Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing, an unranked cultivator, spends a night reading official texts, significantly improving his spell proficiencies.
• He heads to work early, encountering colleagues who greet him as 'Zhao First Rank'.
• At the Ministry of Agriculture, he finds many clerks preparing for the upcoming Start of Autumn minor examination.
• Xue Wenzhong, Zhao Xing's teacher, is frustrated with delays in installing a waterwheel at East Lake and decides to involve higher authorities.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing: He is adapting to his faster cultivation pace and is more confident in his abilities. He also shows concern for his teacher's workload.
• Xue Wenzhong: After recovering from his illness, he appears tougher and more decisive. He is willing to involve higher authorities to resolve an issue, unlike before.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and personal growth: Zhao Xing's cultivation speed has increased, and he is becoming more confident in his abilities.
• Work ethic and dedication: Clerks at the Ministry of Agriculture are dedicated to their work, even studying for the examination during work hours.
• Authority and decision-making: Xue Wenzhong is more willing to use his authority to resolve issues, showing a change in his character.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and his colleagues: They greet him warmly, with some even giving him the nickname 'Zhao First Rank'.
• Zhao Xing and Xue Wenzhong: Xue Wenzhong treats Zhao Xing with favor, allowing him to sit in his chair and offering him guidance.
• Xue Wenzhong and Ding Shan: Xue Wenzhong tasks Ding Shan with delivering memorials to higher authorities, showing his newfound decisiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing discovers a fast-growing plant, Tooth Grass, and uses it to rapidly increase his 'Flourishing Growth' spell proficiency.
• He uses 'Five Elements Observation' to enhance the spell's effectiveness.
• After six days of intense practice, Zhao Xing reaches 'Flourishing Growth' Nine Turns.
• Xue Wenzhong moves Zhao Xing to his bedroom while he sleeps.
• Zhao Xing sees a painting, 'All Things Growth Chart Replica', which helps him comprehend two new spells and max out 'Flourishing Growth'.
• The painting self-destructs after use.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates dedication and perseverance in his cultivation, improving his 'Flourishing Growth' spell proficiency significantly.
• He shows understanding and adaptability by using 'Five Elements Observation' to enhance his spell.
• Xue Wenzhong displays care and consideration for Zhao Xing's well-being, moving him to a comfortable bed while he sleeps.

Significant Themes

• The importance of choosing appropriate targets for cultivation progress.
• The role of dedication and perseverance in cultivation.
• The concept of Preaching Paintings, which aid comprehension and spell advancement.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing interacts with Xue Wenzhong, expressing his accidental discovery of the painting and feeling guilty about it.
• Xue Wenzhong responds with mild surprise and dismisses the incident, showing no sign of blame or concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing receives extra training and a fourth-tier Preaching Painting from Old Sima Nong to help him pass the exam.
• Zhao Xing comprehends two spells, Flourishing Growth (maxed out) and Savage Growth, from studying the All Things Growth Chart Replica.
• He practices these spells in his family's vegetable garden at night.
• The Start-of-Autumn preliminary examination rules are announced: clerks can freely select seeds/seedlings from the Hundred Herbs Garden, cultivate them, and the quality, survival rate, and condition of the plants will be judged at the end.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing: Shows determination to improve his skills and passes the exam with Old Sima Nong's help. He also comprehends two practical spells.
• Zhao Zheng: Shows his lazy and spoiled nature but is willing to practice martial arts when pressured by Zhao Xing.
• Old Sima Nong: Helps Zhao Xing for the first time using public resources for private gain, feeling a bit awkward about it.

Significant Themes

• Favoritism and its consequences (Old Sima Nong helping Zhao Xing).
• The practicality of spells and their applications (Savage Growth and Earth Veins Synthesis).
• The importance of hard work and determination (Zhao Xing's late-night practice).

