Chapter 108: Human and laws both have rules

"When the balance of the Five Elements is broken, and Yin and Yang momentarily transform into true spirits, then species undergo adaptive change.""When national destiny transforms into the four seasons, and one becomes an official, people also undergo adaptive change."Zhao Xing opened a page of *The Shangluo Self-Essence Scripture* and suddenly encountered this passage.

There were many books in the Zong Manor's library. Zong Shichang wasn't fond of reading, but Zhao Xing enjoyed it. Last night, after drinking with Xiao Ze, Wen Nanxing, and Zong Shichang until they all passed out, Zhao Xing stayed in the Zong Manor's library to read.

*The Shangluo Self-Essence Scripture* sounded impressive, as Shangluo was not only a place name but also an ancient sage of the agricultural school. 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 but only mentioned some insights or anecdotes related to the Self-Essence philosophical school. Such practices, using a sage's reputation to sell books, were common among booksellers. Zhao Xing had indeed been tricked by the sensational title. Since he had nothing else to do, Zhao Xing casually flipped through the pages. To his surprise, he found such a sentence.

"National destiny transforms into the four seasons; once an official, people also undergo adaptive change. This viewpoint is quite interesting.""Due to drastic weather changes, certain individuals within species undergo profound transformations.""However, this book explains adaptive change in species using the philosophy of the Self-Essence school.""It posits that adaptive change in species occurs because the balance of the internal Five Elements within the organism is thoroughly disrupted.""This leads to a momentary return to the fusion of Yin and Yang, nurturing a true spirit.""Consequently, the lineage of life completely changes," Zhao Xing read, pondering deeply.

"The book also cites the example of individuals becoming officials in a dynasty of destiny.""The compiler of this book believed that the internal Five Elements within the human body are as vast as a world. When national destiny enters the body, it circulates within the internal Five Elements like the four seasons, and in a highly vigorous manner.""Therefore, there is a huge difference between being an official and not, especially between being ranked and unranked.""However, this method of national destiny entering the body is controllable; it is a gentle form of 'human adaptive change.'"

Zhao Xing pondered, realizing the book truly contained some profound insights! The 'inner world' mentioned within it later proved to be real. Even now, there is evidence: after reaching the fiftieth stage of Elemental Convergence, a 'pure elemental soil' appears in the dantian, allowing for 'dantian cultivation' to carry wondrous plants for combat. However, viewed from the present, this idea was too advanced, as no one could reach the state where their inner body transformed into a world, thus it was considered heretical and absurd.

Zhao Xing glanced at the book cover, noticed there was no author's name, and chuckled softly to himself, thinking, "Just as I expected.""Young Master Zong loves collecting these unconventional books; it's normal for it to be found in his manor."As long as one didn't privately print and promote them, merely reading a banned book oneself would, at most, result in a fine.

Regarding the theory of species adaptive change mentioned in the book, whether among the Heavenly Timing school, the Earthly Advantage school, or the Self-Essence school, several factions debated whether humanity should be included. Scholars who opposed including humanity argued that no human experts in the Nineteen Prefectures had ever exhibited physical changes. Even if there were differences in physique, they were essentially still human and could not be called adaptive changes; any increase in strength was attributed to cultivation in accordance with the Heavenly Dao. Scholars who supported including humanity also had counterarguments: In the vast Nineteen Prefectures, rich in natural treasures and protected by dynasties of destiny, the adaptive changes experienced by humans were gentle and controllable. However, in the barren lands beyond the Nineteen Prefectures, among the Eight Wild Tribes, they might appear human when weak, but the more they cultivated, the less human they became. Taking the Barbarian Tribe, the greatest threat to the Great Zhou, as an example: some grew horns, others wings. In those remote, harsh, and bitter lands, could it be said that they too were cultivating in accordance with the Heavenly Dao?

