Chapter 178: Continuous Enlightenment to High-Level Techniques, the Pacification of the Man War Merit List Opens!

April 25, the Nine-Ring mission ended; Zhao Xing was now a Senior Seventh Rank Lower, and he no longer held the post of Yun City Water Commissioner.

With the Nine-Ring mission concluded, he would return to the combat sequence of the Divine Might Army, and Xia Jing would return to the Black Armor Army, but as the new appointment had not yet arrived, he returned to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

He mainly came back to handle the spoils of war, comprehend the three great secret classics, consolidate his realm, and learn new high-level techniques.

Long Xiao and Ao Tian Miao also returned with him, because the Pacification of the Man War Merit List was about to open, and he too needed to return to the Grotto-Heaven base to prepare.

Old Chen was not at the Grotto-Heaven base; he had accepted a farming mission and had already crossed the river.

Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, Yangcheng, the Armory.

"Hoo~"

A Swordfish Flying Boat swayed as it landed on the square before the Armory; here many Flying Boats existed, and beside the Flying Boats were piles of treasures as high as mountains, and around the treasures, many people gathered to pick and choose.

This was the Yangcheng Armory; to exchange spoils for items, one could sell them directly to the Armory to convert them into merit points.

"Did you arrange for an appraiser?" Long Xiao asked.

"I did," Zhao Xing nodded, "Look, he is here."

"Da-da-da~"

A familiar figure came galloping from the distance.

It was none other than the Artificer Gao Ming.

"Hee~" Gao Ming stopped his Bamboo Horse Flying Boat, "Zhao Xing, congratulations, you are already Senior Seventh Rank."

"It was all luck," Zhao Xing jumped off the Flying Boat, "Brother Gao, you truly came fast; I had just arrived, and you were already here."

"Of course I come fast when there is work to do," Gao Ming bounced on his tiptoes, eyeing the Swordfish Flying Boat, "Ho, little brother, you really have struck it rich; the boat is packed full, and the formation arrays are carrying at full load!"

"I just went to the Southern Wasteland to pick up some junk," Zhao Xing said modestly, "It's just a large quantity; actually, it's not worth much money."

"Whether it is worth money, I will know once I calculate it," Gao Ming said, "Unload everything."

"Fine," Zhao Xing waved his hand; a gust of wind entered the Flying Boat's cargo hold, and soon a massive amount of objects flew out of the ship, stacking up on the square.

In a short while, a fifteen-meter-high small mountain appeared beside the Flying Boat.

"Tsk-tsk, tsk-tsk, how many tribes did you ransack? The styles of the various treasures are all different," Gao Ming exclaimed in wonder as he looked them over.

The items Zhao Xing released were numerous and of vastly different styles, stemming from the different beliefs among the various tribes.

Gao Ming circled around and found the quality was not bad.

Of course, Zhao Xing was a Seventh Rank official; when challenging for spoils, he naturally prioritized the best items.

"Little brother, you are being too modest; this conservatively amounts to 150,000 merit points!" Gao Ming looked at Zhao Xing.

"Only 150,000 merit points?" Zhao Xing had thought it would reach 200,000 merit points.

But thinking it over, he accepted it.

In most cases, the Military Realm allows generals to dispose of spoils of war themselves without needing to turn them over.

Of course, the imperial court does not only spend without income.

The Military Realm stipulates: spoils of war must be recycled by the Armory; the Armories of each army are not allowed to conduct private transactions with merchants or engage in buying and selling.

The recycling price is set by the Military Realm; the selling price and the recycling price are different, used to reduce the cost of war.

Of course, launching a war will still result in a loss, but this way the loss is smaller, and as long as habitable land can be conquered, it is profitable in the long run.

Of course, this low price is not solely due to this regulation; as the spoils conquered by each army increase, their recycling prices also fluctuate, and additionally, the equipment and weapons manufactured by the Southern Man are generally inferior to the craftsmanship of the Great Zhou.

For example, this 'Earth Dragon Leather Armor' that Gao Ming was currently examining.

