Straw Man Art Challenge

Zhao Xing, filled with doubt, clicked to view the course description, and then suddenly understood.

"It seems that even the Straw Man Art has become a key project supported by the imperial court."

The Straw Man Art is a magic of the True Self Faction.

The True Self Faction is clear to those in the know.

The Straw Man Art is a rather awkward existence within the True Self Faction.

Why? Because the Agricultural Official of the True Self Faction generally focus on farming.

To cultivate crops with stronger reproductive capabilities, to grow materials suitable for Engineer School to make machinery, and to study the medicinal value of plants...

However, very few Agricultural Official primarily focus on the "True Self Faction" engage in combat.

In the past, the option of "Great Granary Institute" was not available in the Military Sima Nong.

Because supplies were not under the jurisdiction of the Military Sima Nong department, but were handled by the Agricultural Official of the rear True Self Faction.

It was only later, when the military's needs became more diverse, that it was added to the list.

However, few of the spells used by the True Self Faction are for fighting.

Agricultural Official wants to learn offensive spells, he usually follows the approach of using favorable Time Faction or Earthly Advantage Faction.

The Straw Man Art is one of them, but the Agricultural Official of the True Self Faction school rarely wastes energy learning it because there is no need for it.

If you want to become Military Sima Nong, then go for the Earthly Advantage Faction" or "Time Faction.

Therefore, the status of the Straw Man Art is somewhat awkward.

No one in the True Self Faction studies it. As for other schools, if they want to learn the Straw Man Art, they have to study the True Self Faction's spells.

The Straw Man Art is a rather delicate task that requires a lot of time to achieve results, and it is difficult to see results in a short period of time.

In the earliest days, the Straw Man Art taught in temples were quite complete, but gradually only nine types remained.

However, many prefectures and Dao Academy have regulations: Agriculture Official who learn the Straw Man Art can receive five taels of silver per month, with the amount increasing according to their official rank and the level of their magical skills.

Therefore, the imperial court did not want this type of magic to be lost.

"If the imperial court doesn't spend resources to support it, no one will be willing to study the Straw Man Art."

"The reason for deliberately increasing the points reward is to prevent this type of method from being lost."

"In later Straw Man Art rose with the rise of the Original True Self Faction and displayed its divine power. I never thought that in this era, we would still have to rely on orthodox methods to pass it down." Zhao Xing said with some emotion.

He took a closer look at the elective course.

However, there's a rule regarding the points rewards for this course: For the Straw Man Art Training Course, all points can only be earned if the student has achieved a certain level of mastery in the spells. If the spells don't meet the requirements, even if the student ranks first, they won't receive any points.

This is to discourage those who want to farm points.

Only those who truly dedicate themselves to learning this method and achieve something will receive points rewards.

Otherwise, if the final 50,000 points are awarded to the first place winner, the winner will only have a second-tier Straw Man Art, which would render the entire strategy meaningless.

"The Straw Man Art is troublesome and time-consuming to learn. If we don't give points, I'm afraid no one will sign up. But now the number of people has increased." Zhao Xing looked and saw that the number of people who signed up had exceeded five thousand.

A generous reward will surely attract brave men; such incentives are indeed effective.

"First place winner will receive 50,000 points."

"Second place will be awarded 30,000 points."

"Third place, reward 10,000 points."

"Third to tenth place will receive 8,000 points."

"Rankings 11th to 20th will receive a reward of 5,000 points."

"Rankings 21st to 50th will be awarded 3,000 points."

"Rankings from 51st to 100th will be awarded 1,000 points."

"Those ranked after 100, as long as they meet the basic standards during the learning process, will receive a reward of at least 50 points and at most 800 points, even if they do not make it into the top 100."

Zhao Xing looked at the points reward rules for the Straw Man Class. Due to the generous rewards, the number of people signing up had increased significantly.

Originally unpopular elective courses have become the top choice.

"The Agricultural Official is in charge of this training course is surnamed Liu. Could he be from the Liu Family of Taihe County?"

The "Liu Tradition Weaving Method Liu's Biography) that Xue Wenzhong passed on to Zhao Xing was founded by Liu Zonghai of Taihe County.

The Liu Family of Taihe County is Noble Families over a thousand years. From the time of Grand Ancestor to the present, there have always been members of the family who have served as high-ranking officials in the imperial court. Liu Zonghai even reached the rank of Second Rank official.

"There's no other way to get points right now, so I have to get the Scarecrow training course," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

He then looked at the other elective courses, all of which now offered points rewards.

However, few rewards can rival the Scarecrow Training Course, and most of them haven't even started yet.

"Sign up!"

Zhao Xing quickly signed up.

The introduction of the Straw Man Class led many people to cram at the last minute, flocking to Great Granary Institute to learn the magic of the True Self Faction.

Standing atop the high-rise building, looking down at the crowded throng below, Lu Bang couldn't help but sigh, "A bustling scene, a constant flow of profit and loss."

