Yin God Classification, Taking Stock of the Gains!

Name: Zhao Xing

[Realm Level: Ninth Grade Upper Rank (Cannot be upgraded)]

Occupation: None

[Fortune: Derivation Three]

[Essence Gathering: Thirteenth Tier (6/10000)]

[Extra lifespan: 53 years]

"My lifespan has increased by fifty-three years, and my luck level has risen to the Derivation Three?!" Zhao Xing was extremely surprised.

Although I knew I had gained a lot this time, since I had already reached the Essence Gathering Ranked Realm, I thought my lifespan should have increased a lot... but I didn't expect the gains to be this great!

What he didn't know was that the Ranked Realm yet on the day he came down the mountain.

However, after his luck rose to the Derivation Three, he discovered several Pure Yuan Spiritual Elegance on his way down the mountain, which allowed him to break through.

That's why it took some time.

"Compared to extra lifespan and luck, Essence Gathering and Ranked Realm is merely the smallest gain," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

As for the realm section on the panel, the reason why it displays "cannot be improved" has to do with the Dynasty of Fate system and the founding emperor of the Great Zhou Emperor.

The Great Zhou Emperor spread the teachings to all people, and "Essence Gathering" is a method of absorbing vital energy and strengthening the body, summarized by countless sages.

The level of Essence Gathering represents the strength of one's vital energy and physical constitution.

Ranked Realm a higher realm involves more than just the Essence Gathering; it also encompasses the understanding of the Dao, the Law, and the Technique.

The martial arts professions, in particular, focus on improving Essence Gathering Qi level.

Other professions, such as the Agricultural Official, Dancer Master, musicians, Mechanism Master, and Ritual Cultivator, tend to focus on the understanding of the Tao.

The Dynasty of Fate can help people enhance their Essence Gathering and their understanding of the Dao.

Conversely, it can also prevent someone from improving! Or even cause them to fall from their current level!

Of course, the official explanation is that the people under heaven are inherently slow in their cultivation and are subject to layers of constraints.

It was the Great Zhou Emperor, through his Major Divine Ability Boundless and immense supernatural powers, found a way for the people of the Zhou Dynasty to cultivate themselves and use their vital energy to wield magic.

Want to extend your lifespan? Become an official!

Want to learn magic? Come and become an official in my dynasty!

Want to quickly improve your cultivation level? Enter the imperial court as an official!

Want to break through your cultivation bottleneck? Become an official!

The core idea of Dynasty of Fate system can be summarized in four words: Heavenly Traversal!

Zhao Xing is currently a clerk. The highest level he can reach through self-cultivation is "Ninth Grade Upper Rank", which is "Mid -Ninth Grade Rank" in the ancient cultivation system.

Once you become an official, this restriction disappears, and if you are talented enough, you may even find yourself capable of surpassing your Official Rank.

If one is unwilling to become an official, then within the Great Zhou Dynasty, one will never reach the "late stage of the Ninth Grade" or "perfect" even in old age.

There are several situations in which one can cultivate oneself without holding an official position:

Firstly, descendants of princes and nobles, or those who have done things beneficial to the dynasty, are usually granted titles such as "Sanliu" (散阶), "Xun" (勋阶), or "Jue" (Nobility Title).

Even if you don't hold an official position or manage affairs, you can still cultivate yourself.

Of course, this is actually still a system within the "Dynasty of Fate" system.

Secondly, by imperial decree, those who were neither officials of the Zhou Dynasty nor even subjects of the Zhou Dynasty could cultivate. Generally, foreign subjects who had made contributions to the Zhou Dynasty could also cultivate in the Nineteen Provinces and enjoy various benefits under the Dynasty of Fate system.

Thirdly, leaving the Great Zhou territory means being outside its jurisdiction, but also means losing access to benefits such as accelerated cultivation, breaking through bottlenecks, and increased fortune and lifespan. For ordinary people, reaching the Ninth Grade in cultivation will be extremely difficult once they leave the Nineteen Provinces.

What? You don't want to be an official?

Then why do you need such a high level of cultivation?

I'll grant you a random rank and let you join the fortune system, but you're still unwilling. Are you planning to rebel?

The system of Dynasty of Fate was not unique to the Great Zhou, but it reached its peak during the reign of the Great Zhou Emperor.

