Chapter 142: Summer Brother, Say Something

The second day arrived.

Zhao Xing planted an ordinary second-tier plant, yielding a modest quantity of about 1,500 catties. He earned the base points, along with a bonus for the extra 500 catties. However, the score wasn't high, and for the martial artists, it was a trivial amount.

When Zhao Xing delivered it, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness, it's only a second-tier provision, and it's non-toxic.”

“Even Wang Meng, the weakest among them, could consume this amount by himself.”

Xia Jing breathed a sigh of relief. The 5,000 catties of Hempfish Fruit were still not fully consumed, but Zhang Jie, Hu Bing, and Chen Fang had successively collapsed. Some suffered hallucinations, others vomited. Ultimately, only he was still stubbornly eating.

“Rumble rumble”

When Zhao Xing arrived with the delivery, Xia Jing picked up two Hempfish Fruits and popped them into his mouth. His abdomen rumbled loudly, like thunder. Although Xia Jing's lips were purplish and his spirit was somewhat flagging, he hadn't broken his streak once. The third layer of the Gluttonous Devouring Technique showed remarkable potency. It was just the rotten fish smell that was getting to him. He no longer dared to challenge Zhao Xing, much less utter any more threats. Because he was feeling quite apprehensive. His scalp was still tingling; how could he possibly provoke Zhao Xing again?

But he still didn't concede to Zhao Xing. While others pleaded with Zhao Xing to go easy on them and try a different flavor next time, Xia Jing remained silent. Zhao Xing glanced at Xia Jing but said nothing. After delivering the regular second-tier provisions, he quickly returned to the cultivation area.

Fire-Blaze Azure GoldQuality: Fourth-tier, mid-gradeState: Seedling stageEffects: Moderately short growth cycle, herbaceous class, elemental affinity: metal and fire. Its root is edible after removing thorns. Replenishes a significant amount of vital energy. Drawbacks: pungent taste, tough texture.Overall evaluation: Fourth-tier provision.

Fire-Blaze Azure Gold has a shape somewhat similar to a cactus. The seedlings resemble spiky balls. Zhao Xing chose this plant due to the local geological conditions, because although he had adjusted the ley lines, the fire and metal energies within them remained slightly more potent. This potency wasn't a drawback because Fire-Blaze Azure Gold was a derivative species cultivated by his own sect. It was specifically bred to thrive in more complex environments. It absorbs fire and metal elemental energies to grow, making it the most suitable choice of fourth-tier plant for this location.

In Zhao Xing's opinion, the upper parts of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold could also be eaten once de-spined and peeled, though they would be rather hard to bite due to their metal elemental energy. The roots, which grew underground, weren't tough; their only drawback was their pungency. A high concentration of fire elemental energy resulted in an extreme level of pungency. Zhao Xing had only eaten it once, but the experience had left a deep impression. In his previous life, he had once consumed this plant during a mission in sandy, rocky terrain. The aftereffects lingered for a month, forcing him to waddle around, and he never touched it again after that.

“Still defiant? Then I'll give them some real tough stuff!” Zhao Xing smirked, then planted the seedling.

The fourth-tier Fire-Blaze Azure Gold was equally resilient. After the Wild Growth technique enabled it to pass its seedling stage, he didn't switch to the Barren Coagulation Art. Why? Because Wild Growth is a root strengthening technique! The roots of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold are the primary site for nutrient absorption, and the edible portions are also concentrated there. Naturally, it was most suitable to apply the root strengthening technique for the entire cultivation process. Applying the Coagulation Art here would actually yield inferior effects compared to Wild Growth.

“The Branching Art and Elemental Analysis Art, when combined, could yield some synergistic effects,” Zhao Xing mused regretfully. “Unfortunately, I haven't learned them yet, otherwise the results could be even further improved.” The Branching Art could concentrate all the effects of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold in its roots, meaning the upper portion wouldn't grow. The Elemental Analysis Art, on the other hand, could amplify any specific part of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold. Compared to the Branching Art, it was more versatile. The Branching Art had limitations: it might boost the top at the expense of the root, and one certainly couldn't just snap off all the roots entirely.

