Chapter 282: The

The simultaneous appearance of Sima Yunhai and Pang Yuanjin was truly a difficult situation.

But difficult or not, it had to be handled.

Zhao Xing still ran out quickly to welcome them.

"Teacher Sima." Zhao Xing first bowed to Sima Yunhai, then turned to bow to Pang Xianyun: '

Doctor Pang."

His choice of address was deliberate.

Sima Yunhai had taught him the Cloud Method at the Tianyuan Prefecture branch; calling him teacher was not excessive. As long as there had been no formal apprenticeship ceremony with witnesses, it mattered little.

If it had been a three-kneel, nine-kowtow apprenticeship with witnesses invited, then within the small circle of the Dao Academy's elders, that would constitute a deep bond.

Pang Yuanjin, though he claimed Liu Tianning as his master, had never received Liu Tianning's acceptance.

Zhao Xing would not accept being called his junior brother. Even if Old Liu had truly taken disciples, he should have called Zhao Xing senior brother, not junior brother.

Calling him Doctor Pang was appropriate and would not further provoke Sima Yunhai.

Seeing him appear,

Pang Yuanjin's eyes lit up, and he immediately stopped arguing with Sima Yunhai.

He brushed off his clothes, as if trying to leave a good impression on Zhao Xing.

Hearing that word "teacher," Sima Yunhai's expression grew complex.

He had originally intended to strike back at Liu Tianning; to him, Zhao Xing was merely a pawn.

But while teaching Zhao Xing the Cloud Method at the Profound Heaven Academy's Yongxin Sect, he had unknowingly developed feelings.

Even after discovering that Zhao Xing had never intended to become his disciple, thwarting his plan, he could not bring himself to despise him.

For Zhao Xing was truly the smartest, most talented student he had ever seen.

What fault did he have?

He despised Liu Tianning and hated Pang Xianyun, yet toward Zhao Xing, he could not feel disgust; instead, he felt a certain admiration.

For Zhao Xing was the genius capable of writing "Treatise on the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi Great Zhou Tian," which contributed to the theoretical thought of the Heavenly Timing School.

But one sentence from Pang Xianyun made Sima Yunhai's anger flare again: "Junior Brother Zhao is indeed of extraordinary talent,

with an extraordinary aura. Do you have time to chat? I wish to sit and discuss the Dao with you, junior brother."

Zhao Xing frowned slightly and spoke before Sima Yunhai could erupt: "Doctor Pang, please do not call me junior brother.

I came to Mingyue Prefecture to execute official duties; I attend to no private matters. If Doctor Pang is also here for governance, you should present your views at the Mingyue Prefect's military-political council to avoid ineffective communication."

Seeing Zhao Xing's aloof demeanor, Pang Yuanjin was not angered; he simply smiled and bowed, saying, "My Lord Yuan is correct. As for discussing the Dao, let us speak another day. I shall take my leave first."

Without even glancing at Sima Yunhai, he shot away with a "whoosh."

"Teacher Sima, I did not know you were coming. Please enter the prefecture; allow me to prepare a modest banquet to welcome you."

Sima Yunhai's anger had subsided considerably. He also wanted to ask Zhao Xing about that Great Zhou Tian Treatise, but Ye Yukong was still here.

How could he change his expression so quickly and accept Zhao Xing's invitation?

Sima Yunhai flicked his sleeve and snorted, "I'm already stuffed with anger; what is there to eat?"

He glanced again at Ye Yukong, speaking with hidden meaning: "Since you are here to execute official duties, do your official business properly. Do not make a mess of it and cause disgust!"

Ye Yukong: "......."

He felt Sima Yunhai was scolding him.

But where did I go wrong?

Ye Yukong was utterly confused at this moment.

"Prefect Ye, I have a request."

A voice pulled Ye Yukong back to reality.

"Oh, speak." Looking at Zhao Xing, he couldn't help but grow curious.

What ability did Zhao Xing possess that could end the quarrel between these two Third Rank officials of the Ministry of Agriculture?

"When the Prefect holds council, please do not gather these two together."

