Chapter 103: Temple Exam Ends, List Released

Zhao Xing squatted down, intending to use the five-element fluctuations of the earth veins to determine the precise time. It was like the final major question in a theory exam: the five elements could be correlated with the four seasons. The fluctuation patterns of the earth veins' five elements could thus be used to deduce the time. Although it was a pocket world, a fragment of one should still possess earth veins.

However, the result was somewhat unexpected. "I can't sense the earth veins," Zhao Xing said. He shook his head. It seemed that using the five-element fluctuations of the earth veins to determine the time wouldn't work. The night obscured the celestial phenomena, and the earth veins were also cut off. With neither heaven's timing nor earth's advantage available, only one method remained.

"The Self-Actualization Sect," Zhao Xing murmured, his gaze falling on the distant fields, where he saw plants growing. He quickly walked towards them. Ahead, a vast expanse of plants stretched endlessly, almost out of sight. How could he use the Self-Actualization Sect's method to determine the time?

"By using the Self-Actualization Sect's 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Self-Actualization Scripture' to determine the time." The Self-Actualization Sect believed that every living creature possessed its own internal mechanism for the passage of time. In common terms, this was a "biological clock," correlating the five internal organs with the five elements, and other body parts with the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. This theory was known as the 'Lesser Five Elements Four Seasons Theory' or 'Internal Five Elements Four Seasons Theory.' From its name alone, it was clear that it wasn't mainstream, being rather obscure and niche.

Zhao Xing had not systematically studied the Self-Actualization Sect's techniques; moreover, internal observation of the five elements was beyond the capabilities of an ordinary official. One could only achieve this after cultivating the 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Self-Actualization Scripture.' This meant internal observation of the five elements was not a viable option.

Zhao Xing searched among the plants ahead, and his gaze quickly fixed on one particular plant. "This is Noon Grass, also known as Chaste Tree." Just as humans have biological clocks, so too do plants. While internal observation of the five elements was impossible, observing external objects was not as difficult. Furthermore, this was a time-measuring plant specifically provided for officials to observe.

"What an obscure test question! First, you have to recognize the time-measuring plant, and then you need to have cultivated discernment-type spells to accurately determine the time changes through it." He continued, "In the past decade or so, questions like this have never appeared. Has a prominent figure from the Self-Actualization Sect gotten involved this year?" Zhao Xing made this judgment because the Twelve-Hour Grasses were not 'native species.' Instead, they were 'derivative species' created through human modification.

"Is the Self-Actualization Sect trying to demonstrate its presence among officials through this Temple Exam? They usually pursue an elite path, recruiting talented students from Daoist and literary academies. Are they now targeting the lower-ranking officials? But wouldn't you truly be cursed by all officials for doing this?"

Zhao Xing was somewhat speechless. Very few officials from the Self-Actualization Sect achieved anything significant; Zhao Xing himself only knew a basic "Flourishing Growth" spell and an intermediate "Wild Growth" spell. These were merely superficial aspects of the Self-Actualization Sect, not involving its core principles at all. Therefore, in his view, introducing the Twelve-Hour Grass into the officials' Temple Exam was not about gaining recognition. It was asking for trouble. Because it was simply too difficult.

Identifying the derivative 'Twelve-Hour Grasses' was a technical skill. And then using them to observe and calibrate the time was even harder, arguably the most difficult of the five challenges. "We've overcome so many hurdles to reach this Temple Exam, and you throw such an obscure question at us?"

"Using the Twelve-Hour Grass method to pinpoint the time is simply... ridiculous." Zhao Xing couldn't help but curse on behalf of the other officials. This question was as obscure as deciphering "a strange light gleaming in a dead fish's eye." It would cause many officials who originally had a chance to pass to perform poorly. If they failed this stage, it would indeed be "too ridiculous."

"Luckily, I cultivated the Five Elements Observation technique, otherwise, I might have failed this very stage if I wasn't careful." Zhao Xing quickly found the twelve types of time-measuring grasses and transplanted them around himself, forming a circle. He then sat cross-legged within the circle and quickly confirmed that he was precisely between the hour of Mao (5-7 AM) and its first quarter.

"It seems now that when I entered, it was exactly Mao hour in this pocket world," he mused. "And at Chen hour (7-9 AM), there will be thunder, giving officials only one hour to adapt." Regardless of whether this was the Self-Actualization Sect's intention, officials' frustration will definitely be directed at them... they're definitely taking the blame for this. Zhao Xing could already imagine a multitude of officials outside the temple furiously shouting "ridiculous" after the exam.

