Zhao Xing entered the Temple of Heaven Square at the hour of the Dog, precisely at seven o'clock in the evening. He was comprehending the Thunder Method, progressing swiftly, and by the time he utilized the Thunder Method of Spiritual Elegance, it was not yet a quarter past the hour of the Dog, with nearly an hour and a half remaining until the hour of the Rat.
"There’s still plenty of time." Zhao Xing glanced at the sundial, intending to continue examining the other two Spiritual Elegances, but suddenly caught sight of several familiar figures through the gaps in the crowd.
"It’s Zong Shichang; he really came up the mountain."
Zong Shichang was resting in front of a pillar with a few others. Beside him were three individuals, their blood Qi abundant and vital Qi thick, clearly the three experts that the Zong family had invited for him.
As his gaze swept over, Zhao Xing noticed a woman wearing a veil in a corner of the square.
It was none other than Lu Qian, who had been humiliated earlier.
"She’s wearing a veil to hide her face; is she afraid people will see her panda eyes?"
Lu Qian seemed to sense something, her dark circles peering in a certain direction.
Upon spotting the scarecrow, her breath instantly quickened.
"It’s him! He’s here too!" Lu Qian gritted her teeth in hatred. She recognized the scarecrow even if it turned to ashes!
"Qian Qian, what’s wrong?" The girl beside her, holding a liuqin, asked curiously, "You’re acting strange today, first wearing a hat for no reason and refusing to take it off, and now you’re distracted while talking to me."
"I’m fine, Mu Jie, just feeling a bit unwell; don’t ask." Lu Qian didn’t want to reveal her experience, at least not until her bruises had healed; her eyes were still swollen!
"There are more and more experts; when I first arrived, there were only a few above Gathered Essence Seventh Level."
"Now they’re everywhere." Zhao Xing used the Five Elements Observation Technique to scan the area, knowing that tonight’s competition for the first incense would likely be a fierce battle.
"I wonder how Shen Zhui is doing."
Zhao Xing had agreed to meet Shen Zhui at the Temple of Heaven Square the next day to enter the temple together, but he had yet to see him.
There was still some distance from the Temple of Heaven Square to the Temple of Divinity, and mixing closely with so many people was indeed a bit dangerous.
If he could team up with Shen Zhui, their chances would be greater.
"Forget it; there are ways to deal with it if he doesn’t come." Zhao Xing had already prepared himself for a solo battle.
Ultimately, he had to rely on his own strength.
Retracting his gaze, Zhao Xing picked up the second Spiritual Elegance.
It was a blue lotus pod discovered from the spring water in the cave.
At that time, he had found four blue lotus flowers, but only this one had matured and produced lotus seeds.
"Why is this lotus pod so cold?" Zhao Xing had previously let the scarecrow hold it and hadn’t paid much attention; now that he held it himself, he felt a penetrating chill.
"The coldness comes from these lotus seeds."
Zhao Xing looked closely; there were eight lotus seeds on it, each emitting a crystalline blue glow.
Using the Five Elements Observation Technique, he immediately detected a rich water element power, but the structure was quite strange; it was not a soft mass but rather a state of icy crystals.
"Ice Frost Power?"
Gently plucking one, Zhao Xing instantly understood how to use this Spiritual Elegance.
"An edible Spiritual Elegance, could it be similar to the Zhu Fruit?"
He placed the lotus seed in his mouth, chewing and swallowing it.
It was very cold, akin to biting into ice, and Zhao Xing couldn’t help but shiver.
A wave of chill spread throughout his body, making him feel as if he were about to be frozen stiff.
The penetrating cold seemed to freeze his thoughts.
"Hiss~"
Unable to withstand the cold, Zhao Xing quickly activated the Gathered Essence Technique, and the vital Qi in his dantian immediately surged forth, attacking and tearing at this cold power like soldiers.
Soon, his thoughts returned to normal, and he felt a bit warmer.
As the vital Qi within him besieged and battled the Ice Frost Power, it was also continuously depleting.
However, as long as he successfully devoured a portion of the unique Ice Frost Power, it would transform into nourishment, replenishing his dantian.
Although there was a difference in power levels, it was a mutual consumption.
The vital Qi within Zhao Xing quickly gained the upper hand.
At the same time, with each portion of Ice Frost Power he devoured, his understanding of water element spells deepened.
"So that’s how it is." Zhao Xing immediately grasped the efficacy of this Spiritual Elegance and wholeheartedly immersed himself in comprehension and consumption.
