Chapter 122: Three Great Secret Manuals, Mandatory Training Content Announced (Third Update)

[Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit]

[Grade: Fourth-Tier Mid-Grade]

[Effect: Contains rich and easily absorbed Yuan Qi; has a marrow-cleansing effect on the physical body.]

[Arsenal Price: 3000 points, Buyback: 2400 points]

Zhao Xing compared this to the prices of treasures in the arsenal and discovered that this Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit was actually a native treasure of the Ten Suns Cave Heaven.

"There is also a Fifth-Tier Heaven-Grade Vermilion Fruit, priced at 30,000, a tenfold increase. However, one must be at least Eighth Rank to dare consume it; normally, it is used by Seventh Ranks for cultivation."

"If a Ninth Rank were to consume a Heaven-Grade Vermilion Fruit, they would likely burst from the excess."

Tian Shan had gifted a total of 10 Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruits.

It was clear he had done his homework, knowing Zhao Xing was only at the fifteenth stage of Qi Gathering, so he had sent exactly what Zhao Xing needed.

"My comprehension of Dao techniques is already sufficient. As long as my Qi Gathering level rises, I can fully break through to the Eighth Rank." Zhao Xing looked at the ten Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruits, overjoyed. "Marquis Tian really knows how to give gifts."

Once the division into academies was finished, one's rank no longer mattered as much. At this stage, many who had reached the required realm would choose to raise their Qi Gathering level to break through to the Eighth Rank.

Of course, those with poorer resource allocations would likely take some time to break through.

[Hundred-Beast Throat Pill]

[Grade: Fourth-Tier Low-Grade]

[Effect: Crafted from the vocal cords of a hundred exotic beasts; strengthens the throat after consumption.]

[Arsenal Price: 2000 points, Buyback: 1600 points]

[Earth-Fiend Lung-Refining Pill]

[Fourth-Tier Low-Grade]

[Effect: Contains Earth-Fiend power; consumption can temper the lungs.]

[Arsenal Price: 2000 points, Buyback: 1600 points]

"Hm? Why these two items?" Zhao Xing’s expression was somewhat strange.

He was no stranger to the Hundred-Beast Throat Pill and the Earth-Fiend Lung-Refining Pill, as during a certain period as a Farmer Official, the frequency of consuming them had been quite high.

But did Marquis Tian have some hidden intention in giving this as a welcoming gift?

"Could it be related to the upcoming training?"

"Could the first mandatory training course of the Ten Suns Cave Heaven be [No-Magic Training]?"

Zhao Xing felt this was very likely.

However, it was still early, so he set the 3 Hundred-Beast Throat Pills and 2 Earth-Fiend Lung-Refining Pills aside for now.

"I'll consume the Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit first."

Zhao Xing picked up a red, fist-sized fruit and began to gnaw on it.

Hot, extremely hot.

After swallowing the Vermilion Fruit, Zhao Xing felt his entire body burning.

It was as if he had a high fever.

"The Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit, besides rich Yuan Qi, seems to carry a trace of Fire-element power, calcining my physical body."

"That’s right, it has some marrow-cleansing effects."

Zhao Xing did not resist, nor did he use spells to cool himself down, letting himself sweat profusely.

As this scorching power dissipated,

his entire body began to sweat, and his muscles and skin turned bright red.

But the effect was also significant.

Just after consumption, Zhao Xing’s Qi Gathering progress jumped upward.

[You consumed an Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit. After initial digestion, your Qi Gathering progress increased by 501.]

[Qi Gathering: Fifteenth Stage (7525/10000)]

"Such a strong effect; just after consuming it, I’ve increased my progress by one-twentieth."

"And this is just the beginning."

Zhao Xing closed his eyes, circulating his Qi Gathering technique, controlling the Yuan Qi to flow throughout his body.

[You consumed an Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit. Further digesting the fruit’s efficacy, your Qi Gathering progress increased by 1521.]

