Divine Valor, Holy Shield, Illusory Form, Rules Assessment

"First, after learning it, you need to report to the military headquarters at the prefecture level. Whether it is cultivation or application, as long as it is within the territory of the Great Zhou, it requires special approval from the military headquarters."

"Secondly, even outside the borders, when marching and fighting, only Seventh Grade Military Sima Nong can Soul Seizure on the battlefield."

"Third, it must not be privately distributed, and it must not be publicly displayed unless absolutely necessary."

The Willow-Character Straw Figure" paused for a moment, then continued, "If you can learn it, I can help you with the first point. After that, you can come to the Ten Thousand Laws Palace to cultivate."

After listening, Zhao Xing cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

"Go in and observe the demonstration," the Willow-Character Straw Figure" said, and then continued to wander.

Zhao Xing then entered the main hall.

Strangely enough, it was sunny outside, but once inside the lobby, the light suddenly dimmed, dark clouds gathered over the atrium, and a sinister and terrifying atmosphere spread out.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but shudder.

"Phew~"

A gentle breeze blew by, and one of the two Soul Capturing Straw Figure instantly vanished.

When the straw man disintegrated into materials and floated in front of him, Zhao Xing quickly identified these materials.

"Cold Pine Wood, Selaginella, Five Locust Wood, Soul-Returning Willow, Yellow Springs leaves, Mulberry Elm Flower, two trees as hands and feet, two branches piercing the chest and abdomen, one flower and one leaf locking the primordial soul."

"They are all Nether Five Elements."

Zhao Xing observed silently.

The Soul Capturing Straw Figure has strict material requirements; it must be made of Yin-type materials.

Without materials of the Yin element, there is no way to cast spells.

Other Straw Man Art only involve the Five Elements, but the Soul Capturing Straw Figure involves the Yin and Yang.

"Phew~"

A gentle breeze blew again, and even the Soul Capturing Straw Figure needed to be lifted by the Yin Wind.

After the reorganization, Zhao Xing used the Five Elements Observation to examine the inside of the straw figure.

He only saw two forces: Yin Wood and Yin Wind.

Moreover, whenever the external forces of the Five Elements approach, the internal Yin forces form a vortex that actively devours them, strengthening the Yin forces.

During this process, Zhao Xing even felt as if his gaze was being sucked in.

However, this attraction is minimal for living people, and it is difficult to shake the Fate Soul of a late-stage Ninth Grade.

"Yin alone cannot produce life, and Yang alone cannot grow. The Yin and Yang forces between heaven and earth are dynamically distributed. When Yin is dominant over Yang, all things decline; when Yang is dominant over Yin, all things begin."

"The Soul Capturing Straw Figure is equivalent to creating a pure yin depression, which will unconsciously attract Yin Soul into it."

Zhao Xing vaguely understood something, and a picture appeared in his mind.

The world before my eyes seemed to be a flat plane, with yin and yang attributes, adorned with many starlight that sometimes disappeared and sometimes appeared, representing the birth and death of living beings within it.

The overall decoration is very even, but a vortex suddenly appears on the surface.

After the vortex appeared, the plane suddenly caved in and became three-dimensional.

An imbalance of yin and yang creates a certain "potential difference," which draws in a large amount of starlight.

After absorbing starlight, the vortex grew even larger, and the plane became increasingly distorted.

"Buzz~"

In the end, everything disappeared.

Zhao Xing looked down at his palm. A wisp of Golden Light swirled at his fingertips. This was a spell he had involuntarily cast while comprehending the Dao.

Looking again, a third Soul Capturing Straw Figure appeared before them.

[You observe the straw effigy's performance and comprehend the intermediate-level technique, "Soul Capturing Straw Figure."]

[Soul Capturing Straw Figure: 151/9999]

[Effects: To draw spirits into the body and Soul Seizure them]

Seeing this, Zhao Xing silently cupped his hands in greeting and then left the hall.

Of the eighty-one methods taught by the Old Sima Nong, the Soul Capturing Straw Figure is a castrated version; Xue Wenzhong probably only knows the basic level of the Soul-Luring Straw Figure.

There is also an advanced version of this method, which is the Soul Devouring Straw Figure.

It can trap multiple souls into a body, allowing them to fight each other and breed an even stronger, more malevolent spirit.

Essentially, it's no different from the Soul Venerating Banner; it's just a different form.

Of course, in my Great Zhou, the terminology is different. What evil spirit? It's called a "War Soul Straw Figure"!

This spell can be incredibly effective on the battlefield. As long as there are enough materials, the number of straw dolls will increase with each battle. Even if it is only at the First-Turn, it will still have considerable combat power. After Soul Seizure, the straw doll can randomly acquire a secret attack technique from the Yin Soul in its previous life.

Zhao Xing originally planned to leave because he couldn't achieve any results with his training now, and there were no souls for him to capture.

Can the souls of those monsters killed be used for cultivation?

No, this spell is called Soul Capturing Straw Figure because it captures a person's soul. Capturing other souls is ineffective and a waste of materials.

