My Portable Spirit Farm: Rise of the Humble Servant

Chapter 187: Fishing Success!

Han Feiyu seemed to have anticipated Chen Ping’s hesitation. He wasn’t discouraged; instead, a mysterious smile played on his lips as he lowered his voice.

“Senior Brother Chen, do not be so quick to refuse. My sister and I have conducted extensive investigations. We are seventy to eighty percent certain that the ancient cultivator who passed away there was a Master expert in the art of alchemy during his lifetime! The inner sanctum of his final resting place likely contains his alchemy insights, jade slips recording pill formulas, and perhaps… even ancient formulas that have long been lost to the world!”

He stared intently into Chen Ping’s eyes, his voice taking on a seductive cadence.

“What was Brother Chen seeking at today’s exchange? Was it not precisely a formula for pills that could replace True Essence Pills with superior effects? If we could find such formulas in this ancient cultivator’s cave dwelling, or even… clues related to the Violet Palace Pill? Senior Brother must know that in the Anli Kingdom, the key pill formulas for breaking through to the Violet Palace realm—especially the Violet Palace Pill itself—are tightly guarded secrets of the major powers. They are never lightly passed on to anyone but core disciples!”

Chen Ping’s heart gave a violent skip.

Han Feiyu’s words were like a precision-crafted key, instantly unlocking the heaviest chain weighing on his heart.

Of course, outwardly, the performance had to be convincing.

But internally, Chen Ping was genuinely surprised. The intelligence mentioning an Alchemist Master gave him a reason he simply couldn’t refuse.

Pill formulas!

Especially formulas for Foundation Establishment pills that could shatter his current Bottleneck.

And that elusive, yet critically important treasure—the formula for the Violet Palace Pill!

These were indispensable assets on Chen Ping’s journey along The Immortal Path.

Currently, the greatest obstacle to his cultivation was the increasingly severe Drug Resistance he had developed toward Top Grade True Essence Pills. Finding a new formula was a matter of urgency.

And breaking through to the Violet Palace?

That was a monumental challenge hanging over his head, one he would have to face sooner or later.

The Qingyun Sect didn’t have the Violet Palace Pill formula, or if they did, they would never hand it to an “outsider” like him. The Tianling Sect might possess it, but the price would be astronomical. What qualifications did he, Chen Ping, have to barter for such a treasure?

The final resting place of an ancient Alchemist Master…

It was a temptation too great to resist.

Risks certainly existed, but the potential reward was worth the gamble.

Moreover, was he, Chen Ping, truly just a cultivator at the first layer of Foundation Establishment as he appeared?

He glanced at Han Feiyu (Foundation Establishment Layer 2) and Han Jingying (Foundation Establishment Layer 1), calculating rapidly.

If these two intended to “eat black”—to double-cross him—they would find that they were the ones being devoured.

Of course, even if the tomb didn’t belong to an Alchemist Master, he still had to go. All his posturing had been to lure the fish to the hook. Now that the fish had bitten, there was no reason not to reel it in.

That these siblings had found such a site was their great fortune.

And it was Chen Ping’s fortune as well.

In the span of a few breaths, Chen Ping feigned shock, then deep contemplation.

Under the hopeful gazes of the Han siblings, the calm mask on Chen Ping’s face finally cracked, replaced by a look of tempted hesitation.

He pondered for a moment before asking, “Where is this site? How much do you know about the inner Restrictions? And how can you ensure the distribution of treasures will be fair?”

Seeing Chen Ping’s attitude shift, joy washed over the Han siblings’ faces.

Han Feiyu spoke immediately. “The location is in a hidden valley at the edge of the ‘Ancient Battlefield’ on the northern border of the Anli Kingdom. It is not too far from here; Sword Riding would take about seven days. As for the inner Restrictions, we observed them from a distance. They seem to rely mainly on Formations and puppets. Their power is unknown, but they are definitely not something the two of us can breach alone. We need someone proficient in Formations or possessing powerful strength to join forces.”