"The phantom I saw when I became an official, the hundred-zhang golden giant, represented Emperor Jing, and in reality, Emperor Jing could indeed become that colossal.""National destiny transforms into heavenly timing, Yin and Yang within the Five Elements, and people also undergo adaptive change... I must say, *The Shangluo Self-Essence Scripture* truly has some merit."When Zhao Xing was a player, he never pondered these theoretical concepts; he'd simply charge forward without thinking. Now, however, he felt that the extraordinary phenomena he had witnessed in his previous life had some basis. Perhaps this understanding could assist him in exploring certain places in the future.

"In any case, the changes in an ordinary person before and after becoming an official are indeed quite significant."Zhao Xing looked at his status panel.Name: Zhao XingRealm: Rank Nine UpperDestiny Soul: Rank Nine Mid-stageOccupation: Agricultural AdministratorFortune: Derived ThreeElemental Convergence: Stage Thirteen (557/10000)Additional Lifespan: 75 years

"The restriction on improvement has vanished.""My original additional lifespan was 53 years; now it's 75 years. This appointment increased my additional lifespan by 22 years!"Becoming a Rank Nine official typically grants an additional lifespan of around ten years. During Emperor Wen's reign, this figure was over ten years, but Emperor Jing was more frugal, so Rank Nine officials usually received less than ten years. Zhao Xing received double the usual increase because he had already reached the Rank Nine realm. Since his foundation was already solid, the national destiny did not disperse much into his official rank.

When Zhao Xing first descended the mountain, his Elemental Convergence was at stage thirteen with 6 points. Before the temple examination, it was at stage thirteen with over two hundred points. It took him more than three months to gain those two hundred-plus points, mainly due to restrictions. Now, his Elemental Convergence is at stage thirteen with 557 points, an increase of just under three hundred. When national destiny entered his body, the bulk of it was added to his lifespan, which was the outcome Zhao Xing desired. As for his personal fortune, it hadn't increased, remaining at the Derived Three level. Reaching the Derived Three level makes further advancement considerably difficult. Not to mention this time, even promoting to Rank Six might not yield a breakthrough.

Basic Spells (Mastered):Vigorous Growth, Cloud Walking, Wind Summoning, Thunder Striking, Rain SpreadingWith the rank restrictions lifted, his understanding of spells no longer faced a vague barrier. That very evening, one of Zhao Xing's basic spells broke through and advanced. The common spell, Clear Sight, disappeared from his list of basic spells and appeared among his intermediate spells. It was replaced by Meticulous Observation. This new spell retained the effects of the basic spell and added a lie-detection function.

"The Clear Sight spell, when advanced to a higher level, is called Clear Sight Mind Reading. By simply staring into someone's eyes, one can know their thoughts. It's unfailingly effective on those below one's own realm, but more difficult for those at the same realm."The six Strawman Spells remained unchanged, but Five Elements Observation advanced from the seventh revolution to mastery. The basic Earth Vein Integration advanced from the sixth revolution to mastery. After the restrictions were lifted, breakthroughs occurred overnight.

Among the intermediate spells:Savage Growth advanced from the seventh stage to the ninth revolution overnight.Lightning Attraction and Shadow Wind, which were only a dozen or twenty points away from mastery, also reached mastery overnight.As for Ice Rain and Sleep Bug, they were already at intermediate mastery before the official appointment, and this time there was no change.Dream Storage, a secret Destiny Soul technique, strengthens with the Destiny Soul's realm. This official appointment brought no change to his Destiny Soul, which remained at Rank Nine Mid-stage.

Among his self-created intermediate spells:Thunderous Snare advanced from the eighth revolution to the ninth revolution.Thunderous Palm advanced from the seventh revolution to the eighth revolution.Cloud Swallowing, Boundless Earth Palace, Five Elements Earth Splitting, and Earth Store Reversion: Human Path, having been comprehended only recently and significantly boosted by cultivation paintings, remained at their original realms. They were, respectively, Cloud Swallowing at eighth revolution, Earth Palace at eighth revolution, Earth Splitting at seventh revolution, and Earth Store at sixth revolution.

