The agricultural arts are countless, and can be divided into three categories based on school of thought: the Heavenly Timing School, the Geographical Advantage School, and the True Self School.
The main idea of the Heavenly Timing School is "know the heavenly timing, determine the heavenly timing, and change the heavenly timing." They believe that the most important condition for plant growth is the heavenly timing.
In ancient times, the Xuanhuang Continent experienced the "Era of Natural Disasters," where celestial phenomena were extremely unstable. A single day could encompass four seasons, and a single year could see the transformation of the land. Even now, there are many places on the Xuanhuang Continent that still experience such chaotic celestial phenomena.
For example, there are mountains that burn with flames eternally, and seas of ice that never thaw. In some areas, the morning sun is scorching enough to melt gold and iron, while at night, the water freezes into ice, creating a zombie-like state.
Some places are not as extreme, but still experience "seasonal chaos" and "reversed solar terms." Therefore, the Heavenly Timing School believes that the direction of research in the arts should be to understand the heavenly timing, change the heavenly timing, and establish a stable farming environment for the local populace.
The most famous text of this school is the "Solar Terms Order." After cultivation, one can adjust celestial phenomena and determine local solar terms, with the spells within centered around this idea.
The core idea of the Geographical Advantage School, on the other hand, is that heavenly timing cannot be reversed, and celestial phenomena cannot be changed. Instead of wasting energy on that, it is better to think about how to improve barren lands into places of good fortune.
Based on this foundation, they plant crops, gradually extending and expanding the suitable living environment under the dual influence of geography and plants. As long as the soil is improved to be fertile enough, flowers and fruits can bloom even in the harshest weather. Who would have thought that delicate snow lotuses could bloom on icebergs!
The classic secrets of the Geographical Advantage School include "Return to the Earth Method" and "Earthly Treasure Array." This school is adept at using tools and formations, closely aligning with the Artisan School.
As for the True Self School, they declare that all others are worthless. What heavenly timing and geographical advantages are merely external factors; true strength comes from within!
The True Self School believes that plants themselves are a miracle, filled with resilient vitality that can adapt to any environment. By gathering rare flowers and extraordinary herbs, divine trees and immortal branches, and selectively cultivating them over several generations, one can obtain seeds capable of resisting all external factors.
The True Self School believes that the arts should develop in the direction of "cultivating plants to become stronger and stronger." The most renowned text of this school is the "Diagram of All Things Growing."
"Currently, the Heavenly Timing School is dominant, occupying mainstream thought, while the Geographical Advantage School and True Self School can only take a back seat."
"It will not be until the revival version that these two schools will shine brightly, and even see the emergence of Void Seeds that take root in the void, as well as miraculous soils that can cause plants to undergo several levels of transformation." On the way to the Temple of Divinity, Zhao Xing had already decided on his current main cultivation direction.
Primarily, he currently lacked the conditions to pursue the Geographical Advantage School and True Self School.
"My current mobility is too weak. If I gain the ability to travel far in the future, I could seek out some treasures of this era, such as the Lava Fire Lotus, Bloodthirsty Vine, and several parasitic and exotic species preserved in ancient tombs."
"As for now... whatever I have will do."
The Temple of Divinity in Grain City is a county-level temple. The deities within are not mere ethereal legendary spirits; a small portion are famous historical figures, while most are deceased civil and military officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Some were honored for their bravery in life, while others were recognized for their governance and benefits to the people, and were brought into the Great Zhou Temple. Among them, the civil and military officials from the era of the Great Ancestor are the most numerous.
For example, the main hall that Zhao Xing is currently seeing enshrines the "Duke of East Lake" from the era of the Great Ancestor.
Born in East Lake of Grain City, he made a living by fishing in his youth. During the Great Ancestor's campaigns to unify the chaotic world, he joined under Lord Zhao and became a charioteer, ultimately being granted the title of Duke of East Lake.
After returning to his hometown, he spent all his wealth to build bridges and roads, transforming his hometown, and even voluntarily gave up most of his land for the refugees to farm, allowing Grain City to develop from a town to a county.
After his death, he entered this temple to enjoy the offerings and became a spirit deity.
"The Duke of East Lake is skilled in martial arts, but seeking his teachings is not ideal. This period is most suitable for the development of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau profession, rather than any other profession. I have consumed the Dao Embryo Pill; if he sees my foundation is good and thinks I should practice martial arts, and randomly gives me some martial arts secret manual, it would be a waste of time."
Zhao Xing did not enter the hall; he merely offered incense and bowed at the copper furnace outside before planning to leave.
"Boom!"
Inside the Duke of East Lake's shrine, the copper bell rang automatically, carrying a strong intent that clearly entered Zhao Xing's mind, as if trying to retain him, or perhaps persuading him not to leave.
Zhao Xing's expression stiffened, not expecting that a simple bow would lead to such an event. The Duke of East Lake actually manifested and actively tried to retain him?
The Dao Embryo Pill is indeed that impressive... Zhao Xing cupped his hands again and quickened his pace to leave.
"Ah."
After Zhao Xing left, the statue let out a faint sigh.
The temple officiant, who was meditating in the hall, looked curiously towards the door but found it empty.
Looking up at the statue again, he received no revelation, so he could only scratch his head and continue meditating.
With this incident, Zhao Xing no longer dared to bow casually.
He quickened his steps to a side hall—the Cao Xi True Lord Hall.
"Cao Xi, in the early days of the founding of the nation, was the land official of Nanyang County. He vigorously promoted the Artisan School's 'Return to the Earth Waterwheel' and repaired the thirteen canals of Pinghu, combining the Artisan's formations to manage floods, making him a prominent figure of the Agricultural Advantage School."
"However, he was knowledgeable in many schools, authored the 'Cao Xi Agricultural Book,' and was a practical person, so seeking his teachings should not go wrong."
"It is you, esteemed elder."
Zhao Xing handed the county office's approval document to the officiant guarding the hall. The officiant held a position in the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, responsible for the rituals and processes of offerings.
This is the 'Fu Ji' profession in the players' terms, an early 'divine position,' as this profession can summon spirits and invoke deities for battle.
Once, Zhao Xing also considered switching to it for some excitement, but with the fall of the Fortune Dynasty, its combat power greatly diminished. In the revival version, wanting to become stronger is extremely difficult and complex, so he had to give up.
Now, he had even less reason to abandon the Agricultural Affairs Bureau profession for a moment of thrill to choose this early divine position.
"The document is in order. Once you enter, sit cross-legged on the mat and pray in tranquility." The officiant, though young, spoke with an air of authority: "Remember, the arts cannot be forced. To gain something is already a great fortune; if you gain nothing, it proves your strength is insufficient. You can come again next time; do not harbor any distracting thoughts."
This was a reminder to Zhao Xing that if he fails to seek teachings, he should not develop any obsessions or resentments, as spirits are very sensitive to thoughts related to themselves.
"Yes, thank you, officiant." Zhao Xing took a deep breath and stepped into the Cao Xi True Lord Hall.
(End of Chapter)