"Many people rarely come to Great Granary Institute to study and comprehend before. From March to July, during the four months of training, this is the busiest time Great Granary Institute has ever been."

"The rewards are so generous that even geniuses like Shi Yong, Zhuang Ziqing, and Zhao Xing have come to sign up."

"Brother Liu, you're in for a lot of work this time."

Standing next to Lu Bang, Liu Tianning looked no more than middle-aged, but was actually 282 years old.

He was slightly overweight, but his fingers were slender and fair, like jade, and even his skin was as white as jade.

Upon hearing Lu Bang speak, Liu Tianning said, "Although there are many people, I wonder how many of them are truly dedicated to learning."

"As for being busy, that's no problem for me. Have you forgotten what I teach?"

"The one speaking to you is not the real person."

Lu Bang tilted his head in surprise. "Brother Liu, this... this isn't you in real life? Amazing, I couldn't tell the difference."

Liu Tianning smiled slightly.

"But you're not the real one, so why are you drinking my wine? It's such a waste to give it to the straw man." Lu Bang snatched the wine jug from his hand.

"How could I fool you, Lu Songting, without drinking? Your Fire Jade Wine contains a rich power of the five elements, which will greatly benefit my straw doll. Don't be stingy, bring it here quickly."

When Zhao Xing signed up for the straw man training course, Tian Yan found out immediately and contacted Zhao Xing through the Earth Mirror.

"The Straw Man Art is easy to learn but difficult to master. The first and second level straw dolls are easy to learn, but the third level Straw Man Art is difficult."

"This method is time-consuming and laborious. Just enroll in this course and get the passing grade; don't waste too much energy on it."

Even Tian Yan said so, which shows the status of the Straw Man Art, but Zhao Xing had his own plans and would not completely follow Tian Yan's arrangements.

Of course, he still had to say something like, "Don't worry, teacher, I know what I'm doing. If I don't achieve anything, I won't be obsessed with this path."

"Yes, it's good that you know what's going on." Tian Yan nodded. After spending many days together, he could tell that Zhao Xing was a very opinionated person who had always been on the right path, so Tian Yan didn't need to worry about him at all.

It was only when the Straw Man Class was launched that Zhao Xing was asked to sign up that he said something more.

After setting down the Earth Mirror, Zhao Xing stood in front of a closed gate in the Great Granary Institute and looked around.

With thousands of people signing up, how should this course be taught, and how should the grades be calculated?

Liu Tianning's approach was to teach and test simultaneously.

"The Straw Man Art Training Course, this is the First Stage, and also the first lesson."

"The south side of the plaza is where materials are displayed; you can choose from first and second-tier materials."

"On the west side of the square, there is a method of teaching with straw figures, which is one of the nine methods promoted by the imperial court."

"On the east side of the square, there is a well-developed straw man demonstration; you may observe it on your own."

"At the north of the plaza is the Trial Palace. Anyone who has mastered the Straw Man Art can summon their own straw man to enter it. If they pass, they can fly to the next location to receive the First Tier of training. Each time a level is completed, they will receive corresponding points."

Liu Tianning's voice echoed around the square, looping through the Echo Conch.

Zhao Xing glanced at the notice board and went directly to the area on the south side where the materials were placed.

Various materials were placed on the ground and some were floating in the open space.

There are all kinds of flowers, grasses, trees, bamboo, and rattan.

However, all of them are Tier 1 or 2 materials.

"Phew~"

Zhao Xing Astral Wind, casually sweeping over a pile of materials.

He looked at them, picked out a few, and put the rest back in their original places.

"Every bush and tree seems like an enemy soldier, rise up!"

Zhao Xing pointed and the Golden Light shone on a bundle of grass and leaves in front of him.

Things are different now; he no longer needs to knit with his hands.

The Dharma can be created in a single thought.

"Sizzle~" "Sizzle~"

The vines, grass stalks, and leaves seemed to come alive, moving and intertwining on the ground. In just an instant, the materials disappeared, replaced by a gray-black straw figure standing in place.

A second-tier, Swift Steps Straw Puppet.

People nearby were drawn to the scene and immediately looked over.

"How could it be so fast, mastering the technique in a single breath?"

"Such powerful control; he didn't waste much of the materials."

"What kind of straw doll is this? It's woven quite nicely."

"Of course it looks good. The method is in accordance with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. The shape and lines of the straw figure itself contain the mystery of the Tao. You are not looking at the straw figure, but observing the Tao."

"I didn't expect Zhao Xing to be so skilled in Straw Man Art making. I see a certain spirit in his straw figure, as if it were alive."

"No wonder, the straw figures next to me are so ugly, just like the people who cast the spells."

"Bro, you can call me Straw Man Art,' but calling me ugly is going too far."

"..."

Zhao Xing rolled up the Swift Steps Straw Puppet, ignoring the surrounding gazes, and quickly arrived at the north side of the square.