"Both are Earth Dragon Leather Armor; the one manufactured by the Southern Man, although its defense has reached Fourth Rank Lower, its durability is lower than our Great Zhou's Earth Dragon Leather Armor; ours can withstand five hundred thousand strikes from Fourth Rank weapons, while the Southern Man's can only withstand fifty thousand strikes."

"The price of a Shanzhai product naturally must be lower."

"And this Seven-Star Curved Blade; the Southern Man lacks water blue crystals, a material for tempering, so they use substitutes; its durability and power are both lower than our Great Zhou's standards."

"And this item..."

Gao Ming inspected very carefully; fearing Zhao Xing would not understand, he explained specifically.

"Little brother, it is not that I, your brother, am suppressing the price; it is just that the reasoning must be made clear to you; I make no profit from this."

"Brother Gao, what are you saying? Naturally, we follow the Armory's standards."

The Artificer Gao Ming spent more than an hour completing the inventory of Zhao Xing's spoils of war and gave the total price.

"Calculation complete; total recycling price: 165,462."

"I have listed the inventory for you; please check if there are any issues," Gao Ming asked.

Zhao Xing took out his Earth Mirror and saw, indeed, a message about the spoils inventory.

"No issues."

"That is good; the items will still trouble little brother you to help move them to this cargo boat," Gao Ming said, "I do not know the Wind Technique."

"No problem."

Zhao Xing waved his hand and sent these items onto the cargo Flying Boat summoned by Gao Ming.

The transaction was complete.

One hundred sixty-seven thousand merit points were also in hand.

"These small tribes are still too poor," Long Xiao said lazily, "You risked your life to fight so many tribes, yet you only got this little money."

Zhao Xing nodded; indeed, it was not much.

Thinking of Qi Shan, when he governed a region, he embezzled over three million taels in three years, while one merit point in the Military Realm is approximately equal to 1.5 to 2 taels.

Zhao Xing was able to scoop up over one hundred thousand merit points in these two months because there was a war to fight; otherwise, saving slowly over three years, he really would not have earned as much as that man embezzled.

"What are your plans?"

"After sending you back, I also need to prepare to temper my sword techniques," Long Xiao touched his treasure sword, "It has not been unsheathed for a long time. We shall meet again after your formal appointment in the army arrives."

"Good," Zhao Xing nodded, and parted with Long Xiao there.

With one hundred sixty thousand merit points in hand, Zhao Xing immediately went to the Yangcheng Ministry of Agriculture's Four Great Courtyards to exchange for entry opportunities to the Treasure Lands.

During these two months of internship, he also gained new insights into many of his spells.

Even though the Nine-Ring Mission is not yet finished, he still plans to find time to return to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

"Now, among my Heavenly Timing Arts, only the Droplet Water Art and the Thunder Art are High-Grade."

"The Wind Art and the Cloud Art have long shown signs of breakthrough; it is time to go observe the Solar Term Steles again."

Zhao Xing arrived at the Heavenly Timing Courtyard and purchased one session of contemplation from the Earth Mirror.

For the one hundred and eight Solar Term Steles, a single session costs 50,000 merit points, with no time limit.

Since he has already completed full training, the discount is gone, but his ability to earn merit points has improved, so whether there is a discount or not makes no difference.

Upon arriving at the Heavenly Timing Courtyard, Zhao Xing discovered that the guardian of the Solar Term Steles today was Ge Jinsong.

"My Lord Ge, I have come to contemplate the Solar Term Steles."

Ge Jinsong, seated at the entrance, heard this familiar voice and was instantly stunned: "Zhao Xing? You, how have you returned?"

"My Lord Ge, I have completed the Nine-Ring Mission in the Soldier Realm, so I have returned," Zhao Xing said with a bow.

So fast? Only two months have passed!

Ge Jinsong's mouth twitched: "Very well, go ahead and enter."

"Yes."

Zhao Xing performed another bow and walked into the Solar Term Hall.

Watching Zhao Xing's back, Ge Jinsong couldn't help muttering: "I truly misjudged him; he is actually already a Proper Seventh Rank!"

