Song Que’s eyes narrowed upon hearing his brother’s assessment.
In this world, it was not uncommon for a dynasty to last for ten thousand years. He, a Grandmaster at the peak of his power, knew of the existence of cultivators.
Some powerful cultivators could live for tens of thousands of years with ease, let alone a dynasty.
The predecessor to the Five Directions Dynasty, the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, was said to have enjoyed imperial fortune for 80,000 years.
While "enjoying imperial fortune for ten thousand years" was a high commendation, it paled in comparison to the evaluation of "there will be no more famine in the world."
"Third Brother, are you sure these seeds are truly that remarkable?"
"Second Brother, you don't work the land, so you don't understand. To me, these seeds are terrifyingly powerful, and one could say they benefit all people, for all generations."
"All people, all generations? Are they truly that good?"
Song Que was even more astonished as Song Zhi’s praise grew higher.
"Second Brother, do you know the current yield of ordinary grain?"
Instead of answering directly, Song Zhi posed a question back.
"I am aware of that. For ordinary rice, with good land, the yield can reach 300 catties per mu. On poorer land, it might not even reach 200 catties. Wheat and millet have similar yields. Soybeans fare a bit better, reaching 400 catties."
As the head of the Song Clan, Song Que possessed basic knowledge.
"Then, Second Brother, do you know the yield of the high-yield crops being promoted by the Great Sui?"
"Around 600 catties per mu, perhaps?"
In response to Song Zhi’s further question, Song Que replied with some uncertainty.
He didn't quite believe such a yield was possible.
"Heh heh ~ Millet yields 600 catties per mu, and above;
Rice, 700 catties; wheat, 800 catties; soybeans, over a thousand catties."
Song Zhi said with a smile. When he had personally calculated these per-mu yields, he had been thoroughly shocked.
Just as Song Que now gaped, his mouth agape, too astonished for words.
"R-really?"
The yield of all crops had more than doubled.
If this were the case, the people of the world could easily have enough to eat.
Assuming landlords didn't deliberately try to starve their tenant farmers.
"It's true, but that's not the most remarkable aspect."
"What could be more remarkable?"
Song Que’s interest was piqued. Doubling the grain yield wasn’t enough to be considered remarkable?
"For all these crops, whether grains or vegetables, their drought and flood resistance has increased by at least fifty percent, and their pest and disease resistance has doubled.
This means the difficulty of planting these seeds has decreased, and their cultivation range can continuously expand.
It also means that ordinary folks, as long as they aren't lazy, can take these seeds and plant them even on barren mountains, and they won't starve."
"Hiss ~ This means it will be difficult for landlords and nobles to control the lives of the peasants any longer."
Song Que also realized the implication.
"Heh heh, Second Brother, your perspective is too narrow.
This also means that the population of the entire Taiyuan World will continue to grow, dynastic struggles will become increasingly fierce, and there will be more cultivators."
Song Zhi foresaw even greater implications.
Song Yuzhi, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.
However, she knew that Yang Hong's original intention was simply to ensure the people of the Great Sui wouldn't starve.
"Third Uncle, the seeds I brought are even more effective, showing a thirty percent improvement over the ones being promoted."
Song Yuzhi reminded them with a hint of pride. She had personally cultivated almost every type of these seeds.
"Indeed, there are even better seeds.
Niece, tell me, are there even superior seeds in the imperial palace?"
Song Zhi squinted and asked a question.
"No more. That person said that within the territory of the Five Directions Dynasty, these seeds are the limit.
If one wishes to further improve the quality of the seeds, it requires cultivation in a place with spiritual energy."
Song Yuzhi did not conceal anything, directly relaying Yang Hong's exact words.
Song Yuzhi had also been tasked with finding a place with spiritual energy on this outing. If Song Zhi knew of such a place, it would be excellent.
"Spiritual energy?"
"Spiritual energy?"
"Alas~ Alas~"
Song Que and Song Zhi exclaimed in unison, then exchanged glances and sighed, shaking their heads.
