Chapter 298: Zhao's Two Scriptures and the Treatise on Material Methods Cause a Sensation

Zhao Xing wrote the "Treatise on Heavenly Time of the Benwo Heavenly Material Theory" and the "Treatise on Earthly Advantage of the Benwo Heavenly Material Theory" in the thirty-fifth year of the Jingxin Era.

At that time, he needed to quickly reconcile the conflict between Pang Yuanzhen and Sima Yunhai, so he did not elaborate in detail on the two new treatises.

Only a few days after sitting and discussing the Dao with Pang Yuanzhen, Wei Zhao, and Yang Song, the assassination incident led by Mr. Gu, Yushanzi, and Tianjue Daoist occurred.

Afterwards, the Original Body entered seclusion, while the other avatars went everywhere to save people, and the avatar remaining at the Bright Moon Manor was busy handling government affairs for Ye Ye Yukong.

Thus, the content of the two new theories at that time mostly consisted of scriptures expounding on thought; the treatises on specific spell applications merely cited examples in the book to prove a point.

Pang Yuanzhen, Wei Zhao, and Yang Song felt unsatisfied at the time precisely because it lacked a detailed treatise section.

Of course, with the guidance of the scriptures, two years have passed, and the Doctorate Scholars of the Shangluo Academy have already worked out many treatises based on Zhao Xing's scriptures.

Even though the war delayed things for two years, it did not hinder the two new treatises from becoming a hot research topic at the Shangluo Academy.

Why did Liu Tianning insist that Zhao Xing go with him after the bestowal of honors ended?

Besides using him as a model for the "Green Seed Law" to stage a great struggle of the Dao, the main reason was the strong demand from the Doctorate Scholars of the various academies.

With no other choice, Xu Xing had to specifically request that Liu Tianning bring Zhao Xing over.

It must be known that Zhao Xing's "Treatise on the Six Qi of the Three Yin and Three Yang Great Cycle" was published before the "New Chapters of the Benwo Heavenly Material Theory."

At that time, the Shangluo Academy was actually already unable to sit still!

They feared their sect's Holy Son would defect to the Heavenly Time Sect.

It was only after Xu Xing and Liu Tianning communicated and learned Zhao Xing's true thoughts that they held their ground and endured it.

Otherwise, the Doctorate Scholars of the Shangluo Academy would have even personally gone to Ping Haizhou to welcome Zhao Xing with an eight-person sedan chair!

How could that be allowed? At that time, Zhao Xing was merely a Fifth Rank Agricultural Official; doing so would not that be spoiling the grandson of a disciple to death?

Now it is different; Zhao Xing has been deified as the Marquis of Divine Might, possesses numerous merits, and his ability to govern and fight has been certified by the imperial court!

The scriptures have fermented for another two years and have long since spread far and wide.

Thus, it will not be spoiling him to death; whether it is comprehending the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, breaking through at the Divine Essence Pool, or the precious resources prepared for Zhao Xing afterwards, no one will dare to oppose, and doubts will dissipate.

Raising people is like planting trees; Zhao Xing's smooth growth and journey with favorable winds and currents were actually all due to Liu Tianning and Xu Xing silently providing protection in the background.

Now that Xu Xing lets Zhao Xing speak slowly and well, it means he is not afraid of the tree standing out in the forest.

Zhao Xing is already at the Third Rank realm, having grown robustly into a large tree that no longer fears wind and rain; even if wind and rain come, there are still two large trees blocking the way ahead!

"The Cangshan Forest of Dao Debate has been prepared for a long time; you can go at any time. When shall we start?" Xu Xing asked.

"Choosing a day is not as good as seizing the day; let it be today," Zhao Xing said.

If it were an ordinary Third Rank cultivator who had just broken through, it would probably take a lot of time to consolidate the realm.

However, Zhao Xing did not need this at all; his foundation was already solid, and after being refined by the Divine Essence Pool, he possessed the most formidable Third Rank foundation in the world.

There was no need to spend more time consolidating the realm.

"Good, then let us go now."

The news that Doctor Zhao, who had been comprehending for a long time, had finally emerged from seclusion to teach the Dao rapidly swept through the Shangluo Academy.

"Zhao Xing has emerged from seclusion, and the location is the Song Shan Forest of Dao Debate?"

"I heard he has already broken through to the Third Rank; Old Fang, let us go together to see this new generation of genius."

"That is exactly what I intend to do!"

"Doctor Zhao has emerged from seclusion! Song Shan Forest of Dao Debate, come quickly!"

"Wow, he's finally here; luckily I wasn't dispatched on official business!"

"I have studied the new chapters for two years and have made some small progress, but I am still short of a breath; whether I can become a Propagation Mage this year

depends on Doctor Zhao!"

"The Marquis of Divine Might has emerged from seclusion? I wonder if he will discuss the treatises on spells today."

"The scriptures are profound, but the treatises on spells are practical; for us military agricultural officials, the Marquis of Divine Might's treatises on spells are the most important."

"Let's go, let's go take a look."

"Damn it! Why is there a Dao debate today? I was just dispatched to Yao Jun!"

"Brother Liu, why complain? Just send a straw man!"

"How can a straw man listening to a great master teach the Dao be the same as the original body listening? Do you think I am some peerless genius that a straw man avatar can comprehend the Dao?"

"I'm saying, is your brain broken? You send a straw man to handle official duties, and the original body returns first; the matter of Yao Jun

is not a big deal; a straw man is enough to handle it."

"Oh right, that makes sense! I was confused! When does the lecture start?"

"At the fourth quarter of the Wei hour; you only have half a double-hour to travel!"

"I will leave immediately via the 【Leap Dao】; Brother Wang, save me a good spot! I'll treat you to a big meal next month!"

"No problem."

At this moment, every Agricultural Official at the Shangluo Academy who was free began rushing to the Song Shan Forest of Dao Debate.

Even those whose original bodies had no time sent straw men to attend the lecture.

Within a quarter of an hour after the news spread, over ten thousand people appeared at the Song Shan Forest of Dao Debate!

"Why are there so many people?" Li Hao, the venue manager of the Song Shan Forest of Dao Debate, wearing a linen robe, was operating the array to open it and was stunned upon seeing the number of people.

"Many people are sending straw men to reserve advantageous seats," the deputy said bitterly, "It's been a long time since I've seen something like this; even those below the Third Rank are coming in such numbers to join the fun."

The enthusiasm of the Agricultural Officials below the Third Rank at the Shangluo Academy was extremely high, mainly because the central idea of the new chapters suited their tastes perfectly!

Using plants to alter the Heavenly Time and using plants to nourish the Earthly Advantage; how uplifting is that!

As for the Zhongpin Office officials, they were looking forward to Zhao Xing's "Treatise on Spells," because after cultivating pure elemental soil at the Fifth Rank,

they could raise soldier seeds.

If a complete treatise on spells were to emerge, aligning with the central idea, what would the situation be?

It would mean that Benwo Sect Agricultural Officials could ascend to many official positions that were previously held by the Heavenly Time Sect and the Dili Sect!

The Shidao Sect can alter the timing of heaven; so can I. What the Dili Sect can do, I can do too!

Wouldn't that make it easy to become an official?

Learn first, master first; how could I not come?

The reason the high-ranking Minister of Agriculture came was very simple.

Mainly curiosity.

If Zhao Xing truly produces a profound theory, it will greatly help elevate the status of the Shangluo Academy.

Besides, both Xu Xing and Liu Tianning have gone over; just for that, we must give face and listen.

Thus, Zhao Xing's lecture this time actually swept up all the Benwo Sect Ministers of Agriculture from the upper, middle, and lower levels of the Shangluo Academy.

"We've broken fifty thousand!"

"One hundred thousand!"

"This won't do, Director. At this rate, we won't even stop at two hundred thousand."

The deputy rushed in, head in hands, saying, "It hasn't even been half an hour, and the number of people at the Song Mountain Debate Forest has already surpassed one hundred thousand."

