Shennong did not stay in Chen Du for long.
Although he had arranged for people to record Chi You and Xuanyuan's every move and then pass the information to him, this method was still not as good as going down there himself to see and investigate.
He knew that to become Human Emperor needed to possess Virtue and exceptional ability, and even more importantly, to understand the fundamental needs of the millions of people on this vast land.
During his reign, the fundamental issue he focused on was resolving the threats to the survival of the Human Clan.
One issue was food. Previously, the tribe's food source was mainly through fishing and hunting, with only a small amount of fruit gathering. However, fishing and hunting activities were extremely dangerous. To address this problem, Shennong selected Five Grains suitable for the Human Clan cultivation and consumption to replace meat and reduce casualties caused by hunting and other activities.
Both are issues of injury and illness. Whether the injury is caused by combat or non-combat, the Human Clan body's self-healing ability alone is ultimately insufficient. Shennong tasted Hundred Herbs to analyze their medicinal properties and pharmacology in order to treat patients and save lives.
The third issue is protection. Human Race tribe are located in the mountains and wilderness, living among wild beasts, insects, and leopards. They have always been threatened by the external environment. To address this issue, internally, he strengthens the tribe's own foundation and further promotes Martial Dao, Immortal Dao, and the newly emerging Divine Dao. Externally, he unites friendly forces from all sides to provide external assistance and establishes a protection model such as the Twelve Zodiac Animals and the Three Auspicious Beasts.
Under his leadership, the Human Clan gradually eliminated those threats to survival and began to expand rapidly. In the process, he realized that the current tribal structure was too loose, which was not conducive to the Human Emperor's unified management of such a vast territory. This might be the test that the next Human Emperor would have to face.
With these thoughts in mind, he embarked on a journey of on-site observation, his first stop being the Jiu Li Tribe in the Southern Region, renowned for its Martial Valor.
He was still very curious as to why the original balance was suddenly broken, and why the Human Emperor Imprint decisively abandoned Chi You and chose Xuanyuan as the next Human Race Co-Lord.
The land of Jiuli is characterized by towering mountains, with tribes nestled against the mountains and beside the water, their strong walls and sentry posts standing tall.
Shennong Incarnation into an old man traveling and mingled among the crowds.
What he saw and heard made him nod in approval; he felt it was very good.
At a training ground of the Jiu Li Tribe, shouts of battle shook the heavens.
A towering young man, with a sharply defined face and piercing eyes like an eagle, was none other than Chi You, the leader of the Jiuli Chi You.
Instead of standing on a high place to command, he personally went down into the ranks below, selected some formations, and gave a demonstration to the soldiers.
His demonstration of combat footwork, slashing angles, and parrying techniques was concise and efficient, possessing an ultimate aesthetic and combat rhythm.
Shennong observed carefully and realized that these techniques did not come from any known lineage of Dao of Humanity. Rather, they seemed to be instincts that had been developed and honed through countless real battles. They were truly extraordinary!
"Look at that strike, Chief! It looks simple, but the timing and angle of the strike are absolutely perfect!" A young soldier rubbed his shoulder, which had been patted hard by his comrade for witnessing the attack, his eyes filled with admiration.
"That's right," the veteran next to him chimed in. "Last month, we clashed with the neighboring Panshi Tribe. They took advantage of their numbers to seize our hunting grounds. Our leader only sent the leader with thirty of us, and we managed to break through the enemy's formation of a hundred men without killing a single one. Yet, we made them retreat in complete submission."
The leader said, "Victory lies in breaking their spirit, not necessarily in killing them."
Shennong listened silently to the warriors' conversation and found it very reasonable. After a while, he concealed himself and turned his gaze to the council chamber inside the tribe.
Just then, they saw one of Chi You's officers handling a dispute.
Two hunters got into a heated argument over the ownership of a giant wild boar they had hunted.
"A, you said you marked the beast's location three days ago?" The officer's voice was calm and forceful.
"Yes, Chief! I've made a mark on the big rock by the stream!" Hunter A replied hastily.
"By the way you hunted this beast yesterday, where and how?" The officer turned to look in the other direction.
Hunter B described the hunting process and location.
The official pondered for a moment, then said to the Two:
Rock markings, exposed to wind and rain, may not remain clear even after three days.
B hunted in a deeper Mountain Valley, near the Stream not marked by A.
This beast must have been marked by A, migrated into the deep valley on its own, and was then hunted by B.
He pointed to the fresh mud on the animal's hooves. "The mud is indeed the Red Earth of a deep valley."
Then, he looked at Hunter B:
It was Yi's skill to obtain this beast.
However, A did indeed conduct the initial tracking, and his hard work cannot be denied.
According to the rules set by the chief, the final decision was. "The meat will be divided in half, and A will take the most intact hide."
The chief also advised that if such signs of prey migration were observed, they should be reported to the higher authorities immediately to facilitate organized hunting and reduce conflict.
Everyone was completely convinced.
