Chapter 149: Change of Reform, Pig Swine Law? Fengqiu Battles Zhao Xing

"It's Feng Qiu," Yang Yang said. "This is also Feng Qiu's second promotion battle. If he wins, he'll advance; if he loses, he'll have to start winning matches again."

"Him?" Yu Chunwu said. "Feng Qiu was ranked fifth last time. Zhao Xing widened the point gap so much, there's not much to see, right?"

"Feng Qiu only had a Tier-A (middle) status at the Heavenly Timing Institute initially; he was only promoted last time."

"You're underestimating Feng Qiu too much," Peng Ran shook his head. "Supply training isn't actual combat; it's different."

"When Feng Qiu first reported, he was already ranked third, only behind Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing. In the Tiger Dragon Army's internal selection, he also only lost to Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing."

"I heard from friends in the Tiger Dragon Army that Feng Qiu's Tier-A (middle) rank in the branch academy assessment was because his performance at the Thunder Law Pass was unremarkable."

"But his mastery of Wind Law is astonishing!"

"He is obsessed with the Way of Wind Movement. Before coming to the Ten Suns Cavern Heaven, he already had a Wind Law spell that had reached the tenth level of mastery!"

"What, tenth level?" Yu Chunwu, He Yu, and Yang Yang all gasped.

A tenth-level spell means it has broken through its limits; Feng Qiu's mastery of this mid-tier spell surpasses even its original creator.

Of course, the creators of mid-tier spells vary in strength. Some mid-tier spells were created by first-rank masters, and the spells they created are exceptionally powerful. For instance, the Cloud Swallowing Law was created by ancient sages, and to this day, no one has been able to improve it further; achieving ninth-level perfection is its limit. Other mid-tier spells were created by ninth-rank masters and are less powerful. Naturally, spells promoted by the imperial court are generally not weak, and it's quite difficult to improve upon them further.

"After the branch academy, Feng Qiu continued to be engrossed in the Way of Wind Movement. He only practiced other spell types up to the seventh level, then stopped to focus on Wind Law."

"Specializing in one spell has made his Wind Law incredibly formidable. Teachers at the Heavenly Timing Institute say that among this batch of reserve agriculturists, when it comes to Wind Movement spells alone, Feng Qiu is undoubtedly the best!" Peng Ran said. "In this round, Feng Qiu likely has a greater chance of winning."

"Not necessarily. I think Feng Qiu relies too heavily on one spell. The Eighth-Rank Spirit Bridge Realm is meant for broadening one's spell repertoire, not for deep specialization. Using multiple spells in combination yields greater power. What if he focuses on one Wind Movement spell, even if it reaches the tenth level?" He Yu declared his support for Zhao Xing.

"I said Feng Qiu's Wind Movement spell is powerful, but I didn't say he's limited to it. I heard from friends that most of his spells are above the seventh level. For other spells to reach the seventh level is by no means weak," Peng Ran argued. "If he's not weak overall, having one outstanding spell can be the key to victory."

"Stop arguing," Yu Chunwu quickly interrupted, seeing signs of a dispute between them. "We'll see the truth soon enough. Let's watch the battle."

Inside the dojo, at the preparation platform.

"My accumulated insights have reached a critical point. I don't know how to break through this barrier," Zhao Xing opened his eyes and exhaled slowly.

Regarding the Solar Term Edict's progress, both 'Beginning of Spring' and 'Beginning of Summer' are now at the third level of the Knowing Realm. He was only 1 point away from reaching the maximum and breaking through. However, that single point involved two different levels. For the first three levels, casting the Solar Term Edict merely enhanced spell power and granted a home-field advantage. But at the third level, the Solar Term Edict itself possessed significant power! This was because it involved seasonal phenomena changes, granting mastery of the 'Hou Bian Method.'

"When the Solar Term Edict reaches the fourth level of the Knowing Realm, one gains initial mastery over the mysteries of these three types of seasonal phenomena changes—those affecting people, objects, and beasts—and can perform the Hou Bian Method."

