Chapter 94: A Month of Preparation and Progress, Beginning of Winter Arrives

Zhao Xing was still somewhat shocked after leaving the Chen residence. He hadn't expected to meet an old acquaintance there, nor had he expected Long Xiao to be on such good terms with Chen Shijie. Even more surprisingly, Chen Shijie wanted to take him to the Divine Might Army, which would later be disbanded!

"Should I still go with Old Chen?" Joining the army was a definite plan, as he had originally intended to become a military agriculturist. To get promoted quickly, the military was undoubtedly the fastest route, and with his foreknowledge, he was confident he could do very well.

The Divine Might Army, once renowned, later suffered heavy losses fighting the savage alien tribes, even to the point of its structure being dismantled. Emperor Wu's campaign against the barbarians was largely due to his father suffering great losses from the alien tribes in his later years. Zhao Xing recalled that he vaguely remembered Marquis Shenxiao, Long Xiao, harbored a deep hatred for the savage alien tribes, though he wasn't sure if it was due to his experiences in the Divine Might Army. Long Xiao rose to prominence during the late reign of Emperor Jing and was ennobled as Marquis Wu for his merits in the great campaign against the barbarians during Emperor Wu's reign.

In Zhao Xing's future plans, Long Xiao was on his investment list. If he was stronger than Long Xiao before Long Xiao's rise, he would help him as an investment; if he was still relatively weak, he would follow him.

It was currently only the mid-reign of Emperor Jing; after Jingxin, there would be Dazhi and Yongzhi, roughly another two hundred years. Zhao Xing had listened to Old Chen and Long Xiao chat. Although the Divine Might Army had a minor reputation before, it was limited to one prefecture and hadn't yet achieved nationwide fame. Now, it had only just been reactivated.

"Joining now also has advantages. The Divine Might Army has just been activated, offering many opportunities for merit. As for later? At worst, I can just 'jump ship,' like Long Xiao, who also lives well." Zhao Xing shook his head, no longer overthinking it. He still had a few months before making a decision. He would gather more information. If his assessment later deemed it unsuitable, Zhao Xing had plenty of other options. For now, he needed to get past the Xuan Tian Sect hurdle and successfully become a full official before anything else.

Sanwan Town, Maple Leaf Manor.

Inside Maple Leaf Manor was a rock garden, and within it, a secret passage had been dug, leading deep underground. At this moment, within that deep underground space, lay a small altar. The altar stood in a pool of blood, the crimson liquid covering half of a statue. The two sect masters of Sanwan Hall knelt below, waiting. Guardian Hunter Falcon, meanwhile, knelt beside the blood pool, worshipping the statue.

Chen Deshun and Wu Mei felt somewhat uneasy. This wasn't supposed to be the time for a sacrifice, but a few days prior, they had received a premonition from the Venerable One. Upon returning, they reported it to the Guardian. Even the slightest disturbance was sensitive for those in deep cover, and Hunter Falcon took it seriously. He immediately came to this altar to pray to the deity and inquire about the specific reason for the premonition.

A faint red glow emanated from the statue, illuminating the air and revealing a scene of Chen Deshun at the Niu family courtyard. The divine statue then quickly sank into the blood pool, and the vision vanished. Guardian Hunter Falcon worshipped devoutly once more, then slowly descended from the altar.

"Guardian... *cough*," Chen Deshun began to ask what had happened, but he and Wu Mei were sent flying by a slap from Hunter Falcon, spitting out a mouthful of blood and losing two teeth. Both looked panicked, quickly crawling back on their knees after falling.

"You two fools!" Hunter Falcon glared at them grimly. "I sent you to scout Anping Town; what exactly did you do? Why were your identities exposed?"

"What?" Chen Deshun was startled. "We've been exposed?"

Wu Mei also looked terrified: "Guardian, we swear we did nothing."

Hunter Falcon's gaze was cold: "Still daring to argue? The Venerable One's premonition sensed that someone was divining your identities through a secret art."

