Chapter 299: Zhao Family's Two Annotations and the Theory of Material Law, Sensation

Zhao Xing wrote "Treatise on the Self and All Things: The Timeliness Volume" and "Treatise on the Self and All Things: The Geographical Advantage Volume" in the thirty-fifth year of Jingxin.

At that time, he needed to quickly resolve the conflict between Pang Yuanzhen and Sima Yunhai, so he did not elaborate on these two new treatises.

Just a few days after discussing Dao with Pang Yuanzhen, Wei Zhao, and Yang Song, the assassination attempt led by Elder Gu, Yushanzi, and Daoist Tianjue occurred.

Afterward, his main body went into seclusion, while other clones were busy rescuing people everywhere. The clone remaining in Bright Moon Mansion was also occupied with handling political affairs for Ye Yukong.

Therefore, the two new theories at that time primarily expounded philosophical principles. Specific applications of spells were only briefly mentioned as examples to support the arguments in the books.

Pang Yuanzhen, Wei Zhao, and Yang Song felt unsatisfied when they listened, precisely because it lacked detailed volumes on practical applications.

Of course, with the ideological guidance from the theoretical treatises, two years later, the scholars of canonical studies at Shangluo Academy had already developed many practical treatises based on Zhao Xing's theoretical frameworks.

Even though the war caused a two-year delay, it did not prevent the two new theories from becoming popular research topics at Shangluo Academy.

Why did Liu Tianning insist on Zhao Xing accompanying him after the commendation ceremony?

Besides showcasing him as a model for the "Green Shoot Law" to win a grand debate, the main reason was the strong demand from the scholars of canonical studies in various departments.

Left with no choice, Xu Xing specifically requested Liu Tianning to bring Zhao Xing over.

It should be noted that Zhao Xing's "Treatise on the Great Cycle of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi" was published before "Treatise on the Self and All Things: New Volumes."

At that time, Shangluo Academy was already restless!

They were afraid that their school's Saint Son would defect to the Timeliness School.

It was only after Xu Xing and Liu Tianning communicated and learned Zhao Xing's true intentions that they held their ground and endured.

Otherwise, the scholars of Shangluo Academy might have personally gone to Pinghai Prefecture to welcome Zhao Xing with a grand procession!

How could that be allowed? At that time, Zhao Xing was merely a fifth-rank Agronomist. Doing so would surely elevate him to a dangerous height, potentially ruining him.

Now, things were different. Zhao Xing was conferred Marquis Shenwei, with numerous accomplishments. His ability to govern and fight had been officially recognized by the imperial court!

His theoretical treatises had also been circulating and fermenting for two years, spreading far and wide.

This way, it would not be over-praise. Whether it was his enlightenment under the Ten Thousand Dao Tree, his breakthrough in the Divine Splendor Pool, or the precious resources to be prepared for Zhao Xing afterward, no one would dare object, and any doubts would dissipate.

Nurturing talent is like cultivating trees. Zhao Xing's smooth growth and journey were actually due to Liu Tianning and Xu Xing quietly protecting him from behind.

Now, Xu Xing letting Zhao Xing speak slowly and thoroughly means he no longer fears him being "a tall tree that catches the wind."

Zhao Xing was already at the third rank, having grown into a sturdy tree. He was no longer afraid of wind and rain; even if storms came, there were two older, larger trees shielding him!

"The Cangsang Debate Forest has been ready for some time. You can go anytime. When do you want to start?" Xu Xing asked.

"There's no time like the present. Let's start today," Zhao Xing replied.

A typical third-rank practitioner, having just broken through, would likely spend a considerable amount of time consolidating their realm.

However, Zhao Xing had no such need. His foundation was already solid, and after refinement in the Divine Splendor Pool, it was the strongest third-rank foundation in the world.

He didn't need to spend more time consolidating his realm.

"Good, then let's go now."

The news that Scholar Zhao, who had been meditating for a long time, was finally emerging to lecture, quickly swept through Shangluo Academy.

"Zhao Xing is out of seclusion! The location is Songshan Debate Forest?"

"I heard he's already broken through to the third rank. Old Fang, let's go together and see this new generation's genius."

"That's exactly what I was thinking!"

"Scholar Zhao is out! Songshan Debate Forest, hurry!"

"Wow, it's finally happening! Thankfully, I don't have any official duties assigned out of town!"

"I've been studying the new volumes for two years and made some progress, but I'm still just shy of a breakthrough. Whether I can be promoted to Master of Propagation this year depends on Scholar Zhao!"

"Marquis Shenwei is out of seclusion? I wonder if he'll talk about practical treatises today."

"The theoretical treatises are profound, but the practical treatises are useful. For military agronomists like us, Marquis Shenwei's practical treatises are the most important."

"Let's go, let's go, let's see."

"Damn it! How could the debate be today? I just got assigned to Yao County on official business!"

"Brother Liu, why complain? Send an effigy!"

"How can an effigy listening to a great master lecture be the same as listening in person? Do you think I'm some peerless genius whose effigy clone can also comprehend Dao?"

"I say, are you out of your mind? Send your effigy to handle official business, and your main body come back first. The matter in Yao County isn't a big deal; an effigy is enough to handle it."

"Oh, you're right, that makes sense! I was being foolish! When does it start?"

"At the fourth quarter of the Wei hour! You only have half an hour to travel!"

"I'll take the teleportation pathway immediately! Brother Wang, save me a good spot! I'll treat you to a big meal next month!"

"No problem."

At this time, any available agronomist at Shangluo Academy began rushing to Songshan Debate Forest.

Even those whose main bodies were busy sent effigies to attend the lecture.

Within a quarter of an hour after the news spread, over ten thousand people appeared in Songshan Debate Forest!

"Why are there so many people?" Li Hao, the venue manager of Songshan Debate Forest, wearing a linen robe, was operating the activation of a magic array. He was stunned by the number of attendees.

"They're reserving seats; many people sent effigies to secure a good spot," his assistant said with a wry smile. "It's quite a sight to behold. Even the lower third-rank practitioners are coming in such numbers."

The lower third-rank agronomists at Shangluo Academy were highly enthusiastic, mainly because the core idea of the new volumes aligned perfectly with their aspirations!

To change timeliness with plants, to nurture geographical advantage with plants – how exhilarating!

As for the mid-rank agronomists, they eagerly awaited Zhao Xing's "Practical Treatise Volume" because after a fifth-rank practitioner cultivates Pure Essence Soil, they can begin to cultivate soldier species.

If a complete practical treatise were to be released, aligning with the core philosophy, what would that mean?

It would mean that Self-Nature School agronomists could occupy many official positions previously held by the Timeliness School and Geographical Advantage School!

If the Timeliness School can change timeliness, I can change it too. If the Geographical Advantage School can do it, I can do it too!

