Chapter 113: Ten Yang Cave Heaven, Military Agricultural Training Regulations

Chen Shijie's words were calm and his tone simple.

Helian Lie looked at the middle-aged man surnamed Lei beside him. The latter shook his head slightly and whispered, "He didn't fall for it. That Military Quartermaster on the other side is not simple. We still have people to deliver, so we can't waste any more time. Let's find another way."

"Understood." Helian Lie put away his jade pendant and quickly left with the three young people and the man named Lei.

"Those Blazing Sun Army people are too arrogant!" Long Xiao watched their retreating figures. "What do they mean their military orders are more important than ours? It's an insult to the Divine Might Army! I swear, I wanted to run that scoundrel through with my sword..."

"Long Xiao!" Chen Shijie snapped, and a cool breeze swirled around Long Xiao's ear. "Sober up! You fell right into their trap."

"Huh?" As the cool breeze blew, the anger in Long Xiao's eyes faded, and his expression subtly shifted.

"How did your vigilance become so poor?" Chen Shijie frowned. "You really need to train properly when you get back."

This time, Long Xiao didn't argue, nodding seriously. "Yes, I'll remember that."

Zhao Xing asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice, "Was that a Ritual Cultivator just now?"

"That's right, a military strategist," Chen Shijie replied. "They use clarity to induce confusion. That Ritual Cultivator used psychological manipulation just now."

Zhao Xing suddenly realized, "That's truly insidious."

This so-called psychological manipulation, when employed by Ritual Cultivators, is not merely verbal provocation. It's a technique from the *Law of Enlightenment*, subtly unsettling one's intellect and wisdom, causing opponents to become muddle-headed.

"If Long Xiao had truly been provoked into attacking them, regardless of who arrived first at Fire Pit No. 9, we would have been expelled by the Daoist Academy, and they would have succeeded."

Long Xiao cursed, "Ritual Cultivators are truly treacherous and cunning. I can't believe those sons of bitches."

Chen Shijie said, "You've had too little interaction with Ritual Cultivators these past five years. When you get to Xier Commandery, find Brother Jia and practice with him properly."

Long Xiao immediately looked dejected. "Can I pick someone else? How about Brother Chengxin? Jia Pu likes to use the 'Mind-Dulling Technique,' and his mouth is filthy. Every time I finish training with him, I feel like an idiot."

"Suit yourself."

Zhao Xing asked with some curiosity, "By the way, why didn't that person cast a spell on me? I'm clearly at a much lower cultivation level than Long Xiao."

Chen Shijie shook his head. "He and Long Xiao are at the same cultivation level. If the psychological manipulation succeeded, it would simply mean Long Xiao was outmatched, and there'd be nothing to say. Friendly spars and competitions are common among soldiers, and we wouldn't cause trouble afterward. But if he had targeted you, it would have gone beyond the scope of a normal spar and broken the rules. If we pursued it later, he would have been punished, and his entire army would have been ridiculed."

Zhao Xing nodded, realizing why the target had been Long Xiao and not himself.

The boy in yellow was also completely bewildered, but he was much smarter than the previous one. He pretended not to have heard anything; after all, he was just a humble Daoist acolyte, and being inconspicuous was best.

After a while, the flames of Fire Pit No. 9 rose, surpassing the previous highest flame by a meter.

Seeing this, the boy in yellow was delighted. "Lord Chen, Lord Long, someone has completed their journey through Fire Pit No. 9! The array in the fire pit is now sufficient for you to reach Datong Prefecture. You can enter early; there's no need to wait."

Upon seeing this, Chen Shijie cupped his hands towards the yellow-robed Daoist acolyte. "Thank you. Please convey my gratitude to your esteemed master for his assistance."

"I will certainly convey it," the boy in yellow nodded.

Immediately after, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Zhao Xing walked down the slope towards the fire pit in the depression.

"Whoosh!" The flames were dense, but the temperature wasn't high, just slightly warmer than the human body.

"Soothe the mountain cat and tell it not to be afraid; this process is very quick." Chen Shijie looked at Zhao Xing. "Just walk straight in and relax your body. Long Xiao, you go first and show him."

"Alright." Long Xiao walked into the center of the fire pit and was quickly enveloped by the flames.

Zhao Xing observed as the flame-like thread pattern on Long Xiao's body became more pronounced, adding another layer. Once the second layer was complete, Long Xiao suddenly dropped down. With a soft "pop" and a gentle crackle of flames, Long Xiao vanished into the fire pit.

Subsequently, the height of the flames decreased by two *chi*.