As soon as he stepped out of the main hall, a Willow-Character Straw Figure walked over.

"If you want to continue practicing, there's a death row cell Ten Thousand Laws Palace. You can go in and kill a few to practice your skills."

"..."

Zhao Xing's lips twitched. It wasn't that he thought there was anything wrong with killing the prisoner, but Liu Tianning's tone was as if he were telling him to go kill a pig.

Coupled with his understanding of Liu Tianning from his previous life, he was genuinely apprehensive at this moment.

He wanted to practice on the battlefield later, and he had decided to avoid Liu the Half-Mad before, so he naturally didn't want to get too involved now.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I want to focus my energy on practicing one technique to earn points in this selection training."

The Willow-Character Straw Figure" nodded: "If you need anything in the future, you can come to the Ten Thousand Laws Palace anytime."

"Yes."

Zhao Xing turned and left, his steps quickening.

After wandering around the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, Zhao Xing learned three more classic Straw Man Art.

They are respectively Divine Valor, Holy Shield, Illusory Form.

The Divine Valor is similar to the effect of the Mighty Straw Puppet, but it is more powerful. It is no longer clumsy and knows how to dodge and move, and has a certain fighting instinct.

Vajra Puppet is something that if you let it charge, it will charge until it dies, never retreating an inch.

The Holy Shield Straw Figure Grass is larger and is primarily a defensive unit.

Illusory Form is the foundation of the True Self Straw Puppet, with the main goal of creating a deceptive illusion.

"The Soul Seizure and Guardian Art techniques are difficult to practice, but these three do not require external training, so they are the best choices for passing the assessment."

The other Straw Man Art are less common and more profound. There are even some advanced straw doll techniques that are completely unrecognizable.

There will be plenty of opportunities to learn in the future; right now, my main focus is on earning points.

Returning to the Performance Plaza, there were many more people.

"Shi Yong has arrived."

In a corner of the square, Shi Yong was also observing a straw figure.

"Zhao Xing".

Zhuang Ziqing saw Zhao Xing and walked over with Han Bing.

"You're here too. When did you arrive?"

"We've been here for a while," Zhuang Ziqing said, "But we've just passed the third test."

"It seems everyone is short on points," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"What straw doll did you use to get through the challenge?" Han Bing asked.

"I haven't done it yet."

"You need to hurry," Han Bing reminded him. "Lord Liu has already warned us that nearly one hundred people will pass the third stage. If you're late, you won't be able to make it into the top one hundred later."

"Okay, I'll go right now." Zhao Xing heard it too, and that was exactly why he rushed over.

"Then you go ahead and get busy," Zhuang Ziqing said. "We'll talk later."

"Good."

Zhao Xing immediately sent a Suicide Bombing Straw Figure been detonated into the main hall for testing.

The Suicide Bombing Straw Figure stood inside a barrier.

After the explosion, the light outside the barrier flickered four times, which means that the Fourth-Turn has been achieved.

Zhao Xing passed the third level and earned 800 points.

At this point, all the basic rewards for meeting the target have been received, totaling 1250 points.

Afterwards, Zhao Xing found a quiet place and began to hone his skills with the straw doll.

The Dharma Protector Straw Figure and Soul Capturing Straw Figure are difficult to train, but the Invisibility Straw Figure and Self-Destructing Straw Man can be practiced extensively.

Once Rat Hour on July 23rd has passed.

Suddenly a voice resounded throughout the entire Ten Thousand Laws Palace, as well as the first and Second Stage.

"One hundred people have already passed the third stage, and these one hundred people will be the top one hundred in this points reward."

"The rest can continue to learn and complete challenges, and will still be able to obtain a total of 1250 points as a basic achievement reward."

"As long as you can pass the third stage of this selection training, you can get the top grade."

Zhao Xing opened his eyes and heard this voice.

"I didn't expect that a hundred people would pass the third level so quickly."

"It seems that Junior Minister of Agriculture have studied the Straw Man Art, or have a talent for Straw Man Art."

The class started at noon, and it's just past Rat Hour now. In just a few hours, a hundred people have passed the third stage.

These 100 people will continue to compete for the ranking rewards of the top 100. The rest will only receive the basic qualifying points.

Even so, the straw man training course is much better than the other training courses. Even if you don't get into the top 100, with a little effort, you can almost certainly get 1250 points, because the elective training courses can continue within a year, just like Lu Bang's elective training courses, which also stipulate that you can pass within a year.

After repeating this several times.

Liu Tianning announced the list of 100 people, the upcoming training courses, and the ranking rules.

"Those Agricultural Official pass the third test will have seven days to train."

"The Straw Man Art test will be conducted in seven days."

"After three rounds of competition, the rankings for this training course will be determined, and the first place winner will receive 50,000 points."

Zhao Xing listened quietly to the three rounds of competition, which meant there were still three more tests to be done.

"The fourth test is a single-method test."

"You may study any kind of Straw Man Art. The higher your level, the higher your ranking will be in the fourth test."

"The fifth test is the test of many methods."