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and Old Sima Nong: Their relationship deepens as Old Sima Nong helps Zhao Xing.
• Zhao Xing and Zhao Zheng: Their sibling dynamics are shown, with Zhao Xing pressuring Zhao Zheng to practice martial arts.
• Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie: Although not directly interacting, Zhao Xing learns about the exam rules from Chen Shijie's announcement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Start of Autumn assessment tests both skill and endurance, with a focus on survival of the fittest, arranged by Chen Shijie.
• Clerks enter the Hundred Herbs Garden, discovering a crowded Planting Area with limited resources.
• Zhao Xing quickly analyzes the situation, uses Cloudcalling to claim territory, and becomes the first to act.
• Other outstanding participants follow suit, leading to conflicts and competition for resources.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates quick thinking and decisive action, securing resources first and catching Chen Shijie's attention.
• Other clerks, such as Li Chengfeng, Wen Nanxing, and Xiao Ze, also show their prowess by claiming territory and defending against challenges.
• Chen Shijie reveals his preference for competitive tests, while Xue Wenzhong acknowledges the change but expresses concern about potential violence.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival of the fittest.
• The examiners' intentions and the clerks' understanding of these intentions.
• The struggle for resources and territory.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing competes with other clerks to claim resources, setting a precedent for others.
• Li Chengfeng, Wen Nanxing, and Xiao Ze each claim territory, showcasing their skills and defending against challenges.
• Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong discuss the examination, with Chen Shijie expressing his preference for competitive tests.
• Clerks clash over territory, leading to arguments and conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Shijie, the youngest and most powerful official, hosts the Lesser Heat Assessment, inviting other officials to watch.
• Zhao Xing, a minor clerk, uses his Cloudcalling spell to claim two spring wells and three piles of grass ash, drawing challengers.
• Three challengers, Huang Tao and two others, attempt to displace Zhao Xing, but he uses his Rising Wind and Lightning Devouring spells to defeat them, causing them to retreat.

Character Developments

• Chen Shijie: Shows his power and influence, expecting to rise to ninth grade rank.
• Zhao Xing: Demonstrates improved spell control and confidence, successfully defending his territory against multiple challengers.
• Huang Tao: Realizes Zhao Xing's strength and decides not to challenge him again, showing strategic retreat.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Chen Shijie's power and influence are evident in his ability to invite other officials and his expectation of future rank.
• Competition: The Lesser Heat Assessment is a competitive event where clerks strive to secure resources and prove their abilities.
• Strategic retreat: Huang Tao's decision to retreat after realizing Zhao Xing's strength shows the importance of knowing one's limits and when to back down.

Character Interactions

• Chen Shijie and other officials: They interact with Chen Shijie, flattering him and discussing Zhao Xing's performance.
• Zhao Xing and challengers: Zhao Xing interacts with Huang Tao and his companions, first trying to reason with them before defeating them in a spell duel.
• Huang Tao and his companions: They discuss their strategy, decide to challenge Zhao Xing, and later retreat after suffering defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing easily defeats Huang Tao and two others who joined forces, demonstrating his strength and establishing his dominance in the assessment.
• No one else dares to challenge Zhao Xing after his victory.
• Zhao Xing proceeds to the Seedling Area to select plants for his assessment.
• He chooses a Green Vine Sapling, an Adamantine Bamboo Sapling, and a Fragrant Lotus, totaling 20 of each.
• He also considers a Heaven Yuan Pear Tree but decides against it due to its immaturity and the time constraint.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing proves his strength and gains respect from other examinees and officials.
• Huang Tao and his allies show their weakness and lack of experience compared to Zhao Xing.
• Chen Shijie, the assessment official, places the Heaven Yuan Pear Tree to test the examinees' self-awareness and understanding of their limits.

Significant Themes

• The importance of combat experience and technique over raw power.
• The value of self-awareness and understanding one's limits in assessment tasks.
• The hierarchy and competition among examinees.