"While it can't achieve the complete metamorphosis seen in nature, even partial mastery is incredibly impressive."

Just how powerful is the Hou Bian Method? Legend has it that during the era of the Great Ancestor, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Wu Cheng, encountered a nation called 'Guhan' while campaigning with the army to conquer a thousand states. When Wu Cheng arrived, the Guhan monarch surrendered by opening his city gates. However, after Wu Cheng departed, the monarch broke his word and ordered his one hundred thousand imperial guards to attack the Great Ancestor Zhou's territory. The Great Ancestor, being kind-hearted, ordered Wu Cheng to suppress the rebellion but also to give the Guhan monarch a second chance. So, the Guhan monarch surrendered once more.

Three years later, he rebelled again. This renewed rebellion directly enraged Wu Cheng, even before the Great Ancestor could issue orders. He went alone to the capital of Guhan and performed the Hou Bian Method. Within a single day, the Guhan monarch, the wealthy magnates and aristocrats, along with the one hundred thousand imperial guards, were all transformed into swine!

Originally, Wu Cheng didn't intend to kill them, so as not to tarnish the Great Ancestor's reputation. He only planned to teach them a lesson and transform them back after seven days. However, what he didn't expect was that the people of that nation had long been dissatisfied with their monarch's tyranny and the rampant corruption of the magnates. Upon hearing the news, they immediately stormed the imperial palace, slaughtered the Guhan monarch and the aristocrats who had been turned into swine, and eventually shared them among themselves. The power of the Hou Bian Method was truly terrifying.

Recalling this story, Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh with emotion. After Wu Cheng performed the Hou Bian Method, it was briefly given a nickname: the Swine Transformation Method. "Call it that again? Believe it or not, I'll turn you into a pig and eat you!"

"The Hou Bian Method has internal and external applications; it can be used on enemies or oneself."

"The seventy-two pentads of the monthly calendar correspond to the twenty-four solar terms, with each solar term having three pentads. The internal application of the Hou Bian Method is also known as the Seventy-Two Transformations."

"However, the Seventy-Two Transformations Method also carries risks; if one loses control, they might never be able to transform back."

"The 'Fortune Daoist Academy' among the Seventy-Two Daoist Academies once created terrifying things when using death row inmates as subjects for this spell, leading to its study being temporarily banned for those below the Fourth Rank during Emperor Wen's reign."

"Currently, it's fine; by Emperor Wu's reign, it became free from restrictions again."

As for the Hou Bian Method applied to beasts and objects, there weren't as many specific rules. Furthermore, before reaching the third layer of the Solar Term Edict, the Hou Bian Method also had a time limit, meaning one couldn't cause trouble even if they wanted to.

In summary, the Hou Bian Method is a powerful category of spells that one gains access to after mastering the Solar Term Edict. Setting aside its morally questionable applications, it's excellent for cultivating exotic beasts.

"If I reach the fourth level, even just grasping the basics will provide infinite uses," Zhao Xing took out his Earth Mirror, preparing for his promotion battle.

A moment later, a notification appeared on the Earth Mirror.

"Divine Might Army's Zhao Xing, you have been randomly matched with opponent 'Feng Qiu' (Tiger Dragon Army).""The random environment is 'Wind Thunder Canyon.'""The battle will begin in sixty breaths. Please prepare."

"Feng Qiu? He's also reached a promotion battle." Zhao Xing's mind conjured that cold, impassive face. He had heard quite a bit about this Tier-A (high-level) genius. While other geniuses also had a degree of arrogance, it was within a normal range. Feng Qiu, however, was unequivocally aloof. He rarely socialized with others, only speaking a few words to top-ranked Tiger Dragon Army geniuses like Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing in public.

"I heard his Wind Law is very powerful. He already had a tenth-level spell before entering the Cavern Heaven, while my Minor Nine Heavens Gale Wind Spell is only at the eighth level now."

"He's devoted to one type of spell, which is why it's exceptionally strong. His Wind Law is rumored to be the best among the reserve corps."