Fifteen minutes later, the first lotus seed was completely digested.
[You have consumed the Water Element Spiritual Elegance ‘Cold Ice Lotus Seed’, gaining 800 points of vital Qi.]
[Your affinity for water element power has increased, and you have gained insights, increasing your proficiency in the Ice Rain spell by 1000 points!]
[Your beginner spell ‘Summon Rain’ has broken through to the eighth turn, and your intermediate spell ‘Ice Rain’ has broken through to the second turn!]
"Cold Ice Lotus Seed, combining ‘Vital’ and ‘Method’, it increases vital Qi while enhancing spell comprehension." Zhao Xing understood the efficacy of this Spiritual Elegance.
Thunder Stone was a pure Thunder Method Spiritual Elegance, while Cold Ice Lotus Seed was a Vital Method Spiritual Elegance.
"However, consuming this Spiritual Elegance is somewhat more challenging than the Thunder Stone and takes longer." Zhao Xing thought to himself.
Thunder Stone was purely for comprehension.
Cold Ice Lotus Seed required first digesting the Ice Frost Power before gaining spell comprehension from it.
The former was an external-to-internal process, where Zhao Xing entered a state akin to ‘sudden enlightenment’ through the Spiritual Elegance, deepening his understanding of spells and fundamentally enhancing his Thunder Method.
Cold Ice Lotus Seed, on the other hand, was an internal digestion, enhancing Zhao Xing’s affinity for water element power, hence no extraordinary phenomena occurred.
As the affinity increased, his comprehension of spells naturally deepened.
"Although it doesn’t enhance as rapidly as the Thunder Stone, in the long run, the effect of Cold Ice Lotus Seed is even greater."
The influence of Thunder Stone only targeted ‘Method’, while Cold Ice Lotus Seed enhanced both ‘Method’ and ‘Body’.
In the future, when Zhao Xing cast water element spells, it would undoubtedly be easier and more powerful.
One was directly giving fish, while the other was teaching how to fish.
"Eat, eat, eat!"
Understanding the distinction, Zhao Xing also realized how to quickly digest this Spiritual Elegance.
The first Cold Ice Lotus Seed took fifteen minutes to digest.
But the second took less than ten minutes.
Vital Qi rapidly dismantled the unique Ice Frost Power, and naturally, he gained more insights into water element spells.
The third and fourth seeds… the time taken became shorter and shorter.
By the time all eight were consumed, it took even less time than the Thunder Stone.
However, the subsequent effects correspondingly weakened.
"The first Cold Ice Lotus Seed increased spell comprehension by 1000 points, the second was just over 900, and each subsequent one decreased by about 100."
"In total, I gained 5420 points of water element spell comprehension! This is simply beyond expectations!" Zhao Xing was somewhat delighted.
Thunder Stone significantly enhanced spell realms, even allowing Zhao Xing to comprehend new spells.
While Cold Ice Lotus Seed enhanced the affinity for water element power! In other words, it increased the cultivation speed.
In a short time, it allowed him to gain numerous insights into water element spells, raising the proficiency of the Ice Rain spell by a full five turns, proving its exaggerated effect!
In the future, the cultivation speed of ice attribute spells within water element spells would surely be much faster than other spells, and by several times at that!
Of course, this was limited to ice attribute spells within water element spells.
The beginner spell ‘Summon Rain’ went from seven turns to max level, merely a correlated increase.
"No wonder so many people ascend Ling Mountain, especially in years when the mountain is opened; it’s a fierce scramble."
"If one has no family background, obtaining a Spiritual Elegance might just change their fate."
Zhao Xing looked at the increasing number of people outside, occasionally glancing in his direction.
If it weren’t for the current ‘ceasefire’ time.
There would likely be countless people rushing over to snatch his Spiritual Elegance.
One person with three Spiritual Elegances was too tempting!
However, after Zhao Xing had used up two Spiritual Elegances.
That exhilarating feeling had diminished considerably.
The covetous gazes also lessened.
"Only one left."
Zhao Xing looked at the thin yellow paper.
It was inscribed with profound secret patterns, shimmering with light, appearing quite extraordinary.
The yellow paper was very thin, and when he held it, Zhao Xing’s eyelids jumped: "This is… the Ten Thousand Methods of Spiritual Elegance?"
What is the Ten Thousand Methods of Spiritual Elegance?
It means that as long as you stick this yellow paper to your body.