One elder remarked, "Although the leader is young, the rules he sets are fair and thorough. When subordinates make decisions, they simply follow the rules, regardless of who raises their voice the loudest."
To Shennong's surprise, at the agricultural experiment site on the edge of the tribe, Chi You was leading several elders to dig ditches with polished stone tools, attempting to divert mountain spring water to irrigate a relatively dry slope.
They experimented with different slope directions and even mixed several drought-resistant wild grass Seeds exchanged between different tribes in the improved fields for observation.
"With this method of water diversion, the water flow seems uneven," Chi You frowned as he looked at the water flow.
An experienced potter suggested, "Perhaps we could use hollow ceramic pipes for Jieyin and segmented flow control?"
Chi You's eyes lit up. "Great idea! Gather people to make it, and just name the materials you need."
He looked up at the wider fields in the distance. "If this succeeds, the barren highlands can also be cultivated, and the tribe's food supply will increase considerably."
Looking at the person before him, Chi You Perfect World embodied everything: his self-taught domestic administration, his insightful military views, and his concern for and promotion of people's livelihood.
He is like a piece of raw jade, naturally formed without being carved.
Shennong secretly praised him: Such a person, growing up here without the guidance of a great master, has managed to figure out this effective way of governing and developing the tribe. His talent, intelligence, and leadership qualities are truly rare.
Before he could continue his investigation of Xuanyuan, Shennong had already begun to form an inclination in his heart.
Although I already had some ideas in mind, the investigation had to continue; I couldn't give up halfway.
After bidding farewell to Jiuli, Shennong traveled Northern Region the Earth Spirit tribe, a land of outstanding people You Xiong Tribe.
Located on a fertile plain, the village was laid out in an orderly manner, with clear divisions between farmland, hunting grounds, residential areas, and council squares, demonstrating a carefully designed and planned layout.
Xuanyuan, the prodigy chosen by Yuanshi Tianzun and personally sent by his chief disciple Guangchengzi of the Jade Void Palace to accept disciples on his behalf, is giving a lesson on a newly built bamboo and wood platform next to the tribal chief's residence.
He was dressed in a plain robe, his temperament gentle and refined, yet he also exuded a calm and dignified air.
Xuanyuan's clear voice resonated throughout the audience:
The heavens move in a constant cycle, stars shift and constellations turn; observing celestial phenomena can determine the seasons, distinguish between cold and heat, and benefit farming.
The moon has its new and full phases, and the year has its leap year; these are all natural laws.
Beside him stood a huge astrolabe model, a gift from Guangchengzi, used for teaching purposes to help his disciples understand.
A young man asked, "Teacher Xuanyuan, the celestial phenomena are unpredictable; how can ordinary people like us understand them?"
Xuanyuan smiled:
You don't need to fully understand all the complex Dao and Principles involved; for ordinary people like you, knowing how to utilize them is enough.
Observe the direction of the Northern Dipper's handle: east signifies spring plowing, south signifies summer growth, west signifies autumn harvest, and north signifies winter storage. This is an experience passed down from our ancestors and also conforms to the principles of celestial phenomena.
The Guangchengzi is also helping me to create a simpler Stars Atlas, which will soon be distributed to various departments.
Moving on to the training ground, Xuanyuan personally demonstrated a body-refining Cultivation Method called "Bear Prowess Strength," his movements steady and powerful, his breathing long and deep.
"Our Human Clan stands firmly in the world, and good health is our top priority."
Although this exercise requires long-term persistence to see results, Stable Foundation, is not prone to errors, and can be practiced by people of all ages to improve physical health.
Upon hearing this, many elderly people in the audience began to mimic the gestures.
In handling government affairs, Xuanyuan's style differed greatly from Chi You's.
Conference Hall, facing the request to accept the allegiance of the two small tribes, Xuanyuan summoned the elders of the two tribes and several leaders of Youxiong.
"Elders, Youxiong welcomes like-minded individuals," Xuanyuan said bluntly. "However, those who join Youxiong must know that our tribe is based on agriculture and must abide by the 'Youxiong Farming and Weaving Code'; in times of war, we are united to defend against external aggression; and internal affairs are discussed and decided by the council."
He explained in detail the rights and obligations of both parties, striving to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, rather than relying solely on military coercion.
The chief official in charge of agriculture in the You Xiong Tribe worried. "There may not be enough arable land within the tribe..."
Xuanyuan had a contingency plan in place:
I have surveyed the northern wasteland, and irrigation with water from the Bian River can turn it into fertile land.
Newcomers to the tribe who assist in clearing wasteland in the initial stages, in addition to labor, may receive a basic living allowance.
He then said to the two elders, "You two clansmen are skilled in brocade weaving and pottery making. These skills can be included in the 'Hundred Crafts' of Youxiong. You can select talented individuals to teach apprentices and offer them tributes."
The entire process was well-organized and took into account all parties. The method of integration was as gentle as a spring breeze and rain, which made the elders of the two small tribes extremely grateful.
