Time passes quickly in the mountains.
In the blink of an eye, three months had gone by.
During these three months, Xu Taiping lived a very leisurely life.
Apart from practicing the Residual Afterglow Technique and a few martial arts and techniques at fixed times each day, the rest of his time was spent either watering, weeding, and fertilizing the herbs in the medicinal garden or teaching the little monkey Ping'an to speak and read.
Due to his spiritual bone quality, the progress of the Residual Afterglow Technique was as slow as he had expected, and the qi sea in his dantian had yet to form, remaining a misty expanse.
However, Xu Taiping was not anxious, as the current situation was beyond his control. He could only wait for the Dizang Fruit to mature and see if there was a way to resolve it.
Moreover, the medicinal herbs in the spiritual garden were mainly Snow Root Polygonum this year. This type of Polygonum has white roots and is an excellent medicine for treating injuries from sword and qi attacks. In the secular world, it could be considered a precious medicine.
The Snow Root Polygonum matures once a year, and one pound can be exchanged for ten merit coins. However, only one-third of the plants will eventually grow Snow Roots. For example, a three-acre medicinal garden can produce at most fifty pounds, which is equivalent to five hundred merit coins. After deducting the two hundred merit coins for seeds, the profit is only three hundred.
However, due to the spirit array set up by Fairy Lingyue, based on the experience with the nine-leaf purple perilla last year, Xu Taiping felt that producing about one hundred and sixty pounds in a year was definitely possible.
In this case, he could earn at least one thousand four hundred merit coins.
In addition to the Snow Root Polygonum, Xu Taiping also planted many herbs needed for the Qi Gathering Pill. Once they matured within a year, he would have enough to refine at least ten Qi Gathering Pills.
"The most expensive herbs that outer sect cultivators can buy are the Snow Root Polygonum. If the outer sect disciples do not resort to robbery, they can earn at most two or three hundred merit coins in three years. It seems that all this was planned by the Qingxuan Sect beforehand."
After practicing the Residual Afterglow Technique for two hours, Xu Taiping got out of bed and began to think about his earnings for the year.
"Xu Taiping, I watered the plants, swept the yard, and washed the vegetables today. Can you play chess with me?"
At this moment, the little monkey Ping'an suddenly poked its head through the door frame, its round eyes blinking at Xu Taiping.
"Sure, after we finish eating, I'll play with you."
Xu Taiping smiled and stood up.
More than a year had passed, and he was no longer the frail young boy who had just come to the mountain.
He had grown to six feet tall, and his body had become very well-proportioned and strong. His face, which had been very youthful, now had more defined features, making him look handsome with a touch of youthful charm.
Hearing that Xu Taiping would play chess with it, the little monkey Ping'an happily jumped onto the nearby stool.
Although only three months had passed, this little monkey, with its spirit beast bloodline, was exceptionally intelligent. It had not only learned to speak but also loved playing chess with Xu Taiping.
Moreover, the little monkey was so well-behaved that Xu Taiping often forgot it was a demon beast.
It read books and practiced writing as Xu Taiping required, helped him manage the medicinal garden and do household chores, and had even learned to start fires and cook recently.
"By the way, Xu Taiping, that person came again. He asked me to tell you that he will come again."
The little monkey said this while jumping onto Xu Taiping's shoulder.
"If he comes again, tell him that I only want to focus on my cultivation and have no interest in joining the Yunlou Association."
Xu Taiping patted the little monkey's head and said.
The so-called Yunlou Association is an organization for the outer sect cultivators of Yunlu Mountain. After joining, they can receive protection from the Yunlou Association. For example, if Xu Taiping encountered a demon beast attack like last time, he could seek help from them.
At first, he had considered joining this organization, as it would provide him with additional security. However, after asking Bai Yu about the situation of the Yunlou Association, he changed his mind.
Firstly, after joining the Yunlou Association, the income from your medicinal garden or immortal field, after deducting the portion to be paid to the Qingxuan Sect, must have one-third of the remainder paid to the Yunlou Association.
Secondly, you must follow the orders of the Yunlou Association and go with the cultivators in the association to hunt demon beasts.
Although there is a reward for hunting demon beasts, most of it still has to be handed over to the Yunlou Association.
In addition to these two points, what completely dissuaded Xu Taiping from joining was Bai Yu's warning: "Most cultivators of the Yunlou Association who become disciples of the seven peaks are threatened to provide information about the sect and pay a large number of merit coins."
Because of this, Xu Taiping decided to ignore them.
According to Bai Yu, as long as you do not show up, these people will eventually leave after harassing you for a while, and you do not need to pay attention to them.
"Ping'an, when you talk to that person, do not leave the yard."
Xu Taiping then warned the little monkey again.
The little monkey nodded seriously.
"Let's go to the back yard and see the gourd vine. If everything goes well, Sister Lingyue should wake up tonight."
Xu Taiping took the little monkey off his shoulder and carried it in his arms as he walked to the back yard medicinal garden.
The medicinal garden, which had been desolate three months ago, was now lush and green, and the fragrance of the spiritual herbs could be smelled from time to time.
Among the swaying medicinal plants, a gourd vine with green leaves and three gourds of different colors stood out.
These three gourds were the fruits after the Dizang Fruit had undergone its second transformation.
"Xu Taiping, these gourds smell so good."
The little monkey sniffed with its nose and licked its lips, looking hungry.
"Little monkey, if you dare to eat me, are you not afraid that I will enter your stomach and tear up your intestines?"
Xu Taiping was about to scold the little monkey, but suddenly one of the three gourds, the green one, spoke, and it was a pleasant and melodious female voice.
Hearing this voice, Xu Taiping immediately smiled and looked at the gourd happily.
"Sister Lingyue, you're finally awake."