Whichever spell you wish to break through will directly reach the ninth turn!
Of course, the spell itself cannot exceed intermediate level.
"This is a creation of the Clock of Fate, adding ten thousand methods to oneself; this piece of yellow paper can elevate any intermediate spell to the ninth turn."
"It is the strongest and rarest among mid-grade Spiritual Elegances."
"In a spiritual mountain of this level like East Lake Mountain, it might not appear once in twenty or thirty years, and I actually stumbled upon it?"
Zhao Xing felt like rewarding Zhou Gang and Fang Jie a few hundred taels.
What a lucky star! The cause and effect are too great; it would be unreasonable not to give some benefits.
"Are they near the Temple of Heaven?" Zhao Xing stood up, scanning the surroundings, and indeed spotted the two.
"Go."
Zhao Xing sent a scarecrow towards Zhou Gang and Fang Jie.
"Brother Zhou, how did you and Brother Fang get injured?" a concerned friend asked, "Looking at the wounds, they look like knife wounds…"
"Hmph, it was those bastards Qin Feng and his gang." Fang Jie said hatefully, "They hold a grudge against us brothers, secretly following us, and when we discovered a Spiritual Elegance, they suddenly ambushed us."
"What? How could that be? Aren’t you both disciples of Coach Zhang?" the friend asked in surprise.
"Absolutely true; if it weren’t for a mysterious expert passing by and helping us, we might have been killed by them…"
"Oh? What kind of expert?" the friend asked curiously.
"It was a senior from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau." Fang Jie was speaking passionately when his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a scarecrow approaching, and he froze.
"It’s me." Zhao Xing’s voice carried on the wind.
"Senior, what instructions do you have?" Zhou Gang asked.
"Come over here for a moment."
Zhou Gang and Fang Jie exchanged glances, steeling themselves as they walked over.
When they reached the scarecrow, Zhao Xing instructed it to part, revealing his true form.
"Pre…" Zhou Gang looked at the overly youthful face before him, unable to utter the word senior.
The contrast was too great!
They had thought that someone capable of wielding Agricultural Affairs spells to such a degree would at least be an old official, but unexpectedly, he was so young!
"My name is Zhao Xing; you two don’t need to call me senior; just call me by my name." Zhao Xing smiled.
"Brother Zhao, what can I do for you?" Zhou Gang’s attitude became even more respectful; Zhao Xing’s youth made him feel he couldn’t afford to offend him.
"I mentioned earlier that once I gained benefits in the cave, I would surely repay you." Zhao Xing saw Zhou Gang about to speak and immediately waved his hand: "Don’t mention the life-saving grace; it’s a separate matter; I will do what I said."
"Now, you two tell me what you want."
Zhou Gang remained silent, but Fang Jie blinked: "If you really want me to say, then we both want money."
Money?
That was indeed difficult; who brings that kind of thing up the mountain?
Zhao Xing thought for a moment and realized he didn’t have anything valuable to give; the things he took from Qin Feng were only worth twenty or thirty taels.
He still needed to keep the Tian Yuan Pear Dan for backup, and the Sparrow Feather Robe? That wouldn’t be appropriate either.
For a moment, Zhao Xing found himself in a bit of a dilemma.
Should he say he would give it after descending the mountain?
Once past the Forgetting Worry Monument, who would remember?
Just as he was troubled, Zhao Xing’s eye caught Zong Shichang.
"You two wait here for me; don’t move; I’ll go get you some money."
The two obediently complied, waiting in place.
"Tonight’s competition for the first incense, my requirements aren’t high; as long as someone can make it into the top ten, as for Yang Junxiong’s matter, you all don’t need to worry; just escort me down the mountain when the time comes…" Zong Shichang was discussing something with those beside him.
Suddenly, he noticed the unusual expressions of others and turned to look.
It was hard not to attract attention with Zhao Xing possessing the Ten Thousand Methods of Spiritual Elegance.
"Zhao Sanjia, have you finished digesting your Spiritual Elegance?" Zong Shichang asked.
"How did you know?"
Zong Shichang smiled, "As soon as I arrived, I heard someone say that one person possesses three Spiritual Elegances; truly worthy of Zhao Sanjia. I saw you surrounded by wind walls and scarecrows, so I didn’t disturb you."
Zhao Xing waved his hand: "Let’s not talk about that for now; I need to ask you something."
Zong Shichang replied, "Speak."
"Do you have any money on you? Silver notes would be best; other valuable jade items are also fine."
