Chapter 21: Acquisition

[Name: Zhao Xing] [Realm: Unranked] [Qi Luck: Yan Er] [Gathering Essence: Stage 2 (715/1000)] [Magic Arts: Basic Cultivation (Max Level)] [Robust Growth (Initial Stage): One Turn (1101/9999)] [Cloud Walking (Initial Stage): Seven Turns (7546/9999)] [Rising Wind (Initial Stage): Four Turns (4124/9999)] [Thunder Strike (Initial Stage): Five Turns (5784/9999)] [Rainfall (Initial Stage): Three Turns (3541/9999)] [Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Soldier: Three Turns (3084/9999)] [Liu's Compilation Method·Fragment (Four Types)] [Repetitive Strawman (Initial Stage): Three Turns (3084/9999)] [Entwined Strawman (Initial Stage): One Turn (1201/9999)] [Divine Strawman (Initial Stage): One Turn (1501/9999)] [Jingling Strawman (Initial Stage): 475/9999] [Bright Eyes Night Vision (Initial Stage): (322/9999)] [Five Elements Observation (Initial Stage): (88/9999)] [Secondary Profession: Talisman Maker] [Soul Calming Talisman (Basic): (321/1000)] [Guiding Talisman (Basic): (525/1000)] [Treasures: Evil Dispelling Almanac (Stage 3, Superior)] [Thousand Mile Command Token (Stage 3, Superior)] [Note: Initial Stage Magic Arts proficiency increases by one turn for every thousand points, below a thousand points is just grasping the basics. Strawmen are counted within Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Soldier Magic Arts, but their proficiency is calculated independently. Gathering Essence and Talisman Making are not Magic Arts and are also calculated independently.]

"There's gold in books, indeed. Although I didn't acquire any new Magic Arts, just reading this format manual overnight increased my proficiency so much?" Zhao Xing felt that his absorption efficiency of the Imperial Court's method was astonishing.

However, he gradually got used to this speed. His Cloud Walking Technique had reached seven turns, and Thunder Strike Magic Arts had reached five turns, with none of the other Magic Arts falling behind.

"The Dao Embryo Pill's subtle transformation has just begun. Although my cultivation speed is astonishing, it's only compared to before. Currently, this speed is considered excellent in a county, but not extraordinary. Once I completely transform, even in a prefecture, I could be considered a genius."

After staying up all night, he felt more energetic. After washing his face, Zhao Xing went out in the dark.

By the time he reached the Department of Agriculture, the sky was already light.

"Brother Zhao, good morning."

"Oh, isn't this Zhao Yi Jia?"

"After the autumn exam, he might become Zhao Er Jia."

"Hahaha."

Colleagues greeted Zhao Xing as they saw him on the road.

Zhao Yi Jia? When did I get this nickname?

"Thanks for the kind words, everyone." Zhao Xing didn't take it to heart, cupping his hands in a ritual gesture, accepting the nickname with grace.

Just after the hour of the ox, over a hundred people had arrived at the Department of Agriculture.

During Emperor Wen's time, it was stipulated that local officials should start work at the fifth quarter of the hour of the dragon, which is 8:15. In winter, it was delayed to the second quarter of the hour of the snake, which is 9:30.

Emperor Wen's benevolence extended not only to the common people but also to officials, treating them with the same kindness.

Under Emperor Jing, who was known for his strictness, the officials' working hours were greatly reduced. The summer schedule started from the first quarter of the hour of the ox, and the winter schedule from the fourth quarter of the hour of the ox, which is 5:15 and 6:00.

During Emperor Wen's reign, there was no requirement to clock in, but Emperor Jing required 'punctuality' in clocking in.

Those without the 'Bright Eyes Night Vision' ability even needed to bring lanterns to work.

"It seems there are quite a few aspiring officials this year, probably preparing for the upcoming autumn exam," Zhao Xing observed, seeing many young officials holding lanterns and books, even eating breakfast in this manner.

In peaceful years, taxes were not high, and as long as one wasn't lazy, no one would miss a meal. So these officials were striving for advancement.

Everyone ate quickly, wolfing down their food before swiftly getting to work. Zhao Xing, seeing this scene, felt a sense of guilt for wanting to rest after eating.

"Damn, who can't compete? I once stayed up for seven days and nights without blinking," Zhao Xing thought as he quickly finished his meal and headed to Huailiu Courtyard.

In Huailiu Courtyard, there were many young officials, and although there were few trivial matters, it wasn't without any.

Since the Beginning of Summer, there had been a key task: cooperating with the Heavenly Workshop to repair and monitor the 'Thirteen Channels of Pinghu.'

Due to frequent floods in the summer and autumn, Valley City, located in the middle and lower reaches of the Canglan River, often suffered from natural disasters.

In the late Great Ancestor period, the official Cao Xi repaired the Thirteen Channels of Pinghu, connecting the tributaries of the Canglan River to East Lake, and built the Return to Origin Waterwheel. Over the years, the accumulated vitality made the mountains around East Lake grow taller, turning East Lake into a spiritual land.

"The Department of Agriculture plans to build four new Return to Origin Waterwheels at East Lake. The location planning for the one at Si Shui Bay is our responsibility at Huailiu Courtyard. The three ordered by the Heavenly Workshop have arrived, so why hasn't ours?" Upon reaching the office of Xue Wen, Zhao Xing found him handling matters.

The official responding to him looked over forty and was the longest-serving official in Huailiu Courtyard, Ding Mountain: "Old Xue, the Heavenly Workshop replied that the materials have not been sent, and there's a shortage of manpower, requiring an extension of the work period."

"Another delay?" Xue Wen snorted, "Why is it that when it comes to me, there are all sorts of reasons? Do they think I'm made of mud, without any temper?"

Sensing that Xue Wen seemed different from his usual self, Ding Mountain even changed his address: "Great man, should I urge them again?"

Xue Wen waved his hand: "No need to urge again. I've written three memorials. You will send them separately to the great man Chen Shi Jie, the county magistrate Li Wenzheng, and one to the Nanyang County inspector. If urging Gong Sun Jin doesn't work, let these three great men urge them!"

The old Sinoong, after recovering from illness, seemed to have become tougher, and his words made Ding Mountain's heart skip a beat. He quickly nodded in agreement and began stamping the documents.

After handling the matters, Xue Wen saw Zhao Xing waiting outside the door. His expression immediately softened, smiling as he waved him in: "Zhao Xing, come in."

"Teacher, I've come to clock in. Is there anything I can do to ease your worries?" Zhao Xing asked.

Xue Wen chuckled: "With two hundred people in Huailiu Courtyard, what could possibly need you to handle? Just prepare well for the exam."

Ding Mountain gave Zhao Xing a peculiar look, noticing Xue Wen's pause in speech, and tactfully excused himself.

After stepping out, Ding Mountain was shocked to see Xue Wen letting Zhao Xing sit in his chair. It was as if his jaw was about to drop.

An impartial old Sinoong, showing such favoritism to someone? Could this change be related to him?

Zhao Xing, however, didn't notice this change in attitude, thinking it was just a difference after becoming a disciple. Since the old Sinoong had no tasks for him, he could save some time for cultivation.

After reporting, he went straight to the backyard to practice Magic Arts.

After advancing in Basic Cultivation, he acquired the initial stage Magic Arts [Robust Growth], but he had practiced it very little recently, only reaching the first turn.

The old Sinoong hinted that the autumn exam would include topics on cultivation, so he needed to seize the time to practice.

"Huh? Why is there an extra patch of seedlings in the backyard garden..." Zhao Xing was looking for a practice target when he was drawn to a certain corner of the garden.

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(End of Chapter)