Chu Ning stepped out of the house and saw a plump middle-aged man standing outside the courtyard. He quickly quickened his pace and went forward, cupping his hands in a salute to the man.
"Greetings, Senior Brother."
The man spoke with a smile on his face, "My surname is Zhuang, and my name is Zhuang Yunde. I'm the Service Disciple in charge of Zone D here."
Service Disciple? It was the first time Chu Ning had heard this term, but he could roughly guess that these were the disciples assigned by the Hundred Arts Hall to oversee this area.
So once again, he cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Chu Ning greets Senior Brother Zhuang."
It's often said that courtesy costs nothing, and seeing Chu Ning's politeness, Zhuang Yunde's smile grew even wider.
He took out a package from his Storage Bag and handed it to Chu Ning, followed by another booklet, speaking solemnly:
"This is the Cyan Creek Sect's Wood Element Basic Technique. Although it is just a Yellow Tier Lower Grade Technique, it has been continuously improved by our predecessors over generations. Make sure to take good care of it, Junior Brother."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning quickly accepted it. The booklet had five words written on it: "Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique."
So this is a cultivation immortality technique!
Anticipation and excitement rose within Chu Ning, and this time he did not suppress it; rather, he showed it on his face.
Zhuang Yunde was not surprised to see this. Instead, he thought Chu Ning's reaction was quite normal, as most people who first receive a cultivation immortality technique react the same way upon entering the Cultivation Realm.
In fact, he would find it strange if someone acted indifferent and unconcerned.
After showing just the right amount of excitement, Chu Ning immediately asked, "Senior Brother Zhuang, you mentioned just now that this is a Yellow Tier Lower Grade Technique. What are the levels of these techniques?"
Perhaps it was Chu Ning's polite and respectful demeanor that made Zhuang Yunde feel good about him, so he patiently explained:
"Cultivation immortality techniques are divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. Each tier is further divided into three grades: Upper, Middle, and Lower."
Chu Ning nodded slightly upon hearing this, understanding that Yellow Tier Lower Grade is the most basic of the basics.
However, Chu Ning did not mind this, as he was currently a Servant Disciple responsible for mundane chores. Having a cultivation technique to practice was already good enough.
Moreover, this technique was a Wood Element Technique, just what he needed.
"Alright, I have to go deliver items to others," Zhuang Yunde said, turning to leave.
But as he turned halfway, he paused slightly, glancing at the courtyard.
"I remember this courtyard belongs to Cao Dongxin, right? Are you with him?"
After Chu Ning nodded affirmatively, Zhuang Yunde shook his head and said, "That guy has a peculiar personality and isn't easy to get along with. Your luck isn't that great."
After speaking, Zhuang Yunde turned and left directly.
Watching the other man depart, Chu Ning let out a sigh inwardly. It seemed his previous feeling was correct—Cao Dongxin's reclusive personality must be well-known.
For the time being, Chu Ning put that thought aside, looked at the booklet in his hand, and immediately returned to the courtyard, heading for his room to take a look at the Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique.
"Creak!"
At that moment, a sound came from the door, and Cao Dongxin emerged, saying to Chu Ning:
"Go to the kitchen and make something to eat."
Chu Ning was slightly taken aback. The hour was still early, and there were still more than half an hour until dinner, so there seemed to be no need to cook yet.
Moreover, Cao Dongxin hadn't come out earlier or later, but just when he was about to enter the room to look at the Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique. Chu Ning found it hard to believe it wasn't intentional.
Thinking this, Chu Ning quickly responded verbally, "Yes, Senior Brother, I'll go after I put this away."
Saying so, Chu Ning quickly entered the house, put the package inside, and tucked the booklet of Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique into his clothes.
Heading to the kitchen, Chu Ning saw a jar of rice, curiously opening it for a look.
"I've heard that Immortals eat Spirit Rice, but this is just regular rice."
He mumbled to himself silently and then chuckled to himself. It seemed that Spirit Rice wasn't something Servant Disciples could eat at will.