"Five Elements Observation." Zhao Xing activated the spell and began observing the 'Mao Hour Grass' in front of him. It was about one meter tall. Its stem was straight, about thumb-thick, and it had twelve leaves. In the Five Elements Observation state, he could see the internal network of veins, with a flow of 'qi' circulating within. Under microscopic observation, the one-meter-tall stem was divided into seven thousand two hundred equal parts. It was like a ladder, and each rung of the ladder represented a second. The interval for the 'qi' to rise to the second rung was exactly one second. Seven thousand two hundred equal parts precisely corresponded to one two-hour period (*shichen*). With such a test, wouldn't you say it's outrageous?!

"Outrageous? What did you say?!" Chen Shijie suddenly sat up from his chair, looking at the junior official who delivered the exam questions. It was already the third day outside the divine temple. By the time calculations, all officials had already entered the pocket world fragments for the practical assessment. Therefore, as the chief agricultural official of Gucheng, he also received the content of the exam questions. But upon learning the practical assessment questions, Chen Shijie couldn't help but pound the table and rise.

"Using the Twelve-Hour Grass to test officials on time calibration?" Chen Shijie mumbled to himself. "Is it really necessary to make it this difficult? It's not an assessment for military agricultural officials!"

Long Xiao stared, "You're the agricultural official, why are you looking at me...? I don't even know what you're talking about."

"I wasn't asking you," Chen Shijie snapped.

"The Twelve-Hour Grasses are derivative species," Xue Wenzhong said, frowning as he listened. "Derivative species cultivated by Shangluo Academy. I've only seen them once, twenty-six years ago." Tang Wanchun, Gao Linong, and Pang Yuan remained silent. They had only heard of them, never seen them, and thus didn't know much.

"What exactly does that mean?" Long Xiao, the layman, was utterly confused. "Is the question a bit difficult?"

"It's extremely difficult," Xue Wenzhong shook his head helplessly. "It could easily cause some promising officials to fail at this stage." He began to worry about Zhao Xing.

"What's there to fear? If it's difficult, it's difficult for everyone, not just Zhao Xing," Long Xiao's backside settled back into his chair.

"General Long doesn't understand," Xue Wenzhong said. "The practical assessment determines everything. If one can't even pass this stage, no matter how strong they were before, it's useless." This question is too obscure; it could very well lead to..."

"I don't understand what you're saying," Long Xiao chuckled. "But I think if even that kid Zhao Xing can't pass, then hardly any officials under heaven will be able to. Wouldn't that lead to a rebellion? If it's difficult, it's difficult for everyone. What's there to be afraid of? You should have confidence in him."

"You have a point," Xue Wenzhong nodded. He had been so worried that he couldn't see clearly, unlike Long Xiao. "Shangluo Academy is where the Self-Actualization Sect gathers. I wonder why they suddenly got involved in the officials' assessment this year," Chen Shijie mused. "Isn't this just asking for trouble? It might not even be their idea; they could have been used by someone. Currently, the Heaven's Timing Sect and Earth's Advantage Sect are dominant. If the Self-Actualization Sect wants to get involved, placing them in a position where they attract criticism might be better than keeping them out entirely. However, attracting criticism is better than being ignored. I heard that Shangluo Academy hasn't had full enrollment in recent years, and lacks successors."

Many thoughts flashed through Chen Shijie's mind. But he quickly dismissed these thoughts. He was now only worried about one thing: Could Zhao Xing pass the exam?

Tang Wanchun looked at the exam question and couldn't help but give a wry smile. "Rainfall index of forty-eight? Such a small amount of rain, to fall for two *shichen*."

"Is there a problem?" Long Xiao asked.

Tang Wanchun cupped his hands and said, "General, you may not know, but a rainfall index of forty-eight, at the average level of officials in the Temple Exam, could be fully delivered in about fifteen minutes if they unleashed their full power."

"However," he continued, "they specifically don't want you to use your full power; they want you to make it rain for a full two *shichen*." That requires extremely precise control of the Rain-Summoning spell to make it slowly rain for the entire two *shichen*. It can't stop in between, it has to last long, and it has to deliver just the right amount.

Long Xiao rested his chin on his hand and said, "For example, if I can finish peeing in ten breaths, but the examiner insists I squeeze it out drop by drop for an hour? Testing my control over urination techniques..."

Tang Wanchun's face stiffened. "Ahem, General, your words are crude but the reasoning is sound."

