Chapter 107: Human Adaptation and Legal Norms

"When the balance of the Five Elements is shattered, and yin and yang instantly transform into true spirits, species undergo fundamental change."

"National destiny transforms like the four seasons; once one becomes an official, humans also undergo a similar transformation."

Zhao Xing flipped to a page in "The Book of Shangluo's True Self" and suddenly saw this passage.

The Zong Residence had many books in its collection. Zong Shichang didn't enjoy reading, but Zhao Xing did.

After drinking last night and seeing Xiao Ze, Wen Nanxing, and Zong Shichang pass out, Zhao Xing stayed in the Zong Residence's library to read.

"The Book of Shangluo's True Self" had an impressive-sounding title. This was because Shangluo was not only a place name but also the name of an ancient sage of the farming tradition.

However, the book Zhao Xing held was actually a miscellaneous compilation.

It wasn't written by Shangluo at all. It didn't involve specific spells, only insights or anecdotes related to the True Self school of thought.

Such a practice of leveraging a sage's reputation to sell books was common among booksellers.

Zhao Xing had indeed been misled by the sensational title.

Since he had nothing else to do, Zhao Xing just casually flipped through it.

Unexpectedly, he came across that particular sentence.

"'National destiny transforms like the four seasons; once one becomes an official, humans also undergo a similar transformation.' This perspective is quite interesting."

"Due to drastic weather changes, certain individuals within species undergo dramatic transformations."

"However, this book uses the True Self school's philosophy to explain species transformation."

"It posits that species transformation occurs because the balance of the inner Five Elements within a species is thoroughly broken."

"Returning to the moment when yin and yang merge and true spirits are conceived."

"Leading to a complete alteration of the lifeblood." Zhao Xing read meticulously.

"The book also uses the appointment of officials in a Dynasty of Destiny as an example."

"The compiler of this book believed that the human body's inner Five Elements are as vast as a world. When the dynasty's destiny enters the body, it's like the seasonal solar terms violently circulating within the inner Five Elements of the human body."

"Therefore, there is a vast difference between individuals before and after becoming officials, particularly between those who attain a rank and those who do not."

"However, this method of absorbing the dynasty's destiny into the body is controllable, representing a gentle 'human transformation'."

Zhao Xing pondered, realizing the book actually held some profound insights!

The 'inner world' mentioned within it later proved to be a real phenomenon.

Even now, there's a basis for it: after reaching the fiftieth stage of Qi Condensation, a 'Pure Qi Soil' appears in the Dantian, allowing for 'Dantian Cultivation' to carry magical plants for combat.

However, in the current era, this idea was considered too advanced. Since no one could achieve an inner world, it was dismissed as heretical and absurd.

Zhao Xing glanced at the book cover, noting it was unsigned. He smiled faintly, thinking, "As expected."

"Young Master Zong loves collecting these unconventional books, so it's normal for it to be in his residence."

As long as one didn't privately print and promote banned books, merely reading them would at most incur a fine.

Regarding the theory of species transformation mentioned in the book, factions from the Heavenly Timing school, the Geographical Advantage school, and the True Self school were all debating whether humanity should be included in its scope.

Scholars who opposed including humanity argued that powerful human cultivators across the nineteen provinces had never shown physical transformations.

Even if there were differences in physique, they were fundamentally still human and couldn't be called transformations; their increased strength was a result of cultivating in accordance with the Heavenly Dao.

Scholars who supported including humanity also had counter-arguments:

Within the vast nineteen provinces, abundant with natural treasures and protected by the Dynasty of Destiny, human transformations were gentle and controllable.

However, in the barren lands beyond the nineteen provinces, the strange races of the Eight Wildernesses appeared human when weak, but as they cultivated, they became less and less human-like.

Taking the Barbarians, the greatest threat to Great Zhou, as an example: some grew horns, others wings. In those harsh, desolate lands, were they also cultivating in accordance with the Heavenly Dao?

"The phantom I saw during my official appointment, the hundred-zhang golden giant, represented Emperor Jing. And in reality, Emperor Jing truly could become that tall."

"National destiny transforms like heavenly timing, yin and yang, inner Five Elements, humans also transform... I must admit, 'The Book of Shangluo's True Self' truly makes some sense."

When Zhao Xing was a player, he never bothered with such theoretical matters; he'd just charge in with a clear head.

Now, however, he felt that the mysterious phenomena he had witnessed in his previous life had some basis.

