Chapter 154: Zhao Xing Was Shocked, It Turns Out It Was Him, The Peerless Straw Man Technique

Following the straw figure, Zhao Xing reached the mountainside, where the terrain flattened. A palace appeared ahead, surrounded by several cultivated plots of land. These plots were filled with various flowers, plants, and trees, ranging from Tier 2 to Tier 4.

This is a notable advantage of Agricultural Officials: large-scale construction is remarkably easy for them. Any moderately capable Agricultural Official might not live luxuriously, but their dwelling is invariably vast.

Following the bluestone path, a plantation surrounded the palace. Some straw figures were digging the ground with hoes, others were cutting trees with saws, and still others walked briskly past, carrying bundles of firewood.

Inside the palace walls, straw figures on the drill ground sparred with various weapons like swords, spears, and halberds. Passing a pond, a straw figure was fishing by the water's edge. Walking through a covered corridor, a straw figure suddenly emerged from underground, holding a glittering golden stone. In a distant pavilion, a straw figure held a scroll, seemingly engrossed in reading.

Even the well-traveled Zhao Xing felt a prickling sensation on his scalp at this sight. This was because every single straw figure, without exception, bore Liu Tianning's exact likeness!

Furthermore, some of these 'Liu Tiannings' had peculiar appearances. Missing hands or feet were commonplace, but some even lacked heads yet continued to move. Although their appearances were identical, some 'Liu Tiannings' possessed a chilling aura, others radiated cheerfulness, while some appeared foolish or even deranged.

“A Fifth-Rank Agricultural Official, having reached the Pure Essence Realm, certainly possesses abundant True Qi, so supporting this many straw figures isn't surprising. But how obsessed is this Liu Tianning with the Straw Figure Technique, to even create them all in his own likeness… ”

Zhao Xing suspected there was something mentally amiss with this prominent figure. He was either a genius, a madman, or a genius-level madman!

Upon arriving in front of a palace, Zhao Xing saw that about a hundred people had already gathered in the square. Zhao Xing's arrival didn't attract the slightest attention. This was because everyone present was engrossed in watching the straw figures.

“This place is called the Myriad Techniques Palace. Here, I use straw figures to demonstrate myriad techniques, ceaselessly, all year round.”

“On the Technique Demonstration Square, there are eighteen types of intermediate-level Straw Figure Techniques, which are not promoted by the court.”

“You may observe and study here, or you may go to various parts of the palace to observe.”

“If you wish to earn points as a reward, you must master one intermediate-level Straw Figure Technique and train it to the Fourth Revolution.”

“Passing the third trial will grant you eight hundred points.”

“One month from now, a ranking competition using Straw Figure Techniques will be held. The first-place winner will receive 50,000 points.”

“Do you have any other questions?” the straw figure asked.

“None,” Zhao Xing replied, shaking his head.

“If you have any questions, you can come here to ask,” Liu Tianning said with a faint smile. “If you just need directions, look for a straw figure with the character 'Liu' affixed to its body.”

“Understood,” Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in salute.

The straw figure then turned and departed, blending into the vast multitude of straw figures. Within moments, it became impossible to distinguish which one had led him.

Zhao Xing didn't immediately begin studying the techniques; instead, he first surveyed his surroundings. The vast majority of the straw figures moved along fixed trajectories; for instance, those tilling the ground continued tilling, and those watering flowers continued watering. These were 'Repeater Straw Figures', programmed to act only according to fixed instructions. However, unlike the ones Zhao Xing knew, the internal circulation of Five Elements within them was exquisitely refined.

There were also some straw figures with a high degree of autonomy; they could not only speak but also see and hear. All of them had the character 'Liu' affixed to their clothing.

“Myriad Techniques Palace, Myriad Techniques Palace… So he's 'Half-Mad Liu' from the Martial Emperor's era.”

