Training Instructor, Grade A Resources Secured!

Zhao Xing saw that not only himself, but other officials also came out of the pavilion and waved to Zhuang Ziqing, Shi Yong and others.

"I don't know what to say."

After going up to the second-floor attic, Lu Bang and Zuo Zizhi led Zhao Xing to a secluded private room.

"Greetings, Lord Zuo and Lord Lu."

"Sit down," Zuo Zizhi with a beaming smile. "Don't be so formal."

Zhao Xing bowed and took a seat.

"I wonder what business you two have with me?"

Zuo Zizhi said, "I don't have any instructions, I just want to have a brief chat with you privately and ask for your thoughts."

"The path of Agricultural Official can be divided into three major schools, each with countless spells. However, human energy is limited, so it is best to focus on one and supplement with two."

"In addition, the major affiliation of the reserve Military Sima Nong will also affect your future position in the military."

Do you have any plans in mind?

Upon hearing Zuo Zizhi's question, Zhao Xing also began to ponder.

He had already decided which school of thought to follow at which time.

However, specific problems should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

For example, why are there Four Great Academies in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven instead of three?

The Celestial Timing Academy" and "Earthly Advantage Institute" are easy to understand.

Great Granary Institute corresponds to the True Self Faction.

The Tranquil Flood Academy was not divided according to factions, but rather served the military.

The reason why it was singled out as a separate hospital is mainly because Zhao Xing's location is Pinghai Province.

Part of Pinghai Province was originally the Vast Sea.

Later, the Vast Sea was interfered with by humans, who drove the aquatic creatures to the depths, and the ocean became land.

However, Pinghai Province is still rich in water resources, and there are many rivers in its inland areas, the most famous of which are the Canglan River, Yuan River, Hanging Sky River, and Wind River.

These four waterways are crucial to the stability of Pinghai Province and the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people.

Therefore, in Pinghai Province, the Agricultural Supervisorate) is of a higher standard in all coastal or island cities, and the Tranquil Flood Academy Yuan (Military Realm) is also separated out for this reason.

Even the official positions included Tranquil Flood Commander, Tranquil Flood Commandant, and Tranquil Flood Commandant.

If Zhao Xing's future plans include water management, or if the Divine Might Army's future plans include attacking the alien tribes skilled in water, then joining the Tranquil Flood Academy could be considered.

In addition, some positions also have very obvious factional characteristics.

For example, the Military Sima Nong such as the Registered Field Magistrate and Level Ground Commandant were responsible for improving the Earthly Advantage Institute environment. Their main job was to cultivate land in the military garrisons and provide the army with resources for training.

The Nine Section Commandant, who are in charge of fighting, need to stay by the army's side at all times.

The Grain Management Commandant, the Evolution Commandant, and others are the True Self Faction, who search for rare and exotic plants and trees in the world, carefully select and cultivate them, and find 'Derived Seed' suitable for Human Race consumption.

Of course, regardless of the position, Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage Institute, True Self are all indispensable.

The prevailing Time Faction did not exclude other factions; it simply stated that there was a distinction between master and servant.

These distinctions between master and servant are more pronounced in certain positions.

"Personally, I think the Celestial Timing Academy, Earthly Advantage Institute, Tranquil Flood Academy, and Great Granary Institute are all important."

"The Divine Might Army hasn't made any arrangements for me yet, but I usually find it easier to practice the Time Faction and Earthly Advantage Faction spells."

Zhao Xing first stated his opinion, believing that Four Great Academies were important, and that this was a way to avoid offending anyone.

Secondly, present the facts, saying that in his usual practice, the Time Faction magic and the Earthly Advantage Faction magic are faster.

This means he can go to any branch of the college.

In fact, Zhao Xing really thought so too. Time Faction" and "Earthly Advantage Faction could achieve results now.

True Self Faction, Zhao Xing planned to spend time cultivating after reaching the Fifth Grade.