This might help him when exploring certain places in the future.

"In any case, the changes an ordinary person undergoes before and after becoming an official are indeed quite significant."

Zhao Xing checked his status panel.

Name: Zhao XingRealm: Upper Ninth RankLife Soul: Mid-Ninth RankProfession: Agricultural AdministratorDestiny: Yan SanQi Condensation: Thirteenth Stage (557/10000)Additional Lifespan: 75 years

"The restriction on advancement has disappeared."

"His original additional lifespan was 53 years; now it's 75 years. This official appointment increased his additional lifespan by 22 years!"

Becoming a Ninth Rank official normally added about ten years to one's lifespan. During Emperor Wen's reign, this figure was over 10 years, but Emperor Jing was more frugal, so Ninth Rank officials usually received less than 10 years.

Zhao Xing's increase was doubled because he had already reached the Ninth Rank realm himself.

Since his foundation was already solid, the national destiny didn't disperse much towards his rank.

When Zhao Xing descended the mountain, his Qi Condensation was at 6 points in the Thirteenth Stage.

Before the temple examination, it was over two hundred points in the Thirteenth Stage. It took him over three months to gain those two hundred points, mainly due to restrictions.

Now it was 557 points in the Thirteenth Stage of Qi Condensation, an increase of just under three hundred.

The bulk of the national destiny that entered his body was added to his lifespan, which was the outcome Zhao Xing desired.

As for his personal destiny, it hadn't increased, remaining at the Yan San level.

Reaching the Yan San level made further advancement extremely difficult. Let alone this time, even if he were to be promoted to the Sixth Rank, he might not see a breakthrough.

Novice Spells (Perfected):Flourishing Growth, Moving Clouds, Raising Wind, Striking Thunder, Spreading Rain

With the rank restriction removed, there was no longer a vague barrier to spell comprehension. That very night, one of Zhao Xing's novice spells broke through and advanced.

The general spell, Clear Sight, disappeared from the novice spells and appeared among the intermediate spells.

It was replaced by Meticulous Observation.

It retained the effects of the novice spell and gained an additional lie detection function.

"When the Clear Sight spell advances to a higher level, it's called Clear Sight Mind Reading. By simply staring into someone's eyes, you can know what they're thinking. It's infallible against those below your realm, but it becomes difficult against those at the same realm."

The Six Scarecrow Spells remained unchanged, but Five Elements Observation reached perfection from seven turns.

The novice Earth Vein Synthesis reached perfection from six turns.

After the restrictions were lifted, he achieved breakthroughs overnight.

Intermediate Spells:

Savage Growth, which went from the seventh tier to nine turns overnight.

Lightning Guidance and Baleful Wind were originally only a dozen or twenty points away from perfection, and they too reached perfection overnight.

As for Ice Rain and Sleepy Bug, they were already perfected intermediate spells before his official appointment, and there was no change this time.

Dream Preservation, a Life Soul secret art, strengthened with the Life Soul's realm. This time, his Life Soul remained unchanged at Mid-Ninth Rank after his official appointment.

Among his self-created intermediate spells, Thunderous Coils advanced from eight turns to nine turns.

Thunderous Palm advanced from seven turns to eight turns.

Cloud Swallowing, Boundless Earth Palace, Five Elements Earth Splitting, and Earth Treasury Reversion: Human Dao, having been comprehended recently and significantly boosted by the sermon paintings, remained at their original realms.

Specifically, Cloud Swallowing was at eight turns, Earth Palace at eight turns, Earth Splitting at seven turns, and Earth Treasury at six turns.

Four-tier Artifact: Frost Pearl (Low-grade)Wind Crystal Earring: Three-tier High-gradeSix-tier Artifact: Soul Armor

Pet: Mountain Cat (Ninth Rank Perfected)Plant: Heavenly Origin Pear Tree (Growing stage)

The little mountain cat, ever since descending the mountain during the Autumn Equinox, had been following Zhao Xing, freeloading meals and drinks, and had reached Ninth Rank Perfection, though it was still in its cub stage.

"Among his possessions, only the Soul Armor, Frost Pearl, and Wind Crystal Earring remained."

"The Blood Spirit Needle and Blood Fiend Orb had been handed over to Old Chen and Long Xiao for disposal."