"Within seven days, the Straw Man Art must be combined, with the minimum standard being the combination of two magics. If no one enters the sixth level, the top ten points rewards will not be issued, and the count will start from the second tier of rewards."

"The sixth test will be a real combat drill."

"Only ten people will enter the sixth round. In the sixth round, one-on-one combat using the Straw Man Art will determine the final ranking."

The Agricultural Official passed the third test were immediately excited, after all, 50,000 points were within reach.

However, it's quite difficult; if you fall behind even slightly, you'll be eliminated.

The fourth level only tests one aspect of the Straw Man Art, but the fifth level requires combining two techniques!

If you can't even combine the two methods, then you're not qualified for the sixth level.

As Liu Tianning mentioned before, there are strict criteria for obtaining generous points rewards.

If everyone is eliminated in the fifth round, then the top ten rewards will not be available.

"The high points rewards have attracted almost all the Grade A geniuses."

Zhao Xing looked at the figures in the Performance Plaza.

"Shi Yong, Zhuang Ziqing, Feng Qiu, Han Bing, Guan Junyang..."

Even if one had never learned the Straw Man Art before, the Agricultural Official here are all geniuses with strong talents, so even if they start from scratch, their progress is very fast.

Moreover, these hundred geniuses had previously served as Military Sima Nong in their local areas, so they were certainly well-rounded and had some knowledge of Straw Man Art.

"Given the current situation, everyone is short of points, so everyone signed up for this course."

"However, being strong in other areas does not necessarily mean being strong in the Straw Man Art."

For example, among the reserve Agricultural Supervisorate, five people have reached the fourth level of the Knowing Realm in Solar Terms Decree.

However, these five people may not necessarily excel in the Straw Man Art, because the Solar Terms Decree belongs to the classics of the Time Faction, while the Straw Man Art is a spell of the True Self Faction.

"I need to train hard and try to get more points," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

He is currently at the following levels of progress with his four types of straw figures: the First-Turn of the Dharma Protector Straw Figure and the first level of the Soul Capturing Straw Figure.

Suicide Bombing Straw Figure and the Invisibility Straw Figure have reached the Fourth-Turn.

The fourth test only tested one skill: Straw Man Art. Zhao Xing decided to spend the next seven days learning the Straw Man Art first.

"These seven days will be spent studying at the Ten Thousand Laws Palace and also visiting the sacred site of Great Granary Institute to contemplate the Yin Yang True Self Scripture."

"The essence of the Straw Man Art is to utilize the Principles of Five Elements."

"Understanding the Yin Yang True Self Scripture naturally greatly enhances the Straw Man Art... Hmm? Who's watching me?"

Zhao Xing suddenly sensed something; his Fate Soul's perception was very sharp.

Sensing that someone was watching him, he looked in a certain direction and saw a familiar face— Li Feng.

"Zhao Xing." Li Feng approached Zhao Xing with a smile as Zhao Xing looked up. "How's your understanding going?"

Li Feng had previously displayed four types of straw figures at the Performance Plaza: the Mystic Arms Straw Figure, the Holy Shield Straw Figure, the Suicide Bombing Straw Figure, and the Invisibility Straw Figure.

The Mystic Arms Straw Figure, wielding a long spear, can perform complex attacks; its defining characteristic is its weapon.

The Giant Shield Straw Figure is much larger than a normal scarecrow, essentially a Giant Shield.

His skill in making Straw Man Art was quite high, which drew praise from many people.

Li Feng thought Zhao Xing had seen it too, so he immediately ran over to show off.

"My understanding is so-so," Zhao Xing said casually.

"Hahaha, I can conjure sixteen different straw men, and the highest level of Straw Man Art can combine three techniques into one!"

Who asked you?

Zhao Xing found it somewhat amusing. "Li Feng really is a rather simple person. He expresses his joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness very directly and never hides them."

"But it's going too far for you to show off in front of me."

Then Zhao Xing said, "You lost your advancement match."

Li Feng: "Give me the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to prepare. With Divine General, Giant Shield, Sacrificial Explosion, at least fifteen can be revived. Even Eighth Grade martial artist will perish on the spot!"

Zhao Xing: "You lost your advancement match."

Li Feng: "I passed the third test as soon as I came in. I wonder how many kinds of straw men you can make, and how powerful they are?"

Zhao Xing: "You lost your advancement match."

"..."

Li Feng's lips twitched. "Can you please stop bringing up the promotion battle? Is that what we're talking about?"

"Oh, Brother Li, what would you like to talk about? Branch training? Or reporting training?"

"..."

Just thinking about it made Li Feng furious. Seeing that he couldn't get anything out of her with words, he snorted coldly and stormed off.

Let you be stubborn for a few days, but when the final test comes, you'll naturally know how powerful you are!

"I, Li Feng, will definitely avenge this humiliation!"

Ugh, this schedule is getting more and more bizarre.

This chapter was actually written yesterday; I'm having such a hard time.

Keep writing, I can manage, brothers don't need to.

I'd also like to recommend a book; here's a link. Feel free to check it out if you're interested.