Chen Shijie glared at him. "What kind of crude analogy is that? How does my agricultural official's Rain-Summoning spell get a foul smell when it comes out of your mouth? Whether it's for military campaigns or governing a region, the amount of rain and its duration have different effects. It's only been five years since we last cooperated; have you completely forgotten your previous training? Or did you just not listen carefully when I explained it?"

Long Xiao chuckled. "How could that be? I remember everything you said! I just saw your serious faces and wanted to make a joke. How could I not know what rain is for? You don't need to give me extra training when you go back, really, you don't..."

Inside the pocket world fragment, Zhao Xing maintained the Cloud Movement spell while observing the Noon Grass. At this moment, lightning flashed continuously within the clouds overhead. The 'qi' in the Si Hour Grass had already risen to the seven thousand one hundred and ninetieth division. Zhao Xing watched intently, silently counting down in his mind.

"Ten, nine, eight... three, two, one!"

"Summon Rain!"

As Zhao Xing sent a golden light into the clouds, pitter-patter, raindrops began to fall. Simultaneously, 'qi' began to ascend the stem of the Noon Grass from its root. "Rain summoned exactly on time, not a moment off," Zhao Xing sighed with relief. The next step was to wait for the Noon hour to pass and the Wei hour (1-3 PM) to end, at which point the rain would stop.

"Summoning rain also has its subtleties: it must last for two *shichen*, yet the rainfall index must be limited to forty-eight." Compared to precise time-keeping, this wasn't particularly difficult. Of course, that was just Zhao Xing's opinion. Other officials would probably find it extremely taxing. But difficulty was normal. Otherwise, wouldn't everyone be able to pass?

One *shichen* later, the 'qi' in the Noon Grass disappeared, seeping out from its leaves. Immediately afterward, the 'qi' in the Wei Hour Grass began to rise. Zhao Xing sat cross-legged on the ground, his mind completely calm. The rainfall amount had been calculated from the beginning; he only needed to maintain a constant value.

"For a normal official to pass this stage, it would be difficult to maintain consistency at all times; it might be manageable for a short period," Zhao Xing thought. "Over a longer duration, issues are inevitable. More adaptable officials wouldn't use this rigid method; they would occasionally 'correct' the spell's effect. They would calculate the rainfall and fine-tune the Rain-Summoning spell. However, I haven't made any mistakes so far; after my Life Soul was enhanced, my spell control has also improved."

If he hadn't absorbed the Blood Spirit Venerable's soul power, he might have considered modifying the spell to pass this stage. But after his Life Soul was strengthened, the unity and coordination of his Seven Souls also improved, naturally enhancing his control over spells. Zhao Xing was now a merciless rain-making machine, unchanging from start to finish. The Rain-Summoning spell had the same effect now as it did when it started at the Noon hour. According to calculations, stopping the rain at the Wei hour would precisely deliver the required forty-eight points.

Time passed, second by second. When the 'qi' in the Wei Hour Grass rose to its final division, Zhao Xing's mind stirred. The Rain, Thunder, and Cloud spells were all withdrawn. He stood up confidently.

"The Wei hour has passed. Official Zhao Xing, your practical assessment score is perfect. Please return to the divine temple in three days to await the results."

As this authoritative voice resounded, Zhao Xing's vision blurred, and he was teleported out of the assessment space. The next moment, he appeared outside Tianxin Plaza. At that moment, he was the only one outside the plaza. Since he had entered first, he naturally exited first. The other fourteen individuals were still undergoing the assessment.

"Do not make noise; depart on your own."

"Yes." Zhao Xing cupped his hands and turned to leave.

The results of the practical assessment were determined on the spot because rainfall, time, and other factors had precise data and standards, making calculation straightforward. The theoretical exam, however, was graded by people. Some essay questions could be scored higher or lower, influenced by the preferences of the grading examiners, which is why three days were needed for cross-review.

Chen Shijie and the others had been waiting outside for a while. He was the first one out again? Gao Linong recalled the White Dew assessment and couldn't help but feel surprised. But this time, he dared not blindly assume Zhao Xing had failed. The slap he received last year still stung.

"How was it?" Chen Shijie asked. "Did you pass the practical assessment?"

"I passed," Zhao Xing replied with a slight smile.

Both Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong sighed in relief. They had been afraid Zhao Xing would fail the practical assessment. After all, the question was quite obscure. It was entirely possible for Zhao Xing to fail.

"With what score did you pass?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Full marks," Zhao Xing replied.