Wouldn't that make it easier to become an official?

How could they not come, wanting to learn first and be first to grasp it?

The reason for the high-rank agronomists attending was simple.

Mainly curiosity.

If Zhao Xing truly had a profound theory to present, it would greatly elevate Shangluo Academy's status.

Furthermore, Xu Xing and Liu Tianning both went, and for that alone, they had to show respect and listen.

Thus, Zhao Xing's lecture this time managed to attract agronomists from all three tiers—upper, middle, and lower—of the Self-Nature School at Shangluo Academy.

"It's over fifty thousand!"

"One hundred thousand!"

"No good, Section Chief! At this rate, we won't stop at two hundred thousand."

The flustered assistant rushed in, "In less than half an hour, the number of people in Songshan Debate Forest has exceeded one hundred thousand."

"Some people are already fighting over seats."

"Call the Law Enforcement Department to send more people!" Li Hao said. "If there aren't enough people, invite ritual cultivators and priests from the Hall of Rites and the Divine Temple. I'll go report to the Dean."

"Yes!" The assistant hurried out again. Inside the office, many effigy clones were scurrying about.

There was no other way; the main bodies alone couldn't handle the busyness.

When had the Dao Field Bureau ever been this busy? Effigy clones used to sit idle, gathering dust, but today they were all dispatched.

"So many people," King Luo, King Tianyan, and Duke of Wei observed from a small boat hovering above Songshan Debate Forest.

As first-rank powerhouses, they naturally occupied the best vantage point.

However, even they were astonished by the magnificent scene.

"If Zhao Xing's practical treatise meets expectations, it will have three major benefits, so naturally, there are many people," King Tianyan smiled.

"Which three benefits?" Duke of Wei asked. Although he had read the theoretical treatises, he had only partially grasped their implications.

King Tianyan explained: "First, it benefits military agronomists. If the practical treatise aligns with the expectations set by the theoretical treatises, the combat effectiveness of Self-Nature School military agronomists will naturally increase."

"Because warfare is nothing more than timeliness, geographical advantage, and human harmony. Afterward, the status of Self-Nature School military agronomists will also rise accordingly."

King Luo agreed, "Indeed. Based on the data from the Great Barbarian War, the agronomists accompanying various army corps were primarily from the Timeliness School and Geographical Advantage School. The Self-Nature School mainly focused on farming in supply cities, with very few on the front lines."

King Tianyan continued: "Second, it benefits civilian agronomists. The principle is the same as for military agronomists. Although there were previously the 'Materia Medica for Disaster Prevention,' Self-Nature School agronomists mostly held assistant positions in the Agronomy Bureau."

"If original species and derived species can change timeliness and adjust geographical advantage, then the principal official positions will certainly consider Self-Nature School agronomists more in the future."

"Third is reputation."

"When the above two situations occur, reputation will naturally increase, and the perception of the Self-Nature School will change accordingly."

"It is foreseeable that the status of Self-Nature School agronomists will gradually improve in the future."

"With theoretical treatises, practical treatises, plus reputation, as well as policy adjustments and increased resource allocation, the influence will grow increasingly significant."

"The chances of the Self-Nature School producing Grand Agronomists in the future will also greatly increase. At least when competing with the Timeliness and Geographical Advantage Schools, their advantage will significantly improve."

All three were farsighted individuals and immediately understood the fundamental reason for Zhao Xing's enormous sensation. Duke of Wei smiled, "Tianyan, you are a Mandate Official, why don't you see if Zhao Xing's practical treatise this time can truly meet expectations?"

Yes, the prerequisite for everything was that the practical effect of Zhao Xing's treatise must meet expectations.

Otherwise, theoretical treatises alone would be useless; it would be like making boastful claims, merely self-indulgence for the Self-Nature School.

To truly bring about the three impacts mentioned earlier, it had to be based on practicality.

Agronomists were pragmatic, and the imperial court would not entertain empty rhetoric.

King Tianyan stared below, observing the scene, yet in his eyes, he saw the future reflected.

A moment later, he retracted his gaze.

Duke of Wei quickly asked, "How is it?"

King Tianyan pondered, "Well—"

*Crack, crack, crack* Now not only King Luo wanted to hit him, even Duke of Wei's fists clenched hard.

"Wait, don't hit me, I'll tell you." King Tianyan immediately stopped playing coy. "I saw eight strong practitioners on the Songlin Platform bowing to Zhao Xing. It should meet expectations."

The lecture was scheduled to begin at the fourth quarter of the Wei hour, but Zhao Xing, Xu Xing, Liu Tianning, and a group of esteemed figures arrived at Songshan Debate Forest at the first quarter of the Wei hour.

"Look, it's Zhao Xing!"

"It's Scholar Zhao!"

"Marquis Shenwei!"

"Master Zhao is here!"

Upon Zhao Xing's appearance, a burst of shouts erupted from below.

"Why are there so many people?"

Zhao Xing was startled.

As the saying goes, a crowd of over ten thousand looks like a sea of people.

Here, it was simply endless, probably exceeding one hundred thousand, right?

He glanced at Liu Tianning, thinking, "Teacher, this isn't a setup by you, is it?"

He suspected Old Liu had ordered people to be forcefully summoned to attend the lecture.

Liu Tianning subtly shook his head. He hadn't done such a thing. Forcing people in such matters would only bring negative attention to his disciple.

"I did make some procedural arrangements, but I didn't issue any commands," Liu Tianning transmitted via voice.

To be honest, he hadn't expected his disciple to be so popular.

Charisma was only revealed when put to use.

It was fine without opening the debate hall, but once opened, everything became clear immediately.

"Truly surprising," Jiang Yaochun sighed with emotion.

Vice Deans such as Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang Danian, and Yu Xia also felt secretly astonished.

How many years had it been since Shangluo Academy saw such a grand occasion?!

It was just unknown whether Zhao Xing could manage such a large event.

Debates also followed a process, not just random talk.

In such a large public setting, Zhao Xing would speak first.

He would completely explain both the principles and the methods.

Then, high-rank officials would come up to ask questions and debate with Zhao Xing.

Because Shangluo Academy was already a sacred land for agronomists, the assessment given by the great masters would be equivalent to an official certification. It wasn't like at the Tianyuan Prefecture Branch, where one needed to find a recommender and then send it to the main academy.

The opening of the debate was marked by the voice of a ritual cultivator, which reverberated throughout Songshan Debate Forest.

"Listen to the Great Dao, and your body shall be still!"

The voice, like a fundamental law, echoed in everyone's minds. Their bodies instinctively quieted down.

They stopped speaking loudly, no longer moved around freely, and weren't overly excited; they remained still in their places.

This method was a form of ritual cultivator's silence spell, but more advanced and gentle, suitable for lectures, sacrifices, and formal receptions.