"People are already fighting over seats."

"Order the Judicial Office to send more personnel!" Li Hao said. "If there aren't enough people, go ask the Ritual Hall and the Temple to send ritual scholars and priests. I will go report to the Dean."

"Yes!" The deputy rushed out again. Inside this government office, numerous straw-man avatars were still running back and forth.

There was no choice; relying solely on the true body was not enough.

When has the Dao Field Office ever been this busy? The straw-man avatars were usually idle and gathering dust, but today they were all sent out.

"So many people." King Luo, King Tianyan, and Duke of Wei stood on a small boat above the Song Mountain Debate Forest, looking down.

As First-Rank experts, they could naturally occupy the best positions.

However, this grand spectacle still shocked them.

"If Zhao Xing's legal theory meets expectations, there will be three major benefits; naturally, the crowd is large." King Tianyan smiled. "What three benefits?" Duke of Wei asked. Although he had read the scriptures and theories, he had only thought of part of it.

King Tianyan said, "First, it benefits the Military Ministers of Agriculture. If the legal theory meets the expectations brought by the scriptures, then the combat power of the Benwo Sect's Military Ministers of Agriculture will naturally rise."

"Because war is nothing but the timing of heaven, the advantages of earth, and human harmony; afterwards, the status of the Benwo Sect's Military Ministers of Agriculture will also rise accordingly."

King Luo agreed, "Correct. Taking the data from the Great War against the Barbarians as an example, the accompanying Ministers of Agriculture for each army corps were basically from the Shidao Sect and the Dili Sect. The Benwo Sect was mainly concentrated in supply cities farming, rarely on the front lines."

King Tianyan continued, "Second is the Civil Ministers of Agriculture. The principle is the same as for the Military Ministers of Agriculture. Previously, there were also the 'Grass Medicine Scriptures for Disaster Prevention,' but the Benwo Sect Ministers of Agriculture mostly held deputy official positions in the Ministry of Agriculture."

"If native species and derivative species can alter the timing of heaven and adjust the advantages of earth, then for the position of chief official, the Benwo Sect's Ministers of Agriculture must be considered more in the future."

"Third is reputation."

"When the above two situations occur, reputation will naturally increase, and the impression of the Benwo Sect will change accordingly."

"It can be foreseen that the status of the Benwo Sect's Ministers of Agriculture will gradually rise in the future."

"With scriptures, legal theories, plus reputation, and adjustments in policy and increased resources, their influence will grow larger and larger."

"The probability of the Benwo Sect producing a Grand Minister of Agriculture in the future will also increase significantly; at least, when competing with the Shidao and Dili Sects, the advantage will improve greatly."

All three were far-sighted figures; they immediately understood the fundamental reason Zhao Xing could cause such a sensation. Duke of Wei smiled and said, "Tianyan, you are an appointed official; you might as well look and see: can Zhao Xing's legal theory this time actually meet expectations?"

Yes, the premise of everything is that the actual effect of Zhao Xing's legal theory this time must meet expectations.

Otherwise, mere scriptures are useless; that would just be blowing one's own horn, the Benwo Sect indulging in self-gratification.

To truly cause the three influences mentioned just now, one must proceed from reality.

The Ministry of Agriculture is pragmatic; the imperial court will not speak of such empty nonsense.

King Tianyan stared down below. He was looking at the scene below, but what was reflected in his eyes was the future.

Moments later, he withdrew his gaze.

Duke of Wei hurriedly asked, "How is it?"

King Tianyan pondered, "Well—"

"Crack, crack, crack~" Now not only did King Luo want to hit him, but Duke of Wei's fists were clenched rock-hard.

"Wait, don't hit, I'll say." King Tianyan immediately dared not play coy anymore. "I saw Zhao Xing being respectfully greeted with clasped hands by eight experts on the Song Forest Platform; it should meet expectations."

The lecture was scheduled to start at the fourth quarter of the Wei hour; Zhao Xing, along with Xu Xing, Liu Tianning, and a group of big shots, arrived at the Song Mountain Debate Forest at the first quarter of the Wei hour.

"Look, it's Zhao Xing!"

"It's Doctor Zhao!"

"Marquis Shenwei!"

"Master Zhao has arrived!"

After Zhao Xing appeared, a burst of cheers immediately erupted below.

"Why are there so many people?"

Zhao Xing was startled.

As the saying goes, once people exceed ten thousand, it looks like a sea of people.

Here now, one could not see the end at a glance; surely it exceeded one hundred thousand?

He glanced at Liu Tianning. Teacher, did you hire these shills?

He suspected Old Liu had ordered a forced mobilization of people to attend the class.

Liu Tianning shook his head slightly; he had not done such a thing. Forcing people in such matters would only bring trouble to his disciple.

"I did make some arrangements in the process, but I did not issue an order," Liu Tianning transmitted by voice.

To be honest, he hadn't expected his disciple to be so popular.

Influence can only be demonstrated when it is needed.

If the debate forum isn't opened, it's fine; once opened, it becomes immediately clear.

"Truly unexpected," Jiang Yaochun sighed.

Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang my lord, Yu Xia, and the other Vice Deans could not help but feel a secret shock in their hearts.

How many years has it been since Shangluo Academy saw such a grand occasion?!

It remains to be seen whether Zhao Xing can handle such a massive scene.

Debating the Dao follows a procedure; it is not mere random speech.

For such a public grand occasion, Zhao Xing will speak first.

He will fully expound upon the Principle and the Method.

A high-ranking expert will then come forward to ask questions and debate the Dao with Zhao Xing.

Since Shangluo Academy is already a Sacred Land of the Ministry of Agriculture, the evaluation given to Zhao Xing by the great figures is equivalent to official certification; unlike at the Tianyuan Prefecture Branch, there is no need to find a sponsor and send it to the Main Academy.

The opening of the debate was announced by a voice of Ritual Cultivation that spread throughout the Song Mountain Debate Forest.

"To listen to the Great Dao, the body must be still through Ritual!"

The voice, like a law of the universe, echoed in everyone's minds, and everyone's bodies instinctively quieted down.

They stopped talking and making noise, ceased moving about at will, and did not become overly excited; all remained quietly in their original places.

This technique is also a type of Ritual Cultivation silence spell, but it is more advanced and gentle, suitable for use during lectures, sacrifices, and guest rituals.

"The stability of Ritual calms the mind's monkey and the heart's horse."

The people of Song Mountain immediately stopped their wild thoughts; this was Ritual Cultivation helping people enter a state of focused learning.

"The soul of Ritual increases the strength of all beings, lengthens the breath of all beings, and awakens the wisdom of all beings."

At this moment, a faint Jin Guang rippled over everyone's bodies, and their seven souls all received a substantial temporary increase.

If before they had entered a state of absolute focus, now their wisdom and strength had both increased.

The Ritual Cultivation method of reducing intelligence is, in contrast, the method of awakening wisdom.

Of course, the Soul of Ritual cast by the Duke of Wei was a comprehensive enhancement.

Usually, expounding the Dao takes a very long time, and the listener's thinking consumes a great deal of energy.

Therefore, the opening Ritual Cultivation not only temporarily enhanced the listeners' thinking ability and learning ability but also boosted their physical stamina.

Even a Ninth-Rank cultivator could maintain peak condition for half a month without eating or drinking.

Zhao Xing looked around and could not help but nod slightly.

At this moment, in the Song Mountain Debate Forest, the primordial energy was arranged in an orderly and unique manner, swirling around the bodies of countless people.

Only in a Sacred Land like Shangluo Academy, where primordial energy is abundant and the Dharma Field is assisted by formation arrays, could the technique of Ritual Cultivation,

commanding the primordial energy of heaven and earth, radiate over such a vast scale with such powerful effects.

Even Zhao Xing himself was affected by the spell of a First-Rank Ritual Cultivator.

