Chapter 81: Yin Spirit Grading and Summary of Gains

Name: Zhao XingRealm: Upper Ninth Rank (Cannot be improved)Occupation: NoneFortune: Evolved ThreeCore Cultivation: Tier Thirteen (6/10000)Additional Lifespan: 53 years

"My additional lifespan increased by fifty-three years, and my fortune ascended to Evolved Three?!" Zhao Xing was immensely surprised. He knew he had gained a lot this time; after all, his Core Cultivation had reached the ranked level, so he expected a significant increase in lifespan... but he didn't expect such a massive gain!

What he didn't know was that he hadn't actually reached the ranked level until the day he descended the mountain. However, after his fortune ascended to Evolved Three, he discovered several spots of pure essence and spiritual energy on his way down the mountain, which then allowed him to break through. That's why he was delayed for some time.

"Compared to the additional lifespan and fortune, reaching the ranked level in Core Cultivation is merely the smallest gain," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

As for why the 'Realm' section on the panel displayed 'Cannot be improved,' that explanation requires starting with the Fortune Dynasty system and the Great Zhou Founder.

The Great Zhou Founder disseminated cultivation methods among the populace. "Core Cultivation" was a technique summarized by countless ancient sages to absorb primal energy and strengthen the body. The tiers of Core Cultivation represent the strength of one's primal energy and physical body. Entering a ranked realm not only involves the Core Cultivation tiers but also encompasses insights into 'Dao' (the Way), 'Fa' (Law/Technique), and 'Ji' (Skill). Among these, martial arts professions focus more on improving Core Cultivation tiers. Other professions, such as Farmers, Dancers, Musicians, Mechanists, Ritualists, etc., lean more towards insights into the Dao.

The Fortune Dynasty can help individuals improve their Core Cultivation and their insights into the Dao. Conversely, it can also prevent people from improving! Or even cause them to regress in their realm! Of course, the official explanation is that all subjects under heaven originally cultivated slowly and faced numerous restraints. It was the Great Zhou Founder, with boundless merit and immense divine power, who found a way for the people of the Zhou Dynasty to cultivate and wield spells using primal energy.

Want to increase your lifespan? Become an official!Want to learn spells? Become an official in our dynasty!Want to quickly improve your cultivation? Enter officialdom!Want to break through cultivation bottlenecks? Become an official!

The core philosophy of the Fortune Dynasty system can be summarized in four words: Act on behalf of Heaven!

Zhao Xing is currently a minor official. If he cultivates on his own, the highest realm he can reach is the 'Upper Ninth Rank,' which corresponds to the 'Mid-Ninth Rank' in the ancient cultivation system. Once he becomes an official, this restriction disappears. In fact, if he is talented enough, his personal strength can even surpass his official rank. If one is unwilling to become an official, then within the Great Zhou's territory, they will never be able to reach the 'Late Ninth Rank' or 'Perfection' even in old age.

There are a few situations where one can cultivate without being an official:Firstly, descendants of royalty and nobility, or those who have performed deeds beneficial to the nation, are usually granted 'honorary ranks,' 'merit ranks,' or 'titles of nobility.' You don't serve as an official or handle affairs, but you can still cultivate. Of course, this is still effectively a system within the 'Fortune Dynasty' framework.

Secondly, by special imperial decree: even those who are not Zhou Dynasty officials, or even Zhou Dynasty citizens, can cultivate. This typically applies to foreign subjects who have contributed to the Zhou Dynasty, allowing them to cultivate within the nineteen provinces and enjoy various benefits under the Fortune Dynasty system.

Thirdly, leaving the Great Zhou's territory naturally removes one from its jurisdiction. However, they also won't enjoy benefits such as accelerated cultivation, breaking through bottlenecks, or increased fortune and lifespan. Outside the nineteen provinces, it's exceedingly difficult for ordinary people to cultivate to the Ninth Rank.

What? You don't want to be an official? Then what do you need such high cultivation for? We bestow upon you an honorary rank, inviting you into the Fortune system, and you're still unwilling? Are you trying to rebel?

