As Yang Hong had anticipated, it took only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea for an eunuch to intercept him on the road and order him to return.
"Ya Du, your aunt heard of your farming skills and wishes to test you."
As soon as Yang Hong entered the [Tai Xiao Hall], Yang Jian said with a hint of excitement.
It seemed Yang Jianhong had promised him some benefits.
"I am humbled, Aunt. Your nephew merely possesses some humble skills in coaxing sustenance from the soil and is not worthy of your tutelage."
Yang Hong cupped his hands in a humble gesture,
but inwardly, he felt a prickle of caution. He must conceal his true abilities during this "test."
His aunt's sect, the Luo Li Sect, was one of the paramount sects and also among the factions that had rules against him cultivating.
He had to be careful.
"There's no need for modesty. If you have talent, you have it. If not, you cannot fake it."
Yang Jianhong waved her hand gently, interrupting Yang Hong's humility, and directly began her questions.
"What kind of soil is best suited for farming?"
Seeing that Yang Jianhong was serious about her questioning, Yang Hong perked up and answered earnestly.
"Black soil is best, followed by red soil, then yellow soil, and sandy soil is the worst."
"Where is the best place to plant broadleaf trees?"
"Hot regions are best; warm regions are also acceptable."
"What is the ideal spacing for rice plants?"
"In areas with abundant water, nine inches is best; in areas with less water, four inches is preferable."
"Where is the best place to grow bitter mustard grass?"
"Bitter mustard grass? Your nephew does not know."
"Where are the best Falling Ying Peach Blossoms found?"
"It is said they are best on Peach Blossom Island in the Eastern Sea."
"Ni Ni Ao La Tree…"
As Yang Hong answered, he was inwardly alarmed.
His aunt truly had ill intentions, weaving in knowledge only cultivators would know into her questions.
While some of these were recorded in mortal texts, they were not things Yang Hong should have known.
When faced with such questions, Yang Hong would ponder for a moment before giving vague answers or, more often, admitting he didn't know.
"Heh heh ~ Ya Du's knowledge is indeed substantial. Perhaps in the future, you might become a great agriculturist."
"Thank you for your kind words, Aunt."
"Good, good. Come closer, Ya Du. Let me have a good look at you."
Yang Jianhong praised Yang Hong with a smile and beckoned him closer.
"Yes."
Yang Hong walked over with a serene expression, but inside, he was cursing.
This aunt was definitely here on behalf of the paramount sects to probe him. He had to be cautious. If his cultivation were exposed, she would disown him without hesitation!
"Ya Du is truly handsome. You are indeed a fine son of our Yang family."
Yang Jianhong pulled Yang Hong closer, scrutinizing him up and down, while secretly channeling a subtle stream of true qi into his body.
"Heh heh, it is because Father and Mother are so good-looking that Ya Du possesses such a countenance."
Yang Hong smiled and replied, simultaneously concealing the fluctuations of true qi.
"Has Ya Du married yet?"
"I have already married."
"Who is your primary consort?"
"Song Yuzhi of the Song Clan in Lingnan."
"The Song Clan? That is a fortunate match for the Song family. Ya Du…"
"…"
They engaged in seemingly trivial domestic chatter, but in reality, they were locked in a battle of wits.
Yang Jianhong kept Yang Hong talking for a quarter of an hour before releasing him.
Then, citing the lateness of the hour, she returned to the Luo Li Sect's encampment.
…
"Master, Martial Uncle, Yang Hong indeed has no cultivation. I tested him for a quarter of an hour. Although his body is sturdy from constant labor, he has not a trace of inner strength, let alone true qi."
In the [Xiang Xi Hall] of the Great Sui, Yang Jianhong was reporting to two middle-aged men.
Yang Hong's guess was correct; Yang Jianhong's main purpose in summoning him was to ascertain if he possessed any cultivation.
"Martial Brother, are we being overly cautious?"