He paused, his expression turning solemn. “As for distribution, my sister and I are willing to swear a Heart Demon oath. All gains obtained inside will be allocated based on a comprehensive evaluation of contribution—breaking Restrictions, combat efforts, and the value of findings. We will decide through joint consultation and absolutely will not monopolize the treasure! Senior Brother Chen can do the same.”

His attitude was sincere.

Chen Ping lowered his head, weighing the options.

The location wasn’t too remote, and the timing worked perfectly—they could depart immediately after the competition. The Heart Demon oath held strong binding power in the cultivation world, especially for those aspiring to the Great Dao.

The other party’s sincerity seemed sufficient.

The dust had settled. They had fallen completely into his trap.

The High-grade True Essence Pills he had paid earlier were yielding miraculous results.

“Good!”

Chen Ping no longer hesitated. He nodded firmly. “After the Grand Competition, I will go with you. However, we must swear a detailed Heart Demon oath now, and agree on the rendezvous time and location.”

“Decisive!” Han Feiyu was overjoyed. “The morning after the Grand Competition ends, let us meet at the foot of the reclining ox-shaped mountain, one hundred li outside the north gate of the Tianling Sect. Is that acceptable?”

“Agreed.”

Both parties immediately swore a Heart Demon oath, establishing the basic rules for their cooperative treasure hunt, as well as the meeting time and place.

Once the oath was formed, a subtle, binding connection arose between the three.

Han Jingying smiled and handed over a jade slip. “Senior Brother Chen, this is a map of the valley’s outer area and some information we have already gathered. Senior Brother can review it first.”

Chen Ping accepted the jade slip. “Thank you.”

Without further pleasantries, they agreed to meet on the appointed day and went their separate ways.

…

Returning to the cave dwelling assigned by the Tianling Sect, Chen Ping immediately activated the simple isolation Restriction he had brought with him.

He sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion but did not immediately check the map.

Instead, With a thought, his figure vanished from the room, entering the Jade Pendant space.

The dimension was vibrant with life.

He walked straight to the edge of the Black Earth.

First, he Gingerly removed the section of the Five Treasures Gourd Vine from his Storage Bag. It felt heavy and cold to the touch, dead and listless, the small, withered gourd hanging precariously from its tip.

He dug into the rich Black Earth and gently planted the withered vine, burying the small gourd near its roots.

Then, he retrieved a jade bottle and poured out precious Tier 3 Spiritual Spring Water, slowly watering the soil.

The clear spring water seeped into the Black Earth, enveloping the withered vine and the gourd in moist darkness.

“That old tree called this the ‘Cradle of Life,’ possessing source vitality… I hope a miracle can truly happen.”

Chen Ping watched silently for a moment.

Next, he produced the jade box containing the nine Soul Devouring Insect eggs.

Opening the box, he saw the grayish-white eggs were still lifeless.

He selected another spot in the Black Earth, carefully dug nine small pits, and gently buried the eggs one by one, covering them with the mysterious soil.

“Insect eggs… can they also absorb the vitality of this land?”

Chen Ping was uncertain, but it was worth the attempt.

If he could successfully hatch the Soul Devouring Insects—even just one or two—they would be a massive asset. Furthermore, if the Black Earth could truly bring the dead back to life, its value would be immeasurable.

Having finished his farming tasks, Chen Ping stood on the Black Earth, glancing at the vibrant spiritual herbs around him before letting his gaze rest on the spots where the vine and eggs were buried.

Whether they could be resurrected required time to verify.

He did not linger, exiting the Jade Pendant space.

Back in the cave dwelling, Chen Ping sat cross-legged and finally took out the jade slip given by Han Jingying, immersing his Divine Sense into it.

It recorded a detailed map of a valley located at the edge of the “Ancient Battlefield,” along with descriptions of the outer Restrictions. The information was comprehensive, and he could detect no immediate deception.

After memorizing the contents, Chen Ping put the jade slip away.

He was not in a hurry to cultivate his main technique. Instead, he calmed his mind and spirit, beginning to circulate the Nine Yin Nine Yang Scripture. He guided his Qi to impact the sixty-fourth Yang acupoint near his chest Dantian.

There was less than a day left before the Eight Sects Grand Competition officially began.

He needed to bring his body and mind to their absolute peak.