Things for Soaking in Liquor

Old Zhou planted his cane, coughed dryly, and pointed at the stretch of field frozen by "Point Earth to Steel."

"Daoist, this... this land, could you turn it back? This is the field that keeps our village alive. The silver from one mu of rice is enough to keep a whole family fed for half a year. If it turns into iron and stone like this, we won't be able to plant anything here again..."

Before he had finished, several farmers watching nearby nodded and chimed in.

"Yes, Daoist, please show us mercy."

"That Red Jade Rice is precious beyond measure. Every bit of lost field breaks our hearts..."

"Daoist, please, turn it back."

Shen Hui did not take offense at their clamorous pleas.

He understood that although this paddy field was somewhat unusual, whether it would ultimately prove a blessing or a calamity to the villagers was still impossible to tell.

After all, it could harm people, but it could also sustain them. There were drawbacks and benefits alike.

As for how the farmers should weigh those benefits against the drawbacks, that was their affair. It was not for a passing Daoist like him to make the decision for them.

Besides, Old Zhou and the villagers had been polite enough. They had not tried to force him, merely begged him. So Shen Hui nodded.

"Certainly."

As he spoke, he raised a hand and pointed. The ground, hard as iron and stone, softened inch by inch from within.

The field's color shifted from bluish gray to dark red, and its viscous, damp texture gradually returned.

Old Zhou let out a breath of relief and thanked him again and again. He then invited Shen Hui and the others to the village for a bowl of tea and a rest.

Shen Hui