Chapter 94: Preparations and progress after a month, Start of Winter is here!

Coming out of the Chen manor, Zhao Xing's heart was still somewhat shocked.

He didn't expect to see an old acquaintance here.

Nor did he expect Long Xiao to have such a good relationship with Chen Shijie.

And he didn't expect that what Chen Shijie wanted to take him to was the Divine Might Army that would be removed from the list later!

"Should I still go with old Chen?"

Joining the army is a certainty; after all, in his original plan, he intended to be a Military Agricultural Official.

To be promoted quickly, the army is undoubtedly the fastest route. Relying on foresight, he is confident he can do very well.

"The Divine Might Army, once famous for a time, later suffered heavy losses one after another while fighting the wild alien races, and even its establishment was wiped out."

"The Martial Emperor's campaign against the barbarians was largely because he suffered a great loss at the hands of alien races in his later years."

Zhao Xing recalled. He vaguely remembered that Marquis Divine Firmament Long Xiao hated the wild alien races very much, and he didn't know if it was because of his experience in the Divine Might Army.

Long Xiao rose at the end of the Jing Emperor's reign and was made a Martial Marquis for his meritorious service in the Great Barbarian-Pacifying War during the Martial Emperor's reign.

In Zhao Xing's planning for the future, Long Xiao is on his list of investments.

If he is stronger than him before he rises, he will pull him along as an investment. If he is still relatively weak before he rises, he will follow him.

"It's only the middle of the Jing Emperor's reign now. After Jingxin, there are Dazhi and Yongzhi, about another two hundred years."

Zhao Xing listened to old Chen and Long Xiao chatting. Although the Divine Might Army was somewhat famous before, it was limited to one prefecture and hadn't reached the point of being famous throughout the world. Now it has just been restored and enabled.

"Getting on the bus now also has its benefits. The Divine Might Army has just been enabled, and there are plenty of opportunities to make meritorious service. As for the future? At worst, I'll jump off the bus later. Doesn't Long Xiao live well too?" Zhao Xing shook his head and didn't think about it anymore. Anyway, there are still a few months before making a decision.

Learn more, and if he evaluates that it's not worth going, Zhao Xing has plenty of places to choose from.

For now, he must first pass the hurdle of the Profound Heaven Sect and successfully turn into an official after being appointed.

Sanwan Town, Maple Leaf Manor.

There is a rockery in the Maple Leaf Manor, and a secret passage has been dug inside this rockery, leading to the depths of the underground.

At this moment, in the space deep underground, there is a small altar.

The altar stands in a pool of blood, and the scarlet blood covers half of the statue.

The two hall masters of the Sanwan Hall are kneeling below, waiting.

The Hunting Falcon Protector is kneeling beside the blood pool, worshipping this statue.

Chen Deshun and Wu Mei are somewhat uneasy.

Originally, this shouldn't be the time for sacrifice, but a few days ago they received a warning from the Venerable.

After returning, they reported it to the Protector.

Any slight disturbance in undercover work is very sensitive, and the Hunting Falcon also attaches great importance to it, so he immediately came to this altar to pray to the gods and ask for the specific reason for the warning.

"Gurgle~" The statue emitted a faint red light, and the light reflected in mid-air, revealing the scene of Chen Deshun at the Niu family courtyard at that time.

Then the divine statue quickly sank into the blood pool, and the vision disappeared.

Hunting Falcon Protector worshipped again devoutly, then slowly walked down the altar.

"Protector... Pfft~" Chen Deshun just wanted to ask what happened, but he and Wu Mei were slapped away by Hunting Falcon, spitting out a mouthful of blood, even losing two teeth.

The two looked panicked, and after falling to the ground, they quickly crawled over and knelt respectfully.

"You two idiots!" Hunting Falcon stared at them with a gloomy expression, "I let you go to Anping Town to scout, what exactly did you do to expose your identities!"

"What?" Chen Deshun was shocked, "We were exposed?"

Wu Mei also looked panicked: "Protector, please see clearly, we didn't do anything."

Hunting Falcon's eyes were cold: "Still daring to argue? The Venerable's warning was because he sensed someone was deducing you two through secret methods."