[You consumed an Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit. Deeply absorbing the fruit’s Yuan Qi, your Qi Gathering progress increased by 1022.]

[You consumed an Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit. Deeply absorbing the fruit’s Yuan Qi, your Qi Gathering progress increased by 852.]

[Qi Gathering: Sixteenth Stage (881/10000)]

"Hoo~"

Zhao Xing exhaled a breath of turbid air. Seeing that the Vermilion Fruit’s efficacy was fully digested, he then cast a spell to clean the grime from his body.

"After the breakthrough, there were 920 points of excess efficacy, but when converted to the Sixteenth Stage of Qi Gathering, it only yielded 881 points of progress. It diminished by a few dozen points, but the effect is still quite potent."

Although the upper limit for each stage is 10,000, in reality, this limit becomes higher; every time one breaks through, gaining progress points becomes more difficult.

The numerical value remains the same, but the "gold content" it represents increases.

"If I were at the 50th stage, consuming ten thousand Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruits probably wouldn't even increase my progress by 1 point. However, I am only at the Ninth Rank, so the diminishing returns are very weak."

Zhao Xing rested for a while, waiting for the scorching sensation to disappear.

"I should write to Old Chen and the others to report the good news."

Zhao Xing found paper and a brush to write a letter, then placed an order on the Earth Mirror to summon a messenger.

Not long after, a Mechanist riding a bamboo horse and carrying a package appeared at the courtyard gate.

"Do you want it expedited?" the Mechanist asked lazily.

"How does expedited work?"

"Normally, it takes ten days to reach Xier County; expedited takes three days. But the cost changes from 1 point to 3 points."

"Does a letter I’m sending to the army cost that much?"

"You are sending a private letter. If you want to use the military delivery channel, you can go to the Temple to drop it off yourself."

"Forget it, I’ll go myself."

The Mechanist didn't say anything more, riding the bamboo horse away with a clatter.

Zhao Xing happened to need to go to the Temple to receive techniques and learn the Three Great Secret Manuals.

Public resources shouldn't go to waste, and it was just a few steps away; after all, 3 points were still money!

Within the Ten Suns Cave Heaven, there was also a Temple, located inside Yangcheng.

Compared to the Temple in Gucheng,

the Temple here was clearly different—the place was larger, and the level was higher.

When Zhao Xing entered the Temple, he felt a distinct difference.

The statues enshrined in the Temple were mostly fierce and menacing in appearance.

"All of them are armored and armed, in a combat stance."

Zhao Xing silently scanned all the statues and finally chose Wu Cheng.

Wu Cheng was the Grand Minister of Agriculture during the time of the Founding Emperor, holding a First Rank position.

Ennobled as a Duke during his lifetime, he remained a First Rank Yin God after death.

The specifications for the Wu Cheng Temple in the Capital and Nanzheng were both at the Duke level.

However, the avatar enshrined here was only Fourth Rank, and the statue’s appearance was relatively younger.

"Farmer Official Zhao Xing, requests the technique 'Solar Term Decree'."

After Zhao Xing finished offering incense, he knelt on a prayer mat, chanting words under his breath.

"Hum~"

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms Map emerged in his mind.

Unlike his time in Gucheng, the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Map that appeared this time was clearly much clearer, without that sense of blurriness.

Twenty-four types of patterns rotated in his mind.

If one mastered one of them, the visualization map would hover in the dantian.

Transforming the technique into the dantian to condense the Solar Term Decree.

At this step, the caster could use one of the Solar Term Decrees to replace the surrounding environment.

This was considered the initial ability to command the solar terms.

"The Solar Term Decree provides a strong boost to spells and can also be used to comprehend new techniques from the solar terms, or even break through limits."

"The twenty-four solar term maps have infinite uses and can benefit one for a lifetime."

"Thank you, True Person, for bestowing the technique!"

After obtaining the complete visualization map, Zhao Xing stood up and offered incense again.

He requested the second secret manual.