The Fortune Dynasty system was not unique to the Great Zhou, but it reached its peak during the reign of the Great Zhou Founder. Previous Fortune Dynasties had never been so highly centralized, even managing people's cultivation realms. It was also from the Founder's time that the emergence of completely free and immensely powerful individuals was prevented, reducing destabilizing factors within the Fortune Dynasty. This is why sects outside the mainstream, such as the Xuan Tian Sect, which revere the primal Heavenly Dao and advocate cultivation freedom, despise the Great Zhou Founder. They would curse him eight hundred times a day, then stab a straw doll eight hundred times, and constantly sought to subvert the Zhou Dynasty.

Basic Spell: CultivationElementary Spells:Vigorous Growth, Cloud Walking, Wind Raising, Thunder Striking, Rain Dispensing, Clear SightAll of the above are at Elementary Perfection; they can serve as a foundation for receiving new spells or breaking through to comprehend new ones at any time.

As intermediate spells were comprehended, the importance of elementary spells diminished, and the panel no longer displayed spell progress.

Zhao Xing continued looking down.

All Flora as Soldiers: Fifth RevolutionWillow Stream Method - Fragments (Six types):Reviving Straw Golem (Sixth Revolution); Entangling Straw Golem (Fifth Revolution); Swift Straw Golem (Fifth Revolution); Thorned Straw Golem (Third Revolution); Herculean Straw Golem (Seventh Revolution); Scouting Straw Golem (Fourth Revolution)Five Elements Observation (Seventh Revolution)Earth Vein Synthesis (Sixth Revolution)

Intermediate Spells:Savage Growth: Seventh Revolution (7245/9999)Lightning Attraction: Ninth Revolution (9955/9999)Shadow Wind: Ninth Revolution (9978/9999)Ice Rain: Ninth Revolution (Perfection)

Intermediate Spells (Self-Created):Thunderous Lasso: Eighth Revolution (8214/9999)Great Thunder Palm: Seventh Revolution (7854/9999)

Sub-Profession: Talisman CrafterSoul Soothing Talisman (Basic Max Level)Guidance Talisman (Basic Max Level)

Tier 3 Treasures: Omen-Repelling Almanac, Thousand-Mile Transmission Token, Bamboo Steed, Peacock Plume Robe, Tiger Soul Blade x4, Bright Tower Soft Armor x3Tier 4 Treasure: Ice Pearl (Low-grade)

Pet: Lynx (Late Ninth Rank; exotic beasts are outside the Fortune system, equivalent to a human's Formal Ninth Rank Lower.)Plant: Heavenly Essence Pear Tree (Sapling stage)

The four weather-controlling spells saw significant progress; not only had the elementary ones reached perfection, but the intermediate ones also reached the Ninth Revolution, with Ice Rain even achieving perfection. And astonishingly, two self-created spells appeared!

"The self-created spells must have been further comprehended after Thunder Striking reached perfection."

"Hmm? My comprehension of water-element spells is actually so much higher than before?"

"And Shadow Wind, it actually directly reached the Ninth Revolution?!!!" Zhao Xing's eyes widened.

Self-created spells were one thing, but how difficult was Shadow Wind to cultivate? Its cultivation speed could only be fast during specific seasons like Major Cold, Minor Cold, or Pure Brightness, or in places with higher quality earth veins. When he entered the mountain, it was only at the First Revolution, but now that he's descended, it's actually at the Ninth Revolution! It completely exceeded expectations!

"My gains on the mountain were truly significant. Not only did my spells break through, but I also acquired many treasures. This heavy bamboo case must contain the soft armors and Tiger Soul Blades." Zhao Xing knew without thinking why he would seize these two types of items: they were easy to sell and didn't take up much space. Tiger Soul Blades were short swords, and soft armors were foldable, so there was more than enough room in the bamboo case. These Tier 3 treasures were likely prepared by martial artists for mountain climbing; they were hot commodities and would sell quickly.

"Did I accumulate over two thousand taels in assets from this mountain expedition?" Zhao Xing roughly calculated the value of the treasures: the robes, bamboo steed, blades, armor... together, they could probably fetch over one thousand seven or eight hundred taels, plus another thousand taels in silver notes.