"What, how is this possible..." Chen Deshun and Wu Mei were shocked, completely unaware of why such a situation occurred.

They had been staying in this underground altar for the past two days, sensing that things were a bit serious, but didn't expect it to be this serious.

"Your identities cannot be used anymore." Hunting Falcon hummed, "Enter the Blood Spirit Pool."

"Yes, yes." The two walked into the altar blood pool with some fear.

Afterward, Hunting Falcon waved his hand, and a male and a female believer walked over from the side.

They were naked, and when they walked in front of Hunting Falcon, they knelt respectfully: "Greetings, Protector."

Hunting Falcon said slowly: "Now is an emergency moment, and you need to pay for the great cause. In the future, the Profound Heaven will recreate your golden bodies, and you will enjoy peace forever."

The man and woman looked at the divine statue fanatically: "Willing to die for the Profound Heaven!"

Then they stood up and jumped into the blood pool.

"Gurgle~"

The blood pool emitted wisps of red light, and before long, the man and woman walked out of the blood pool again.

Hunting Falcon looked at them: "This month, you must not take any action, familiarize yourselves with your new identities."

"Yes." The voices of Chen Deshun and Wu Mei sounded.

October 7th, Cold Dew.

The weather in Gucheng gradually turned cold, and the Huailiu Courtyard of Xue Wenzhong was no longer a spring scene but had returned to the same solar term as the outside world.

Xue Wenzhong pointed to the sky, and wisps of mist spread from the surroundings.

"After three days of Cold Dew, one must look for a bridge to cross the water."

"The white and crystal-clear dew turns cold and wants to condense; this is the 17th method in the 'Solar Term Decree'."

"Practicing the 'Solar Term Decree', you will clearly perceive the Yin of the Earth Vein from this solar term, and many spells will also increase in power, such as the [Yin Wind] and [Ice Rain] you practice."

"The Cold Dew solar term has seven iconic phenological phenomena, which can make seven types of ordinary beasts transform into exotic beasts, and seven types of ordinary plants transform into spiritual plants. It can also make exotic beasts degenerate and spiritual plants wither."

"However, your teacher is dull in aptitude, and the Cold Dew Solar Term Decree can only achieve 'Cold Dew Three-Phenomena Transformation', which is enough in Gucheng, but if you aspire to join the army, just three-phenomena transformation is slightly insufficient. In the future, you can ask Chen Shijie more; he will definitely be able to teach you how to use it."

Zhao Xing nodded. After turning into an official Agricultural Official, he can practice the "Solar Term Decree." At that time, the spell range of the Agricultural Official will increase significantly due to obtaining the official position of the Luck Dynasty. Of course, this increase is limited to within the Great Zhou.

At the same time, the Solar Term Decree is not just simply setting the heavenly time and changing the heavenly time; it will also be accompanied by various magical abilities, such as increasing spells and using phenological changes.

This is more widely applied in marching and fighting. When the army arrives at a strange wilderness, which meat can be eaten and which cannot depends on the Military Agricultural Official to identify.

But the world is vast, and there are thousands of species. Even a Military Agricultural Official may not be able to identify them completely.

Using solar term phenological changes, one can select edible things from the wilderness.

For a Military Agricultural Official, there is only the difference between what can be eaten directly and what needs a way to be eaten.

Xue Wenzhong has nothing left to teach Zhao Xing in terms of specific spells, so he can only talk about the "Solar Term Decree" that can only be mastered after becoming an official Agricultural Official.

Zhao Xing also knew that he didn't have much time left with the old Agricultural Official, so even though many were just saliva-filled big truths, he listened very seriously.

October 9th, Zhao Xing came to the Chen manor.

At this time, Chen Shijie was preparing traps in full swing.

More than half of his Pear Garden had been cleared, and even many seedlings had been pulled out, and several new types of plants had been planted instead.

Zhao Xing ran over to take a look curiously and was stunned: "Are you planning to blow the Profound Heaven Sect to the sky?"

Chen Shijie said lightly: "The Earthly Benefit environment in Nanyang Commandery is still a bit poor. These things grow here, and their power is a bit small."