"In the entire Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he is the Agricultural Official who completed the Nine-Ring Mission the fastest. Shi Yong is still on the Seventh Ring..."

Previously, Ge Jinsong hadn't paid much attention, but now that he checked, he immediately discovered Zhao Xing was already a Proper Seventh Rank!

"In the future, won't this young man's official rank surpass mine? At that time, will I have to address him as Lord Zhao?" Thinking this, Ge Jinsong's old face flushed red; he felt as though he had been slapped again by an invisible hand.

Inside the tall and majestic palace, the one hundred and eight Solar Term Steles emitted a faint mist.

"Now I possess four Solar Term Tokens, reaching the Knowledge Realm Fourth Turn, namely 【Rain Water】, 【Autumn Equinox】, 【Start of Summer】, and 【Start of Spring】; the others have all reached the Knowledge Realm Third Turn."

"From three Solar Term Steles, I realized three High-Grade Arts: from Autumn Equinox, I realized the Flying Serpent Transformation; from Start of Summer, I realized the Thunder Art that Breaks Delusion; from Rain Water, I realized the Droplet Rain Art."

"Only Start of Spring has not yet yielded a High-Grade Art; the 【Mist Concealment】 Art realized from it has already reached Mid-Grade Perfection."

"The Thunder Art that Breaks Delusion, this self-created High-Grade Art, now has the embryonic form of a second form."

"【Heavenly Frost】 and 【Heavenly Fire】, these two Mid-Grade Arts realized from 【Frost Descent】 and 【Start of Summer】, have also reached Mid-Grade Perfection."

Entering the Solar Term Hall once more, Zhao Xing felt so many insights surge in his heart that for a moment he did not know which stele to begin contemplating first.

"Let us start with Start of Spring, striving to break through 【Mist Concealment】."

Zhao Xing arrived before the fifty-meter-tall 【Start of Spring】 Solar Term Stele and sat cross-legged.

The Mist Concealment Art is one of the spells in the Heavenly Timing Arts used for self-preservation; sometimes it is even more useful than Earth-Dodging.

In certain environments, Earth-Dodging may not be possible; for instance, while standing upon the vast ocean, the effect of the Divine Stride Protection is greatly diminished; or in places where certain earth veins are completely severed, such as the 'Earth-Severing Three-Yuan Array' arranged by the Artificer Family, one simply cannot dodge while within it.

"Huff~"

Not long after Zhao Xing looked at this Start of Spring Solar Term Stele before him, a mist spread out, enveloping him completely.

"Hmm? What a thick fog!"

Zhao Xing suddenly discovered that the stone stele before him had vanished; everything around was a vast white expanse, with visibility of only about one meter.

The Bright Eye Art was completely blocked; he could not see through the mist before him at all.

"Let us try a different spell."

Zhao Xing activated 【Five Elements Observation】; at this moment, the vast white fog before his eyes became like threads and filaments, densely packed, with thread-like 'Qi' filling his vision.

It was precisely these 'Qi' that obstructed his observation.

"Is this the Five Elements Qi between Heaven and Earth?" Zhao Xing pondered thoughtfully, "How similar it is to the Five Elements seen in the Inner Observation of the Yin-Yang True Self Sutra."

The Sanda Sect are never independent; they are interconnected. At this moment, while Zhao Xing performed Inner Observation of the Five Elements and simultaneously observed the outer mist, contemplating the 【Mist Concealment】 Art from different angles, he was suddenly struck by an inspiration.

"The Inner Five Elements Heaven and Earth and the Outer Five Elements Heaven and Earth are connected and communicated through the Spirit Bridge; observing Heaven and Earth is observing the True Self."

"Previously, when I cast the Mist Concealment Art, I always went from outside to inside, using the Start of Spring Solar Term to cast the spell, but I never tried responding with the Inner Heaven and Earth."

Looking at the thread-like mist before him, Zhao Xing subconsciously mobilized the Qi within his body to imitate it.