Character Interactions

• Qian Dong and Chen Ziyu discuss Zhao Xing's strength and decide not to challenge him.
• Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang observe Zhao Xing's battle and consider challenging him later.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze observe Zhao Xing's battle and are impressed by his Cloudcalling technique.
• Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong discuss Zhao Xing's performance, with Chen Shijie praising his exceptional talent and Xue Wenzhong attributing his growth to his own tutelage.
• Gao Linong tries to insinuate that Xue Wenzhong gave Zhao Xing special treatment, but Xue Wenzhong calmly responds that Zhao Xing deserves more guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing strategically chooses plants: Green Vine (lower Second Order), Fragrant Lotus (middle), Adamantine Bamboo (upper), to balance points and survival.
• He uses Rising Wind to efficiently plow furrows, impressing Wen Nanxing, his main competitor.
• Zhao Xing faces challenges in planting the aquatic Fragrant Lotus, solving it by using Dragon Absorbs Water.
• Many examinees struggle due to extreme heat and lack of water, leading some to abandon the exam early.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates exceptional spell control and problem-solving skills, earning respect from Wen Nanxing and Xue Wenzhong.
• Wen Nanxing recognizes Zhao Xing as his strongest competitor for future official recruitment.

Significant Themes

• Strategic planning and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• Competition and rivalry among examinees.
• The importance of water and resources in cultivation and survival.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and Wen Nanxing: Unaware of each other's thoughts, they both acknowledge each other's potential as strong competitors.
• Zhao Xing and Xue Wenzhong: Xue Wenzhong is impressed by Zhao Xing's skills and begins to suspect Zhao Xing might have comprehended advanced techniques on his own.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing casts 'Earth Veins Synthesis', creating a subterranean network of vital energy covering nearly half the Planting Area.
• Huang Tao attempts to force-ripen his Soul Calming Incense plant at night but encounters difficulties, with the plant barely growing despite his efforts.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience by waiting until night to activate his spell, aiming to gain an advantage in the competition.
• Huang Tao shows determination and persistence in trying to grow his Soul Calming Incense plant but begins to realize something is amiss when his efforts yield little progress.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Patience: Zhao Xing's use of Earth Veins Synthesis and waiting until night to activate it showcases his strategic thinking and patience.
• Persistence and Determination: Huang Tao's continuous efforts to grow his Soul Calming Incense plant despite facing challenges highlight his persistence and determination.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing interacts with the other contenders indirectly through his spell, affecting their plants without their knowledge.
• Huang Tao interacts with his Soul Calming Incense plant, growing frustrated as it fails to respond to his cultivation efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Tao and Ma Wu both encounter difficulties cultivating their plants, leading them to switch to new ones.
• Zhao Xing initiates Earth Veins Synthesis, secretly draining yuan energy from his neighbors.
• The spell successfully cultivates twenty Second Order top-grade Adamantine Bamboos to maturity overnight.
• The bamboos' growth is noticed by everyone, causing a stir among the clerks.

Character Developments

• Huang Tao and Ma Wu show determination in their cultivation, despite initial setbacks.
• Zhao Xing demonstrates his strategic thinking and spellcasting prowess.
• Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, Li Chengfeng, and Zong Shichang notice anomalies in their cultivation results.
• Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan suspect that Earth Veins Synthesis is being cast.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Persistence: Huang Tao and Ma Wu continue cultivating despite initial failures.
• Strategy and Deception: Zhao Xing uses Earth Veins Synthesis to cultivate his plants secretly and quickly.
• Competition and Rivalry: The clerks' reactions highlight the competitive nature of the assessment.

Character Interactions

• Huang Tao and Ma Wu support each other after discovering they both have diseased specimens.
• Zhao Xing subtly competes with other clerks, particularly Li Chengfeng, Wen Nanxing, and Xiao Ze.
• Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan discuss the anomalies in their students' cultivation, hinting at possible interference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing successfully uses the Earth Veins Synthesis spell, causing other examinees' plants to wither.
• Examinees suspect Chen Shijie, but some also consider Zhao Xing or the northern examinees.
• Zhao Xing prepares for retaliation by creating Repeating Straw Puppets and starts crafting Mighty Straw Puppets (Vajra Puppets) using Adamantine Bamboo.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates exceptional comprehension and skill in Earthly Advantage Faction spells, impressing Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan.
• Huang Tao and other examinees vent their frustration about Chen Shijie's tactics.
• Zhao Xing reflects on the lack of competitive spirit among most Ministers of Agriculture in this era.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and rarity of Earthly Advantage Faction spells.
• The importance of competitive spirit and resilience in survival and success.
• The value of good materials in crafting powerful straw puppets.