Shennong witnessed all of this and weighed the pros and cons in his mind:
With the backing of Yuanshi Tianzun and the Guangchengzi teachings of Guangchengzi, a Daluo Golden Immortal, Xuanyuan possessed a complete system of Astronomy and Calendar, governance strategies, Cultivation Method techniques, thus constructing a mature and orderly governance framework with immense potential and a profound foundation.
However, in Shennong's consideration, this near- Perfect World answer sheet was ultimately overshadowed by the Jade Void Palace and could not fully reflect individual ability; further comparison was still needed.
Shennong, upon returning to Chen Du, pondered repeatedly the Two he had of Chi You and Xuanyuan.
Chi You, who, though Human Religion, displayed extraordinary talent and was courageous and diligent, was deeply Chi You to his people; Xuanyuan, with his profound background, rigorous upbringing, and a combination of benevolent rule and tyrannical principles.
In terms of popularity and practical ability, it could even be said that Chi You was not yet fully awakened at this moment, held a slightly higher place in Shennong's heart than Xuanyuan, who had a systematic inheritance!
That wild, vibrant life force and unbridled creativity seem to better align with the early pioneering spirit of the Human Clan who ventured into the mountains and forests.
Shennong gazed at the ancient jade seal, a symbol of the Human Emperor's authority passed down from Suiren. It lay quietly on the table, its light and movement devoid of any bias.
Fuxi, the Heavenly Emperor, attained enlightenment through the personal planning and promotion of the Empress Nuwa, who used the Human Race's fortune to solidify the imperial status and thus fulfilled his wish. When Shennong ascended the Shennong, he was also taught and assisted by the Daoist Master Hong Yun. He gained unparalleled Merit and virtuous reputation for tasting Hundred Herbs to write scriptures, encouraging agricultural work, establishing the Zodiac Guardian Gods and the Divine Dao protection system.
Now that Xuanyuan also has the endorsement of Yuanshi Tianzun, it seems to give people a sense of established precedent—when Human Emperor ascends the throne, it must be ordained by Heavenly Mandate and assisted by a powerful immortal.
Although Chi You was popular, he seemed to be at odds with this "divine will".
This thought, like a shadow, hovered in Shennong's mind, making him waver despite his inclination, and he dared not make a conclusion easily.
"Should the succession of the Human Emperor be based on the will of the clan, or should it follow... the Heavenly Mandate of heaven?" Shennong murmured to himself, his gaze shifting between the Southern Region and the Northern Region.
He knew that his choice would affect generations to come, and this concern prevented him from making a final decision.
He could only continue to observe, gathering more information from both places, waiting for that perfect moment.
Time continued to pass as Shennong struggled with his dilemma.
In his subsequent tribal conquests and governance, Chi You gradually gathered eighty incredibly brave warriors around him.
They distinguished themselves by either defending against attacks from ferocious beasts, proving their strength in fierce conflicts with powerful tribes, or standing out through Chi You's unique selection process.
Within the newly designated training restricted area on the outskirts of the tribe, in the Battle Soul Valley, the wind howled, mingled with the clang of metal and low growls.
Chi You, covered in sweat and with his bare upper body covered in old and new wounds, his muscles bulging and taut, was fighting against eight of the most elite warriors, one against ten.
"Wind! Wind! Tiger! Tiger!" He uttered a wild battle cry, his steps were like a ghost, every dodge was perfectly executed, and every counterattack was as powerful as thunder.
The eight valiant warriors cooperated closely, their swords flashing as they formed Killing Blow formation, but they were repeatedly broken through by Chi You's keen insight and unfathomable movements.
"Stop!" Chi You shouted, and everyone sheathed their weapons, panting heavily, but their eyes were fixed on him with fervor.
"Yan Jiao, Chong Shan, your combined attack was too slow just now, giving Li Zhao an opportunity to break in!"
"Remember, when you attack, it must be like a raging fire, leaving no gaps!" He offered precise critiques of everyone's mistakes and strengths.
"The leader is wise!" A giant man with a scar on his face, named Yan Jiao, wiped his sweat and was completely convinced.
"Ju Ling, Po Shan, the Two balance shifts during defense were a little lacking, and you were almost taken away by my Tiger Soul." Chi You walked up to a warrior named Ju Ling, whose body was as tall as an iron tower, and patted him.
"Hehe, thank you for your guidance, Chief!" the Ju Ling responded in a deep voice, his eyes filled with absolute trust and respect.
Another warrior Fei Lian, whose physique was as wiry as a cheetah, laughed:
The leader can always foresee our attack trajectory, as if he has experienced a million battles!
Training with you is truly enjoyable; I can play to my heart's content!
Chi You looked around at his most capable and trusted brothers, who were like his own limbs and sharp blades, together cutting through the thorny path of the Jiuli's expansion.
"You are all my brothers, the courage of the Jiuli! When our names resound Eight Desolations, I will not keep this glory to myself!" His bold words inspired the eighty warriors to shout thunderously, the sound echoing through the Mountain Valley.
However, all of this changed dramatically on the night Chi You celebrated his true "coming-of-age ceremony".