"The establishment of rites settles the restless mind."

The people in Songshan immediately stopped their distracting thoughts. This was the ritual cultivator helping them enter a focused learning state.

"The soul of rites enhances the strength of all beings, lengthens their vitality, and awakens their wisdom."

At this moment, a faint golden light shimmered around everyone's bodies, and their seven souls received a significant temporary boost.

If before they entered an absolutely focused state, now their wisdom and strength had also increased.

The ritual cultivator's intellect-diminishing spell was the opposite of the wisdom-awakening spell.

Of course, the "Soul of Rites" performed by Duke of Wei was an all-encompassing enhancement.

Lectures usually lasted a long time, and listeners' thinking also consumed a lot of energy.

So, the opening ritual cultivator not only temporarily enhanced the listeners' cognitive and learning abilities but also boosted their physical stamina.

Even a ninth-rank practitioner could maintain peak condition without eating or drinking for half a month.

Zhao Xing looked around and nodded slightly.

At this moment, the primordial qi in Songshan Debate Forest was arranged in a neat and unique manner, swirling around countless people's bodies.

Only in a sacred place like Shangluo Academy, where primordial qi was abundant and the Dao field had the assistance of magic arrays, could the ritual cultivator's spells command heaven-and-earth primordial qi to radiate on such a large scale with powerful effects.

Even Zhao Xing himself was affected by the first-rank ritual cultivator's spell.

He felt his seven souls temporarily ascend, and his state was at an unprecedented peak.

All preparations were complete.

Zhao Xing flew onto the highest section of the sacred tree in Songshan Debate Forest.

Ascending the sacred tree platform for an open-air lecture was called "high-minded discourse."

Around him were eight lower sacred trees, reserved for questioners in the second stage.

At this moment, the tree rings on the sacred tree lecture platform glowed in circles.

On it was a hundred-flower cushion. Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, feeling a cool sensation.

When he sat down, the circles of tree rings around the sacred tree immediately rose.

Amplifying tree rings!

Zhao Xing didn't need to exert himself; his voice could carry far, and to everyone's ears, it was at a consistent volume.

It was as if Zhao Xing was speaking right next to each listener's ear.

"Its root belongs to plants. It possesses material nature, self-nature, and Dao nature," Zhao Xing's voice was melodious.

He still began with "The Principles of Plant Law: The Three Natures Theory."

Because "Treatise on the Self and All Things" was a further elaboration on the three natures of plants.

"Matter reveals its principle, self reveals its Dao, and Dao reveals its method."

"The Self is the Heaven and Earth; to glimpse the Dao of the Self is to glimpse the changes of Heaven and Earth."

"Understanding the material nature reveals its principle; understanding the Dao nature reveals its method."

"What is the use of principles?"

"Cultivating all grasses to change timeliness, planting myriad trees to nourish geographical advantage."

Zhao Xing began to expound the core ideas of his two theoretical treatises.

"How can a land of toxic miasma be transformed into fertile soil? Toxic miasma arises from the chaotic six qi of heaven, where cold, yin, dryness, obscurity, and brightness intermingle, becoming the vile qi of heaven."

"When plants absorb into the Self-Nature, the six qi disperse, Yin and Yang restore balance, and timeliness is thus transformed."

"Earth Fire Lotuses take root in the Flaming Mountains. Over time, the Earth Fire Sun gradually transforms into Lesser Yang. When many are planted, even a million miles of Flaming Mountains can transform into spiritual mountains."

"Where deserts are plagued by dust storms, planting millions of trees can obstruct them, turning the desert into an oasis."

"Wherever forests are dense, there is more cloud and rain—"

At this point, both theoretical and practical applications were mentioned, but still not specific enough.

"The Dao of Self-Nature cultivates divine branches and immortal trees, using their material nature to change timeliness."

"Fifth-order Spirit Cloudwood enjoys absorbing the essence of morning and evening mists. Where its branches spread most extensively, they can gather cloud qi."

"Its roots can draw upon underground water veins. Widely planting Spirit Cloudwood on mountaintops and open fields, its cloud-gathering ability, especially during great droughts, causes the cloud qi gathered by Spirit Cloudwood to gradually thicken, which can induce sweet rain. This is a method to change drought conditions using the nature of plants."

"The six qi of timeliness are wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire."

"The four seasons, matched with the five elements, are called 'Timeliness Seasonal Cycles.' The annual timeliness follows a five-step seasonal cycle, starting with the Wood Cycle, ending with the Fire Cycle, Earth Cycle, Metal Cycle, and Water Cycle."

"If the main qi is disturbed within the Wood element, making it unusable month by month, Spirit Cloudwood can be transplanted to the east."

"Ten rotations of the tree rings, by seventy-three days and five quarters into the seasonal cycle, can correct a level one to three disturbance in the 'dampness' of the main qi of Wood."

"Twenty rotations of the tree rings can correct a level four to six 'dampness disturbance'."

"If the main qi of timeliness is disturbed within the Fire element, Spirit Cloudwood can be planted directly north. The Fire-Wood combination in the north can stabilize the change in dampness qi."

"If it's a disturbance of the main qi of cold? Then plant it to the west. Eight quarters of the tree rings, following the Water seasonal cycle for winter storage—"

From this moment on, Zhao Xing lectured on specific methods of application.

And he combined them with the "inner six qi" and "five elements seasonal cycle" from his "Treatise on the Great Cycle of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi."

Because these two volumes could be understood and applied even by agronomists who had never studied the principles of the Timeliness School.

The inner six qi originated from the perception of one's own inner five elements heaven and earth. It didn't matter if one didn't understand the outer six qi, the qi of heaven and earth, the qi of dawn, or the qi of dusk.

Agronomists of the Self-Nature School must cultivate the Yin-Yang Self-Nature Scripture, right?

As long as one began cultivating the Yin-Yang Self-Nature Scripture, mid-rank practitioners generally reached the second realm, where they could perceive the qi of the five elements in a subtle, thread-like manner.

Additionally, the Five Elements and Heavenly Stems/Earthly Branches were foundational knowledge for agronomists, so Zhao Xing's practical treatise was understandable even to lower third-rank agronomists.

"If the main six qi are disturbed by wind, then transform the Wind-rolling Grass and plant it west of the earth's wind."

"If the main six qi are disturbed by heat, the autumn seasonal cycle and summer heat seasonal cycle can be differentiated."

"If the disaster level is mid-third tier, you can plant the Flame Sun Vine, whose nature is extremely yang."

"The Flame Sun Vine can follow the yang qi, slowly dispersing it into the wilderness, preventing the summer heat from eroding the earth's veins—"

"If it's dry heat, it can be rooted ten to fifty zhang along the earth's vein alignment."

