Days passed quietly. He worked steadily, not chasing recognition, not seeking shortcuts. He would water the herbs, test the soil's essence, repair formations when needed, and refine his Spirit Rebirth Technique whenever time allowed.
The other workers had long accepted him as one of their own. Sometimes they'd share meals under the shade of the spirit trees, joking that Tian Lei was more herb than human now. He'd just laugh, shake his head, and return to his work.
Life in the Middle Garden became simple—almost peaceful.
But even in this calm routine, subtle changes were happening. His control over his flame deepened. The Spirit Rebirth Technique began to evolve naturally, blending faint traces of purification energy from the Heaven-Purifying Arts he'd learned earlier. The soil in his section grew richer, self-sustaining even without constant supervision.
And while Tian Lei took it easy outwardly, inside he was still sharpening himself—quietly waiting for the right opportunity.