Ye Yukong nodded. He now understood that bringing these two together would not only fail to complement each other but might also cause trouble.

Yet he felt somewhat conflicted: "Disaster prevention and relief, governing a region—someone must issue orders. Who should be in charge?"

Zhao Xing felt speechless. The situation was so obvious; couldn't you see who should be chosen?

To save time, he could only volunteer:

"If the Prefect does not disdain it, this subordinate is willing to mediate in the middle."

Having Zhang Ping lead Sima Yunhai and Pang Xianyun was impossible. Even among the Third Rank, there was a gap; Zhang Ping was inferior to both of them in law and reason.

"It can only be this way," Ye Yukong sighed.

Zhao Xing was also exasperated.

What do you mean "it can only be this way"? Even if I am a subordinate, shouldn't you offer some encouragement at this moment?

He suspected that beneath Ye Yukong's scalp was nothing but swords, with no brain at all.

"Please, Prefect, issue a ban on speech. Do not let others discuss the affairs of these two my lords, lest complications arise."

"Very well, I understand." Ye Yukong nodded. Although he still did not know what the matter was, sealing mouths would suffice!

He was too lazy to inquire about this mess; he only wanted to finish the task quickly and wait for the imperial court to send someone to take over the Prefect's position.

Court politics were utterly unsuited to him; fighting and killing were what he loved.

After everyone had left, Zhao Xing also breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he felt a bit annoyed.

Sima Yunhai and Pang Yuanjin—if Ye Yukong had invited only one of them, whichever it was, the upcoming task would have been manageable.

But he had insisted on inviting both!

"Sometimes, having many people doesn't necessarily make things easier to handle," Zhao Xing said as he walked back into the hall, unable to help but sigh.

Tianyang Zhenjun was alive again at that moment; he sat on the platform, legs crossed, tossing a fruit back and forth in his hand.

"Hehe, grand-disciple, do you understand now? Being the Grand Minister of Agriculture is not that easy."

"What you are facing now is merely a conflict between two people. The Grand Minister of Agriculture must manage three sects and nineteen prefectures, along with numerous grotto-heavens and blessed lands. How many conflicts must arise among so many people? To reconcile them is by no means an easy task."

"Do you need your Grand-Grandmaster to offer you some advice?"

"The Prefect sent by the imperial court will take at least three to five months to arrive. If you rely on Ye Yukong, this temporary Prefect, to mediate, your three factions in Mingyue Prefecture will not be able to start work for three to five months."

Zhao Xing shook his head and said, "No trouble for Grand-Grandmaster; I, your grand-disciple, am still confident."

"Good, you have ambition!" Tianyang Zhenjun caught the falling fruit in mid-air, uncrossed his legs, and said with a smile, "If you can command these two to work and resolve the problems of Mingyue Prefecture, Grand-Grandmaster will give you a gift."

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Then please wait and see, Grand-Grandmaster!"

Early the next morning, Ye Yukong convened a military and political meeting to discuss disaster prevention tasks.

He followed Zhao Xing's suggestion and opened two deliberation halls; Sima Yunhai led the core officials in one, while Pang Xianyun led his officials in the other.

Zhao Xing's true body was in Sima Yunhai's hall, while his clone was in the deliberation hall of Pang Yuanzhen.

Ye Yukong had originally wanted to attend and speak with both, but was dissuaded.

He was indeed responsible, but the harder he tried, the more afraid the people below became.

"You didn't even do background checks before inviting experts; you should just sing for now."

Thus, Ye Yukong attended in a unique way: on the main seats of both halls, a ground mirror was placed, displaying Ye Yukong's image; he only needed to nod to finish.

The military and political meeting saw a divergence right from the start.

"Disasters, disasters! They must be prevented according to the method of our Tianhe Sect. Zhao Xing, Zhang Ping, Liu Bodang, you people brought by Tianhe Prefecture, follow this old man's plan," Sima Yunhai said.

In the other deliberation hall.

Pang Yuanzhen said, "Mingyue Prefecture has seven great rivers; the north and south regions have also seen desertification and dust storms, while the east frequently experiences mountain earthquakes."