"Huff~"

A white mist erupted from Zhao Xing's entire body, and he merged into the white mist. This feeling was very similar to when one rises on clouds, but while the Cloud Art ascends, the mist formed by the Mist Concealment Art surrounds him without moving.

"Boom~" The mist suddenly expanded violently outward, rippling in circles, carrying a scorching heatwave; at this moment, the surroundings all appeared dark red.

"Huff~" The next moment, the mist suddenly shifted from dark red to blue, becoming infinitely cold.

As Zhao Xing performed Inner Observation of the Five Elements and regulated the Five Elements Qi to resonate with the surrounding mist, the shape and color of the mist kept changing: sometimes gold, sometimes green, sometimes blue...

After an unknown duration, Zhao Xing opened his eyes and revealed a smile.

He checked the panel record.

【You have contemplated the Start of Spring Solar Term Stele and realized the High-Grade Spell 'Five Elements Mist Concealment'!】

【Five Elements Mist Concealment: Not Yet Entered】

【Effect: Merge the body into the Qi of Heaven and Earth to block all detection; mobilize the Five Elements Qi within the body to produce different effects.】

"The Five Elements Mist Concealment can not only hinder enemies and aid escape, but also be used to kill enemies."

"I recall that the secret technique application of this art can produce 'miasma', disrupting the Five Elements balance within the human body, damaging the physical mechanisms, and achieving the effect of poisoning."

The surrounding mist had already dispersed. Zhao Xing retrieved the Earth Mirror, then, in the spell secret technique section, found a spell secret technique called 【Five Elements Miasma】.

"It is quite cheap, requiring only 18,000 merit points." Zhao Xing immediately selected to place the order. Compared to the 【Droplet Water Domain】, which is a complete set of spell secret techniques, 【Five Elements Miasma】 emphasizes the spell over the technique; as long as one has mastered 'Five Elements Mist Concealment', casting 【Five Elements Miasma】 is not as complex as the Droplet Rain Art.

"With this, I now possess my fifth High-Grade Art."

The Thunder Art that Breaks Delusion is the strongest single-target spell.

The Divine Stride Protection is a dodging art.

The Dripping Water Method is an area-of-effect spell.

The Flying Snake Transformation is a long-range transformation spell.

The Five Elements Mist Shadow provides concealment and auxiliary effects; after learning the 【Five Elements Miasma】, it can also kill enemies.

"Continue contemplating."

Zhao Xing walked back and forth among the one hundred and eight stone steles again.

He had no purpose at all; he merely watched the evolution of the solar terms and the magical patterns on the steles, stopping only when something stirred within him.

Fewer people contemplate in the Solar Term Hall; the place is large enough that one is completely unaffected by others.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Zhao Xing arrived before a smaller stone stele.

Solar Term Stele: 【Jingzhe】.

"Boom-Crack!"

Immediately after Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, he felt a sensation; a thunderclap seemed to shake his soul out of his body, and the moment he sat down, his entire scalp went numb.

"Boom!"

The second thunderclap rang out, and Zhao Xing found himself standing in loose soil; when the thunder sounded, countless insects and beasts crawled out densely from the ground.

"Boom-Boom-Boom~"

The ground began to tremble, and a small hill suddenly arched up ahead, as if something were breaking through the earth.

"Squeak-Squeak~"

Suddenly, a tree trunk grew from the peak of the arched hill; the tree swayed, constantly stretching higher toward the sky.

Zhao Xing looked closely; this was no tree, but clearly a gigantic earthworm!

"This is..."

With a thought, Zhao Xing instantly appeared upon the body of this robust earthworm.

"Boom-Crack!"

The third thunderclap appeared, striking the earthworm.

"Crack-Crack-Crack~"

The earthworm's fleshy skin began to peel away, revealing a layer of thick, black scales.

"Boom-Boom-Boom!"

Thunder continued to roar as the earthworm pursued the lightning, while countless insects and beasts on the ground convulsed wildly.

A five-colored qi mass suddenly appeared between heaven and earth, accompanying the lightning; each time it struck the earthworm, its size and appearance underwent a earth-shattering transformation.

