Chapter 157: Meeting in the Huai-Liu Courtyard, Changes of the Future

The Military Agrarian Bureau's reserve system has always been a major hotspot for other armies poaching talent.

In domestic warfare, the role of the Military Agrarian Bureau is not yet so obvious, after all, each province, prefecture, commandery, and military department has established a Transport Bureau responsible for grain and forage supply, and many places have set up Ever-Normal Granaries for official and civilian food needs.

But once crossing the borders of the Great Zhou to fight in foreign lands, the role of the Military Agrarian Bureau is infinitely amplified.

Soldiers fighting can lack handy weapons, fight bare-handed, or use inferior weapons, and still win battles.

They can even live poorly, wear inadequate clothing, and fight in harsh environments; examples of victory under such conditions are countless.

But they absolutely cannot fight on an empty stomach.

Eating full is the first priority; otherwise, nothing can be discussed.

"For ordinary local armies of the same rank, one Military Agrarian Bureau officer must support the wartime supplies for five men; this is the minimum standard."

"The nine garrisons within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, although ranked differently, in terms of training standards, one Military Agrarian Bureau officer must support the wartime supplies for thirty men to be considered qualified."

"Judging solely by supply capabilities, Zhao Xing, Shi Yong, and Zhuang Ziqing, this batch of Grade-A geniuses, can all supply five hundred men."

"Grade-A geniuses, slightly weaker, can reach the level of supplying one hundred men of the same rank."

"However, this is just training; on a real battlefield, for a Military Agrarian Bureau officer to obtain supplies, the situation becomes much more complex."

"Judging by this year's training, Zhao Xing's performance in actual combat was the most outstanding; he ranks a tier higher than the other Grade-A-plus geniuses."

"If we can poach him for the Tiger-Jiao Army, even if it costs some price, it is worth it." A Military Agrarian Bureau officer wearing cloud-patterned common clothes, standing on a cloud-stepping technique, introduced him to the person beside him. "General Wei, Zhao Xing is absolutely worth your personal visit."

Standing beside the clouds was another person; he wore battle armor and held a green bamboo tally. The tally was engraved with profound symbols, thick at the top and thin at the bottom, with a carved Tiger-Jiao head at the very tip.

Wei Yuan was one of the ten Commandants of the Tiger-Jiao Army and also the highest-ranking Military Agrarian Bureau officer within the army. Under the Ming Wu Hou's ten great generals, Wei Yuan ranked first because he could both fight and farm; during combat, he often struck first to alter the weather phenomena, creating the most favorable battle environment for the Tiger-Jiao Army.

The combat effectiveness of the Tiger-Jiao Army differed greatly with or without Wei Yuan.

The outside world often says: If there hadn't been a lack of major battles, Wei Yuan would likely have been ennobled as a Marquis long ago.

Wei Yuan was a burly man with a simple, honest appearance. Hearing the garrison commander introduce him this way, he immediately smiled and said, "I have also seen his paper achievements; indeed as you say, that is why I came."

Wei Yuan had originally been on the front lines of the Nine Heavens Ying Yuan Prefecture, but upon receiving news from this Grotto-Heaven, he hurriedly returned.

Besides military affairs within the Grotto-Heaven, his most important task was to poach talent from the Shenwei Army.

Zhao Xing's single spells were not particularly stunning, at least not in Wei Yuan's opinion. There were people in the Nine-Section Dojo who could match or even surpass Zhao Xing.

But once in large-scale actual combat, especially in increasingly complex combat training, Zhao Xing's performance created a gap between him and the other geniuses, including Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing.

One could even single out Zhao Xing as a separate tier.

The Tiger-Jiao Army certainly would not miss such talent.

Was he selected from the Shenwei Army? What does that matter?

The Tiger-Jiao Army is far superior to the Shenwei Army; the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was conquered, and in this process, the Ming Wu Hou's Tiger-Jiao Army bore the main credit.

The Shenwei Army and the other armies all benefited from the Ming Wu Hou's glory to scrape benefits within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

Therefore, Wei Yuan was quite confident about this talent poaching.

Besides the Tiger-Jiao Army, no one else could offer better treatment.

Eighteen Huai-Liu Courtyard: Zhao Xing opened the courtyard gate and invited the people from the Tiger-Jiao Army inside.

