Chapter 156: I, Li Feng, This Time Will Avenge Past Humiliation

First, after learning this technique, you must report it to the provincial military department. Within the Great Zhou territory, both its practice and use require special approval from the military department.

Second, even beyond our borders, during military campaigns, only a Rank 7 Military Agronomist is permitted to bind souls on the battlefield.

Third, it must not be privately taught, nor publicly displayed unless absolutely necessary.

The Willow-scripted Straw Figure paused, then continued, "If you manage to learn this, I can help you bypass the first restriction. From now on, you can simply come to the Palace of Myriad Laws to practice."

After hearing this, Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

"Please go inside and observe the demonstration," the Willow-scripted Straw Figure said, before resuming its wandering.

Zhao Xing then entered the main hall.

Strangely, while it was still bright and sunny outside, upon entering the main hall, the light abruptly dimmed. Ominous clouds gathered over the skylight, and a chilling, eerie atmosphere pervaded the space.

Zhao Xing involuntarily shivered.

"Whoosh."

A breeze blew, and one of the two Soul-Binding Straw Figures immediately dissipated.

As the straw figure disintegrated into its component materials and floated before him, Zhao Xing quickly recognized each one.

"Cold Pine Wood, Resurrection Fern branches, Five Pagoda Tree wood, Soul-Returning Willow, Underworld Leaves, Mulberry and Elm blossoms. Two types of wood form the limbs, two branches pierce the chest and abdomen, and one flower and one leaf lock the primeval soul."

"All these materials are affiliated with the Yin aspect of the Five Elements."

Zhao Xing observed silently.

The Soul-Binding Straw Figure technique imposes considerable restrictions on materials; they must all be Yin-attributed.

Without Yin-attributed materials, it's impossible to cast the spell.

While other straw figure techniques only delve into the Way of the Five Elements, the Soul-Binding Straw Figure technique already incorporates the Way of Yin and Yang.

"Whoosh."

A breeze swept through once more; even the reconstruction of the Soul-Binding Straw Figure required Yin wind.

After reconstitution, Zhao Xing activated the Five Elements Observation to examine the straw figure's interior.

He only saw two types of power present: Yin Wood and Yin Wind.

Furthermore, whenever external Five Elements energy approached, the two Yin energies within formed a vortex, actively absorbing it to amplify the Yin-attributed power.

During this process, Zhao Xing even felt as if his gaze was being drawn in.

However, for living beings, this attraction was negligible, posing little threat to a late-Rank 9 life-soul.

"Isolated Yin cannot generate life, nor can solitary Yang sustain growth. The forces of Yin and Yang throughout heaven and earth are dynamically distributed. When Yin overshadows Yang, all things decay; when Yang dominates Yin, all things begin anew."

"The Soul-Binding Straw Figure essentially creates a pure Yin depression, into which Yin souls are instinctively drawn."

Zhao Xing dimly perceived something, and a vision began to form in his mind.

Before him, the world seemed to flatten into a two-dimensional plane, imbued with both Yin and Yang attributes. It was speckled with countless specks of starlight, flickering in and out of existence, representing the cycle of birth and death for living beings.

The starlight was uniformly distributed, but then a vortex abruptly appeared on the plane.

As the vortex materialized, the plane suddenly caved inwards, becoming three-dimensional.

The imbalance of Yin and Yang created a 'potential difference,' pulling in a massive amount of starlight.

After the vortex absorbed the starlight, it grew stronger, and the surface became increasingly distorted.

"Buzz."

Until finally, everything disappeared.

Zhao Xing looked down at his palm, where a wisp of golden light swirled at his fingertips—a spell he had instinctively cast during his recent moment of enlightenment.

Looking again at what was before him, a third Soul-Binding Straw Figure had appeared.

By observing the straw figure's demonstration, you have comprehended the intermediate-level technique, 'Soul-Binding Straw Figure.'

Soul-Binding Straw Figure: 151/9999

Effect: Draws spirits into the body, binds spirits into servitude.

Seeing this, Zhao Xing silently cupped his hands and then exited the main hall.

Among the eighty-one techniques taught by the Old Agronomist, the Soul-Binding Straw Figure was a simplified version. Xue Wenzhong likely only knew the elementary Soul-Guiding Straw Figure.

This technique also has an advanced version, the Soul-Devouring Straw Figure.

This advanced version allows for binding multiple spirits into a single figure, letting them fight within, and thus cultivating stronger, more formidable fierce souls, much like the process of 'Gu' cultivation.

Essentially, it's no different from the Honored Soul Banner, just a different form.

Of course, within our Great Zhou, the terminology is different. 'Fierce souls'? No, those are called 'Battle Soul Straw Figures'!

This technique proves remarkably effective on the battlefield. Provided sufficient materials, these straw figures multiply with each engagement. Even at merely the first 'turn,' they possess considerable combat prowess. After binding a soul, the straw figure can randomly acquire one secret technique attack that the Yin soul possessed in its lifetime.

Zhao Xing had intended to leave, as he couldn't practice effectively right now, having no souls to bind.

Could he practice by binding the souls of strange beasts?