"What? How is that possible..." Chen Deshun and Wu Mei turned pale with shock, completely bewildered by the situation. They had been in this underground altar for the past two days, realizing the situation was serious, but not *this* serious.

"Your identities are compromised," Hunter Falcon sneered. "Enter the Blood Spirit Pool."

"Yes, yes," both said, fearfully stepping into the altar's blood pool. Hunter Falcon then beckoned, and a man and a woman, both believers, walked over from the side. They were naked, and upon reaching Hunter Falcon, they respectfully knelt: "Greetings, Guardian."

Hunter Falcon slowly said: "This is an urgent time, and you are needed to contribute to the great cause. In the future, the Xuan Tian Sect will recreate your golden bodies, and you shall enjoy eternal peace."

The man and woman looked at the divine statue with fanaticism: "We are willing to die for Xuan Tian!" They then stood up and jumped into the blood pool.

*Gurgle.* The blood pool emitted faint red light, and soon, the man and woman emerged from it once more. Hunter Falcon looked at the two: "For this month, you are to undertake no actions. Familiarize yourselves with your new identities."

"Yes," came the voices of Chen Deshun and Wu Mei.

October 7th, Cold Dew.

Gucheng's weather gradually turned colder. Inside Xue Wenzhong's Huai Liu Courtyard, the perpetual spring had faded, and the season now matched the outside world. Xue Wenzhong pointed to the sky, as wisps of mist spread from the surroundings.

"'Three dawns after Cold Dew, seek a bridge to cross the water.' The pure, crystalline dew transforming into cold, almost congealed mist—this is the seventeenth technique in the 'Season Commandment.' By cultivating the 'Season Commandment,' you will clearly perceive the yin of the earth's meridians from this season, and many spells, such as your cultivated Yin Wind and Ice Rain, will be greatly empowered. During the Cold Dew season, there are seven iconic phenological signs that can transform seven common beasts into exotic beasts and seven common plants into spiritual plants, and similarly, can cause exotic beasts to degenerate and spiritual plants to wither."

"However, your master's aptitude is dull; with the Cold Dew Season Commandment, I can only achieve the 'Cold Dew Three-Phase Transformation.' This is sufficient in Gucheng, but if your ambition is to join the army, merely a three-phase transformation is somewhat lacking. In the future, you can consult Chen Shijie more; he will surely teach you how to use it."

Zhao Xing nodded. After officially becoming an agriculturist, he could cultivate the 'Season Commandment.' At that time, the scope of an agriculturist official's spells would significantly expand due to holding an official position within the Dynasty of Fortune, though this increase would be limited to the Great Zhou territory. Furthermore, the 'Season Commandment' was not merely about setting or altering the weather; it also came with various miraculous abilities, such as boosting spell power or manipulating phenological changes. This had broader applications in military campaigns. When an army arrived in an unfamiliar wilderness, it relied on the military agriculturist to discern which meats were edible and which were not. However, the world is vast, with countless species, and even a military agriculturist might not be able to identify everything. By utilizing seasonal climate changes, one could identify edible items in the wilderness. For a military agriculturist, there was only a distinction between what could be eaten directly and what required a method to be eaten.

Xue Wenzhong had little left to teach Zhao Xing regarding specific spells, only able to explain the 'Season Commandment,' which could only be mastered after becoming a full agriculturist official. Zhao Xing also knew his time with the old agriculturist was limited, and even if much of it was just general wisdom, he listened very carefully.

On October 9th, Zhao Xing arrived at the Chen residence. At this time, Chen Shijie was busily preparing traps. More than half of his pear orchard had been cleared, with many saplings even uprooted, to make way for several new types of plants. Zhao Xing curiously ran over to look and was immediately dumbfounded: "Are you planning to blow the Xuan Tian Sect to smithereens?"

Chen Shijie calmly replied: "The geographical environment of Nanyang Commandery is still somewhat lacking. These things, when grown here, have a slightly reduced power."

Long Xiao said: "No worries, I also shipped some high-grade goods for you, a hundred sections."

Zhao Xing cautiously asked: "Approximately what rank?"