"The one hundred and twenty-nine Grand Ministers of Agriculture I brought this time are all elites from the Shangluo Academy, and all have cultivated Pure Yuan Earth."

"Additionally, seventy Wenhua Tower Ships are on standby, containing various miraculous plants for disaster control."

"I have already planned four schemes, but we lack manpower. At this time, we must gather all Grand Ministers of Agriculture, engineers, and various supplies to plant these disaster-prevention plants."

"What does Marquis Yuan think?"

This was the conflict between the Benwo Sect and the Tianhe Sect.

Even if Sima Yunhai and Pang Xianyun were not the ones who came today, as long as different factions were present, divergence would arise.

If only one faction were invited, such a situation would not occur.

Zhao Xing could not let either side leave now; first, he did not have the authority, and second, even if he did, he could not do such a thing.

But at this moment, what Zhao Xing had to consider was to first seize the initiative.

Because neither Pang Xianyun nor Sima Yunhai intended to listen to Zhao Xing; they only wanted the people of Tianhe Prefecture to cooperate with them.

How could this be acceptable?

Wasn't that turning the world upside down?

How could Master Zhao be someone who stays under others for long?

However, both Sima Yunhai and Pang Yuanzhen were people well-versed in law and reason; gaining the initiative was truly not easy.

Zhao Xing also mustered his full spirit.

He first reviewed the governance plan proposed by Sima Yunhai, then praised, "Teacher is indeed a master of the age. This governance plan synthesizes classics such as the 'Great Treatise on the Origin of Heaven', 'Monthly Selection of the Five Elements', the 'Chapter on Reversion of the Yin-Yang Phenology Classic', and the 'Wu Ji Four-Seasons Balanced Method of Heaven-Time'. Its governance plan is concise and clear, allowing the Grand Ministers of Agriculture in all prefectures and..."

"... commanderies and counties to regard it as the ultimate standard."

Flattered by Zhao Xing's praise, Sima Yunhai felt very pleased, because Zhao Xing was not praising blindly but had recognized the sources upon which these plans were based.

But on his lips, he said, "Do not praise me so; the Tianhe Sect has many classics to rely on; I have merely picked up others' crumbs."

"Since you also see that the plan is appropriate, then proceed with implementation."

Zhao Xing said, "Teacher, do not rush. My learning is shallow, and I still have some unclear points about these plans. Please teach me so I can convey them to the officials below."

It was not a waste of a little time; moreover, if the people below did not execute properly, it would be a waste of time anyway, so it was very necessary for the mid-level Grand Ministers of Agriculture to understand.

Sima Yunhai nodded: "What do you not understand? Ask away."

Zhao Xing pulled out one of the Juan Sect scrolls, flew it into the air to unfold it, and then pointed at the 【Miniature Heaven-Time Map of Mingyue Prefecture】.

"Teacher, please look; this is Zhuo Commandery."

"Starting from March 16, the Grand Minister of Agriculture in Zhuo Commandery of Mingyue Prefecture cast the Solar Term Order; as soon as the spell was revoked, the Three Qi would return to chaos three hours later."

"It is currently only March 19, yet the measurement results from the Wenhua Vessels submitted by Zhuo Commandery have already exceeded four ke and seven (the temperature in March exceeded forty-seven degrees)."

"Moreover, every time the Spring Equinox Solar Term Order is cast to restore order, after chaos returns, the effect of the next casting of the Spring Breeze Solar Term Order is greatly reduced, making restoration impossible."

"May I ask, Teacher, how should this be resolved?"

Sima Yunhai carefully examined the 【Heaven-Time Map of Mingyue】, flipped through the scrolls, and immediately said:

"This is caused by the situation of 'Three Qi Chaos and Yin-Yang Imbalance'."

"Teacher, which Three Qi?"

"The Qi of Dawn, the Qi of High Noon, and the Qi of Heaven. These three Qi are chaotic, causing the Qi of Man and the Qi of Earth to be insufficient, constantly pressing downwards."

