【Name: Zhao Xing】
【Realm: From Ninth Grade Upper (Cannot be Improved)】
【Occupation: None】
【Fortune: Yan Three】
【Gathered Essence: Thirteenth Level (6/10000)】
【Extra Lifespan: 53 Years】
"Extra lifespan increased by fifty-three years, and my Fortune level has risen to Yan Three?!" Zhao Xing was incredibly surprised.
Although he knew he had gained a lot this time, having already entered the Gathered Essence realm, he thought his lifespan should have increased significantly... but he didn't expect the gains to be this substantial!
What he didn't know was that he had not yet entered the realm on the day he descended the mountain.
However, after his Fortune rose to Yan Three, he discovered several Pure Yuan Spiritual Beauties on his way down, which allowed him to break through.
Thus, he had delayed some time.
"Compared to the extra lifespan and Fortune, entering the Gathered Essence realm is merely the smallest gain," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
As for why the realm section on the panel displayed 'Cannot be Improved,' it had to do with the Fortune Dynasty system and the Great Zhou's founding emperor.
The Great Zhou's founding emperor taught the people, and the "Gathered Essence" was a technique summarized by countless sages, designed to absorb vital Qi and strengthen the body.
The levels of Gathered Essence represent the strength of vital Qi and physical prowess.
Entering the realm not only includes the Gathered Essence level but also encompasses insights into 'Dao,' 'Law,' and 'Technique.'
Among them, the martial professions focus more on enhancing the Gathered Essence level.
Other professions, such as Agricultural Affairs, Dance Masters, Musicians, Mechanists, and Ritualists, lean towards insights into the Dao.
The Fortune Dynasty can assist individuals in enhancing their Gathered Essence and understanding of the Dao.
Conversely, it can also prevent individuals from improving! Even causing them to fall in realm!
Of course, the official explanation is: The citizens of the world originally cultivate slowly, burdened by layers of shackles.
It is the Great Zhou's founding emperor's immeasurable merits and extraordinary abilities that found a way for the Zhou Dynasty's citizens to cultivate and use vital Qi to drive spells.
Want to increase your lifespan? Come be an official!
Want to learn spells? Come be an official in our dynasty!
Want to quickly elevate your cultivation? Enter the court as an official!
Want to break through cultivation bottlenecks? Come be an official!
The core idea of the Fortune Dynasty system can be summarized in four words: Act on Heaven's Behalf!
Zhao Xing is currently a clerk. The highest realm he can achieve through his own cultivation is 'From Ninth Grade Upper,' which corresponds to 'Mid Ninth Grade' in the ancient cultivation system.
If he becomes an official, this limitation disappears. If he has enough talent, he may even exceed the strength of his official rank.
If one is unwilling to be an official, then within the Great Zhou's territory, they will never reach 'Late Ninth Grade' or 'Perfection' in their lifetime.
There are a few circumstances under which one can cultivate without being an official:
First, descendants of nobility or those who have done something beneficial for the dynasty will usually be granted 'Scattered Rank,' 'Meritorious Rank,' or 'Noble Titles.'
You may not be an official or manage affairs, but you can still cultivate.
Of course, this is still part of the 'Fortune Dynasty system.'
Second, special imperial decrees allow non-Zhou officials or even non-Zhou citizens to cultivate. Generally, this applies to foreign subjects who have contributed to the Zhou Dynasty, allowing them to cultivate in the Nineteen Provinces and enjoy various benefits under the Fortune Dynasty system.
Third, leaving the Great Zhou's territory naturally places one outside its jurisdiction, but they will also not enjoy accelerated cultivation, breaking bottlenecks, or increased lifespan benefits. Ordinary people leaving the Nineteen Provinces will find it extremely difficult to cultivate to the Ninth Grade.
What? Don't want to be an official?
Then what do you want such high cultivation for?
Grant you a Scattered Rank and join the Fortune system, and you still refuse? Are you planning to rebel?
The Fortune Dynasty system is not unique to the Great Zhou, but it reached its peak under the Great Zhou's founding emperor.
Previous Fortune Dynasties had never been so centralized, even managing people's cultivation realms.
It was also under the founding emperor that complete freedom was curtailed, and the emergence of immensely powerful individuals was reduced, minimizing the instability factors of the Fortune Dynasty.
Thus, sects like the Mysterious Heaven Sect, which advocate for primitive heavenly Dao and free cultivation, greatly despise the Great Zhou's founding emperor, cursing him hundreds of times a day and constantly plotting to overthrow the Zhou Dynasty.
【Basic Spells: Cultivation】
【Initial Level Spells:】
【Robust Growth, Moving Clouds, Summoning Wind, Thunder Strike, Rainfall, Bright Eyes】
All of the above are at the initial level's perfection, and can be used as a foundation to receive spells or break through to comprehend new spells.
With the comprehension of intermediate level spells, the importance of initial level spells has diminished, and the panel no longer displays spell progress.
