Morning broke gently over the sect, painting the sky with soft hues of peach and lavender. The scent of fresh earth and morning dew filled the air. Ash stood at the edge of the herb fields, watching Lin Wuyi work the soil with practiced hands.
"Mind if I join you today?" Ash asked, stretching out his stiff limbs.
Lin glanced up, surprised but pleased. "You're welcome anytime. The herbs need tending—and you need to understand them if you want your skills to grow."
Ash smiled. "Sounds like farming and skill crafting aren't so different after all."
The Groundwork
As they worked side by side, Lin explained the subtle differences between each plant: how Moonshade Leaf calms Qi surges, how Silverroot strengthens the body over time, and the delicate balance needed to prevent overharvesting.
Ash listened carefully, letting the earthy smells and gentle breeze fill his senses. He activated his system panel to log the herbs' properties as Lin spoke.
Herb Data Logged: Moonshade Leaf, Silverroot, CloudvineSuggested Application: Integrate herbal essence into skill 'Scented Step' to improve stability and duration.
Experiment in the Open
Later, with Lin's blessing, Ash carefully crushed a few leaves and ground them into a paste, mixing it with water to apply on his feet. Activating "Scented Step," he felt the herbal energy merge with his Qi flow.
Skill Stability: 82%Duration: 22 minutesSide Effects: Slightly earthy scent, minimal delay on activation.
"Not bad," Ash murmured. "Almost like adding fertilizer to a plant."
Lin grinned. "Exactly. The body's a garden too, Ash."
Unexpected Visitors
As the sun climbed higher, other disciples passed by, casting curious glances at the duo. Mei approached with a playful grin.
"Planning on becoming the sect's stealthiest gardener?"
Ash laughed softly. "More like the most fragrant."
Jin appeared behind her, folding his arms. "Funny how quiet you've become about that skill. What's the catch?"
Ash met his gaze steadily. "No catch. Just testing limits carefully."
The Inspection
Suddenly, a stern voice interrupted.
"Enough chatter. Gather for the morning inspection."
The sect's senior elder approached, his sharp eyes scanning the group.
Ash's system panel flickered with a new interface.
Skill Inspection Mode ActivatedVisible Attributes: Skill Name, Activation Level, Effectiveness (Approximate)Rarity and True Strength: Hidden / Obscured
The elder began calling disciples one by one, noting their skills without revealing precise tiers or power levels.
Ash watched as Mei's "Flame Whip" sparked faintly, and Jin's "Stonewall Guard" radiated solid defense. Yet none revealed if they were common or exceptional — only the elder's approving nod hinted at strength.
Silent Comparisons
Ash realized the inspection was less about exact numbers and more about presence and control.
He smiled inwardly. "No one can rely on a simple skill panel to judge true power."
The system, while powerful, respected this ambiguity — forcing Ash and others to grow through experience, not just stats.
Evening Reflections
As dusk settled, Ash returned to his cottage, mind swirling with new insights.
His system was a tool — a powerful one — but it demanded patience, subtlety, and constant refinement.
He sat down with a bowl of roasted roots and herbs, savoring the taste and the steady warmth spreading through his body.
"Just like a garden," he thought. "Skill by skill, seed by seed, growing quietly but surely."
End of Chapter 17