Chapter 351: Earth King Four Seasons, Cosmic Timing, Observing the Mountain and Understanding the Way, All Beings Worship the Sage

The discourse on the platform continued. Inside one of the celestial ships, a painter quickly finished a doctrinal painting titled "Mi Fu Asking the Dao."

Meng Kun looked at the work the painter handed him and couldn't help but frown. Reading his expression, the painter immediately asked what was wrong.

Meng Kun said in a deep voice, "This painting possesses extraordinary charm, and it's very well done. But how could you paint Mi Fu taller than the Grand Minister of Agriculture?"

The painter was slightly taken aback: "But Mi Fu was standing when he asked his question, while the Grand Minister of Agriculture was seated. When Mi Fu spoke, he was indeed taller than the Grand Minister."

"Xiao Guang, you're not a realist painter. Why are you adhering to realistic logic in your art?""Uncle, are you asking me to be more abstract?" Meng Guang asked cautiously.

"Of course. While you're painting Mi Fu asking the Dao, you can also focus more on the Grand Minister of Agriculture's splendor with your colors and ink.""I understand, Uncle!"

Meng Guang immediately began painting rapidly again.

This discourse assembly was an unprecedented spectacle. It wasn't just a grand event for agriculturists; other professions were also unwilling to miss such a scene.

According to Ji Che's imperial decree, painters participating in the discourse assembly whose works were selected would become part of the historical records, with a specially revised illustrated edition of the historical annals being compiled.

As soon as this decree was issued, the painters were ecstatic. This was a golden opportunity to achieve everlasting fame! But how could one be chosen?

"Your paintings must all strive to highlight the Grand Minister of Agriculture's demeanor!" Ji Yingluo stated her opinion while inspecting the imperial painting ships. "Only then is there a chance of being selected."

Meanwhile, on another painting ship, Princess Chenxi, Ji Zixuan, gave a contradictory instruction.

"The Grand Minister of Agriculture is broad-minded, and His Majesty is a sagacious ruler rarely seen throughout history. Since Mi Fu was arranged as the first speaker, it signifies that the Grand Minister doesn't mind his thunder being stolen."

"Just paint truthfully; there's no need to overly embellish the Grand Minister. I believe this is also what he would prefer to see."

Zhao Xing truly didn't mind Mi Fu stealing the limelight. On the contrary, he allocated ample time for Mi Fu to perform.

Of course, some lines were pre-arranged, such as Mi Fu's Q&A with him. When interpreting the character 'Ling' from the Spring and Autumn Period's bronze inscriptions, it was deliberately extended to the grand plan of ascension.

He not only had Mi Fu explain the initial version of the "Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art" but also instructed him to expound on two other works: "Pure Essence Derivative Species" and "Plant Combat Unit Legion Techniques."

Zhao Xing strongly supported Mi Fu, clearing a long period for him to shine, giving him a chance for a solo presentation. Mi Fu indeed lived up to expectations; with the release of his two works, the people from Shangluo Academy were absolutely thrilled.

"A great talent! Mi Fu is a great talent!" Zhuang Danian murmured. "I finally understand why the Dean wanted him to be the first to discourse."

As the Dean of the Divine Wood Institute, Zhuang Danian naturally understood the immense value of Mi Fu's two works.

Shangluo Academy struggled to develop in the past primarily because its threshold was too high. A high threshold led to it becoming niche!

But now, with the "Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art," coupled with over four hundred types of plant combat units in the "Pure Essence Derivative Species" (an alternative version), and the "Plant Combat Unit Legion Techniques," this is enough to dramatically increase the number of Self-Faction agriculturists in the future!

If Zhao Xing's "New Interpretation of the Self-Faction's Theory of Natural Things" only strengthened the elite class of the Self-Faction, then Mi Fu strengthened the very foundation of the Self-Faction!

Following this path of development, it's only a matter of time before the Self-Faction becomes the largest faction!

"Mi Fu possesses such talent for governing the world; the Grand Minister of Agriculture truly has keen insight," Chu Qianqiu sighed with emotion. As the Dean of the Military Envoy Institute, he deeply appreciated the profoundness of the "Plant Combat Unit Legion Techniques."

This shock was no less profound than if someone had personally written "The Scripture of Sowing Soldiers in Heaven and Earth" and "The Divine Art of Military Envoys" before him!

"No wonder he repeatedly promoted Mi Fu," Liu Tianning said, looking at Mi Fu on the high platform, feeling a sense of awe. "Mi Fu worked under me for decades, yet I never discovered such talent in him."