"The Heavenly Origin Pear Tree that Chen Shijie gave me has finally reached its growing stage, but I'll have to leave soon." Zhao Xing gazed at the bright moon outside the window, wondering if it was due to too much alcohol that a sense of melancholy arose within him.

"Valley City is practically my hometown now; I need to make proper arrangements."

Unconsciously, Zhao Ruide's family had come to hold significant importance in Zhao Xing's heart.

"Brother Zong, are you awake?" The next morning, Zong Shichang opened his eyes to see Zhao Xing standing beside him.

"Ugh, what time did we drink until last night?"

"Not late, you all passed out around the Hour of the Ox (1-3 AM)."

"You can't blame me," Zong Shichang shook his head. "It's Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze who couldn't handle it. Just tell me, did I drink more than them?"

"Absolutely."

Zong Shichang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing the answer, then asked his servants to bring new clothes and assist with washing up.

Unexpectedly, before the servant could enter, Zhao Xing blocked him, saying, "I'll do it."

The servant hesitated, then said, "The washbasin hasn't been brought yet..."

"It's fine, you don't need to worry about it."

Zhao Xing carried the folded clothes and towels to Zong Shichang's bedside.

"Huh? Which scoundrel dared to make you, Brother Zhao, do such a thing?!" Zong Shichang was furious to see Zhao Xing performing a servant's duties.

"We're brothers; what's the big deal?" Zhao Xing chuckled.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Zong Shichang patted his face. "But where's the basin?"

"Simple." A golden light flickered at Zhao Xing's fingertip, and mist instantly condensed into the shape of a basin.

"Splash," clear water emerged within it.

"I'm not used to washing my face with cold water."

"No problem," Zhao Xing gently shook his wrist, and lightning flashed within the misty basin. The clear water immediately warmed up, emitting steam.

"Amazing, Brother Zhao! If you ever get demoted, you won't starve even as a servant at Guanxiang House."

"Brother, can you wish me something good for a change?"

"Haha," Zong Shichang buried his head in the misty cloud, scrubbed his face, then took the towel Zhao Xing offered and wiped himself clean.

Zhao Xing even brought him a cup for gargling, and seeing Zong Shichang's hair damp, he summoned wind to dry it for him... the service was incredibly thorough.

"Brother Zhao, just tell me what's on your mind," Zong Shichang said, having sobered up and realized something. "As long as it's not about taking my life, everything is negotiable."

"Brother Zong, I don't know when I'll return after I leave." Zhao Xing bowed deeply, solemnly saying, "I humbly ask you to look after my family."

"What are you doing?" Zong Shichang quickly stood up and took Zhao Xing's wrist. "You don't need to ask; I would have kept this in mind anyway."

During the Shadow God Selection stage, Zong Shichang had answered that he wished to serve in his hometown, anywhere within Nanyang Commandery.

For other professions, the chances of this being granted would be low, but the role of Agricultural Administrator was different. Serving in a familiar environment would be more convenient, and at least during his Ninth Rank official period, it was very likely he'd be allowed to remain in his hometown.

For example, the old Agricultural Administrator was a native of Valley City and had served for decades.

Zhao Xing considered all options and concluded that only Zong Shichang possessed the ability to look after his family; others either lacked the capability or couldn't be trusted.

"Rest assured," Zong Shichang gripped Zhao Xing's wrist tightly. "Your family is my family. If they face any problems, you can use my head as a chamber pot!"

Zhao Xing activated Meticulous Observation, staring into Zong Shichang's eyes for a moment before standing up.

What he had just done wasn't for nothing. In the future, if Old Zong ever found himself in a dilemma, recalling this scene of Zhao Xing bringing him a basin and clothes would add some emotional leverage in his heart.

Zhao Xing also made a promise: "Brother Zong, if you ever encounter any major trouble in the future, remember to write and inform me. Just stall for a bit, and I will come to your aid with the utmost speed."

Zong Shichang laughed, "What major trouble could I possibly have? If there is any, it would be to call you back for a drink, preferably for my wedding feast with Miss Liu, hehe."

"Hahaha, excellent! I'll be waiting for your good news in the Divine Might Army."

The temple examination began on the day of Lichun (Start of Spring) and lasted for a total of six days.

By the eleventh day of the second month, some individuals from Valley City had already been selected for posts in other regions.

On the thirteenth day of the second month, Shen Zhui hosted a banquet for Zhao Xing and his friends from the Martial Bureau, as his own assignment had also been finalized; he was set to depart on the fifteenth for his new post.