“So many 'Self-Straw Figures' – no wonder he went mad. He's already created this many 'Self-Straw Figures' even at this stage…” A trace of shock flashed in Zhao Xing's eyes. He had encountered a familiar historical figure. Present-day Liu Tianning's appearance was similar to his later self, but the sinister and deranged demeanor he would later possess was entirely absent now. That's why Zhao Xing hadn't recognized him initially. He didn't remember Liu Tianning's name, but he recalled his nickname and distinguishing features. Now, hearing 'Myriad Techniques Palace', it all came back to him.

Liu Tianning, whose Straw Figure Technique had astonished the world, was a Second-Rank Transport Commissioner during the Martial Emperor's reign, responsible for supplying provisions to the Ten Imperial Armies. He wasn't merely an Agricultural Official for a single Imperial Army; he was responsible for the provisions of all Ten Imperial Armies. Additionally, Liu Tianning was also the 'Three Armies Inspector', personally bestowed with the Nine-Section Staff, a supreme treasure. If any Agricultural Official below Fourth Rank committed illegal acts, Liu Tianning had the authority to execute them first and report later. At his peak, Liu Tianning was responsible for over one hundred thousand military units, and his authority extended to the Four Barbarian-Suppressing Legions. His mobile headquarters was called the Myriad Techniques Palace, and his Straw Figure Technique was unparalleled. He was the Agricultural Official who controlled the most straw figures; no one could surpass him. Therefore, the Martial Emperor entrusted him with a remarkably vast scope and number of responsibilities.

“During the first campaign against the barbarians, Liu Tianning became deranged. In the later stages of the campaign, over a million Agricultural Officials and more than two hundred Martial Marquises died at his hands.” As for players? Their numbers were uncountable; Zhao Xing himself had been 'slain' by Liu Tianning's straw figures multiple times. Why the killings? Most were for trumped-up charges, with people unjustly accused or implicated. By the end of the first barbarian campaign, Liu Tianning earned the nickname 'Half-Mad', and it was indeed proven that he had mental issues. He was later dismissed from his post and reassigned to the 'Path of Creation Academy', where he was occasionally lucid and occasionally deranged. Unable to even conduct normal teaching, the Martial Emperor had no choice but to send him to a blessed spiritual mountain to guard it and recuperate in solitude. Mi Fu was then appointed to replace Liu Tianning.

“Liu Tianning must have practiced the Inner Refinement Marquis Transformation method and then madly delved into 'Self-Straw Figures'. He's currently a Fifth-Rank Agricultural Official. Even if he cultivates on his own, influenced by the imperial dynasty's system, his realm wouldn't exceed the Fourth-Rank Origin Soul Realm, let alone the Third-Rank 'Origin Spirit' Realm. To create so many straw figures without reaching that level… if he doesn't go mad, who will?”

What are 'Self-Straw Figures'? 'Self-Straw Figures' are also known as 'Clone Straw Figures' or 'Myriad Technique Straw Figures'. Within the Straw Figure Technique, they are considered a high-level method. Their emphasis is on strong controllability and expandability. Based on the Reconnaissance, Repeater, and Mighty Straw Figure Techniques, the spellcaster can use straw figures as clones for speaking, observing, or even fighting.

What is strong controllability? 'Self-Straw Figures' can do too many things, functioning almost like a second body, which other Straw Figure Techniques simply cannot achieve. Strong expandability means it can integrate all Straw Figure Techniques! For instance, with the 'Swift-Stride Straw Figure' and 'Mighty Straw Figure' techniques Zhao Xing currently knows, continued study could lead to a 'Two-Technique Fusion', creating a 'Swift-Mighty Straw Figure', or even a fusion of three or four techniques. However, other Straw Figure Techniques can combine a maximum of three or four types. The Myriad Technique Straw Figure, based on 'Self', has an internal Five Element circulation mechanism that entirely mimics the caster's own, allowing for theoretically limitless fusion.

The Myriad Technique Straw Figure is also the ultimate goal of the Straw Figure Technique school—to encompass myriad techniques, and even to accommodate the three souls! Even if the physical body withers, the three souls can be transferred to the straw figure, thereby achieving immortality and eternal existence! The 'Self' school's ideas have always been quite audacious; the Straw Figure Technique branch, in particular, is full of delusional fanatics!