No, this technique is called the Soul-Binding Straw Figure precisely because it requires human souls. Binding other types of souls would be ineffective and a complete waste of materials.

As soon as he stepped out of the main hall, a Willow-scripted Straw Figure approached him.

"If you wish to continue practicing? There’s a death row prison within the Palace of Myriad Laws where you can go and eliminate a few for practice."

Zhao Xing’s mouth twitched. It wasn't that he had any moral qualms about killing death row inmates, but Liu Tianning's tone was as casual as if suggesting he go kill a pig.

Given his knowledge of Liu Tianning from his previous life, he felt a genuine shiver of apprehension at this moment.

He could always practice on the battlefield later if he wished; he had already decided to steer clear of 'Half-Mad Liu,' so he naturally didn't want to get too deeply involved now.

"Thank you for your kind offer, sir, but I prefer to focus my efforts on mastering a single technique to secure points in this selection training."

The Willow-scripted Straw Figure nodded: "If you ever need to, you can come to the Palace of Myriad Laws anytime."

"Yes, sir."

Zhao Xing turned and left, his steps quickening slightly.

After wandering around the Palace of Myriad Laws, Zhao Xing also learned three more classic straw figure techniques.

They were Divine Valor, Sacred Shield, and Illusionary Form.

Divine Valor was similar to the Herculean Straw Figure but possessed greater power. Its movements were no longer sluggish; it knew how to dodge and maneuver, exhibiting a certain combat instinct.

The Herculean Straw Figure, however, would charge relentlessly until destruction, never retreating a single step.

The Sacred Shield Straw Figure was larger in stature, specialized in defense.

Illusionary Form, on the other hand, was the foundation of the Ego Straw Figure, excelling at creating lifelike deceptions.

"The Soul-Binding and Guardian figures are difficult to practice, but these three don't require external training aids, making them the best choice for the assessment."

Other straw figure techniques were relatively obscure and far more profound; some high-level figures were even completely incomprehensible.

There would be plenty of opportunities to learn them later; currently, his main focus was on earning points.

Returning to the Skill Demonstration Plaza, he found many more people.

"Shi Yong is here too."

In a corner of the plaza, Shi Yong was also observing a straw figure.

"Zhao Xing."

Zhuang Ziqing saw Zhao Xing and walked over with Han Bing.

"You're here too? When did you arrive?"

"We've been here a while," Zhuang Ziqing said. "But we just passed the third trial."

"It seems everyone needs points," Zhao Xing said with a slight smile.

"Which straw figure did you use to pass the trial?" Han Bing asked.

"I haven't passed yet."

"You need to hurry," Han Bing cautioned. "Lord Liu has already given the first warning that one hundred people are about to clear the third trial. If you delay, you won't make it into the top one hundred."

"Alright, I'll go now." Zhao Xing had also heard the announcement, and that was precisely why he had rushed here.

"Then you get busy," Zhuang Ziqing said. "We'll talk later."

"Okay."

Zhao Xing immediately sent an Exploding Straw Figure into the main hall for testing.

The Exploding Straw Figure stood within a barrier circle.

After the explosion, the light outside the barrier flickered four times, signifying it had reached the fourth 'turn.'

Zhao Xing met the standard in the third trial and received 800 points.

By now, all basic standard rewards were obtained, totaling 1250 points.

Zhao Xing then found a quiet place and began to refine his straw figures' progress.

The Guardian Straw Figure and Soul-Binding Straw Figure were difficult to master, but the Invisible Straw Figure and Self-Destructing Straw Figure could be practiced vigorously.

As soon as midnight on July 23rd passed.

Suddenly, a voice echoed throughout the Palace of Myriad Laws, as well as the first and second trials.

"One hundred individuals have now successfully cleared the third trial. These hundred will constitute the top one hundred for the upcoming points rewards."

"The remaining participants may continue to study and challenge the trials, still eligible to earn the full 1250 basic completion points."

"Simply clearing the third trial in this selection training will earn you an 'Excellent' grade."

Zhao Xing opened his eyes, hearing this voice.

"I didn't expect one hundred people to pass the third trial so quickly."

"It seems many agronomists have either studied straw figure techniques or have a talent for them."

The lesson had begun at noon, and now it was just past midnight. In merely a few hours, one hundred people had already cleared the third trial.

These one hundred people would continue to compete for the top one hundred ranking rewards. The rest would only receive the basic standard points.

Even so, the straw figure training course was still far superior to other training programs. Even if one didn't make the top hundred, with diligent effort, securing 1250 points was almost guaranteed, as this selection course could be pursued for up to a year—just like Lu Bang's selection course, which also allowed a year for completion.

After repeating it several times.

Liu Tianning announced the one hundred individuals, their subsequent training curriculum, and the ranking rules.

"Agronomists who have cleared the third trial will undergo training for a period of seven days."

"After seven days, there will be a straw figure technique trial."

"After three trials, the ranking for this selection training course will be determined. The first-place winner will receive fifty thousand points."

Zhao Xing listened quietly to the three trials, which meant there were still three more tests.

"The fourth trial is a single technique trial."

"You may delve into any one straw figure technique. The higher your mastery, the higher your ranking in the fourth trial."

