The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 5: Forging Iron Hammer

Vol 2 Chapter 5 Forging Iron Hammer

Bright and sunny light bathed the valley. Wearing a small woven sun hat, Sylutia walked across the grassy field between the valleys. As far as her eyes could see, a stretch of lush green grassland rippled in the wind.

Since that night, the Aspect of 'Distortion' within this valley had been dispelled and purified. For at least three months, there was no need to worry about the surface vegetation and creatures being contaminated.

A gentle breeze slipped through the gaps in her sleeves, brushing over her body, making her feel a wave of refreshment, and her mood lifted.

This land within the Shadow World was less affected by the 'Blazing Sun' in the sky. This meant that even in summer, it wouldn't be very hot, but rather quite comfortable.

Over the past two days, the green seedlings in the fields had been growing lush and vigorous, neatly aligned, stirring up much anticipation within Sylutia's heart.

【Wheat】(Passing - 41): After removing the influence of Distortion, the crops can grow smoothly.

Now the foundation has been laid. The real test of skill is what comes next.

She took out a small vial of 'Verdant Eye' potion, dripped it into her eyes, and then a verdant green tinted her pupils, allowing her to see the more complex and delicate light spectrum emitted by the plants.

Her steps halted. Sylutia gently placed her hand on the green seedling before her, then took a deep breath, as if invisible ripples spread out. A hint of emerald green floated in her eyes.Her perception extended along the tree before her, spreading out across this land, expanding. Countless colored spectra appeared in her vision—the insects and ants among the grass, the withered blades, the cracks in the soil—all appeared one by one.

【Wheat】(Passing - 41): After removing the influence of Distortion, it is currently preliminarily stable, but the growing environment still needs continued improvement.

Germination situation analysis...

Water transport analysis...

Nutritional status analysis...

Ventilation condition check...

Pest presence search...

Sylutia knelt and sat on the ridge between the fields, going through each item bit by bit, while her other hand held a pen, constantly recording data and conditions.

('Gardening Art' proficiency +15)

('Gardening Art' proficiency +19)

('Gardening Art' proficiency +12)

('Gardening Art' proficiency +25)

...

A whole day passed. In the evening, Sylutia brought the recorded book pages back to the small house where she lived, intending to continue organizing them, then analyze and solve each issue one by one.

Growing crops and cultivating flowers and plants were vastly different. The latter, due to their small numbers, allowed for individually tailored environments and meticulous care, making it easy to produce high-quality flowers and plants.

But for large-scale crops, it was difficult to attend to the condition of each individual plant. One could only make improvements based on broad, average conditions, and only after having the energy and spare capacity could one make detailed adjustments to each plant individually.

She spent more time sorting out the solutions and compiled them in writing.

However, even with the solutions, taking care of nearly 40 mu of land by herself was likely beyond her capability.

It seemed increasing manpower was an unavoidable necessity. She remembered that in two days, it would be the market day at the beginning of the month. It would be a good time to go to White Stone Fortress and take a look. She also needed to replenish some food and necessary daily supplies soon.

Early the next morning, Sylutia harnessed the tall Lakeshore Horse, then used ropes to lead the two ponies, letting them follow beside the mare to prevent them from getting lost on the road. After that, she sat in the wagon, lightly shook the reins, and the draft horse started off.

Since there was only one road to White Stone Fortress and no forks, once the draft horse started, she didn't need to constantly adjust the direction. After that, she leaned back in the wagon to watch the scenery, occasionally dozing off.

Around midday, the wagon arrived at White Stone Fortress. Sylutia led the tall draft horse to a stable rest area in the city, temporarily boarding the three horses there.

"50 copper coins for half a day, one silver coin for a full day." The stable staff told her this, then handed her a small wooden token as proof.

"Alright."

After taking the token, Sylutia put it in her pocket, then pulled up the hood of her black coat, leaving only a few strands of silver hair visible at the side of her neck.

She first entered the market. Since tomorrow was the designated market open day, many vendors had already come early to set up their stalls today.

"Fresh apples, 50 copper coins per jin."

"Clear water, 20 copper coins per pot." Water could be sold for money? The young woman was quite surprised.

She walked over. There was already someone asking questions ahead of her.

"Your water is so expensive. On the surface, 20 copper coins could buy 20 jin of wheat."

"You said it yourself, that's the surface. Is it the same?" The burly man selling water waved a reed fan as he explained.

"This is clear water I fetched from the Holy Spring of White Stone Fortress. It has very little pollution and can be drunk directly. Selling it to you for 20 copper coins is a fair price."

Seeing the other person still wanting to argue, he spoke again. "You don't think this water is just for drinking, do you? Whether it's making potions, alchemy, or learning and practicing water-related secret arts, all require high-purity, pollution-free, impurity-free water. If you think of this as a crafting material, doesn't it seem very cheap then?"

"This... seems true as well." The onlooker who originally thought it was expensive now somewhat changed his mind.

"However, can your water really be used as a potion material? I remember the distilled pure water sold by the alchemy workshop costs one silver coin per pot."

"That's for professionals. You're not even an apprentice yet. You don't need such high-purity purified water. Ordinary potion requirements aren't that high either. This kind of water is sufficient." The water-selling burly man didn't care about the other's face at all, directly pointing out his status and situation, telling him not to aim too high.

"Even if you want to better improve yourself, you should save the money for buying water, buy more materials, practice alchemy and potion-making more, and raise your tier. That's the proper path."

The originally wavering onlooker was now even more convinced. Many people started taking out money to buy water. Judging by their appearance, most were First Tier students, still in the early stages of their professional paths.

Oh, so selling clear water can make money too. Sylutia watched the stall not far away, deep in thought.

However, if she devoted her energy to selling water, it would waste too much time. Not only would it delay her primary work as a gardener, but it would also be difficult to gain any extra experience from selling water.

Passing this stall, she saw some people selling self-made simple creations. The sellers were mostly students too.

"Crimson Snow Ignition Powder, 20 silver coins per pack. Fast ignition, enormous power." The power probably isn't that enormous, the young woman secretly mocked in her heart.

"Hundred-Tempered Steel Sword, forged and strengthened with special techniques. Sharpness and toughness far surpass other fine steel weapons." This one might actually be useful. Sylutia walked over.

"One sword costs only one gold coin." Okay, still a bit expensive. The young woman's footsteps shifted away. But looking at it this way, knowing how to forge is quite profitable.

Previously, Agren had also commissioned her to find a skilled blacksmith here to help forge a Glittergold longsword. Now was a good time to go ask.

Thinking of this, she stopped wandering around the market and went directly to the city's blacksmithing district. That was the headquarters of the 'Forging Gold Hammer,' which had everything from First Tier apprentices to Third Tier professional blacksmiths. It was a famous organization in the Glittergold Plains, where you could buy handy weapons and equipment at various price points.

Thinking this, Sylutia walked into a side street. After walking about 300 meters, she arrived at a street entrance. At this entrance stood two tall blacksmith statues. They held large hammers, their faces rugged, their muscles sharply defined. The towering gate's lines were also rather hard-edged, giving a feeling of solidity and reliability.

〖Forging Gold Hammer〗

'Forging iron, hammering gold, mighty as mountains.'