Watching the Mountain

Chapter 294: Chapter 179: Divinity Transformation

Considering the issues Jiang Nian had previously mentioned about his hometown, the theories Xu Ran compiled this time were all concepts for cultivating Low Grade Spiritual Plants in extreme environments.

He mostly offered general directions rather than concrete solutions. Of course, this wasn’t mere speculation; he also included some foundational theories and his own insights.

As for High Grade Spiritual Plants, Xu Ran himself hadn’t reached that stage in his research. A major reason for this was that his Cultivation Realm was insufficient.

Spirit Plant Masters also require a sufficient Cultivation Realm. Spiritual Plants of a certain high grade, in particular, inherently contain the Dao and the Power of Law. If a Spirit Plant Master hasn’t reached the level of comprehending the Dao and Law, even a simple transplant would be impossible for them.

Xu Ran spent a full three months preparing these theories for Jiang Nian, only finishing his compilation the night before their scheduled meeting.

After organizing all the content, Xu Ran wiped his forehead and let out a long breath. ’Thank goodness I told Jiang Nian three months instead of one,’ he thought, relieved. ’Otherwise, I’d have a hard time explaining myself.’

’When it comes to research, you really can’t afford to be careless.’

This experience taught him a lesson. He decided that for any future research projects, he would only give a rough timeline and make sure to give himself extra time. That way, he wouldn’t risk breaking a promise.

「The next day.」

As soon as Xu Ran arrived at the Scripture Pavilion on Qing Xuan Peak, he saw that Jiang Nian was already there waiting for him.

Seeing this, Xu Ran greeted him and handed over the Jade Scroll.

Jiang Nian took the Jade Scroll and looked at Xu Ran, surprised. He asked hesitantly, ”Senior Brother, are you just giving this to me directly?”

Seeing his reaction, Xu Ran realized his mistake. ’I should have waited until we were inside the Scripture Pavilion and pretended to look for it. That would have been more convincing.’

Realizing the issue, Xu Ran maintained a calm expression and said, ”The Elder who had it returned the Jade Scroll a few days early. You know how famous Elder Nameless is. If I hadn’t intercepted it for you, it would’ve been borrowed by someone else immediately.”

Jiang Nian was a shy and honest young man. Upon hearing Xu Ran’s words, he was touched, but his first concern was whether this would cause problems for Xu Ran.

”Senior Brother, isn’t this against the rules? If the Sect investigates, you’ll get in trouble because of me. Why don’t we put it back? I can wait longer. We should do everything according to the Sect’s rules.”

Hearing this, Xu Ran couldn’t help but give Jiang Nian another look. The boy was biting his lip, his expression torn.

”Are you sure?” he asked, his face expressionless. ”If you do that, you probably won’t be able to borrow this for a very long time.”

Jiang Nian took three deep breaths before replying with a look of calm resolve:

”If I can never borrow it by following the Sect’s rules, it just means the heavens don’t think I’m ready to learn Elder Nameless’s new theories... In any case, no matter what, I can’t let you be punished because of me, Senior Brother.”

Seeing the sincere resolve on his face, Xu Ran nodded slightly.

’Perhaps to many, Jiang Nian’s actions might seem a bit too sentimental and not decisive enough.’

’But I don’t see it that way. Only an adult with much experience can unhesitatingly cast aside such scruples and decisively choose what’s best for themselves.’

’Jiang Nian is still just a simple-hearted youth, naive and unworldly. Only someone who can empathize with others can one day empathize with the world and aspire to bring blessings to all.’

’For a Spirit Plant Master, that is an excellent quality.’

’No wonder Senior Sister Yue made a point of mentioning him. His talent aside, his character alone shows he’s a natural-born Spirit Plant Master.’

Xu Ran smiled faintly at Jiang Nian. ”Don’t worry. Do I look like the kind of person who would break the Sect’s rules? Everything is perfectly compliant.”

When Jiang Nian looked like he wanted to protest again, Xu Ran waved a hand. ”Have you forgotten? The Sect allows us to borrow a Cultivation Technique on behalf of others.”

Realization dawned on Jiang Nian, and his expression turned to one of alarm. He quickly said, ”But doesn’t that cost an extra fifty percent in Contribution Points?”

Xu Ran waved his hand dismissively. ”I was the one who made you the promise. It’s just a few Contribution Points; you don’t need to worry about it, Junior Brother.”

”If you can fully comprehend its contents, then it will all be worthwhile.”

”But if you borrow it and learn nothing, that’s what would truly pain me.”

”So, Junior Brother Jiang Nian, what’s your decision?”

Hearing this, Jiang Nian’s expression firmed with resolve. ”Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I will not let your efforts go to waste.”

Xu Ran nodded lightly. ”Good. I’ll be waiting to see your results.”

He then waved a hand at Jiang Nian and said, ”Go on.”

Jiang Nian fell silent for a moment. He gave Xu Ran a deep bow and, without saying another word, turned and walked away, a look of firm resolve in his eyes.

Xu Ran watched Jiang Nian’s departing figure, stroking his chin as a glint appeared in his eyes. He looked forward to seeing what surprises this shy, simple-hearted young man could bring him.

*

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After parting with Jiang Nian, Xu Ran did not enter the Scripture Pavilion. Instead, he returned to his Cave Mansion to begin cultivating in seclusion.

His Cultivation had been approaching the Purple Mansion Middle Stage for some time. After comprehending the Midsummer Realm from Li Daoyi and the others, he had finally reached the very threshold.