He's a formidable opponent, but that's precisely why this will be good training!

"I hope Feng Qiu can give me enough pressure."

Zhao Xing put away his Earth Mirror, waiting for the battle to begin.

On another preparation platform, a cold-faced young man in a blue straw cape also opened his eyes.

"Divine Might Army's Zhao Xing?"

"I've been matched with him."

A flicker of battle intent ignited in Feng Qiu's eyes.

"When he reported, he was only ranked twenty-ninth. I didn't pay him any mind back then. I didn't expect him to grow so quickly."

"But training is training, and actual combat is a different matter entirely."

"Before challenging Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing, you'll be perfect for a warm-up!"

Feng Qiu put away his Earth Mirror and stood up.

"Feng Qiu and Zhao Xing are fighting." Zhuang Ziqing wasn't in the dojo at the moment; after all, he had already completed this elective training. However, he was still paying attention to the other geniuses, especially Feng Qiu from his own army and the talents from the Earthly Advantage Institute. Zhuang Ziqing yawned. He hadn't slept for three days and nights. Ever since Zhao Xing motivated him, he had entered an intense training mode, either training or on his way to train every day. By today, he was struggling to stay awake and planned to sleep for three hours before resuming training. But as soon as he saw Feng Qiu and Zhao Xing's battle, he decided not to sleep yet.

"I'll sleep after watching this." Zhuang Ziqing had fought Feng Qiu before, but he still had no concept of Zhao Xing's actual combat abilities.

Feng Qiu and Zhao Xing's promotion battle immediately drew widespread attention from the Directorate of Agriculture's reserve members. After all, among the more than ten thousand reserve members, both Zhao Xing and Feng Qiu were top-ranked. Zhao Xing, in particular, had ranked in the top three multiple times but had not yet truly demonstrated formidable combat prowess. His previous training-related disabilities didn't count, and how could fighting with martial arts truly qualify as a display of his spell-based combat?

So, when Zhao Xing and Feng Qiu were matched, the news immediately spread like wildfire through the Directorate of Agriculture.

"Feng Qiu and Zhao Xing are both in promotion battles, quick, watch!"

"The Heavenly Timing Institute's second-ranked genius versus the Earthly Advantage Institute's second-ranked genius!"

"Damn, who said second? Shouldn't my Brother Zhao be ranked first in the Earthly Advantage Institute? He beat Zhuang Ziqing last time!"

"Feng Qiu has maintained a winning streak, never losing a match, and Zhao Xing is the same!"

"When these two clash, who will win?"

The Directorate of Agriculture was abuzz with discussion. Even in the Martial Directorate, Xia Jing and Fu Ying took out their Earth Mirrors to watch. Fu Ying even shouted in the Martial Directorate:

"The betting is open! My Tiger Dragon Army's Feng Qiu against the Divine Might Army's Zhao Xing. Anyone want to bet? I'm backing Feng Qiu, starting at 10 points."

"Brother Fu, if you're backing Feng Qiu, who's going to bet against you? If you've got guts, back Zhao Xing!"

"Don't look down on him," Fu Ying said. "Zhao Xing was ranked second last time. I'm backing Feng Qiu purely because he's from the Tiger Dragon Army; it wouldn't look good for me to back Zhao Xing."

"I'll take that bet." Just then, Xia Jing walked over with a group of people. "Fu Ying, what's the maximum you'll accept?"

"Oh?" Fu Ying chuckled. "How much do you want to bet?"

"Anything less isn't interesting. At least 10,000 points, but you can accept more if you can," Xia Jing said, pointing to the people beside him. "I can gather more from my side."

"Oh?" Fu Ying raised an eyebrow and immediately shouted, "Where are the Tiger Dragon Army members? Who wants to bet with me on Feng Qiu?"

"I'll bet five hundred points!"

"I'll bet three hundred points!"

"I'm in too, a thousand points!"

The four Martial Directorates had quite a number of people, all geniuses with many points. Soon, Fu Ying gathered over seventy thousand points!