Only when one reaches the fiftieth level of Essence Gathering and cultivates the True Self Faction can one be considered to have truly entered the Dao.

Before this, it was all small-scale work; I could take minor courses, but I wouldn't spend too much energy on them.

"Hmm." Zuo Zizhi nodded slightly. Zhao Xing's answer was not unexpected and was in line with the thinking of most people now.

"What kind of Earthly Advantage Faction magic have you practiced?" Lu Bang asked.

"The Mystic Earth Art, the Earth Palace Art, the Earth Treasury Art, and the Earth Splitting Art all have cultivation methods," Zhao Xing pondered. "The Mystic Earth Technique has Seventh-Turn transformation. The Earth Palace Technique has two levels, one with Seventh-Turn and the other with Eighth-Turn."

"The Earth Treasury Art has one method, with Sixth-Turn of its magic; the Earth Splitting Art has one method, with Seventh-Turn of its magic."

He didn't mention the specific name of the spell, mainly because the Earth Treasury Art is somewhat taboo.

However, Lu Bang doesn't need to know that much detail; he only needs to know the level of magic and the number of spells he has cultivated.

After listening to Zhao Xing's explanation, Lu Bang revealed his true intention in inviting him in for a talk. "Since you say you have expertise in Heavenly Timing and Earthly Advantage Institute, then I won't beat around the bush."

Lu Bang continued, "You will definitely be rated as Grade A talent. Whether you enter the Celestial Timing Academy, the Earthly Advantage Institute, the Great Granary Institute, or the Tranquil Flood Academy, you will not be short of the precious places for enlightenment and the valuable resources of the other three academies."

"Which academy you enter only differs in the teachers you study under. Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "Understood."

He will definitely get Grade A training resources now. As long as it's Grade A, no matter which branch he goes to, he will also have priority access to the precious resources of the other branches.

Of course, if it's Grade B, then there's a difference; some resources still require queuing, or you might not even get a turn.

Lu Bang said, "Since you understand, then I'll be frank."

"Tian Hou of the Earthly Advantage Institute has asked me to keep an eye out for some promising talents."

"After listening to your explanation of your expertise in Earthly Advantage Faction magic, I also think you are suitable to go to the Earthly Advantage Institute."

"Tian Hou is willing to personally guide you. As long as what you just said is not a lie, you will definitely receive Grade A resources once you enter the Earthly Advantage Institute."

Zhao Xing listened quietly; it was the Earthly Advantage Institute's plan to intercept them at the fourth level.

No wonder they didn't come down after the exam; they're still stuck in the sky.

The Celestial Timing Academy is probably on guard as well.

"Of course," Lu Bang said with a smile. "If you are willing to join the Great Granary Institute, I am also willing to spend extra time personally training you. However, since you have already expressed your intention, I will not make things difficult for you. Just come and participate in my selection training in the future."

Tian Hou? Zhao Xing couldn't glean anything from the title of Marquis Tian alone. Tian Hou could be a third-class marquis or a second-class marquis; it mainly depended on merit and strength.

Zuo Zizhi seemed to see through Zhao Xing's thoughts and immediately said, "Tian Hou's name is Tian Yan. His title of marquis was inherited. Tian Taigong was enfeoffed as the Duke of the Founding State during the reign of Grand Ancestor, with his fief in Gouliu County. During the reigns of Grand Ancestor and Wen Emperor, the title was passed down through succession. Now it has become a marquis, but it is still a second-class marquis."

Zhao Xing understood. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, there were only five Nobility Title: Prince, Prince of the County, Heir Apparent, Duke, and Nobility Title granted by imperial decree. The last one could be a minor or major title, and there were even hereditary viscount titles.

Each time the title is inherited, the rank of the Nobility Title is reduced by one level.

Lu Bang added several of Tian Yan's merits, "Tian Hou is Fifth Grade official, quite wealthy, and very kind and generous."

Zhao Xing initially didn't think much of it, but the words "quite wealthy" and "kind and generous" immediately made him somewhat tempted.

