“Are you here to ask about advancement?”
After morning classes concluded, Xilutaiya came alone to the study to consult Scholar Haide.
“Yes, Teacher. If I cultivate a plant with a first-order attribute, can I use it to advance?” the young girl asked curiously.
“Of course. That is the proudest achievement and the standard path of advancement for gardeners.” Scholar Haide stroked his beard with a smile.
“Not only can you advance, but you can also gain some of that plant’s abilities. For instance, in Viscount Xuefeng’s manor, there is a gardener who advanced using a ‘sickle-thorn vine.’ When he wields a whip fashioned from the vine, he can command it as naturally as his own arm and cause sharp, venomous thorns to sprout along its length.
“An ordinary first-order adventurer might not even be his match.
“Before, I also met a gardener who advanced using a ‘white narcissus.’ Because a white narcissus that has condensed an attribute possesses the power to release frosty cold, she gained a similar ability as well.
“Most first-order plants carry the Emerald Honey attribute, but as you advance higher, many plants begin to exhibit different characteristics and attribute powers. That is to say, gardeners are not strictly limited to the Emerald Honey attribute,” Scholar Haide reminded her.
“It is simply that, for gardeners, an Emerald Honey class is indeed the best fit.”
“Then if I use a certain first-order plant when advancing, can I use a different plant for my next advancement?” Xilutaiya was concerned about this; if she had to rely solely on Swan Orchids for every advancement, she would end up wasting her cornflower talent.
“It isn’t strictly required, but the abilities previously gained by your Destiny Card would dissipate and be lost,” Scholar Haide replied after a moment’s thought.
“If you have an empty slot in your ‘Abilities,’ you can transfer that attribute power and turn it into an Ability Card. However, compared to its original Destiny Card effect, it will certainly be significantly reduced and weakened.
“Master-level gardeners have various means to make use of the extraordinary plants they cultivate. Rest assured, your past sweat and hard work will not go to waste.” He dispelled the girl’s worries.
“After talking for so long...” Scholar Haide picked up his teacup and moistened his throat. “You must have achieved some results, Tiya?”
“Almost, Teacher. I’ll be sure to give you a surprise when the time comes,” Xilutaiya said playfully, clasping her hands behind her back.
“Hahaha, then I shall look forward to it with patience.” Scholar Haide chuckled, then recalled something. “By the way, the one who gave you the seeds and the book was Madame Falan, right?”
“Yes, though I haven’t met her in person. Sister Mailin obtained the seeds and book on my behalf.”
“Mm. Once you have succeeded in cultivating them, you can take your results to visit Madame Falan’s residence. Although she dislikes disturbances from outsiders, she will not be stingy with her praise and rewards for an outstanding student like you.
“Oh, and when you go, don’t dress so plainly anymore, haha.” The corners of Scholar Haide’s mouth turned up. “When you visit, remember to restore your hair to its beautiful, silvery-snow luster, change into a well-fitting, proper dress, and dress yourself up nicely to show off the vivacity and loveliness you ought to have. The Madame will surely take a liking to you then.”
“Ah, do I really have to do all that?” Xilutaiya asked, puzzled.
“Of course. You didn’t think she was just an ordinary noblewoman, did you? Even Viscount Xuefeng has to give prior notice before paying her a visit.
“She is one of the few third-order transcendents in Burnt Stone City, an important figure who has truly condensed the ‘Gardener’ class.” At this point, Scholar Haide could not help sighing with emotion.
Having been stuck at the second order for his entire life without making any further headway, he could only envy those who were more fortunate.
“I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Teacher.” Holding her books before her chest, the girl bent at the waist in a respectful bow.
Having such a teacher was truly her good fortune.
***
Leaving Scholar Haide’s study, Xilutaiya headed to the dining hall for lunch.
“Tiya, you took so long to come over—we’ve almost finished eating!” Kemiya greeted her. Indeed, the plates in front of the others were already empty.
“I was held up for a bit today.”
Carrying a plate with bread and clean water, she sat down. Kailun, Kemiya, Mick, and Lei were all present.
Nibbling on her bread and washing it down with water, Xilutaiya looked up after a short while.
“Why is everyone looking at me?” None of them were chatting anymore.
“Nothing, just watching you,” Kemiya giggled behind her hand. “We were just talking about how you eat without any rush, with such proper manners, and the others didn’t believe it.”
“Is that so?” Xilutaiya slowed her movements.
In truth, she had never paid attention to it before. Thinking back now, some of her habitual actions in this life were indeed different from her past life, leaning far more toward etiquette and grace.
Her family background had probably been quite respectable. Still, she was in no hurry to recover her memories; her present life was quite nice too, wasn't it?
It was best to let nature take its course without going out of her way to look for trouble.
“I’m finished.” Popping a small piece of bread into her mouth and swallowing a sip of water from her cup, the young girl quietly announced her conclusion.
“All right~”
With that, the others picked up their plates and left with her. The tacit camaraderie brought a touch of happiness to Xilutaiya, who had grown accustomed to solitude.
*It must be the joy of being surrounded by friends,* the girl thought.
This wasn't bad at all.
***
Arriving at the training ground, she once again helped the group organize and review their knowledge. Today, her voice was particularly brisk and light, occasionally carrying the subtle charm characteristic of a young girl, which left several of them somewhat distracted.
“Ahem, that’s all for today. Let’s take a short break.” She set down the small wooden pointer, having caught on to why they were zoning out.