Setting aside these illusory ideals, 'Self-Straw Figures' also place a great burden on one's mind. Over time, they can even cause irreparable damage to the Life Soul, because controlling tens of thousands of 'Self-Straw Figures' requires cultivating the 'Soul-Splitting Method', which splits the Life Soul to enhance the mind's control over the straw figures. Each additional technique integrated into a Myriad Technique Straw Figure places higher demands on the Life Soul and a greater burden on the mind. How many millions of straw figures did Liu Tianning control back then?

“He didn't catch the later revival period, so he couldn't break through that barrier to transform his mind into divine consciousness and elevate his three souls. Relying solely on the protection of his Life Palace, his madness was inevitable.”

“Liu Tianning must have been invited to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven. This guy should still be relatively sane… right?”

“I'll have to avoid this person like the plague from now on,” Zhao Xing muttered, recoiling. “I only have one life this time around, and at his peak, favored by the Martial Emperor, this man could execute even kings and princes on a whim.”

After observing for a while, Zhao Xing began searching for straw figures to observe and learn from on the Technique Demonstration Square. The Straw Figure Techniques Zhao Xing had learned previously in Gucheng were all beginner-level. Beginner-level Straw Figure Techniques were quite dependent on their 'materials'. For example, a Mighty Straw Figure made from ordinary elemental rice stalks might not even be able to defeat an adult strongman. It could only be used to chase away grain-eating birds or similar tasks. But if Vajra Bamboo was used, the Mighty Straw Figure's power would be significantly stronger, comparable to that of a ranked martial artist. Of course, the Mighty Vajra's actions were simple, lacking any technique; it merely charged straightforwardly. Straw Figure Techniques, after all, relied on sheer numbers, primarily focusing on an 'all-out swarm'.

However, intermediate-level Straw Figure Techniques were different. They emphasized both the technique itself and the materials. While materials could raise the upper limit, the lower limit of the spell's power and effectiveness was also high. Just like what Zhao Xing was observing now.

“The Invisible Straw Figure.”

Zhao Xing reached out and touched a patch of air. Although nothing was visible, his hand felt soft straw. “Even with the most ordinary Tier 1 straw materials, the resulting straw figure can become invisible. This is the power of the technique.”

“The Invisible Straw Figure, in essence, cultivates the 'Invisibility Technique', utilizing the power of the Five Elements for concealment.”

“But hiding a person is much more difficult than hiding an inanimate object.”

The 'Invisibility Technique' cultivated by humans is a high-level method, because humans are living beings. Their life fluctuations, qi and blood fluctuations, True Qi fluctuations, and Five Element power fluctuations are all complex and constantly changing. How can they be hidden? But when relying on a straw figure, it becomes merely an intermediate-level technique, as straw figures only involve 'Five Element power fluctuations'. It is relatively easy to use for deceiving enemies.

“Combining the Invisible Straw Figure with the Reconnaissance Straw Figure—an intermediate technique combined with a low-level technique—is relatively easy and useful for reconnaissance, as it is both covert and doesn't require personal risk.”

“If it could be combined with the Swift-Stride Straw Figure Technique, a fusion of three techniques, it would make the ideal scout.”

The Invisible Straw Figure was constantly moving, pacing back and forth around the square's flowerbeds, the open square, and near the soil. To facilitate observation and understanding for learners, this Invisible Straw Figure continuously adjusted its position. Using 'Perceptive Gaze' and 'Five Element Observation', Zhao Xing could clearly perceive its existence and simultaneously observe its internal changes.

“The Five Element power integrates into the world, changing with the environment.”

Zhao Xing also walked back and forth, following the Invisible Straw Figure. After about a quarter of an hour, the Invisible Straw Figure automatically disintegrated, scattering as a pile of straw materials on the ground. But soon, a golden light flew out from within the palace and landed on the scattered straw.