No previous Dynasty of Fate had ever been so centralized, even managing people's cultivation levels.

It was also from the time of the Grand Ancestor that the emergence of completely free and incomparably powerful individuals was prevented, thus reducing the unstable factors of the Dynasty of Fate.

Therefore, Outer Sects like the Profound Heaven Sect, which advocate the Primordial Heavenly Dao and cultivate freely, deeply disliked the Great Zhou Emperor. They would curse him eight hundred times a day, then make a straw doll and stab it eight hundred times. They also constantly plotted to overthrow the Zhou Dynasty.

[Basic Spell: Nurturing]

[Basic-level spells:]

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

All of the above represent the initial stage of perfection. You can receive teachings based on this foundation at any time, or break through to comprehend new teachings.

As one gains mastery of intermediate-level spells, the importance of basic-level spells diminishes, and the panel no longer displays spell progress.

Zhao Xing continued reading.

[Every bush and tree seems like an enemy soldier: Fifth Rank]

[Liu Tradition Weaving Method - Fragments (Six Types)]

[Repeating Straw Puppet (Sixth-Turn); Entangling Straw Puppet (Fifth Rank); Swift Steps Straw Puppet (Fifth Rank); Thorned Straw Puppet (Third-Turn); Mighty Straw Puppet (Seventh-Turn); Scout Straw Puppet (Fourth-Turn)]

[Five Elements Observation (Seventh-Turn)]

[Earth Veins Synthesis (Sixth-Turn)]

[Intermediate-level spells:]

[Savage Growth: Seventh-Turn (7245/9999)]

[Guiding Thunder: Nine Turns (9955/9999)]

[Yin Wind: Nine Turns (9978/9999)]

[Icy Rain: Nine Turns (Perfect)]

[Intermediate-level spell (self-created):]

[Thunderbolt Lasso: Eighth-Turn (8214/9999)]

[Thunderclap Palm: Seventh-Turn (7854/9999)]

[Secondary Profession: Talism Maker]

[Soul-Soothing Talisman (Basic Max Level)]

[Guiding Talisman (Basic Max Level)]

[Tier 3 Treasures: Evil Aversion Almanac, Thousand Mile Transmission Token, Bamboo Horse, Peacock Feather Magic Garment, Tiger Soul Blade x4, Bright Tower Soft Armor x3]

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

[Pet: Mountain Cat (Late stage of Ninth Grade, a mythical beast not within the Qi Luck system, equivalent to a human at the Primary Ninth Grade Lower Rank 9.)]

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

The progress of the Four Seasonal Arts Timing has increased significantly. Not only have the initial stage reached perfection, but the intermediate stage has also reached the Nine Turns, and Icy Rain has even reached perfection.

Moreover, two self-created spells actually appeared!

"The self-created spells were probably developed after he perfected the Thunderclap Technique."

"Hmm? My understanding of water magic has actually improved so much compared to before?"

"And there's Yin Wind too, it's already at the Nine Turns?!" Zhao Xing's eyes widened.

Creating one's own spells is fine, but how difficult is it to master Yin Wind? Only during specific seasons like the Great Cold Minor Cold, Lesser Cold, and Qingming Festival, or in places with high-quality Earth Vein, can the cultivation speed be accelerated.

When he entered the mountain, it was only First-Turn, but when he came down, it was Nine Turns!

This is beyond my expectations!

"I gained a lot on the mountain. Not only did I break through in my magic, but I also obtained a lot of treasures. The Wen Bamboo Box is so heavy, it must contain several suits of soft armor and the Tiger Soul Blade."

Zhao Xing knew without a doubt why he would snatch these two kinds of goods: they sold well and didn't take up much space.

The Tiger Soul Blade is a short sword, and its soft armor is foldable, making it more than enough to fit in Wen Bamboo Box.

These third-tier treasures Ketu prepared by martial artists for mountain climbing; they are all hot-selling items and will be easy to sell.

"I've accumulated over two thousand taels of silver from this mountain climb?" Zhao Xing roughly calculated the value of the treasures: the robe, Bamboo Horse, knife, armor... all together could fetch a little over a thousand taels of silver, plus a thousand taels of silver notes.

"As expected, robbery is still the only way to make money."