*I still shouldn’t let my guard down too much,* Xilutaiya thought to herself as she sipped her water.
As the group sat chatting and relaxing in the rest area, a figure entered the training ground. Her gaze searched around, quickly locking onto Xilutaiya’s group.
“Why is Walaini here today?” someone murmured upon seeing her approach.
“Doesn’t she always stick by Iona’s side? Iona didn’t come today, yet she showed up all on her own.”
The reddish-brown-haired girl walked straight toward the rest area, stopped in front of the seated Xilutaiya, and held out her hand.
“Give me your recent notes. Hand them over.” Her tone was arrogant.
“My notes...?” Xilutaiya looked away, considering whether she should give them to her.
Before she could answer, Mick leaped up from the side and stepped directly between them to block Walaini.
“I say, Miss Walaini, that’s no way to ask someone for something, is it?” With his arms crossed, his height, a full head taller than Walaini, bore down on her.
Confronted by this fierce-eyed boy looming over her, Walaini took a step back and covered the tip of her nose with one hand, as if unable to stand the stench of sweat on him. In truth, Mick hadn't even begun his training today and hadn't broken a sweat.
“Who are you? What right do you have to stand in my way? Don’t you know who I am?” Her father was Knight Laiwen, a third-order transcendent who could easily cut down dozens of men with a single sword strike.
Even Scholar Haide was only at the second order. As Knight Laiwen’s daughter, she was certainly full of pride and confidence, convinced that no one would dare offend her.
Hearing her challenge, Mick felt a twinge of panic in his heart. As an adventurer, he knew better than anyone that with transcendent attributes, every order represented an enormous gap. If he were to offend Walaini, the consequences might be dire.
“I just can’t stand behavior like this. Even if you’re borrowing something, you should at least give a reason and say when you’ll return it.” Taking a deep breath, he tried to reason with her.
“Hmph, who are you to lecture me?” Walaini flipped her short hair and sneered with disdain.
She reached out a hand, attempting to shove Mick out of the way, but he held his ground. Not only Mick—Lei walked over as well. His massive frame alone blotted out the light overhead the moment he drew near.
Even without any physical contact, the heat radiating from his body drove Walaini back several steps, repelling her from getting any closer.
“You too?!” She was growing genuinely irritated now.
Seeing that the situation was escalating toward a conflict, Xilutaiya stood up, stepped around Mick, and walked up to her.
“These are my notes. I can lend them to Miss Walaini. However, could you tell me what they’ll be used for? I might be able to provide better suggestions.” She didn't believe Walaini wanted to study them herself, as the girl was always absentminded during class and showed no interest in academic rankings.
“Hmph, just hand them over! What’s with all the questions?” Grabbing the notebook, Walaini glared at them.
Before long, the knight’s daughter left the training ground with the notes, leaving Xilutaiya and the others behind to discuss what had just happened.
“Did you really have to give them to her just like that? Doesn’t that feel like a loss? Still, it’s good that we avoided a fight,” Kemiya said thoughtfully. “After all, she’s a noble, and we can’t afford to offend her.”
“What does she even want the notes for when she doesn’t study anyway?” Mick muttered, perplexed.
“It’s probably for Iona,” Xilutaiya said, sitting back down with a pensive expression.
“Iona? Aren't her grades really good?” Kailun asked in confusion.
“They are, but...” Xilutaiya considered recent events. “Iona has rarely attended class lately, so she’s probably fallen far behind. Given her pride, she certainly wouldn’t bring herself to ask other classmates, nor would she want to lose face in front of Teacher Haide.
“Never mind. Let’s not bruise that young lady’s pride. We can just pretend we know nothing about it.” She shook her head.
“Still, Tiya’s notes...” Kemiya was reluctant; she relied on Xilutaiya’s notes every day to supplement her own study.
“Don’t worry, I can explain it all to you. I’ve practically memorized everything in the notebook anyway,” the girl reassured her with a smile.
“I suppose that’s our only choice. That woman is just plain awful, hmph!” Kemiya pouted indignantly. “Once I advance to the third order in the future, I’m definitely going to come back and slap her in the face! I’ll make her bring me water, apologize, and kneel to lick my boots!”
“Ah, Kemiya, are you really that spiteful?” Xilutaiya couldn't help finding it amusing.
“Of course! Only by settling grudges can you live happily. If you keep holding it all in every day, you’ll definitely make yourself miserable,” Kemiya declared her philosophy of life.
“Right, absolutely!” Mick raised a hand in agreement.
“Me too,” Lei rumbled in his thick voice.
“Some things really do require pushing back, or else people will only take advantage of you,” Kailun added, offering the practical philosophy of ordinary folk.
“All right then. If I gain the strength one day, I’ll also make her bow her head and apologize to me,” Xilutaiya agreed with a light laugh.
“That’s the spirit! Tiya, don’t be too gentle and forgive just anyone. Some people are just rotten to the core.” Kemiya gave a thumbs-up. “All right, that’s enough practice for today! Why don’t we head over to my place early? My mother said she’s preparing a lavish dinner for us tonight and told me to invite all of you.”
“Will there be good food?” Mick asked eagerly.
“I love eating,” Lei answered bluntly.
“Looks like we definitely have to go tonight,” Kailun said with a nod.
“Let’s go, let’s go!”
And so, the original trio became a party of five, leaving the training ground side by side as they headed toward Kemiya’s home.
Chapter 44