"Yangming Dry Metal, Shaoyin Fearful Fire, Wind, Fire, Yang, a cycle that fuels each other; the Spring Equinox Solar Term Order also finds it difficult to balance Yin and Yang."

"If the spell is cast without finding the key node, it is like adding oil to a fire, causing the Three Qi to rise, and the Ganzhi directions of the Three Qi's circulation constantly change."

"One must use the Great Cold Phase Fire and Jueyin Wind Wood to cast Heavenly Fire, burn the forests of Zhuo Commandery, then shave down the Sanshan of Zhuo Commandery, allowing the Three Qi to spread to the four neighboring commanderies, reducing intensity and sharing the governance burden."

Sima Yunhai was indeed a master; he had obtained this data only two days ago, yet he quickly analyzed the crux and provided the corresponding Tianhe Sect governance method.

But Zhao Xing quickly found a flaw in the solution: "Teacher, did you overlook the migration of the earth veins? If mountains are destroyed and forests burned to release the Three Qi to strike the neighboring commanderies, the common people may not be able to bear it."

"Originally only Zhuo Commandery was afflicted by the disaster; now the other four commanderies must also suffer, and forests must be burned and mountains shaved; the people will inevitably have complaints."

Sima Yunhai frowned: "Relocate the people into the cities; it will not harm humans or livestock. What complaints could there be?"

"Let us proceed as the teacher suggests. If, in the process of extracting the three Qi, the Si Earth, Geng Metal, Li Fire, and Kun Wind become misaligned, what consequences might arise?"

Sima Yunhai instinctively replied, "Displacing the four positions will alter the seasonal phenomena—hmm?"

No sooner had he spoken than Sima Yunhai frowned.

He looked at the map and slowly shook his head. "How could misalignment occur? Your hypothesis is invalid."

Zhao Xing pulled out another Juan Sect document. "Teacher, please look. These are the latest reports from Zhuo Commandery. The method you mentioned..."

"... was already implemented by Fang Tianguang, the Supervisor of Agriculture of the former Mingyue Prefecture."

"His plan differed little from yours, except he did not level mountains or burn forests; instead, he used spells to forcibly drive out the three Qi."

Sima Yunhai read the report, and his expression shifted slightly.

For the ultimate result of this plan was that the Yang three Qi of the commandery were expelled.

However, the Yin three Qi became too heavy, causing the Spring Equinox to instantly plunge into deep cold.

Zhao Xing waved his hand, and a patch of ice-blue clouds instantly appeared on the Heavenly Timing Map, turning Zhuo Commandery into a blue expanse of land.

"Three days later, Zhuo Commandery suffered a Great Cold disaster."

"Half the commandery froze solid; hail fell from the sky, and ice piled five feet deep on the ground."

"Zhuo Commandery became a Cold Commandery."

Zhao Xing said, "Fang Tianguang's method mobilized massive manpower and resources, yet ultimately failed to solve the problem and only worsened the situation."

"Even if he had eventually succeeded, judging solely by the cost in manpower and resources, it was not worth it. Teacher is wise; do the calculations, and you will see he was wrong."

Sima Yunhai looked at Zhao Xing, then glanced again at the commandery's current state, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He began to grasp the meaning.

What a little Wang Ba! He calls me 'teacher' with his left hand and 'teacher' with his right, yet his mind is scheming.

He speaks entirely of Fang Tianguang's faults, but in reality, he is denying my plan.

For the plan I proposed for the commandery is much like Fang Tianguang's.

Is he not speaking of me?

Zhuo Commandery is clearly a complex special case.

It seems Zhao Xing prepared long ago, waiting for me, Sima Yunhai, to jump right in!

"Then what is your high opinion?" Sima Yunhai asked, looking at Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing smiled and pulled a pre-prepared plan from his sleeve, handing it to Sima Yunhai. "This student's humble view; please, Teacher, correct it."

Afterwards, Zhao Xing restored the commandery's Heavenly Timing Map to its state before Fang Tianguang began his governance.