"You don't need to reply right away. You can also check if the Celestial Timing Academy has sent you any notifications."

"If other teachers are interested, you can weigh the pros and cons yourself."

Lu Bang put it very bluntly.

It's a two-way selection process, so naturally, people will go wherever is better.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Lu and Lord Zuo." Zhao Xing took out the Earth Mirror and looked at it.

Sure enough, there was a notification above.

It was sent by the Celestial Timing Academy.

The general meaning is that Zhao Xing performed exceptionally well in the four trials and was eligible to enter the Celestial Timing Academy for training.

Zhao Xing skipped the preceding nonsense and went straight to the training resources at the end.

[If you wish to enter Celestial Timing Academy, you will receive training resources from "Grade B" and will be trained by Ge Jinsong, Agricultural Master at the Celestial Timing Academy.]

"Only the Grade B?" Zhao Xing frowned slightly. "Is the absence of the Grade A due to a perceived weakness in my Wind Art?"

The First Stage, tipping off others, doesn't involve ranking, so you can't really tell anything.

In the third level Lightning Arts Hunt, the Wind Art was tested when jumping down.

"The Wind Art I used at the time was weak; the Lesser Nine Heavens Astral Wind was only at the Third-Turn level."

As for the Nine Turns of Dark Wind Method, strictly speaking, the Time Faction doesn't even consider Yin Wind to be part of the Time Law. Even if Zhao Xing claims to have the Nine Turns of Yin Wind, it might not be accepted.

"Forget it, better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond."

"The Celestial Timing Academy looks down on me, only offering Grade B. Then I'll go to the Earthly Advantage Institute Insight Academy." Zhao Xing made his decision. He quickly raised his head and said to Lu Bang, "I am willing to enter the Earthly Advantage Institute and study under Tian Hou."

Having facilitated a deal, Lu Bang smiled and said, "Alright, once we land, I'll take you to see Tian Hou."

Before the Cloud Rain Tower Ship lands, all two hundred challengers must make a choice.

With the Celestial Timing Academy as the mainstream ideology, quite a few people have signed up.

But in the end, the Celestial Timing Academy only selected fifty outstanding individuals.

Only twelve slots were available for those who sent the notifications in person.

"Zhuang Ziqing refused," the four heads of the Celestial Timing Academy in the attic chatted. "He wants to join Earthly Advantage Institute."

"It's a pity, Zhuang Ziqing is a good prospect." One of them said with some regret, because he wanted to take Zhuang Ziqing as a student and offered him the Grade A treatment, but Zhuang Ziqing did not come.

"Zhao Xing also refused." Ge Jinsong put down the Earth Mirror in his hand, expressionless. "The training resources of Grade B still didn't sway him."

"I told you he should be given the Grade A," an old man laughed. "What does it matter if his Wind Art are lacking or he has no military experience?"

"But his Astral Wind are too poor, only at the Third-Turn level," another person said. "He also has no experience. If you ask me, according to the rules, he should only be given a Grade C. Lord Ge is willing to take him in and give him training resources at the Grade B level, isn't he satisfied?"

One person said it was better, another said it was worse, and yet another remained silent, so Ge Jinsong ended up in the middle.

Unexpectedly, he still couldn't impress Zhao Xing.

It wasn't that the people from the Celestial Timing Academy looked down on Zhao Xing; Grade B was already considered a second-rate training resource, and Ge Jinsong was a Fifth Grade expert.

If it weren't for Tian Hou's interference, Zhao Xing might have agreed, since there would have been opportunities for promotions and better treatment after entering the organization.

But if a better option comes along, one will naturally refuse it.

"Forget it," Ge Jinsong shook his head and said, "If the time isn't right, there's no need to force it. Perhaps he never wanted to focus on the Celestial Timing Art."

After the Cloud Rain Tower Ship had been shuttling back and forth for half an hour, it suddenly entered an Astral Wind.