"Meow?!" The mountain cat's eyes widened, as if asking, "Where did the human go? That big person who was just here?"

"You go in," Chen Shijie said. "I'll watch you."

"Okay." Zhao Xing, holding the mountain cat, walked into Fire Pit No. 9.

The "hissing" flames licked Zhao Xing's skin, and his clothes seemed completely ignored, yet they didn't catch fire.

The mountain cat squirmed restlessly in his arms, but under Zhao Xing's soothing touch, it bravely endured the flames wrapping around its body.

"Pop!" With a soft burst, Zhao Xing and the mountain cat instantly vanished.

The height of the flames dropped another two *chi*.

After Chen Shijie entered and disappeared, the flames in the fire pit decreased by three *chi*, now less than a meter high.

Datong Prefecture, Lihuo Daoist Academy, the fire pit area where the altar was located.

"Whoosh!" A flame, previously only a meter high, suddenly surged, revealing a figure.

Long Xiao emerged from it.

He glanced at his hands. "I'll have to walk 80,000 *li* to complete the journey; looks like I'll be running frantically again when we get back."

Immediately after, the flames flickered again, and Zhao Xing and the mountain cat also emerged.

"This is truly marvelous." "The quality of this Five Elements energy is exceptionally high, and the array is incredibly precise. It seems to utilize the power of fire-aligned earth veins to travel rapidly through them." In his previous life, Zhao Xing had also passed through fire pits, but he hadn't felt anything remarkable. Now, however, he sensed its extraordinary nature.

"A layer of fire-elemental energy is wrapped around my body, and it carries a unique power. It's ethereal yet undeniably real, as if directly connected to heaven and earth. If one doesn't complete the journey according to the subtly established rules, the pattern formed by this fire-elemental energy will serve as a constant reminder, and the pressure will grow increasingly intense."

After traversing a path this way, one must complete double the distance of the borrowed path purely on their own, without relying on spells or external forces. Completing this 'return journey' within a month has no adverse effects. However, if it extends beyond a month, the pressure from the mysterious pattern will cause any spells or secret techniques to distort. The severity will increase, and if it goes beyond a year, one will effectively be unable to complete the 'return journey' in this lifetime.

"Are we in Datong Prefecture?" Zhao Xing asked. "We crossed twenty thousand *li* in just a quarter of an hour?"

"Yes," Long Xiao nodded. "To be precise, it was twenty thousand and eighty-three *li*. After you enter the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, it's best to complete the double journey within a month, using no spells or external forces, purely by physical means. The little cat too."

"Meow?!" The little mountain cat looked bewildered. "Doesn't that mean I'll have to walk over 1,300 *li* every day? That'll exhaust a cat to death!"

"Mewl..." The mountain cat rubbed against Zhao Xing's arms. *Can I not walk?*

"Do you want to become a dead cat?"

The mountain cat's ears immediately drooped. *Never mind, 1,300 *li* a day isn't that far.*

"Whoosh!" Chen Shijie also emerged from the fire pit.

Afterward, the three left the altar's fire pit and exited the branch academy.

In the prefecture city, the three continued their journey aboard a Cloudstream Flying Boat.

"Xier Commandery is at the westernmost edge of Datong Prefecture."

"Then why is this boat flying east?"

"Long Xiao and I are going to Xier Commandery to see the Marquis; you're going to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven first," Chen Shijie explained. "You need to complete the new recruit training, which includes the Military Quartermaster's training regimen. We'll take you to the grotto-heaven entrance in the east first, then head to Xier Commandery."

Zhao Xing understood. He looked at the mountain cat in his arms. "Can I take it inside with me?"

Chen Shijie said, "The training schedule is very demanding. You won't have the energy to properly care for the mountain cat. Let me look after it for you first."

"Alright." Zhao Xing didn't hesitate, immediately handing the mountain cat to Chen Shijie. Having previously lived and eaten at Chen's mansion, the cat was already familiar with him and didn't resist the decision, though it was somewhat reluctant to leave Zhao Xing.

"If you need anything while you're in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, just let us know," Chen Shijie said slowly. "The Military Quartermaster's assessment training is extremely rigorous, and the competition is fierce."

Long Xiao added, "There are currently nine garrisons in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, so the number of people training with you won't be small. If anyone tries to bully you, we'll certainly help you get even. However, if you lose to someone at the same cultivation level, then we won't interfere."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Don't worry, I won't bring shame to the Divine Might Army."

The Cloudstream Flying Boat flew east for half a day, and after crossing many cities and towns, it began to enter a vast mountain range.