"What?!" Gao Linong's eyes widened instantly. "Full marks?" He must be boasting, right?! Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan were also somewhat incredulous. How could he get full marks on a question like that?

"Using the Twelve-Hour Grasses to set the time is indeed difficult, but I cultivated the Five Elements Observation technique, and I recognized all twelve time-measuring grasses early on, placing them together for observation," Zhao Xing explained. "Once the time is confirmed, the subsequent Cloud Movement, thunder, and rain summoning aren't as difficult."

"Have something to eat first." Xue Wenzhong brought a food box. First the theory exam, then the practical assessment, it was a draining struggle. Just thinking about it was tiring.

"Thank you, Teacher." Zhao Xing didn't stand on ceremony. There were no provisions in the pocket world fragment, and even earth veins were absent, so he was indeed a bit tired.

"Sit down and eat, let's talk while you eat." Chen Shijie invited him to sit down. A temporary shelter had been set up outside the divine temple, and they had many questions for Zhao Xing.

"How did you answer the theory questions? How many did you find difficult?"

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "Two questions."

"Oh?" Chen Shijie's eyes lit up, and Xue Wenzhong felt deeply gratified. Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan were somewhat shocked. Only two questions felt difficult to him?

"Tell us which two questions."

Zhao Xing took a sip of ginseng soup and ate a piece of chicken, then slowly replied, "The one about Nanzheng, and the one about Beihai."

Chen Shijie nodded. "The Nanzheng question involves geographical location and the Five Elements Four Seasons Soil Extraction method. It's not exactly obscure; either you know it, or you don't answer it completely, but there aren't many traps."

Zhao Xing said, "It's the practical application of the monthly soil extraction method. By moistening the earth with water, suppressing its fire, allowing metal to release its essence, and guiding it with the combined power of dual earth veins, the summer soil in Nanzheng, which lacks spring and winter, can be successfully extracted."

Tang Wanchun was taken aback. "Can't you just use water to suppress its fire?"

Zhao Xing explained, "Nanzheng's summer soil lacks the Yin-cold balance of spring and winter. Its strong fire cannot be extinguished by relying solely on the earth veins' water. If you don't first moisten the soil and instead try to quench it directly, the water will actually aid the fire, trapping itself and preventing success." He continued, "Only by moistening the soil with the earth veins' water, weakening but not extinguishing it, can metal release its essence, allowing the summer fire to return to normal. At that point, the soil can be extracted and used; otherwise, nothing will grow."

Tang Wanchun suddenly understood, Pang Yuan seemed thoughtful, and Gao Linong's emotions were complex. Just by his answer to this question, Zhao Xing surpassed all three of them. In their previous discussions, none of them had considered it so comprehensively, and they would have had at least some points deducted. In their eyes, Zhao Xing's answer was flawless, with no room for deductions.

"What about the Beihai question?" Gao Linong asked.

"It tested knowledge of phenology, official systems, agricultural administration, and divine weapons of the Celestial Craftsmen's Workshop. This question had many traps," Zhao Xing said modestly. "I might not get full marks." In reality, Zhao Xing was confident that he had answered very well, but one could never be sure of the grading examiner's mindset. If an examiner thought he was exaggerating in some part, it would be normal to deduct some points.

Chen Shijie didn't even ask about this question. Things like Zixiao Island, military exercises in the Bingtian Realm — Zhao Xing's understanding in these areas far surpassed that of ordinary officials. Evidently, he had lofty ambitions to read books on such subjects. The key was that he truly understood, not just a little.

There was nothing much left to ask, as the final major question had been accurately predicted, and the sample essay at the time was written by Zhao Xing himself. Thanks to him, the other fourteen people from Gucheng would have an advantage on this question.

"We'll have to call him Lord Zhao from now on." Watching Zhao Xing speak so eloquently, Tang Wanchun couldn't help but sigh with emotion. He felt like he was being swept away by the younger generation, dying on the beach.

"Alright, you can go back and wait for the news. Just come back in three days." Chen Shijie smiled and walked away with Long Xiao. Besides Zhao Xing, he bothered to pay attention to no one else.

Three days later, Zhao Xing arrived outside the divine temple, where the other fourteen officials from the Agricultural Bureau who participated in the assessment were already waiting. In addition, there were many other officials, clerks, curious onlookers, and street vendors... because today was the day the official appointment lists would be released. Not just for the Agricultural Bureau, but all other departments would also announce their results today.

(End of chapter)