"How long would it take to save up properly?"

Robbery is much faster than making a quick buck.

Of course, during this period, it was not easy to carry out a robbery without any repercussions.

The opportunity to climb Spirit Mountain and gather spiritual essence was only available during the time when one was a minor official. Once Ranked Realm and became a full-fledged official, one could no longer participate in such activities, but there were other ways to compete.

It's not all good news. Only a lucky few will reap the rewards; most will just be there for the ride, and there may even be injuries or fatalities.

"Clang! Clang!"

Suddenly, two bells rang out from the mountain.

This signifies the end of this mountain climbing and spirit gathering trip.

Next, the East Lake Army will enter the mountain, and a large number of the Ranked Realm experts will go in to reap the rewards accumulated by Spirit Mountain over the past six months.

Only ordinary wild beasts that pose little threat to ordinary people and some low-level treasures were left behind.

The bell tolls to signal the end.

Ji Ming, Sub-Sixth Rank the Supervisory Department, appeared at the Earth Altar Plaza.

The Supervisory Department is a county-level temple institution, which means that Ji Ming is a Sixth Rank clergyman.

He held the highest position here, and even Fan Dongping, a fellow Agricultural Supervisorate of the same Sub-Sixth Rank, was automatically ranked one grade lower in front of him.

"By order of the Azure Cloud Matriarch, all gentlemen of East Lake are requested to submit the list of those whose spiritual essence resides!"

Ji Ming below was muttering to himself.

Chen Shijie then explained to Zhao Xing beside him, "Bixia is the Daoist name of Yin Spirit, and Yuanjun refers to a female Yin Spirit."

"Sometimes we, the Agricultural Official, may also need to Invoking the Gods, so be careful not to call them by the wrong names."

Clergy can hold altars to Seeking Rain, and the Agricultural Official can sometimes Invoking the Gods; many magical professions share commonalities.

Zhao Xing nodded and said, "I remember this Yuanjun is the highest-ranking Yin Spirit in Pinghai Province, right?"

Chen Shijie nodded. "Nanyang County belongs to Pinghai Province, and the eastern part of Pinghai Province is the Vast Sea."

"Pinghai Province was not originally called Pinghai Province, but Vast Sea Province. This is because half of its current territory was once part of the Vast Sea."

"Before she was born, she was at the Second Rank of cultivation. During the time of the Grand Ancestor, she belonged to a certain Daoist sect and was skilled in water-based magic."

"After the Grand Ancestor, some sects were expelled and others submitted. Fairy Bixia was one of the submitters."

"She solved the flood for the Great Zhou Emperor and subdued the raging spirit of the Vast Sea. Therefore, after her death, she was named Azure Cloud Matriarch, commanding the Divine Soldier of Yuefu and observing the good and evil of the human world. Not only in Pinghai Province, but also in the entire Great Zhou system, she was Yin Spirit of high status."

Zhao Xing pondered, "I remember that Azure Cloud Matriarch left behind a classic book of magic called the 'Water Book,' many of which were listed as essential learning materials for Agriculture Official, is that correct?"

Chen Shijie asked in surprise, "You have quite a wide range of interests. You've even memorized all the essential spellbooks for Sixth Rank officials?"

Zhao Xing smiled modestly, inadvertently showing off in front of Old Chen again.

In fact, he not only knew about it, but also served Agricultural Official in the island region.

Cultivating crops using magic in the sea is quite different from doing so on land.

Without understanding the Water Book, one wouldn't know how to teach those Shui people to farm.

Chen Shijie nodded and said, "She does indeed have a classic book of magic that has been passed down through generations. Its full name is 'The Water Method Sea Spirit True Understanding,' but you can also call it the Water Book, that's what everyone calls it."

Zhao Xing then asked, "Was it originally hidden on Purple Cloud Island?"

Chen Shijie shook his head and said, "Then I don't know. Why are you asking about this?"

Zhao Xing said in a low voice, "Just asking."

It didn't sound like a casual question, but Chen Shijie couldn't guess what Zhao Xing was thinking.

At that moment, a stack of documents floated down from the mountain and landed in Ji Ming's hands.

The inspector then returned to the viewing platform.

Officials from all departments immediately craned their necks, eager to see it for themselves.