"It really is stealing that makes money.""If I were to save honestly, when would I ever accumulate this much?"

Robbery was much faster than earning illicit gains. Of course, in this era, it wasn't easy to rob without future repercussions. Climbing spiritual mountains to gather spiritual essence was something only minor officials could do. Once one entered the ranks and became a formal official, they could no longer participate, though there were other ways to compete. It wasn't entirely good either; only a few lucky individuals gained rewards, most were just there for the ride, and some even suffered casualties.

"Dong! Dong!"

Suddenly, two bell chimes echoed from the mountain. Signifying the end of this spiritual essence gathering expedition. Next, the East Lake Army would enter the mountain, with numerous ranked experts going in to harvest the spiritual mountain's accumulated treasures from the past half-year. Only ordinary wild beasts that posed no threat to common people, and some low-tier treasures, would be left behind.

The bell chimes ceased.

Ji Ming, a Deputy Sixth Rank official from the Supervision Bureau, appeared in the Altar Plaza. The Supervision Bureau belonged to the county-level divine temple institutions, meaning Ji Ming was a Sixth Rank divine official. His status here was the highest; even Fan Dongping, a fellow Deputy Sixth Rank official from the Ministry of Agriculture, would automatically defer to him.

"By Imperial Edict of Empress Bi Xia, I request all gentlemen of East Lake to present the list of spiritual essence assignments!"

Ji Ming, standing below, chanted incantations. Chen Shijie explained to Zhao Xing beside him: "Bi Xia is the Daoist title of an Yin God, and 'Empress' refers to a female Yin God."

"Our Department of Agriculture might also need to invoke spirits sometimes; be careful not to mispronounce their revered names." Divine officials could set up altars to pray for rain, and Farmers could sometimes invoke spirits; many spellcasting professions had commonalities.

Zhao Xing nodded and said, "I remember this Empress is the highest-ranking Yin God in Pinghai Province, isn't she?"

Chen Shijie nodded: "Nanyang Commandery is part of Pinghai Province, and to the east of Pinghai Province lies the Azure Sea. Pinghai Province wasn't originally called Pinghai Province, but rather Canghai Province. This is because half of its current territory was once part of the Azure Sea. Before becoming a deity, Immortal Bi Xia was at the Second Rank realm. During the Founder's era, she belonged to a certain Daoist sect and excelled in water-element spells. After the Founder established the nation, some sects were expelled, while others submitted. Immortal Bi Xia belonged to the faction that submitted. She resolved floods for the Great Zhou Founder and subdued the raging spirits of the Azure Sea. Therefore, after her death, she was canonized as Empress Bi Xia, overseeing the divine soldiers of the Sacred Mountain Temples and observing good and evil in the mortal world. Not only in Pinghai Province, but within the entire Great Zhou system, she is also a high-ranking Yin God."

Zhao Xing pondered, "I recall that Empress Bi Xia left behind a classic spellbook called 'The Book of Water,' and many spells within it are listed as mandatory learning for Farmer officials. Is that right?"

Chen Shijie looked surprised: "You're quite well-informed! You even remember the mandatory spell scriptures for Formal Sixth Rank officials?"

Zhao Xing smiled humbly, accidentally showing off again in front of Old Chen. In reality, he not only knew about it but had also served as a Farmer official in island regions. Casting spells for cultivation at sea was vastly different from doing so on land. Without understanding "The Book of Water," one wouldn't know how to teach the aquatic people how to farm.

Chen Shijie nodded: "She indeed left behind a classic spell scripture, whose full name is 'The True Compendium of Myriad Water-Element Spells and Sea Spirits.' Of course, it's fine to call it 'The Book of Water' for short; everyone calls it that."

Zhao Xing then asked, "Was it originally hidden on Purple Cloud Island?"

Chen Shijie shook his head: "I wouldn't know that. Why are you asking?"

Zhao Xing quietly said, "Just asking casually."

It didn't sound like a casual question, but Chen Shijie couldn't guess what Zhao Xing was thinking.