"Farmer Official Zhao Xing, requests the technique 'Houtu Returning to Origin'."

He then focused his mind and calmed his spirit.

A moment later, a phantom of a grain of sand appeared in his mind.

One grain of sand was a miniature continent.

On the continent, hundreds of millions of earth veins were flowing.

All of them were condensed into the phantom of the grain of sand, which was the size of a rice grain.

"If one cultivates Qi Gathering to the 50th stage and comprehends the operation of 49 types of state-level earth veins, one can condense Pure Yuan Soil within the dantian."

"'Houtu Returning to Origin' and 'Dizang Returning to Origin' are two different secret manuals; the former is about comprehending and mastering earth veins, while the latter is about utilizing them."

Houtu Returning to Origin is the dissection of the essence of the Dao, while Dizang Returning to Origin is a teaching method—the manifestation and application of the Dao.

"Thank you, True Person, for bestowing the technique!"

Zhao Xing stood up again and offered the third stick of incense.

"Farmer Official Zhao Xing, requests the technique 'Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra'."

The Self-Nature Sect likewise possesses two classic spell techniques: the first is the "Diagram of All Things Growing," and the second is the "Self-Nature Yin-Yang Scripture."

The Ten Thousand Things Growth Map is about observing the growth trajectory of all things, observing the essence of life, and then breaking through the shackles of life.

Zhao Xing’s mid-level spell [Wild Growth] and his low-level [Thriving Growth] were both contained within the "Ten Thousand Things Growth Map."

The "Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra," on the other hand, is about looking inward at oneself, cultivating the internal Five Elements cycle.

Utilizing the power of the Five Elements to strengthen the five internal organs.

Since Zhao Xing was only at the Ninth Rank, he naturally chose the "Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra," which had a better effect on himself. As for the "Ten Thousand Things Growth Map," it could wait; the time to put great effort into comprehending it had not yet arrived.

"Hum~"

The statue projected golden light, enveloping his entire body.

At this moment, Zhao Xing immediately entered the state of [Looking Inward at Oneself].

From a unique perspective, he saw his heart beating and his stomach churning.

Gradually, these organs became translucent, turning into five different types of 'Qi'.

Guided by the golden light, the five different types of Qi intersected and dispersed, connecting with the outside world.

Between each breath, there was the rhythm of life-force.

"Yin-Yang Original Self, Five Elements cultivating the body."

"By constantly maintaining the balance of the internal Five Elements, one can gradually discover the mysteries of the body while circulating the Five Elements Qi."

Zhao Xing was immersed in looking inward at himself.

Previously, during the official assessment, he had been unable to look inward.

But now, guided by the golden light, he did it with ease.

"Hoo~"

Zhao Xing exhaled a long breath, which actually carried a faint scorching sensation.

"My Five Elements Qi is not balanced. I didn't feel it before, but now, after looking inward, I’ve noticed it."

"That is the residual Fire-element power after consuming the Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit."

"Adjusting the internal Five Elements cycle will expel this trace of residue."

Zhao Xing looked at the panel.

[Qi Gathering: Sixteenth Stage (971/10000)]

After expelling it, his Qi Gathering progress increased by another 90 points.

"Every medicine has its poison, let alone such a treasure that provides such a huge boost."

"But now that I’ve cultivated the Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra and look inward at all times, I can expel the Qi that is harmful to the body."

"Concentrating and looking inward, after several days of internal circulation, the internal 'Heavenly Timing' has begun to take shape."

"In the future, I won't need an almanac to check the time."

Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Through internal cultivation of the Yin-Yang Original Self, his sense of time would become extremely precise.

Even in the era of the Qi Luck Dynasty, the Yin-Yang Original Self Sutra had many miraculous aspects.

"Thank you, True Person, for bestowing the technique!"

Zhao Xing bowed with cupped hands and walked out of the Temple.

Obtaining the technique was only the first step.

To truly enter the door, one still had to rely on one's own comprehension.