There was no choice; he could only invite them in.

He was just a small new recruit, not yet officially joined the Shenwei Army, and had absolutely no qualification to refuse these big shots.

If he dared to give these big shots a closed door? Then he shouldn't plan to survive here.

"Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army, pays respects to General Wei! Please, General, take the seat of honor."

Zhao Xing bowed to this fifth-rank Military Agrarian Bureau officer. He felt no mental burden, respectfully invited the big shot to the main hall's seat of honor, while he himself stood.

He knew clearly what they came for; this was a form of appreciation. Even if he intended to refuse, he should not offend them.

"Zhao Xing, no need to be so polite; you sit and speak as well." After Wei Yuan took his seat, he waved his hand.

"Yes." Zhao Xing immediately sat upright and dignified.

"You need not say you are Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army," Wei Yuan smiled. "You cannot yet be considered truly joined to the Shenwei Army; you were merely selected by the Shenwei Army. Strictly speaking, currently you are a reserve Military Agrarian Bureau officer under the Land and Advantage Bureau of the Military Department of the Yang City Army in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

"The General speaks the truth."

Zhao Xing did not refute, because institutionally this was the case; the Military Department was supreme, so these reserve Military Agrarian Bureau officers were all considered trained by the Military Department and were not yet temporarily affiliated with any specific army.

Later, when entering various armies, it would also be done by the Military Department issuing documents; the Military Department would decide to transfer a certain Military Agrarian Bureau officer to a certain army. This was the official procedure.

"It was not the Bo Ping Hou who granted you a military post, but the imperial court. You must understand the difference."

"Yes, I strictly follow the General's instruction." Zhao Xing stood up and clasped his hands.

Even though the Wang Hou had the right to select personnel, the legal basis and paper documents still had to pass through the central government.

Of course, as they say, whoever recruited the person basically still belonged to them.

It must be said that although Wei Yuan was a Military Agrarian Bureau officer, his negotiation skills were no less than those of a strategist.

Upon noticing Zhao Xing referring to himself as "Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army," he used the imperial court system to correct Zhao Xing, reducing the resentment in his heart.

He was also telling Zhao Xing: See, even if you have thoughts of switching to another faction, your conscience need not feel any guilt at all, because you are serving the imperial court, not serving the Bo Ping Hou.

"Sit, I already said no need to be so restrained." Wei Yuan's smile was kind. After Zhao Xing sat down again, he continued: "Your teacher in the Land and Advantage Bureau, Tian Shan, and I are friends of a hundred years; long ago, the two of us even drank buffalo urine together, hahaha."

"The General has experienced a hundred battles and endured hardships; truly a role model for the younger generation." Zhao Xing clasped his hands. This was indeed worthy of admiration; fighting to the point where a Military Agrarian Bureau officer had to drink urine to replenish water, how fierce was that battle, and how arduous the life?

Zhao Xing had never been so miserable; he usually just died and waited for resurrection. Those who could endure were all heroes!

"The situation is much better now; whether it is clothing, food, housing, or travel, or treasures and sharp weapons, the army is stronger than before. The nation is strong, the people prosperous, and talents emerge in waves. Seeing your generation grow better than ours is precisely the meaning of our struggle," Wei Yuan spoke completely like an elder, chatting with Zhao Xing.

"The General's ambition is admirable."

Seeing that Zhao Xing said only that and had nothing more to add, Wei Yuan immediately changed his strategy:

"Zhao Xing, you are a student of Tian Shan. Both your teacher and I wish to see you personally reach even greater heights."

"The Shenwei Army is not suitable for your development. Come to the Tiger-Jiao Army. I will treat you as a nephew or junior. This time, for the chain of military affairs assigned to you by the Military Department, I will help you with all my might. Once you pass this probationary period, you can directly serve as a Nine-Section Captain under my command."

"If you have lofty ambitions, the Tiger-Jiao Army is the best choice!"

Zhao Xing felt helpless inside; first playing the emotional card, talking about ideals, seeing he remained unmoved, now talking about actual benefits. Was this Wei Yuan a Military Agrarian Bureau officer or a strategist? The conversation was too smooth.

Tian Shan had indeed expressed that Zhao Xing had better options; the Shenwei Army ranked last among the nine garrisons, and Marquis Boping, Yang An, had only recently been reinstated, possessing neither the strength nor the family foundation of the other garrisons.