“Om.”

The scattered straw figure reassembled itself, slowly forming an Invisible Straw Figure step by step. When the final step was completed, the straw figure became completely invisible.

Zhao Xing watched it once and gained a subtle understanding. This was because his 'Clear Sight Technique' had reached intermediate perfection, and 'Five Element Observation' had also advanced to intermediate level. This latter technique retained the name 'Five Element Observation' even at high level. 'Perceptive Gaze' complemented 'Five Element Observation'. Zhao Xing was observing the essence of the Invisible Straw Figure; the weaving steps were secondary and could be mastered with a casual glance.

“After the third trial, there will be a ranking competition, which will likely involve contests. Although the Invisible Straw Figure has no combat ability, this technique must not be missed.”

“Learning it will make it easier to learn 'Invisibility Techniques' in the future.”

The 'Willow Weaving Transmitted Techniques' taught by Xue Wenzhong included the Invisible Straw Figure. Zhao Xing had seen Xue Wenzhong demonstrate it at the time, but he couldn't learn it then; he merely took notes. Now, recalling it, he found a significant difference between the old Agricultural Official and Liu Tianning. The old Agricultural Official was only a Ninth-Rank himself. He learned this technique from the 'weaving' external path, mimicking it precisely, using flawless techniques to stabilize the internal Five Element circulation. However, Liu Tianning's Invisible Straw Figure here demonstrated the technique from its very essence. Even if one or two strands of straw were pulled out, it wouldn't matter. Zhao Xing even subtly felt that it could remain invisible even if a hand were cut off. The old Agricultural Official's method, however, would not work. If even a single strand fell off, the invisibility would be broken. This couldn't be blamed on the old Agricultural Official; the main reason was the vast difference in their comprehension of Dao techniques.

Now Zhao Xing could confirm that Liu Tianning was a genuine native of Taihe Commandery, and a direct descendant of Liu Zonghai.

You observed the straw figure's demonstration and comprehended the intermediate-level spell, 'Invisible Straw Figure'.

Invisible Straw Figure: 1/9999Effect: Body moves with Five Elements, hidden within heaven and earth.

“Rise!”

When the straw figure dispersed again, Zhao Xing didn't wait for the golden light to fly out from the palace; instead, he cast the spell himself.

“Om.”

The scattered straw materials quickly assembled into shape, and a somewhat crude straw figure slowly became invisible. Why crude? Because its head was crooked and its feet were splayed outward. But this didn't prevent it from being an Invisible Straw Figure.

“It's a bit ugly, but it's still usable.”

“Take a couple of steps.”

Zhao Xing gave the Invisible Straw Figure an order. The straw figure wobbled as it began to walk.

“Still some issues,” he mused. Zhao Xing pondered, as the straw figure's Five Element transformation showed a half-second of stagnation when moving from the flowerbed to the square. For that half-second, a blurry shape was revealed. Even without using special techniques, a careful eye could spot it.

“Try again.”

Zhao Xing ordered the straw figure to disperse, then found another set of materials nearby and continued to practice.

Inside the Myriad Techniques Palace.

Liu Tianning glanced towards a corner of the square, a hint of surprise appearing on his face. “Analyzing the essence, and learning it in just one look?”

“Moreover, on his first attempt at casting, even though the straw figure was ugly, it already had its intended effect.”

“This young man shows considerable talent in the Straw Figure Technique.”

How discerning was Liu Tianning’s eye? He could tell at a glance that Zhao Xing was highly talented in the Straw Figure Technique. He didn't need to observe for long; just seeing this initial attempt was enough for him to make a judgment. Because Zhao Xing's learning involved dissecting the essence, and he was capable of doing so. Most others couldn't do this; they all started by 'learning the form'.

“Hmm? What is he doing?” Liu Tianning glanced, then chuckled and shook his head. “This youngster is mischievous!”

He was actually using the Invisible Straw Figure to tug at someone's waistband.