Zhao Xing stared fixedly at the earthworm's transformation; when the fourth lightning bolt struck it, its two antennae fell off, and a sharp horn grew in their place.

The fifth lightning bolt struck.

"Hiss-Hiss~"

The gray-black scales on its abdomen suddenly flipped open, revealing blurred flesh and blood; the five-colored qi mass sank into it, and suddenly powerful claws grew forth.

"Roar!"

After dozens of thunderclaps, the earthworm completely vanished.

What roared toward the sky was an Earth Dragon!

"Jingzhe Transformation: Worm becomes Dragon."

Zhao Xing watched this process; everything happened right before his eyes, and with every lightning strike, there were violent physiological changes.

The Five Elements qi within its body formed swirling vortices throughout its flesh, like meat grinders.

"The three transformations of Jingzhe: the first is the worm becoming an Earth Dragon; the power of the transformation is terrifying indeed."

Zhao Xing closed his eyes.

Sitting atop this Earth Dragon, he carefully contemplated the violent changes the heavens and earth bring to living beings.

No one knows how much time passed.

Zhao Xing opened his eyes again; all the strange phenomena around him had vanished.

【Your Jingzhe Solar Term Token has reached the Fourth Turn of the Knowing Realm; you have comprehended the Thunder Transformation Spell.】

【Thunder Transformation: High-Grade Spell (Not Yet Entered)】

【Effect: Can cause a mutated beast to advance. A First-Turn Transformation Spell; success rate is below ten percent. If the target's Five Elements attribute is Earth, the success rate doubles. If the spell fails, it will cause irreversible damage to the target.】

"I didn't expect to comprehend a second Transformation Spell so quickly."

"The form of the spell is quite peculiar; it actually uses lightning strikes." Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile.

The Thunder Transformation belongs to auxiliary methods and is used for raising mutated beasts.

Of course, it only counts as a raising spell once practiced to perfection.

If not practiced sufficiently, it is simply a destructive spell.

"The advancement of life is resolved by a single lightning strike; no wonder ancient legends say immortals have so many divine beast mounts."

"The Thunder Transformation differs from the Flying Snake Transformation; the Flying Snake Transformation, when projected outward, is purely a destructive Transformation Spell, but when cultivated internally, one can transform into the legendary divine beast, the Flying Snake."

One is mainly used for self-cultivation and killing enemies, pointing toward the ultimate goal of Transformation.

The other is used for cultivating mutated beasts, covering a broader scope, but its level is not as profound.

"A single thunderclap of Jingzhe breaks the heaven-and-earth stagnation of the harsh winter; at this moment, the spiritual qi of heaven and earth is released in a concentrated burst. That five-colored light mass should be spiritual qi of a higher level than Yuan Qi."

"The success probability of casting raising spells is higher within a Blessed Land; it will surely be useful in the future."

After the Pingman Great War, there were few battles during Emperor Jing's reign; for Zhao Xing, the Minister of Agriculture, the only path to promotion was farming and raising horses.

After comprehending the Thunder Transformation Spell, Zhao Xing left his spot and continued strolling through the Heavenly Timing Hall.

As the guardian of the Solar Term Hall, Ge Jinsong had been observing Zhao Xing with the Earth Mirror ever since he entered.

His duty is to ensure the safety of those comprehending the Dao; if a qi deviation occurs, he must detect it in time to save their lives.

Especially when the Solar Term Talisman is cultivated to the point of beginning to comprehend the Method of Seasonal Changes, the comprehender might be attracted by the newly comprehended spells and unconsciously begin to cast them.

If they are cast outward, it is fine; the array within protects them, causing no harm to others.

But practicing the Method of Seasonal Changes internally would cause a major problem.

Once, a genius, while comprehending the Solar Term Stele, turned himself into a donkey.

It took over half a year, with the help of powerful experts, for him to change back.

"He has risen again; it has been less than three days, and he has already changed locations several times."

"Continuously comprehending spells; his comprehension ability is truly astonishing."

Indeed, the one hundred and eight Solar Term Steles are truly a treasure land capable of helping people comprehend quickly.

