Reclaiming Wasteland Before the Secluded Abode, Longevity Dao Rhyme Cultivates Fine Fields

In the open space before the Secluded Abode, beyond the pavilion and vegetable garden, lay a patch of wasteland. It bordered the Spirit Spring, and though its soil was fertile, years of neglect had allowed waist-high weeds to overrun it. Seeing the thriving spirit herbs in the seedling nursery, then looking at the disciples stationed in the valley and the townsfolk who occasionally visited—whose daily meals were mostly dry rations—Shen Hao conceived the idea of reclaiming the land. He wanted to cultivate this wasteland and plant spirit grain and other crops, so everyone could eat fresh food and the blessings of the Longevity Dao Rhyme could extend across this land.

When news of the land reclamation spread, the disciples in the valley eagerly answered the call. Upon hearing of it, Old Man Li from Qinghe Town brought several elderly farmers, shouldering hoes as they arrived at the Secluded Abode early. That morning, when the sky had only just begun to brighten, everyone gathered before the wasteland. Dressed in rough short clothes with his sleeves rolled up, Shen Hao stood before them with a brightly polished hoe in hand and smiled. "Sorry for the trouble today, everyone. This land has fertile soil. So long as we cultivate it with care, it will surely grow plump grain in the future."

Old Man Li stroked his beard and laughed. "You are too courteous, Common Lord! Being able to do our part for the Secluded Abode is our good fortune. Reclaiming farmland is what us old farmers do best—leave it to us!"

With that, everyone threw themselves into the work with blazing enthusiasm. Shen Hao was the first to walk to the center of the wasteland. He raised his hoe and struck into a patch thick with weeds. His movements were steady and powerful;