"Xia Jing, I have seventy thousand here. Are you taking the bet?"

Xia Jing glanced at Zhang Jie, Hu Bing, Chen Fang, and others behind him. Fu Ying initially thought Xia Jing's group would waver, as it was 70,000 points, a considerable sum. But to his surprise, Chen Fa, Hu Bing, and Zhang Jie's attitudes were extremely firm. Where did they get such confidence? Fu Ying was puzzled.

"Accepted!"

"Good." Xia Jing had spoken, and Fu Ying couldn't back out. In just a few words, a large bet was finalized.

At this moment, the Earth Mirror also displayed the specific visuals. The battle began.

Wind Thunder Canyon is a relatively unique map. Inside, gale-force winds blew, and heavenly thunder echoed overhead. It was three kilometers long but only fifty meters wide. Both sides were smooth cliffs, and the ground was covered with puddles and rocks. Zhao Xing and Feng Qiu appeared at opposite ends of the canyon. They were separated by two thousand meters, with only five hundred meters behind each of them. There wasn't much room to retreat; stepping out of bounds would also count as a loss.

"Whoosh!"

As soon as the preparation platform's barrier opened, Feng Qiu rode the gale winds and charged towards Zhao Xing.

"Hmm? So fast."

Feng Qiu didn't use Cloud Stepping. Firstly, he knew Zhao Xing's Cloud Law was formidable, and secondly, he felt no need to employ a cloud. Charge, cast a spell, knock down, victory. Why bother with a cloud?

"I've always been the one charging at people this way. Now Feng Qiu is using the same tactic against me," Zhao Xing snorted. "You use that tactic against weaklings, and you're trying it on me too? He clearly doesn't regard me, the second-ranked, seriously."

"Cloud Swallowing!""Mist Concealment!""Shadow Wind!"

Zhao Xing, resting and waiting, swiftly cast three spells. The Wind Thunder Canyon's environment could be exploited. Zhao Xing's Cloud Stepping quickly absorbed the thunderclouds overhead. Feng Qiu also utilized the gale winds; as he charged, nearly all the gale winds within the canyon moved towards him. At this moment, a rare sight appeared in Wind Thunder Canyon. The canyon, originally a mix of blue-green and purple, now had distinct, separate zones! The blue-green energy gathered towards Feng Qiu, while the purple energy converged into the cloud layer above Zhao Xing's head.

As soon as both entered the battlefield, they swiftly seized the advantage of the environment. In terms of initial combat awareness and ability, both sides were evenly matched. However, in their second move, Zhao Xing still held the advantage. Because Zhao Xing hadn't charged, and Feng Qiu needed time to close the distance, Zhao Xing was able to cast two more spells.

"Heavenly Frost!"

*Whizz!* A layer of white mist descended like a blanket from the sky, carrying a chilling aura and enveloping the blue-green energy. This maneuver demonstrated Zhao Xing's skilled application of the Heavenly Frost spell. The blue-green wind was instantly coated in a layer of white, and its speed decreased slightly.

"Heavenly Fire!"

Zhao Xing pointed again, and the fire element power above the canyon was instantly drained, coalescing into balls of flame that sped towards Feng Qiu.

"Four spells in two breaths! What astonishing control!" Outside the Cloud Gate, Peng Ran, who was watching the battle, immediately narrowed his eyes. "I know Heavenly Fire, but what kind of Heavenly Timing spell is that white net? I've never seen it before!"

"And his cloud, isn't it a bit strange? How does it extend into the canyon?"

"You're wrong, it's five spells in two breaths. What's inside the canyon isn't a Cloud Law spell," Yang Yang, standing nearby, said excitedly. "I asked Zhao Xing; that's the Mist Concealment spell... Hehe, yes, exactly, with five spells unleashed at once, Feng Qiu might be in for a big setback this time!"

* * *

This is the second update, and there will be a third one, likely quite late. Please don't wait up; you can read it tomorrow morning.