When they came out again, there were only two Solar Yang in the sky.

Clouds drifted around, and the landscape was lush and green.

Yang City is also in sight in the distance.

After disembarking, the group split into two.

One group consisted of fifty people who had already chosen the Celestial Timing Academy and were accepted by the Celestial Timing Academy. Their test was over, and they returned directly to the Yang City Ministry of Agriculture.

The remaining 150 people continued to participate in the test.

The fifth and sixth challenges are tests for the Earthly Advantage Institute.

The seventh and eighth challenges are tests for Huai Equalization Office and Great Granary Institute.

However, it is relatively simple.

Because if one can cultivate the Time Law to a high level, the other two spells will not be too bad either; otherwise, one would not be able to serve as the Military Sima Nong in a secondary legion.

All 150 people can now enter the other three academies, depending on their training and benefits.

"Shi Yong and Feng Qiu went to the Celestial Timing Academy, but Zhuang Ziqing stayed, as did Guan Junyang, Hua Zhilin, and Han Bing." Zhao Xing looked at the people around him.

"It's said that Celestial Timing Academy offered Zhuang Ziqing Grade A treatment, but he still didn't go." Zhao Xing shook his head. Those who wanted to go couldn't, while those who didn't want to go received high treatment. That's just how unpredictable life is.

The test for the Earthly Advantage Institute was to cast a spell in a solid rocky area.

Players can simply demonstrate their Earthly Advantage Spells.

After Zhao Xing demonstrated the Five Elements Earth Splitting and the Boundless Earth Palace in the fifth level, he received a notification in the Earth Mirror.

It was basically just a symbolic formality before he was taken away.

Also taken away were Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, and ten others.

Zhao Xing guessed that this had all been discussed on the ship.

They arrived at the Earthly Advantage Institute aboard Flowing Cloud Flying Boat.

Lu Bang escorted Zhao Xing to a spacious manor.

In front of the manor, rows of fruit trees were planted, laden with rare and exotic fruits, some of which Zhao Xing could not recognize.

However, it is clear that its grade is definitely not low.

"This is Tian Hou's Fuchun Garden."

Lu Bang pointed.

"Tian Hou was also one of the agricultural assistants of the Earthly Advantage Institute."

The three ranks of Agriculture Minister, Agriculture Assistant, and Agricultural Master are the three levels within the Earthly Advantage Institute. Above them is the Grand Agriculture Minister, who is the top leader and equivalent to the director of the entire Earthly Advantage Institute.

When Zhao Xing and Lu Bang landed, Tian Yan was already waiting at the door.

It wasn't for any other reason, but mainly because Zhao Xing couldn't get in without an invitation.

"Tian Hou, I've brought the man to you," Lu Bang said with a smile. "He is Zhao Xing."

Tian Yan's hair and beard were somewhat gray, but his complexion was rosy and without any wrinkles.

He had a fleshy face and fair, delicate hands and feet, giving him a plump and well-off appearance.

When Lu Bang bringing Zhao Xing over, Tian Yan greeted them with a smile. His smile, with its curved eyebrows, made him appear very approachable.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lu Bang. Would you like to come in and have a seat?"

Lu Bang shook his head and said, "I won't come in and disturb Tian Hou any longer. There are people waiting for me at the Great Granary Institute, so I'll take my leave now."

After Lu Bang left, Zhao Xing bowed and said, "Student Zhao Xing greets teacher."

"Alright, alright, come in," Tian Yan said with a smile. "From today onwards, you are my student, Tian Yan."

Upon entering, Zhao Xing felt that the climate inside was warm and spring-like, making it very comfortable.

Fuchun Garden has mountains and water, fruit trees, Hundred Flowers, and countless rare and exotic plants.

Following Tian Yan, we saw many pavilions, towers, rockeries and streams along the way.

The layout is very sophisticated, subtly conforming to the principles of Feng Shui. Just by looking at this place, you can tell that this teacher knows how to enjoy life.