Long Xiao extended a hand, and Zhao Xing's expression dramatically changed: "Is... is this really okay?"

Chen Shijie spoke: "We have no choice. Those two in Sanwan Town are dead, and their house was burned down. This group from the Xuan Tian Sect is not simple; they are very alert. They must have changed their identities."

Long Xiao chuckled: "Don't worry, it'll be fine."

Zhao Xing sighed: "During the operation, I'll need to stay far away from you two sirs." He paused, then added: "Can you spare some of the smaller ones for me?"

"Hahaha, do you find this stuff useful? Alright, no problem!"

October 15th, Clan Manor.

Zong Shichang handed a box to Zhao Xing. "I searched for a long time and only found a Grade 3 superior-grade Sandalwood Soul Box. I don't know if it's enough for your use."

Zhao Xing took it and inspected it: "It's enough."

Zong Shichang, despite the cold weather, was ostentatiously fanning himself: "Aside from storing soul-calming elixirs, I don't know what else this kind of thing is for. Can you tell me?"

Zhao Xing chuckled: "Don't ask. I don't want to tell you; don't force me to lie to you."

Zong Shichang closed his fan: "That's frank enough. I like your style, so I won't ask. Want to have another drink today?"

Zhao Xing shook his head: "No more drinking. I need to prepare well for the Winter Solstice assessment."

Zong Shichang was surprised: "You don't need to be so diligent. Your spot for Gucheng is already guaranteed. Who can surpass you?"

Zhao Xing gazed forty-five degrees skyward: "True powerhouses only ever compete with themselves."

Zong Shichang cursed with a laugh: "Damn, you're quite good at spouting pretentious nonsense."

October 23rd, Frost Descent.

Gucheng's weather grew increasingly cold; every morning, a thin layer of frost could be seen on the ground. During this solar term, Zhao Xing clearly felt that his Ice Rain and Yin Wind spells had further strengthened. Compared to the Autumnal Equinox, the spell power had increased by at least 30%.

"Solar terms significantly affect spells. Once I become a full official, my top priority will be cultivating the Season Commandment. This is like creating a suitable home environment for myself." Zhao Xing, wrapped in autumn clothes, went to the backyard to check. The Heavenly Yuan Pear tree had already been moved to a corner. The effect of the Earth Vein Comprehensive Essence now fully nourished several other plants. The vegetable patch in the backyard was also covered by a layer of mist by Zhao Xing. Outsiders couldn't see what was inside at all.

"Growing well," Zhao Xing swept his gaze around inside. "I hope they won't be needed; it would be best if Old Chen and Long Xiao can handle it, and I can just coast."

October 28th.

*Whoosh.* The Grade 4 Dao-imparting painting 'Ethereal Underworld Palace' suddenly burned away, signifying that the last opportunity for comprehension had been used. Zhao Xing checked his panel.

**Boundless Underworld Palace:** Mid-tier SpellProgress: 8012/9999Effect: Based on earth veins, forge a boundless underworld palace, releasing powerful binding force, stackable up to eight layers.

**Five Elements Earth Cleave:** Mid-tier SpellProgress: 7215/9999Effect: Earth veins surge wildly, causing chaos in the world, attacking with random Five Elements earth vein power.

**Cloud Devourer:** Mid-tier SpellProgress: 8523/9999Effect: Mid-tier cloud spell, can devour and absorb various cloud energies, gaining the effects of the devoured cloud energies.

**Earth Repository Reversion - Human Path:** Mid-tier SpellProgress: 6536/9999Effect: Arrange an earth vein formation, absorb earth vein power, replenish vitality, and ensure endless spell circulation.

"In this past month, all four Dao-imparting paintings have been used up, and the four spells have made significant progress," Zhao Xing mused. "As for the other spells, apart from the Sleeping Bug, they remain the same." For the past month, he had selectively cultivated spells. Four of the new spells had largely reached seven or eight turns. After all, with the Dao-imparting paintings as a foundation, the 'pay-to-win' effect was quite potent.