Besides, given Cao Dongxin's nature, he probably wouldn't be willing to share it with him even if he had some.
Feeling slightly disappointed, Chu Ning began to light the fire and cook the rice.
Fortunately, after crossing over, his body still retained the memories of this body, so these tasks weren't difficult for him.
After putting the rice and water into the pot and casually preparing two dishes in the kitchen, Chu Ning picked up the booklet of Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique and began to read it while waiting.
Since it was meant for entry-level disciples, the technique was written in very basic detail, including an introduction to the entire technique and some basic knowledge of meridians and spell fundamentals.
It made for a fascinating read for Chu Ning, who gained a more comprehensive understanding of the technique.
Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique, a Yellow Tier Lower Grade Wood Element Technique, consisted of three layers.
These corresponded to the first to third layers of the Early Stage of Qi Refining, the fourth to sixth layers of the Middle Stage of Qi Refining, and the seventh to ninth layers of the Late Stage of Qi Refining.
However, the tenth layer of Qi Refining, known as the Perfection Stage, and the subsequent Foundation Establishment Stage, had no corresponding techniques.
Furthermore, what was given to Chu Ning was only the first layer of the technique.
This technique also included a spell called the Cyan Wood Spring Blossom Skill, which was extremely beneficial for the growth of grass and Spirit Plants. It not only promoted growth but also refined the essence and enhanced quality.
In fact, this Cyan Wood Spring Blossom Skill was an essential spell for disciples involved in Spirit Plant Cultivation within the Cyan Creek Sect. The proficiency in cultivating this spell somewhat represented one's strength.
"This technique includes a spell? So what spells are these senior disciples supposed to teach?"
Chu Ning felt a slight confusion but didn't dwell on it much.
At that moment, a sudden realization struck him, and his mind sank into a deep thought, noticing the changes indicated.
[Nine Tigers Body Refining Art (100/100)]
[Talent: Yin Wood Spirit Body]
[Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique (Yellow Tier Lower Grade), First Layer (0/300)]
"So the cultivation progress of the Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique has indeed appeared, huh? Why isn't the spell showing up?"
Chu Ning felt a bit puzzled but didn't think too much about it. He figured he'd start cultivating first; after all, the Nine Tigers Body Refining Art had initially been puzzling too, but eventually became clear with practice.
However, it was evidently not suitable for cultivation at this moment. Seeing that the meal was almost ready, Chu Ning put the booklet back into his clothes, began drawing out the rice to steam, and then fried two more dishes.
Once everything was ready, Chu Ning went to call Cao Dongxin.
Chu Ning ate quickly but stayed with Cao Dongxin until he finished eating at a leisurely pace, cleaned up the dishes, and did the washing.
Just as he was about to return to his room, Cao Dongxin called him again.
"Clean up and tidy the courtyard."
Although Chu Ning was already cursing internally, he didn't show the slightest dissatisfaction and tidied and cleaned the courtyard as instructed.
Then, at Cao Dongxin's request, he performed some more chores.
It wasn't until Cao Dongxin finally seemed tired of bothering and returned to his room that Chu Ning took a bath and went back to his room.
Reflecting on the events that had just occurred, Chu Ning could somewhat grasp Cao Dongxin's mentality.
In simple terms, the man had probably been stuck at the bottom for too long, making him reclusive or even somewhat twisted. Even though he and Chu Ning had no grievances, he enjoyed making trouble for people to satisfy his vanity.
Or was he resentful of others' well-being?
Indeed, just as Zhuang Yunde had said, it seemed that his luck wasn't great.
Looking at the people in the neighboring courtyards, who had all returned to their rooms early to cultivate.
For these three months, he'd endure and pretend to be clueless about everything, not letting the other party escalate the situation.
With this in mind, Chu Ning quickly put the matter behind him and sat cross-legged on the bed.
He was ready to begin formally cultivating the Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique. According to the talent reward "Yin Wood Spirit Body," his talent for cultivating Wood Element Techniques and spells was greatly enhanced.
He should have an advantage in cultivating this Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique!