People changed with the seasons, and arts had their rules!

"When the balance of the five elements is broken, Yin and Yang transform into true spirit in an instant, and then species and their phenology change."

"The fate of a nation changes with the seasons; a person's Hou Transformation after serving as an official for a single day."

Zhao Xing turned to a page of the "Shangluo True Self Scripture" and suddenly came across this passage.

The Zong Residence had a large collection of books, Zong Shichang did not enjoy reading, but Zhao Xing did.

After drinking last night and knocking out Xiao Ze, Wen Nanxing, and Zong Shichang, Zhao Xing stayed in the Zong Residence's library to read.

The name "Shangluo True Self Scripture" sounds impressive because Shangluo is not only a place name, but also the name of an ancient sage from the Agrarian School.

But what Zhao Xing held in his hand was actually a miscellaneous book.

It wasn't written by Shangluo at all; it doesn't involve any specific magic spells, but only mentions some insights or strange tales from the True Self Faction of Thought.

Using the fame of sages to sell books is a common practice among booksellers.

Zhao Xing was indeed tricked into clicking on the clickbait title.

Since he had nothing better to do, Zhao Xing casually flipped through the pages.

I never expected to see such a sentence.

"The fate of a nation changes with the seasons, and a person's Hou Transformation on their position in office. This viewpoint is quite interesting."

"Due to drastic weather changes, certain individuals within a species may undergo dramatic changes."

"But this book explains species change from the perspective of the True Self Faction of thought."

"It is believed that species change is due to the complete disruption of the balance of the five elements within a species."

"It has returned to the moment when Yin and Yang Fusion, giving birth to the true spirit."

"This leads to a complete change in the lifeblood." Zhao Xing read carefully.

"The book also uses the example of the Dynasty of Fate accepting officials."

"The compilers of this book believed that the internal five elements of the human body are as vast as a world. The national fortune entering the body is like the four seasons circulating within the internal five elements of the human body, and it is a vigorous circulation."

"Therefore, the difference between being an official of a certain rank and Unranked before or after the Ranked Realm office is enormous."

"However, the way the nation's fortune enters the body is controllable; it is a gentle 'human change'."

Zhao Xing thought about it and realized that this book actually had some merit!

The "Internal World" mentioned in the story later came to be a real existence.

Even now, there is evidence that after reaching the fiftieth level of Essence Gathering, a patch of "Pure Origin Soil" will appear in the dantian, allowing for "Dantian Seed Cultivation" to carry magical plants into battle.

However, in today's view, this idea is too advanced, because no one can reach the point where the body becomes the world, so it is considered a heretical and absurd statement.

Zhao Xing glanced at the book cover and noticed that it was unsigned. He smiled slightly, thinking to himself, "Dao Fruit."

"Young Master Zong loves collecting these kinds of frivolous books, so it's normal for them to appear in his residence."

As long as you don't print and distribute banned books privately, and you only read them yourself, you'll only be fined at most.

As for the Changes of Seasons Treatise mentioned in the book, there are several groups of people, including those who advocate for Time Faction, Earthly Advantage Faction, True Self Faction, debating whether or not Human Race should be included.

Scholars who oppose including Human Race in the list argue that none of the Human Race powerhouses in the Nineteen Provinces have shown any physical changes.

Although there are differences in body shape, they are essentially still human and cannot be called eccentric. Their becoming stronger is due to cultivation in accordance with the natural order.

Scholars who support including Human Race in the classification also have grounds for rebuttal:

The vast land of Nineteen Provinces is rich in natural treasures and protected by Dynasty of Fate, ensuring that the climate change caused by the Human Race is mild and controllable.

But beyond the Nineteen Provinces lies a barren land inhabited by the eight desolate tribes. When they are weak, they are human, but as they cultivate, they become unlike human beings.

Take the barbarian tribes, who pose the greatest threat to the Great Zhou, for example. Some of them grow two horns, and some grow two wings. The Extraterritorial Lands are bitterly cold and harsh. Could it be that they are also cultivating in accordance with the way of heaven?

"The phantom I saw when I was taking office was a Golden Light giant a hundred feet tall, representing Emperor Jing. In reality, Emperor Jing can indeed become that tall."

"The fate of the nation is determined by the Heavenly Timing, Yin and Yang are internal to the Five Elements, and people also Hou Transformation the seasons... Shangluo True Self Scripture Sutra really makes some sense."

When Zhao Xing was a player, he never thought about these theoretical things; he would just impulsively decide to go for it.

Now I feel that the strange phenomena I saw in my past life have some basis.

Perhaps this will be helpful for him when he explores certain places in the future.

"In any case, the changes in an ordinary person before and after taking office are indeed quite significant."

Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.

Name: Zhao Xing

[Realm Level: Ninth Grade Upper Rank]

[Fate Soul: Ninth Grade Rank]

Occupation: Agricultural Official

[Fortune: Derivation Three]

[Essence Gathering: Thirteenth Tier (557/10000)]

[Extra lifespan: 75 years]

"The restriction on advancement has been removed."

"The original extra lifespan was 53 years, now it's 75 years, and with this appointment, the extra lifespan has increased by 22 years!"

Becoming Ninth Grade official normally grants an additional ten years to one's lifespan. During Wen Emperor's reign, this number was over ten, but Emperor Jing was rather stingy, so the lifespan increase for Ninth Grade was generally less than ten years.

Zhao Xing doubled his score because he had already reached the Ninth Grade rank.

The foundation has been laid, so the dynasty's fortune has not been significantly diverted to different ranks.

When Zhao Xing came down the mountain before, he was at level 6 of the thirteenth stage of the Essence Gathering.

Before the Temple Examination, I had over 200 points at the thirteenth rank. It took more than three months to increase those points by just over 200, mainly due to restrictions.

It's currently at 557 points in the 13th level of the Essence Gathering stage, which is less than 300 points higher.

The dynasty's fortune entered his body, and the majority of it was added to his lifespan, which was the result Zhao Xing wanted.

As for personal fortune not increasing, it remains at Derivation Three.

Reaching the Derivation Three makes further advancement extremely difficult. Let alone this time, even reaching the Sixth Rank wouldn't guarantee a breakthrough.

[Beginner Spell (Perfect):]

[Flourishing Growth, Cloudcalling, Rising Wind, Thunderclap, Rainmaking]

With no restrictions on rank, there was no longer a vague obstacle to comprehending spells. That very night, Zhao Xing broke through to a beginner-level spell and completed his advancement.

The universal spell "Bright Eyes" disappeared from the low-level spells and appeared in the mid-level spells.

Instead, it is now described as "Discern Minute Details".

It retains the effects of basic spells and adds a lie detection function.

"The advanced version of the Bright Eyes Art is called [Bright Eyes Mind Reading]. By simply staring into someone's eyes, you can know what they are thinking. It works every time against those below your level, but it becomes a bit difficult against those at the same level."

The six Straw Man Art remain unchanged, but the "Five Elements Observation" method has reached perfection after Seventh-Turn.

The initial stage of [Earth Veins Synthesis] has reached perfection after Sixth-Turn.

After the restrictions were lifted, a breakthrough was achieved overnight.

In the mid-level spells.

[Savage Growth], Nine Turns from the Seventh Order to the ninth rank overnight.

The [Guiding Thunder] and [Yin Wind] skills were originally only a dozen or twenty points away from perfection, but they were perfected overnight.

As for [Icy Rain] and [Sleepy Bug], they were already at the mid-level perfection before they took office, and there was no change this time.

The Dream Storage Method is a secret technique for preserving Fate Soul. As the Fate Soul's realm increases, the Fate Soul remains unchanged during this official appointment, still at the mid-stage of the Ninth Grade.

The self-created intermediate-level spell, [Thunderbolt Lasso], has advanced from the Eighth-Turn to the Nine Turns.

[Thunderclap Palm] has progressed from Seventh-Turn to Eighth-Turn.

[Swallowing Clouds], [Boundless Earth Palace], [Five Elements Earth Splitting], and [Earth Treasury Return to Origin - Human Path] have all been mastered only recently, and have undergone significant leaps in improvement through the Preaching Painting, so they are currently still at their original levels.

They are respectively: Swallowing Clouds Eighth-Turn, Earth Palace Eighth-Turn, Earth Split Seventh-Turn, and Earth Treasury Sixth-Turn.

[Tier 4 Treasure: Ice Pearl (Low Grade)]

[Wind Crystal Earring: Upper Third Tier]

[Tier 6 Treasure: Soul Armor]

Pet: Mountain Cat (Ninth Grade Perfection)

[Plant: Heaven Yuan Pear Tree (Growth Stage)]

Since descending the mountain at the Autumn Equinox, the little Mountain Cat has been following Zhao Xing around, eating and drinking wherever he goes, and has reached the Ninth Grade rank of perfection, but is still in the cub stage.