Tier 4 Treasure: Ice Pearl (Low-grade)Wind Crystal Earring: Tier 3 High-gradeTier 6 Treasure: Soul ArmorPet: Mountain Cat (Rank Nine Mastered)Plant: Heaven Origin Pear Tree (Growing stage)

"Among my possessions, only the Soul Armor, Ice Pearl, and Wind Crystal Earring remain.""The Blood Spirit Needle and Blood Fiend Pearl were handed over to Old Chen and Long Xiao to deal with.""The Heaven Origin Pear Tree 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 the alcohol, but a sense of melancholy arose within him.

"Gu City is also my hometown now; I must make thorough arrangements."Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Ruide's family had come to hold a significant place 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."Hmm, what time did we drink until last night?""Not late, you all passed out by the hour of the Ox.""You can't blame me for that," Zong Shichang shook his head. "It's Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze who couldn't handle it. Tell me, did I drink more than them?""Absolutely."Hearing the answer, Zong Shichang nodded in satisfaction, then asked a servant to bring new clothes and assist him with washing up.

Unexpectedly, the servant was stopped by Zhao Xing before entering the room. "I'll do it," Zhao Xing said.The servant hesitated, then replied, "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 towel to Zong Shichang's bedside.

"Huh? Which scoundrel dared to make you, Brother Zhao, do such a thing?!" Zong Shichang, seeing Zhao Xing performing a servant's duty, immediately became furious."We're brothers; what's the big deal?" Zhao Xing said with a smile."Then I won't stand on ceremony," Zong Shichang patted his face. "But where's the basin?""Simple," Zhao Xing said. Golden light flickered at his fingertips, and a mass of cloud immediately 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 said, gently shaking his wrist. Thunder flashed within the cloud basin, and the clear water immediately warmed up, emitting steam."Wow, Brother Zhao, if you ever get demoted, you won't starve even if you become a servant at the Wanxiang Brothel!""Big Brother, can't you wish me something better?""Haha," Zong Shichang buried his head in the cloud, rubbed his face, then took the towel Zhao Xing offered and wiped himself clean.

Zhao Xing even brought him a cup to rinse his mouth. Seeing Zong Shichang's hair damp, he summoned a breeze to dry it... the service was simply impeccable."Brother Zhao, just tell me directly what you want," Zong Shichang said, having sobered up and realized something. "As long as it's not my life you're asking for, anything is negotiable."

"Brother Zong, once I leave, I don't know when I'll be able to return." Zhao Xing bowed deeply and formally, saying, "I humbly ask you to look after my family.""What are you doing?" Zong Shichang quickly rose and held Zhao Xing's wrist. "You don't need to say this; I'll certainly keep it in mind."

During the Yin Spirit selection phase, Zong Shichang had stated his desire to serve in his hometown, as long as it was within Nanyang Commandery. For other professions, the chances of this being granted were slim, but the position of Agricultural Administrator was different. Serving in a familiar environment would be more comfortable, and at least during his time as a Rank Nine official, it was very likely he would be allowed to remain in his hometown. For example, the old Agricultural Administrator was a local of Gu City and served there for decades. After much thought, Zhao Xing concluded that only Zong Shichang had the ability to look after his family; others either lacked the capability or couldn't be trusted.

"Don't worry," Zong Shichang clasped Zhao Xing's wrist tightly. "Your family is my family. If they ever have any problems, you can take my head, Zong Shichang's, and use it as a urinal!"Zhao Xing activated Meticulous Observation, scrutinizing Zong Shichang's eyes, and then stood up. He hadn't performed those gestures in vain. In the future, if Old Zong ever faced a dilemma, the memory of Zhao Xing serving him the basin and clothes today might add a bit of 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 definitely rush to your aid with the utmost speed."Zong Shichang laughed, "What major trouble could I possibly have? If anything, it'll be to call you back for drinks, 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 a total of six days. By the eleventh day of the second lunar month, some individuals in Gu City had already been selected for posts in other regions. On the thirteenth day of the second lunar month, Shen Zhui hosted a banquet for Zhao Xing and their friends from the Martial Affairs Department, as his own assignment had also been finalized; he was to depart on the fifteenth to his new post.