"Zhao Xing, sit down." Tian Yan led Zhao Xing to the main hall.

"Thank you for the seat, Teacher." Zhao Xing, unsure of Tian Yan's temperament, remained Guest Qi.

"Don't be too reserved. I chose you," Tian Yan said. "You can relax a bit."

"Yes."

"Now that you've entered the Earthly Advantage Institute and become my student, I'll be in charge of your training for the next year," Tian Yan said. "Besides the mandatory training sessions, I'll do my best to help you with selection training and personal cultivation."

"You are Grade A training resource. You can enter and study the three treasure sites of the Earthly Advantage Institute: the Mystic Sky Prison, the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces, and the Earth Vein Hall."

"You have three free chances; any additional chances will have to be earned through subsequent training."

Zhao Xing listened quietly. The places he had previously studied were public and free, Mystic Sky Prison, Zhao Xing could only observe lower-level beasts. He could only gaze at the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces from afar. Even the murals in the Earth Vein Hall Earth Vein in quality.

"In addition, you can also visit the One Hundred and Eight Solar Terms Stele Inscriptions at the Celestial Timing Academy, the Primordial Dao Field at the Great Granary Institute, Thirty-Six Waterways at the Tranquil Flood Academy twice for free."

"Grade A: Your starting points per month have been increased from 100 to 5000!"

"You can purchase the Original Seed treasures produced in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven at a 20% discount and have priority in purchasing them. However, you can only use them yourself. If it is discovered that you are purchasing them on behalf of others or selling them outside the Grotto-Heaven, the punishment will be severe."

"Yes, student understands." Zhao Xing nodded. Selling military supplies is a serious crime, and he wouldn't be foolish enough to do that.

"In addition, I'll personally give you a gift worth 50,000 points." Tian Yan waved his hand, and a large box floated over and appeared in front of Zhao Xing.

"There will be mandatory training in a month. These 50,000 points are for your mandatory training in a month."

Worth 50,000 points? Zhao Xing was secretly astonished. This teacher was really generous, giving a gift worth 50,000 points as a greeting gift.

"Thank you for your kind words, teacher," Zhao Xing said quickly.

"The mandatory training in a month? It will be tough and arduous. You are now being given high expectations. Your performance will not only affect the reputation of the Divine Might Army, but also my reputation." Tian Yan said seriously, "Entering the Earthly Advantage Institute is just the beginning. If you receive so many resources but do not perform accordingly, you will be demoted."

"Now there are 21 Grade A in the Four Great Academies, so your only competitors are another 20 people."

"If you can maintain your Grade A- tier training level, you might even be promoted directly to Seventh Grade official!"

"But precisely because of this, the selection process is very rigorous!"

"If you are ranked in the bottom five for three consecutive times, it means you don't deserve this resource and you will be demoted to the Grade B, and so on... and this ranking will be done every month."

"So you can't afford to be careless in the slightest, understand?" Tian Yan said seriously.

"Yes, student will remember. I will certainly not let the teacher down," Zhao Xing stated.

"Alright, go ahead." Tian Yan smiled. "Come to me every three days, and I will arrange additional training sessions based on your cultivation progress."

"Remember, your opponents are only the other twenty people. Even if you surpass the other nine thousand nine hundred or so people, it won't matter."

"Yes, student takes his leave."

Carrying his suitcase back to the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing saw a notification from the Earth Mirror on the way, indicating that 5,000 points had been credited to his account.

He couldn't wait to open the gift Tian Yan had given him.

Fixed a bug: Zhao Xing was at level 15 before Grotto-Heaven, in the late stage of the Ancient Yuan Essence Gathering. Volume 2 had consistently recorded him as level 14. This has now been corrected!

Also, the third update will probably be very late, mainly because correcting some errors in the context has taken up time.

The author spends all day writing, except for eating and sleeping. There's no slacking off or intentional delay.

Above!