This was truly significant!

Originally, the Self-Faction required reaching the Fusing Essence 50th stage to cultivate, but now the threshold has been lowered to the Fusing Essence 30th stage!

The "Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art" lowers the threshold, and the alternative plants in "Pure Essence Derivative Species" reduce the cultivation cost for Self-Faction agriculturists!

Furthermore, the "Plant Combat Unit Legion Techniques" allow for the formation of combat power at lower stages, even enabling them to form independent armies, which greatly increases the influence of Self-Faction agriculturists.

After all, those who can fight are most easily noticed. Quietly cultivating in the rear tends to be overlooked. These three major works directly elevated Mi Fu to a godlike status!

It can be said that in the early stages of the discourse assembly, Mi Fu was the most discussed topic! Watching Mi Fu, full of vigor on the platform, Zhao Xing felt immense satisfaction. "Elder Mi has finally achieved the recognition he deserves, without having to wait until after his death to become famous."

Mi Fu's lecturing style was different from Zhao Xing's; he liked to demonstrate as he spoke.

Mi Fu was already proficient in painting and sagely speech. When lecturing, he would also draw and write in the air with his fingers, making his principles easier for people to understand.

Having spent so many years in obscurity, Mi Fu's lecturing style was also very down-to-earth.

"Wu Sun, seeing this today, Heavenly Venerate Zhao truly makes it worth for you to defy ancestral teachings," Taoist Master Yueying suddenly exclaimed.

"Grand-Martial Uncle, I haven't defied ancestral teachings," the Mist Walker said. "Taking control of the Central Divine Land doesn't necessarily mean fighting. How can that be considered defying ancestral teachings?"

Taoist Master Yueying didn't refute him, merely saying, "As the Grand Minister of Agriculture, he gave Mi Fu so much time to present at the discourse assembly, showing his great tolerance."

"Although Mi Fu researched the initial version of the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art, the second version was created by him, and he also participated in the third. Yet, he is willing to give Mi Fu a chance to perform. With such capability and broad-mindedness, he truly deserves to be the master of a divine sect."

"Grand-Martial Uncle, are you willing to support me now?" the Mist Walker asked joyfully.

"Let's listen a bit more," Taoist Master Yueying smiled. "We are called the Profound Heaven Divine Sect. We should definitely hear his profound insights on the other two factions as well."

"Now that Shangluo Academy has gained such prominence, I believe the other debaters will no longer raise questions solely about the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art."

On the discourse platform, Wang Tianzhi was indeed getting restless.

Mi Fu was first, speaking for so long, and Liu Tianning was second. Without a doubt, he would still ask about the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art.

They were all discussing the classics of the Self-Faction. How could this be? The Self-Faction becoming the dominant agriculturist faction was unacceptable!

"It's bad enough that I, Wang Tianzhi, didn't become the Grand Minister of Agriculture, but must I also lose the status of the leading faction in my generation?"

"How can I face my ancestors?" Wang Tianzhi thought bitterly.

First there was Liu Tianning, then Zhao Xing, and now a Mi Fu, capable of establishing a new school, has emerged. This is truly bizarre!

Once Liu Tianning had finished his presentation, when it was Wang Tianzhi's turn, he could no longer hold back. *Boom!*

The Divine Wood Discourse Platform rapidly elevated, and Wang Tianzhi, as the third speaker, appeared before Zhao Xing.

"Celestial phenomena: thirty years make a Ji, sixty years make a cycle, three hundred and sixty years make a great fortune, and three thousand six hundred years make a grand cycle! Jueyin Wind Wood, Shaoyin Sovereign Fire, Shaoyang Minister Fire, Taiyin Damp Earth, Yangming Dry Metal, Taiyang Cold Water – these are the Six Qi of Three Yin and Three Yang. Wang Tianzhi asks the Grand Minister of Agriculture: If the dominant Qi describes constants and guest Qi measures changes, are the Primordial Qi tides a constant, or a change?"

Zhao Xing smiled upon hearing this. Old Wang wasn't following the script.

According to the original script, Wang Tianzhi was also supposed to discuss the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art, approaching its principles from the perspective of the Celestial Timing Faction.

However, he began by expounding on "The Grand Cycle Theory of Three Yin and Three Yang," then posed a question combining it with the Primordial Qi tides, the most pressing phenomenon in the Profound Yellow Realm. His intention was obvious.

"Old Wang wants to restore the Celestial Timing Faction's prestige; he's truly desperate," Zhao Xing chuckled inwardly.