"Of all the items I own, only the Soul Armor, the Ice Pearl, and the Wind Crystal Earring remain."

"The Blood Spirit Needle and Blood Fiend Pearl have been handed over to Old Chen and Long Xiao to handle."

"The Heaven Yuan Pear Tree that Chen Shijie gave me has finally reached its growth stage, but I will have to leave soon." Zhao Xing looked at the bright moon outside the window, and he felt a sense of melancholy, perhaps because he had drunk too much wine.

"Gucheng is also my hometown, so I need to make proper arrangements for it."

Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Ruide's family had already occupied a significant place in Zhao Xing's heart.

"Brother Zong, are you awake?" The next morning, Zong Shichang opened his eyes and saw Zhao Xing standing beside him.

"Hmm, how late did you drink last night?"

"It's not too late, you all collapsed around 1 AM."

"This isn't my fault," Zong Shichang shook his head. "It's Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze who are incompetent. Just tell me, didn't I drink more than them?"

Absolutely.

Upon hearing the answer, Zong Shichang nodded in satisfaction and then ordered his servants to bring him new clothes and help him wash up.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing stopped the servant before he could enter, saying, "I'll do it."

The servant hesitated for a moment, then said, "The washbasin hasn't been brought yet..."

"It's alright, you don't need to worry about it."

Zhao Xing brought the neatly folded clothes and towel to Zong Shichang's bedside.

"Huh? Which bastard dares to make Brother Zhao do such a thing?!" Zong Shichang was furious when he saw Zhao Xing doing servant's work.

"We're brothers, what's the big deal?" Zhao Xing laughed.

"Then I Guest Qi." Zong Shichang patted his face. "But what about the basin?"

"Simple." Golden Light emanated from Zhao Xing's fingertip, and the clouds instantly condensed into a basin shape.

"Splash~" Clear water gushed out.

"I'm not used to washing my face with cold water."

"No problem." Zhao Xing shook his wrist lightly, and lightning flashed in the Washbasin Cloud, instantly heating up the water and causing it to steam.

"Wow, Brother Zhao, even if you get demoted in the future, you won't starve even if you become a servant at Guanxiang House."

"Big brother, can you wish me something good?"

"Haha." Zong Shichang buried his head in the clouds and rubbed his face, then took the towel Zhao Xing handed him and wiped it clean.

Zhao Xing even brought him a cup to rinse his mouth, and seeing that Zong Shichang's hair was wet, he even helped him dry it with Rising Wind... The service was incredibly attentive.

"Brother Zhao, just say what's on your mind." Zong Shichang, having regained his senses, realized what was happening. "As long as it doesn't cost me my life, we can discuss anything."

"Brother Zong, I don't know when I'll be able to return after I leave," Zhao Xing said solemnly, bowing deeply. "Please take care of my family."

"What are you doing?" Zong Shichang quickly stood up and held Zhao Xing's wrist. "I would have kept this in mind even without you telling me."

During the Nether God Selection, Zong Shichang answered that he wanted to serve in his hometown, as long as it was within the Nanyang County.

For other professions, the chances of being granted permission are slim, but the position of Agricultural Official is different. Being an official in a familiar environment makes it easier to perform one's duties. At least during the Ninth Grade official period, there is a good chance that one will be granted permission to stay in one's hometown.

Old Sima Nong is a local from Gucheng, and he has been doing this job for decades.

After much deliberation, Zhao Xing concluded that only Zong Shichang had the ability to take care of his family; the others were either incapable or untrustworthy.

"Don't worry." Zong Shichang gripped Zhao Xing's wrist tightly. "Your family is my family. If they cause any problems, you can use Zong Shichang head as a chamber pot!"

Zhao Xing used his Discern Minute Details to stare into Zong Shichang's eyes for a moment before getting up.

He didn't do all that for nothing. If Lao Zong ever hesitates in the future, remembering the scene of him bringing him a basin and clothes today will give him some leverage in his heart.

Zhao Xing promised, "Brother Zong, if you encounter any major events in the future, be sure to write to me. Just delay, and I will definitely lend you a helping hand as quickly as possible."

Zong Shichang laughed and said, "What big thing could I possibly have to do? If there is, I'll just call you back for a drink, preferably for my and Miss Liu's wedding, hehe."

"Haha, great! I'll be waiting for your good news at the Divine Might Army."

The Temple Examination begins on the day of Start of Spring (the beginning of spring) and lasts for a total of six days.