“This is more than enough. Mid-grade fourth-tier Fire-Blaze Azure Gold will be plenty for them.” Zhao Xing summoned a gentle rain, awaiting the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold's maturation.

The third day, at dawn. In the martial artists' training area.

“The last one! I'll eat it!” Xia Jing closed his eyes, held his breath, and swallowed the last Hempfish Fruit. “Hoo!” He abruptly stood up, expelling a breath of stale air. “Roar!” Then he stood on a giant rock and let out a long roar toward the sky, as a spectral azure dragon manifested, circling Xia Jing.

Cracking sounds! The surrounding rocks shattered under the force of that roar.

“What astonishing power.”

“Xia Hou's Azure Dragon Elemental Transformation Art is a renowned unique technique, encompassing movement, attack, defense, and sonic techniques. Xia Jing appears to have truly inherited his father's legacy.”

“Why is the Azure Dragon Martial Office called the Azure Dragon Martial Office? Xia Hou was one of its founders. He made significant contributions when the Ten-Sun Grotto-Heaven was wrested from the barbarians.”

“He's truly fierce…”

The others gazed at Xia Jing, either with envy or admiration. Xia Jing's roar continued for an extended period, as if trying to expel all the fishy odor. It also seemed to declare that in his contest with Zhao Xing, he was the true victor!

“Alright, Xia Jing, that's enough roaring,” Liu Yongli said. “Come down and gather.”

“Yes, sir.” Xia Jing's spirit seemed to have recovered significantly after the roar.

“There will be no rapid consumption training today; we're starting the next phase,” Liu Yongli announced. “As per the usual procedure, we'll first begin our extreme…”

“Commander Liu, wait!” Just then, a shout echoed from the distance.

“Hm?” Liu Yongli turned his head to look, seeing the sudden appearance of an azure gale in the distance, spinning as it rushed towards their location.

“Zhao Xing?” Xia Jing's expression changed instantly. The other nine martial artists also stared at the gale in horror. Because Zhou Ming had followed them. Zhou Ming wouldn't be here if it weren't for a delivery of provisions; his presence was required for counting. The middle-aged military doctor nearby also watched the gale with a hint of surprise.

“The third day, at dawn, another batch?” Didn't he just cultivate a batch of second-tier provisions yesterday? He had thought this was the limit of the land's yield… But Zhao Xing declared that the limit of the land's productivity was not his limit!

“You…” Liu Yongli watched Zhao Xing approaching rapidly, a little stunned, for he recognized what was enveloped in the gale behind Zhao Xing. “Is this… a fourth-tier provision?!”

“Indeed, it is fourth-tier!” Zhao Xing descended from above, landing in front of everyone. “The Hempfish Fruit was merely an appetizer for you fellow martial artists. The rapid consumption training is only just beginning.”

Only just beginning? All ten martial artists, including Xia Jing, were dumbfounded. The Hempfish Fruit was just an appetizer? What was this, then?

Zhou Ming said to the physician, “Mid-grade fourth-tier, Fire-Blaze Azure Gold, total 10,000 catties.”

“Of course, it needs to be peeled and de-spined before consumption. According to regulations, the edible portion is only 3,000 catties.”

The middle-aged physician's face remained impassive.

Liu Yongli's heart jolted. “H-how much?”

“3,000 catties.” Zhou Ming repeated it.

“Three thousand catties of fourth-tier provisions?!” Hearing this, Zhang Jie felt dizzy.

“Fourth-tier provisions, and 3,000 catties?” Chen Fang's mouth dropped open.

“Brother Chen, why don't we just commit suicide instead of bursting from overeating and wasting food…” Hu Bing mumbled.

Wang Meng and the other six were utterly terrified. They couldn't possibly finish it all!