He then ordered the Swift Steps Straw Puppet to enter the palace.

"Buzz~"

As soon as they entered the palace, a Golden Light swept over the Swift Steps Straw Puppet.

Then the ground beneath the straw man's feet began to rotate.

It was like a huge treadmill, Swift Steps Straw Puppet had to run to avoid being thrown off.

"If you can hold out for 15 minutes, or reach another wall of the palace, you will pass the test."

"If it's Mighty Straw Puppet, the test is driving a stake. With one punch, the fist imprint must penetrate half a finger into the stake." Zhao Xing looked at the rules of the trial palace.

Different types of straw figures represent different challenges.

The First Stage is neither particularly difficult nor particularly easy.

If you haven't learned the Straw Man Art before, it will take a lot of time to learn it on the spot. Zhao Xing can see that many beginners around him make all sorts of strange straw figures.

Some straw dolls lose their arms and legs after only a few steps, some have three heads and six arms, and some are just a shape that doesn't move at all, so the magic can't be activated inside them.

Some are even stranger, with triangular heads, arms attached to their necks, and arms that reach the ground... they can hardly be considered 'human' in shape at all.

"You'll have to learn something in the very first lesson, but getting points won't be easy."

The Swift Steps Straw Puppet in the Trial Palace run incredibly fast; if the Straw Man Art fails to meet the requirements, you won't be able to pass the next level.

Of course, if you can learn and pass the First Stage, you can get 50 points.

"Why not take it if it's free?" That's why the First Stage has already attracted seven or eight thousand people.

"Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army, your Swift Steps Straw Puppet has passed the test. Please proceed to the next location."

A voice reached Zhao Xing's ears.

"Yes."

Zhao Xing did not recall the Swift Steps Straw Puppet, but flew directly to the next location.

The Second Stage has the same layout.

But the number of people was much smaller.

The course just started today, and many people are stuck on the First Stage of learning. Fewer than a thousand people will be able to get to the Second Stage.

"More than 8,000 people have signed up for the Agricultural Official competition, but less than 1,000 have passed the First Stage. It seems that few people have studied the Straw Man Art before."

"That means only one in seven or eight people will choose to learn it."

If they've learned so little, how much more so would they need to study diligently?

Zhao Xing passed the First Stage and also assessed its difficulty. Reaching the Fourth-Turn level of the "Any Straw Man Art" was enough to pass the test, but even so, it stumped quite a few people.

"Being able to reach the Second Stage proves that you have learned the Straw Man Art before and put in some effort."

"The Second Stage is still the nine Straw Man Art promoted by the imperial court."

"You can get 400 points by passing the trial."

Liu Tianning's voice echoed in my ears.

The Second Stage is no different from the First Stage; there's still one place for materials, one place for demonstrations, and one place for instruction.

Zhao Xing once again conjured a Swift Steps Straw Puppet, and then ordered the straw doll to enter the trial palace.

The test for the Swift Steps Straw Puppet is the same as the First Stage: the ground rotates, only the treadmill is faster.

Furthermore, the ground became uneven, making it significantly more difficult to maintain both running speed and stability.

Even with Fourth-Turn of the straw doll, clearing the level is difficult; only with five turns can one be absolutely certain of success.

Zhao Xing's Swift Steps Straw Puppet passed the test quickly once again.

"Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army, you have passed the Second Stage and have earned 400 points. You do not need to learn the content of the Second Stage anymore. Please proceed to the next location."

Zhao Xing checked the Earth Mirror and, sure enough, saw an extra 400 points. The sender was Liu Tianning from the Agricultural Supervisorate. Adding the 50 points from the First Stage, he had earned 450 points in just a short time.

"You can even make money by studying the law, that's awesome!"

Upon learning of the next location, Zhao Xing immediately took off, stepping on the clouds.

The third level took place in a different location, a manor nestled against the mountains and beside the water.

This is also where Liu Tianning lives.

"Phew~"

As the clouds and mist dissipated, Zhao Xing landed at the gate outside the manor.

"Please come in."

As soon as he landed, a figure appeared at the door and extended an invitation to Zhao Xing.

"Thank you, teacher." Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised, thinking that Liu Tianning had come out to greet him personally. But upon closer inspection, he realized that it was not Liu Tianning himself at all, but just a straw figure.

However, this straw figure was too realistic. It had a nose, eyes, and even clothes, with exposed skin that was flesh-colored. At first glance, Zhao Xing thought it was a real person, but something seemed off. It was only after using the Five Elements Observation that he noticed something amiss.

"Follow me." Liu Tianning's straw man turned and leaped forward, quickly arriving at the foot of the mountain. Zhao Xing watched as he moved nimbly up the mountain, shifting and dodging along the path, just like a martial artist demonstrating his movement techniques.

"Liu Tianning must be a master of Straw Man Art. He must have some unique skills. I must learn them from him," Zhao Xing thought to himself, quickening his pace.