However, Zhao Xing spent the most time on the Sleeping Bug spell from the introductory section of 'Great Dream Spring and Autumn.'

**Sleeping Bug:** Mid-tier SpellProgress: Nine Turns (Mastered)Effect: Extract the sleeping bug from the soul from a distance.

"The sleeping bug inside the Sandalwood Soul Box has already turned purplish-black," Zhao Xing murmured, touching the box in his embrace. "Now, I fear even Long Xiao and Old Chen wouldn't be able to resist it; they'd fall asleep instantly if hit."

November 1st, the last yang month of Jingxin's fifteenth year. The clerks of the Agricultural Bureau began to get busy again because the Winter Solstice was fast approaching. Assessments were mandatory for the Four Seasons and Eight Festivals, and this was the second-to-last assessment before the New Year. Most people knew they had no hope of becoming officials, but even if it wasn't for the assessment itself, it was linked to their allowances. Who wouldn't want a bigger year-end bonus for the New Year? The more it was this time, the more they had to put on a show.

"Big brother."

"Brother!"

Chen Ziyu and Qian Dong caught up to him in the covered walkway.

"Qian Dong, Ziyu," Zhao Xing turned to face them. "Up so early today?"

"Big brother, Ziyu and I are always up this early; you've just become lazy recently," Qian Dong chuckled.

"Yes, brother. Where have you been lately? We haven't seen you. Your house has also been shrouded in mist recently; we don't know what you've been doing. Uncle Zhao said he wasn't seeing guests, so we didn't dare disturb you," Chen Ziyu asked.

"It's all for the Winter Solstice assessment," Zhao Xing had his excuse ready. "After all, I've only had four A+ grades this year, and my previous results were only average. I'm still a bit unsure if I'll be able to become an official."

This was, of course, just an excuse. After the Autumn Equinox Mountain Clearing, Ji Ming had personally designated him to participate in the winter evaluation. This meant that his name would definitely be among those reported by Nanyang Commandery. Li Wenzheng had also already communicated with Chen Shijie, emphasizing that Zhao Xing must pass, almost directly saying, "Just leak the exam questions to Zhao Xing." For county-level examinations, the head official of the Agricultural Bureau set the questions, and Li Wenzheng supervised. If these two colluded, even a fool could pass.

Of course, this was also because Zhao Xing himself was strong. If Li Wenzheng and Chen Shijie truly recommended a mediocre talent to the commandery, there would be problems. His recommenders, results, and personal strength were all excellent. The rest depended on Zhao Xing's performance in the temple examination. The reason he said this was merely an excuse to decline visitors.

"Brother is truly diligent; no wonder you can succeed," Chen Ziyu said admiringly.

"Next spring, we'll be waiting for big brother's good news," Qian Dong chuckled. "Ziyu and I congratulate big brother in advance."

"I'll take your good wishes," Zhao Xing smiled slightly.

"No more talking, big brother. Old Agriculturist is about to start his lecture, we're going first!"

On November 5th, the content and location of the Agricultural Bureau's Winter Solstice assessment were announced. On the same day, the year-end assessment content and locations for the Heavenly Crafts Workshop, Martial Bureau, Weaving Bureau, and Divine Temple were also announced. Chen Shijie, Li Wenzheng, Gongsun Yang, and other head officials from various Gucheng departments had a sudden idea to conduct a joint assessment for multiple professions—warriors, artificers, agriculturists, weavers, ritual masters, and others—all at the same location: Anping Town.

After the assessment content was announced, the clerks grumbled, privately cursing Chen Shijie and Li Wenzheng for being inhumane and constantly coming up with bizarre ideas. However, no amount of cursing could change the decisions of the two influential figures. They could only busily prepare, striving to get ready for this peculiar joint examination.

On November 5th and 6th, large numbers of clerks arrived early in Anping Town and began inspecting the assessment venue outside the town—an abandoned forging factory.

On November 7th, bells tolled from the county's divine temple and the Gucheng Agricultural Bureau, as if announcing to the people of Gucheng County that winter had begun.