Character Interactions

• Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan discuss Zhao Xing's prowess and regret not teaching him themselves.
• Examinees blame Chen Shijie for the altered examination conditions and vent their frustration among themselves.
• Zhao Xing prepares for potential retaliation, showing his cautious and strategic mindset.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing continues to refine his Great Strength Straw Puppet Art using Adamantine Bamboo, significantly improving its proficiency.
• He tests the second-transformation Vajra Puppet, finding it immensely powerful but lacking in technique.
• Zhao Xing plans to sabotage Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze's crops to secure more Grade A slots.
• Zong Shichang, known for his extravagance and disregard for others, arrives and challenges Zhao Xing to a spar with no restrictions.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates his strategic thinking by planning to undermine his competitors' crops to improve his own chances.
• Zong Shichang shows his arrogance and extravagance by offering spiritual pills as rewards for winning a spar.

Significant Themes

• Competition and ambition, as Zhao Xing seeks to secure better resources for himself.
• Wealth and power dynamics, as Zong Shichang uses his family's influence and wealth to assert his dominance.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and Zong Shichang's interaction is brief but tense, with each trying to assert their dominance.
• Zhao Xing's interaction with his Straw Puppets shows his control and understanding of his creations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing uses straw men to ambush Zong Shichang, who underestimates the Straw Man Art.
• Zong Shichang attempts to attack with Guiding Thunder but struggles to destroy the straw men.
• Zhao Xing reveals his Vajra Puppets, which are much stronger and agile than the initial straw men.
• Zong Shichang tries to use wind to stop the Vajra Puppets but fails, and is eventually defeated and humiliated.
• Zhao Xing leaves, inviting Zong Shichang to challenge him again.
• Other characters, such as Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, observe the fight and reassess the Straw Man Art.

Character Developments

• Zong Shichang: Becomes overconfident and underestimates Zhao Xing, leading to his defeat. Despite his loss, he maintains his composure and pride.
• Zhao Xing: Proves the strength and versatility of his Straw Man Art, gaining respect from other characters.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze: Reevaluate the Straw Man Art after seeing Zhao Xing's use of it. Xiao Ze becomes interested in learning from Zhao Xing.

Significant Themes

• The power and versatility of the Straw Man Art, which has been overlooked by many characters.
• The importance of not underestimating one's opponents, as seen in Zong Shichang's defeat.
• The value of diverse skills and techniques in combat, rather than relying solely on one's strengths.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing vs. Zong Shichang: A sparring match that ends with Zong Shichang's defeat and humiliation.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze: Observers of the fight who reassess the Straw Man Art and express interest in learning from Zhao Xing.
• Gao Linong (Zong Shichang's teacher) feels embarrassed and upset about his disciple's defeat.