Yang Jianhong's master, Cen Lingyun, a middle-aged scholar with a refined appearance, holding a folding fan in his hand,
looked at his companion, the imposing and heroic-looking Lou Huakang, who sported a goatee.
"Martial Nephew, it is not I who am cautious. You have tasted those vegetables and fruits yourself.
While they have not yet reached the level of spiritual plants, they are far superior to ordinary produce.
If they came from a cultivator, I would not find it surprising. But for a mortal to cultivate them, do you not find it problematic?"
"Martial Brother, perhaps you are overlooking. Was not the ancient Divine Farmer tasting herbs, and he was but a mortal?"
"But the Divine Farmer eventually ascended to immortality through immense merit.
Yang Hong already possesses significant merit. What if he were to walk the path of the Divine Farmer again by cultivating crops that benefit all people?"
Lou Huakang's words caused Cen Lingyun to fall silent. The disciples present in the room displayed envious expressions.
Some disciples even showed signs of restlessness.
As orthodox cultivators, they understood the benefits and significance of merit.
"But we cannot kill him. The seal of the entire Dong Li Province, and even the stability of the Tai Yuan Continent, depends on him.
The karma surrounding him is too great; even the Sect Master would not dare to harm a single hair on his head."
Cen Lingyun said with some helplessness.
Yang Jianhong was also learning for the first time that her nephew, Yang Hong, carried such a significant secret.
"Martial Nephew, do not worry. Earlier, Senior Ancestor Yuan from the Tian Ji Sect emerged from seclusion and visited the Wu Fang Domain. He also investigated Yang Hong's situation.
He truly has no issues at present.
These crops of his might be cultivated due to the great merit he possesses."
As he spoke, Lou Huakang picked up a red-fleshed nectarine from the table and took a bite.
"Oh~ The taste is quite good. Although it lacks spiritual energy, in terms of flavor, it is no less than ordinary spiritual plants."
"Mmm~ Indeed, it is good."
Cen Lingyun also picked one up to eat, but soon changed the topic.
"It is good that Yang Hong has no issues. Otherwise, we could have sent him into the Hong Dong Secret Realm."
"Heh heh~ I do not wish to bear that karma."
Lou Huakang chuckled and shook his head, but his eyes inadvertently glanced at Yang Jianhong.
"Martial Brother, I think it is feasible.
This time, the Ten Great Immortal Sects intend to purge the rogue cultivators and minor sects in the Wu Fang Domain. We could completely use their hands…"
"It is feasible, but be cautious. The karma surrounding Yang Hong is of no small consequence."
"Martial Brother, this peach tastes excellent. It would be a shame if only we were to enjoy it."
"Indeed, it is better to share joy than to enjoy it alone."
"Jianhong, do you understand?"
Cen Lingyun suddenly turned and asked Yang Jianhong kindly.
"Your disciple will inform Yang Jian immediately and have him send the fine fruits to the other 'Immortal Lords'."
Yang Jianhong, having listened for so long, naturally understood something.
They intended to abduct the rogue cultivators, or perhaps Yang Hong himself.
"Hahaha~ A group of Nascent Soul cultivators who don't even know how to cultivate, acting like immortal lords everywhere, it is truly laughable."
"Indeed, a group of ignorant beings who arrogantly call themselves immortals deserve to perish."
Lou Huakang and Cen Lingyun burst into disdainful laughter.
The other disciples, including Yang Jianhong, nodded in agreement.
Regarding rogue cultivators, they, as members of esteemed sects, held them in great contempt.
"Jianhong, do not be too hasty. Take your time. In this matter, there must be absolutely no trace of our Luo Li Sect."
"Yes~ Your disciple understands."
Yang Jianhong earnestly agreed, beginning to seriously consider how to ensnare Yang Hong, her own nephew.
Naturally, Yang Zhong, his father, and the entire Great Sui royal family would be implicated.
As for the rogue cultivators?
They were mere pawns for reconnaissance, to be kept for now.