Xia Jing gazed at the rows of spiky plants, utterly speechless. He had originally thought Zhao Xing wouldn't produce anything significant on the third day. At most, he'd provide another batch of second-tier provisions for base points. But he never expected another 10,000 catties to be cultivated! Even though only 3,000 catties were edible, that was 3,000 catties of *fourth-tier* provisions!

But rules were rules. Liu Yongli had no choice but to abandon his plans for other training sessions. “Warm up for fifteen minutes, then proceed with rapid consumption training!”

“Commander,” Zhao Xing spoke up. “It's rather inconvenient for the martial artists to de-spine and peel these themselves. Perhaps I can assist them.”

Liu Yongli couldn't help but glance at Zhao Xing. *You're quite the helpful one*, he thought. *Is this because he's afraid they can't finish it all?!*

“Alright,” Liu Yongli smiled. “I'll thank you on their behalf.”

Zhao Xing used his Wind Manipulation Art to peel and de-spine the plants. Soon, all 10,000 catties of Fire-Blaze Azure Gold were neatly stacked on the ground. To ensure the martial artists didn't have a difficult time eating, he even laid out a layer of peeled husks on the ground, ensuring the portions didn't gather a speck of dust. Zhao Xing also cut them into manageable sections for easier consumption. Before long, the dark red roots of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold, each as thick as a forearm, were neatly arranged.

“Please, everyone, partake.” Zhao Xing smiled and extended a hand in a welcoming gesture, like a master chef presenting his completed creation for guests to enjoy.

“I'll go first.” Wang Meng, with a look of grim determination, rushed forward first. He grabbed a section and put it into his mouth. After taking a bite, Wang Meng's face turned crimson. He chewed a few times, then squeezed his eyes shut.

The others watched in bewilderment. Chen Fang asked the military doctor, “Sir, is he poisoned?”

“No,” the middle-aged military doctor shook his head.

“Then why are his eyes closed?”

“He's afraid his tears will fall.”

It took Wang Meng a full fifteen minutes to struggle to his feet. Each section of the Fire-Blaze Azure Gold weighed ten catties due to its dense texture. Wang Meng reopened his eyes, which were now somewhat bloodshot.

“How is it?” Zhang Jie asked cautiously.

Wang Meng remained silent, shaking his head, then nodding.

“Why aren't you speaking? What do you mean by shaking your head and then nodding?” Chen Fang demanded impatiently.

“He's temporarily mute,” the middle-aged military doctor said. “He can't speak.”

“What?!” another person exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. “Wang Meng is only at the first layer of the Gluttonous Devouring Technique, and just one small section made him mute! With such an effect, how can the Ministry of Agriculture possibly call this a provision? This isn't a provision; it's plainly a useless toxin!”

Zhou Ming raised his eyebrows. “Oh? It doesn't count, you say? Are you questioning the capabilities of my Ministry of Agriculture?”

“Wang Meng is mute, not dead! Even without a military doctor, he would only need half an hour to recover before returning to combat. By consuming one section of this Fire-Blaze Azure Gold daily, he can survive and maintain at least seventy percent of his combat effectiveness!”

“Fire-Blaze Azure Gold is listed by the Ministry of War as the 189th four-tier military provision, strictly prohibited from export and private trading. It is a life-saving item in the desert and has repeatedly helped the Great Zhou army overcome severe challenges!”

“Just because you can't eat it, doesn't mean others can't!”

“After how much painstaking effort did the Ministry of Agriculture's esteemed predecessors develop this derivative species? And now a mere recruit like you dares to pass judgment?!”

Zhou Ming's tone was very serious; as he spoke the last sentence, a faint glow of lightning flickered around him, and the celestial phenomena above his head subtly shifted. Obviously, the new recruit's words angered Zhou Ming.

“Slap!” Liu Yongli backhanded the insolent recruit with a forceful slap, knocking him flying. “Scoundrel! Disrespecting your elders and spouting wild words—you deserve this beating!”