He felt his seven souls rise for a short time, his state reaching an unprecedented peak.

Everything was ready.

Zhao Xing flew up to the highest section of the Divine Tree in the Song Mountain Debate Forest.

Ascending the Divine Tree platform to expound the Dao under the open sky is called "high talk and broad discussion."

Around him stood eight lower Divine Trees, reserved for the questioners of the second procedure.

At this moment, the rings of the Divine Tree lecture platform emitted light in concentric circles.

Above lay a hundred-flower meditation cushion; Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, and a cool sensation spread through him.

As soon as he sat down, the concentric rings of the Divine Tree immediately rose up.

Amplification Rings!

Zhao Xing did not need to exert effort; his voice could reach far away, and in everyone's ears, the volume was equally loud.

It was as if Zhao Xing were whispering directly into the listeners' ears.

"What belongs to the root is the plant. It possesses the nature of things, the nature of self, and the nature of the Dao." Zhao Xing's voice was melodious.

He still began with the "Principles of Plant Laws: Theory of the Three Natures."

This is because the "Theory of the Original Self and Heavenly Things" is a further elaboration on the three natures of plants.

"Things reveal their Principle; the Self reveals the Dao; the Dao reveals the Method."

"The Original Self is Heaven and Earth; to glimpse the Dao of the Original Self is to glimpse the changes of Heaven and Earth."

"By understanding the nature of things, one knows their Principle; by understanding the nature of the Dao, one knows their Method."

"What use is the Principle?"

"Plant a hundred grasses to alter the Heavenly Seasons; plant ten thousand trees to nurture the Earth's Fortune."

Zhao Xing began to expound the central ideas of his two treatises.

"In lands of poison and mist, how can they be transformed into fertile soil? The poison and mist arise from the chaos of the six Heavenly Qi—cold, yin, dryness, gloom, and brightness intertwining; they are the evil Qi of Heaven."

"When plants are absorbed into the Original Self, the six Qi scatter, yin and yang return to balance, and the Heavenly Seasons are altered."

"The Earth-Fire Lotus takes root in the Flame Mountain; over time, the Earth-Fire Sun transforms into the Lesser Yang. With many planting it, the million-li Flame Mountain also becomes a Spiritual Mountain."

"In the desert, dust storms fly about; planting a million trees can block them, and the desert also becomes an oasis."

"Wherever forests are dense, there are many clouds and rains—"

At this point, the theory and the Dharma discussion had both been mentioned, but they were still not specific enough.

"The Dao of the Original Self cultivates the Divine Spirit Branch and Immortal Tree to alter the Heavenly Seasons through the nature of things."

"The Fifth-Rank Lingxiao Wood loves to absorb the brilliance of morning mist and evening haze; where its branches extend most fully, they can gather cloud Qi."

"Its roots can draw water from the Earth's veins. Planting Lingxiao Wood widely on mountain peaks and in open fields, its power to gather cloud Qi, whenever a great drought occurs,"

"the cloud Qi gathered by the Lingxiao Wood gradually thickens and can summon sweet rain; this is the method of altering the drought season through the nature of plants."

"The six Heavenly Qi are wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire."

"The four seasons correspond to the movement of the Five Elements, called the 'Seasonal Fortune of Heavenly Seasons'; the Heavenly Seasons of the entire year follow the Five-Step Seasonal Fortune, beginning with the Wood Fortune Season and ending with the Fire Fortune Season, Earth Fortune Season, Metal Fortune Season, and Water Fortune Season."

"If the Master Qi of the Wood Element is in chaos, making it impossible for Zhu Yue to draw upon it, transplant the Lingxiao Tree to the East."

"When the growth rings complete ten turns and the seasonal cycle reaches seventy-three days and five marks, one can alter the chaos of the 'Dampness' of the Wood Master Qi from the first to the third level."

"When the growth rings complete twenty turns, one can alter the chaos of 'Dampness' from the fourth to the sixth level."

"If the Master Qi of the Heavenly Timing is in chaos within the Fire Element, the Lingxiao Tree may be planted in the True North; with Fire and Wood positioned in the North, the chaotic transformation of Damp Qi can be calmed."

"If it is the chaos of the Cold Master Qi? Then plant it in the West; let the growth rings complete eight marks, and follow the Water seasonal cycle to store in winter———"

From this moment on, what Zhao Xing expounded was the specific spellcasting plan.

Moreover, he expounded it by combining the 'Inner Six Qi' and 'Five Elements Seasonal Cycle' from the Treatise on the Great Zhou Tian of the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi.

Because these two treatises are such that even a Minister of Agriculture who has never studied the principles of the Heavenly Timing Sect can understand and apply them.

The Inner Six Qi stems from the resonance with one's own internal Five Elements Heaven and Earth; without understanding the Outer Six Qi, the Qi of Heaven and Earth, the Qi,

the Qi of morning clouds or evening dawn does not matter.

A Minister of Agriculture of the Benwo Sect must cultivate the Yin Yang Benwo Sutra, after all.

Whenever one begins cultivating the Yin Yang Benwo Sutra, those of the Middle Rank are basically at the second realm level and can perceive the Five Elements Qi as fine as silk threads.

Furthermore, the Five Elements and Stems and Branches are the foundational knowledge of a Minister of Agriculture, so the theories Zhao Xing expounded are understandable even to Ministers of Agriculture of the Lower Three Ranks.

"If the Master Six Qi is in chaos with the Wind, then alter the Tumbleweed and plant it to the West of the Earth Wind."

"If the Master Six Qi is in chaos with the Heat, one can divide the Autumn Cycle and the Summer Cycle."

"If the level of the Heavenly Disaster is the Middle Third Rank, plant the Blazing Yang Vine, whose nature is supremely Yang."

"The Blazing Yang Vine can follow the Yang Qi, slowly dispersing across the wilderness to block the Heavenly Timing's Heat from eroding the Earth Veins———"

"If it is Dry Heat, the roots can be planted along the Earth Vein baseline from ten to fifty zhang."

"If it is Damp Heat, the roots can be planted along the Earth Vein baseline from fifty zhang to one hundred zhang."

The Summer Heat, Dry Heat, and Damp Heat of the Heavenly Timing Six Qi are all different.

Using the resonance of the internal Five Elements of the human body, if one stands outside and feels hot, but stands inside and feels cool, it is Yang Fire.

At this time, the Wenhua Vessel cannot serve a measuring function.

For instance, the heat of Midsummer: after night falls, the water is still hot. But the heat of Late Autumn: as soon as night falls, the water cools down.

Since it itself cannot erode the Earth Qi, the planting depth of the Blazing Yang Vine cannot be the same.

Zhao Xing expounded on the Theory Chapter for a long time, from September 6th all the way to October 10th.

He did not cover the properties of plants of the Upper Three Ranks, and he spoke little about the properties of the Lower Three Ranks. But he spoke extensively about the properties of the Middle Three Ranks.

Because the Benwo Sect can only activate Pure Origin Soil at the Fifth Rank, corresponding to plants of the Middle Three Ranks,

plants of the Lower Three Ranks have effects that are too weak, making them meaningless to discuss; plants of the Upper Three Ranks are too rare, and many are extremely unique, not suitable for large-scale planting, so discussing them lacks representative significance.

Even though Zhao Xing spoke very quickly, it still took a full month.

It involved common Five Elements attribute plants, totaling thirty-seven thousand species.

It encompassed various classes, categories, and systems.

In the first few days, Ministers of Agriculture of the Lower Three Ranks could still understand, but later, when it involved plants of the Middle Three Ranks, lower-level Ministers of Agriculture found it very difficult to understand.

Because Zhao Xing no longer listed single plants; complex combinations and pairings began to appear.

"Do you understand?" the Duke of Wei asked Luo Wang.

"Why do I need to understand?" Luo Wang shrugged, saying, "Just looking at the reactions of those Doctors and Dean-level figures, one knows the effect of the Theory has met their expectations."

