Chapter 77 Microorganisms Under Natural Blessing

Chapter 77: Chapter 76: Microorganisms Under Natural Blessing

"As for fish bones and animal bones, we can use the bones and flesh of Extraordinary monsters as a substitute.

"These Extraordinary Plants and creatures should have a higher concentration of various trace Elements in their bodies compared to ordinary flora and fauna back on Blue Star, right?"

He voiced his thoughts.

"That is highly possible. We can give it a try," Professor Ye said, a look of approval in his eyes.

He glanced around the small planting area on the balcony and the seed boxes Han Ning had brought back.

"Given our current conditions, we can start by making a small compost bin using discarded plastic buckets or wooden crates. We could even dig a shallow pit in a rainproof area and line it with a tarp.

"For the next few days, I need you to use your abilities on this tomato plant and the other crops daily, just like before.

"I’ll observe their specific growth rate changes, nutrient consumption speed, and any other physiological reactions they might exhibit under the influence of your power to collect as much data as possible.

"Only by mastering this data can I more accurately adjust the compost formula to create a ’super compost’ that can truly support their growth."

Han Ning listened carefully to Professor Ye’s clear and logical analysis, finding it very reasonable.

"Alright!" he nodded decisively. "I’ll be responsible for collecting the raw materials for composting. I’ll leave the seed cultivation and the research on these mutated crops to you.

"And there’s this..."

Han Ning reached into his backpack and took out the twisted Magic Staff core. It was carefully wrapped in vines, with a bizarre dark green fruit growing at the top and dense, fine roots covering its body.

"I’ll leave this to you as well, Professor Ye."

Professor Ye’s gaze was instantly drawn to the pulsating dark green fruit. He leaned in for a closer look, a strong sense of interest appearing on his face.

"Is this a plant from this world?" he asked, studying it from various angles for a moment without touching it. Then he continued, "I’ll need your assistance to research it. I’m not sure if it will pose any danger during the process. Meanwhile, your power might have a special use for it."

"No problem," Han Ning agreed readily. "We’ll set the research location here, and I’ll be responsible for security.

"If you need anything during the research process, just tell me directly. As for your food and accommodation, I’ll take care of it, so you don’t need to worry."

"Happy cooperating." Hearing this, Professor Ye revealed a rare smile.

After their conversation, Han Ning tentatively concluded that Professor Ye was genuinely capable. The rest would depend on the results of the cultivation.

With their discussion concluded, Han Ning turned his gaze to Su Mingke, who had been standing quietly in the corner, listening in silence. He greeted her, "Teacher Su."

Su Mingke opened her mouth, lifting her head to meet Han Ning’s calm gaze.

"Professor Ye’s safety will be in your hands from now on," Han Ning said.

"When I’m not around, you will be responsible for protecting him and preventing any accidents. I’ll cover your food and accommodation as well."

For the rest of the time, the three of them began to get busy.

Professor Ye carefully inspected all the seed samples Han Ning had brought back. He thoroughly categorized and labeled them according to their crop type, growth habits, and their requirements for soil and sunlight.

Then, he directed Su Mingke to redesign the small planting area on the balcony.

"This corner gets relatively ample sunlight but tends to accumulate water, so it’s suitable for water-tolerant crops...

"This spot is shaded and highly humid, perfect for shade-loving leafy greens...

"This mutated tomato plant is a key research subject and needs to be isolated for individual observation..."

As he spoke, Professor Ye personally rearranged the flower pots that had previously been placed haphazardly.

At the same time, he repurposed some discarded plastic boxes and tin buckets into simple containers better suited for the growth of different crops.

Su Mingke helped clear out a small office space within the resort suite.

She opened the experimental equipment boxes Han Ning had brought back and carefully arranged the microscope, petri dishes, thermometers, tweezers, test tube racks, and other items inside, setting up a crude but fully functional testing bench.

Han Ning, meanwhile, went out to gather materials for composting.

Things like the carapace and pincers of a Vortex Shell Crab, as well as the flesh and bones of a Crocodile Lizard, were already on hand.

He also specifically peeled off a portion of the still-active, algae-like tissue from that verdant Magic Staff, which contained bizarre Energy.

Then, he went to the banquet hall next door to get some flesh and blood from a Big Tuna, along with other materials.

Since he was the one who had killed that Big Tuna monster, the Awakened who recognized him immediately handed over the flesh and blood upon seeing him in person.

Han Ning didn’t spend any resources to obtain this Tuna flesh.

The Tuna flesh he had collected earlier had been entirely eaten by snow cake on the way.

The process of gathering compost materials went much smoother than expected.

Back on the relatively spacious balcony of the luxury suite, Han Ning transformed a discarded large plastic bucket into a compost bin under Professor Ye’s guidance.

He drilled ventilation holes at the bottom and cut a few observation ports into the side walls.

"The key to composting lies in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, humidity, and breathability," Professor Ye explained, guiding Han Ning on how to layer the various materials into the bin.

"The ratio of green materials—like biological flesh and tender leaves—to brown materials—such as dead branches and wood chips—should be roughly between one to two and one to three.

"The moisture level must be moderate. It’s best if it clumps together when squeezed in your hand without dripping, and easily becomes Scattered when released. It also needs to be turned regularly to ensure an oxygen supply."

Following the instructions, Han Ning layered powdered Vortex Shell Crab carapace, fragmented Crocodile Lizard bones and flesh, minced Tuna meat, and mysterious algae fragments as the "green materials." He mixed them with a small amount of dead leaves and soil from this world as the "brown materials." He placed them into the bin layer by layer, sprinkled plant ash over them, and finally sprayed some Qingshui.

"Alright, now we just wait for the microorganisms to do their work."

Professor Ye closed the bin’s lid, leaving only the ventilation holes open.

"High-quality compost typically takes over 45 days. That allows the microorganisms to fully decompose the organic matter, killing off harmful bacteria and insect eggs, ultimately forming a stable, humus-rich ’black gold soil’."

"Forty-five days?" Han Ning frowned slightly. "That’s way too long."

The monsters were growing stronger, and the environment was deteriorating. They didn’t have forty-five days to just wait around.

Looking at the sealed plastic bucket in front of him, an idea struck Han Ning.

He wondered, "Right, could Rapid Growth and Natural Blessing... work on microorganisms? Or... accelerate the composting process itself?"

He acted on the thought immediately.

He walked over to the compost bin, pressed both hands against the wall of the bucket, and focused his Spirit.

HUM!

An emerald green glow of Natural Energy surged from his palms, passing through the plastic bucket’s wall and seeping into the mixed organic materials inside.

[Natural Blessing (Basic Level) Skill Level +1, Current 42/200]

Under the permeating Energy of the Natural Blessing, the originally still mixture inside the bin seemed to vibrate slightly.

Following that, Han Ning tried to release Rapid Growth.

[Rapid Growth (Middle Level) Skill Level +1, Current 168/200]

The effect was even more pronounced.