"If it's humid heat, it can be rooted fifty to one hundred zhang along the earth's vein alignment."

The summer heat, dry heat, and humid heat within the six qi of timeliness were all different.

Using the five elements perception within the human body, standing outside and feeling hot, while feeling cool inside a building, indicated yang fire.

At this time, the Warmth Vessel couldn't serve as a measuring tool.

For example, the heat of midsummer meant water was still warm after dark. But the heat of late autumn meant water cooled as soon as it turned dark.

If the erosion couldn't reach the earth's qi itself, the planting depth of the Flame Sun Vine couldn't be the same.

Zhao Xing lectured on the Practical Treatise Volume for a long time, from September 6th all the way to October 10th.

He did not discuss the material natures of upper third-tier plants much, and spoke little of lower third-tier plants. But he lectured extensively on mid-third-tier material natures.

Because the Self-Nature School could activate Pure Essence Soil at the fifth rank, corresponding to mid-third-tier plants.

Lower third-tier plants had too weak an effect to be worth discussing. Upper third-tier plants were too rare and many were very unique, not suitable for large-scale cultivation, so discussing them wouldn't be representative.

Even though Zhao Xing spoke very quickly, he lectured for a full month.

He covered a total of 37,000 common five-element attribute plants.

Encompassing various orders, classes, and lineages.

In the first few days, lower third-tier agronomists could still understand, but later, when it involved mid-third-tier plants, lower-tier agronomists found it difficult to follow.

Because Zhao Xing no longer just listed individual plants; complex combinations began to appear.

"Can you understand this?" Duke of Wei asked King Luo.

"Why would I need to understand it?" King Luo shrugged. "Just by looking at the reactions of those scholars and deans, you know the effect of the practical treatise met their expectations."

"I don't understand it either," King Tianyan smiled. "However, it's enough that they understand it."

The mid-rank agronomists not only understood but were greatly shocked. At this moment, the "Sick, Pregnant, Disabled" trio were excitedly slapping their thighs.

"Holy cow, I never thought firecrackers could be used to adjust earth veins, besides blowing people up!" Xin Bojian was extremely excited. Their voices were confined to a small area and did not affect others.

"No wonder when I tried to manage things according to 'Materia Medica for Disaster Prevention' before, I always felt there was a problem. When I changed locations, the effect was much worse, and sometimes, the effect was too strong." She Gongzhi slapped himself on the mouth.

"I was truly stupid; such a simple principle? I never thought to wonder why."

"Senior Brother, hit harder," Wen Weiqi laughed. "I think you're still being foolish."

"Huh?"

"You think it's simple because Scholar Zhao said it, and you found it simple when you followed it."

*Slap!*

After lecturing for a month, lower-tier agronomists gradually couldn't endure it and started to leave.

But after they left, they would eat and drink their fill, and quickly return.

For convenience, some simply drew water from the lakes around Songshan Lecture Forest.

In this one month, the lakes around Songshan were actually drained!

"How's the painting coming along?" On a small warm bamboo flying boat, Ji Zixuan looked to the side.

There was a painting studio with twelve painters at work.

There were already a large number of drafts.

Some paintings recorded the environmental changes in Songshan Debate Forest during Zhao Xing's lecture.

Some paintings captured the listeners' expressions of rapture and surprise.

Of course, more paintings depicted Zhao Xing's heroic posture during his lecture.

"Please inspect them, Princess," a painter said, compiling them into a book. "This is the compiled essence of Marquis Shenwei's month-long lecture."

Ji Zixuan pulled out some of them to examine.

"Marquis Shenwei's Songshan Lecture Map""Ten Thousand People Drawing Water from the Forest Pool Map""Sacred Tree Lecture Platform"

"Excellent," Ji Zixuan nodded. "All painters will be rewarded, and those whose works are selected will receive double rewards."

"Thank you, Princess," the painters respectfully bowed.

Ji Zixuan held the painting album, returned to her boat, and treasured it.

A moment later, she came out and found the lecture was still ongoing.

She couldn't help but be surprised, "Hasn't it finished yet?"

Of course, it hadn't finished!

Zhao Xing's "Treatise on the Self and All Things" was now expanding on the practical treatise foundation; he had only just lectured on the "material nature" of the three natures.

He still hadn't lectured on "self-nature" and "Dao nature."

By October 11th, Zhao Xing began to lecture on "self-nature" and "Dao nature," further perfecting the two volumes of "Treatise on the Self and All Things."

"Internally exploring the subtlety of life and fate, externally affirming the essence of the Great Dao."

"Indeed, the essence of the internal landscape resides first in the Dantian."

"The Dantian is where the essence of the human body gathers."

"The wonder of the internal landscape lies not only in one's own cultivation but also in the resonance with heaven and earth."

"Humans are the heart of heaven and earth, the essence within the body, connected with the qi of heaven and earth."

"Those who cultivate deeply can observe the changes of heaven and earth within their internal landscape."

"At the time of spring birth, the internal vital force flourishes, like all things reviving; in summer growth, it is vigorous and ardent, like a blazing sun; in autumn harvest, it gradually becomes introverted, like grains returning to the granary; on winter storage days, it remains within, like hibernating insects. This is the principle of the human body's inner heaven and earth corresponding to the vast Heaven and Earth."

If Zhao Xing wanted his theories to become classic works, how could he lack a discourse on the Dao of Self-Nature?

Of course, his current Dao was not yet complete. Expounding on self-nature and Dao nature with a third-rank realm could only be a superficial attempt.

But, this framework had to exist.

Otherwise, if he didn't supplement it, others would do so later.

"Governing the inner heaven and earth, using my self-nature to control timeliness and geographical advantage, is to behold its Dao."

"Pure essence transforms into soil, nourishing Dao nature, thus forming original species."

"The inner heaven and earth condense divine splendor, analyze the principles of heaven and earth, strengthen the foundation of Dao, and suppress the chaos of external Dao—"

On the high platform, the deans and scholars of canonical studies from the seven academies, including Chu Qianqiu, Yu Xia, and Zhuang Danian, immediately had their pupils tremble.

Because Zhao Xing had actually begun to discuss Dao nature!

And he had encompassed the four classic methods of the Self-Nature School within it.

"He intends to contain all methods within one scripture, to gather all the classics of the Self-Nature School!" Jiang Yaochun couldn't help but exclaim.

"In ancient times, this would be a figure establishing a Dao," the middle-aged woman said, her eyes shimmering.

"A monstrous talent—" Chu Qianqiu's lips moved, utterly at a loss for words.

What Zhao Xing said in the following days truly shocked these high-rank powerhouses.

He began to expound on the true Great Dao of the Self-Nature School!

"The principle of Self-Nature is the principle of Heaven and Earth."