Chapter Summary: Examination Concludes, On-Site Grading

Key Plot Points and Events

• News spreads that Zhao Xing defeated Zong Shichang using the celestial phenomenon of Guiding Thunder, along with flying sand and stones. Zong returns injured and limping, confirming that Zhao Xing is an exceptionally powerful contender.
• After defeating Huang Tao and two others earlier, and now overcoming Zong Shichang, Zhao Xing becomes widely regarded as a guaranteed Grade A candidate and is placed alongside famous examinees Wen Nanxing and Li Chengfeng.
• During the final two days, no one dares challenge Zhao Xing. He continues cultivating plants while secretly using Earth Veins Synthesis, which strengthens selected plants but slows the progress of surrounding examinees’ crops.
• Zhao Xing successfully nurtures several second-tier plants and raises his Earth Veins Synthesis proficiency to 768/9999, bringing the spell close to becoming a First-Turn spell.
• The examination ends when Chen Shijie activates a powerful cloud domain over the entire Hundred Herbs Garden. His domain suppresses all other spells and prevents examinees from continuing, making the end of the test absolute.
• The Ministry of Agriculture officials begin inspecting and grading the examinees’ plants on-site.
• Li Chengfeng is inspected first and receives a unanimous Grade A evaluation for successfully cultivating five second-tier high-grade Purple Fire Orchids and twelve second-tier mid-grade Jade Nectar Fruit Trees.
• Officials also harshly judge examinees who wasted seedlings despite lacking the ability to succeed. Such people are labeled “mediocre clerks,” damaging their future prospects as officials.
• By the end of the chapter, the inspection team reaches the areas occupied by Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and Zhao Xing, setting up their evaluations.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing: His reputation grows dramatically after defeating Zong Shichang. He demonstrates not only combat strength but also exceptional cultivation ability, strategic patience, and rapid spell improvement. His success makes him one of the examination’s leading candidates.
• Zong Shichang: His failed challenge damages his standing and confirms Zhao Xing’s superiority. His injury becomes public evidence that Zhao Xing cannot be challenged casually.
• Li Chengfeng: He proves his consistently high ability by earning an unquestioned Grade A evaluation. His calm departure reflects confidence and a strong reputation.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze: Both remain strong competitors, but the effects of Zhao Xing’s Earth Veins Synthesis hinder them. They only manage to mature a second-tier high-grade plant on the final day.
• Chen Shijie: He displays immense authority and technical mastery through his advanced Cloudcalling. His strict grading standards reveal that he values responsibility, judgment, and concern for the people who may one day depend on these clerks.
• Failed examinees: Those who stubbornly continue despite lacking ability are portrayed as lacking self-awareness, suggesting they are unsuitable for future government service.

Significant Themes

• Power and reputation: Zhao Xing’s victory over multiple challengers establishes him as a dominant figure and changes how everyone treats him.
• Competition and hidden strategy: The examination is not merely about openly cultivating plants; Zhao Xing’s use of Earth Veins Synthesis subtly affects the entire field and gives him an indirect advantage.
• Responsibility in governance: Chen Shijie’s harsh treatment of careless clerks emphasizes that agricultural officials’ decisions affect ordinary people’s livelihoods.
• Merit-based advancement: Grades are determined by measurable achievement, including plant survival, quality, and cultivation difficulty.
• Control and authority: Chen Shijie’s cloud domain symbolizes his complete command over the examination environment and reinforces his status as a senior official.
• Self-awareness and judgment: The chapter suggests that recognizing one’s limits is an important quality for anyone hoping to govern others.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing’s encounter with Zong Shichang indirectly affects the entire examination field, as the other examinees become too intimidated to challenge him.
• Zhao Xing observes and evaluates Chen Shijie’s cloud domain, recognizing the chief officer’s advanced ability and military-style discipline.
• Chen Shijie consults the other Ministry officials before awarding Li Chengfeng Grade A, demonstrating the formal and collective nature of the grading process.
• Li Chengfeng respectfully thanks the officials after receiving his result and leaves the examination grounds.
• Chen Shijie’s judgments toward failed clerks create a sharp contrast between successful candidates who accept evaluation calmly and unsuccessful candidates who face the consequences of poor decisions.
• The chapter ends with the officials approaching Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and Zhao Xing, creating anticipation for their final rankings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The assessment results for the plant cultivation competition are evaluated by officials.
• Disagreement arises over whether Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze deserve Grade A, as they had poor maturity rates despite choosing difficult plants.
• Chen Shijie, the chief official, decides to rate them Grade B due to their lack of vigilance, hinting at foul play.
• Zhao Xing is rated Grade A for successfully cultivating one hundred Second Order plants, including twenty high-grade Adamantine Bamboo.
• Chen Shijie decides to help Zhao Xing secure a Tribute Recipient slot and provide additional cultivation resources until his Temple Examination.

