Changes to Come at Locust Willow Courtyard

The Military Sima Nong reserve has historically been a major target for poaching personnel from various military units.

In homeland warfare, the role of the Military Sima Nong was not so obvious. After all, each prefecture, county, and military headquarters had Transportation Department responsible for the supply of grain and fodder, and many places also had Changping Granary for the use of officials and civilians.

However, once they crossed the borders of the Great Zhou and went to fight in foreign lands, the role of the Military Sima Nong was greatly amplified.

Soldiers can win battles even without proper weapons, fighting bare-handed, or with inferior weapons.

There are countless examples of soldiers fighting in harsh environments, even without proper living conditions or warm clothing, and still managing to win.

You absolutely cannot go hungry.

Being well-fed is the top priority; otherwise, nothing else matters.

"In ordinary local armies of the same rank, one Military Sima Nong is required to support the wartime supplies of five people. This is the minimum standard."

"The nine garrisons within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, though ranked differently, are considered qualified based on training standards, with one Military Sima Nong responsible for supplying thirty people during wartime."

"Judging solely from the ability of the Military Sima Nong to supply supplies, top-tier geniuses like Zhao Xing, Shi Yong, and Zhuang Ziqing can all manage to supply five hundred people."

"A Grade A genius, even if slightly weaker, can supply a hundred people of the same grade."

"However, this is just training. On a real battlefield, it would be much more complicated for the Military Sima Nong to obtain supplies."

"Judging from this year's training, Zhao Xing's performance in actual combat is the best. He is a level above the other Grade A geniuses."

"If we can recruit him into the Tigron Army, it's worth the price." An Agricultural Official dressed in a cloud-patterned robe, riding on a cloud, introduced Zhao Xing to the person next to her. "General Wei, Zhao Xing is absolutely worth your personal visit."

Beside the clouds stood a man dressed in armor, holding a jade-green staff with mysterious symbols engraved on it. The staff was thick at the top and thin at the bottom, with a Tiger Flood Dragon head carved at the very top.

Wei Yuan was one of the ten captains of the Tigron Army and also the highest-ranking Military Sima Nong in the Tigron Army. He was ranked first among the ten generals under Marquis Mingwu Wei Yuan because he was good at both fighting and farming. In battle, Wei Yuan was often the first to take action to change the weather, creating the most favorable fighting environment for the Tigron Army.

The fighting strength of the Tigron Army is vastly different with or without Wei Yuan.

It is often said that if there hadn't been a lack of major battles, Wei Yuan would probably have been ennobled by now.

Wei Yuan was tall and strong with an honest appearance. When he heard the garrison commander introduce him like this, he immediately smiled and said, "I also saw his grades on paper, and they are indeed as you said, which is why I came."

Wei Yuan was originally at the front line of the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture, but upon receiving news from the Grotto-Heaven, he hurriedly returned.

Aside from military affairs within the Grotto-Heaven, his most important task was to undermine the Divine Might Army.

Zhao Xing's individual spells weren't particularly impressive, at least in Wei Yuan's opinion. There were people in the Nine Sections Dojo who could rival or even surpass Zhao Xing.

However, when it came to large-scale actual combat, especially the more complex combat training, Zhao Xing's performance fell behind that of other geniuses, including Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing.

Zhao Xing could even be considered as a separate figure.

The Tigron Army certainly wouldn't miss out on such a talented individual.

He was selected from the Divine Might Army? What does that have to do with anything?

The Tigron Army was far stronger than the Divine Might Army. The Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was captured, and the Tigron Army of Marquis Mingwu played a major role in this process.

The Divine Might Army and the other armies were able to benefit from the Marquis of Marquis Mingwu's influence in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

Therefore, Wei Yuan was quite confident about this recruitment attempt.

Apart from the Tigron Army, no one else can afford to offer better treatment.

Zhao Xing opened the gate of the courtyard with Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard and invited the Tigron Army members in.

There was no other way but to invite them in.

He was just a lowly recruit who hadn't even officially joined the Divine Might Army yet, so he had no right to refuse these big shots.

If he dares to turn away the big boss, then he shouldn't even think about staying here.

"Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army pays his respects to General Wei! Please take a seat, General."

Zhao Xing Xingchao, a Fifth Grade Military Sima Nong, bowed respectfully to the esteemed official and invited him to the seat of honor in the main hall, while he himself remained standing.

He knew perfectly well why people came; it was a sign of appreciation. Even if he intended to refuse, he didn't want to offend them.

"Zhao Xing, no need to be so Guest Qi, please sit down and talk." Wei Yuan waved his hand after taking a seat.

"Yes." Zhao Xing immediately sat up straight.

"You don't need to say you're Zhao Xing the Divine Might Army," Wei Yuan said with a smile. "You can't be considered a true member of the Divine Might Army yet. The Divine Might Army has just selected you to join. Strictly speaking, you are currently a reserve Agriculture Official under the Ministry of Agricultural Supervisorate Earthly Advantage Institute the Yang City Army of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven."

"The general is right."

Zhao Xing did not refute this, because that was the case from the system's perspective. The military was the most powerful, so these reserve Military Sima Nong were all trained by the military and had no connection with the various armies for the time being.

Afterwards, when they entered various armies, the military headquarters would issue documents and make decisions to transfer a certain Agricultural Official to a certain army. This was the official procedure.

"It was not the Boping Marquis who bestowed upon you the military Official Rank, but the imperial court. You must understand the difference."

"Yes, I will follow your instructions, General." Zhao Xing stood up and bowed.

Even if kings and nobles have the power to select people, both legal principles and written documents must pass through the central government.

Of course, that's what they say, but basically, whoever pulls the people still gets to keep them.

It must be said that although Wei Yuan was the Military Sima Nong, his negotiation skills were no less than those of a strategist.

After he realized that Zhao Xing was calling himself "Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army", he used the imperial system to correct Zhao Xing and reduce his resentment.

This is also telling Zhao Xing: Look, even if you have the idea of switching allegiance to another faction, you don't need to feel any remorse, because you are serving the court, not Boping Marquis.

"Sit down, I told you not to be so formal." Wei Yuan smiled kindly. After Zhao Xing sat down again, he continued, "Your teacher at the Earthly Advantage Institute, Tian Yan, is a friend of mine for a hundred years. A long time ago, the two of us even drank bull urine together, hahaha."

"General, you have fought countless battles and endured many hardships. You are truly a role model for us juniors." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in respect. This was indeed worthy of respect. The fact that even the Military Sima Nong had to drink urine to replenish their Shuifen shows how fierce and arduous the battles must have been.

Zhao Xing has never been this miserable. He usually dies and waits to be resurrected. Those who can survive are all heroes!

"Things are much better now. In the military, everything from clothing and food to housing and equipment is better than before. The country is strong and prosperous, and talented people are emerging in large numbers. Seeing that your generation has grown up better than us is the meaning of our struggle." Wei Yuan spoke to Zhao Xing in the manner of an elder.

"The general's ambition is admirable."

Seeing that Zhao Xing only said that one sentence and then stopped there, Wei Yuan immediately changed his strategy:

"Zhao Xing, you are Tian Yan's student. Your teacher and I both want to see you make even greater progress."

"The Divine Might Army is not suitable for your development. Come to the Tigron Army. I will treat you like a son or nephew. I will do my best to help you with the series of military tasks assigned to you by the military department. After you pass this probation period, you can come directly to my command as a Nine Section Commandant."

"If you have lofty ambitions, the Tigron Army is the best choice!"

Zhao Xing felt helpless. Wei Yuan had first tried to appeal to his emotions and talk about ideals, but when Zhao Xing saw that he was unmoved, he was now trying to talk about practical benefits. Was Wei Yuan Military Sima Nong or a strategist? His conversation was just too smooth.

Tian Yan did indeed express that Zhao Xing had better options. The Divine Might Army was at the bottom of the nine garrison forces, Boping Marquis Yang An of Boping had been reinstated. In terms of strength and resources, it was inferior to the other garrison forces.

But Zhao Xing knew that the train would take off and eventually crash, but he wasn't going to jump off now.

