Seeing Huang Tao and the other two defeated by Zhao Xing, the crowd of onlookers immediately dispersed.
These three were talents from the A-list last time.
If they were defeated when joining forces, and so decisively at that, why even try?
With no one stepping forward, Zhao Xing ceased his provocations and began to focus on the assessment.
…………
"Is that really Big Brother?" Qian Dong and Chen Ziyu, who were occupying space together, exchanged glances, both speechless.
"Brother has become so strong." Chen Ziyu expressed some envy, "Huang Tao and the other three were easily driven away."
"Occupying two spring wells and three grass ashes alone, Big Brother is likely to make the A-list again this time."
"Ziyu, let's not go over, so as not to drag Big Brother down."
"Mm."
"This Zhao A-list is quite arrogant." In the western part of the planting area, Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang were gathered together, observing the battle.
"He indeed has the capital to be arrogant." Zong Shichang stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with eagerness, "Huang Tao's Cloud Movement Technique, like his, is also at the Seventh Turn."
"The Wind Summoning Technique shouldn't be too weak either, yet he was defeated so decisively."
"Either he hid his strength, or he has rich combat experience."
"Whichever it is, he is definitely not simple."
Li Chengfeng looked at the eager Zong Shichang and smiled, "What, Brother Zong, are you itching to try?"
Zong Shichang nodded, "I do have some thoughts, but the assessment is more important; we can look into it later."
"Mm, let's head to the seedling area."
To the north of the planting area, Wen Nanxing stared at the gray-white clouds.
"Why can his Cloud Movement easily devour Huang Tao's clouds without any effect, and even grow larger?"
Wen Nanxing was positioned to the north, not far from Zhao Xing, essentially in the front row of spectators.
He had a clearer view than Li Chengfeng.
"The Cloud Movement Technique possesses repulsive properties, absorbing cloud Qi for one's own use, usually achievable only through overwhelming rank."
"I can also shred Huang Tao's cloud Qi and devour it; why can he?"
Zhao Xing's Cloud Movement quickly stabilized, appearing like a patch of mud, utterly unremarkable.
He glanced at Xiao Ze to the south, where the Tiger Head Cloud shone brilliantly, making Zhao Xing's cloud seem plain by comparison.
"I wonder what technique he used." Xiao Ze pondered for a moment, but the battle ended too quickly for him to discern anything, so he gave up and headed to the seedling area to select.
After waiting for a while with no one coming to challenge, Zhao Xing knew he had established his footing and also went to the seedling area to select plants.
Defeating Huang Tao and the others seemed effortless, and in reality... it was indeed easy.
The same technique, the same rank, but the operational methods and experience were on entirely different levels.
In his previous life during the Era of Natural Disasters, he had honed his skills for a long time; combat had become second nature for survival. Huang Tao and these greenhouse flowers were simply out of their depth in choosing him as an opponent.
Let alone three, with such a Zhao Xing, he could take on ten!
In the stands, Chen Shijie couldn't help but laugh, "The old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head was indeed right; he has performed exceptionally. You have taught a talented individual."
Xue Wenzhong replied slowly, "Previously, he hadn't entered the Gathered Essence Second Level, and his talent was not apparent. After stepping in, he has shown remarkable progress; I have only provided a little guidance."
"Old Xue is being modest." Gao Linong immediately said, "I saw his previous small assessment; his performance was merely average, at most a B-rank. Without your careful teaching, how could he have made such great strides?"
Huang Tao was under Gao Linong's command, and being defeated made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
Thus, his words carried a hint of sarcasm towards Xue Wenzhong—did you give Zhao Xing special treatment?
He never considered that the officials here, including himself, were all doing the same.
As if doing it himself was normal, while others were morally corrupt.
Xue Wenzhong glanced at him and said lightly, "If you want to say that, you may. Such a good talent, I plan to spend more time specifically guiding him. I wonder if Lord Gao has any suggestions?"
"……"
Unexpectedly, Xue Wenzhong responded like this; are you not even pretending anymore?
Gao Linong felt a bit uncomfortable after his punch failed to land, only managing a dry laugh as he moved on.
The planting area was bustling, while the seedling area was much more peaceful.
Here, the supply of seedlings was unlimited, so there was no need to fight over them.
In addition to the seedlings planted in the soil, there were also seed bags.
"Seeds, young plants, and plants in the growth stage, three periods to choose from."
"Quality ranges from First Level to Third Level."
"The scoring criteria are: first, quantity; second, quality; third, survival status."
Zhao Xing carefully selected, then his gaze fell on a potted plant. All were unlimited, but this one was a limited edition, placed in the most conspicuous position and guarded by someone.
"Heavenly Origin Pear Tree, ten years to maturity, then one year to bloom, one year to bear fruit. Each time it only produces 3 to 10 fruits."
"The Heavenly Origin Pear produced has the effect of solidifying the foundation and nurturing vital Qi, and it tastes quite good. It is highly favored by high officials and nobles, ranking as a Third Level premium."
Zhao Xing stared for a while, thought it over, and ultimately decided against it.
Because he activated the Five Elements Observation Technique and learned that this pear tree was only three years old, far from maturity.
Choosing it would certainly yield the highest score, but it also needed to be ripened.
With only three days, none of the officials present could manage that.
Chen Shijie placed it here purely for the candidates to see.
To see which fool would overestimate themselves.
"Choosing seeds gives the highest score, but it is also time-consuming and labor-intensive; selecting young plants is second, while choosing half-mature potted plants is the least."
"However, it also depends on quality; the plants provided here range from First to Third Level, and the quality score will certainly take precedence over others."
Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, then locked onto three types of plants.
They were the vine type 'Green Vine Seedling,' Second Level lower grade.
The bamboo type 'Diamond Bamboo Seedling,' Second Level upper grade.
And finally, the aquatic type 'Fragrant Lotus,' Second Level middle grade.
Compared to other treasures, the seedlings and seeds of plants were relatively cheap, so even if they were damaged, it wouldn't matter.
Zhao Xing was not polite and directly asked the manager of the seedling area for 20 portions.
"Name?"
"Zhao Xing."
"Recorded. Move it yourself." After the manager finished registering, he pointed:
A gentle breeze swirled, dividing into three streams—one headed straight for the ground, slowly digging out the seedlings along with the soil, another holding the seed bags, and the last dragging the potted plants.
They then landed in front of Zhao Xing.
"Rise!"
Zhao Xing also used the Wind Summoning Technique, giving a soft command; the registered plants, covered in mud, immediately flew to Zhao Xing's side, arranged neatly.
"Not bad, not bad." The manager stroked his beard and smiled, "Although the supply is unlimited, do not waste these good seedlings."
Nodding, Zhao Xing carried these plants towards his planting area.
Others, lacking such great ability, could only move back and forth.
Zhao Xing lightly carried these plants, striding like a dragon and tiger; upon seeing this, others quickly made way or slowly followed behind, creating a feeling akin to an emperor on a tour.
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(End of Chapter)