Ji Ming took out a document. "Where is the magistrate of Gucheng County?"

Li Wenzheng quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Your humble servant is here."

Ji Ming smiled and said, "Gucheng has produced a promising talent; you have done a good job in his training."

Li Wenzheng didn't know which one Ji Ming to, so he could only nod in agreement. "It's all thanks to the excellent guidance of the prefecture; I was just following the rules."

Ji Ming handed the document to Li Wenzheng and tapped it with his finger. "The top scorer has received forty-two points of spiritual talent. He should be ranked Grade A Gucheng. He must ensure the security of Gucheng and its surrounding areas, and prevent any loss of talent."

"Yes." Li Wenzheng obediently took the document.

Ji Ming's words were practically a direct endorsement that Zhao Xing must be included in the county's "Winter Assessment" list this year.

Upon hearing that someone had received forty-two portions of spiritual essence, the officials present could no longer contain their excitement.

They all asked, "Lord Li, who exactly is Gucheng, that he possesses forty-two portions of spiritual talent?"

"Yes, Brother Wenzheng, quickly call out the names."

"Please be patient, everyone, allow me to examine this carefully." Li Wenzheng straightened his posture, smiled, and slowly flipped through the documents.

The document Ji Ming presented first was the most significant, indicating that an official from Gucheng had achieved the best results in this mountain climbing expedition to gather spiritual essence.

By not directly mentioning his name, Li Wenzheng was giving him the opportunity to announce his name, and naturally, he wanted to whet his colleagues' appetites.

This is a rare opportunity to shine in the spotlight.

"This is driving me crazy! How long are you going to be reading this damn document, Brother Li?!"

"Li Wenzheng, hurry up and get this done!"

"Your Discern Minute Details skills have been honed to the point where you can move your fingers one millimeter at a time?"

The surrounding officials made some jokes, and bursts of laughter came from the viewing platform.

Li Wenzheng, having enjoyed the stares of his colleagues, finally read out the first name on the list.

"Zhao Xing, an official of the Agricultural Supervisorate of Gucheng, climbed Spirit Mountain in East Lake and competed to First Incense. He collected forty-two portions of spiritual essence, two of which High-Grade Spiritual Elegance, and was rated Grade A!"

A commotion immediately erupted around them.

The High-Grade Spiritual Elegance, two portions, please!

This luck is simply unbelievable!

The High-Grade Spiritual Elegance is generally Luck Spiritual Elegance, meaning that this person can at least reach the Derivation Two level of fortune.

To be an official in the Great Zhou Dynasty, one's luck must be good; it is conceivable that this person will have a bright future.

The appointment of officials is now a done deal!

Congratulations poured in.

"Get up with me, and do whatever I do." Chen Shijie nudged Zhao Xing with his elbow, and the latter immediately understood.

Then, following behind Chen Shijie, officials from various county-level government offices returned the greeting with clasped hands.

This is a good opportunity to make an appearance. As long as my name reaches the ears of these officials and they remember me, it will be much easier for them to do things in the future.

"Brother Jingong, congratulations! Your Agricultural Supervisorate has produced a promising talent."

"Thank you, Lord Liu."

"Congratulations, Lord Chen. Please come visit us at your residence another day."

"How dare I disobey Lord Liu's orders?"

Zhao Xing followed behind Chen Shijie without saying a word, only bowing and clasping his hands repeatedly.

He didn't have the right to speak, but it was enough that he was remembered.

If this were still when he was a player, this move would have at least earned him a lot of goodwill from the Nanyang County bureaucrats.

Without saying more, at least we can move from 'indifference' to a slightly 'friendly' level.

The Yin Spirit was ranked, directly placing him in the Grade A, and with Ji Ming nominating him, this was the scene that the officials had been dreaming of, risking their lives to climb the mountain.

Yang Junxiong, Zong Shichang, Li Chengfeng, Lu Qian, Liu Muqing, Cao Qiushui, and others who were watching the ceremony from the sidelines were all extremely envious.

"Handsome and dashing, auspicious and lucky! Great fortune indeed!" Xue Wenzhong smiled happily.

As for the other officials of the Agricultural Supervisorate, they all smiled sourly.

Sigh, such a promising talent, how come it all came from Locust Willow Courtyard?

That's truly enviable!