But Zhao Xing's comprehension speed is far too fast.

"He only served in the field for two months, yet changed so greatly? Does fighting on the battlefield help that much?"

Zhao Xing's process of comprehension made Ge Jinsong's blood boil.

He wished he could rush to the battlefield to fight as well.

"Brother Ge, My Lord Ge?!" At this moment, Cheng Qingming arrived to take over the shift. Seeing Ge Jinsong staring intently at the Earth Mirror, he couldn't help but ask in confusion, "What are you looking at? You are so absorbed."

Ge Jinsong flipped the Earth Mirror over, revealing a Solar Term Stele on it, with Zhao Xing sitting cross-legged beneath it.

"He is watching our joke. This fellow has only been here for three days, yet the Solar Term Stele has trembled multiple times; he has comprehended at least two high-grade spells."

"Only three days, ah, sigh..."

Cheng Qingming: "..."

Half a month later, Zhao Xing departed from before the one hundred and eight Solar Term Steles.

Upon exiting, he saw both Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong guarding the entrance, looking at him with very strange expressions.

"My Lord Ge, My Lord Cheng." Zhao Xing touched his face, "Is there something improper about this subordinate?"

He feared he had become so absorbed in his comprehension that he had suffered a qi deviation without even knowing it.

He touched his head; fortunately, there was no situation of horns protruding from the top.

"Zhao Xing," Ge Jinsong said, "Have you comprehended a high-grade technique?"

"Yes. I obtained it by luck." Zhao Xing said modestly.

"Is your points insufficient? Since you have cultivated a high-grade spell, you will inevitably need to learn spell secret techniques." Ge Jinsong said, "My Lord Cheng and I can lend you a hand and give you one for free."

Huh? Is there such a good thing?

Zhao Xing was stunned for a moment.

"With such deep affection from both My Lords, how can this subordinate bear it?"

Refuse first, then see what these two have in mind.

"You can bear it." Cheng Qingming seemed a bit anxious: "An elder's gift cannot be refused; speak quickly. What secret techniques do you want? My Lord Ge and I will help you buy them!"

"Truly giving it to me for free?" Zhao Xing asked cautiously, "Do both My Lords have any other instructions?"

"No, we are purely out of love for talent." The two shook their heads to show their sincerity and good intentions.

Seeing the two of them acting as if they were eager to give him points, Zhao Xing was also at a loss; does this not count as bribery?

That doesn't seem right; he has nothing to help them with, nor any interest involved.

If it is free, one should not refuse it; after some thought, Zhao Xing happily agreed.

"Then many thanks to both My Lords for your deep affection; I need to purchase..."

Zhao Xing stated his needs; not much, just a few tens of thousands of points.

Ge Jinsong and Cheng Qingming immediately placed the order, and after buying, delivered it directly to the Eighteen Willow Courtyard.

Watching Zhao Xing's departing back, the two exchanged a glance, smiled together, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ao Tian, I am back." At the Eighteen Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing pushed open the courtyard gate.

"Meow!!" The mountain cat shot out with a whoosh, climbed into Zhao Xing's arms, and meowed continuously.

You know to come back? You almost starved the cat to death!

"How could you be hungry? Didn't I buy you a month's worth of food before I went to comprehend?" Zhao Xing patted the mountain cat's head.

"Meow~"

"What, you finished it in seven days? And starved afterwards? I give up on you, gluttonous cat..."

"Meow meow!"

"Alright, don't rush; I will buy food for you immediately."

Zhao Xing looked at the courtyard; the grass planted there had been gnawed on quite a bit by the mountain cat, so it seemed he was truly hungry.

"Da da da~"

Not long after, Gao Ming arrived riding a bamboo horse.

He ran over, let out an "Ah!", threw the items into the courtyard, and turned to leave.

"Brother Gao, wait!"

Zhao Xing hurriedly called out to stop Gao Ming.

"Brother Zhao, is there something?"

Zhao Xing said, "If Brother Gao has time, please come over to deliver food to the mountain cat. I bought a month's worth of food; you just need to come and drop it off every three days. Afterwards, I will give Brother Gao 50 points as a hard-earned fee."