"Martial cultivators essentially have three paths: first, as a Minister of Justice, overseeing prisons and investigations; second, as patrols, managing local public order; and third, joining the military to expand the nation's territory."

"I originally wanted to join the military, but I worried about my elderly mother at home. After enlisting, I wouldn't have the freedom to come and go and visit her often, so I chose to enter the Patrol Bureau."

"The Divine Temple issued my transfer order, appointing me to the Patrol Bureau in Sanjiao Commandery. The journey by land would take a month, by water fifteen days, but in an emergency, returning by flying boat would only take five days, so it's not too far."

"Brother Zhao, you have great ambitions; joining the military this time will surely bring you achievements. Let this cup of wine be a toast to your swift rise through the ranks and becoming a general and marquis in the army!" Shen Zhui raised his wine cup.

"Take care, Brother Shen." Their cups clinked together, and they both drank it down.

On the sixteenth and seventeenth of the second month, Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze also departed successively.

On the eighteenth of the second month, it was Rain Water (one of the 24 solar terms).

The river ice broke, wild geese returned north, and vegetation began to sprout.

Zong Shichang's wish was granted; he directly filled the position of Assistant Agricultural Administrator in Valley City. There were originally three vacancies there, and now he became a colleague of his teacher, Gao Linong.

On the twenty-first of the second month, Lu Qian and Liu Muqing visited the Zong Residence. Zhao Xing was not present, which Lu Qian regretted, as she and Liu Muqing were leaving the next day for the Heavenly Sound Dao Academy. However, Zhao Xing had gone with his family to tour Mount Xiang in a neighboring county. Lu Qian had no choice but to leave a letter for Zong Shichang to deliver on her behalf.

On the twenty-third of the second month, Zhao Xing returned from Mount Xiang, accompanying Zhao Ruide, Zhao Zheng, and Lady Cai.

It was on this very day that he broke through to the Lower True Ninth Rank (the late stage of the Qi Condensation Realm in the ancient cultivation system).

"My spell mastery was sufficient; once my Qi Condensation reached the fifteenth stage, I was naturally categorized as being in the Lower True Ninth Rank realm."

"With my current understanding of spells, there are no impediments to reaching the Eighth Rank Spirit Bridge Realm; I only lack the physical realm, which is the stage of Qi Condensation."

Zhao Xing's current comprehension of the Dao and spells already surpassed the normal Ninth Rank standard; the only thing he lacked was physical Qi Condensation.

In fact, his physical Qi Condensation speed wasn't slow, but it seemed so when compared to his comprehension of the Dao and spells.

Having been subtly transformed by the 'Dao Embryo Pill,' acquiring many elemental and spiritual insights, and having used the sermon paintings... in terms of Dao and spell comprehension, Zhao Xing was comparable to many seasoned Eighth Rank officials.

As long as his physical Qi Condensation stage increased, he would face no bottlenecks in advancing ranks; at least for the Eighth Rank, there would be no stagnation.

"Agricultural Administrators are slower than martial cultivators in this regard. My Qi Condensation is already at the fifteenth stage, and I've used every method I could think of here in Valley City, which is already extremely fast. To be faster, I can only join the military."

"I wonder when Old Chen will have news. I've been waiting for over half a month, and I'm still undergoing selection and transfer."

No news, but he couldn't just sit and wait.

Zhao Xing walked towards the Divine Temple.

Now that he was a formal official, he could cultivate classic secret texts for Agricultural Administrators, such as "Seasonal Order," "Myriad Growth Diagram," and "Reversion to Houtu."

Inside the Divine Temple, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged.

In his mind, the twenty-four visualization diagrams of "Seasonal Order" flowed.

"Setting the stage of heaven and earth, wielding the brush of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. All the mysteries of the Heavenly Timing school lie within these twenty-four solar term diagrams."

Among the twenty-four visualization diagrams, the most vivid in his mind was 'Rain Water,' followed by 'Start of Spring.'

This was because it was currently the Rain Water solar term, and Start of Spring marked the beginning of cultivation for the Seasonal Order.

"Visualizing the solar term diagrams at different times of day yields different changes."

"Each solar term diagram has three realms: Knowing, Fixing, and Changing."

"Knowing the Term, Fixing the Term, Changing the Term." Zhao Xing felt that a simple Rain Water diagram contained infinite mysteries.