Character Developments

• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze realize they were cheated by Zhao Xing using an Earthly Advantage Faction spell.
• Zhao Xing demonstrates his strategic prowess and courage, impressing Chen Shijie.
• Chen Shijie shows his appreciation for Zhao Xing's talent and decides to invest in his cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of vigilance and awareness in cultivation and competition.
• The role of mentors and patrons in supporting and nurturing talent.
• The evaluation and recognition of one's abilities and achievements.

Character Interactions

• Chen Shijie interacts with Zhao Xing, showing appreciation for his abilities and offering support.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze interact with their teachers, Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan, who reveal the truth about Zhao Xing's trick.
• Zhao Xing interacts with Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong, expressing gratitude for their support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Shijie promises Zhao Xing a Heaven Yuan Pear sapling and monthly Heaven Yuan Pears if he maintains Grade A.
• Zhao Xing achieves Grade A in the Start of Autumn assessment, securing his position for a Formal Appointment.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze's poor performance is revealed to be due to Zhao Xing's setup, causing them to harbor grudges.

Character Developments

• Chen Shijie shows favoritism towards Zhao Xing, viewing him as a potential ally.
• Zhao Xing gains popularity due to his high rating and humble demeanor.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze become rivals to Zhao Xing, vowing to outdo him in the next assessment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of performance and ratings in the officials' assessments.
• The power dynamics and favoritism within the bureaucracy.
• The concept of rivals and competition among officials.

Character Interactions

• Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing: Chen Shijie shows generosity and favor towards Zhao Xing, viewing him as a potential equal.
• Zhao Xing and his peers: Zhao Xing gains popularity and respect from his colleagues due to his high rating and friendly nature.
• Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze: The two become rivals to Zhao Xing after realizing he set them up, vowing to outdo him in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing's adoptive father, Zhao Ruide, learns of Zhao Xing's new Grade A rating and decides to secretly support him financially.
• Zhao Xing receives a box containing two Heaven Yuan Pears, a Third Order, High Grade edible treasure, as a gift from Chen Shijie, which significantly increases Zhao Xing's vital energy.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing: Shows appreciation for his foster father's support and understanding of the importance of his new name.
• Zhao Ruide: Demonstrates affection and concern for Zhao Xing's future, revealing his hidden wealth and expressing his desire to help Zhao Xing succeed.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a good name and courtesy name in society.
• The value of hard work and perseverance, as seen in Zhao Xing's dedication to his studies and martial arts.
• The significance of family support and guidance, as shown by Zhao Ruide's actions towards Zhao Xing.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and Zhao Ruide: Foster son and father discuss Zhao Xing's new name and financial support, revealing their mutual respect and affection.
• Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie (off-screen): Zhao Xing receives a gift from Chen Shijie, signifying their growing relationship and Chen Shijie's support for Zhao Xing's cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing consumes a Heaven Yuan Pear, gaining 195 yuan energy points and reaching the Gathering Yuan Second Stage.
• He continues to consume Heaven Yuan Pears, reaching the Gathering Yuan Third Stage within a few days.
• Zhao Xing receives a box of third-order low-grade Gathering Yuan Pills from Zong Shichang as a gift.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing's absorption efficiency increases significantly due to the Dao Embryo Pill, nearing 'perfect absorption.'
• Madam Cai's attitude towards Zhao Xing improves after learning he earns five taels of silver monthly as a Gong member.

Significant Themes

• The power of money and status, as seen in Madam Cai's change in attitude towards Zhao Xing.
• The importance of consistent spell practice, even at lower yuan energy stages, as emphasized by Zhao Xing.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing interacts with colleagues who visit him, leading to increased expenses for meals and gifts.
• Madam Cai interacts with guests, displaying a warm and virtuous demeanor due to Zhao Xing's newfound financial status.
• Zhao Xing receives a gift from Zong Shichang, demonstrating the latter's sincerity in their agreement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing studies ancient agrarian texts to improve his theoretical knowledge for the upcoming assessment.
• He learns about the "Seventy-Two Pentads of the Lunar Calendar" and the "Five Elements and Four Seasons Theory."
• He discovers that there were no Millennial Climate Shifts during the Jing Emperor's reign and tries to recall when and where centennial pentad transformations occurred.
• Zhao Xing focuses on cultivating the Bright Eyes spell, reaching Nine Turns before the Limit of Heat solar term.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates dedication and hard work in studying ancient agrarian texts to excel in the assessment.
• He shows curiosity and a desire to understand the world's mysteries, such as the Millennial Climate Shifts and centennial pentad transformations.