Sima Yunhai took the Juan Sect document, then stood before the Mingyue Heavenly Timing Map.

With one hand, he manipulated the map to begin the simulation; with the other, he held the Juan Sect document Zhao Xing gave him to begin casting spells.

This was a simulation of governance.

As Sima Yunhai simulated, the Heavenly Timing Map underwent new changes.

The scorching fire-clouds slowly faded, and the withered trees on the land began to regain vitality.

The scale on the Wen Hua Vial dropped to two ke and seven, still not matching the temperature of the Spring Equinox.

But it was far better than Fang Tianguang's method.

At least he didn't turn Zhuo Commandery into a Cold Commandery, did he?

"Hmph!"

Sima Yunhai set down the Juan Sect document, having understood Zhao Xing's intention.

Zhao Xing wanted to be the chief official, with him, Sima Yunhai, merely following orders.

"How many more do you have prepared? Bring them all out."

"Yes." Zhao Xing waved his hand, and over a hundred Juan Sect documents flew out from the box behind him.

All were prepared by Zhao Xing in advance!

Seeing this, Sima Yunhai could not help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

This youth had only arrived at Mingyue Prefecture three days early.

How could he have prepared so thoroughly?

But Sima Yunhai did not know that Zhao Xing had been preparing for a long time!

If one truly calculated, from the moment he arrived in Donghai, he had been preparing for the day Liang Wang would rebel.

The terrain and topography of every commandery in Haizhou, and every possible natural disaster, had been simulated by Zhao Xing countless times.

After mastering the Great Expansion Divine Art, this calculation ability was terrifying.

Later, when he became the 'Five Prefectures Inspector', how could he not pay attention to the situation in neighboring prefectures?

Having already resolved the problems of Tianhe Prefecture, he naturally turned his gaze to even farther places!

He simply did not expect that the object of his showmanship today would be an acquaintance, Sima Yunhai.

Old Sima was at least an acquaintance and had taught him, so Zhao Xing kept his tone as tactful as possible.

At this moment, there was no one else around; Zhang Ping was an honest, simple man who would certainly not speak out of turn, and Elder Liu was a mechanic who wouldn't understand anyway.

As for Ye Ye Yukong, he understood even less.

Therefore, Zhao Xing did not exactly slap Sima Yunhai's face.

"Puff-hoo~" A wisp of flame appeared at Sima Yunhai's fingertip, burning his own two-day preparation plan to ashes.

For he realized his plan could not compare to Zhao Xing's.

It was not that the gap between him, Sima Yunhai, and Zhao Xing was so vast.

It was that Zhao Xing had prepared far too thoroughly!

"Teacher—"

"You need not say more," Sima Yunhai snorted. "If it's useless, why keep it?"

"You've prepared long enough—I've brought my people to follow your orders."

Zhao Xing stepped back two paces, bowed deeply to Sima Yunhai: "Thank you, Master, for your support."

"I'm not doing this for you," Sima Yunhai said coolly. "I'm doing it for the people of Mingyue Mansion. Besides, I have one demand: you must not let me work alongside that traitor—not even a single glance. I fear I'll lose control and kill that dog!"

Zhao Xing's governance plan includes more than just the Tian Shi Method, so it must involve the other two sects' Agricultural Ministers.

But Sima Yunhai simply could not accept working alongside Pang Yuanzhen, that traitor.

They were both from the Yun generation—this fellow changing his cultivation path was one thing, but why did he also change the character the Master bestowed upon him?

Sima Yunhai would never forgive him!

"Master, rest assured—I will never cause you distress."

"Get out! You've already become a nuisance." Sima Yunhai flung a token from his sleeve. "Go, go quickly!"

"Yes." Zhao Xing's true body took the token, then bowed with Zhang Ping and Liu Bogong before withdrawing.

Sima Yunhai watched Zhao Xing's retreating back, his eyes filled with complex emotion.

In the end, he said nothing—only let out a long sigh before leaving as well.

"Huh? Why did they leave? What about the people here?"

The figure of Ye Ye Yukong frozen on the ground mirror suddenly moved.

