The news of Zong Shichang's defeat spread throughout the examination venue.
Although no one clearly saw what had happened, the signs of thunder and flying sand could not be concealed.
Moreover, this fellow had gone to Zhao Xing's side in good condition, but returned limping.
If it weren't for a fight, how could he have fallen into a well?
"Previously, Huang Tao and the others teamed up to lose, and now Young Master Zong went over there and suffered again. Zhao Xing is likely to secure a spot on the A-list."
"This year, another strong competitor has emerged. Sigh, why isn't it me?"
"Zhao A will probably become Zhao Er soon."
"Who knows, next year he might be called Lord Zhao."
"Once one becomes an official, blessings and fortunes increase; I truly envy him."
"……"
Zong Shichang's challenge established the impression that Zhao Xing was 'not to be underestimated.'
Thus, for the next two days, no one dared to provoke Zhao Xing.
Unknowingly, everyone had placed Zhao Xing on the same level as Wen Nanxing, Li Chengfeng, and others.
On August 9th, the final day of the Autumn Assessment arrived.
Zhao Xing emerged from the Golden Bamboo Forest, quietly waiting for the assessment to conclude.
"This time, the A-list rating should be without a doubt."
Due to the unexpectedly good effect of the Earth Vein Consolidation, after cultivating 'Green Vine,' 'Diamond Bamboo,' and 'Fragrant Lotus,' Zhao Xing selected two more plants, both of which were second-tier mid-grade.
If it weren't for the lack of time, he would have even considered trying the third-tier Heavenly Origin Pear Tree.
He was enjoying himself, but the people beside him were suffering.
For three consecutive nights, Zhao Xing used Earth Vein Consolidation, causing the surrounding plants to progress slowly.
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze only managed to mature a second-tier upper-grade plant by the final day.
Zhao Xing glanced at his proficiency.
[Earth Vein Consolidation: Beginner Spell]
[Progress: 768/9999]
[Effect: Draws the power of the earth vein, consolidates earth vein vital Qi]
"On the second and third nights of casting Earth Vein Consolidation, my proficiency surged; this spell is about to reach the first transformation." Zhao Xing was quite satisfied.
As time passed, although everyone did not know what was happening, they became more focused in their spellcasting, carefully locking in vital Qi, instinctively resisting the effects of the Earth Vein Consolidation spell.
With resistance, proficiency increased even faster. Zhao Xing could clearly sense how to handle the spell, so in just three days, his Earth Vein Consolidation was on the verge of entering the ranks of first transformation spells.
"The hour of Xu has arrived; the Autumn Assessment is concluded. All officials, please cease spellcasting."
Chen Shijie’s voice echoed in the Hundred Herbs Garden.
A wave of lamentations immediately arose in the garden.
"What? It's over?"
"My Heavenly Spirit Flower is about to mature; it just needs one more hour!"
"Is it really over? I wonder if I can make it to the B-list."
"I'm anxious."
As the voices rang out, the clouds in the planting area gradually disappeared, the wind ceased, and the rain dispersed.
In their place was a larger white cloud, enveloping the entire Hundred Herbs Garden; that was the Cloud Technique cast by Chen Shijie.
Everyone realized they could no longer cast Cloud Technique, Rain Summoning, Wind Raising, and other spells; all vital Qi surged towards the clouds in the sky.
"Is this the Cloud Domain? Chen Shijie truly has some skills; no wonder he comes from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau." Zhao Xing looked up at the sky and nodded.
Chen Shijie's Cloud Technique had completely transcended the realm of beginner spells; it should be called [Cloud Domain].
Under his cloud, only Chen Shijie could cast weather-related spells.
If that were all, it would be fine; normal Cloud Domains could achieve this.
But Zhao Xing discovered that Chen Shijie's Cloud Domain also suppressed other spells.
For example, his Earth Vein Consolidation could no longer be maintained once Chen Shijie's voice rang out, directly collapsing.
Under the Cloud Domain, everything was under his control, even vital Qi. At this moment, even if the officials attempted to cast cultivation spells, they could not land on the plants; everything would float towards the sky.
So when he said the assessment was over, it truly was over; you couldn't even cast spells!
"No wonder he could become a chief official in his thirties; he really is something."
Zhao Xing made no movements, quietly standing in place, waiting for the Agricultural Affairs Bureau personnel to assess the results.
Xue Wenzhong was the questioner, but the assessor was Chen Shijie, the chief of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, accompanied by deputy officials Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, as well as two supervisors and record clerks from the county office.
The assessment order was to start from the west and head north, passing through the south and east, before returning to the west entrance.
The candidates in the planting area were anxiously waiting.
The first to be assessed was Li Chengfeng.
"Five second-tier upper-grade Purple Fire Orchids, from seedling to maturity, the fragrance is rich and lingering, and the medicinal value has reached an excellent level."
"Twelve second-tier mid-grade Qiongjiang Berry Trees, from seedling to maturity, blooming and bearing fruit, the fruits are plump, and eating them is refreshing and sweet, with excellent effects."
Chen Shijie nodded at Li Chengfeng, then turned to the others and said, "I wish to rate him as A-list; what do you all think?"
The assessment also required the opinions of the other officials from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, but no one expressed opposition, as Li Chengfeng was indeed outstanding and deserved the A-list rating.
"I second that."
"I agree as well."
Unanimously approved, Li Chengfeng received the A-list rating.
The record clerk from the county office immediately registered it, including Chen Shijie's comments.
"Thank you for your hard work, gentlemen." Li Chengfeng cupped his hands in thanks, then left the examination venue gracefully to wait outside.
Candidates like Li Chengfeng were easy to assess, as there was nothing controversial; it was directly rated as A-list.
As for those who had failed, the same principle applied. When Chen Shijie walked over, he simply said, "Seedlings have a survival rate of one in ten; incompetent official!"
This evaluation would also be recorded, as officials were not purely students; they were still considered external officials.
In the future, they might become officials.
Chen Shijie had given people the option to withdraw; if they withdrew in time without wasting seedlings, they would at most receive no score and could retake the exam.
But those who knew they lacked ability yet clung to a fluke mentality, continuing to waste time in the examination venue would receive his evaluation of being incompetent.
Now, if you lack self-awareness and waste a few seedlings, if you are fortunate enough to govern in the future, wouldn't the common people suffer under someone like you?
How many common people rely on the fields for their meals?
"Woo woo~" The official who received this evaluation immediately covered his face and fled in tears.
The other officials were not surprised; they all knew that this Lord Chen despised fools and would show no mercy when encountering them.
This little official basically had no hope of being confirmed.
However, such occurrences were still rare.
Most officials would choose plants they were confident could survive, avoiding extreme situations.
Even with the influence of Earth Vein Consolidation, if you chose an ordinary first-tier lower-grade plant, under the spell's enhancement, you could at least keep half alive.
"Three second-tier lower-grade plants, rated as B-middle."
"One second-tier lower-grade plant, rated as C-upper."
"Twelve first-tier lower-grade plants, one first-tier mid-grade plant, rated as C-middle."
"……"
Walking and stopping, they quickly assessed most of the candidates, arriving at the side of Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and Zhao Xing.
(End of Chapter)