Gao Ming laughed, "I thought it was something serious. Done."

Having said that, he left with a "da da da".

After solving the mountain cat's problem, Zhao Xing continued his cultivation.

He has been to the Heavenly Timing Courtyard; next is the Earthly Advantage Courtyard.

After deducting fifty thousand points, Zhao Xing entered the Earth Vein Hall to contemplate.

"Dili Sect spells, aside from the high-grade Divine Step Protection, are all merely mid-grade: Yin Wind, Rolling Thunder, Five Elements Earth Splitting Art, King Di Zang's Return to Origin, and Boundless Earth Palace."

"Dili Sect spells are extremely useful upon entering the Southern Wasteland; relying on just one high-grade spell is still insufficient."

The guardian of the Earth Vein Hall this month was none other than his teacher, Tian Shan.

"Teacher," Zhao Xing bowed.

"Mm, you're here," Tian Shan smiled. "Go in; the Dili Hall is nearly empty today."

"Yes."

Entering the Dili Hall, Zhao Xing headed straight for the inner hall.

Inside the inner hall stood a mural corridor recording the earth veins of the nineteen provinces.

"Each earth vein represents one province."

"The grades of provincial earth veins all exceed level nine."

"The earth vein of Pinghai Province is dominated by water veins in the east due to its proximity to the Cang Sea, while the regions near the Southern Wasteland are flourishing with earth veins."

Zhao Xing first contemplated the earth vein of Pinghai Province; not only for understanding the Dao, but memorizing these major earth veins would also benefit the upcoming Great Campaign against the Barbarians.

…………

On the first day of contemplation in the Earth Vein Hall, the Rolling Thunder spell broke through first.

【Earth Fiend Thunder: High-Grade Spell】

【Progress: Not Yet Entered】

【Effect: Summon thunder of the earth fiends to attack; the thunderball explosion carries fiendish qi erosion.】

"This yin thunder technique actually broke through first."

Zhao Xing watched several illusory blue light orbs floating before him; the blue orbs danced up and down around Zhao Xing, looking utterly lacking in momentum, even somewhat cute.

"Combined with Boundless Earth Palace and Cloud Method suppression, one explosion covers a vast area."

…………

On May 20th, a yin wind swept through the Dili Hall.

Zhao Xing comprehended another high-grade spell.

【Yin Wind's Fiend: High-Grade Spell】

【Progress: First Turn】

【Effect: Yin wind carries fiendish energy, destroying both form and spirit.】

"Compared to the mid-grade Yin Wind, Yin Wind's Fiend possesses an additional force of earth fiends; it not only blows away souls but also deals great damage to the seven corporeal souls of the flesh body."

Yin Wind breaking through means reaching the First Turn; this is because it has a mid-grade spell as a foundation, whereas new spells like the Change-Response Method are not yet entered, merely having just grasped the surface.

……

Next, Zhao Xing contemplated in the Dili Hall for another ten days.

To his surprise, the Gambler's Battle Method actually broke through.

【Volcano Method: High-Grade Spell】

【Progress: First Turn】

【Effect: Causes the earth to randomly form one or more small volcanoes, erupting earth vein fire.】

"Volcano Method." Images from his recent contemplation surfaced in Zhao Xing's mind: a volcano ten thousand zhang high erupting, the sky turning completely fiery red, the ground covered in rolling dust and smoke, the earth cracking completely, making it extremely difficult to burrow underground.

"High-grade Volcano Method is no longer merely an Earth Splitting Method; it is classified under 'Mountain Methods'," Zhao Xing thought silently.

Mountain Methods all start at high-grade and include many categories: Mountain Opening Method, Mountain Sealing Method.

Spirit Mountain Method, Volcano Method, Snow Mountain Method, and so on.

On June 1st, Zhao Xing entered the Primordial Dojo again.

His points were completely spent.

The four spells of the Benwo Sect are among the most difficult to cultivate of all spells, and Zhao Xing's progress was the slowest.