Zhao Xing continued to look down.
【Grass and Trees as Soldiers: Five Turns】
【Willow Transmission Compilation Method: Fragment (Six Types)】
【Rebirth Grass Man (Six Turns); Binding Grass Man (Five Turns); Divine Movement Grass Man (Five Turns); Thorny Grass Man (Three Turns); Great Strength Grass Man (Seven Turns); Reconnaissance Grass Man (Four Turns)】
【Five Elements Observation (Seven Turns)】
【Earth Vein Comprehensive Yuan (Six Turns)】
【Intermediate Level Spells:】
【Barbaric Growth: Seven Turns (7245/9999)】
【Summon Lightning: Nine Turns (9955/9999)】
【Yin Wind: Nine Turns (9978/9999)】
【Ice Rain: Nine Turns (Perfection)】
【Intermediate Level Spells (Self-Created):】
【Thunder Binding: Eight Turns (8214/9999)】
【Thunder Great Palm: Seven Turns (7854/9999)】
【Secondary Profession: Talisman Master】
【Soul Calming Talisman (Basic Max Level)】
【Guiding Talisman (Basic Max Level)】
【Third Level Treasures: Evil-Repelling Almanac, Thousand-Mile Messenger Token, Bamboo Horse, Sparrow Feather Robe, Tiger Soul Blade X4, Bright Soft Armor X3】
【Fourth Level Treasures: Ice Crystal Pearl (Lower Grade)】
【Pet: Lynx (Late Ninth Grade, Exotic Beast not within the Fortune system, equivalent to human Ninth Grade Lower)】
【Plant: Heavenly Yuan Pear Tree (Seedling Stage)】
With the four methods of timing, the progress of spells has significantly increased. Not only have initial level spells reached perfection, but intermediate level spells have also reached Nine Turns, with Ice Rain already perfected.
Moreover, two self-created spells have emerged!
"Self-created spells should have been comprehended further after achieving perfection in Thunder Strike."
"Hmm? My comprehension of water spells has actually increased so much compared to before?"
"And Yin Wind, it directly reached Nine Turns?!!" Zhao Xing's eyes widened.
Self-created spells are not a big deal, but how difficult is it to practice Yin Wind? Only during specific seasons like Great Cold, Minor Cold, and Qingming, or in areas with high-quality earth veins can one cultivate quickly.
When he entered the mountain, he was merely at One Turn, but upon descending, he had actually reached Nine Turns!
This was simply beyond expectations!
"My gains from the mountain are indeed substantial. Not only did I break through in spells, but I also obtained quite a few treasures. This Wen Bamboo Box is so heavy; it must contain several pieces of soft armor and Tiger Soul Blades."
Without thinking, Zhao Xing knew why he had seized these two items: they are easy to sell and don't take up much space.
The Tiger Soul Blade is a short blade, and the soft armor can be folded, making it more than sufficient to fit in the Wen Bamboo Box.
These Third Level Treasures were likely prepared by martial artists for climbing the mountain; they are hot-selling items and can be quickly disposed of.
"I've accumulated over two thousand taels of wealth from this mountain trip?" Zhao Xing roughly calculated the value of the treasures: the spell robe, bamboo horse, blade, armor... adding up to about a thousand taels, plus another thousand taels in silver notes.
"Indeed, robbing is the way to make money."
"If I were to save up honestly, how long would it take?"
Robbing is much faster than scraping together a fortune.
Of course, during this period, wanting to rob without future troubles is not an easy task.
Collecting spiritual beauties on Ling Mountain is something only small clerks can do; once one enters the realm and becomes a formal official, they can no longer participate, but there are other competitive methods.
However, it is not all good; only a few lucky ones can gain, while most are merely accompanying runners, and there may even be casualties.
"Dang! Dang!"
Suddenly, two bell tolls rang from the mountain.
This signified the end of this round of collecting spiritual beauties.
Next, the East Lake Army would enter the mountain, and a large number of realm experts would go in to harvest the spiritual beauties accumulated over the past six months.
Only ordinary beasts that pose no threat to ordinary people and some low-level treasures would remain.
As the bells ceased, Inspector Ji Ming, a Sixth Grade official, appeared at the Earth Altar Square.
The Inspectorate belongs to the county-level Temple of Divinity, meaning Ji Ming is a Sixth Grade divine official.
Here, his status is the highest; even Fan Dongping, an official of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau of the same Sixth Grade, automatically appears one rank lower before him.
"By the decree of Lady Bixia, please present the list of spiritual beauties' ownership from the East Lake officials!" Ji Ming recited.
Chen Shijie then explained to Zhao Xing beside him: "Bixia is the Dao title of the Yin Spirit, and 'Yuan Jun' refers to a female Yin Spirit."
"Our Agricultural Affairs Bureau may sometimes need to invite the spirits, so do not mispronounce their titles."
Divine officials can hold ceremonies to request rain, and the Agricultural Affairs Bureau can also invite spirits at times; many spell professions share common aspects.