However, the discourse assembly wasn't solely for the Self-Faction. Everyone was free to speak their minds, lecture, and ask questions, expressing both their insights and their confusions.

Wang Tianzhi's question was both simple and complex: Were the Primordial Qi tides an accidental variable in the heavens and earth, or would they become a normal phenomenon?

Zhao Xing had previously discussed "The Theory of Qi," mentioning both Primordial Qi and Spiritual Qi, but those were theories. Now, Wang Tianzhi raised a practical issue.

Countless people in the dojo were originally immersed in the Self-Faction's three major works, but now Wang Tianzhi instantly drew their attention back.

Compared to the Self-Faction's works, the Primordial Qi tides were the most pressing concern at the moment.

Indeed, how should agriculturists across the land view the Primordial Qi tides? And how should they respond?

After all, no one had witnessed such a situation before. The heavens and earth were changing, the climate was undergoing drastic shifts, bringing severe natural disasters yet also opportunities to break through limitations.

Amidst such transformations, small nations with few people and sects outside the mainstream truly didn't know how to navigate.

Since the emergence of the Primordial Qi tides, the lands beyond the mainstream indeed enjoyed the first wave of benefits. However, many with insufficient strength or resistance had already been annihilated by the Primordial Qi tides!

"Morning Rosy Clouds, Midday Sun, Night Dew, Day Spring, and the Two Qi of Heaven and Earth transforming into Profound Yellow." Zhao Xing began to answer Wang Tianzhi's question, first addressing the dominant Six Qi in the Grand Cycle Theory of Three Yin and Three Yang.

"With four Qi as dominant, the rising of the sun and setting of the moon, the harmony of yin and yang, and the growth of all things — this is the normal change of the Grand Cycle. Heaven and Earth, Profound and Yellow. The two Qi of Heaven and Earth, Primordial Qi gives birth to living beings, not hiding their bodies, but hiding their spirits."

"This is the distinction between 'Ling' (spirit/soul) and 'Ling' (spiritual energy) that Daoist Friend Mi previously asked about." Upon hearing this, Taoist Master Yueying excitedly slapped his thigh!

The Mist Walker grimaced, clutching his thigh.

"If you're excited, slap your own thigh, why hit mine?"

Taoist Master Yueying ignored Wu Sun's complaint: "Lad, do you know what he's talking about?""No."

"Quick, beg your Grand-Martial Uncle, and I'll explain it to you."

"Please, Grand-Martial Uncle, explain!" The Mist Walker relented.

"Heavenly Venerate Zhao is saying that there are six types of Qi between heaven and earth: the Qi of morning rosy clouds at sunrise, the Qi of the midday sun, the Qi of the flying spring at dusk, the Qi of night dew during the greatest yin, and the Qi of heaven and the Qi of earth."

"Among these, four are dominant Qi, namely the yin and yang Qi governed by Taiyin and Taiyang, which follow the operation of the Grand Cycle and nurture all living beings and things."

"Although I don't know why he can divide the Grand Cycle so precisely, upon careful calculation, I find that historical changes in celestial timing always align with the transformations of these Six Qi!"

Taoist Master Yueying said excitedly, "'The two Qi of Heaven and Earth transforming into Profound Yellow' is a summary of the preceding four Qi."

"In other words, how exactly do the rising and setting of the sun and moon, which lead to the growth of all things, come about?""How do they come about?" the Mist Walker echoed, playing along.

"You're truly foolish! He already explained it in his earlier 'Theory of Qi'!" Taoist Master Yueying said, "The two Qi of Heaven and Earth are Primordial Qi and Spiritual Qi!"

"The two Qi transforming into Profound Yellow means that the two Qi, Primordial and Spiritual, lead to the existence of everything."

"Primordial Qi is easy to understand, but Spiritual Qi is not manifest. Even if such an era once existed, the Primordial Qi era was predominant for most of history. Why does he classify Spiritual Qi as a constant dominant Qi?"

The Mist Walker gradually caught on. "Shouldn't this be categorized under the unpredictable 'Guest Qi'?"

Taoist Master Yueying's nose twitched with anger. He pointed at the Mist Walker's head: "With your comprehension, you're indeed only fit to be a temporary sect master! In our era, you wouldn't even qualify as an elder!"

The Mist Walker felt immense resentment. The old man was always flaunting his seniority, constantly bringing up 'our era' and saying that each generation was worse than the last, making him feel like an uneducated child.

"This temporary sect master is still a sect master, please show some respect, alright?!"

