Tian Xiaobao was immersed in the dual joy of activating the System and harvesting Spirit Rice, feeling completely overwhelmed by waves of excitement, with the concept of time long forgotten in his mind.
His mind was filled with the novelty brought by the System and the satisfaction of a bountiful Spirit Rice harvest, completely unaware that time had quietly slipped away.
When he finally came to his senses, as if waking from a dream, the night had already enveloped the entire world like a giant black silk cloth.
Everything around him was swallowed by darkness, with only a few distant flickers of light appearing particularly lonely in the dark.
Therefore, he did not bring the Spirit Rice he harvested today back to his small courtyard.
One must know that the area around Lingjiao Market was fraught with hidden dangers and extremely unsafe at this time.
Every year during the Spirit Rice harvest season, chilling news would spread about rogue Cultivators coveting the Spirit Rice hard-earned by Spirit Farmers, openly robbing them while they were busy harvesting and unprepared.
These rogue Cultivators employed vicious and ruthless methods, being extremely cruel, and ordinary Spirit Farmers were powerless to resist their evil deeds. Even if Tian Xiaobao was a member of the Tian Family, the rogue Cultivators would not care.
Tian Xiaobao looked at the pile of harvested Spirit Rice, knowing deeply that he could not act rashly at this moment, otherwise, it was very likely to bring him unwarranted disaster.
Helplessly, he could only let out a deep sigh, that sigh sounding particularly heavy in the silent night, as if carrying all his helplessness and worry.
...
In the early morning, the first ray of sunlight, like a gentle messenger, had not yet fully penetrated the veil-like thin mist, but it eagerly sprinkled onto Tian Xiaobao's window.
Tian Xiaobao woke up early from his sleep, he agilely sat up from the bed as usual, instinctively rubbing his sleepy eyes.
However, the Spirit Rice waiting to be harvested in the Spirit Field instantly appeared in his mind, like a flash of lightning cutting through his Chaos thoughts, and his eyes instantly became firm and bright.
He quickly packed up some cooking essentials, his movements clean and swift, without any delay.
Then, he rushed to the Spirit Field like an arrow shot from a bow.
He had secretly made up his mind to stay in the Spirit Field throughout the Spirit Rice harvest period.
Because he was well aware that although the Spirit Rice maturation period had a one-month harvest window, which sounded long, when you consider that Tian Xiaobao only harvested three hundred stalks of Spirit Rice in one day yesterday, you would feel that time was very tight!
Once the optimal harvest time was missed, the quality and yield of the Spirit Rice would be greatly reduced, which would undoubtedly be a huge loss for him.
Moreover, for every stalk of Spirit Rice harvested, he could gain valuable experience points, which were crucial for his growth.
He did not want to waste even a second by commuting back and forth to his residence.
After all, at this critical moment, time waits for no one!
He reminded himself inwardly as he hurried along, his steps quickening.
...
On the first day, he woke up early, and facing the first ray of cool morning sunlight, he energetically walked into the lush Spirit Rice field.
Tian Xiaobao held a sickle, which gleamed coldly in the sunlight, as if also anticipating the upcoming labor. He bent down and meticulously harvested the Spirit Rice stalk by stalk.
His movements were skilled and swift, each swing of the sickle carried just the right amount of force, precisely cutting the stalks of the Spirit Rice. With a 'rustling' sound, a stalk of Spirit Rice neatly fell under his hand.
After a full day of diligent effort, Tian Xiaobao finally harvested three hundred and fifty-five stalks of Spirit Rice.
And at the same time, he also gained 3.55 valuable experience points.
On the second day, Tian Xiaobao was not satisfied with the first day's harvest, and he still came to the Spirit Rice field early.
After two days of practice, he seemed more skilled today, his movements smoother and more natural, and his harvesting speed was noticeably faster.
The sun gradually grew hotter, shining on him, and sweat continuously dripped down his cheeks, but he was oblivious, his eyes only on the patches of Spirit Rice waiting to be harvested.