"The 108 stone tablets of the Heavenly Timing Academy, the Primordial Dao Field of the Taicang Academy, and the 36 Waterways of the Pinghuai Academy can all assist one in comprehension."

"I can enter for free twice."

With Grade A-Superior treatment, one could comprehend for free three times in one's own academy, and twice in other academies.

"However, I’m not in a hurry to go now. I’ll wait until I hit a bottleneck, as these opportunities are rare."

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms visualization map and the Houtu phantom in Zhao Xing’s mind were still clearly visible.

If, when visualizing, he felt as if a layer of dust had covered them, that would mean he had hit a bottleneck.

"Almost forgot, I haven't sent the letter to Old Chen yet."

Zhao Xing had just stepped over the threshold when he turned back.

But this time, he didn't go to the Duke Wu Cheng Hall, but to another great hall.

"Marquis of Divine Travel, Dai Zong."

Zhao Xing looked at the statue standing in the hall.

The statue was in a striding posture, with floating clouds carved under its feet, and a mailbag carried on its back.

"Please, True Person, deliver this letter."

After offering a stick of incense, Zhao Xing dropped the letter into the incense burner.

"Hoo~"

The flames in the incense burner leaped, quickly swallowing the letter.

Zhao Xing took a look; there were no ashes, and it wasn't spat out, so he knew the letter had been sent.

"Thank you, True Person, for delivering the letter."

After sending the letter, he left.

A Yin God of Dai Zong’s level could deliver a letter in the blink of an eye.

However, it would take time for the letter to reach Old Chen and the others, and time for them to read and reply.

Zhao Xing didn't wait and left the Temple directly.

A quarter of an hour later, Xier County.

The Marching Hall of the Divine Might Army.

"Hoo~"

In the hall, there was a row of fireplaces that burned year-round, about a meter high, enshrining different statues.

At the Dai Zong statue on the far left, flames suddenly flared up.

Then, it spat out a secret letter.

"Hm? A secret letter from the Ten Suns Cave Heaven."

Chen Shijie, who was deducing with Long Xiao in front of a sand table, immediately turned and walked to the fireplace.

"Many thanks, True Person, for delivering the letter."

After thanking him, Chen Shijie picked up the secret letter and took a look.

He discovered the signature was actually Zhao Xing.

"A secret letter from the Ten Suns Cave Heaven, which department is it from?" Long Xiao asked curiously.

"It’s Zhao Xing." Chen Shijie laughed and scolded, "This kid is too reckless, actually using an intelligence channel to send a private letter. Didn't you send him Thunder Stones? Why is he so stingy that he wouldn't even send an expedited letter, making Dai Zong deliver it?"

"Next time, I must remind him not to occupy military channels with private letters."

Long Xiao argued, "He is a key talent being cultivated; how can his growth process not be considered intelligence?"

"..."

Chen Shijie actually felt that what Long Xiao said made a lot of sense.

He opened the secret letter and a smile appeared on his face.

"How is it? What does it say?!" Long Xiao moved his eyes away from the sand table, curious. "Don't just smile, what exactly is written?"

Chen Shijie floated the letter over: "See for yourself."

"Whoa! The first hurdle of reporting information, this testing method is too insidious."

"Competing in the Cloud Battle, he taught Li Feng of the Tiger-Dragon Army a lesson and eliminated that guy who was sixth in the internal selection? Satisfying, hahaha!"

"Ranked ninth in the Thunder Technique Hunt?"

"Ranked third in the Rain Technique Pass, and finally entered the Earth Advantage Academy, obtaining Grade A-Superior training resources!"

Long Xiao looked at the letter, dancing with joy, as if he had witnessed Zhao Xing passing through the hurdles one by one.

"He actually entered the Four Great Academies. Hoo, it’s good that Han Bing isn't the only seedling among the Farmer Officials." Long Xiao was quite happy after reading it. "He’s brought honor! Even Han Bing only got Grade A-Mid resources."