"The method of Self-Nature is the method of Heaven and Earth."

"The Dao of Self-Nature is the Dao of Heaven and Earth."

"This is where matter reveals its principle, self reveals its method, and method reveals its Dao!"

Only then did Zhao Xing finally stop speaking and stand up from the sacred tree lecture platform.

The surroundings were silent. At this point, the second stage should have begun—a few deans and scholars coming up to debate with Zhao Xing.

But at this moment, everyone had forgotten about it!

It was too shocking!

"A classic has been born!"

"This is no longer merely an elaboration on the 'Treatise on the Self and All Things'; it has become a school of its own."

"Starting from the Three Natures Theory, drawing extensively from various sources, it encompasses the essential exposition of the Yin-Yang Self-Nature Scripture, and the evolution of Pure Essence Soil, the inner Five Elements and Four Seasons Theory—"

"If this young man completes the advanced Dao and methods, he will truly become a founding ancestor in the future."

"I observe that he seems to have more to say. Could he already have a draft in mind?"

"Impossible, right? He just entered the third rank!"

"Given the current situation, what's impossible anymore?"

Zhao Xing indeed had more things he hadn't revealed.

Not to mention distant ones, but "Treatise on the Laws of Hundred Things as Soldiers" and "Scripture of Heavenly and Earthly Seeded Soldiers," which concern how to use soldier species in combat, are enough to change the current combat methods of Self-Nature School military agronomists.

But he couldn't write them now.

First, his understanding of the Dao was not yet sufficient; he was only at the third rank, so it wasn't the right time.

Second, he would save them for future refinement, to serve as capital for unifying the three schools.

"If I write canonical texts without restraint in my youth, what will I do when I'm old?" Zhao Xing thought to himself. "I still need to take it easy. You eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time."

What he had presented so far was already enough to utterly shock the high-ranking officials of Shangluo Academy.

Xu Xing now said to Liu Tianning with immense relief, "Tianning, you've worked hard."

Liu Tianning smiled wryly and shook his head.

Yes, with a disciple like Zhao Xing, his own pressure had now increased!

Indeed, the ways of Heaven are a cycle!

Back at Sacrificial Soul Pass, when Liu Tianning was training Zhao Xing, he said, "Your pressure isn't enough."

Now, ironically, it was Zhao Xing's turn to exert pressure on him, his teacher.

Just looking at the reactions of the many powerhouses from the seven academies below, one knew that Zhao Xing would achieve an astonishing level of influence after this lecture.

"If it weren't Chu Qianqiu challenging you, but Zhao Xing, even if he weren't as strong as you, I'm afraid many old fellows would come forward to support him in becoming the Dean."

"Teacher, you're still laughing." Liu Tianning was helpless, because what Xu Xing said actually made some sense!

Xu Xing chuckled, "Why shouldn't I laugh? I'm almost dead; I have no pressure."

When he took office back then, he only knew how to kill. No one in his rank was his match.

He shared a similar effectiveness with Li Boqian.

But by the generation of Liu Tianning, Wang Tianzhi, and Meng Kun—

Goodness, they were all monsters.

"Don't just stand there; preside over the debate phase," Xu Xing said cheerfully.

Liu Tianning nodded, then flew onto the second highest of the eight sacred trees.

The debate phase was not about mutual attacks, but rather through a conversation about their understanding of the Dao, interspersed with demonstrations of spells.

Allowing observers to gain enlightenment.

So, this was not a confrontational debate.

Nor could just anyone be a debater.

They were selected.

There had to be representatives from the lower, middle, and upper third ranks.

To show the academy's open-mindedness, not debating based on status or strength.

Soon, eight people flew onto the divine platform trees.

Among the high-rank were Liu Tianning, Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang Danian, and Yu Xia.

Among the mid-rank were Wei Zhao, Yang Song, and Wen Weiqi.

Among the low-rank, there was only one woman.

A total of eight people ascended the divine platform.

"Greetings, everyone," Zhao Xing stood at the edge of the divine platform, bowing to the crowd.

The eight returned the bow and said, "Greetings, Scholar Zhao."

Among the eight, the first to speak was surprisingly the lowest-ranked agronomist, only ninth-rank—Qiu Yuesheng.

As a representative, she was basically just there for show.

It was impossible for her to ask any substantive questions.

So, her question was also very simple:

"Scholar Zhao, my name is Qiu Yuesheng. I would like to ask Scholar Zhao a question," Qiu Yuesheng said in a clear, crisp voice.

"Please speak," Zhao Xing extended his hand.

"Scholar Zhao, you say that plants command timeliness and plants control geographical advantage. Do you believe that the Self-Nature School should be the foremost of the three schools?"

Her voice, carried by the amplifying tree rings, made everyone smile knowingly.

In fact, Zhao Xing's original words in the new volumes were "change timeliness" and "nourish geographical advantage."

But over the two years of fermentation, in the mouths of many at Shangluo Academy, it had transformed into "commanding timeliness" and "controlling geographical advantage."

How much more inspiring that sounded!

It directly elevated the Self-Nature School to the position of the leader among the three schools!

When you're out and about, you give yourself your own identity!

In the future, when encountering agronomists from the Timeliness or Geographical Advantage Schools, even arguments would have solid justification.

So, when Qiu Yuesheng asked this question, everyone couldn't help but smile.

Zhao Xing also smiled. He felt as if countless eager gazes were upon him.

Although the Timeliness School's dominance was an undeniable fact, here, many still wanted to hear him say some encouraging words.

But the Timeliness School and Geographical Advantage School wouldn't like it, so it was somewhat of a sharp question.

The person chosen from Shangluo Academy was not in vain.

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Yes, I certainly hope the Dao of Self-Nature becomes the strongest. That way, my teacher might become the first Grand Agronomist in this dynasty's history."

"When one gains the Dao, even his dependents ascend to heaven. Wouldn't I also rise swiftly through the ranks?"

He answered a sharp question with a joke.

Saying "hope" wasn't wrong, and it wouldn't be considered disparaging to the other two schools if word got out.

Zhao Xing's words immediately drew another round of laughter.

Qiu Yuesheng bowed, "Thank you, Scholar Zhao, for your answer. I wish Scholar Zhao that all your wishes come true."

Next were Wei Zhao, Yang Song, and Wen Weiqi.

These three were all at the peak of the fourth rank.

Their debate was not as casual as Qiu Yuesheng's; their words were substantial.

They were questions arising from their confusion while listening to Zhao Xing's lecture.

"Scholar Zhao said to adjust the five-element earth veins with plant attributes and balance the six qi of heaven."

"I also have studied Scholar Zhao's 'Treatise on the Great Cycle of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi'."

"The main qi describes normalcy, the guest qi predicts changes."