By February 11th, some people from Gucheng had already been selected to take up positions in other places.

On February 13th, Shen Zhui hosted a banquet for Zhao Xing and his friends in the Martial Office, as the results of his selection process had been announced and he would be departing on the 15th to take up his post.

"Martial artists have only three paths: first, to become a judge or prison inspector; second, to become a patrol inspector and manage local security; and third, to join the army and expand the country's territory."

"I originally wanted to join the army, but I was worried about my elderly mother at home. After joining the army, I wouldn't be able to come and go freely and wouldn't have time to visit her often, so I chose to join the Patrol Office."

"The temple has issued my transfer order, ordering me to take up a post at the Three Flood Dragon County Patrol Office. The journey will take a month by land and fifteen days by water. In case of emergency, I can return by flying boat in just five days, which is not too far."

"Brother Zhao, you have lofty ambitions. You will surely achieve great things after joining the army. Let us raise this cup to wish you a smooth rise in the army and that you will be promoted to general and ennobled!" Shen Zhui raised his wine cup.

"Take care, Brother Shen." The two clinked their glasses together and drank it all in one gulp.

On February 16th and 17th, Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze also left one after another.

February 18th, Rain Water.

The river ice breaks, wild geese fly north, and vegetation begins to sprout.

Zong Shichang got his wish and was directly appointed as an assistant Assistant Official in the Gucheng Agricultural Supervisorate Office. There were three vacancies there, and now he was a colleague of his teacher, Gao Linong.

On February 21st, Lu Qian and Liu Muqing visited the Zong Residence. Zhao Xing was not present, which Lu Qian regretted, as she and Liu Muqing were leaving the next day to go to the Heavenly Sound Dao Academy, but Zhao Xing had gone to Fragrant Mountain in Lin County with his family. Lu Qian could only leave a letter for Zong Shichang to deliver.

On February 23, Zhao Xing accompanied Zhao Ruide, Zhao Zheng, Madam Cai on their return from Fragrant Mountain.

On this very day, he broke through to the Primary Ninth Grade Lower Rank (late stage of the Essence Gathering Realm in the ancient system).

"My spell level is high enough that when I reach the fifteenth level of Essence Gathering, I will naturally be judged as Primary Ninth Grade Lower Rank cultivator."

"With my current understanding of magic, there are no obstacles to reaching the Eighth Grade Spirit Bridge Realm. The only thing I lack is the physical body realm, which is the Essence Gathering stage."

Zhao Xing's current understanding of the Dao and the Law surpasses the ordinary Ninth Grade standard; the only thing he lacks is the physical body's ability to Essence Gathering.

Actually, the speed at which the physical body Essence Gathering is not slow, but it is slower compared to comprehending the Dao.

Having undergone the subtle transformation by the "Dao Embryo Pill" and acquired many Yuan Technique Spiritual Elegance, and having used Preaching Painting... in terms of his level of understanding of Daoist methods, Zhao Xing is comparable to many Eighth Grade officials.

As long as his physical body reaches a certain level of Essence Gathering, there will be no bottleneck in his advancement; at least, there will be no bottleneck at the Eighth Grade.

"The Agricultural Official is slower than a martial artist in this regard. I have already reached the fifteenth level of the Essence Gathering. In Gucheng, I have used all the methods I could think of, which is already considered extremely fast. If I want to be even faster, I can only go to the army."

"I don't know when I'll hear from Old Chen. I've been waiting for almost half a month, and he's still being selected."

We can't just wait around without any news.

Zhao Xing headed towards the temple.

Now that he is a formal official, he can compile the classic and secret treasures of Agricultural Official, such as the "Solar Terms Decree," "All Things Growth Chart," and "The Houtu Return to Origin."

Inside the temple, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged.

The twenty-four visualization diagrams of the "Solar Terms Decree" flowed through my mind.

"Starting with the canvas of heaven and earth, wielding the brush to depict the seasons. The mysteries of the Time Faction are all contained in these Twenty-Four Solar Terms Diagram."

Of the twenty-four visualization images, the one that comes to mind most clearly is "Rain Water," followed by "Start of Spring Begins."

Because right now is the Rain Water solar term, and the Start of Spring is the beginning of the Solar Terms Decree spiritual practice.

"There are different changes when you visualize the Solar Terms Diagram at different times of the day."

"Each Solar Terms Diagram has three levels: knowledge, determination, and change."

"Knowing the Season, Fixing the Season, Changing the Season." Zhao Xing felt that a simple Rain Water Diagram was full of infinite mysteries.

