The addition of The Art of Creation to the system database had fundamentally changed everything.

  For the first time, Devor had tangible proof that his path was more than just a personal cultivation method—it was something that could spread, something that could shape the world if cultivated properly.

  But as thrilling as the discovery was, it also left him with questions.

  "Just how far can this enhancement go?"

  Could it be applied beyond Spiritual Farming?

  Could it improve cultivation techniques? Could it influence alchemy?

  "If the energy of my garden can affect Spiritual Plants… could it also elevate the quality of pills refined within its space?"

  The thought excited him, but he forced himself to set it aside.

  There were still more immediate priorities.

  The Venom Spiritual Tree.

  His bond with it remained weak, and despite obtaining a blueprint through Ultimate Synthesis, he needed time to carefully select the right plants that would establish a true harmony around it.

  It was not enough to rely on theory alone.

  Devor examined the proposed formation again, committing it to memory.

  According to Ultimate Synthesis, the best approach required that:

  The four elements must remain pure for optimal results.

  The Poison, Dark, Earth, and Water energy sources must remain distinct and unmodified.

  But was that truly the best way?

  "When the Venom Spiritual Tree absorbs these elements, will they simply merge… or will they create something entirely new—something stronger?"

  That was the real question.

  Devor had long since learned not to trust the system blindly.

  Ultimate Synthesis was invaluable, but it only provided answers based on existing knowledge. It didn’t predict breakthroughs. It didn’t innovate.

  That was his job.

  So instead of following the blueprint exactly, he would experiment.

  The garden would be divided into sectors, each representing a different energy type.

  But within those sectors… he would test variations.

  For example:

  Fire energy itself had different qualities—some burned aggressively, while others provided slow, controlled heat.

  Water energy could nourish, erode, or enhance growth, depending on its purity and flow rate.

  Instead of maintaining strictly pure elements, he would try blending slight variations within the same elemental category—like a form of Synthesis, but applied to spiritual energy itself.

  It would be a long, complex experiment, requiring countless adjustments.

  But Devor wasn’t worried.

  Even if it took him the rest of his time here, he would succeed.

  After several days of analysis, Devor finally made his selections.

  He opened his notebook and carefully wrote out a detailed list—an extensive request for specific seedlings of Poison, Dark, Earth, and Water elements.

  Some were common within Azure Sky Sect.

  But others?

  Even core disciples would struggle to obtain them.

  Devor scanned the lengthy list before letting out a small sigh.

  "A Communication Token won’t be enough to transmit all of this."

  Instead, he reached for his whistle and summoned a messenger bird.

  The sleek, black-feathered creature landed before him, eyes sharp and intelligent.

  Carefully, he tied the letter to its leg and whispered, "Take this to the Sect Master."

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  With a soft cry, the bird took off, vanishing into the sky.

  With that task completed, Devor allowed himself a brief moment of relaxation.

  But only a moment.

  His thirst for knowledge burned just as fiercely as ever.

  "I need to meet with Senior Juyin."

  Despite all his research, there were still too many unknowns about poison arts and the Venom Spiritual Tree.

  And that was his own fault.

  Juyin had never withheld knowledge. He had always been watching, waiting.

  Yet Devor had never taken the initiative to seek him out directly.

  Realization settled in.

  "The fault isn’t with Senior Juyin—it’s with me."

  Cultivation was about pursuing the Dao, but he had been waiting for knowledge to come to him.

  If he ever became a teacher himself, he would take the same approach Juyin had—only teaching those who actively sought wisdom.

  "I've been too arrogant."

  He had acknowledged this flaw before, back when he had been punished at Beastbound Hollow.

  But recognizing a weakness wasn’t the same as overcoming it.

  His arrogance was woven into his very bones—a pride in his intelligence, a belief that his methods were always correct until proven otherwise.

  He let out a quiet sigh.

  Changing oneself was never easy.

  But this—seeking guidance when needed—was at least a step forward.

  Without wasting any more time, he left for Senior Juyin’s residence.

  Devor drew his flying sword and stepped onto it, his movements fluid and precise as he soared into the sky.

  Only cultivators at the Foundation Building stage or those with equivalent power could control a flying sword.

  Yet in less than three days, he had already grasped the basics—a testament to both his talent and Yulin’s expert guidance.

  Had he been learning alone, he estimated it would have taken over a month just to hover without losing balance.

  But Yulin had a keen eye for correcting flaws in his control, making his progression remarkably fast.

  After five minutes of effortless flight, he descended near a beautifully crafted house, seamlessly integrated with the lush natural surroundings.

  This was Juyin’s residence.

  The courtyard was quiet.

  A small hut rested in the shade, where Juyin sat cross-legged in meditation.