"I don't understand either," King Tianyan said with a smile, "However, it is enough that they understand."

The Ministers of Agriculture of the Middle Rank did not just understand; they were utterly shocked. The current trio of 'Sick, Pregnant, and Disabled' were so excited they were slapping their thighs.

"Damn, I never thought firecrackers, besides being used to explode people, could also be used to adjust the Earth Veins!" Xin Bojian was extremely excited. Their voices were confined to a small area and did not affect others.

"No wonder when I governed according to the 'Prevention of Disasters Materia Medica' before, I always felt something was wrong; changing the location made the effect much worse, and sometimes the effect was too strong." She Gongzhi slapped his own mouth.

"I am truly stupid. How simple a principle is this? Yet I did not think to ask why."

"Senior Brother, hit a bit harder," Wen Weiqi laughed. "I think you are still being stupid."

"Hm?"

"You think it is simple only because Doctor Zhao said it out loud; you only feel it is simple after following his instructions."

"Smack!"

After a month of lecturing, lower-level Ministers of Agriculture gradually could not endure it and began to leave.

But after they left, they ate and drank their fill, then quickly came back in.

Those seeking convenience drew and drank water from the lakes surrounding Song Mountain where the Dao was lectured.

In this one month, the lakes surrounding Song Mountain were actually drained dry!

"How is the painting?" On a small Wenzhu flying boat, Ji Ji Zixuan looked to the side.

There was a studio there, with twelve painters currently at work.

There were already a large number of sketches above.

On some paintings, the environmental changes of Song Mountain's Dao Lecture Forest during Zhao Xing's lecture were recorded.

On some paintings, the enraptured and surprised expressions of the listeners were recorded.

Of course, on more paintings, it was Zhao Xing's heroic posture while lecturing.

"Please, Princess, take a look," a painter said, having organized them into a book. "This is the compiled summary of the exquisite albums from the Marquis of Divine Might's month-plus of lecturing."

Ji Ji Zixuan pulled out some to examine.

"The Marquis of Divine Might Lecturing at Song Mountain Picture"

"Ten Thousand People Drawing Water from the Forest Pond Picture"

"The Divine Tree Lecture Platform"

"Not bad," Ji Ji Zixuan nodded. "All painters shall be rewarded; for those selected, the reward shall be doubled."

"Thank you, Princess." The painter bowed respectfully with clasped hands.

Ji Zixuan held the album, returned to her own boat, and treasured it.

Moments later, she stepped out and found the lecture still continuing.

She couldn't help but pause in surprise; hadn't it finished yet?

Of course it hadn't finished!

Zhao Xing's "Treatise on the Self and Heavenly Things" now serves as the expanded foundation for the theory; he has only just reached the Nature of Things among the Three Natures.

The Nature of Self and the Nature of the Dao have not yet been discussed.

By October 11th, Zhao Xing began discussing the Nature of Self and the Nature of the Dao.

Further perfecting the two chapters of the "Treatise on the Self and Heavenly Things."

"Internally exploring the subtleties of life and nature, embodying the pivotal essence of the Great Dao."

"What resides within the inner landscape begins with the Origin Dantian."

"The Origin Dantian is the place where the body's essence gathers."

"The wonder of the landscape lies not only in one's own cultivation but also in the resonance with Heaven and Earth."

"Man is the heart of Heaven and Earth; within the body, it connects with the Qi of Heaven and Earth."

"Those who cultivate to the deepest depths can perceive the changes of Heaven and Earth within the inner landscape."

"When spring births, the mechanisms within the body surge vigorously, like all things awakening; when summer grows, it is abundant and fervent, like the scorching sun; when autumn harvests, it gradually turns inward, like grains returning to the granary; when winter stores, it guards within, like hibernating insects."

"This is the principle by which the inner heaven and earth of the human body corresponds to the Great Heaven and Earth of the Profound Yellow."

Zhao Xing wanted his theory to become a classic work; how could it lack a discussion on the Dao of the Self?

Of course, his Dao was not yet perfect; he discussed the Nature of Self and the Nature of the Dao from the Third Rank realm.

He could only taste it lightly.

But this framework must exist.

Otherwise, if he did not supplement it, others would supplement it later.

"Walking internally through Heaven and Earth, using the Nature of Self to command heavenly timing and earthly advantages, thus one sees the Dao."

"Pure Yuan transforms into earth, nurturing the Nature of Dao; this is the Primordial Seed."

"Within the inner heaven and earth, condense the spirit's brilliance, analyze the principles of Heaven and Earth, strengthen the foundation of the Great Dao, and break the chaos of external Dao—"

Above the high platform, Chu Qianqiu, Yu Xia, Zhuang my lord, and the deans and Doctor of Classics from the seven academies suddenly felt their pupils tremble.

Because Zhao Xing had actually begun discussing the Nature of the Dao!

Moreover, he had incorporated all four classic methods of the Benwo Sect.

"He intends to hide ten thousand methods within a single scripture, sweeping up the classics of the Benwo Sect in one net!" Jiang Yaochun couldn't help but sigh.

"Placed in the ancient era, this would be a figure of the Dao-Founding level." The middle-aged woman's eyes shimmered with radiance.

"Monster—" Chu Qianqiu's lips moved, completely at a loss for words.

Zhao Xing's following words truly shook them, these high-rank experts.

He began to expound the true Great Dao of the Benwo Sect!

"The principle of the Self is the principle of Heaven and Earth."

"The method of the Self is the method of Heaven and Earth."

"The Dao of the Self is the Dao of Heaven and Earth."

"This is: things reveal their principle, I reveal their method, and method reveals their Dao!"

Only at this moment did Zhao Xing finally stop speaking and stand up from the divine wood podium.

Silence fell around them; now the second procedure should begin—sending several deans and Doctors to come up and debate the Dao with Zhao Xing.

But at this moment, everyone had forgotten that!

It was too shocking!

"A classic has emerged!"

"This is no longer an exposition of the 'Treatise on the Self and Heavenly Things,' but the founding of a new sect."

"Starting from the theory of the Three Natures, citing extensive references, it encompasses the essential exposition of the Yin-Yang Self Classic, the Pure Yuan Soil, and the evolution of the theory of the Five Elements and Four Seasons within—"

"If this young man completes the high-level Dao and methods, he will truly become a founding ancestor in the future."

"I observe that he seems to still have more to say; does he already have a draft in his mind?"

"Impossible, right? He has only just entered the Third Rank!"

"Given the current situation, what is impossible?"

Zhao Xing indeed still had things he had not yet revealed.

Leaving aside the distant matters, the "Treatise on Hundred Methods of Soldiering" and the "Classic of Heaven and Earth Soldier Seeds" regarding how to utilize troop types for combat,

are both sufficient to change the combat methods of the current Benwo Sect's Military and Agriculture Bureau.

But he could not write them out now.

First, his understanding of the Dao was not yet sufficient; he was only at the Third Rank, so it was not the time.

Second, he would leave them for later to perfect further, to serve as capital for unifying the three sects.

"Writing scriptures in youth without care for weight; what to do when old?" Zhao Xing thought. "I must still be cautious; rice must be eaten bite by bite, and the road walked step by step."

Just these current contents were enough to leave the high-level figures of the Shangluo Academy utterly stunned.

Xu Xing, at this moment, said to Liu Tianning with immense relief: "Tianning, you have worked hard."

Liu Tianning shook his head with a bitter smile.

Yes, having a disciple like Zhao Xing, he now felt the pressure rising as well!

Truly, the Heavenly Dao cycles well!

Back at Jihun Pass, when Liu Tianning trained Zhao Xing, he said, "You don't have enough pressure."

Now it's Zhao Xing's turn to put pressure on his own teacher.

Just look at how the many strong figures from the seven academies react—they'll know Zhao Xing will achieve a terrifying level of influence after this lecture.

"If the one challenging you weren't Chu Qianqiu but Zhao Xing, even if he's weaker than you, plenty of old masters would still step forward to back him for the position of dean."