Long Xiao said: "It's fine, I also entrusted you with some high-grade goods, one hundred sections."

Zhao Xing asked cautiously: "About what tier?"

Long Xiao stretched out a palm, and Zhao Xing's face changed drastically: "Is, is this really okay?"

Chen Shijie said: "It won't work without it. Those two in Sanwan Town are already dead, and the house was burned. These Profound Heaven Sect demon people are not simple, and their vigilance is very high. They must have changed their identities."

Long Xiao smiled: "Don't worry, no problem."

Zhao Xing sighed and said: "I must stay far away from the two lords when acting."

After a pause, he said again: "Can you share some small ones with me?"

"Hahaha, do you think this stuff is easy to use? Yes, no problem!"

October 15th, Zong manor.

Zong Shichang handed a box to Zhao Xing.

"I looked for a long time and only found a third-tier top-grade Sandalwood Soul Box. I don't know if it's enough for you."

Zhao Xing took it and looked: "It's enough."

Zong Shichang was still shaking his fan in the cold weather: "I don't know what use this kind of thing has besides holding some soul-soothing pills. Can you tell me?"

Zhao Xing smiled: "Don't ask, I don't want to say, don't force me to lie to you."

Zong Shichang closed his fan: "Honest enough, I like this about you, so I won't ask. Drink some more today?"

Zhao Xing shook his head: "No more, prepare well for the Start of Winter assessment."

Zong Shichang was surprised: "No need to be so diligent, right? Now the quota for Gucheng is already a certainty for you, who can compare to you?"

Zhao Xing looked at the sky at 45 degrees: "True strong people only compare with themselves."

Zong Shichang laughed and scolded: "Damn, you're still the best at pretending when you open your mouth."

October 23rd, Frost Descent.

The weather in Gucheng became increasingly cold. Every morning when he got up, he could see a thin layer of frost on the ground.

In this solar term, Zhao Xing clearly felt that his [Ice Rain] spell and [Yin Wind] spell were further enhanced.

Compared to the Autumn Equinox, the spell power increased by at least 30%.

"The solar term has a great influence on spells. If I turn into an official, the primary task is to practice the Solar Term Decree. This is equivalent to creating a suitable home-field environment for myself." Zhao Xing wrapped himself in an autumn coat and went to the backyard to take a look.

Now the Heavenly Origin Pear Tree had been moved to the corner by him.

The effect of Earth Vein Synthesis also fully supported several other types of plants.

The vegetable plot in the backyard was also covered by a layer of clouds and mist by Zhao Xing.

People outside couldn't see the situation inside at all.

"The growth is not bad." Zhao Xing went in and scanned around, "I hope it won't be used. It's best if old Chen and Long Xiao can handle it, letting me lie down for a wave."

October 28th.

"Whoosh~"

The fourth-tier Dao-transmission painting 'Earth Palace Phantom' burned violently, representing that the last comprehension opportunity had also been used up.

Zhao Xing looked at the panel.

[Boundless Earth Palace: Mid-grade spell]

[Progress: 8012/9999]

[Effect: Use the Earth Vein as a foundation to cast the Boundless Earth Palace, releasing a powerful capturing force, stackable up to eight times]

[Five Elements Earth-Splitting: Mid-grade spell]

[Progress: 7215/9999]

[Effect: Earth Vein surging, rioting in the world, using random Five Elements Earth Vein power to attack.]

[Cloud-Swallowing: Mid-grade spell]

[Progress: 8523/9999]

[Effect: Mid-grade cloud method, can swallow and absorb various cloud Qi, and obtain the effect of the swallowed cloud Qi.]

[Earth Treasury Returning to Origin · Human Dao: Mid-grade spell]

[Progress: 6536/9999]

[Effect: Set up an Earth Vein spell array, absorb Earth Vein power, replenish Qi, spell circulation continuous]

"This month, four Dao-transmission paintings have all been used up, and four types of spells have made great progress." Zhao Xing pondered, "As for other spells, except for the Sleepy Bug, the others are still the same."