"Is the meeting over?"

The meeting was certainly not over.

Sima Yunhai's side was settled, but Pang Yuanzhen's side had hit a deadlock.

Of the eighteen men in the council hall, nearly all were Agricultural Ministers brought by Pang Yuanzhen.

Only Zhao Xing's avatar was present.

Sima Yunhai was cold on the outside but kind within—he merely saw Zhao Xing's plan and decided to support him, stepping back into the shadows.

But Pang Yuanzhen was different.

He looked refined, always smiling, giving the impression of a gentle spring breeze.

Yet his inner resolve was unyielding—he could not be swayed easily.

After speaking with him briefly, Zhao Xing realized this man's character was utterly unlike Sima Yunhai's.

"This man, in pursuit of the Dao, even changed his name—and severed ties with his former sect without regard for worldly opinion."

"He's a ruthless one."

He came to the Shangluo Academy, which needed a role model, so they gave Pang abundant resources—

Within eight years, he cultivated pure Yuan soil, and they transplanted many seventh-rank plants for him.

Now, Pang Yuanzhen has come to Tianhe Mansion to make a name for himself—not just his own, but the Shangluo Academy's too. Getting him to obey my orders will be far harder than with Sima Yunhai."

Zhao Xing thought silently to himself.

Pang Yuanzhen came on this mission with political motives—not purely to offer aid.

There was his own interest, and the Shangluo Academy's interest, intertwined.

Getting Pang Yuanzhen to accept his orders and cooperate with the Tian Shi Agricultural Ministers would be extremely difficult.

"Master Pang, Your Lords, let us set aside official matters for now—rest awhile, drink some tea, and discuss the Dao."

"How about that?"

Pang Yuanzhen smiled and nodded. "Very well—I defer to Chen'an."

"Master Wei just happens to have grown some new tea."

Upon hearing this, a fourth-rank Agricultural Minister beside Pang waved his hand over the table.

A shadow swept over the table, and instantly, steaming cups of tea appeared.

"Lord Yuan, please," Wei Zhao extended his hand—but did not name the tea, nor did Pang Yuanzhen offer any explanation.

"Please."

Zhao Xing lifted the teacup, sniffed it, then praised: "Excellent tea!"

"Oh? What makes this tea so good, Chen'an?" Pang Yuanzhen asked.

"Lingxu Silver Needle—plump buds, uniform in length and size, golden within, fully exposed white down on the exterior, tightly wrapped, resembling slender silver needles—elegantly called 'Gold-Encased Jade.'"

"When steeped, the buds rise vertically, hover on the surface, then slowly sink, rise again, sink again—three times up, three times down—a delightful spectacle."

"Master Wei, Master Pang—is what I said correct?"

Wei Zhao bowed slightly. "Lord Yuan has an excellent eye."

Zhao Xing smiled. "Too bad—I'm merely a Wanfa Avatar, wasting Master Wei's fine tea."

Upon hearing "Wanfa Avatar," everyone was startled—they had all mistaken it for Zhao Xing's true body.

"I cannot accept such praise from Lord Yuan," Wei Zhao replied with greater reverence.

"I've heard Chen'an excels in all arts, and could have easily passed the exams to become a Doctor of Governance at Xuantian Academy or Kunyuan Earth Palace. Do you know any texts from the Benwo Sect?" Pang Yuanzhen asked.

Zhao Xing set down his teacup and smiled lightly. "I know a little."

Pang Yuanzhen bowed. "I'd be honored to hear your insights."

Zhao Xing spoke slowly: "The root's essence belongs to plants—it possesses material nature, self-nature, and Dao-nature."

"Material nature reveals its principle; self-nature reveals its Dao; Dao-nature reveals its method."

"The Benwo is Heaven and Earth. To perceive the Benwo Dao is to perceive the transformations of Heaven and Earth."

The dozen or so Agricultural Ministers across from him stirred in agitation.

Pang Yuanzhen's expression turned surprised.

For Zhao Xing had spoken of the Benwo Sect's classic: "The Principles of Plants: The Three Natures Treatise."