"The entrance to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven is in the Myriad Peaks Mountain Range of Datong Prefecture. We've already entered the military-controlled zone," Chen Shijie said. "Look, many people are already heading this way."

Zhao Xing looked up and saw many Cloudstream Flying Boats appearing. With his keen sight, he could discern at least a hundred vessels in the vicinity, all rushing in the same direction.

"Roar!" Just then, a faint, clear dragon's roar suddenly echoed from the clouds behind them.

Hearing this, Chen Shijie immediately lowered the Cloudstream Flying Boat's altitude and veered to the side.

"Whoosh!" A moment later, the clouds a kilometer behind them suddenly churned. A colossal dragon's head abruptly emerged from the clouds. A small vortex formed in its mouth, and the surrounding clouds were torn apart, whipping up gusts of wind. The dragon's head was enormous, yet it was merely the tip of the iceberg. Zhao Xing noticed the dragon's head was mounted on a nearly hundred-meter-long ram. Slowly, the deck, hull, and the nine-story pavilion on the ship's body became visible. A colossal beast! As Zhao Xing gazed at the Dragon-Head Tower Ship, only one thought came to mind.

"That's the flag of the Tiger Flood Dragon Army," Chen Shijie explained. "It's also the highest-ranked among the nine armies stationed in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. In the last military exercise, they ranked three hundred and nine. The Tiger Flood Dragon Army is commanded by Marquis Mingwu. We'll let the Dragon-Head Tower Ship pass first."

Encountering the Dragon-Head Tower Ship, everyone had to give it a wide berth. The enormous vessel, with its ability to manipulate winds and clouds, would easily capsize smaller Cloudstream Flying Boats if they ventured too close.

As the Dragon-Head Tower Ship passed, Zhao Xing watched from afar as rows of soldiers stood on its deck, radiating powerful auras. Even from a distance, they exuded an extraordinary martial presence. The Tiger Flood Dragon Army's flag was also very striking; the snarling tiger flood dragon banner flapped wildly in the wind, as if alive, captivating the onlookers.

"Let's go, we need to continue our journey."

After flying for another quarter of an hour, the Cloudstream Flying Boat finally began to descend. In the mountains below, a vast lake appeared, surrounded by continuous military camps stretching for dozens of *li*.

"Whoosh!" The Cloudstream Flying Boat landed in front of a small palace in the center of one of the camps.

"We're here. This is an outpost of our Divine Might Army," Chen Shijie announced. "This palace is one of the Divine Might Army's armories. I'll take you to collect your equipment first."

After Zhao Xing became a ninth-rank official, some of the Quartermaster's equipment hadn't been issued yet. Since he had been transferred to the Divine Might Army, it was natural for him to collect it here.

"Long Xiao, Chen Shijie, long time no see." Inside the palace, they soon met an elder dressed in plain clothes.

"Elder Fang," Chen Shijie and Long Xiao immediately cupped their hands and bowed to the elder.

"You're a bit late bringing people in," Fang Hong smiled. "All the other new recruits have already been sent in. Is this Zhao Xing, the one you brought from Nanyang Commandery?"

"Yes," Chen Shijie said. "Quickly, pay your respects to Elder Fang."

"Zhao Xing of Gucheng greets Lord Fang." Zhao Xing bowed. Before coming, he had learned that Fang Hong was the Master of the Armory.

"Everything is ready for you," Fang Hong chuckled, having someone bring over a box. "The standard equipment for a ninth-rank Quartermaster is all here."

Zhao Xing opened the box and inspected the items one by one.

Apart from the familiar Spirit-Ward Calendar and Wen Bamboo Chest, there were four new pieces of equipment:

**Golden Coir Raincoat:**Quality: High-grade Tier 3Effect: A magical garment woven from Five Elements materials, it repels water and fire, deflects sharp weapons, and enhances earth vein perception.

The Golden Coir Raincoat is named for the bright yellow color of its woven material. The Five Elements materials incorporate metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, giving it properties that repel water, provide insulation, resist sword and saber strikes, enhance earth vein perception, and boost the effectiveness of Self-Faction spells.

**Hundred Flowers Bamboo Hat:**Quality: High-grade Tier 3Effect: Woven from a hundred kinds of flowers and herbs from the twenty-four solar terms, it enhances all Weather-Faction spells.

**Cloud Rain Pearl:**Quality: Low-grade Tier 4Effect: Can collect large amounts of rainwater and cloud essence.

**Cloud-Treading Boots:**Quality: High-grade Tier 3Effect: Allows cloud-treading and swift movement through mist.

The Cloud-Treading Boots enable the Quartermaster to fly short distances. When activated, a burst of mist rises beneath the wearer's feet. Besides flight, the mist can also obscure the enemy's vision in dangerous situations.

