Even though Han Li didn't know what conversation transpired between Martial Uncle Ye and that old man surnamed Wu after he left, he still felt absolutely suffocating with frustration!
Ever since his experience with Doctor Mo, this was the first time he'd encountered a situation where he clearly saw a trap ahead yet had no choice but to walk into it. This made Han Li incredibly annoyed, but it also reinforced his view that the world of immortal cultivation was one where the strong preyed on the weak.
"I'll just go get it from him later when I need it!" At the thought of this, Han Li gave a cold laugh. He would definitely make sure this Martial Uncle Ye learned that his things weren't so easy to take away!
He stood on the ground and looked into the distance. By now, Steward Yu had already returned to the Hall of a Hundred Machines, because not far ahead was the Hundred Medicine Garden. It was a small basin nestled between two hills, and its owner had set up some minor barriers to prevent outsiders from trespassing.
Han Li walked a short distance before encountering the nearby barrier, his path blocked by a flash of white light.
However, he didn't panic. He raised a jade token and aimed it forward. Immediately, a green beam shot from the token and flew into the barrier. Then, Han Li waited patiently.
"Come in!" A dry voice came from inside, sounding as if it were right beside Han Li's ear. Following this, the barrier before his eyes vanished completely, melting away like ice and snow.
Seeing this, Han Li didn't dare delay. He quickly walked inside.
Following the small path before him, Han Li stopped in front of a courtyard with a sign that read "Hundred Medicine Garden." The courtyard was quite large, spanning several acres. Before he even entered, a rich medicinal fragrance wafted out from within, invigorating Han Li's spirit.
"What are you standing out there for? Hurry up and come in! I have things to do and need to go out!" Han Li was momentarily stunned but immediately obeyed and walked inside.
Once inside, Han Li finally got a clear look at the garden's layout.
Several thatched huts, built from dried grass and bamboo, stood in the center of the garden. Around them were neat, square plots of land separated by irrigation channels. Each plot was lush and green, planted with many herbs Han Li was familiar with, as well as some he didn't recognize, along with some plants that looked bizarre and peculiar. The entire garden was brimming with spiritual energy, so thick that even a cultivator like Han Li felt refreshed after taking a deep breath.
"Come into the hut!" The voice's owner, seeing him dawdling, grew impatient.
Han Li smiled faintly, unfazed, and walked into the thatched hut.
Inside stood a thin, withered, and short old man, looking displeasedly at Han Li who had just entered. The old man looked to be around fifty from his appearance, with two thin, yellowed mustaches and a pair of slightly cloudy, darting little eyes. At first glance, he really did look like a rat that had evolved into human form.
"You're the disciple sent by the Hall of a Hundred Machines to manage the garden? You're far too young, and your cultivation is so weak! Is that fellow Ye just going through the motions? Why do the people he sends get worse each time?" The moment the old man saw Han Li's appearance, his face darkened and he flew into a rage.
"Disciple Han Li pays respects to Martial Uncle Ma!" Han Li had already read about the little old man's eccentric temper in the records, so he wasn't surprised. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Hmph! Do you know how severe the punishment will be if you fail the task? If you go back now and ask that Junior Brother Ye of mine to send someone else, there's still time!" The old man rolled his eyes and said irritably.
"Does the requirement involve maintaining the garden's scale, not letting any herbs wither, and submitting a certain amount of medicinal herbs each month? If that's the case, this junior still has some confidence!" Han Li said calmly.
Hearing Han Li's words, the old man was somewhat surprised. It seemed this was the first time he'd encountered a garden management disciple who spoke with such confidence right off the bat. He couldn't help but look Han Li up and down again, but the suspicion in his eyes hadn't lessened in the slightest.
"Follow me!" The little old man suddenly said coldly, then walked out of the thatched hut. Han Li followed him without hesitation.
"How many of these medicinal herbs can you recognize?" The old man pointed at the herbs filling the garden and asked, glancing sideways at Han Li.