"Teacher, you're still laughing," Liu Tianning said helplessly, because Xu Xing's words held real merit!

Xu Xing chuckled: "Why can't I laugh? I'm nearly dead—I have no pressure at all."

When he rose to power, he only knew how to kill, kill, kill—no one in his own realm could match him.

It's much like Li Baiqian's approach.

Then came the generation of Liu Tianning, Wang Tianzhi, and Meng Kun.

Good heavens, they're all monsters.

"Stop standing there stunned—take charge of the Dao-discussion phase," Xu Xing chuckled.

Liu Tianning nodded, then flew up to the second-tallest of the eight divine trees.

The Dao-discussion phase isn't about mutual attacks—it's about two people discussing their understanding of the Dao, interspersed with demonstrations of their techniques.

So that observers may gain insight.

Thus, this isn't a confrontational debate.

Nor can just anyone participate in the Dao-discussion.

Participants are carefully selected.

Someone must come from the lower three ranks, middle three ranks, and upper three ranks.

To show the Academy's openness to ideas—not judging Dao by status or power.

Hng~

Soon, eight people flew up onto the divine platform.

Among the high ranks were Liu Tianning, Chu Qianqiu, Zhu my lord, and Yu Xia.

Among the middle ranks: Wei Zhao, Yang Song, and Wen Weiqi.

Among the lower ranks, only one woman.

In total, eight people ascended the divine platform.

"Greetings, all," Zhao Xing said, bowing to the crowd from the edge of the platform.

The eight returned the bow, then said: "Greetings, Doctor Zhao."

The first to speak among the eight was, surprisingly, the lowest-ranked—only Ninth Rank—Si Nong Qiu Yuesheng.

As a representative, she was essentially there just for show.

She could never raise any substantive question.

So her question was simple:

"Doctor Zhao, I'm Qiu Yuesheng. I'd like to ask you a question," Qiu Yuesheng said clearly.

"Go ahead," Zhao Xing gestured.

"Doctor Zhao, you say plants command the heavens' timing and control the earth's advantages—do you believe the Benwo Sect should be the foremost of the three sects?"

Her voice carried through the amplifying tree rings; everyone couldn't help smiling.

In truth, Zhao Xing's original words in his new essay were "alter the heavens' timing" and "nurture the earth's advantages."

But over these two years, in the mouths of many in the Shangluo Academy, they'd become "command the heavens' timing" and "regulate the earth's advantages."

That sounds so much more powerful!

It directly elevates the Benwo Sect to the top of the three sects!

Outside, your status is what you make it!

Next time you meet Si Nong from the Tianshi Sect or Dili Sect, you'll have solid grounds to argue.

So when Qiu Yuesheng asked this question, everyone laughed.

Zhao Xing laughed too—he felt countless expectant gazes upon him.

Though it's an undisputed fact that the Tianshi Sect dominates, here many still wanted to hear him say something encouraging.

But the Tianshi and Dili Sects wouldn't like it—so it was a sharp question.

The Shangluo Academy didn't pick this person in vain.

Zhao Xing smiled and said: "Yes, I certainly hope the Benwo Dao becomes the strongest—so my teacher might become the first Grand Si Nong in our dynasty."

"When one man attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend—heaven knows, maybe I'll rise with him too?"

He answered a sharp question with a joke.

Saying he hopes it isn't wrong—it won't be seen as belittling the other two sects when spread abroad.

Zhao Xing's words immediately sparked another round of laughter.

Qiu Yuesheng bowed: "Thank you, Doctor Zhao, for your answer. May all your wishes come true."

Next came Wei Zhao, Yang Song, and Wen Weiqi.

All three were at the peak of Fourth Rank.

Their Dao-discussions weren't as casual as Qiu Yuesheng's—they were substantive.

They arose from confusion during Zhao Xing's lecture.

"Doctor Zhao says plants regulate the Five Phases' earth veins and balance the Six Qi of Heaven."

"I've also read your Treatise on the Three Yin and Three Yang Six Qi Great Celestial Cycle."

"Primary Qi governs constancy; guest Qi measures change."

"If in a county, the Six Qi are chaotic and Yin-Yang unbalanced, causing earthworm phenomena, how should cultivated plants be used to restore balance?"

Zhao Xing said calmly, "The 'Seventy-Two Pentads of the Monthly Commands' state that in the first pentad of the fourth month, the 'Earth Dragon Earthworm Transformation' will appear."

"This pentad transformation occurs at the beginning of summer."

"Summer means 'to assume'; at this time, all things assume greatness."

"The Earthworm pentad transformation is caused by absorbing an excessive amount of Yin Qi; it usually signifies a Yin transformation."

"Of course, one cannot rule out the case of a Fire Earthworm, which absorbs Pure Yang Qi and signifies a Yang transformation."

"Knowing where the crux of the problem lies makes it easy to solve," Zhao Xing said. "As the first pentad is about to arise, this is a disorder of Yin Qi, meaning the Earth Qi is chaotic; one can cover it with Yin-attribute Earth Wood to suppress the transformation."

This answer does not consider the situation where the transformation has already occurred.

Because if the pentad transformation has already happened, it is actually easier to handle; one can simply mobilize the grand army to kill the transformed species directly.

However, this is only a treatment for the symptoms; after killing them, their Qi remains chaotic.

It may continue to generate a new round of pentad transformations.

Usually, when speaking of calming a pentad transformation, it refers to before the transformation and after the transformation.

That is the method Zhao Xing just pointed out.

Of course, the Benwo Sect's speed in handling abnormal pentad transformations is relatively slow.

The Dili Sect and the Tian Shi Sect's spells take effect faster.

But even if the effect is slow, it can still be used.

Next, the three continued to raise doubts, speaking for a full three days before stopping, still unsatisfied.

When the three finished their rites, it was time for the high-ranking discussion of the Dao.

What Liu Tianning discussed was the Dao related to the Ten Thousand Methods Straw Men.

There was nothing much to say here; Old Liu was more than sufficient to teach Zhao Xing now.

Using the Ten Thousand Methods Straw Men to address the topic, he expounded on the nature of the straw man artifact, the self-nature, and the Dao-nature within the Benwo Heavenly Artifacts.

Basically, Zhao Xing was the one asking questions and listening.

Through this question-and-answer exchange, the Benwo Sect's ultimate method was supplemented into Zhao Xing's scriptures and theories.

The two talked for two and a half days before ending.

"Thank you, Teacher, for resolving my doubts," Zhao Xing said, clasping his hands in a bow.

Liu Tianning returned the bow: "In learning, there is no distinction of early or late; the one who has attained is the teacher. I have also gained much; thank you, Doctor Zhao, for resolving my doubts."

Old Liu was truly a good person; even at this moment, he did not forget to praise his student.

The second person to discuss the Dao with Zhao Xing was Chu Qianqiu, the Dean of the Military Envoy Institute.

"Spring rain on sword-bamboo, sharp and useful as weapons, blowing the wind to melt the ice; great fog rises."

"Plucking leaves to form golden knives, gathering bamboo soldiers into battle formations."

"How does one explain the object-nature, the self-nature, and the Dao-nature?"

Chu Qianqiu's question was not considered difficult; after all, at this time, he could not possibly pose some mysterious and obscure questions,

to make things difficult for Zhao Xing.

Unless he wanted to die, more or less.

But his question was not simple either, because if Zhao Xing did not understand that all grass and trees are military strategies, and did not understand the characteristics of soldiers at every rank,

it would be very difficult to answer.

Additionally, he had to align it with his own theory.

Chu Qianqiu's question was also a test to see whether Zhao Xing had actually delved into the theories of high-rank soldiers.

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment and said:

"Spring rain sword-bamboo, storing gold and consuming water; when the harmony of Pure Yang arrives, it becomes firm; a single thought condenses and scatters, thus moving with frosty cold and foggy condensation!"