This month, he selectively practiced spells, four of which basically reached the seventh or eighth turn. After all, with the Dao-transmission painting as a foundation, the effect of 'krypton gold' (spending money) is still very fierce.

However, Zhao Xing spent the most time on the Sleepy Bug spell in the introductory chapter of Great Dream Spring and Autumn.

[Sleepy Bug: Mid-grade spell]

[Progress: Ninth Turn (Perfect)]

[Effect: Capture Sleepy Bugs from the life soul through the air.]

"The Sleepy Bug in the Sandalwood Soul Box has already turned purple and black." Zhao Xing touched the box in his arms, "Now I'm afraid that even Long Xiao and old Chen can't hold on; once hit, they will fall asleep."

November 1st, the 15th year of Jingxin arrived at the last Yang month.

The clerks of the Agricultural Official Supervision began to get busy again.

Because the Start of Winter is coming soon.

The four seasons and eight festivals must have assessments, and it is also the second to last assessment before the new year.

Most people know that they have no hope of being appointed, but even if it's not for the assessment, it is linked to subsidies.

Who doesn't want a little more year-end bonus for the new year?

The more it is at this time, the more one has to pretend.

"Big brother."

"Brother!"

Chen Ziyu and Qian Dong caught up in the corridor.

"Qian Dong, Ziyu." Zhao Xing turned to look at them, "Up so early today?"

"Big brother, Ziyu and I are up this early every day. You've become lazy recently." Qian Dong smiled.

"Yes, brother. Where have you been recently? We haven't seen you. Your house has also been shrouded in clouds and mist recently, and we don't know what you are doing. Uncle Zhao said no guests, so we didn't dare to disturb you." Chen Ziyu asked.

"It's all for the Start of Winter assessment." Zhao Xing had already prepared an excuse, "After all, I only have four A-plus grades this year, and my previous results were only average. I'm not sure if I can be appointed."

This is of course just an excuse. After the Autumn Equinox Mountain Opening, Ji Ming personally designated him to participate in the Winter Evaluation.

That is to say, the quota reported by Nanyang Commandery must include him.

Li Wenzheng had also communicated with Chen Shijie long ago, ensuring that Zhao Xing must pass, almost directly saying, you leak the exam questions to Zhao Xing.

The county-level exam is set by the main official of the Agricultural Official Supervision, and Li Wenzheng acts as the supervisor. If these two collude, even a fool could get up.

Of course, this is also because Zhao Xing himself is strong. If Li Wenzheng and Chen Shijie really reported a mediocre person to the commandery, there would be problems.

The recommender, the results, and his own strength are all solid. The rest depends on Zhao Xing's performance in the temple exam.

The reason for saying this is just an excuse to decline guests.

"Brother is really diligent, no wonder you can do it." Chen Ziyu admired.

"Waiting for big brother's good news next spring." Qian Dong smiled, "Ziyu and I congratulate big brother in advance."

"Borrow your auspicious words." Zhao Xing smiled slightly.

"No more talking, big brother, the old Agricultural Official is going to start lecturing, let's go first!"

November 5th, the content and location of the Start of Winter assessment of the Agricultural Official Supervision were announced. On the same day, the content and location of the year-end assessment of the Heavenly Workshop, Martial Supervision, Weaving Supervision, and Divine Temple were announced.

Chen Shijie, Li Wenzheng, Gongsun Yang, and other main officials of Gucheng had a sudden idea to put martial artists, mechanism masters, Agricultural Officials, weaving girls, and masters of ceremonies and other professions in the same location for a joint assessment. The location was exactly in Anping Town.

After the assessment content was announced, the clerks complained, cursing Chen Shijie and Li Wenzheng behind their backs for not doing human things and only coming up with crooked ideas.

However, no matter how much they cursed, they couldn't change the decision of the two big bosses. They had to prepare in full swing and strive to prepare for this strange joint exam.

November 5th and 6th, a large number of clerks arrived in Anping Town in advance and began to check the assessment venue outside Anping Town—an abandoned forging workshop.

November 7th, the county temple and the Gucheng Agricultural Official Supervision sent out bursts of bell sounds.

As if telling the people of Gu County that winter had begun. ===== CHAPTER 95 =====