The Eternal Farmer: I Trade My Harvest for Immortality

Chapter 495: All Virtues!

Red Leaf Valley, within the spatial realm.

After returning from Water Immortal Peak, Jiang Chen decisively stepped inside.

With a wave of his hand, a wisp of the Mirage Dragon’s remnant soul drifted before him.

Perhaps because its power had waned so drastically, it retained little consciousness, appearing so fragile that a mere gust of wind might scatter it.

“Why did it appear in the Cloud Sea Sect?”

“Old Mo happened to be breaking through at the time.”

“Could it be that this creature followed Old Mo into the Cloud Sea Sect?”

Jiang Chen observed the soul wisp, thoughtfully stroking his chin.

Suddenly, several memories flashed through his mind, all related to Old Mo.

From the first time he discovered the man’s Fated Chance to their various subsequent interactions.

Gradually, realization dawned upon Jiang Chen. “I understand now. Old Mo’s so-called Fated Chance was never the Dragon Carp in the water or that black water snake. It was finding the Mirage Dragon’s Dragon Pearl in the Canglan Sea.”

Instantly, the entire situation became clear.

However, what exactly had the Mirage Dragon experienced to willingly abandon its Dragon Pearl-the very vessel of its origin power-and end up in such a miserable state?

Furthermore, what was its true relationship with Old Mo?

Unfortunately, although Jiang Chen was curious, he had no intention of prying.

After all, every cultivator harbored secrets. No matter how close their relationship, one did not blindly dig into another’s Dao path.

What Jiang Chen needed to consider now was how to handle this remnant dragon soul floating before him.

Rather than watch it dissipate into nothingness, it was better to make use of this “waste,” drawing out its final shred of value.

Speaking of which, the Mirage Dragon and Little Linglong shared a connection-even a bloodline tie.

The Cradle Ice Womb had only been able to nurture her because it absorbed a portion of the Mirage Dragon’s flesh and blood essence, resulting in her current half-dragon appearance.

Strictly speaking, this creature was her biological father.

Sure enough, as if sensing the resonance, Little Linglong walked out from the Water Spirit Palace, slowly approaching as she called out, “Daddy?”

Jiang Chen responded, “I am here.”

Little Linglong spoke with a hint of fear, “Daddy, there is a voice constantly calling out by my ear.”

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. “Do not come any closer. There is a monster here that eats children.”

Little Linglong jumped in fright, hastily retreating several steps. “Ah?!”

Jiang Chen thought to himself, It seems the reason the Mirage Dragon ultimately sought me out was entirely for Little Linglong.

Although you two share a bloodline, I am the true father who painstakingly raised her through every hardship.

Since this creature harbored ill intentions, he could not afford it a single opportunity.

With a sweep of his sleeve, the Heavenly-Grade Golden Core within his Qi Sea began to revolve. As his Magic Power surged, the Profound Seal resonated with the laws of heaven and earth.

The surrounding Five-Colored Soil released a vast surge of earth qi, coalescing into a massive hand that ruthlessly suppressed the Mirage Dragon’s final wisp of remnant soul, burying it deep beneath the ground.

Jiang Chen chuckled. “My spatial realm happens to lack Spirit Veins. By burying you in the earth, perhaps a Spirit Vein-or even a Dragon Vein-might be born.”

Previously, the heavy consumption of earth qi had caused the Five-Colored Soil’s growth to stagnate.

But as it absorbed this wisp of dragon soul, a profound resonance awakened, and the soil began to transform at a visible rate.

Starting from the Spirit Farm, the five colors expanded with blinding speed, eventually blanketing the entire spatial realm.

For a time, five-colored spirit light swirled through the air, dreamlike and illusory.

Suddenly, this small world began to tremble. It was as if something ancient had awakened beneath the earth, causing the concentration of Spirit Qi to multiply several times over.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen circulated the Five Elements Art and attempted to cultivate.

To his surprise, his cultivation speed had increased significantly.

Now, the spiritual plants emitted a refreshing fragrance, the soil felt warm and rich, and the water shimmered with spiritual light.

It was as if everything within the realm had been endowed with true spirituality.

Yet it was not over; the transformation continued.

The internal space, originally spanning several hundred mu, began to expand outward.

It reached at least a thousand mu before the expansion gradually slowed to a halt.

Jiang Chen was amazed. “I was merely testing a theory. I did not expect the dragon soul to be this effective.”

Unfortunately, this was only a wisp of a remnant dragon soul; its laws were incomplete.

Were it whole, the changes to the spatial realm would likely be far greater, and the effects truly astonishing.

Still, he was quite satisfied. Reaping any benefit was a blessing; there was no need to be greedy.

After all, this was a true dragon soul.

The soul of a legendary Mirage Dragon, no less. One would be hard-pressed to find even a handful across the entire Azure Realm.

Nearby, Little Linglong breathed a sigh of relief. “The calling voice is gone. It seems Daddy has defeated the monster.”

She naturally noticed the changes around her, but being so young, she did not comprehend their significance.

She only felt that the air was fresher.

The space was larger.

And there were more places to play.

That was all.

Having buried the Mirage Dragon, Jiang Chen walked over to Little Linglong and asked with concern, “How do you feel?”

Little Linglong grinned. “I cannot hear that annoying voice anymore.”

Jiang Chen patted her little head. “That is good.”

Little Linglong asked curiously, “Did Daddy defeat another monster?”

Jiang Chen nodded slightly. “Indeed. I have protected my Linglong once again.”

Little Linglong immediately gave him a thumbs-up with both hands. “Daddy is amazing!”