Zhao Xing was not unfamiliar with the four new pieces of equipment, so he merely glanced at them before storing them in his Wen Bamboo Chest.

The new Wen Bamboo Chest was also a high-grade Tier 3 treasure. Besides its temperature-regulating storage function, its internal space could expand to a certain extent; though it appeared only half a person tall, it could actually stretch to three meters high and two meters wide if crammed. Furthermore, the four sides of the Wen Bamboo Chest had artificer arrays inscribed, which helped reduce the burden for the wearer.

"How do you like them? Do you need some time to get familiar with them?" Chen Shijie asked.

"No need," Zhao Xing quickly packed the items into his Wen Bamboo Chest. "When does the training begin?"

"It starts on the first day of the third month, at *youshi*," Chen Shijie replied.

"Today is the first day of the third month, and it's already *wushi*," Zhao Xing said, looking around in surprise. "Aren't we at the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven yet?"

"No, but the training begins at the outpost outside the grotto-heaven," Chen Shijie explained. "We can only escort you this far. Entering the grotto-heaven, including finding the training camp, is all part of the Military Quartermaster's training regimen."

"We arrived quite late, coming all the way from Nanyang Commandery. You only have four hours to look over this small map now," Chen Shijie said, handing a map scroll to Zhao Xing. "As soon as *youshi* arrives, you and all the participating officials from the nine garrisons will enter the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven together."

"You'll need to find the Quartermaster's Bureau within the grotto-heaven and report yourself," Chen Shijie continued. "The environment inside the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven is complex. Here's a booklet detailing its geographical features and unique celestial phenomena."

Zhao Xing nodded. "I'll look at it now. Please continue."

Chen Shijie continued, "To incentivize the various armies, the military headquarters has set up a point reward system for officials participating in the training. For instance, this time, the first official from any army to reach the Quartermaster's Bureau will be awarded ten thousand points."

"That much?" Zhao Xing was surprised. He knew military training offered rewards, but the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven's rewards seemed excessive. Ten thousand points for first place? Military points were valuable; a Tier 4 treasure only cost two to three thousand points. Could simply being the first to report earn ten thousand points?

Long Xiao chuckled, "The Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven is a newly emerged grotto-heaven in the military realm. Besides serving as a training ground for garrisons, the various armies also have exploration and development missions there. If they didn't offer generous rewards, who would have the energy to do the work? To be honest, there are some areas within the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven where I'd rather battle barbarians for three days and three nights outside than spend half a day inside."

Why is it called the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven? Because this small world contains ten wondrous existences resembling 'suns'! Some areas are literally hot enough to kill, and in such extreme environments, no one would be willing to work without substantial rewards. Of course, Zhao Xing was currently just a 'new recruit,' so exploration missions in the cruel and extreme areas were not yet assigned to these reservists.

"How many provisional Military Quartermasters are there among the nine garrisons?" Zhao Xing asked, not looking up from his reading.

"The provisional Military Quartermasters are relatively few. There are probably just over ten thousand across all nine garrisons combined."

That's a lot!

"Not all reservists ultimately become Military Quartermasters," Chen Shijie said. "If, after this round of training, the military headquarters deems you unsuitable, you won't be granted the position of Military Quartermaster. According to custom, only about one-tenth receive the appointment; the rest have to wait patiently for next year."

The four hours passed quickly, and the time approached *youshi*.

Zhao Xing, accompanied by Chen Shijie and Long Xiao, traveled aboard the Cloudstream Flying Boat, arriving above the massive lake.

"Can you lower the altitude a bit? Aren't you worried he's afraid of heights?" Long Xiao said to Chen Shijie.

"I'm not afraid of heights," Zhao Xing replied.

"When you jump down in a moment, don't close your eyes. Once you hit the lake surface, you'll be inside the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. You need to quickly stabilize yourself using the Cloud-Treading Boots," Chen Shijie instructed. "Rapid adaptation to unfamiliar environments is a fundamental quality for a Military Quartermaster."

"Understood." Zhao Xing licked his lips, feeling a surge of excitement. This was far more thrilling than the assessment in Gucheng, especially with so many people participating.

"Hm? Look, aren't those the two bastards we encountered at Fire Pit No. 9 earlier?" Long Xiao suddenly looked in a certain direction. "Were they also here to deliver people?"

Not far away, another Cloudstream Flying Boat hovered, with Helian Lie and the Ritual Cultivator standing beside two men and a woman.