But Zhao Xing knew this carriage would take off, only to eventually crash, yet he would not jump off now.

You, Wei Yuan, haven't even been ennobled as a marquis yourself; if I go to the Hu Jiao Army, where talent abounds, how fierce would the competition be? Seeking merit would be better done by staying in the Shenwei Army.

"General invites me with sincerity, and I, a subordinate, dare not refuse, but Chen Shijie of the Shenwei Army owes me the debt of saving my life, the debt of transmitting the Dao, and the debt of recognizing my worth; if I attain the Dao and then turn my back on him, it would truly violate my conscience. I hope the General understands," Zhao Xing said earnestly.

In truth, where did Old Chen get so many debts? It was just that Zhao Xing had no choice now; he could only pass the pressure on, hoping Old Chen could withstand it.

After hearing this, Wei Yuan nodded, as if he had expected it, and asked, "If I could repay this debt for you, would you change your mind?"

Zhao Xing clasped his hands and said, "If Lord Chen orders me to leave, whether I stay or go is entirely up to the General to decide."

"Good." Wei Yuan smiled; this young man was quite slippery, refusing to get involved in anything, but now he had finally spoken some plain truth.

"In that case, wait here for my good news." Wei Yuan stood up.

"Respectfully seeing off the General."

Zhao Xing respectfully escorted Wei Yuan out of the courtyard gate.

Over the next few days, whether or not Wei Yuan had exerted his influence, no one came to disturb Zhao Xing again.

Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong of the Tian Shi Academy also had their letters returned by the Xuan Jia Army.

Since they could not compete, the Ten Yang Cave Heaven was only staying here out of respect for others' faces; how could they compete?

Zhao Xing also enjoyed a rare few days of peace.

Staying in the courtyard, he sorted through what he had learned.

【Name: Zhao Xing】

【Realm: Upper Eighth Rank (Cannot be elevated)】

【Profession: Minister of Agriculture】

【Luck: Yan Three】

【Qi Gathering: Twenty-Ninth Stage (9999/10000)】

【Destiny Soul: Late Eighth Rank】

【Extra Lifespan: 80 years】

Before entering the Ten Yang Cave Heaven, he was in the Ninth Rank Realm; shortly after entering, he broke through to the Eighth Rank.

During that period, he underwent various trainings within the Ten Yang Cave Heaven; over ten months, Zhao Xing advanced from the Eighth Rank to the peak of the Eighth Rank.

"The Bridge of Heaven and Earth is stable; I can already vaguely sense the presence of the Earth Fiend Qi. My extra lifespan has also increased by five years; all of this is due to consuming some treasures during the cultivation process, which added extra time."

【Intermediate Spells: Benwo Sect】

【Straw Man Technique: Soaring (Peak), Detonation (Peak), Divine Valor (Nine Turns), Giant Shield (Nine Turns), Invisibility (Nine Turns), Illusory Form (Nine Turns), Guardian (Seven Turns), Soul Restraint (Three Turns)】

【Five Elements Observation: Intermediate Peak】, 【Wild Growth: Intermediate Peak】, 【Wasteland Condensation Art: Intermediate Nine Turns】, 【Hundred Li Essence Analysis Art: Seven Turns】, 【Nine Dragons Folding Branch Art: Five Turns】

Regarding Benwo Sect spells, Zhao Xing completed the "Little Four Spells," but Benwo Sect spells were too difficult to practice; Zhao Xing only managed to train the Hundred Li Essence Analysis Art to Seven Turns, while the Nine Dragons Folding Branch Art reached merely Five Turns.

For the Straw Man Technique, Invisibility, Illusory Form, and Guardian had all improved; the main focus was combining multiple spells, and with limited energy, he did not pursue learning more.

【Dili Sect:】

【King Di Zang Essence Return (Human Path) (Plant): Dual Peak】

【Divine Step Protection: Eleven Turns】

【Five Elements Earth Splitting: Intermediate Peak】

【Boundless Earth Palace: Intermediate Peak】

【Mysterious Water Seclusion: Advanced One Turn】

Regarding Dili Sect spells, one additional Advanced spell had been added; this was a breakthrough achieved during the trial at the Ping Huai Academy, belonging to the Meridian-Channeling Method within the Mysterious Earth Spells, specifically for regulating the water of the earth veins.