"He has brought honor." Chen Shijie also smiled. "I brought him to the Divine Might Army, skipping so many procedures, and there were plenty of people gossiping outside. Now that he has entered the Earth Advantage Academy, apprenticed to Marquis Tian, and has Grade A-Superior resources, humph, let’s see who dares to say anything now."

"Of course they’ll dare to say something!"

"Hm?"

"They’ll have to say a few words about how you, Old Chen, have a good eye!"

"Hahahaha."

April 7th, in the blink of an eye, three days had passed since the division into academies.

Although the division into academies was settled, Yangcheng seemed even livelier.

Because the vast majority of people were dissatisfied with their assigned academies.

Why should others have one-on-one teachers giving them special treatment, while I have to listen to public lectures with a bunch of stinky men?

We all have two shoulders carrying one head; don't I deserve a place too?!

Grind! Grind hard!

Over the course of three days, the reserve agricultural officials all steeled themselves, training frantically to improve their standing so they could change their current situation during the upcoming mandatory training.

"It’s really crowded outside." Zhao Xing stood inside the Earth Palace, looking at the crowd that was blocked like dogs outside, and couldn't help but smile.

He was currently comprehending within the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces. It was very spacious here, and all in all, there were only twenty or thirty people.

Not just reserve officials, but also some active Farmer Officials.

"I feel like the people outside are looking at us with killing intent." Zhao Xing looked at Han Bing beside him. "Do you think if I went out for a stroll, someone would throw stones at me?"

"If you really did that, you might get peed on," Han Bing said coldly.

"Isn't peeing forbidden?"

"But carrying a chamber pot isn't forbidden," Han Bing said blandly. "If I splash it all over your face, that doesn't count as peeing, right?"

"Hiss, that works too?"

"I don't know if it works; why don't you go try it."

"Forget it then."

In terms of spells, the Earth Palace Technique and the Profound Earth Technique were the focus of Zhao Xing’s comprehension.

Especially the Divine Travel Protection, which was the combination of two techniques, making it the most important priority for his breakthrough.

This spell had great potential. After obtaining the quota to enter the Earth Palace, Zhao Xing immediately called Han Bing over to comprehend it together.

"Divine Travel Earth Palace, Profound Earth Protection. Combining the two actually allows for Earth Palace stealth within the earth veins." Zhao Xing sat in a spot in the Earth Palace, observing the internal structure of [Divine Travel Earth Palace].

"Wonderful, truly wonderful."

The Divine Travel Earth Palace technique broke through to the Eighth Turn on the fourth day after the division into academies.

The Profound Earth Protection technique broke through to the Eighth Turn on the fifth day.

On the sixth day, Zhao Xing completed the fusion of the two techniques, causing Divine Travel Protection to break through to the Eighth Turn.

The comprehension trip to the Earth Palace ended.

On the ninth day, the sixth Earth-Grade Vermilion Fruit was consumed.

Zhao Xing’s Qi Gathering level reached more than halfway to the Eighteenth Stage.

It was also on this day that he came to Marquis Tian’s Fuchun Garden and heard the news about the mandatory training.

"The first mandatory training is [No-Magic Training]," Tian Shan introduced. "The content has already been finalized."

"The training will last for one month, during which the use of any spells is prohibited; it will be pure physical confrontation."

"The purpose is to improve the Farmer Officials' hand-to-hand combat ability in extreme environments where spells cannot be used."

"After one month, the training results will be tested."

"This [No-Magic Training] for Farmer Officials will also bring in martial artists from various armies to act as sparring partners. They won't show mercy. If you don't want to be beaten black and blue, you should do more preparation in the next twenty days and break through to the Eighth Rank as soon as possible."

No fourth update, see you tomorrow!

I’ll try to be earlier tomorrow, not past 12 midnight.

Considering I update 15,000 words daily, everyone just pretend nothing happened [fn=12].

Thank you all for your support.