Zhao Xing glanced at the martial artist, shaking his head slightly. Zhou Ming was the evaluator. When asking questions, one should address him as 'Esteemed Sir' and ask only after receiving his permission. Secondly, if you have a doubt, state it simply; how could you possibly involve the entire Ministry of Agriculture in your criticism? Did he think this was child's play?

“Esteemed Master Zhou, please temper your anger. This is due to my poor discipline, an ignorant boy. Please don't hold it against him,” Liu Yongli said, bowing with cupped hands.

“Commander Liu, the rules must be explained clearly; ensure there isn't a next time,” Zhou Ming said, waving his sleeve as the phenomenon dissipated.

“Yes, sir, my apologies,” Liu Yongli said with a placating smile.

In actual military campaigns, they naturally wouldn't need to consume so much. But this was training. For the Gluttonous Devouring Technique to improve, didn't they need to practice? Honestly, they should even thank Zhao Xing for providing this opportunity. Other groups might not have access to so many provisions to earn points.

Training continued. Zhou Ming didn't leave, nor did Zhao Xing.

Wang Meng couldn't manage more after one section, but that didn't mean others couldn't. Zhang Jie, Hu Bing, and Chen Fang were still able to continue after finishing one section.

Crunch. After eating the first section, Zhang Jie felt his abdomen grow hot, but he could still handle it. After eating the second section, Zhang Jie felt this burning sensation spreading outwards, no longer confined to his abdomen but encompassing his entire body. After eating the third section, tears streamed down his face, and he began to sweat profusely. Fire elemental energy surged wildly within him; his second-layer Gluttonous Devouring Technique was no longer able to fully digest the energy. By the fourth section, Zhang Jie's entire body was aflame, and his throat was hoarse. He was overwhelmed by the spiciness, completely unable to suppress the intense burning sensation. He felt as if he would burst into flames.

“Water, water!” Zhang Jie cried out hoarsely.

“Stop yelling! Silence,” the middle-aged military doctor said as he inserted needles into Zhang Jie's body. “This is an invasion of fire poison; ordinary water won't help. Remember, if you ever have no choice but to consume a large quantity of Fire-Blaze Azure Gold for provisions, then immediately puncture these four meridians and five acupoints.”

“The Water Passage and Water Flow points on the Stomach Meridian, the Water Spring point on the Kidney Meridian, the Water Ditch point on the Governing Meridian, and the Water Distribution point on the Conception Meridian.”

“Just like I'm doing now. Understand?”

Tears streaming down his face, Zhang Jie nodded, indicating he understood. He would never forget it for the rest of his life!

Chen Fang and Hu Bing also bit the bullet and began to eat. By the time they each reached their fourth or fifth section, they could no longer withstand it. Tears poured down their faces, and their lips were completely red and swollen. They rushed to the military doctor to receive the needle treatment.

Seeing how much the others were suffering, Xia Jing's scalp began to tingle again. He ate diligently, head down, while circulating the Gluttonous Devouring Technique. After consuming eighteen sections consecutively, he finally withdrew and sat cross-legged to receive treatment.

By this time, a recovered Chen Fang cupped his hands towards Zhao Xing, his voice hoarse. “Agricultural Overseer Zhao is exceptionally gifted. I, Chen Fang, am filled with admiration.”

Hu Bing also bowed with cupped hands. “Brother Zhao, three types cultivated in three days—your agricultural methods are truly divine. I, Hu Bing, am thoroughly impressed.”

Zhang Jie also cupped his hands. “Big Brother Zhao, this land is so barren, yet you can provide so many military provisions. I'm thoroughly convinced!”

Seeing Zhao Xing only returned their salute with cupped hands but remained silent, the three of them turned their gaze to Xia Jing beside them, whispering, “Brother Xia, this can't go on. There are still twenty-seven days left! Why don't you say something?!”

Tears streaming down his face, Xia Jing raised his head and pointed at his throat.

Ah, he's still mute!