You, Wei Yuan, haven't even been granted a marquisate yet. If I go to the Tigron Army, there will be so many talented people, the competition will be fierce. It's better to stay in the Divine Might Army and try to gain merit.

"General, you have invited me with such sincerity, and I dare not refuse. However, Chen Shijie the Divine Might Army, you saved my life, taught me the Way, and recognized my talents. If I were to turn my back on Attaining Dao now that I have attained enlightenment, it would be against my conscience. I hope you will understand," Zhao Xing said sincerely.

Actually, where did Old Chen get so much gratitude? It's just that Zhao Xing has no choice but to pass on the pressure and hope that Old Chen can withstand it.

Wei Yuan nodded after hearing this, seemingly expecting it. He then asked, "If I could repay this favor for you, would you change your mind?"

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "If Lord Chen me to leave, I will leave to the general's discretion."

"Alright." Wei Yuan smiled. This kid was quite cunning, refusing to get involved in anything. Now he finally said something honest.

"In that case, you shall wait here for my good news." Wei Yuan stood up.

"Respectfully seeing off the general."

Zhao Xing respectfully saw Wei Yuan out of the courtyard.

In the following days, perhaps due to Wei Yuan's efforts, no one bothered Zhao Xing anymore.

Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong of the Celestial Timing Academy were also turned away by the Black Armor Army.

Because they couldn't compete, the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven only stayed there out of respect for others, so how could they compete?

Zhao Xing also had a few rare days of peace and quiet.

I stayed in the courtyard to review what I had learned.

Name: Zhao Xing

[Realm Level: Upper Official Eighth Rank (Cannot be upgraded)]

Occupation: Agricultural Official

[Fortune: Derivation Three]

[Essence Gathering: Level 29 (9999/10000)]

[Fate Soul: Late Eighth Grade]

[Extra lifespan: 80 years]

Before entering the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he was at the Ninth Grade Rank. Not long after entering, he broke through to the Eighth Grade.

During this period, Zhao Xing underwent various training programs at the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. In ten months, he rose from the Eighth Grade to the perfect Eighth Grade.

"The Heavenly Spirit Bridge is stable, and I can already vaguely sense the presence of the Earthly Fiend Qi. My extra lifespan has also increased by 5 years, all thanks to the treasures I consumed during my cultivation."

[Intermediate-level spell: The True Self Faction]

[Straw Man Art: Skyflight (Perfect), Sacrificial Explosion (Perfect), Divine Valor (Nine Turns), Giant Shield (Nine Turns), Invisibility (Nine Turns), Illusory Form (Nine Turns), Guardian Art (Seventh-Turn), Soul Seizure (Third-Turn)]

[Five Elements Observation: Intermediate Perfection], [Savage Growth: Intermediate Perfection], [Barren Condense Essence Art: Intermediate Nine Turns], [Hundred-Li Essence Analysis Art: Seventh-Turn], [Nine Dragons Node-Bending Art: Fifth Rank]

Zhao Xing completed the "Minor Four Techniques" of the True Self Faction of magic. However, the True Self Faction of magic was too difficult to master. Zhao Xing only mastered the Hundred-Li Essence Analysis Art to the Seventh-Turn, and the Nine Dragons Node-Bending Art was only at the fifth level.

The Straw Man Art has improved in terms of Invisibility, Illusory Form, and Guardian Art. The main focus is on combining multiple techniques into one. Due to limited energy, I haven't learned any more.

[The Earthly Advantage Faction:]

[Earth Treasury Return to Origin (Humanity) (Plants) - A Perfect Union]

[Divine Swift Guard: Eleventh-Turn]

[Five Elements Earth Splitting: Intermediate Stage Perfection]

[Boundless Earth Palace: Mid-Stage Perfection]

[Mysterious Water Concealment: High-Level First-Turn]

The Earthly Advantage Faction School of magic has added a new advanced technique. This breakthrough was achieved during the trials at the Tranquil Flood Academy. It belongs to the Vein Guiding Art within the Mystic Earth Art, specifically designed to regulate the water of the Earth Vein.