"Martial cultivators essentially have three paths: first, as a Judicial Officer, overseeing punishments, prisons, and investigations; second, as a Patrol Inspector, 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 joining, I wouldn't have the freedom to come and go, or enough time to visit her frequently, so I chose to enter the Patrol Inspectorate.""The Divine Temple issued my transfer order, assigning me to the Patrol Inspectorate in Sanjiao Commandery. The journey by land takes a month, by water fifteen days. 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 army now will surely lead to great achievements. Let this cup of wine be a wish for your swift ascent in the military, to become a general and a marquis!" Shen Zhui raised his wine cup.

"Take care, Brother Shen." Their wine cups clinked, and they drained them in one go.On the sixteenth and seventeenth days of the second lunar month, Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze also departed successively.

On the eighteenth day of the second lunar month, it was the "Rain Water" solar term. The river ice broke, wild geese returned north, and vegetation began to sprout.

Zong Shichang's wish was granted; he directly filled the vacant position of Assistant Agricultural Administrator in Gu City. There had originally been three openings there, and now he had become a colleague of his teacher, Gao Linong.

On the twenty-first day of the second lunar month, Lu Qian and Liu Muqing visited the Zong Manor as guests. Zhao Xing was not present, much to Lu Qian's regret, as she and Liu Muqing were leaving the next day for the Heavenly Sound Daoist Academy. Zhao Xing, however, had gone with his family to Mount Xiang in a neighboring county for recreation. Lu Qian could only leave a letter for Zong Shichang to deliver on her behalf.

On the twenty-third day of the second lunar 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 True Rank Nine Lower (late stage of the Elemental Convergence Realm in the ancient cultivation system).

"My spell proficiency was sufficient; once Elemental Convergence reached stage fifteen, I was naturally designated as being in the True Rank Nine Lower realm.""With my current comprehension of spells, there are no bottlenecks preventing me from reaching the Rank Eight Spirit Bridge Realm; I only lack the physical realm, which is the stage of Elemental Convergence."

Zhao Xing's current comprehension of the Dao and spells far exceeded the usual Rank Nine standard; he only lacked physical Elemental Convergence. In fact, his physical Elemental Convergence speed wasn't slow; it just appeared slower compared to his comprehension of the Dao and spells. Having undergone subtle transformation by the 'Dao Embryo Pill,' acquired many elemental essence and spiritual insights, and utilized cultivation paintings... Zhao Xing's level of comprehension in Dao and spells was comparable to many seasoned Rank Eight officials. As long as his physical Elemental Convergence stage advanced, he would have no bottleneck in promotion, at least not for Rank Eight.

"Agricultural Administrators are slower than martial cultivators in this regard. My Elemental Convergence is already at stage fifteen, and I've used all the methods I can think of here in Gu City; it's already considered extremely fast. To go 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 the selection process is still ongoing."With no news, he couldn't just wait idly.

Zhao Xing headed to the Divine Temple. Now a formal official, he could cultivate the classic secret scriptures of the Agricultural Administrator, such as *Seasonal Order*, *Myriad Growth Diagram*, and *Reversion to Houtu*. Inside the Divine Temple, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged. The twenty-four visualization diagrams of *Seasonal Order* flowed through his mind.

"Creating the tapestry of heaven and earth, writing the script of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. All the mysteries of the Heavenly Timing school are contained within these twenty-four solar term diagrams."Among the twenty-four visualization diagrams, the clearest in his mind was "Rain Water," followed by "Lichun (Start of Spring)."

"Visualizing the solar term diagrams at different times yields different effects.""Each solar term diagram has three realms: Knowing, Fixing, and Altering.""Knowing the season, Fixing the season, Altering the season," Zhao Xing mused, feeling that a simple Rain Water diagram contained infinite mysteries.