As for Tian Shi Sect spells, Thunder Summoning, Yin Wind, Cloud Swallowing, Ice Rain, and Drizzle were all at Intermediate Peak.

Heaven Frost, Heaven Fire, Mist Concealment, Rolling Thunder, and Little Nine Heavens Gale were all at Nine Turns.

【Dripping Rain: Advanced Three Turns】

【Lei Ting Piercing Delusion Finger: Advanced One Turn】

【Teng Snake Transformation: Advanced One Turn】

After breaking through the Free and Unfettered Solar Term Token, two more Advanced spells were added.

The 【Start of Summer】 Solar Term Token reached the Knowledge Realm Four Turns; he combined two thunder methods into one and comprehended the Lei Ting Piercing Delusion Finger.

The 【Autumn Equinox】 Solar Term Token reached the Knowledge Realm Four Turns; he comprehended the Seasonal Change Method, the Teng Snake Transformation, which was also Zhao Xing's strongest technique.

Because borrowing the momentum of Heaven and Earth already involved the life-cycle seasonal changes, whereas the previous two were merely "meteorological phenology."

However, the Teng Snake Transformation consumed heavily; to cast this technique, nearly half of one's Yuan Qi had to be drawn, making it a life-or-death spell.

As for acquiring treasures, since the training Zhao Xing participated in always permitted only standard-issue equipment.

Therefore, the treasures he currently possessed were only the Golden Raincoat, the Hundred Flowers Hat, the Cloud-Treading Boots, and the Cloud-Rain Pearl; among these, the Cloud-Rain Pearl was a Fourth-Stage treasure.

The Soul Armor was placed within the Great Dream Academy, located in the Cave Heaven's small world; since the Great Dream Academy was inaccessible, Zhao Xing had never taken it out.

As for the Great Dream Spring and Autumn, this was a supreme technique that still remained at the "Dream Storage Method" stage, with "Dream Walking" still far away.

However, the realm of his Destiny Soul had reached the Late Eighth Rank; this was mainly because Zhao Xing often did not sleep, using the Sleepy Worm to regulate, which was also a form of training for the Destiny Soul.

Normally, his Destiny Soul should now be at the Early Eighth Rank, but because the Sleepy Worm spell constantly drew out the worm bodies within the Destiny Soul, refining the soul and spirit, the Destiny Soul thus reached the Late Eighth Rank. This allowed Zhao Xing to withstand the mental attacks of the Ritual Cultivation and achieve outstanding results in such courses.

Another seven days passed, and there was still no movement from the outside world; Zhao Xing even proactively sent a letter to Old Chen but received no response.

"Could it be that Old Chen truly cannot withstand the pressure?" Zhao Xing stood at the door, looking outside: "If that is the case, I will truly go to the Hu Jiao Army."

Going to the Hu Jiao Army was not impossible; strong armies had their benefits, and the starting point was also somewhat higher.

He did not absolutely have to stay in the Shenwei Army; even if Old Chen had truly saved his life, if the Shenwei Army was truly a mess, without the Hu Jiao Army, he would still have to leave.

Where did this Master Zhao have such noble integrity and virtue?

If this place does not keep me, another place will; back then, he had already prepared himself mentally: if he were caught by the Xuantian Sect and boarded a thief's ship, he would simply work hard on that thief's ship.

"Military duties must be assigned by the third month's first day. If Old Chen does not arrive, our fate ends here. Even though I have glimpsed the coming changes, I will not act again in the future. I hope you can truly sell me for a good price."

Zhao Xing chuckled lightly, shook his sleeves, and prepared to enter the gate.

Yet just at this moment—

"Zhao Xing." A familiar voice came from not far away.

Chen Shijie and Long Xiao descended on clouds to the courtyard gate.

This kind of panel appears only once every few chapters. I have simplified the spells as much as possible; I will not mention the low-tier ones, and I will not include such long strings of numbers either, to make it easier for audio listeners and to avoid padding the word count.

I do not know if anything has been omitted; readers who find omissions may speak up.

There will be a third update today! It should be after twelve o'clock and before one. It should be, though this melon is not guaranteed ripe; those who cannot wait may sleep first.