"If a county experiences an 'earthworm transformation' due to disordered six qi and imbalanced yin and yang, how should cultivated plants be used to pacify it?"

Zhao Xing calmly said, "The seventy-two micro-climates of the monthly calendar state that in the first micro-climate of April, an 'earth dragon-worm transformation' appears."

"This micro-climate change occurs at the beginning of summer."

"Summer, meaning 'false' or 'to assume'; all things at this time appear magnified."

"The earthworm transformation typically manifests as a yin transformation, caused by absorbing excessive qi."

"Of course, this doesn't exclude the possibility of fireworms absorbing pure yang qi, leading to a yang transformation."

"Once the crux of the problem is known, it's easy to resolve," Zhao Xing said. "When the first micro-climate is about to manifest, this indicates an imbalance of qi, which means the earth's qi is disturbed. It can be suppressed by covering it with yin-aligned earthwood."

This answer did not consider the situation where the transformation had already occurred.

Because if the micro-climate change had already happened, it would be much easier to deal with; simply dispatch a large army to kill the transformed species.

However, that was only a temporary solution; after killing them, the qi would still be chaotic.

New rounds of micro-climate changes could still arise.

Usually, "pacifying micro-climate changes" refers to before and after the change.

Which is the method Zhao Xing just mentioned.

Of course, the Self-Nature School's speed in handling micro-climate anomalies was relatively slow.

The spells of the Geographical Advantage School and Timeliness School were quicker to take effect.

But even if it was slow, it was still usable.

The three then continued to raise questions, speaking for three full days until they stopped, still feeling they had more to say.

When the three completed their rites, it was the turn of the high-rank debate.

Liu Tianning discussed the Dao related to the Ten Thousand Laws Effigy.

There wasn't much to say here; Old Liu was more than capable of teaching Zhao Xing now.

He used the Ten Thousand Laws Effigy as a starting point to discuss the material nature, self-nature, and Dao nature of the effigy in "Treatise on the Self and All Things."

Basically, it was Zhao Xing asking questions and listening.

Through their questions and answers, the ultimate methods of the Self-Nature School were integrated into Zhao Xing's theoretical treatises.

The two talked for two and a half days before concluding.

"Thank you, Teacher, for clarifying my doubts," Zhao Xing bowed.

Liu Tianning returned the bow, "In learning, there is no hierarchy of seniority; the accomplished is the teacher. I have also gained much, thank you, Scholar Zhao, for clarifying my doubts."

Old Liu was truly a good person; even at this moment, he didn't forget to praise his student.

The second person to debate with Zhao Xing was Chu Qianqiu, the Dean of the Military Envoy Academy.

"The Spring Rain Sword Bamboo, sharp and serving as soldiers, dispels wind and thaws ice; a great fog arises."

"Picking leaves for golden blades, gathering bamboo soldiers for battle formations."

"How do you explain its material nature, self-nature, and Dao nature?"

Chu Qianqiu's questions were not particularly difficult. After all, at this point, he wouldn't ask abstruse questions to stump Zhao Xing.

Unless he wanted to die.

But his questions were not simple either, because if Zhao Xing didn't understand the "All Grasses as Soldiers" technique or the characteristics of various ranks of soldier species, it would be difficult to answer.

Furthermore, he had to integrate it into his own theory.

Chu Qianqiu's question was also a test to see if Zhao Xing had delved into high-tier soldier species practical treatises.

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment and said:

"The Spring Rain Sword Bamboo conceals gold and consumes water. Its ultimate pure yang harmony makes it firm. A single thought can condense or disperse it, thus bringing forth frost, cold, and fog!"

"The morning qi flies with the霞, and where it flies, the killing intent thrives!"

"Using Spring Rain Bamboo Soldiers to kill off the vitality of lingering winter, balancing yin and yang, this is the Great Dao!"

Chu Qianqiu's heart trembled. An expert reveals their skill with one move.

Zhao Xing had answered the material nature of the Spring Rain Sword Bamboo.

He explained from the perspective of the theoretical treatises why the deployment of Spring Rain Sword Bamboo would trigger celestial phenomena.

Secondly, he explained self-nature and Dao nature.

When commanding the Sword Bamboo with one's self-nature, killing intent would naturally arise. How was this killing intent generated?

It was like getting irritable and losing patience when working on a hot day.

A person's inner heaven and earth determine emotional changes. Pure Yang flying with the霞 signifies thriving killing intent; this is the 'self-nature' produced by wielding plant soldier species.

The last paragraph was an exposition on Dao nature.

It described the destructive characteristics of the Spring Rain Sword Bamboo from the perspective of the Dao, conforming to the Great Dao of Yin-Yang.

"This young man indeed has considerable research into the Dao of soldier species combat," Chu Qianqiu thought.

Being able to answer so quickly clearly indicated that he had the Dao in his heart, lacking only the practical techniques in his hands.

And the latter merely required time to cultivate.

"Excellent!"

Chu Qianqiu praised. He had no more difficult questions, as he believed Zhao Xing was on the right path.

This path he was also treading. Whatever disagreements he and Liu Tianning had before, at this moment, he and Zhao Xing shared the same aspirations.

They could truly sit and discuss the Dao.

Thus, all of Chu Qianqiu's subsequent questions were exploratory in nature, and he also poured out his insights, helping Zhao Xing complete the framework for the high-rank stage.

When it was Zhuang Danian and Yu Xia's turn, their direction of debate was different again.

Their discussion involved Grotto-heavens and Blessed Lands.

The Five Elements Dao of Grotto-heavens and Blessed Lands was quite unique.

Their current debate with Zhao Xing allowed Zhao Xing to review and fill in any gaps in his own theoretical treatises, preventing anyone from finding loopholes in this area.

Due to the complexity of Grotto-heavens and Blessed Lands, their debate lasted for a full half-month.

It didn't end until early November.

The debate stage concluded, marking the end of this lecture session.

During this public lecture, Zhao Xing firmly established his position at Shangluo Academy, becoming the second most influential figure, second only to Liu Tianning.

The Songshan Debate Forest, which lasted from early September to early November, became the most profound, widely attended, and highest quality debate conference in nearly three millennia.

It was foreseeable that Zhao Xing and the content of his theoretical treatises would, in the coming years, sweep across the nineteen prefectures like a storm.

And in the more distant future, large numbers of Self-Nature School agronomists would emerge in both civilian and military positions.

Shangluo Academy, in this lifetime, was destined to become extraordinary because of Zhao Xing.

After the debate, Zhao Xing returned to the separate courtyard Liu Tianning had arranged for him to rest, refusing all visits and requests for guidance.

The ritual cultivator's magic could boost one's vitality, spirit, and energy, but afterward, it would lead to extreme fatigue.

As the central figure of the lecture, Zhao Xing had lectured for over a month and debated for another month. Even with his abundant energy, he felt tired.