The sun gradually set in the west, and the sky was dyed with a brilliant sunset glow, as if nature was drawing a beautiful conclusion to this day of hard work.
When the last stalk of Spirit Rice was harvested, Tian Xiaobao wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, revealing a satisfied smile.
On this day, he harvested a total of three hundred and sixty-seven stalks of Spirit Rice, twelve more than yesterday, and his experience points also increased to 3.67 points accordingly.
On the third day, Tian Xiaobao was even more motivated. He was like a tireless machine, continuously harvesting Spirit Rice from dawn till dusk.
The Spirit Rice in his hands fell neatly and orderly, like obedient soldiers.
As time went on, Tian Xiaobao's harvest grew larger and larger, and the Spirit Rice piled up like a small mountain.
By evening, the lingering glow of the sunset dyed the entire Spirit Rice field golden, as if dressing the land in a golden gown.
He had already harvested a full three hundred and eighty-nine stalks of Spirit Rice, and his experience points had reached 3.89 points.
...
By the fifth day, Tian Xiaobao's harvesting skills had reached the pinnacle of perfection, and he was even able to harvest four hundred stalks of Spirit Rice.
Night fell, and all was silent. Tian Xiaobao sat by the Spirit Field, opening the System panel by moonlight.
《Name: Tian Xiaobao
《Age: 16》
《Cultivation: Qi Cultivation First Layer (81/100)》
Cultivation Technique: Hou Tu Technique (Beginner 37/100)》
Spell: Spirit Rain Technique (Proficient 15/500)》
《Experience: 22.52》
In reality, Tian Xiaobao deep down was unwilling to use experience points at this moment.
These experience points might be his harvest for the coming year, and he did not want to waste them on unnecessary things.
However, after careful consideration, he realized that if he did not do so, he would not be able to complete the Spirit Rice harvest within a short month.
After all, time was as pressing as a taut bowstring, and the Spiritual Qi of the Spirit Rice would gradually decrease over time.
If, due to time delays, the experience points also decreased or even completely disappeared, wouldn't all his previous efforts be in vain?
This was clearly not a good deal.
After weighing the pros and cons, Tian Xiaobao finally made up his mind to first Breakthrough his Cultivation to Qi Cultivation Second Layer.
This way, he would not only enhance his spiritual power and physical strength, making it easier and more efficient to harvest Spirit Rice, but also be able to respond more quickly to various situations that might arise.
With his decision made, Tian Xiaobao shouted without hesitation:
"Deep Blue, add points!"
This shout, though carrying a hint of playfulness, contained an undeniable determination.
Before his voice faded, Tian Xiaobao suddenly felt an extremely vast Spiritual Qi, like a surging torrent, continuously pouring into his body from the ethereal space.
This Spiritual Qi came fiercely, like a ferocious beast, instantly swelling Tian Xiaobao's Meridians with unbearable pain, as if his Meridians could be torn apart by this powerful force at any moment.
Facing this sudden situation, Tian Xiaobao did not panic.
He knew deeply that he must remain calm at this moment, otherwise, he might fail completely. He quickly mobilized the meager Spiritual Qi within his body and began to circulate the Hou Tu Technique he had Cultivated. As the Spiritual Qi slowly circulated, Tian Xiaobao's body gradually adapted to this powerful Spiritual Qi impact.
The Hou Tu Technique indeed lived up to its reputation as the Cultivation Technique he had meticulously Cultivated, as steady and profound as the earth, gradually dissolving the impact brought by the Spiritual Qi.
At this moment, the moonlight was like water, scattering on Tian Xiaobao's body, as if covering him with a thin veil, making him look like an Immortal descending to the mortal world.
Time quietly slipped away unknowingly, every minute and every second seemed extraordinarily precious.
Half an hour later, Tian Xiaobao's body suddenly trembled, his previously furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and he slowly opened his eyes.
Tian Xiaobao let out a deep breath of turbid Qi, feeling his whole body light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
After Breaking through to Qi Cultivation Second Layer, he clearly felt his body filled with strength, and Spiritual Qi flowed more smoothly in his Meridians.