They were both aware of the spiritual energy’s depletion in the Five Directions Dynasty.
"If it's spiritual energy, then there's nothing we can do. Moreover, even if there were spiritual energy, the spiritual plants that require spiritual energy to grow would not be accessible to ordinary people."
Song Que explained with a sigh.
"Father, can you tell me about spiritual energy?"
Song Yuzhi’s heart stirred. She took Song Que’s hand and began to act spoiled.
She had never known about spiritual energy before Yang Hong mentioned cultivation. On this outing, she also wanted to find records related to spiritual energy.
"All things in heaven and earth possess spirit, and this vast, boundless continent also has spirit, thus spiritual energy is born between heaven and earth.
About 400 years ago, this land we inhabit also had spiritual energy.
However, 400 years ago, a great war erupted between the Human Race and the Monster Race, nearly shattering the entire continent.
After the war, a powerful figure repaired the continent, but for reasons unknown to mortals like us, the spiritual energy in this world rapidly vanished and was eventually cut off entirely."
Before Song Que could speak, Song Zhi began to expound.
"Spiritual energy is the foundation for the cultivation of all things and all spirits.
Plants absorbing spiritual energy can become spiritual plants with miraculous effects; some spiritual plants can even revive the dead.
With enough accumulated spiritual energy, spiritual plants can even transform into human form, becoming flower spirits or tree spirits.
Animals absorbing spiritual energy can become demonic beasts. And because animals inherently possess simple intelligence, they more easily transform into human form, thus giving rise to various demonic beasts and the Monster Race.
As for us humans, by absorbing spiritual energy, we become cultivators, achieving immortality and enlightenment. Not only do we gain immense power and long lifespans,
if one can cultivate to become an immortal, they can even achieve longevity equal to heaven and earth!"
Song Zhi’s voice was melancholic, with an ineffable envy, but also a profound sense of desolation.
Mortals in the Five Directions Domain could no longer cultivate.
Song Yuzhi, on the other hand, was filled with excitement. She now truly understood the benefits of cultivation.
Immense power, long lifespans, and longevity equal to heaven and earth.
"Slurp~"
Just thinking about it made one’s mouth water.
"Slap ~ Stop daydreaming. You don't have the aptitude for cultivation. It was tested in Daxing. Otherwise, you wouldn't have to marry that useless Yang Hong."
Seeing his daughter drooling at the thought of pleasant things, Song Que took the opportunity to flick her on the back of the head.
This was a moment of petty revenge.
"Father ~ I've grown up. Besides, Yang Hong isn't useless; he's very capable."
Song Yuzhi rubbed her head, retorting indignantly.
"Heh heh, that pretty boy, that weakling, I bet he can't satisfy you in bed."
Song Que grumbled unhappily.
He had secretly seen Yang Hong and was extremely displeased.
"He~ he~ he, anyway, Yang Hong is very capable, in all aspects."
Song Yuzhi's face flushed red, more from anger than embarrassment.
"Heh heh ~ Second Brother, a married daughter is like spilled water. As long as that Yang Hong doesn't bully Yuzhi, that's all that matters.
We should consider how to reciprocate their gift. Our Song Clan must show our appreciation."
Song Zhi said with a chuckle from the side.
"Indeed, we must show our appreciation.
At that time, Yuzhi and I will make a trip to Daxing to meet Yang Zhong and express our stance. The Great Sui imperial family is facing considerable pressure this year."
"That would be for the best. The Great Song and Great Ming have both sent messages, supporting our establishment of a nation."
Song Zhi said with disdain.
Establishing a nation wasn't something that could be done with just a few words.
"At that time, I'll have some of the brothers from our Song generation join the Great Sui as officials and generals."
"That's excellent. With our support, the Great Sui should be able to overcome its current difficulties more quickly."
The two brothers were discussing their "expression of gratitude." Song Yuzhi had wanted to speak several times, but recalling Yang Hong's instructions, she remained silent.
The matter of Yang Hong's ability to cultivate, and indeed his cultivation as an immortal, was currently the top priority secret.