He wanted to hit the old man with a hammer, but his words changed at the last moment: "Yes, yes, you're right to admonish me. Please enlighten me."

Taoist Master Yueying helped him recap: "He previously discussed the distinction between 'Ling' (spirit/soul) and 'Ling' (spiritual energy) with Mi Fu."

"What we usually refer to as spiritual energy, used in cultivation, should actually be called 'spiritual energy' (灵气 - in the sense of spiritual force). The other 'Ling Qi' (灵气 - in the sense of living essence) is the Qi of living beings!"

"Spiritual essence has always existed; it gives life intelligence. This explains why spiritual essence hides the spirit, not the body. It also explains why spiritual essence is one of the six dominant Qi!"

The Mist Walker suddenly realized: "So that's it! No wonder the two souls of heaven and earth are often outside the body. If they were inside, whether it's a martial artist's fusion or a practitioner's soul collection, it would be the Rule Realm."

"Breaking through the Rule Realm was common in the Spiritual Qi era; it's uncommon in the Primordial Qi era."

"Exactly," Taoist Master Yueying nodded. "When I awoke, I was only in the Life Palace Realm, but I quickly recovered to Rule Realm strength because I had previously completed the step of 'hiding the spirit within the body'."

"As long as there's spiritual energy for me to absorb, I can quickly regain my strength."

"The Dao and its methods, methods and principles, are all crucial secrets for cultivation. Heavenly Venerate Zhao is willing to share these things freely. In our era, that would have been..."

"A tremendous opportunity, right?" The Mist Walker even learned to answer preemptively.

"Precisely!" Taoist Master Yueying sighed with emotion. "Where could you find such good fortune in the past? Listening to a powerful cultivator lecture required immense effort, or sheer good luck."

"Otherwise, who would break it down and spoon-feed it to you?""Absolutely right, absolutely right!"

"Our burial fees weren't paid in vain!"

Changsun Kui's two physical bodies trembled. He and several elders from the Corpse Puppet Sect beside him listened in rapt attention. Many previous confusions in their cultivation suddenly became clear.

"Heavenly Venerate Zhao is truly an unparalleled genius!" Changsun Kui began to praise Zhao Xing wildly.

Of course, his behavior was also due to Zhao Xing having spared him once in the Purple God Ruins.

At that time, to release the Mist Walker, Zhao Xing freed many people from Gurulu Star, and Changsun Kui, an agriculturist from the Corpse Puppet Sect, was one of them.

"It wasn't in vain for me to travel all this way, pay so much money to Da Zhou, and wait for several months... This trip was worth it!"

On the Divine Wood Discourse Platform, Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen also fell into deep thought.

The agriculturists of Da Zhou's understanding of the Primordial Qi tides was limited to two superficial aspects: natural disaster and opportunity. Among the Celestial Timing Faction agriculturists who studied the essence, Wang Tianzhi and Ling Tianchen held diametrically opposite stances.

Ling Tianchen believed the Primordial Qi tides were a change in guest Qi, an extraordinarily large-scale cyclical shift affecting the entire Profound Yellow Realm, occurring only once in tens of thousands of years!

Therefore, it should definitely be categorized as guest Qi.

Wang Tianzhi, however, was different. He believed that Zhao Xing's concept of Primordial Qi tides, and his statement that they were a precursor to the Spiritual Qi era, meant that the Ascension Era would soon begin.

Thus, the changes brought by the Primordial Qi tides would become a stable, normal state.

What was the basis for this? That the Beyond First Rank would become a common realm, at least not one attainable by only a limited few.

Since the Rule and Dao Establishment (Ascension) realms would become common, the Primordial Qi tides would also be classified within the category of the Six Dominant Qi.

But how to explain its essence remained a dilemma. Now, Zhao Xing had provided the answer.

Spiritual essence had always existed, but spiritual energy was relatively rare, only found in certain secret locations within the Profound Yellow Realm, such as the Ancient Dragon Court and the Southern Barbarian lands.

"The Taiyin and Taiyang stars in the universe created the division of the twenty-four solar terms." Since he had started speaking, Zhao Xing elaborated further in this direction.

His purpose in holding the discourse assembly, besides publicizing the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art to attract people from all over to Da Zhou and boost its fortune, was also to unify the three factions. Naturally, he couldn't allow the Self-Faction to dominate, as that would go against his original intention.

"The twenty-four solar terms of yin and yang are divided among the Six Qi and Six Steps. Starting from the Great Cold day of Da Zhou, they progress in the order of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water inter-promotion."