The opening two lines are incisive, summarizing the Theory of the Three Natures.

"The Principles of Plants: Theory of the Three Natures" is a profound theory, studied by almost no one except those of High Grade.

"Comprehend the nature of things to know their principle; comprehend the nature of the Dao to know their methods."

"What use are principles and methods?"

"Plant a hundred herbs to alter the heavenly seasons; raise ten thousand trees to control earthly advantages."

Another three lines emerged.

Pang Yuanzhen stared at Zhao Xing, his gaze filled with strange color.

The many Fourth Grade officials nearby, such as Wei Zhao and Yang Song, wore expressions of shock.

If the first three lines were merely a summary of the classics—incisive but not yet dazzling—

these latter three lines used the classics to annotate his own theory.

Moreover, the concept was quite bold!

The Benwo Sect's philosophy is to select divine branches and immortal trees, continuously optimize their offspring, and crossbreed them so they fear neither heavenly seasons nor earthly advantages.

Even in the most vicious environments, they can survive.

The focus is entirely on cultivating the plants themselves, excluding interference from the two factors of heavenly seasons and earthly advantages.

Now, the viewpoint Zhao Xing proposed added heavenly seasons and earthly advantages into the mix.

However, the viewpoint he proposed was: use plants to alter heavenly seasons, and use plants to nourish earthly advantages!

In this case, would it not place the Benwo Sect at the head of the three sects?

It was simply too much to the Benwo Sect's taste!

But satisfying the taste is one thing; one still needs sufficient persuasiveness to form a complete theory.

The gazes of the seventeen people were all tightly fixed on Zhao Xing, hoping he would next state sufficient arguments.

Ideally, he should also provide practical application areas.

Otherwise, these words would be nothing more than empty talk.

"In years past, Sage Su wrote the 'Herbal of Disaster Prevention,' recording over 1,700 plants across 12 categories, encompassing the lands of the Nineteen Provinces.

"There is a vine named the 'Purifying Water Vine'; move it into muddy water, and within half a day the water clears, allowing the people to drink.

"There is also the divine tree 'Heaven and Earth Clear'; plant it in lands of poison miasma, and within three years the poison miasma disperses, turning evil ground into fertile soil."

"How does land of poison miasma become fertile soil? The poison miasma arises from the chaos of the Six Qi of Heaven, where cold, yin, dryness, gloom, and brightness interlace, forming Heaven's evil qi."

"When plants are absorbed into the Self, the Six Qi disperses, and yin and yang return to balance; is this not altering the heavenly seasons?"

"The Earth Fire Lotus takes root in the Flame Mountain; over time, the earth fire shifts from Greater Yang to Lesser Yang. If many plant it, the million-li Flame Mountain also becomes a Spirit Mountain; is this not nourishing the earth veins with plants?"

"When dust storms swirl in the desert, planting a million trees can block them, and the desert also becomes an oasis."

"Wherever forests are dense, there are more clouds and rain—"

Zhao Xing spoke eloquently, while the listening Ministry of Agriculture officials diligently took notes with their brushes.

Sage Su refers to the ancient sage 'Su Song,' whose classics 'Herbal of Disaster Prevention' and 'Herbal for Famine Relief' have been passed down to the world.

They describe many miraculous plants capable of growing in extreme environments and detail their effects in altering landforms.

But he only emphasized the miraculous characteristics of the plants themselves, without deeply investigating the influence of plants on heavenly seasons and earthly advantages,

nor analyzing the causes from their essence.

Zhao Xing, however, started from Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, standing from a higher angle to expound on the influence of plant life on heavenly seasons and earth veins.

The classics he cited were not obscure; for instance, 'The Theory of Self and Heavenly Things: Chapter on the Six Qi' and 'The Theory of Self and Heavenly Things:

Chapter on Yin-Yang' both mention similar concepts.

Yet, these simple and obvious theories, when combined, caused many Benwo Sect officials to achieve sudden enlightenment.

Pang Yuanzhen and the multitude of officials became more and more fascinated as they listened.