"The first realm is Knowing. One can comprehend relevant spells from the solar term diagrams."

"The second realm is Fixing. After comprehending enough spells, one gradually internalizes the solar term diagram so it no longer changes with the passage of time; it appears the same regardless of when one views it. This signifies sufficient understanding, reaching the realm of 'Fixing,' which means a preliminary mastery of the solar term, allowing one to command heaven and earth."

"The third realm is Changing. The solar term can be altered at will; a mountain is still a mountain, but one is no longer confined by form, having achieved true comprehension."

"If all twenty-four solar term diagrams reach the third realm, fully comprehended and integrated, one will surely enter the First Rank and become a Grand Agricultural Administrator!"

Zhao Xing attempted to comprehend the Rain Water diagram. With his maxed-level Ice Rain spell as a foundation for visualizing the diagram, numerous mysteries immediately surged into his mind.

However, whenever he seemed to be gaining insights, the Rain Water diagram before him would blur, and all spiritual light would completely vanish.

"Hmm? What's going on?" Zhao Xing opened his eyes, filled with doubt.

He clearly felt on the verge of comprehending a spell, only for it to suddenly stop at a crucial moment.

Why was this happening?

He walked to the temple platform, picked up a yellow paper, wrote down his doubts, then stood before the True Lord statue, lit three sticks of incense, and burned the yellow paper.

As a formal official of Great Zhou, Zhao Xing could seek answers from a True Lord in the Divine Temple through this method.

The difference between clerks and officials lay here: clerks could only receive spells, which were somewhat random, and then had to rely on their own comprehension.

Formal officials, however, could ask a True Lord for enlightenment. Of course, this applied only to True Lords who had previously transmitted spells multiple times; Shadow Gods who hadn't usually wouldn't bother with you.

Before long, Cao Xi's statue came to life, transforming into the image of an old farmer in hemp clothes.

"Greetings, True Lord," Zhao Xing saluted.

"The problem isn't with you," Cao Xi said, holding the yellow paper Zhao Xing had just placed in the incense burner, which contained his confusion.

Not with me? Then where is it?

"Please enlighten me, True Lord," Zhao Xing humbly requested.

"When you comprehend the Rain Water diagram using the Ice Rain spell, what you perceive are entirely destructive spells. As you are not a Military Agricultural Administrator, visualizing the Rain Water diagram will automatically hide those powerful offensive spells," Cao Xi explained. "So, you couldn't truly comprehend them, and it's not your own fault."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Then why was I able to receive the Baleful Wind and Ice Rain spells before?"

Cao Xi smiled. "Before, you were just a minor clerk, and your Qi Condensation was only at the third stage; the vital energy within your body was merely a trickle. Captain Zheng Lun transmitting Baleful Wind, Lightning Guidance, and Ice Rain to you was due to chance. He sensed your inner desires and saw your talent for combat spells, so transmitting them to you caused no significant harm."

"Now you have reached the Lower True Ninth Rank, with many intermediate spells already perfected, and the vital energy within your body is surging. If you don't become a Military Agricultural Administrator, it will be impossible for you to comprehend more powerful spells."

Zhao Xing suddenly understood. It was like how a county-level Patrol Bureau's martial cultivators were sufficiently equipped with standard third-tier bows, crossbows, blades, and armor.

You can't be issued a God-Slaying Cannon just to catch a petty thief, can you?

Artifacts also had standard specifications; different roles and positions were equipped differently. For example, in vital regions like Beihai, the county-level Agricultural Administrators could wield six-tier artifacts and were protected by a Mozi Boundary.

Spells also followed the same rules!

For instance, the Earth Treasury Reversion: Human Dao spell was theoretically forbidden for use within the Great Zhou territory.

Zhao Xing was currently in a selection and transfer state; if he didn't become a Military Agricultural Administrator, he wouldn't be able to cultivate those powerful spells.

"You can change your approach and try to comprehend the Rain Water diagram using the Spreading Rain spell; that way, the previous situation won't occur," Cao Xi said. "Your progress in comprehending the Dao will still accumulate, but it won't allow you to master those powerful offensive spells."

"Understood, thank you for your guidance, True Lord." Zhao Xing cupped his hands and concluded the exchange.

Humans transform, and spells have rules. Although he now understood what was happening, perpetually delaying wasn't a solution. Zhao Xing decided to visit Old Chen's residence to inquire about the situation.