"Morning energy flies like rosy clouds; 'flies' means the killing intent is abundant!"

"Using spring rain bamboo soldiers to kill the vitality of Yu Dong, balancing Yin and Yang, this is called the Great Dao!"

Chu Qianqiu's heart trembled; a master shows his skill, and one knows immediately if he has substance.

Zhao Xing answered regarding the object-nature of the spring rain sword-bamboo.

From the perspective of the scriptures and theories, he explained why the deployment of spring rain sword-bamboo would trigger celestial phenomena.

Secondly, he explained the self-nature and the Dao-nature.

When using the Benwo self to command the sword-bamboo, killing intent arises naturally; how is this killing intent produced?

It is like working on a hot day; one becomes restless and impatient, losing patience.

A person's inner heaven and earth determine emotional changes; Pure Yang flying like rosy clouds, killing intent becomes abundant—this is the 'self-nature' produced by commanding plant soldiers.

The final segment was an exposition on the Dao-nature.

From the perspective of the Dao, he narrated that the killing and slaughtering characteristics of the spring rain sword-bamboo conform to the Great Dao of Yin and Yang.

"This young man indeed has considerable research into the Dao of killing with soldiers," Chu Qianqiu thought.

Being able to answer so quickly clearly shows he has the Dao in his heart; he only lacks the technique in his hands.

And the latter can be cultivated slowly over time.

"Excellent!"

Chu Qianqiu praised him. He had no further difficult questions, because he believed Zhao Xing was walking the correct path.

He was walking this path too; regardless of any disputes he and Liu Tianning had before, at this moment, he and Zhao Xing shared the same aspirations.

They could sit and discuss the Dao.

Thus, Chu Qianqiu's subsequent questions were all of an exploratory nature, and he poured out all his realizations to help Zhao Xing complete the framework of the high-rank stage.

When it was Zhuang my lord and Yu Xia's turn, the direction of their Dao discussion was different again.

The Dao they spoke of involved Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands.

The Five Elements Dao of the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands is relatively unique.

The two of them debating the Dao with Zhao Xing now allowed Zhao Xing to identify and fill gaps in his own scriptures, preventing others from finding loopholes in this direction.

Due to the complexity of the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands, their debate on the Dao continued for a full half-month.

It did not end until the first day of the eleventh month.

The end of the debate phase also marked the conclusion of this round of lectures.

Through this public lecture, Zhao Xing firmly established his position at the Shangluo Academy, becoming the second most important figure, second only to Liu Tianning.

The debate at Song Shan Debate Forest, lasting from the first day of the ninth month to the first day of the eleventh month, became the most profound, most widely attended, and highest quality debate assembly in nearly three thousand years.

It can be foreseen that regarding Zhao Xing and the content of his scriptures, a storm will sweep through the nineteen provinces over the coming years,

beginning to engulf the lands of the nineteen provinces.

And in the more distant future, regardless of whether in civil or military posts, a large number of Benwo Sect agricultural officials will emerge.

This generation of the Shangluo Academy is destined to become extraordinary because of Zhao Xing.

With the debate concluded, Zhao Xing returned to the villa arranged for him by Old Liu to rest, refusing all visits and requests for instruction.

The method of Li Xiu can enhance a person's essence, qi, and spirit, but afterwards one will feel particularly exhausted.

As the main speaker, Zhao Xing lectured for over a month and debated with others for over a month; even with abundant energy, he felt fatigue.

The process of resting was also the process of consuming various treasures of the Shangluo Academy.

"Huff~ This is much more tiring than war." Zhao Xing lay bathing in the hot spring.

This hot spring was one of the top ten Primordial Qi hot springs ranked by the Shen Hua Yuan.

The Shen Hua Yuan directly allocated one for Zhao Xing to use.

"It has been seven days since the debate ended."

"In the seven days since the end, I have been eating and drinking, consuming various high-grade fruits within the Shangluo Academy."

"Old Liu has really made something of himself; ninth-grade fruits, he just picks them whenever he wants."

"Plant Primordial Essence counted by the drop, he stuffed several bottles into me." Zhao Xing casually picked up a fruit, took a bite, and fragrance overflowed.

These past few days, he did nothing but eat and drink!

Because his foundation was sufficiently solid, his Dao Body, including his Fate Soul, were rising rapidly.

Changing his lying posture, Zhao Xing continued to sort out his future plans.

"Departing on the third day of the fifth month, now it is the tenth day of the eleventh month."

"The Jingxin Era is also about to end."

"Indeed, the holiday given by King Tianyan was not enough." Zhao Xing could not help but think.

He had not even gone to Tianyongzhou yet; he had stayed in Daoyuanzhou for so long.

And at this time, the Jing Emperor already intended to change the era name.

A small number of people already knew the next era name would be "Great Order," but it had not yet been officially confirmed.

"Undoubtedly, the Great Order era name is again numbing those nobles, aristocratic families, and old Daoist scholars." Zhao Xing closed his eyes, leisurely biting a bright red fruit.

"With Great Order, surely weapons should be put away in the armory, horses released to Nanshan, and things should finally settle down."

"The result was a shift from martial fire to civil fire, and the nobles welcomed a sixty-year ordeal."

"Deceived utterly."

"However, during the Great Order years, indeed, only the Dragon Court Ancient Land was a major event." Zhao Xing thought silently.

If he did not intend to leave the borders of Great Zhou, then the Dragon Court Ancient Land was the focus for the coming period. "Time is tight; I cannot stay at the Shangluo Academy for too long. After visiting Tianyongzhou, I must return as soon as possible."

"The Dragon Court Ancient Land will open in the summer of the third year of Great Order; I have about two and a half years of preparation time." Zhao Xing opened a crystal box, and a transparent fruit appeared before him.

Heavenly Soul Fruit! After consumption, even if the Fate Soul is killed into a void state, it is a pseudo-void, still able to reassemble and transform into a Yin Spirit body.

"The treasures currently available to eat at the Shangluo Academy can probably bring my Fate Soul fully to the late Third Rank,

and the top-tier Ten Thousand Dharma Dao Body to the mid Third Rank, while the First Rank True Meaning slowly grows."

"Then, I will immediately go to Tianyongzhou to collect the benefits given by Heavenly Yang True Lord."

"Upon returning, I must urgently make up for deficiencies."

Zhao Xing had previously challenged the trials in the Canghai Grotto-Heaven.

During the trials, he discovered his own shortcomings.

For example, one trial 【Dragon Tongue Decree】 was his weak point; he could not compare at all to those old scholars.

Furthermore, the current level was different.

"I am now mid Third Rank, and my Fate Soul has even reached late Third Rank."

"My competitors are no longer of the Middle Grade."

Those of the Third Rank do not need to participate in selection; a portion of the imperial court's quotas is directly given to high-grade powerful ones.

Back then, the struggle was for quotas among the Middle Grade.

Zhao Xing had not thought at the time that he could break through to the Third Rank so quickly in the Jing Emperor's court, so plans could not keep up with changes.

He now faced competition among the high grades, and his original preparations seemed somewhat insufficient.

"The Dragon Court Ancient Land opens once every hundred years; for my first entry, my requirements are not high. Bringing out one divine artifact, obtaining a small amount of spiritual qi, and then letting the Void Seed sprout would count as meeting expectations."

The Dragon Court Ancient Land did not only have personnel from the imperial court.

Water tribes that had not yet submitted to the Four Seas, sect powerful ones, kings of the Southern Wasteland and Eastern Japan, and various forces would all be mixed in.

"Meeting this expectation is enough; the next time the Dragon Court Ancient Land opens, it will be completely different." Zhao Xing thought silently.

His current 'Methods' still had many unlearned aspects, and the levels were not high.

Learning the spells of Heavenly Timing and Earthly Advantage, from entering the top-tier methods to minor accomplishment, then to great accomplishment, could not be mastered in a few years.

