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Jade Mountain Cultivator
Chapter 16: Seeds of Discord

Chapter 16: Seeds of Discord

Tao knelt in a secluded grove just outside the sect’s boundaries, the faint hum of the Veil of Stillness Array masking his Qi signature. Moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silvery light over the small clearing.

Before him stood three pots containing Moonlit Ferns, their leaves glowing faintly under the nourishing rain he summoned. The droplets shimmered as they fell, soaking into the enriched soil. He had recently re-potted them into bigger pots leaving them with more room to grow.

The Nurturing Cycle Root Technique had grown more refined with each use. Tao could feel his Qi flowing in perfect harmony, splitting into streams that nourished the roots and energized the rain. The ferns responded more vividly with every session, their silvery leaves unfurling like delicate fans.

Tao smiled faintly, pride swelling in his chest. “You’re thriving,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the soft patter of rain.

Once the session ended, he carried them back to his quarters, the journey uneventful under the cover of night.

The next morning, Tao stood under the dappled sunlight of the herb gardens, his hands outstretched as a soft drizzle of qi infused rain fell from above. The gentle droplets shimmered faintly, bathing the rows of Cloud Petal Flowers he had recently planted. Each flower pulsed faintly with vitality, their soft, feathery petals unfurling as they absorbed the spiritual energy.

The technique, now known as the Nurturing Cycle Root Technique, had become more refined with each use. Tao could feel his Qi flowing steadily, no longer the wild and unpredictable torrent it had once been.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he watched the Cloud Petal Flowers react. They were growing stronger, their roots digging deeper into the enriched soil he had prepared. This was proof that his efforts were paying off.

“Not bad,” Tao murmured, his chest swelling with quiet pride.

But not everyone shared Tao’s satisfaction.

In the far corner of the Herb Garden, Wei crouched beside a cluster of plants that Tao had tended earlier in the week. A smirk played across his lips as he surveyed the scene. The plants were wilting, their roots exposed as if they had been carelessly handled.

“This will do nicely,” Wei muttered, straightening and brushing dirt from his hands.

He approached Elder Hua, his tone dripping with mock concern. “Elder, I’ve noticed something troubling about Tao’s section of the garden.”

Hua looked up from her inspection of a Spirit Lotus Sapling, her sharp eyes narrowing. “What is it, Wei?”

Wei gestured toward the damaged plants. “I think Tao’s been neglecting his duties. Look at these. The roots are practically dead, and the soil is completely dry. He’s been so focused on his little experiments that he’s forgotten about the rest of the garden.”

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Hua’s expression darkened as she strode toward the plants. She knelt to examine them, her fingers brushing against the exposed roots. “This is unacceptable,” she said, her voice clipped.

“I thought you should know,” Wei said, feigning humility.

Hua rose to her full height, her gaze cutting toward Tao, who was still absorbed in his work. “Tao!”

Tao flinched at the sharp call, the drizzle of rain ceasing abruptly as his concentration broke. He turned to see Hua marching toward him, her expression stormy.

“Yes, Elder?” Tao said, bowing respectfully.

Hua wasted no time. “Explain this,” she demanded, gesturing toward the damaged plants.

Tao’s eyes widened as he took in the scene. “Elder, I—”

“These plants were under your care,” Hua interrupted. “Their state is unacceptable. Have you been neglecting your duties?”

Tao’s mind raced. He hadn’t touched those plants in days, but he knew arguing would only make things worse. “I’ve been working on refining a technique to help me nurture the spirit plants,” he said carefully. “I didn’t realize—”

“You didn’t realize?” Hua’s voice was sharp. “As an inner disciple, it’s your responsibility to ensure every plant in your section thrives. If you can’t manage that, perhaps you’re not ready for this role.”

Tao clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. He glanced at Wei, who stood nearby with a smug expression. The pieces clicked into place.

“Elder, I believe this may have been sabotage,” Tao said, keeping his voice steady.

Hua raised an eyebrow. “That’s a serious accusation.”

“I’m not accusing anyone,” Tao replied quickly. “But I haven’t touched those plants recently. Someone else may have interfered.”

“Regardless of who’s to blame, this is unacceptable,” Hua snapped. “The Herb Pavilion’s reputation depends on its quality. If you can’t maintain it, I’ll have to reconsider your place here.”

The words hit Tao like a blow. He opened his mouth to argue, but Hua raised a hand to stop him.

“Fix this,” she said, her tone final. “And Tao—be careful. I don’t have time for excuses.”

Tao bowed stiffly, his mind racing as she left the garden.

“Yes, Elder,” Tao said, bowing deeply.

As Hua walked away, Tao turned to find Jian watching from a distance. The quiet disciple approached, his expression unreadable.

“You think Wei did it?” Jian asked.

Tao nodded. “It’s obvious. He’s been trying to undermine me for weeks.”

Jian’s gaze hardened. “Be careful. Wei’s not smart, but he’s persistent. If you’re not careful, he’ll cause real trouble.”

Tao exhaled; his frustration evident. “I can’t let him get to me. I’ll fix this and prove I belong here.”

Jian nodded, his tone softening. “You’re not alone, Tao. Remember that.”

That evening, Tao returned to his quarters, his thoughts still simmering with frustration. He unrolled the scroll for the Raging Waves Sword Style, determined to channel his emotions into something productive.

He practiced the technique in the dimly lit courtyard, his strikes heavy and deliberate. The anger he felt surged through him, fuelling the raw power of each swing. But as the strikes grew wilder, he forced himself to stop, remembering Jian’s words.

Control it, or it’ll control you.

Tao closed his eyes, steadying his breath. He recalled the fluid movements of the Tranquil Pool Technique, which he had begun integrating into his practice. Slowly, he resumed his strikes, this time focusing on balance and precision.

The blade cut through the air, its edge gleaming faintly under the moonlight. Tao’s Qi flowed steadily; the chaos of Raging Waves tempered by the calm of Tranquil Pool.

By the time he sheathed his sword, his muscles ached, but his mind felt clearer.

“I’ll master this technique—and everything else.” Tao murmured.