Chapter 16: Rain-Spreading Spell

After the Jingxin era name came "Great Governance," with at least several decades in between.

The Xuantian Sect, as a chaotic faction, has always wanted to carry out subversive acts.

When Zhao Xing heard of them, it was during the "Great Governance" years of Emperor Jing's reign; they had gone quiet during Wu Di's time, became active again at the end of his reign, and flourished in the Revival version.

The reason they left such a deep impression was that this chaotic faction loved causing trouble far too much — extremely unfriendly to Si Nong players who preferred stability.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xing gave up pondering and decided to set it aside.

He had no quest panel right now either, only his personal panel. In his previous life, at the slightest hint of a quest, he would jump in — any benefit he could grab, he would.

But now, he was just a tiny ant, and there was no resurrection function. For this life's Zhao Xing, as long as it didn't interfere with his farming and longevity, he wouldn't go joining the excitement.

"Better not pry into worldly affairs. As long as it doesn't come bothering me, who cares whether it's the Xuantian Sect or the Xuan Di Sect."

Having received the official document and bid farewell to Pang Fei, Zhao Xing headed straight for the temple.

He didn't even bother paying respects to the Earl of East Lake, lest that one again keep him behind to practice martial arts, and went directly to the Hall of True Lord Cao Xi.

The hall attendant was somewhat surprised to see Zhao Xing — how long had it been, and here he was again?

"The document has no issues. Go on in."

"Many thanks."

Zhao Xing stepped quickly into the hall and sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. At this moment there were still seven or eight people inside, of different professions, but none of them made a sound — they simply sat quietly with eyes closed, receiving the teaching.

The moment Zhao Xing closed his eyes, he felt a flash of Jin Guang before him, and the next instant he seemed to be standing on a vast grassland.

Different transmission scenes meant different spells learned. Zhao Xing couldn't tell which spell's scene this was either, so he only prayed silently in his heart: "I want Rain-Spreading, I want Rain-Spreading, please don't mix it up, True Lord, I'm begging you…"

As if it had heard Zhao Xing's prayer, a dark cloud soon began to appear in the sky above the grassland.

"Boom—!"

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled.

Pitter-patter~

A coolness enveloped Zhao Xing, and soon raindrops fell on him, as if landing directly in his mind.

"Whoosh whoosh~"

The rain grew heavier and heavier.

Moving Clouds, Thunder-Striking, Rain-Spreading — three spells were performed in sequence, cycling and repeating, constantly unfolding within Zhao Xing's mind.

He didn't know how long it had been when Zhao Xing opened his eyes, and a new spell had appeared in his mind: 【Rain-Spreading】

【Rain-Spreading: Beginner Spell】

【Progress: (0/9999)】

【Effect: Precise control of rainfall.】

Zhao Xing cupped his hands toward the True Lord and silently withdrew from the great hall.

The hall attendant glanced at Zhao Xing's departing back, muttering inwardly: "Strange — this man prayed for Rain-Spreading, and truly comprehended Rain-Spreading. Does the True Lord truly grant whatever this person asks for?"

With the 【Rain-Spreading】 spell in hand, Zhao Xing was in quite a good mood.

What kind of Si Nong can't make it rain?

"The key to Rain-Spreading lies in the 'Spread' — it allows precise control of rainfall. If it were another profession, how much rain falls would be entirely up to heaven's will."

Some other professions could also make it rain, but the spell effects and names were different, and none were as convenient as a Si Nong's.

For instance, the temple attendants he'd just seen had a spell called 【Rain-Requesting】, but it was very hard to control the specific amount of rainfall. To achieve that, one had to 【Hold a Ritual】, and prepare a sacrifice. Even with the simplest version, one still had to carry some yellow paper on one's person at the very least.

"Teacher, I've just comprehended 【Rain-Spreading】. Please give me your guidance." Having learned the spell, he couldn't wait to return to the Pagoda Tree and Willow Courtyard of the Si Nong Bureau.

The old Si Nong Xue Wenzhong smiled and said: "Your luck is quite good — whatever you wish for comes true. The Four Spells of Heaven's Timing, you've now completed the set."

Of course my luck is good — I've inherited part of Da Li's fortune, and I've already reached Yan Er. How many people in all of Gucheng have reached Yan Er? Probably only the County Magistrate and the heads of the various bureaus could possibly have.

"The method of Rain-Spreading has no shortcuts — it's simply a matter of more practice. Moving Clouds, Raising Wind, Thunder-Striking, Rain-Spreading — perform them in sequence, finely control the spells, and naturally you'll be able to control the rainfall."

"The only thing you need to consider is external influence." Xue Wenzhong explained: "For example, the Pagoda Tree and Willow Courtyard has always been in the Beginning of Spring solar term, with abundant water vapor. When you cast 【Rain-Spreading】, the final rainfall may be more than you anticipated."

"If you go to the eastern suburbs, the climate is dry, and the rainfall from casting Rain-Spreading may be less than you anticipated."

Of course Zhao Xing knew all this — he understood it even better than Xue Wenzhong. Because in his previous life, Si Nong players faced even harsher environments during the Calamity Era and were tripped up plenty of times… speaking of it brings tears to one's eyes.

For this reason, Zhao Xing had summarized a set of "influence factor" formulas, which could maintain extremely small error margins even in the "Primordial Qi Tide" version — reputed to be the most unfriendly version for Si Nong players.

He just didn't know whether they still worked now, since he was no longer a player.

Next came the honing.

Zhao Xing practiced 【Rain-Spreading】 in the courtyard.

During the first casting, Xue Wenzhong stood beside him giving guidance.

By the third, Xue Wenzhong had moved up onto the steps.

By the tenth, the old Si Nong was sitting on a bench.

After that… Xue Wenzhong simply reclined on a lounge chair, resting with his eyes closed.

Because Zhao Xing simply didn't need teaching anymore — he had never seen anyone comprehend things this fast.

"If this boy doesn't become a Si Nong, heaven really ought to strike him with lightning." When practice ended, Xue Wenzhong sighed from the heart.

But verbally, he still led mainly with encouragement: "Your Rain-Spreading still has many shortcomings. The environment is a kind of interference, but it can also be a kind of aid."

"That little puddle in the corner by the wall — can't you make use of it to save your primordial Qi? Why do you always charge straight in fighting against it?"

Zhao Xing opened his mouth, wanting very much to explain, but couldn't.

He couldn't exactly say that in the future the environment would deteriorate to the point where borrowing from it was nearly impossible, could he? Being able to hold his own against it was already impressive. Speaking of these things at his current realm was a bit premature.

"Your instruction is well taken."

There was still an hour left to practice other spells, but suddenly a servant came looking for Xue Wenzhong, running over in a hurry and saying something.

Though Xue Wenzhong's expression didn't change much, his words carried a hint of unease: "Today's extra practice ends here. Tomorrow I may not have time — practice on your own."

With that, Xue Wenzhong followed the servant away.

What happened?

Zhao Xing was a little puzzled.

But since the other party hadn't said anything, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to ask either.

That day, after returning home, Zhao Xing lay in bed and couldn't fall asleep no matter what, always feeling a bit uneasy.

He hadn't originally wanted to investigate, but Old Si Nong was one of the keys to his becoming a full member. If something were to happen to him, the other Si Nong might not necessarily be willing to recommend him.

"Tomorrow I still need to go ask around. If there really is a change, I can make plans early." Having made up his mind, Zhao Xing applied two more talismans and entered the Great Dream Academy to take a look. He discovered there was still no movement within the clouds and mist, so he withdrew and slept at ease.

He hadn't expected that, early the next morning, he would hear bad news.