"Each step is divided into sixty days and eighty-seven and a half ke. If the scale of celestial timing is extended, multiply by the corresponding factor. When a certain Qi dominates, it will exhibit its related Five Element characteristics."

"From the perspective of eras, Primordial Qi tides occur frequently; they are, of course, a normal change."

Wang Tianzhi, Ling Tianchen, and others fell into contemplation because this diverged somewhat from their original understanding of "The Grand Cycle Theory of Three Yin and Three Yang," seemingly delving deeper into its foundation.

"Wang Tianzhi asks the Grand Minister of Agriculture: If Primordial Qi tides are viewed as a normal change from the perspective of the Grand Cycle era, then does the concept of 'Grand Four Seasons' also exist?"

Zhao Xing smiled and nodded. Old Wang's comprehension was indeed excellent; he was worthy of being the 'ten-thousand-year second.' He was just born in the wrong era; otherwise, being the Grand Minister of Agriculture would be more than enough for him.

"Indeed, deducing from the Grand Cycle Theory, the Grand Four Seasons do exist," Zhao Xing calmly stated. "It's just that the Profound Yellow Realm's map is too small, and human lifespans are too short to witness the existence of the Grand Four Seasons."

"Could it be that the 'epochs' the Grand Minister of Agriculture wrote about in the Grand Cycle Theory are also 'seasons' in the sense of the four seasons?"

"Hiss, such foresight, it's simply... simply...""Is this content from the Qing Yuzi's inheritance?"

"Nonsense! What garbage is Qing Yuzi? The Grand Minister of Agriculture wrote the Grand Cycle Theory first, and then Qing Yuzi's legacy appeared later. This was all comprehended by the Grand Minister himself!"

The discourse between Wang Tianzhi and Zhao Xing once again caused a huge sensation. In terms of shifting attention, Old Wang had certainly succeeded.

At this moment, most people were no longer thinking about the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art but were concentrating on listening to their discourse. The Celestial Timing Faction was instantly overjoyed.

"Hahaha, Old Wang truly lived up to expectations!" King Jiao An laughed heartily. "He didn't bring shame to Profound Heaven Academy!"

"All four academies—Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Cloud—are watching." The serene-tempered Celestial Timing Faction agriculturist, Kan Qing, also showed a satisfied smile. "Discussing for half a year to put him in the third debater's spot was indeed the right decision!"

The order of the debaters had been a major point of contention for the three factions over the past half year.

Aside from Mi Fu being personally chosen by Zhao Xing, and Liu Tianning being undisputed, the ranking of everyone else was a constant source of debate: Wang Tianzhi, Ling Tianchen, Lu Chunhua, Qiu Yuanshan, Ji Youtang, Meng Kun, Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang Danian...

The deans, vice-deans, and doctoral scholars of the three factions were all qualified to participate in the discourse.

Wang Tianzhi was indeed quite famous, but that was because he held an official position and was Li Boqian's junior fellow apprentice. Within the agriculturist community, many could still rival Wang Tianzhi.

After all, discourse wasn't solely about combat prowess; achievements in theoretical principles were key. Now that Wang Tianzhi had performed well, it effectively quelled the previous internal debates.

"The four directions, above and below, are the universe (space). Past and present are the cosmos (time). The four cardinal directions encompass yin and yang, while the cosmos illuminates the three luminaries (sun, moon, stars)."

"According to deductions from the Grand Cycle Theory of Six Qi of Three Yin and Three Yang, the Profound Yellow Realm experiences minor four seasons, while the universe experiences grand four seasons. How should we face such a grand-era normal change as the Primordial Qi tides?"

"One can use the 'Guest-Host Imposition' method: the guest Qi of the celestial timing, which is either excessive or weak, is superimposed onto the third of the dominant Qi. The remaining five Qi are then added in sequence. This is the 'Guest-Host Imposition' method."

"As the saying goes, when Qi is in harmony, there is peace; when it's not, there is illness. By following this rule to deal with the Primordial Qi tides, one can achieve twice the result with half the effort."

At this point, Zhao Xing didn't forget to glance towards the Heavenly Heart Hall, promoting Ji Che's grand plan of ascension.

"Based on the deduction of the Five Steps of Seasonal Operation from the Grand Cycle Theory of Six Qi of Three Yin and Three Yang, in a total of 1,236,546 years, the Profound Yellow Realm will have precisely moved to the southern boundary line of the Taiyang Star's northern division within its cosmic domain."

"This time also perfectly precedes the arrival of the Grand Spring season."