Zong Shichang nodded: "I do have silver notes; how much do you need?"
Zhao Xing said, "Two hundred taels."
"Alright." Zong Shichang immediately took out the money without hesitation.
A nearby burly man with a sword couldn’t hold back and reminded, "Young master, you’re lending money to someone on the mountain, and you can’t leave a written record, nor will you remember…"
The Forgetting Worry Monument erases memories of these days, including all means that would leak what happened on the mountain, so written records wouldn’t work either.
Another person scrutinized Zhao Xing, seemingly questioning how he would repay the two hundred taels.
Zong Shichang smiled, "I find him pleasing to the eye; even if it’s just for these three days, it’s worth two hundred taels; you don’t need to persuade me further."
Zhao Xing took the silver notes and waved them: "I won’t take it for free; before descending the mountain, I will definitely return it to you."
Zong Shichang smiled, saying no more; two hundred taels was just pocket change for him; he had brought these silver notes up the mountain to spend.
"I have other matters; we’ll talk later."
"Please, go ahead." Zong Shichang waved his hand.
Returning to Zhou Gang and Fang Jie, Zhao Xing handed over two one-hundred-tael silver notes.
Fang Jie and Zhou Gang were stunned, as if they hadn’t expected Zhao Xing to actually give them money.
"What are you dawdling for? Is it too little?" Zhao Xing frowned.
"No, no, no." Zhou Gang and Fang Jie hurriedly said, "This is already a lot; thank you, thank you."
One hundred taels was enough to elevate their living standards by several levels; even if they spent some time breaking through a level in cultivation, it would still be more than sufficient.
"That’s good; remember, don’t flaunt your wealth; disaster comes from the mouth." Zhao Xing said lightly, "You may go."
"Yes, we understand; we’ll head down the mountain now." Zhou Gang and Fang Jie nodded earnestly.
Clearly, this silver note was not just a benefit Zhao Xing was giving them, but also a form of hush money, ensuring they wouldn’t leak the secret of that cave.
Zhou Gang and Fang Jie were both honest individuals; after the incident with Qin Feng, being able to keep their lives and receiving a hundred taels of silver was already a great blessing, so they naturally wouldn’t think of anything else. They immediately left the Temple of Heaven and descended the mountain.
After resolving matters with Zhou Gang and Fang Jie, Zhao Xing felt much lighter in heart, and then he took the Ten Thousand Methods of Spiritual Elegance and贴在了自己的胸口.
The intermediate spells Zhao Xing knew included [Wild Growth], [Thunder Binding], [Thunder Palm], [Call Lightning], [Ice Rain], and [Yin Wind].
Other intermediate spells were all at least five turns, making it clearly unprofitable to use the Ten Thousand Methods of Spiritual Elegance on them.
Only Yin Wind hadn’t even reached one turn, merely at the stage of just mastering it.
"This Yin Wind spell is definitely worth maxing out; it can blow away a person’s soul, specifically targeting those with tough skin and flesh in close combat, and can also counter those who influence the mind; it’s one of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau’s signature skills."
"Moreover, Yin Wind is exceedingly difficult to practice; only during the major cold, minor cold, and Qingming festivals is it easier to practice, or it requires an excellent cultivation location."
"Even if I have other intermediate spells, I should prioritize enhancing Yin Wind."
Zhao Xing closed his eyes, calming his mind, and continuously recalled the Yin Wind spell in his mind.
Gradually, a cold sensation emanated from the yellow paper on his chest, spreading down to his feet.
Then it extended downward, as if wrapping around Zhao Xing’s soul, causing an endless descent.
"Whoosh~"
The sound of wind howling like a ghost echoed in his ears.
Zhao Xing felt as if he were deep within the pulse of the earth, truly experiencing the existence and operation of Yin Wind.
At the same time, countless techniques for using Yin Wind flooded into his mind.
The panel continuously refreshed, and the progress of the Yin Wind spell began to rise rapidly.
Time slowly passed.
Zhao Xing’s forehead began to sweat, and his complexion grew increasingly pale.
At the moment the yellow paper on his chest completely vanished, Zhao Xing suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils deep and dark, as if hiding a terrifying storm.
"Whoosh~" In the Temple of Heaven Square, everyone inexplicably shivered, as if a gust of wind had entered their necks in the dead of winter.
Zhao Xing wiped the sweat from his forehead, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth; the Yin Wind spell had reached the ninth turn!
(End of Chapter)