Jiang Chen laughed, though inwardly he mused, Mirage Dragon, oh Mirage Dragon, just rest peacefully beneath the earth.

In a way, was this not also a form of companionship?

…

…

In the days that followed, everything returned to normal.

During the day, Jiang Chen handled various Sect matters while tending to Medicine Fairy Su Qingyao’s seeds.

At night, he either delved into his newly acquired Yin Water Generating Yang Art or entered the spatial realm to accompany Little Linglong.

His life was both busy and fulfilling.

On the tenth day after Long Ao, Pei Mo, and Ruo Qunshuang departed, the trio returned.

However, their condition did not look good.

Long Ao and Pei Mo, in particular, were covered in injuries.

Jiang Chen poured a cup of Golden Wine for each of them and asked curiously, “You were merely gathering heavenly materials and earthly treasures. How did you end up in such a state?”

After all, while Pei Mo and Ruo Qunshuang were only at Foundation Establishment…

Long Ao was an Earth-Grade Golden Core cultivator who had mastered a Divine Ability.

Logically, they should not have been reduced to such a battered state.

Long Ao gulped down the Golden Wine, letting out a long breath of relief. “Do not even mention it. Not only did we fail to find the items, but we were ambushed by a group of beast tamers.”

Jiang Chen glanced at Pei Mo and Ruo Qunshuang. Seeing them both nod, he asked in surprise, “Beast tamers?”

The path of beast taming involved forming a blood contract with a Spirit Beast, allowing both master and beast to grow together.

In many Sects-even the Cloud Sea Sect-there were places akin to Beast Mountain.

Although these cultivators often lacked personal martial prowess, a well-nurtured Spirit Beast could unleash terrifying destructive power on their behalf.

Pei Mo set down his wine cup, his brow furrowing. “I saw traces of the Central Domain in their methods.”

The Central Domain?

The other three present were momentarily stunned.

The Central Domain was the territory of the Rust Empire-the primary battlefield where humans and demons slaughtered one another.

Precisely because of this brutal environment, the number of beast-taming cultivators there was exceptionally high.

Although Jiang Chen did not understand why the three had come to him to vent, he listened patiently, even taking the initiative to ask, “What would cultivators from the Central Domain be doing near the Nine Curves Sect?”

Long Ao and Pei Mo were equally puzzled, having no clear answer.

Fortunately, Ruo Qunshuang offered an explanation. “Do not underestimate the Polluted Spirit Water. It is terrifying and specifically targets Water Spirit Roots.

However, it is sometimes required to nurture certain unique Spirit Beasts, and the results can be astonishing.”

The Nine Curves Sect’s comprehension of the Dao of Water was deeper than any other cultivation Sect, clan, or faction.

The Spirit Beast the trio encountered this time was essentially a mutant beast.

It resembled a massive demon beast.

Furthermore, its speed in the water was even faster than on land.

If they had not invoked their status as disciples of the Cloud Sea Sect and dropped the name of the renowned Chen Tian, they might not have made it back alive.

Those beast tamers were vicious and ruthless, turning hostile faster than flipping a page.

After chatting for a while longer, Long Ao and Pei Mo rose to leave, planning to enter seclusion to heal.

Seeing Ruo Qunshuang remain seated, Jiang Chen asked, “Have you run out of resources again?”

Ruo Qunshuang hesitated. She opened her mouth, but the words seemed to catch in her throat. “…”

Jiang Chen rolled his eyes. “We have known each other for years. Just say what is on your mind.”

Ruo Qunshuang took a deep breath. “Senior Brother Jiang, we have known each other for many years and cooperated countless times. I can see that you are a good man.”

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned. “Ah?”

Ruo Qunshuang raised her eyes, meeting his gaze. She spoke with utmost seriousness, “Actually, there is another reason I returned to the Nine Curves Sect this time.”

Jiang Chen instantly grew vigilant. “Let me be clear first. I only enjoy tending to my Spirit Farm. I do not like venturing out, and I absolutely despise taking risks.”

Ruo Qunshuang was momentarily rendered speechless. “Well… uh…”

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Chen felt even more certain. “I guessed right, did I not?”

Ruo Qunshuang tactfully changed the subject. “Alright, let us not talk about that. Let us discuss something else.”

Jiang Chen breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. “Something else is fine.”

Ruo Qunshuang’s cheeks suddenly flushed crimson. “Senior Brother Jiang, why have you not found a Dao Companion yet?”

Jiang Chen genuinely pondered the question. “It is not that I do not want to find one, but I simply cannot find a suitable match at present.”

It had been difficult enough when he was alone, but now, with Little Linglong in the picture, it was even harder.

If he were to seek a Dao Companion, she would have to accept and acknowledge Little Linglong. That was his absolute bottom line.

After all, the day would eventually come when she could walk freely in the outside world, and they would all have to live together.

Ruo Qunshuang covered her burning cheeks, her voice dropping to a whisper as soft as a mosquito’s hum. “Then, Senior Brother Jiang… what do you think of me?”

This caught Jiang Chen completely off guard. He was well aware of his own ordinary appearance, so he asked in genuine curiosity, “What exactly do you see in me?”

Ruo Qunshuang counted on her fingers, listing his traits as if reciting a list of precious treasures. “You are steady, hardworking, kind-hearted, witty, and you cook well…”

Jiang Chen stared in disbelief. “I actually possess that many virtues?”

He had always considered himself a deeply pragmatic man-one who never acted without clear benefit or profit.

He never expected to be viewed in such a positive light by others.

Ruo Qunshuang gathered her courage. Staring straight at him with moist, earnest eyes, she asked once more, “So… what do you think of me?”