"The Primordial Qi tides of the Profound Yellow Realm are the reversal of the cold current just before the start of spring. From a cosmic scale, they are caused by the superimposition of the Qi of evening rosy clouds in spring and the Qi of night dew."

"Spring symbolizes recovery. Our world is about to face a spiritual energy rain! This is the spiritual energy revival spoken of in ancient texts."

"However, due to the Profound Yellow Realm's geographical location, some now wish to prevent its arrival and monopolize these benefits. Only Our Emperor considers all the world's common people, striving to let everyone enjoy the benefits of this revival."

Wang Tianzhi smiled upon hearing this. This segment wasn't in the script; the Grand Minister of Agriculture was purely improvising. He immediately cooperated, saying, "Our Emperor has great love in his heart, truly a benevolent ruler rarely seen!"

"Your Majesty has great love in his heart, truly a benevolent ruler rarely seen!" In the Heavenly Heart Hall, Jin Ke, King of the Morse Kingdom, was the first to stand up, raising his wine cup: "It is truly an honor for this subject to be a minister of Da Zhou!"

"This humble subject dares to ask all ministers to raise your cups and toast His Majesty!"

Tong Wenzhuo watched this flattery, speechless. To think a foreign vassal had preempted them with such praise was truly a miscalculation. Seeing the former Prince of Morse, now King of Morse, flatter so shamelessly, he wished he could stuff him into a biography of treacherous officials.

But as the Right Chancellor, he couldn't step forward to seize these opportunities. He merely wondered why none of his subordinates were quick-witted or bold enough.

Seeing all the officials raising their cups to toast him, Ji Che's imperial countenance brightened considerably. "Hahahaha, gentlemen, drink up!"

No wonder treacherous officials are always popular; everyone loves to hear good words. "Can't compare, can't compare," Jiang Hua couldn't help but sigh.

Zhao Xing, after expounding on the "Cosmic Celestial Timing Theory," praised Ji Che. This was akin to using an entire treatise as a prelude to flatter Ji Che. Ji Che was not usually a monarch so easily pleased by praise, but Zhao Xing's move was truly masterful.

Who else in the world could use such a method? No one. He was the only one of his kind, with no imitators.

The Imperial Historian, Sima Yu, wrote furiously: "Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhao Xing expounded on the Cosmic Celestial Timing Theory, proclaiming the Emperor a benevolent ruler rarely seen; the Emperor was exceedingly pleased. At that time, the King of Morse raised his cup, inviting the ministers, who all joined in, praising the Emperor's sagacity."

The discourse segment between Wang Tianzhi and Zhao Xing concluded, and it was now Ling Tianchen's turn.

Ling Tianchen actually had little left to say because that scoundrel Wang Tianzhi hadn't left him much room.

Furthermore, Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhao Xing had just explained that the Primordial Qi tides were a normal change, thus not falling within the scope of cyclical shifts.

So, he could only discuss the Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art from the perspective of the Cyclical Shift Faction, presenting it as a cyclical shift within the inner world. Ling Tianchen didn't care for superficial fame; his lineage was the type that contributed silently.

His being fourth was also due to the significant sacrifices made by his lineage; they rightfully deserved an earlier position.

Zhao Xing also gave Ling Tianchen ample opportunity to speak, letting him focus on methods. Overall, his presentation was decent, and Ling Tianchen quickly stepped down after finishing.

*Boom!*

Fifth, it was Meng Kun's turn.

Why wasn't it Qiu Yuanshan, the Dean of Kunyuan Academy, but rather Vice Dean Meng Kun who was fifth? Primarily because Meng Kun had once discovered Zhao Xing and provided him with significant assistance.

Qiu Yuanshan was understanding, yielding the position of the Geo-Advantage Faction's primary spokesperson to Meng Kun. "Meng Kun asks the Grand Minister of Agriculture: Does the Grand Minister have any works related to the Geo-Advantage Faction?"

"You promised me hundreds of years ago!" Laughter immediately erupted both inside and outside the dojo.

Meng Kun's eyes held a resentful gaze. He came up not like someone asking questions, but like someone demanding payment. Zhao Xing also found it hard to suppress a laugh, as Old Meng looked like a wronged young woman.

"Yes."

Upon hearing this affirmative answer, Meng Kun immediately jumped up excitedly. Qiu Yuanshan, Ji Youtang, Xiao Zhe, and others also couldn't contain themselves and let out a cheer.

It was truly hard-won!