Significant Themes

• The importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in becoming a successful Agriculture Official.
• The cyclical nature of the seasons and the impact on the environment and creatures, as depicted in the "Seventy-Two Pentads of the Lunar Calendar."
• The power of dedication and hard work in improving one's abilities, as seen in Zhao Xing's cultivation of the Bright Eyes spell.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant character interactions in this chapter, as Zhao Xing primarily focuses on his studies and cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xing, Qian Dong, and Chen Ziyu discuss their plans for the River Lantern Festival. Zhao Xing decides to go to Fisherman's Wharf to try and make some "ghost wealth."
• Zhao Xing hires Xu Laoba, a skilled River Scavenger, for a short dive lasting three shichen (approximately 1.5 hours) starting at the end of You Hour (around 9 PM).
• Zhao Xing observes a group of temple clerks, including the Ceremonial Official guarding True Lord Cao Xi Hall, assessing something at the festival.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing: Shows knowledge of the Dynasty of Fate system, Five Elements Luck, and ghost wealth. He is resourceful and strategic, seeking to make money through hiring a River Scavenger.
• Xu Laoba: A capable River Scavenger with abundant lung qi, eager to please and earn a referral fee.
• Ceremonial Official: A high-ranking temple clerk involved in an assessment at the festival, indicating the importance of the temple in the Dynasty of Fate system.

Significant Themes

• Fortune and Prosperity: Zhao Xing's pursuit of "ghost wealth" highlights the theme of fortune and prosperity, which is closely tied to the Dynasty of Fate system and the temple's control over luck.
• Class and Social Status: The contrast between Zhao Xing's minor Minister of Agriculture clerk position and the wealth of River Scavengers, as well as the presence of temple clerks, emphasizes the class and social status differences in society.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing and Qian Dong/Chen Ziyu: The brothers discuss their plans for the festival, with Qian Dong showing disinterest and Chen Ziyu planning to help his father sell lotus lanterns.
• Zhao Xing and Xu Laoba: Zhao Xing hires Xu Laoba, negotiating the terms and paying the required fee. Xu Laoba is eager to please Zhao Xing and hopes for an easy time.
• Zhao Xing and the Ceremonial Official: Zhao Xing observes the Ceremonial Official and the temple clerks from a distance, showing interest in their assessment at the festival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Divine Temple's Ceremonial Official, Meng Yun, announces the assessment rules: pacify drowned spirits and wandering souls without using 'Invoking the Gods' to achieve a higher grade.
• Zhao Xing, using Bright Eyes, sees a yin deity, Earl of East Lake, on Meng Yun's back.
• A water ghost comes ashore, and Zhao Xing follows it, discovering it's a wandering soul from Junxi, now part of Youshan County, seeking its family to retrieve its body and reveal a hidden treasure.
• Another clerk, using a Soul Guiding Lamp, summons the wandering soul.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xing demonstrates his ability to see and communicate with ghosts using Bright Eyes.
• Meng Yun is shown to be a powerful figure, carrying a divine manifestation, Earl of East Lake.
• The wandering soul from Junxi shows confusion and desperation in seeking its family and home.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between the living and the dead.
• The passage of time and its impact on the world of the living and the dead.
• The power dynamics between divine entities and humans.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xing interacts with the wandering soul, trying to help it find its family.
• Meng Yun and Zhao Xing have a silent exchange when Zhao Xing sees Earl of East Lake.
• Another clerk interacts with the wandering soul, summoning it with a Soul Guiding Lamp.