Additionally, the cultivation of plant soldier combinations for the Benwo Sect also required a vast amount of time to take shape.

The Dragon Court Ancient Land opens once every hundred years; a hundred years from now, Zhao Xing's strength will surely increase dramatically.

Having confirmed the plan, Zhao Xing opened his eyes and grabbed a nearby bamboo box.

"I'll eat!"

Jingxin Year 37, 12th Month, 5th Day.

In the Shangluo Academy, Zhao Xing consumed and swallowed a vast amount of treasures, basically filling up everything he could eat or use in a short time.

His supreme Dao Body reached the mid-stage of the Third Rank, and his Fate Soul reached the late-stage of the Third Rank.

"Truly the most solid foundation under heaven; eating so many treasures, the supreme Dao Body reached the mid-stage of the Third Rank, yet it remains Level 6 soil, and the Fate Soul only reached the late-stage of the Third Rank," Zhao Xing thought inwardly.

It seems like a small increase, but in reality, it is outrageous!

Because he is the Myriad Methods Dao Body, condensing a True Intent that can grow to the First Rank.

Furthermore, his Fate Soul reached the late-stage of the Third Rank, yet all seven Fate Souls have been achieved!

"No wonder Chu Qianqiu opposed it back then; the resources I consumed, if valued by price, are simply astronomical."

1

The trip to the Shangluo Academy brought Zhao Xing many gains.

However, it was also on the 5th day of the 12th month that he decided to set out for Yongzhou.

"Zhao Xing, I cannot accompany you; I have urgent matters," Liu Tianning said.

Zhao Xing has so many resources to eat and consume, but Liu Tianning has even more.

He still has many things to inherit; even with a clone, it is difficult to leave.

"Teacher need not worry about me; King Tianyan will accompany me," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

Seeing that Zhao Xing had been wandering outside for half a year, King Tianyan could not help but start urging Zhao Xing again.

For this reason, he decided to accompany Zhao Xing to Fengjing to quickly complete the task assigned by True Lord Tianyang.

There are still too many things to do upon return: the second layer of the Tianyan Divine Art, and the secret technique matching it—-if not for True Lord Tianyang's order, King Tianyan would not have wanted Zhao Xing to go to Yongzhou.

"Then you must leave quickly," Liu Tianning laughed. "Now your theories have spread wildly; if you leave openly, I fear countless people will come to bother you."

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

People fear fame, and pigs fear fattening; at this moment, it is the peak of fanaticism; who knows how many people will come begging to follow Zhao Xing.

It is too troublesome!

One can only wait until everyone gets used to the new classics, and the fanatical emotions will subside.

"There is one more matter," Liu Tianning said. "Your new theories have been compiled into a separate book; the Academy has summarized them, enough to fill a small room; calling it 'New Chapters' is no longer appropriate."

"You mainly expanded upon the Three Natures Theory of Plant Principles, the Benwo Heavenly Things Theory, the Yin-Yang Five Elements Benwo Classic, and the Grass and Trees Great Dao Classic."

"The Academy has named your teachings 'Zhao's Two Classics Commentary Collection' and 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Thing-Principle Theory'; what do you think?"

Zhao Xing nodded and said, "It is fine."

His current status is not yet sufficient to independently create a 'Classic'; for Classics are written by sages and patriarch-level figures, generally only called Classics many years after death, after undergoing tens of thousands of years of testing.

Classics endure forever; this requires testing by history.

Basically, no living person can create a Classic.

They are all commentaries, that is, annotations on the great Classics of the sages, among which the status of 'Principle Theories' belongs to the highest influence.

Zhao Xing came to the Shangluo Academy; at the very least, he must bring some benefit to the Academy.

The credit for those organizational tasks should be shared out.

Anyway, with Old Liu present, there is no possibility of a credit-stealing issue.

"Printing the complete commentaries for promotion throughout the world requires reporting to the imperial court, but this process is also very fast," Liu Tianning said.

Zhao Xing nodded; the Shangluo Academy was the best authority.

After finishing with Liu, he went to find Xu Xing to bid farewell.

That same night, he and King Tianyan quietly left the Shangluo Academy.

Through the channels of the Li Fire Dao Institute, they left Daoyuanzhou.

Profound Heaven Academy, Tianyuan Prefecture Branch.

The leader of the Hou Bian Sect, Ling Ling Tianchen, flipped through the materials submitted by Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

"Wasn't it the Benwo Heavenly Things Theory? How has it changed?"

"Zhao Chen'an, at the Shangluo Academy's Pine Forest Dao Debate Ground, lectured for over two months, perfecting his two previous new theories," Hu Yang sighed. "Now both commentaries and principle theories are complete."

"Almost forgot he is still the Holy Son of the Shangluo Academy," Zhang Tianxing laughed. "I think Zhao Xing's ambitions are not small."

Ling Ling Tianchen nodded: "First came the Three Yin Three Yang Six Qi Great Zhou Tian Theory, now there are the Two Classics Commentary Collection and the Yin-Yang Benwo Thing-Principle Theory."

"Heavenly Time Methods are top-tier, Benwo Methods are also top-tier; both methods and principles are solid; Liu Tianning truly took in a good disciple."

"The Dean once said his ambitions were far-reaching; I never expected them to be this great."

Ling Ling Tianchen also saw Zhao Xing's ambition.

If Zhao Xing only wanted to specialize in one school, it would be very easy for him to become a high-ranking member of the Heavenly Time Sect or the Benwo Sect.

He is still young; even if one day he becomes the leader of the Heavenly Time Sect and ascends to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, it is not impossible.

But attacking both schools means he wants to seize the authority of both schools.

"It is not that easy," Ling Ling Tianchen shook his head.

Leaving aside other things, just within the Profound Heaven Academy itself, there are five factions.

His Hou Bian Institute also has three ultimate methods, and similarly has its own cliques.

In such a complex situation, how could it be easily sorted out?

"However, he is still young and has the opportunity to make mistakes," Ling Ling Tianchen said. "In the future, he will realize this path is not that simple."

At this time, Li Boqian had already returned to Yongzhou, but the Junior Agricultural Officer Wang Tianzhi, the Blessed Land Agricultural Administrator, and the Director Geng Shouchang,

Heng Yuan and Sima Yunhai were still here.

They had all stayed in the Dean's private quarters, Lu Chunhua's.

Together, they were reading Zhao Xing's latest treatise.

"This kid, truly—" Geng Shouchang finished reading and fell silent for a long time.

"Planting all things to order the heavenly seasons, cultivating all things to control earthly advantages."

"This is a serious matter!"

"From now on, won't the Shangluo Academy rise up like a serf singing his own song?!"

"With him doing this, when I return to the Blessed Land, it will be hard to command the Benwo Sect's Ministers of Agriculture," Heng Yuan laughed.

"There will be a lot of arguing," Geng Shouchang said likewise.

"." Sima Yunhai, however, casually tossed it aside, quite disdainful.

Wang Tianzhi looked at him: "Yunhai, what is your high opinion?"

Sima Yunhai spread his hands: "A fine treatise! But does that mean without this treatise, the people of the Benwo Sect would be easy to command?"

"Things will be as they are."

"In the end, it is strength that speaks."

"Old Geng, when you and Heng Yuan first met Meng Kun and the others, wasn't it whoever had the bigger fist who got to recruit first?"

Sima Yunhai said, "Xu Xing could turn the world upside down back then, yet the Grand Minister of Agriculture is still the Dean of our Xuantian Academy."

He was nothing like Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan, who were shocked and alarmed; in Sima Yunhai's view, strength was the only hard truth.

Now there was absolutely no need to worry about any impact.

However, Wang Tianzhi was still young and saw further ahead.

"With this treatise, the Shangluo Academy will surely rise in the next hundred years," Wang Tianzhi said with a bitter smile.

He had been thinking that after his senior brother left, he would serve as Grand Minister of Agriculture for a few more terms.