  Behind the house, an imposing tree towered over the landscape.

  At first glance, its bright green leaves looked fresh and vibrant—ordinary, even.

  But Devor knew better.

  This was no ordinary tree.

  This was a Spiritual Tree, and more than that, it was venomous.

  Devor’s gaze lingered on the tree’s unassuming appearance.

  "A poisonous Spiritual Tree that looks so harmless… How terrifying must its true toxic power be?"

  Even without actively releasing its energy, the tree exuded an invisible authority—a silent warning to anything foolish enough to approach.

  He moved carefully, stopping exactly ten meters outside Juyin’s home.

  Then, clasping his hands respectfully, he spoke in a calm, humble tone: “Greetings, Senior Juyin. Junior Devor Li has come to seek your guidance.”

  Silence.

  Juyin remained still, his meditation unbroken.

  Devor did not waver.

  Without hesitation, he sat down, folding his legs, and waited patiently.

  This was the proper etiquette of the cultivation world.

  A weaker cultivator seeking wisdom did not rush a master.

  There were stories of disciples waiting years just to be acknowledged by a powerful senior.

  Compared to that, he had no complaints.

  After exactly one hour, a voice resonated in his mind.

  "Stand and come before me."

  Devor rose immediately, offering another respectful bow before stepping forward.

  As he approached the hut, stopping precisely five meters away, Juyin opened his eyes.

  His gaze was steady, unreadable, as he regarded Devor. "What do you wish to ask?"

  His tone was calm, though there was a subtle trace of surprise.

  The Sect Master of Azure Sky had already introduced Devor to him, making it clear—

  This was not someone who sought guidance lightly.

  Juyin had initially found that arrogant, but he had also understood it well.

  Many genius cultivators shared this trait.

  Even he had once walked the same path.

  Devor bowed again before speaking. “Junior wishes to request permission to plant herbs around the Venom Spiritual Tree.”

  Juyin’s expression remained neutral. “What is your reasoning?”

  “I believe this method will strengthen my connection with the Spiritual Tree,” Devor explained. “By planting compatible herbs, I can nourish it with natural energy instead of direct supplements.”

  Juyin studied him for a long moment. “If any harm comes to the tree, you will take full responsibility for the loss.”

  Devor nodded without hesitation. “I agree.”

  He had already calculated the risks. With his current resources, he was confident he could compensate for any damage if something went wrong.

  Juyin finally nodded.

  “Very well, I permit it.” Juyin’s gaze remained on Devor, assessing him. “Is there anything else?”

  Devor inclined his head slightly.

  “Junior also wishes to study Poison Arts under Senior’s guidance. Additionally, I want to understand what kind of nourishment the Venom Spiritual Tree prefers. Does it thrive on dense, dark poison energy? Or does it favor something more refined and delicate?”

  Juyin said nothing.

  Instead, with a flick of his fingers, a small vial materialized from his spatial ring.

  He tossed it toward Devor, who caught it effortlessly.

  Inside, a thick, inky-black liquid swirled ominously.

  “I use a specially formulated elixir,” Juyin said. “Providing sustenance to a living entity like the Spiritual Tree is the most efficient way to deepen your bond with it. Direct elixirs ensure rapid absorption.”

  Devor’s fingers tightened around the vial as he studied the liquid.

  His method—using surrounding plants to feed the tree gradually—lacked this immediate effectiveness.

  Devor lifted his gaze, his expression steady with conviction. "Junior believes the natural way is better, Senior."

  Juyin raised an eyebrow.

  Devor continued. "It’s like raising a tiger. You can either feed it prepared meat… or let it hunt live prey, allowing it to sharpen its instincts.”

  Juyin’s interest piqued.

  Devor was suggesting that forcing the tree to interact with its environment would result in a stronger, more adaptable existence.

  Devor inhaled slowly before speaking again. “Of course, my method isn’t a perfect comparison. But over time, the Spiritual Tree won’t become passive—relying solely on being fed. Instead, it will develop a sense of awareness, choosing what to absorb and rejecting what it doesn’t.”

  For the briefest moment, a faint smile crossed Juyin’s lips—though Devor failed to notice.

  "That’s why, even if it takes longer, I firmly believe the tree will grow more independent and resilient.

  It won’t be easily poisoned or manipulated by others. It will learn to protect itself."

  Juyin studied him in silence.

  His expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, he let out a quiet sigh.

  This young cultivator…

  Most sought immediate power.

  They sought efficiency, shortcuts, and rapid breakthroughs.

  But Devor’s approach was different.

  He was willing to endure the long path.

  If he continued walking this road…

  Juyin was genuinely curious.

  Just what kind of change would this boy bring to the cultivation world?