"The first level is knowledge. One can comprehend the related spells from the Solar Terms Diagram."

"The second realm is 'Stability'. Once you have comprehended enough magic, you gradually internally observe the Solar Terms Diagram and no longer see it changing with the time of day. It is the same no matter when you look at it because you have understood it enough. This is the realm of 'Stability'. It is considered that you have initially mastered the solar terms and can issue commands to heaven and earth."

"The third level is change, which means changing the seasons at will, seeing mountains as mountains again, but no longer being bound by form, and achieving true understanding."

"If all twenty-four Solar Terms Diagram have reached the third level, and one has fully comprehended and mastered them, one will surely enter the First-Rank Realm and become the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Zhao Xing attempted to comprehend the [Rain Water] diagram. His [Icy Rain] spell was at its maximum level, and using it as a foundation to visualize the [Rain Water] diagram, many profound mysteries immediately welled up in his mind.

However, whenever it seemed like something was being gained, the Rain Water Diagram in front of him would become blurry, and the inspiration would completely disappear.

"Huh? What's going on?" Zhao Xing opened his eyes, full of doubt.

Just when he felt he was about to master a spell, it was suddenly interrupted at the crucial moment.

Why did this happen?

He walked to the temple altar, picked up a piece of Yellow Paper, wrote down his doubts, then got up and walked to the statue of the True Lord, lit three incense sticks, and burned the Yellow Paper.

As an official of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Zhao Xing could use this method in the temple to seek answers from the True Lord.

The difference between clerks and officials lies here: clerks can only receive the law, and what kind of magic they acquire is somewhat random; they also have to figure it out on their own.

Officials can seek guidance from a True Lord. However, this only applies to True Lords who have previously transmitted teachings to you on multiple occasions; Yin Spirit who haven't transmitted teachings to you before generally won't pay attention to you.

Before long, the statue of Cao Xi came to life, transforming into the image of an old farmer dressed in Hemp Garb.

"Greetings, True Lord." Zhao Xing bowed.

"The problem doesn't lie with you." Cao Xi held a piece of Yellow Paper in his hand, the same one Zhao Xing had just thrown into the incense burner, on which his confusion was written.

If the problem doesn't lie with me, then where does it lie?

"Please enlighten me, True Lord," Zhao Xing humbly asked for guidance.

"You used the [Icy Rain] method to comprehend the Rain Water Diagram, but what you grasped were all methods of killing. Since you are not Military Sima Nong, when you observe the Rain Water Diagram, those powerful spells will automatically be hidden," Cao Xi explained. "Therefore, your inability to truly comprehend it is not your own problem."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Then why was I able to withstand the Yin Wind and Icy Rain before?"

Cao Xi laughed and said, "You were just a minor official before, only at the third level of Essence Gathering, and your internal Qi was just a trickle. It was by chance that Loyal Manifest Commandant Zheng Lun taught you Yin Wind, Guiding Thunder, and Icy Rain. He sensed what you wanted in your heart and saw that you had a talent for combat, so it was not a big deal for him to teach you."

"Now that you have Primary Ninth Grade Lower Rank, and many of your mid-level spells have reached perfection, your internal energy is surging. If you do not become the Military Sima Nong, it will be impossible for you to comprehend even more powerful spells."

Zhao Xing suddenly realized that this was just like a county-level Patrol Office, where a martial artist would be well equipped with a level three bow, crossbow, sword, and armor.

You're catching a petty thief, you can't exactly fire God-Slaying Cannon at him, can you?

Treasures have standard specifications, and different duties and positions require different equipment. For example, in the important town of the North Sea, the county-level Agricultural Official can wield sixth-tier treasures, protected by the Tenacious Defense Boundary.

Spells, too, have rules!

For example, the "Earth Treasury Return to Origin - Human Path" method is theoretically prohibited from use within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Zhao Xing is currently in a selection process; if he doesn't become the Military Sima Nong, he won't be able to learn those powerful spells.

"You can change your mindset and try to comprehend the Rain Water Diagram by Rainmaking. That way, the situation you just experienced won't happen again," Cao Xi said. "Your progress in comprehending the Dao will still accumulate, but it won't allow you to master those powerful spells."

"Understood, thank you for your clarification, True Lord." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting and then ended the question and answer session.

People change, and laws have rules. Although he understood what was going on, he knew that dragging it out wasn't a solution, so Zhao Xing decided to go to Old Chen's residence to inquire about the situation.