The sensation caused by Mi Fu's three works for the Self-Faction was already significant, and their impact was far-reaching. The rise of the Self-Faction was undoubtedly a certainty.

The Celestial Timing Faction, building upon the Grand Cycle Theory of Six Qi of Three Yin and Three Yang, now had "The Cosmic Celestial Timing Theory: Primordial Qi Tides Chapter." What about the Geo-Advantage Faction? The Geo-Advantage Faction had nothing.

Oh, not entirely nothing; they still had a hoe. In the past, that would have been satisfying enough. But now the times were changing, and seeing the Geo-Advantage Faction about to fall from second place to last, they couldn't sit still.

Meng Kun didn't care about whether it was a discourse or not; he just came up and demanded a treatise.

Zhao Xing was, of course, well-prepared. He couldn't let any one faction dominate, at least not in terms of fundamental texts and principles. Their actual development was another matter.

He also emulated Mi Fu, beginning his discourse with illustrations and text. First, he wrote five characters in the air: "Five Elements Four Seasons Theory."

The observers inside and outside the dojo immediately perked up.

The Five Elements Four Seasons Theory — this was the great unifying theory for agriculturists!

Whether it was the civil service system, the Daoist official system, or the selection of agriculturist officials, it was always a major required topic on examinations!

"Combining the Five Elements, Four Seasons, and Heavenly Stems to expound on the ultimate truths of the entire cosmos... Has Divine Venerate Zhao actually begun to 'operate' on such classics?" Taoist Master Yueying looked upwards in disbelief.

The Mist Walker was instantly amused.

Before entering Da Zhou, Taoist Master Yueying called him Zhao Xing. Once inside, he started calling him Zhao Chen'an. During the discourse assembly, he became Heavenly Venerate Zhao. And now, he's simply "Divine Venerate."

"I didn't bring him here for nothing," the Mist Walker thought to himself. "As long as I can convince this old man, convincing the other old fellows will be easy."

"Starting from the Winter Solstice, up to the next Winter Solstice, the year is divided into five equal parts, each part lasting 72 days, aligning with the principle of seventy-two cyclical changes."

"They are successively aligned with Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, corresponding to the 'Five Elements Daily Application Method.' Jia matches Wood, Bing matches Fire, Wu matches Earth, Geng matches Metal, Ren matches Water."

"The four seasons are divided into Meng (early), Zhong (mid), and Ji (late) months."

"For example, Mengchun (early spring), Zhongchun (mid-spring), Jichun (late spring) are located in the east, belong to the Wood element, and correspond to Jia and Yi. This is the currently popular 'Earth Dominates Late Summer Theory'."

"However, this theory is not balanced enough. The three months of Mengxia (early summer), Zhongxia (mid-summer), and Jixia (late summer) are divided between Fire and Earth, with Fire having two months and Earth only one, while the other three elements each have three months."

Zhao Xing first explained the currently popular "Earth Dominates Late Summer Theory," then raised the issue with this theory: the imbalance of the Five Elements when matched with the four seasons.

This ideology caused the Earth element's status to become the weakest. Many agriculturists, when regulating earth veins, would first adjust the other four elements.

For instance, among the methods Zhao Xing once examined, there was using Metal to drain the Fire's essence, and using source water to control Fire, so that Earth could be utilized. This explained how to regulate an area experiencing a super-hot drought.

Now, Zhao Xing proposed a new concept: "Earth Dominates All Four Seasons Theory."

"The last eighteen days of Jichun (late spring), Jixia (late summer), Jiqiu (late autumn), and Jidong (late winter) are designated as the Earth element, totaling seventy-two days. From this point on, the Five Elements equally govern the four seasons, achieving a state of balance."

Meng Kun was puzzled: "Grand Minister of Agriculture, if so, wouldn't the sequential inter-promotion of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water become chaotic?"

Because the Earth element was allocated days across all four seasons, Earth ran from beginning to end.

Zhao Xing continued: "Among the Five Elements, none is more noble than Earth; it holds the cord and governs the four directions. Earth, in relation to the four seasons, dictates all!"

Upon hearing this, Meng Kun's heart blossomed with joy.

Zhao Xing was elevating Earth to a more distinguished element. From the Heavenly Stems perspective, Earth was associated with four branches, while the others only two.

After establishing this concept, Zhao Xing then answered Meng Kun's question, extending a hand to point at the sky, where a piece of land suddenly materialized.