The Time Faction School's spells, Guiding Thunder, Yin Wind, Swallowing Clouds, Icy Rain, and drizzle, are all at the intermediate level of perfection.

Heavenly Frost, Heavenly Fire, Mist Concealment, Rolling Ground Thunder, Lesser Nine Heavens Astral Wind —all Nine Turns.

[Dripping Rain: Advanced Third-Turn]

[Thunder Breaking Illusion Finger: High-Level First-Turn]

[Soaring Serpent Transformation: High-Level First-Turn]

After the breakthrough of the Free and Easy Solar Terms Decree, two more high-level techniques were added.

[Start of Summer] The Solar Terms Decree, reaching the Fourth-Turn of the Knowing Realm, created the Thunder Technique and combined the two into one, comprehending the Thunder Breaking Illusion Finger.

The Autumn Equinox Solar Terms Decree. Reaching the Fourth-Turn of the Knowing Realm, one comprehends the Transformation of Seasons Art and the Soaring Serpent Transformation, which is also Zhao Xing's strongest move.

Because borrowing the power of heaven and earth already involves the changes in life, while the former two are only "meteorological phenomena".

However, the Soaring Serpent Transformation consumes a great deal of energy. To perform this technique, almost half of one's vital energy must be drawn out, making it a life-or-death spell.

As for acquiring treasures, due to the training Zhao Xing participated in, he was always only allowed to use the standard equipment.

Therefore, the only treasures currently possessed are the Golden Raincoat, the Hundred Flowers Hat, the Cloud Stepping Boots, and the Cloud Rain Pearl. Among them, the Cloud Rain Pearl is a fourth-tier treasure.

The Soul Armor was kept Great Dream Academy, in a small world within Grotto-Heaven. The Great Dream Academy could not enter it, and Zhao Xing had never taken it out.

As for the Great Dream Spring and Autumn, this is a top-level method, but it still only stays at the "Dream Storage Method" stage, and is still a long way from "Dream Walking".

However, his Fate Soul realm reached the late stage of the Eighth Grade. This was mainly because Zhao Xing often stayed up late and used Sleepy Bug to regulate his body, which was also a kind of training for his Fate Soul.

Normally, his Fate Soul should be at the early stage of the Eighth Grade, but due to the Sleep Bug Art, which continuously drew out the insect body from his Fate Soul and refined his soul, his Fate Soul reached the late stage of the Eighth Grade. This is why Zhao Xing was able to withstand the mental attacks of the Ritual Cultivator and achieve outstanding results in this type of course.

Seven more days passed, and there was still no movement from the outside world. Zhao Xing even wrote to Old Chen, but received no response.

"Old Chen might not really be unable to withstand the pressure, would he?" Zhao Xing stood at the door, looking outside. "If that's the case, I'll really go to the Tigron Army."

Removing the Tigron Army is not out of the question; a strong army has its advantages, including a higher Qidian.

He didn't necessarily want to stay in the Divine Might Army. Even if Old Chen had truly saved his life, if the Divine Might Army was a mess and there was no Tigron Army, he would still have to leave.

How could Old Master Zhao possess such noble integrity and moral character?

If this place doesn't want me, there are plenty of other places that will. He was mentally prepared that if he were captured by the Profound Heaven Sect and put on a pirate ship, he would just do his job well on that pirate ship.

"Military duties will be assigned in early March. If Old Chen doesn't come soon, this is the end of our relationship. Even if I foresee the changes in the future, I will not take action again. I hope you can really sell me for a good price."

Zhao Xing chuckled, flicked his sleeves, and prepared to go inside.

However, at that moment—

"Zhao Xing." A familiar voice came from not far away.

Chen Shijie and Long Xiao descended onto the clouds and landed outside the courtyard gate.

This kind of panel only appears once every few chapters. The spells have been simplified as much as possible, with basic spells omitted, and long strings of numbers are no longer used to make it easier for audiobook readers and to avoid being accused of padding the word count.

I'm not sure if I've missed anything; if any readers find any omissions, please feel free to point them out.

There will be a third update today! It should be between midnight and 1 AM. Yes, but this news isn't guaranteed to be fully released, so those who can't wait can go to sleep now.