"The first realm, Knowing, allows one to comprehend related spells from the solar term diagrams.""The second realm, Fixing, is reached when one has comprehended enough spells and gradually internalizes the solar term diagram. It no longer changes with the time of day; whenever observed, it remains the same because it is sufficiently understood. This signifies a preliminary mastery of the solar terms, enabling one to command heaven and earth.""The third realm, Altering, means changing the solar terms at will. One sees mountains as mountains, but is no longer bound by form, achieving true comprehension.""If all twenty-four solar term diagrams are mastered to the third realm, fully comprehended and integrated, one will surely enter the First Rank realm and can become a Grand Agricultural Administrator!"

Zhao Xing attempted to comprehend the Rain Water diagram. His Ice Rain spell was at max level, and using it as a foundation to visualize the diagram, numerous mysteries immediately surged into his mind. However, just as he seemed to be gaining insight, the Rain Water diagram before him would blur completely, and the spiritual light would vanish."Hmm? What's going on?" Zhao Xing opened his eyes, filled with confusion. He clearly felt he was about to comprehend a spell, but it abruptly cut off at the crucial moment. Why would such a thing happen?

He walked to the temple platform, picked up a piece of yellow paper, wrote down his confusion, then rose and went to the True Monarch's statue, lit three incense sticks, and burned the yellow paper. As a formal official of the Great Zhou, Zhao Xing could seek guidance from the True Monarch in the Divine Temple through this method. This was the distinction between clerks and officials: clerks could only receive spells, which often came with some randomness, and they had to comprehend them on their own afterward. Formal officials, however, could directly ask the True Monarch for clarification. Of course, this applied only to True Monarchs who had previously imparted many spells; Yin Spirits who hadn't usually wouldn't respond.

Soon, Cao Xi's statue came to life, transforming into the image of an old farmer clad in linen."Greetings, True Monarch." Zhao Xing cupped his hands."The problem is not with you," Cao Xi said, holding the yellow paper Zhao Xing had just placed in the incense burner, which bore his confusion.Not with me? Then where is it?"Please enlighten me, True Monarch," Zhao Xing humbly requested.

"When you use the Ice Rain spell to comprehend the Rain Water diagram, all you gain are offensive spells. As you are not a Military Agricultural Administrator, observing the Rain Water diagram automatically conceals those high-damage spells," Cao Xi explained. "So, it's not your fault that you couldn't truly comprehend them."Zhao Xing nodded. "Then why was I able to receive the Shadow Wind and Ice Rain spells before?"

Cao Xi smiled. "Previously, you were merely a junior clerk, with Elemental Convergence only at stage three, and the vital energy within your body was but a trickling stream. It was a matter of destiny that Loyal Brigadier Zheng Lun imparted Shadow Wind, Lightning Attraction, and Ice Rain to you. He sensed your inner desires and saw your talent for battle strategies; imparting those spells to you was harmless.""Now, you have reached True Rank Nine Lower, and many of your intermediate spells are already mastered. The vital energy within your body surges like a torrent. If you do not become a Military Agricultural Administrator, it will be impossible for you to comprehend more powerful techniques."

Zhao Xing suddenly understood. It was like how a county-level Patrol Inspectorate was adequately equipped with standard Tier 3 bows, crossbows, swords, and armor for martial cultivators. You wouldn't be issued a God-Slaying Cannon just to catch a petty thief, would you? Treasures also had standard specifications, with different equipment allocated for different roles and duties. For instance, in crucial Northern Sea strongholds, a commandery-level Agricultural Administrator could wield Tier 6 treasures, protected by a Mohist Defense Barrier. Spells, too, were subject to rules!

For example, the Earth Store Reversion: Human Path spell was theoretically forbidden for use within the Great Zhou's territories. Zhao Xing was currently in a state of assignment selection; 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 Rain Spreading spell; that way, the previous situation won't occur," Cao Xi advised. "Your progress in comprehending the Dao will still accumulate, it just won't allow you to master those powerful spells.""I understand. Thank you for clarifying, True Monarch," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands before concluding the discussion.People undergo adaptive change, 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.