"The Five Elements generate each other in sequence. When we comprehend the Dao and practice methods using earth veins, we have never deviated from the Earth element. When Hou Tu (Sovereign Earth) returns to its origin, Qi transforms to give birth to Profound Yellow, just as an agriculturist cultivates pure primordial soil."

"It is also first the Earth element, then the other four elements are born, creating the mountains, rivers, plants, and living beings of heaven and earth."

"Cultivating along this path, one's inner world can eventually transform into a Grotto-Heaven world. This is the nobility of Earth. So, the Earth element's supremacy doesn't actually affect the principle of the Five Elements generating each other in sequence?"

It was Qiu Yuanshan who asked the question. At this moment, he was incredibly excited, even forgetting that it wasn't yet his turn to speak.

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded affirmatively. He changed the "Earth Dominates Mid-Summer Theory" to the "Earth Dominates All Four Seasons Theory," ultimately linking it back to the "Profound Yellow Essence Analysis Art" and "The Theory of Qi."

This wasn't a forced connection; the three factions complemented each other, and their interrelation was an ultimate truth of heaven and earth, which couldn't be discussed in isolation.

When Qiu Yuanshan fully grasped this concept, he gasped, pointing at the floating mountain land in the sky, his fingers trembling, and his breathing quickening.

Meng Kun hadn't fully grasped it, but he was dying of impatience. Old Qiu, what are you trying to say? Hurry up and say it!

"Gr-gr-great..." Qiu Yuanshan uttered three successive stutters before stabilizing his emotions. He looked at the floating mountain land in the sky and respectfully asked, "Qiu Yuanshan asks the Grand Minister of Agriculture, is this mountain land a spiritual mountain formed from pure primordial soil?"

Zhao Xing smiled and nodded: "Yes, it is not an illusion, but a real existence."

Meng Kun, Ji Youtang, and others also reacted. They all sprang to their feet, staring intently at the mountain peak in the sky.

As for the people of Shangluo Academy, they were even more astonished. No one had ever cultivated a spiritual mountain from pure primordial soil before! No one's soil properties had ever transcended three stages to reach the point of generating a spiritual mountain within their body!

The agriculturists of the Celestial Timing Faction were equally shocked, for Zhao Xing's mountain floated in the sky, not rooted to the ground. This meant that the soil within the pure primordial space had truly broken free from some confinement, even reaching a level where it could suppress celestial timing.

"Heavens... We have always used mountain arts to refine myriad mountains and relied on Earth-penetrating Boats to carry them into battle, yet we never imagined that when Hou Tu returns to its origin and cultivation reaches its extreme, one's own pure primordial soil can nurture a mountain."

"Earth rules all four seasons — this is no mere empty title; Divine Venerate Zhao has truly achieved it! With this mountain appearing, all celestial timing will be suppressed!"

"So the Great Dao moves forward, and the path is right beneath our feet. Pan Chang, Agriculturist of the Fu Kingdom, thanks the Grand Minister of Agriculture for his teachings!"

In one part of the dojo, a Life Palace Realm agriculturist wearing a tall crown respectfully straightened his robes, then suddenly knelt down, prostrating himself on the ground.

Prostrating himself in a grand kowtow, Pan Chang from the Fu Kingdom, who was his nation's Grand Minister of Agriculture, was now directly worshipping Zhao Xing as a saint!

"Bo Hongde, Agriculturist of the Xiangliu Kingdom, thanks the Grand Minister of Agriculture for his teachings!" On another observation platform, someone else devoutly bowed down.

The Xiangliu Kingdom was a medium-sized state located north of Da Zhou, a friendly neighboring country. Bo Hongde himself had many disciples, and when he bowed, his numerous disciples behind him also knelt down in a dense mass.

"Gao Shanyang, Agriculturist of the Dongsang Kingdom, thanks the Grand Minister of Agriculture for his teachings." This was a powerful cultivator from a country in the Eastern Wilderness, the Dongsang Kingdom, which had strength comparable to the Great Serpent Kingdom but was further from the Central Land.

After all, those who could gain enlightenment in such a short time were few, but any who did were surely incredibly talented powerhouses. Taoist Master Yueying gazed at the mountain in the sky and murmured, "Comprehending the Dao by observing the mountain, what an instant enlightenment!"

Having said that, he also bowed towards the sky, saying, "Taoist Master Yueying thanks the Divine Venerate for bestowing the Dao."

The Mist Walker chuckled, watching his Grand-Martial Uncle bow. "You've finally surrendered, have you?"

Unexpectedly, he hadn't laughed for long when Taoist Master Yueying suddenly smacked him on the back of the head: "You scoundrel