Indeed, why had they never thought of this before? How else could one explain it?

But when Zhao Xing began to speak of deeper matters,

gradually, many officials could no longer keep up with Zhao Xing's pace.

Zhao Xing looked at the expressions of Wei Zhao and the others.

They had become like this: (o)——:

He smiled slightly.

Because he cited many theories from the Heavenly Seasons Sect and the Earthly Advantages Sect, which would surely confuse officials specializing in the Dao of the Self.

He even cited geographical changes and shifts in heavenly seasons from historical records to expound that the reason the Xuanhuang Realm is as it is today is the result of the combined influence of plant life, animals, the human race, and the water race.

What he wanted was for these Benwo Sect officials to be confused.

If you are not confused, how would you ask me for advice?

"He is redefining the Heavenly Dao from the perspective of the Benwo Sect?" Pang Yuanzhen gradually felt his heart race with fear.

Because he had switched from the Heavenly Seasons Sect to practice, no one present understood the significance of Zhao Xing's theory to the Benwo Sect better than him.

Not to say it would make the Benwo Sect surpass the Heavenly Seasons and Earthly Advantages sects, but at least it could elevate the Benwo Sect's status by another tier.

"This youth, so young, is actually so proficient in the theories of the three sects; it is simply terrifying."

Pang Yuanzhen could initially chat a few lines with Zhao Xing, but by the end, he could not interject at all.

Because he discovered he did not understand!

Looking at the others again, Pang Yuanzhen found they had entered a state of confusion even earlier than himself.

Looking at the others again, Pang Yuanjin found they had entered a state of stunned confusion even earlier than himself.

Zhao Xing suddenly stopped speaking, pulled out two thick books, and dropped them onto the table.

Zhao Xing suddenly stopped speaking, pulled out two thick books, and dropped them onto the table.

Everyone instantly snapped back to their senses, staring blankly at the two books Zhao Xing had slapped onto the table.

Pang Yuanzhen looked over, and his heart immediately skipped a beat.

The names on the covers of the two books.

One was titled "Treatise on the Self and Natural Phenomena: The Chapter on Celestial Timing."

The second was titled "Treatise on the Self and Natural Phenomena: The Chapter on Earthly Veins."

Combined with what Zhao Xing had just said, it was clear that these contained many combinations of magical plants capable of altering celestial timing and earthly advantages.

The theories beforehand were the work of scholars seeking eternal fame; they sounded somewhat hollow. What was presented now was the real point!

But Zhao Xing fell silent at this moment, not even opening them.

After a few seconds of silence, Wei Zhao could no longer hold back; he asked cautiously, "My Lord Yuan, what is recorded inside?"

Zhao Xing smiled at Pang Yuanzhen: "Naturally, it is the combination of Five Elements plants I just mentioned, capable of rapidly altering celestial timing and earthly advantages."

"However, you my lords have official duties to protect the hundreds of millions of Li Min of the Bright Moon Prefecture, so I should not waste your time further, lest it delay your official business."

Xi Xi's group immediately turned their gaze onto Pang Yuanzhen.

The latter immediately rose from the table, bowed to Zhao Xing, and said, "My Lord Yuan's principles are all profound, and your vision far surpasses ours. I and you my lords shall obey My Lord Yuan's orders."

~Everyone rose in unison and bowed to Zhao Xing together: "Please, My Lord Yuan, issue your commands."

Zhao Xing returned the courtesy to the crowd: "I dare not speak of issuing commands. Zhao Xing respectfully requests that you my lords and I unite our hearts and efforts, ensuring the ten thousand people of the Bright Moon Prefecture survive this disaster of heaven!"

His voice was resonant and powerful. In the ground mirror on the main seat of the hall, Ye Ye Yukong, the Lord of the Bright Moon Prefecture, could not help but blink; he had been dozing off while listening just now.

Upon waking, he saw the scene of Zhao Xing and Pang Yuanzhen exchanging bows.

"What is the situation? Has he pacified this side as well?"

"That boy sent by the Luo King, what exactly did he say just now? How did he settle both groups of people so quickly?"