"I wonder, have you apprenticed under any renowned master?"

Then, Yang Ping spoke, inquiring further.

"Indeed, I have a master."

Zhou Changwang’s heart jumped, but he remained composed as he spoke.

He knew his performance had already caught the attention of this high-tier Spirit Plant Master, which he had somewhat anticipated before participating in the assessment.

His Three Spiritual Plant Techniques were all cultivated to the Perfection Stage, and even if he tried to conceal it while performing them, some traces would inevitably show.

Especially after winning first place, many eyes were bound to be on him.

Thus, he had prepared for this in advance.

"Then may I know who your master is? I wonder if I might know them or if I could meet them?"

Hearing this, Yang Ping couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, silently lamenting, and then quickly asked.

"My master was an old Spirit Farmer who wandered into the marketplace, but unfortunately, he passed away not long ago."

Zhou Changwang bowed his head slightly as he spoke.

These words were naturally a pretext.

Fengming Dock Marketplace is an old marketplace that has existed for hundreds of years, with a lot of people coming and going. Where there are arrivals, there are departures.

No one knows what these people might have been in the past.

Zhou Changwang fabricated such a person, so there wouldn’t be any issues.

"This..."

Hearing this, Yang Ping felt a joy in his heart but, seeing Zhou Changwang’s expression, concealed it slightly and continued wistfully: "Being able to teach you such advanced magic means they must have been more than just an old Spirit Farmer.

It’s just a pity that I have no chance to meet them."

He quickly continued: "However, Changwang, your talent in spirit planting is exceptional. If you don’t have a good mentor to guide you in the future, it’s inevitable that you’ll make mistakes in your spiritual cultivation.

Since your master has passed away, although it’s a pity, your cultivation in spirit planting must continue.

Why don’t you first become my apprentice, and then I can guide you in the Spirit Planting Skill, how about that?"

"Thank you for your kind offer, Elder Yang.

However, for now, I do not wish to take anyone as a master."

Hearing this, Zhou Changwang quickly shook his head and replied.

He had too many secrets on him.

Once apprenticed, contact with others would be unavoidable, and whether it was the Thunder Spirit Rice Tree or the secrets of his Attribute Panel, they were his utmost secrets, not to be revealed to anyone.

Therefore, he refused without hesitation.

"You might want to reconsider.

The Three Spiritual Plant Techniques are, after all, merely the basics of spirit planting.

In spirit planting, there is still much knowledge, and without a teacher’s guidance, it will be much more challenging to learn."

Yang Ping said, having a fondness for talent, he continued: "Of course, even if you don’t take me as a master for now, if you have any questions about spirit planting in the future, you can come to me. As long as I’m available, I’ll be happy to help."

"Thank you, Elder Yang, for your consideration.

If any questions arise, I will surely come to seek your wisdom."

Hearing this, Zhou Changwang could only bow and say.

Afterward, Zhou Changwang excused himself.

Having not been able to take Zhou Changwang as his disciple, Yang Ping was somewhat disappointed and wouldn’t insist on keeping him.

Meanwhile, Gong Bai Xue had only received a second-grade Spirit Seed and had already left, so Zhou Changwang also strode out of the assessment area.

As he was about to leave Spirit Plant Hall, he spotted Gong Bai Xue standing aside, waving to him from a distance.

"Fellow Daoist Gong, what might you need?"

Seeing this, Zhou Changwang walked over and asked.

"This is a Red Leaf Tea seed. There are several such spirit plants in my family, and one has over a hundred years.

It’s of no use to me, so I’m giving it to you."

Gong Bai Xue said as he handed over a wooden box.

"Fellow Daoist Gong, you’re too kind.

This must be your reward, right?

You should keep it for yourself."

Zhou Changwang waved his hand repeatedly and said.

"I’ve said before I wish to exchange knowledge with you, and it wasn’t just empty words.

If you don’t accept this spirit seed, how can I visit you in the future?

Oh, could you also tell me your current address so I can visit you sometime?"

Hearing this, Gong Bai Xue insisted, pushing the box into his hands.