Zhao Xing sat down on the mat in front of the statue, relaxed his body, closed his eyes, and cleared his mind of distractions.
Before long, a gentle breeze brushed against his face, accompanied by the sound of thunder rumbling.
He then felt as if he were in a primeval forest, where danger lurked everywhere.
The temple officiant sensed something and looked towards the statue of True Lord Cao Xi, then shifted his gaze to Zhao Xing's back: "You learn quite quickly."
When all the strange phenomena faded away, Zhao Xing opened his eyes, and three spells of knowledge appeared in his mind.
They were: 【起风】, 【打雷】, and 【草木皆兵】.
The first two belonged to the agricultural weather school, serving as preliminary skills for the 【节气令】, while the latter could be categorized under the primal school’s 【万物生长图】.
In his previous life, he learned spells by simply slapping the skill book, but now he needed to comprehend true knowledge and engage in deep understanding and learning. From this perspective, the players were indeed all extraordinary talents.
After sitting for a while, he realized that the profound feeling had dissipated, knowing that this was all he could learn for now. He then stood up and bowed: "Thank you, True Lord, for bestowing the spells."
【起风: Beginner Spell】
【Progress: (0/9999)】
【Effect: Summons a gust of wind.】
【打雷: Beginner Spell】
【Progress: (0/9999)】
【Effect: Thunder can be heard from the clouds when 【行云】 is cast.】
【草木皆兵: Beginner Spell】
【Progress: (0/9999)】
【Effect: Uses plants as soldiers to launch an attack.】
【起风】 is an independent spell, but 【打雷】 requires the prior casting of 【行云】.
Before changing professions, this skill only produced sound without any offensive capability, at most startling someone.
The true offensive capability lies in 【引雷】, which can summon lightning from 【行云】 to attack.
The beginner version of 【草木皆兵】 also sounds impressive.
Currently, Zhao Xing could only use specific plant materials to create grass soldiers. To achieve 'casting spells without external materials' and wave his hand to turn every plant around him into soldiers, he would need to continuously advance his spells.
Since he had not cast it yet, his proficiency was at 0.
Most areas within the city prohibited spellcasting to avoid disturbing the populace.
Especially for small officials like them, if they accidentally blew away the undergarments hung out to dry by the elderly or soaked someone’s grain seeds, they could expect a salary deduction! What? You want to be promoted? You might as well stay where it’s cool!
To practice, one had to either leave the city or go to the Agricultural Affairs Bureau.
The Agricultural Affairs Bureau was equipped with a Ksitigarbha Returning Yuan formation, which small officials like them could freely create.
After passing through the entrance of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, one would see a five or six-meter tall 【风雨楼船】, with the prow shaped like a dragon's head, a flying dragon spouting water, capable of nourishing a thousand miles. The ship's sails were embroidered with auspicious patterns, able to catch fierce winds. It was one of the classic treasures of the agricultural profession.
A small place like Grain City certainly did not have such high-level treasures; this was merely a model. The real thing could only be found in the Agricultural Affairs Bureau at the county level or above.
However, the county-level Agricultural Affairs Bureau also had plenty of good items. In the northeast corner of the treasure vault, treasures like 【流云飞舟】, 【归元水车】, 【黄金蓑衣】, and 【百花斗笠】 were displayed.
Zhao Xing was well-informed because the architectural layout of the Great Zhou's government buildings was mostly standardized. Remembering one was essentially remembering them all.
Moreover, in his previous life, he had often participated in group attacks on county cities, and every time he entered a city, he would rush to the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, knowing exactly where to open the mechanisms and navigate the secret paths.
"Stop! This is the treasure vault, entry is prohibited!" Suddenly, a voice called out to Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing turned to find that he had unknowingly wandered close to the treasure vault. The scrutinizing gaze of the guard made it clear that his expression must have been quite suspicious.
Ah, the occupational hazard struck again.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Zhao Xing cupped his hands and suppressed his inner impulse to turn and leave.
"Don't worry, once you come ashore, everything will be yours."
After comforting himself, Zhao Xing passed through the herbal area and arrived at the courtyard where official personnel resided.
The Agricultural Affairs Bureau had only one official at the ninth rank.
However, there were several at the ninth rank, managing storage, iron markets, registered fields, and equal distribution.
In border cities, there would also be military agricultural officials, specifically accompanying the army to create favorable conditions for the troops.
The official at the ninth rank was the head of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau and generally did not instruct small officials, unless they had power and connections.
The officials at the ninth rank had the obligation to provide guidance and teaching internally.
Grain City had nine officials at the ninth rank, but currently, only seven were present.
Each had a certain number of small officials under them, who were both subordinates and students.
"Brother, brother, wait for me!" As he walked along the corridor, a familiar voice called from behind.
Turning around, he saw Chen Ziyu and Qian Dong, both carrying baskets.
"Why are you two here so early?"
"Aren't you the same?" Chen Ziyu laughed.
Qian Dong pretended to be profound: "Ziyu, you see, I guessed correctly. Recently, brother has indeed been secretly working hard, coming early to pay respects to Teacher Xue. Oh? Brother looks much better than a few days ago..."
Zhao Xing's mouth twitched; could they not mention his health?
"Enough small talk, let’s hurry."
Zhao Xing's superior and teacher, named Xue Wenzhong, had the most small officials under him.
It wasn't that he was particularly powerful; it was simply that Xue Wenzhong was known as the kind-hearted person within the Agricultural Affairs Bureau.
Other agricultural officials were selective about small officials, unwilling to take on more for the sake of time, and would consider family background and qualifications when selecting, taking away the best candidates. If any of their subordinates became regular officials, that would count as an achievement.
Xue Wenzhong was kind-hearted and simple, focused solely on work without concern for the future. His colleagues were unwilling to take in those of low status and rough qualifications, so he took on the task himself. Thus, among the over five hundred small officials in the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, two hundred and four were under Xue Wenzhong!
Even though the old agricultural official was diligent, with too many disciples, he couldn't teach them all, and his attention to each individual would inevitably decrease. In contrast, the wealthy scions like Li Chengfeng made rapid progress under careful guidance.
Upon arriving at Xue Wenzhong's courtyard, there were already forty to fifty people waiting in front of the hall.
The old agricultural official was on a high platform lecturing on 【天时百解】, and everyone listened attentively. Occasionally, those entering or exiting did so quietly, bending down and keeping their heads low.
The official at the ninth rank already had a miraculous presence. It was now early summer, yet the courtyard was still filled with blooming peach blossoms, warm as spring.
However, the occasional cough indicated that this old agricultural official seemed to be aging.
"Old Agricultural Official, please do not pass away this year. If you were to die, I would lack a recommending superior, and where would I find someone to help me take that final step? I would inevitably cause trouble again."
He didn't know if his silent prayers had worked, but Xue Wenzhong indeed stopped coughing and looked up again.
Oh, it turned out the lecture had ended, and they had entered the free questioning segment.
(End of Chapter)