"The fifth trial is a multi-technique trial."

"Within seven days, you must achieve the fusion of straw figure techniques, with the minimum requirement being the combination of two techniques. If no one qualifies for the sixth trial, the top ten points rewards will not be distributed; rewards will commence from the second tier."

"The sixth trial is a practical combat drill."

"Only ten individuals will advance to the sixth trial. In this trial, they will engage in one-on-one practical combat using straw figure techniques to determine the final ranking."

The agronomists who passed the third trial immediately became excited, as fifty thousand points were almost within reach.

However, the difficulty was considerable; even a slight misstep would lead to elimination.

The fourth trial only tested a single straw figure technique, but the fifth trial required the fusion of two techniques!

Failure to achieve even the fusion of two techniques would preclude entry into the sixth trial.

Liu Tianning had said earlier that there were strict standards for obtaining substantial points rewards.

If everyone was eliminated in the fifth trial, then the top ten rewards would also not be claimed.

"The substantial points reward has drawn in almost all the top-tier talents."

Zhao Xing looked at the figures on the Skill Demonstration Plaza.

"Shi Yong, Zhuang Ziqing, Feng Qiu, Han Bing, Guan Junyang..."

Even if they hadn't studied straw figure techniques before, the agronomists present were all brilliant talents. Their strong aptitude meant they progressed rapidly, even starting from scratch.

Furthermore, these hundred geniuses had all served as military agronomists in their respective regions, making them well-rounded and at least somewhat familiar with straw figure techniques.

"Given the current circumstances, everyone is in need of points, which explains why so many enrolled in this course."

"However, being strong in other areas doesn't necessarily mean being strong in straw figure techniques."

For instance, among the Agronomist Bureau's reservists, five individuals had advanced their Seasonal Orders to the fourth layer of the Knowledge Realm.

Yet, these five might not necessarily excel in straw figure techniques, as the Seasonal Order belongs to the classics of the Heavenly Time school, whereas straw figure techniques are spells of the Ego school.

"I also need to train hard and strive to earn more points," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Currently, his progress with the four straw figure types was: Guardian Straw Figure at entry-level First Turn, Soul-Binding Straw Figure still uninitiated.

The Exploding Straw Figure and Invisible Straw Figure had both reached the fourth turn.

Given that the fourth trial only tested a single straw figure technique, Zhao Xing resolved to focus on mastering one specific straw figure technique over the next seven days.

"During these seven days, I must both study at the Palace of Myriad Laws and seek insight into the Yin-Yang Ego Scripture at the revered grounds of the Taicang Institute."

"The essence of straw figure techniques is to utilize the principles of the inner Five Elements."

"Gaining insight into the Yin-Yang Ego Scripture will naturally be a significant help in improving my straw figure techniques... Hmm? Who's looking at me?"

Zhao Xing suddenly felt a sensation; his life-soul perception was very keen.

Feeling someone peeking at him, he looked in a certain direction and discovered a familiar face—Li Feng.

"Zhao Xing," Li Feng said, seeing Zhao Xing look up. He walked over with a slight smile. "How is your comprehension progressing?"

Li Feng had previously demonstrated four types of straw figures on the Skill Demonstration Plaza: Profound Soldier Straw Figure, Sacred Shield Straw Figure, Exploding Straw Figure, and Invisible Straw Figure.

The Profound Soldier Straw Figure, wielding a long spear, could perform complex attacks; its ability to use weapons was its distinguishing feature.

The Colossal Shield Straw Figure was much larger than a normal straw figure, effectively serving as a humanoid giant shield.

His straw figure technique mastery was not low, attracting much praise.

Li Feng thought Zhao Xing had also seen it and immediately ran over to show off.

"My comprehension is just average," Zhao Xing said indifferently.

"Hahahaha, I can summon sixteen types of straw figures, and my straw figure technique can fuse up to three techniques!"

*Who asked you?!* Zhao Xing found it slightly amusing internally. *'Li Feng is truly a straightforward person,' he thought, 'his emotions are always openly displayed, never concealed.'*

*'But showing off in front of me is a bit much.'*

So Zhao Xing said, "You lost your promotion battle."

Li Feng retorted, "Just give me the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn to prepare! With Divine Valor figures, Colossal Shields, and Exploding figures, I could summon at least fifteen. Even an eighth-rank martial artist would meet a bitter end then and there!"

Zhao Xing: "You lost your promotion battle."

Li Feng: "As soon as I entered, I passed the third trial directly. I wonder how many types of straw figures you can summon, and what their power is like?"

Zhao Xing: "You lost your promotion battle."

Li Feng's mouth twitched. "Can you stop bringing up the promotion battle?" he snapped. "Is that what we're discussing?"

"Oh, what does Brother Li want to talk about? Branch training? Or reporting training?"

The mention of it clearly annoyed Li Feng. Seeing that he couldn't gain the upper hand verbally, he let out a cold huff, flicked his sleeve, and walked away.

*Let him be defiant for a few more days,* Li Feng thought. *When the final practical combat trial arrives, he'll truly understand my prowess!*

"I, Li Feng, will definitely wash away my previous disgrace this time!"