My Portable Spirit Farm: Rise of the Humble Servant

Chapter 201: Inviting the Gentleman into the Jar

Mo Xiuyuan was an impatient man—or perhaps, he was simply someone whose head had been swollen by sudden victory. Having claimed the championship, every gesture he made now carried a hidden, prickly arrogance.

He walked over to Chen Ping and sat down opposite him. Before he had even settled into his seat, and certainly before Chen Ping could pour him a cup of tea, he spoke up, his voice trembling with suppressed urgency.

“You’re that ‘Lucky Brother,’ right?! Let’s cut the pleasantties. I heard you discovered the legacy site where an Alchemy Master passed away? And you’ve already gathered people to explore it?”

His gaze burned as he stared at Chen Ping, as if looking at a walking treasure trove.

Chen Ping’s face displayed just the right amount of surprise and confusion. “The legacy site of an Alchemy Master? Senior Brother Mo, why would you say that? I never invited you.”

He deliberately played dumb. Feigning ignorance only made the site seem more mysterious and attractive.

A flicker of embarrassment passed over Mo Xiuyuan’s face, but it was quickly eclipsed by his greed. He gave a dry cough and offered a “rough” recounting of how he had “accidentally” passed by the foot of Thunder Attraction Peak and “unintentionally” overheard several Rogue Cultivators discussing the matter. Naturally, he omitted the fact that he had eavesdropped.

He concluded by emphasizing, “Junior Brother Chen, with such a Fated Chance, it is better to share the joy than to enjoy it alone! I, Mo Xiuyuan, have a modest reputation within the Tianling Sect, and my cultivation is passable. If I join you, it will undoubtedly increase the success rate of the exploration! As for the gains, we will distribute them fairly according to each person’s contribution. How about that?”

He tried his best to sound sincere, but the condescending sense of superiority and the naked greed in his eyes were impossible to conceal.

Chen Ping sneered inwardly. Distribute according to contribution? I’m afraid once the items are in hand, distribution will be decided by whose fist is bigger.

On the surface, however, he wore a troubled expression, his brows tightly furrowed. “This… Senior Brother Mo, this matter was discussed privately between me and a few friends. It isn’t finalized yet. Moreover…”

He paused deliberately, glancing at Mo Xiuyuan. “Senior Brother Mo, your status is noble, and your strength is outstanding. Having you join us is something we could only dream of. It’s just… inviting you seems somewhat presumptuous?”

He acted insecure and hesitant, playing the part of the lowly disciple perfectly.

Hearing the wavering in Chen Ping’s voice, Mo Xiuyuan immediately patted his chest. “Ah, Junior Brother Chen, you are mistaken! What noble status? Among cultivators, achievement comes first; sharing common goals is enough! I am also quite interested in the legacy of this Alchemy Master. It would be perfect to travel with you, Junior Brother, so we can watch out for each other! Rest assured, I, Mo Xiuyuan, am definitely not the type to bully others by relying on my status!”

He vowed solemnly, looking as if he were ready to swear an oath to the heavens.

Chen Ping “hesitated” repeatedly. After listening to a few more “heartfelt” assurances from Mo Xiuyuan, he finally sighed heavily, as if making a difficult resolution.

“Sigh, fine then. Since Senior Brother Mo is so enthusiastic and already knows about this matter, refusing again would seem unreasonable. However…” He looked at Mo Xiuyuan, his expression grave. “This matter is of great importance. I hope Senior Brother Mo will maintain absolute secrecy!”

“Absolutely! Absolutely!” Seeing Chen Ping finally relent, Mo Xiuyuan was overjoyed. He nodded repeatedly, a brilliant smile plastering his face.

“Alright then.” Chen Ping nodded. “Senior Brother Mo, please come with me. I need to inform my other two companions so we can discuss the details together.”

He stood up and led Mo Xiuyuan toward a partitioned room on the second floor.

Pushing open the door to the inner room, they found two people sitting inside: Han Feiyu and his younger sister, Han Jingying, of the Cloud Water Sect. They appeared to have been waiting for some time.

And indeed, they had been. Chen Ping had notified them long ago.