At this moment, a stack of documents floated down from the mountain and landed in Ji Ming's hand. Subsequently, the inspecting envoy returned to the viewing platform. Officials from various departments immediately craned their necks, eager to take a quick look.

Ji Ming took out a document from the stack: "Where is the Magistrate of Gucheng County?"

Li Wenzheng quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble official is present."

Ji Ming smiled slightly: "Gucheng has produced a promising talent; you have guided them well."

Li Wenzheng didn't know who Ji Ming was referring to, so he could only nod and reply, "It's all thanks to the wise guidance of the Prefectural government; this humble official merely follows the rules."

Ji Ming handed the document to Li Wenzheng, tapping it with his finger: "The top recipient alone gained forty-two portions of spiritual essence. He should be Gucheng's prime talent. You must ensure public order within and outside Gucheng is well-maintained, so as not to lose such a talent."

"Yes." Li Wenzheng obediently accepted the document.

Ji Ming's words were practically an imperial endorsement, indicating that Zhao Xing absolutely had to appear on the county city's 'Winter Review' list this year. Hearing that someone alone received forty-two portions of spiritual essence, the officials present couldn't help themselves. They all spoke up, asking, "Minister Li, who exactly is this person from Gucheng who obtained forty-two portions of spiritual essence?"

"Indeed, Brother Wenzheng, quickly announce the name!"

"Gentlemen, do not rush; allow me to examine it closely." Li Wenzheng straightened his posture, smiled, and slowly flipped through the document. The document Ji Ming presented first carried the most weight, signifying that an official from Gucheng had achieved the best results in this spiritual essence gathering expedition. Not stating the name directly was also giving him the opportunity to announce it, and naturally, Li Wenzheng had to keep his colleagues in suspense. It was a rare chance to show off like this once a year.

"You're killing us with anticipation! How long are you going to stare at that wretched document, Brother Li?!""Li Wenzheng, hurry up!""Have you mastered your 'Observing Autumn Hairs' spell in your hands? Moving your finger millimeter by millimeter?"

The surrounding officials teased him, and waves of laughter erupted from the viewing platform. Li Wenzheng savored the gazes of his colleagues, finally reading out the top name on the list.

"Zhao Xing, minor official of the Gucheng Ministry of Agriculture, ascended East Lake Spiritual Mountain, competed for the first incense stick, gathered a total of forty-two portions of spiritual essence, including two portions of high-grade spiritual essence, and was rated 'Prime Grade'!"

A stir immediately arose among the crowd. High-grade spiritual essence, and two portions at that! This luck was simply boundless! High-grade spiritual essence usually indicated fortune essence, meaning this person would at least reach Evolved Two in fortune. To be an official in the Great Zhou, one's luck must first be good. It was foreseeable that this person would have a considerable future. Becoming a formal official was practically a certainty!

For a moment, congratulations poured in continuously.

"Stand up with me, do as I do." Chen Shijie nudged Zhao Xing with his elbow, and the latter immediately understood. He then followed closely behind Chen Shijie, cupping his hands in return to the officials from various county-level government offices. This was a good opportunity to make an appearance. As long as his name registered in the ears of these officials and they remembered him, future matters would be much more convenient. If this were still his time as a player, this wave would have earned him a massive boost in affinity with the Nanyang Commandery official faction. To put it mildly, it would at least raise his standing from 'Indifferent' to a moderately 'Friendly' level.

The Yin God's direct rating of 'Prime Grade,' coupled with Ji Ming's personal acknowledgment of him as the top name, was precisely the scene minor officials dreamed of when risking life and limb to climb the mountain. Yang Junxiong, Zong Shichang, Li Chengfeng, Lu Qian, Liu Muqing, Cao Qiushui, and others observing nearby were all utterly envious.

"Exemplary talent, great fortune, auspicious, truly auspicious!" Xue Wenzhong smiled happily.

As for the other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, they also smiled, a touch of sourness in their expressions. "Sigh, such a promising talent, why did he have to emerge from the Huailiu Department?" Truly the envy of others!