four of them had become official disciples this time. Their feelings were somewhat complicated at parting. From now on, each would tend their own small plot of land; there likely wouldn’t be many chances to meet again.

“Good luck to everyone.” Jiang Chen cupped his hands toward them and then left.

Lin An smiled at Zhao Ziyao. “We’re close by; we can visit each other often.”

“Alright.” Zhao Ziyao naturally wouldn’t refuse.

The two originally intended to chat with Zhao Ying, but upon seeing Wang Hu beside him, they ultimately shook their heads.

Soon, only Wang Hu and Zhao Ying remained on the vast mountaintop platform.

Watching Jiang Chen, Lin An, and Zhao Ziyao depart, Zhao Ying felt immensely envious.

At that moment, a hand rested on his shoulder.

It seemed weightless yet brought an incredibly heavy pressure.

Zhao Ying’s back immediately hunched over, and from then on, it could never straighten again!