Upon seeing Mo Xiuyuan enter, a sharp glint flashed through Han Feiyu’s eyes before his face broke into an enthusiastic smile. He stood up and cupped his hands.

“This must be the famous Senior Brother Mo Xiuyuan of the Tianling Sect, right? I’ve long heard of your great name! I am Han Feiyu of the Cloud Water Sect, and this is my younger sister, Han Jingying. With Senior Brother Mo joining, this trip will undoubtedly be foolproof!”

Han Jingying also gave a graceful bow, her smile gentle and refined. “Greetings, Senior Brother Mo.”

Looking at the siblings and their extraordinary bearing, Mo Xiuyuan was slightly taken aback, but his confidence only grew. This Chen Ping really wasn’t lying; he even managed to rope in people from the Han Clan. It seems that legacy site truly exists!

Feeling smug, he returned the greeting with a reserved smile. “Senior Brother Han, Junior Sister Han, pleased to meet you. I, Mo, am of little talent, but I am willing to explore this Fated Chance together with you all.”

Chen Ping introduced them from the side. “Senior Brother Mo, Senior Brother Han and Junior Sister Han are the companions I invited earlier. They are very familiar with the details of this endeavor.”

Looking at Han Feiyu’s enthusiastic smile and Chen Ping’s sincere expression, the last trace of doubt in Mo Xiuyuan’s heart dissipated. He could almost see the precious pill formulas and Pills from the Master’s tomb beckoning to him.

As for how to distribute them afterward?

He rubbed his fingers together, a barely noticeable sneer curling the corner of his mouth. In the northern border of the Anli Kingdom, his identity as a Core Disciple of the Tianling Sect was the ultimate guarantee! These cultivators from fourth-rate Sects were nothing more than dogs raised beneath the Tianling Sect. How could they be worthy of such a Fated Chance?

He would definitely silence them all and monopolize the treasures for himself.

Han Feiyu enthusiastically invited Mo Xiuyuan to sit down and began to provide a “detailed” introduction to the legacy site, located in a valley at the edge of the ancient battlefield. He described the outer Restrictions—illusion arrays and low-level puppets—and speculated about the dangers and treasures within the inner sanctum. His words were filled with admiration for Mo Xiuyuan’s strength and delight at his participation.

Mo Xiuyuan listened, captivated. He nodded frequently, occasionally interjecting with questions, already viewing himself as the leader of this expedition.

Chen Ping sat to the side, watching the jovial interaction between Mo Xiuyuan and Han Feiyu, his eyes calm and unrippled.

The plan was proceeding smoothly. The fish had taken the bait. The next step was to draw in the net and Seize Treasure.

After Mo Xiuyuan bade them farewell and disappeared into the night, the enthusiastic smile on Han Feiyu’s face vanished instantly.

He turned to Chen Ping, his voice transmitting directly into Chen Ping’s ear, barely perceptible. “Brother Chen, this person took the bait right after obtaining the Bodhi Seed. Aren’t you afraid he’ll go back and consume it immediately? If he does, our plan…”

A cold arc appeared at the corner of Chen Ping’s mouth as he transmitted his reply, his voice firm.

“Don’t worry. The twenty years of cultivation contained within the Bodhi Seed is too vast. It requires calm Secluded Cultivation to slowly refine and absorb. It would take at least a month to completely integrate it without leaving hidden dangers. If consumed hastily and refined forcibly, not only will the effect be greatly reduced, but it is highly likely the spiritual power will spiral out of control and cause a backlash.”

“Mo Xiuyuan has just obtained this treasure. He is proud, complacent, and now covets the Fated Chance of the Alchemy Master’s legacy. It is absolutely impossible for him to enter Secluded Cultivation to refine the Bodhi Seed at this time. He will simply carry it on his person and deal with it after the exploration is complete.”

Chen Ping had consulted the relevant texts long ago and knew the mechanics of the item well.

Upon hearing this, a flash of understanding and admiration passed through Han Feiyu’s eyes. He revealed a knowing smile.

The two exchanged a glance; everything was understood without words.

The bait had been cast, and the trap was set. Now, they simply had to wait for the Grand Competition to conclude before springing the trap—inviting the gentleman into the jar.