Now, look: Liu Tianning ascended to the Shangluo Academy, and the vanguard Zhao Xing defeated seven opponents, killing until no one dared to rebel.

With the release of the Two Treatises Commentary Collection and the Benwo Material Law Treatise, the Shangluo Academy's strength will expand massively in the next hundred years.

His advantage over Liu Tianning in their confrontation would likely shrink significantly.

If it were someone else, perhaps he could still suppress them.

But how could Zhao Xing suppress anyone when he was the one who first wrote the "Great Zhou Treatise on the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi"?

This legal treatise also made use of it.

It was as if he was fighting himself, left hand battling right.

There were absolutely no high theories targeting the other Scripture Scholars of the Xuantian Academy or the Kunyuan Academy.

It was as if he was telling everyone present on equal footing: you are all trash.

Seeing that he could not get any sense out of these subordinate officials, Wang Tianzhi took the documents back to his room and contacted his senior brother, Li Boqian.

"Tianzhi," Li Boqian said with a smile, "anxious?"

"Senior brother knows?" Wang Tianzhi was stunned.

"Of course, the Shangluo Academy is also under my jurisdiction," Li Boqian said. "When this kid was lecturing on the Dao,"

"I even activated a straw man to listen in."

Although Li Boqian did not possess a supreme Dharma Body, he did have a high-level Dharma Body.

For him, mastering the advanced stage of the Ten Thousand Methods Straw Man was not difficult.

Whether Grand Minister of Agriculture or Deputy Minister of Agriculture, who among them had not dabbled in all three schools?

No one studied only one Dao; there was merely a distinction between primary and secondary.

Seeing Wang speak, Li Boqian said, "Look at Tianchen; he is not anxious. He also aspires to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture. Your current situation, you cannot even handle Ling Tianchen, so what future are you thinking of?"

Li Boqian was much older than Wang Tianzhi; back then, he had mostly taught on behalf of the master. At this moment, he was lecturing exactly like an elder: "I think, you have risen too fast in rank these years, holding too much power, and have become somewhat restless and impetuous."

"Better to stop for a while, calm your mind. Resign from the post of Deputy Minister of Agriculture, go be a Dean at a branch academy, and focus on studying the principles of the Dharma."

"Liu Tianning could enter seclusion for a hundred years; his patience is far stronger than yours."

Wang Tianzhi said thoughtfully, "Very well, I will listen to my senior brother. This year, I will submit my resignation to Your Majesty and request to become a Dean at a branch academy."

"If I achieve nothing, I will not come out of the mountains again!"

Li Boqian showed a slight smile: "This is right. The Master valued this spirit of yours back then!"

"The Shangluo Academy led by Liu Tianning still has many problems to solve; it is just one treatise. We comprehend the heavenly seasons; our hearts must also be as broad as the sky."

"Senior brother's teaching is correct; I have remembered it," Wang Tianzhi said respectfully, clasping his hands.

Daoyuanzhou, Kunyuan Academy, Kunshan.

Gu Changqing flew hurriedly into the palace on Kunshan.

As soon as he entered, he shouted:

"Dean Meng, my lord Meng, Old Meng!!"

"What is wrong? So panicked, what kind of decorum is this?" Meng Kun shouted.

"Look!" Gu Changqing threw a pile of copied scriptures over.

"The 'Zhao Family Two Treatises Great Collection' and the 'Yin Yang Benwo Material Law Treatise'—this, this was written by Zhao Xing?" Meng Kun was startled in his heart.

"Yes, he wrote it in the Shangluo Academy," Gu Changqing said.

"Have you read it?" Meng Kun asked.

"I have."

"How is it?"

"A classic work! It will be transmitted for ten thousand ages!" Gu Changqing said. "The conclusion reached after I found seven Scripture Scholars to analyze it together is that he will completely change the existing structure of the Shangluo Academy in the near future!"

"What? Let me see." Meng Kun immediately began to scan it rapidly.

As soon as Meng Kun started reading, he immediately began shouting "Wow, wow!"

"Excellent, excellent!"

"Said so well!"

"Marvelous! Marvelous, marvelous!"

Meng Kun was so shocked he started meowing like a cat.

Even after finishing, he remained immersed in the scripture and treatise.

"Truly a classic!"

The relationship between the Dili Sect and the Benwo Sect is relatively close.

Therefore, Meng Kun could understand it quickly and grasp its deep meaning.

Gu Changqing said, "Old Meng, do you know? Once this scripture and treatise appears, the status of the Benwo Sect will rise straight up for the next few decades!"

"I fear even more people in the world will cultivate the Benwo Dao, and even the number of officials will increase."

"How could I not know?" Meng Kun's gaze was resentful. "His scripture and treatise even places the Benwo Sect above the Tian Shi and Dili!"

Although the Dili Sect is close to the Benwo Sect, and Meng Kun has many friends at the Shangluo Academy.

At this moment, his mood was quite complex.

It was the kind of feeling where you fear your brother suffers, yet also fear your brother opens a starship.

"Where is he? Is he still at the Shangluo Academy?" Meng Kun gritted his teeth and said, "This kid, I can't let him stay at the Shangluo Academy anymore; I must quickly think of a way to lure him to my Kunyuan Academy!"

"Old Gu, go write him a letter scolding him! Damn it, the scripture and treatise he promised me isn't even a shadow yet, and now he's produced another world-shocking work for the Shangluo Academy."

Meng Kun at this moment was like a long-suffering, unfulfilled, resentful woman.

So infuriating!

Why do the Tian Shi Sect and the Benwo Sect both get one, but you kid won't write for the Kunyuan Academy?

Do you look down on me, Old Meng?

"We at the Kunyuan Academy were the first to act! Go send the letter immediately, the wording must be severe!"

"Alright!" Gu Changqing immediately turned his head to write the letter.

"Wait!" Meng Kun suddenly called out to stop Gu Changqing.

"What? Do you intend to run to the Shangluo Academy to scold him in person? That's hardly necessary, Old Meng."

"You, you wouldn't be thinking of beating him up, would you? That would be even less necessary," Gu Changqing said.

"Neither," Meng Kun said melancholically, "Sigh, forget it."

"Here's the plan: you write a letter saying I am gravely ill and will soon pass away, and lure him over."

Gu Changqing: "—Old Meng, it's hardly necessary to curse yourself like that."

Meng Kun said, "What's the big deal? Don't just stand there, go quickly!"

"This, alright then," Gu Changqing muttered as he flew out of the palace.

However, the schemes of the two of them were destined to fail.

When Gu Changqing and Meng Kun contacted Zhao Xing, he had already arrived within the borders of Tianyongzhou.

"Whose news?" King Tianyan asked inside the flying boat.

"It came from Gu Changqing, the Doctor of Scripture Administration at the Kunyuan Academy," Zhao Xing said, his expression somewhat strange.

"What does it say?" King Tianyan asked.

"Doctor Gu says Dean Meng is in critical condition and urges me to come see him immediately, and specifically instructed that Your Highness come in person," Zhao Xing said.

"Hahahaha, this little fellow Meng Kun," King Tianyan couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Even a fool can see who he is trying to trick."

Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel helpless.

It wasn't that he wanted to wrong Meng Kun; the time was truly pressing.

Moreover, the Dili Sect is inherently a hawkish faction; he had great confidence in retrieving the Divine Artifacts from the Longting Ancient Land, so he had no intention of immediately studying the Dili Sect's scripture and treatise.

"Although it is fake, I must still send a clone to go," Zhao Xing said. With a blink of his eyes, a high-level clone remaining at the Shangluo Academy set off toward the Kunyuan Earth Palace.

Of course, he wasn't going to debate; he was simply going to comfort old man Meng.

"Fengjing is arriving soon," King Tianyan looked at the barrier outside. At this moment, the barrier outside the flying boat had shifted from dark red to transparent.

"Huff~" Their flying boat emerged from a Li Fire Hearth in Fengjing.