Except for Wild Growth, which had reached the Perfection grade.

Wasteland Condensation Art had not yet reached Perfection, only the Ninth Turn level.

【Hundred Li Essence Analysis Method】 was only at the Seventh Turn.

【Nine Dragons Joint-Breaking Method】 was even lower, only at the Fifth Turn.

"The requirement is not high; for the four Benwo methods, the remaining three just need to reach mid-grade Perfection."

"Benwo Sect spells are the main direction for future development."

If one wishes to farm, Benwo Sect spells are of paramount importance.

"Zhao Xing." Lu Bang, guarding the Primordial Dojo of the Taicang Courtyard, spoke. "I heard from your teacher that you have comprehended high-grade spells in both the Tian Shi and Dili factions, yet you have not yet mastered a high-grade spell in the Benwo Sect?"

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "The Benwo Sect is profound and extensive; even grasping its surface is difficult for me."

Hearing this, Lu Bang was very satisfied, for he himself cultivated Benwo Sect spells primarily; naturally, he was pleased that Zhao Xing praised the Benwo Sect.

"I observe that you have gone astray in your cultivation of Benwo Sect spells," Lu Bang said. "I came specifically to remind you."

Gone astray? Zhao Xing was stunned.

"Please, my lord, guide me through the confusion."

"You focus heavily on the Yin Yang Benwo Sutra to analyze the essence of the five elements and yin-yang; the idea is not bad," Lu Bang explained. "But what grade are you? Do you think you can point directly to the Great Dao?"

"You neglected the contemplation of the All-Things Growth Chart, which is why your comprehension is so arduous."

"The All-Things Growth Chart is the form of life; the Yin Yang Benwo Sutra is the principle of life."

"Only by combining form and principle can one truly enter the Dao in Benwo Sect spells."

"You may go to the Primordial Dojo, but take this chart with you."

Lu Bang waved his hand, and a rolled scroll behind him flew over, landing in Zhao Xing's hands.

The scroll felt as heavy as a thousand jin in his grasp.

Zhao Xing's hand sank, and he was filled with immense surprise.

This was the manifestation of the Dao, bringing with it a sense of oppression.

What has been going on lately? Why do people keep giving me things?

Lu Bang seemed to have seen through Zhao Xing's thoughts and laughed heartily: "I am not like Ge Jinsong and Cheng Qingming; those two wanted to restore their reputations through you, which is why they gave you things."

"This fifth-grade rubbing of the All-Things-Growth Chart was commissioned by your teacher for me to paint; do not overthink it."

"I see." Zhao Xing suddenly understood, yet he still bowed and said, "Thank you, my lord, for bestowing this painting."

"Go."

"Yes."

Carrying the scroll, Zhao Xing passed through a pale blue vortex and entered the Primordial Dojo.

Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, it was already June 20th.

Taicang Courtyard, outside the Primordial Dojo.

Long Xiao paced back and forth anxiously.

The Peaceful Barbarian War Merit List had already been released, and the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Mansion, this war machine, had already been set in motion.

The Divine Might Army had already entered the war sequence, but Zhao Xing was still inside the Primordial Dojo.

"My lord, he hasn't come out yet?" Long Xiao asked. "Could you call him out?"

"What are you in such a rush for?" Lu Bang said indifferently. "Do a few war merits compare to the importance of comprehending the Dao? He has reached the most critical moment; once the Benwo Sect's techniques break through, what merit will he not gain on the battlefield?"

"I..." Long Xiao was left speechless; it was true, sharpening the axe does not delay the woodcutting, and if Zhao Xing could become stronger, these few days truly did not matter.

"Then I will come again tomorrow." Long Xiao was just about to leave.

"No need to wait." Just then, Lu Bang suddenly called out to Long Xiao, a faint smile appearing on his face. "He has completed his enlightenment; he is coming out."

Happy Dragon Boat Festival! Wishing all examinees success in every exam, 'zong' (win)!

I'm a bit stuck on the writing, so today is a bit late.

Today's update is gone too; I will make up the owed chapters after the Dragon Boat Festival.