Raising Fish in a Clear Spring, Longevity Dao Rhyme Blesses the Waterfolk

Beside the Secluded Abode, the Spirit Spring babbled on, crystal clear to its bottom. The spring water contained rich Longevity Dao Rhyme, nourishing the plants and living creatures in the valley. Watching the Spirit Spring flow without pause day after day, Shen Hao suddenly had an idea—why not divert its waters and carve out a fishpond to raise some Spirit Fish? These Spirit Fish could not only be eaten to improve everyone's meals, but also purify the spring water, making the Spirit Spring's spiritual qi ever purer. They would also add a little more vitality and interest to Secluded Forest Valley.

That morning, Shen Hao brought the disciples to a low-lying stretch of land downstream from the Spirit Spring. The terrain here was flat and close to the seedling nursery, making it convenient to divert the spring water. It was the perfect place to dig a fishpond. Dressed in rough short garments with his sleeves and trouser legs rolled up, Shen Hao took up a hoe and began digging first. His movements were steady and powerful; every swing of the hoe unearthed a large swath of soil. As the hoe rose and fell, the Longevity Dao Rhyme around him slowly seeped into the earth. The once-compacted soil became soft and fertile, making it easier and easier to dig.

The disciples followed suit, swinging their hoes as they dug. The Stone Race disciples possessed boundless strength and were responsible for carving out the fishpond's outline; the Wood Race disciples were meticulous and cleared away stones and weeds from the pond bed; while the Feather Race disciples soared through the air, surveying the terrain and guiding the others' digging direction. Everyone performed their duties, working in a blaze of activity as laughter and cheerful voices echoed across Secluded Forest Valley.

Zi Xuan