The resting period was also a process of consuming various treasures from Shangluo Academy.

"Whew, this is much more tiring than fighting a war," Zhao Xing said, soaking in a hot spring.

This hot spring was one of the top ten primordial qi hot springs in Shenhua Institute.

Shenhua Institute directly allocated a spring to Zhao Xing for his use.

"It's the seventh day after the debate ended."

"For seven days after it ended, I've been eating and drinking, consuming various high-tier fruits from Shangluo Academy."

"Old Liu is truly accomplished; ninth-tier fruits, he just picks them at will."

"He gave me several bottles of plant essence liquid, measured in drops." Zhao Xing casually picked up a fruit, took a bite, and its fragrance permeated the air.

These past few days, he did nothing but eat and drink!

Because his foundation was sufficiently solid, his Dao Body and Life Soul were rapidly increasing.

Changing his posture, Zhao Xing continued to sort out his future plans.

"Departed on the third day of the fifth month, and now it's already the tenth day of the eleventh month."

"The Jingxin Era is also coming to an end."

"Indeed, King Tianyan's given vacation isn't enough," Zhao Xing couldn't help but think.

He hadn't even gone to Tianyong Prefecture yet, having stayed so long just in Daoyuan Prefecture.

Meanwhile, Emperor Jing already intended to change the reign title.

A small number of people had learned that the next reign title would be "Great Governance," though it had not been officially confirmed.

"Undoubtedly, the 'Great Governance' reign title is yet another attempt to numb those nobles, aristocratic families, and old academy factions," Zhao Xing thought, closing his eyes, leisurely biting into a crimson fruit.

"With 'Great Governance,' surely weapons should be stored, horses released to the fields, and things quiet down, right?"

"But the result is a transformation from military suppression to subtle attrition, and the nobles will face sixty years of torment."

"They're being thoroughly fooled."

"However, during the Great Governance era, the only major event will indeed be the Dragon Court Ancient Land," Zhao Xing mused.

If he didn't plan to leave the Great Zhou territory, then the Dragon Court Ancient Land would be the focus for the next period. "Time is pressing. I can't stay at Shangluo Academy for too long. After visiting Tianyong Prefecture, I need to return as soon as possible."

"The Dragon Court Ancient Land will open in the summer of the third year of Great Governance. I have roughly two and a half years to prepare." Zhao Xing opened a crystal box, revealing a transparent fruit.

Heavenly Soul Fruit! After consuming it, even if one's life soul is utterly destroyed to a state of nothingness, it would only be a pseudo-nothingness, still capable of re-gathering and transforming into a Yin God body.

"The treasures I can consume at Shangluo Academy at this stage can probably bring my life soul to the late third rank, my top-tier Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body to the mid-third rank, and my first-rank True Intent will slowly grow."

"Then, I will immediately go to Tianyong Prefecture to obtain the benefits given by True Monarch Tianyang."

"Upon my return, I must make up for my deficiencies."

Zhao Xing had encountered challenges when breaking through the trials in the Abyssal Sea Grotto-Heaven.

He discovered his shortcomings during the trials.

For example, one trial involved Dragon Language Edicts, which was his weakness; he simply couldn't compare to those old scholars.

Moreover, his current level was also different.

"I am now at the mid-third rank, and my life soul has already reached the late third rank."

"My competitors are no longer mid-rank practitioners."

Third-rank practitioners didn't need to participate in selections; some of the imperial court's quotas were directly given to high-rank powerhouses.

Originally, the competition for quotas was among mid-rank practitioners.

Zhao Xing hadn't expected to break through to the third rank so quickly during Emperor Jing's reign, so plans didn't keep up with changes.

He now faced competition among high-rank powerhouses, and his previous preparations seemed somewhat insufficient.

"The Dragon Court Ancient Land opens once every hundred years. For my first entry, I don't have high demands. If I can retrieve a divine artifact, gain a small amount of spiritual qi, and then make the Void Seed sprout, that would meet my expectations."

The Dragon Court Ancient Land was not only accessible to imperial court personnel.

Unsubdued aquatic races from the Four Seas, sect powerhouses, kingdoms from the Southern Barrens and Eastern Ocean, and various other forces would all be involved.

"Achieving this expectation is enough; the next time the Dragon Court Ancient Land opens, it will be completely different," Zhao Xing mused.

He still had many "methods" he hadn't learned, and his proficiency wasn't high.

Learning the spells of Timeliness and Geographical Advantage, from introductory to minor mastery and then to major mastery, couldn't be achieved in just a few years.

Furthermore, the cultivation of Self-Nature School plant soldier species combinations also required a significant amount of time to take shape.

The Dragon Court Ancient Land opened once every century. One hundred years from now, Zhao Xing's strength would undoubtedly increase significantly.

Having finalized his plans, Zhao Xing opened his eyes and picked up the various bamboo boxes beside him.

"I'm eating!"

On the fifth day of the twelfth month, in the thirty-seventh year of Jingxin.

Zhao Xing had consumed and absorbed a large quantity of treasures at Shangluo Academy, essentially maximizing all available short-term consumable treasures.

His top-tier Dao Body reached the mid-third rank, and his life soul reached the late third rank.

"As expected of the strongest foundation in the world. After consuming so many treasures, my top-tier Dao Body only reached the mid-third rank, still remaining at six-level soil, and my life soul only reached the late third rank," Zhao Xing mused.

It seemed like a small increase, but it was actually incredibly exaggerated!

Because he possessed a Ten Thousand Laws Dao Body, cultivating a True Intent that could grow to the first rank.

Moreover, his late third-rank life soul meant all seven of his life souls had reached that level!

"No wonder Chu Qianqiu objected back then. The resources I've consumed, if calculated by price, would be astronomical."

His trip to Shangluo Academy had been very fruitful for Zhao Xing.

However, it was also on December 5th that he decided to set off for Tianyong Prefecture.

"Zhao Xing, I cannot accompany you. I have urgent matters," Liu Tianning said.

If Zhao Xing had so many resources to consume and absorb, Liu Tianning had even more.

He still had many things to inherit, and even with clones, it was difficult for him to leave.

"Teacher, don't worry about me. King Tianyan will accompany me," Zhao Xing smiled.

King Tianyan, seeing that Zhao Xing had been wandering around for half a year, couldn't help but start urging him again.

For this reason, he decided to accompany Zhao Xing on a trip to Fengjing to quickly settle True Monarch Tianyang's arrangements.

There were too many things to do upon their return: the second layer of the Divine Transformation Art, and the matching secret techniques—if it weren't for True Monarch Tianyang's instructions, King Tianyan wouldn't have wanted Zhao Xing to go to Tianyong Prefecture.

