Green Eyes, Green Twigs

Jiang Yang put down the Jade Slip after giving it a quick read. He was not going to cultivate the technique himself, so he had skimmed it quickly.

Holding the warm, smooth Jade Slip, Jiang Yang fell into thought:

The old man has cultivated a Fortune Qi technique all his life, after all. Though he has never reached Qi Refining, Fortune Qi carries the promise of turning calamity into good fortune. My appearing here to save him was likely the work of fate...

Setting those thoughts aside, Jiang Yang handed the bright yellow Jade Slip back to the old man and said:

"Thank you. The wonders of Fortune Qi have taught me a great deal."

Li Rong accepted it with both hands and replied respectfully:

"You are too kind. Being able to help my benefactor already leaves this old man moved to tears."

Jiang Yang lifted his cup and pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked:

"I have only just arrived and know little about the Great Dark Cold Marsh. You have lived here a long time, sir. Is there anything you could teach me?"

"I would hardly call it teaching. If you are willing to listen, benefactor, this old man will tell you what he knows."

Li Rong cupped his hands and promptly replied:

"This place lies on the outskirts of the Dark Marsh. My cultivation is low, and I have spent half my life wandering this area, so I do know a few things."

"This entrance is less popular than the other three. Mostly petty bandits, rogue cultivators, and practitioners of unorthodox arts make their homes here. Disciples of great Sect like yourself rarely come..."

The old man paused before continuing his explanation:

"The spiritual energy here is not particularly rich. Most of what it produces are spiritual