"Then you must leave quickly," Liu Tianning smiled. "Now that your theoretical treatises have spread like wildfire, if you leave openly, countless people will probably bother you."

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

People fear fame like pigs fear fattening. This was a period of fervent enthusiasm, and countless people would come to seek to follow Zhao Xing.

Too troublesome!

He could only wait until everyone became accustomed to the new classics; the fervor would then subside.

"One more thing," Liu Tianning said. "Your new treatises have been compiled into a standalone book by the academy. It's comprehensive enough to fill a small room; calling them 'New Volumes' is no longer appropriate."

"You primarily elaborated on 'The Principles of Plant Law: The Three Natures Theory,' 'Treatise on the Self and All Things,' 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Self-Nature Scripture,' and 'Scripture of the Great Dao of Plants'."

"The academy has named your scholarly works 'Zhao's Annotated Collection of Two Scriptures' and 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Material Law Treatise.' How do you feel about that?"

Zhao Xing nodded, "That's fine."

His current status was not yet sufficient for his works to be independently designated as "Scriptures," because scriptures were usually authored by sages and founding masters, generally only after many years following their deaths and after tens of thousands of years of scrutiny could they be called scriptures.

Classics endure eternally, requiring historical validation.

Basically, no living person could create a scripture.

They were all "theoretical treatises," meaning annotations on the great scriptures of ancient sages, among which the practical treatises held the highest influence.

Zhao Xing's visit to Shangluo Academy, at the very least, had to bring some benefits to the academy.

The credit for the compilation work could be distributed.

In any case, with Old Liu around, there would be no problem of credit-grabbing.

"The complete theoretical treatises will be printed and promoted throughout the world, requiring approval from the imperial court, but this process will be quick," Liu Tianning said.

Zhao Xing nodded. Shangluo Academy was the ultimate authority.

After speaking with Liu Tianning, he went to bid farewell to Xu Xing.

That night, he and King Tianyan quietly left Shangluo Academy.

They left Daoyuan Prefecture via the channels of Lihuo Dao Academy.

Xuantian Academy, Tianyuan Prefecture Branch.

Ling Tianchen, leader of the Anomaly Transformation School, flipped through the documents submitted by Hu Yang and Zhang Tianxing.

"Isn't it 'Treatise on the Self and All Things'? Why has it changed?"

"Zhao Chen'an lectured at Songlin Debate Ground in Shangluo Academy for over two months, perfecting his two previous new treatises," Hu Yang said emotionally. "Now it has both theoretical and practical treatises."

"I almost forgot he was also the Saint Son of Shangluo Academy," Zhang Tianxing laughed. "I think Zhao Xing's ambitions are not small."

Ling Tianchen nodded, "First, there was 'Treatise on the Great Cycle of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi,' and now 'Zhao's Annotated Collection of Two Scriptures' and 'Yin-Yang Self-Nature Material Law Treatise' have appeared."

"His Timeliness methods are top-tier, and his Self-Nature methods are also top-tier. Both his methods and principles are excellent. Liu Tianning truly accepted a good disciple."

"The Dean once said he had lofty aspirations, but I never imagined they were this grand."

Ling Tianchen also perceived Zhao Xing's ambition.

If Zhao Xing only wanted to specialize in one school, it would be easy for him to become a high-ranking official in either the Timeliness School or the Self-Nature School.

He was still young; it wasn't impossible for him to one day become the leader of the Timeliness School and ascend to the position of Grand Agronomist.

But pursuing both schools meant he intended to grasp the authority of both.

"It won't be that easy," Ling Tianchen shook his head.

Aside from anything else, Xuantian Academy itself had five factions.

His Anomaly Transformation Department also had three ultimate methods, and similarly had its own factions.

How could such a complex situation be easily sorted out?

"However, he is still young and has opportunities for trial and error," Ling Tianchen said. "He will understand in the future that this path is not so simple."

At this time, Li Boqian had already returned to Tianyong Prefecture, but Junior Agronomist Wang Tianzhi, Blessed Land Agronomist and Section Chief Geng Shouchang, Heng Yuan, and Sima Yunhai were still here.

They were all in Dean Lu Chunhua's office.

Together, they looked at Zhao Xing's freshly released theoretical treatises.

"This kid, truly—" Geng Shouchang remained speechless for a long time after reading.

Cultivating all things to command timeliness, planting all things to control geographical advantage.

How incredible was that!

Wouldn't Shangluo Academy be able to rise up like serfs singing after this?!

"With his actions, it will be difficult for me to command those Self-Nature School agronomists when I return to the Blessed Land," Heng Yuan laughed.

"There's going to be a lot of arguing," Geng Shouchang echoed.

Sima Yunhai, however, casually tossed it aside, rather disdainfully.

Wang Tianzhi looked at him, "Yunhai, what's your esteemed opinion?"

Sima Yunhai spread his hands, "A fine theoretical treatise! But without this treatise, were the Self-Nature School people easy to command?"

"Things will remain as they are."

"Ultimately, it's about strength."

"Old Geng, when you and Heng Yuan encountered Meng Kun and the others back then, wasn't it whoever had the bigger fist who got to recruit first?"

Sima Yunhai continued, "Xu Xing could kill his way to dominance back then, yet the Grand Agronomist was still our Xuantian Academy's Dean."

He was not alarmed like Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan. In Sima Yunhai's view, strength was the ultimate truth.

There was absolutely no need to worry about any impact now.

However, Wang Tianzhi was still young and had a longer-term perspective.

"With this theoretical treatise, Shangluo Academy will certainly rise in the next hundred years," Wang Tianzhi said with a bitter smile.

He had been thinking of serving several more terms as Grand Agronomist after his Senior Brother left.

Now, things had changed. Liu Tianning ascended at Shangluo Academy, and Zhao Xing, as the vanguard, challenged seven opponents, directly silencing all dissent.

With "Zhao's Annotated Collection of Two Scriptures" and "Yin-Yang Self-Nature Material Law Treatise" released, Shangluo Academy's strength would greatly expand in the next century.

The advantage gap between him and Liu Tianning might significantly narrow.

If it were someone else, he might still be able to suppress them.

But how could Zhao Xing be suppressed? He was the one who first wrote "Treatise on the Great Cycle of Three Yin, Three Yang, and Six Qi."

It was also used in this practical treatise.

He was essentially fighting himself, left hand against right hand.

There was no profound theory targeting Xuantian Academy or Kunyuan Academy's other scholars of canonical studies.

It was as if he was telling everyone present, equally, that they were all rubbish.

Seeing that he couldn't get anything substantial from these subordinates, Wang Tianzhi took the documents back to his room and contacted his Senior Brother Li Boqian.

"Tianzhi," Li Boqian smiled, "In a hurry?"

"Senior Brother knows?" Wang Tianzhi