Zhao Xing nodded and said, "I remember this Yuan Jun is the highest-ranking Yin Spirit in Pinghai Prefecture, right?"
Chen Shijie nodded: "Nanyang County belongs to Pinghai Prefecture, and to the east of Pinghai Prefecture is the Cang Sea."
"Pinghai Prefecture was not originally called Pinghai Prefecture, but Canghai Prefecture. This is because half of its current territory was once part of the Cang Sea."
"Lady Bixia was at the Second Grade realm, and during the founding emperor's time, she belonged to a certain Daoist sect and was skilled in water spells."
"After the founding emperor established the country, some sects were expelled, while others submitted; Lady Bixia was among the submitting factions."
"She resolved the flooding issues for the Great Zhou's founding emperor and subdued the raging spirit of the Cang Sea, so after her death, she was conferred the title of Bixia Yuan Jun, overseeing the divine soldiers of the mountain and observing good and evil in the mortal realm. Not only in Pinghai Prefecture but throughout the entire Great Zhou system, she is also a high-ranking Yin Spirit."
Zhao Xing pondered, "I remember that Lady Bixia has a classic spellbook called 'Water Book,' which contains many spells that are mandatory for Agricultural Affairs officials to learn, is that right?"
Chen Shijie was surprised: "You have quite a broad interest; you even remember the mandatory spellbooks for Sixth Grade officials?"
Zhao Xing smiled modestly, inadvertently showing off in front of Old Chen.
In reality, he not only knew but had also been an Agricultural Affairs official in the island region.
Casting spells for planting in the sea is quite different from doing so on land.
Without knowledge of the 'Water Book,' one wouldn't know how to teach those aquatic people to farm.
Chen Shijie nodded: "She indeed has a spell classic that has survived, fully named 'Water Techniques of the Sea Spirit,' but it's fine to call it the Water Book; everyone refers to it that way."
Zhao Xing asked again, "Was it originally hidden on Zixiao Island?"
Chen Shijie shook his head: "I wouldn't know about that; why are you asking this?"
Zhao Xing whispered, "Just asking casually."
It didn't sound casual, but Chen Shijie couldn't guess what Zhao Xing was thinking.
At this moment, a stack of documents floated down from the mountain and landed in Ji Ming's hands.
Then, this inspector returned to the observation platform.
All the officials immediately stretched their necks, eager to catch a glimpse.
Ji Ming took out one document: "Where is the County Magistrate of Grain City?"
Li Wenzheng quickly stood up and cupped his hands: "This official is here."
Ji Ming smiled: "Grain City has produced a good talent; you have taught well."
Li Wenzheng didn't know which talent Ji Ming was referring to, so he could only nod in agreement: "It is all due to the county's guidance; this official is merely following the rules."
Ji Ming handed the document to Li Wenzheng, pointing at it: "The top candidate has obtained forty-two spiritual beauties; he should be regarded as the best in Grain City. You must ensure the security within and outside Grain City and not let talents be lost."
"Yes." Li Wenzheng obediently accepted the document.
Ji Ming's words were tantamount to designating Zhao Xing as a must-appear candidate on this year's 'Winter Evaluation' list for the county.
Hearing that someone had obtained forty-two spiritual beauties, the officials present could not contain themselves.
They all began to ask: "Lord Li, who exactly is this person from Grain City who managed to obtain forty-two spiritual beauties?"
"Yes, Brother Wenzheng, quickly announce the name."
"Everyone, do not rush; allow me to take a closer look." Li Wenzheng straightened his posture, smiling, and slowly flipped through the document.
The document Ji Ming first took out carried the most weight, indicating that Grain City had a clerk who achieved the best results in this round of collecting spiritual beauties.
Not directly stating the name also gave Li Wenzheng the opportunity to announce it, and of course, he had to keep his colleagues in suspense.
Such opportunities to shine are rare throughout the year.
"You're killing me; how long will it take you to read a mere document, Brother Li?!"
"Li Wenzheng, could you be any faster?!"
"Have you mastered the art of meticulous observation? Are you moving your fingers one hair at a time?"
The surrounding officials teased, and laughter erupted from the observation platform.
Li Wenzheng thoroughly enjoyed the attention of his colleagues and finally read out the first name on the list.
"Grain City Agricultural Affairs Bureau, clerk Zhao Xing, ascended East Lake Ling Mountain, competing for the first incense stick, collected a total of forty-two spiritual beauties, with two top-grade spiritual beauties, rated as the best!"
A wave of astonishment erupted around.
Top-grade spiritual beauties, and there are two of them!
This luck is simply off the charts!
Top-grade spiritual beauties are generally Fortune Spiritual Beauties, meaning this person can at least reach Yan Two in Fortune.
In the Great Zhou, being an official means one's luck cannot be poor; it is easy to foresee that this person will have a bright future ahead.
Becoming an official is now a certainty!
In an instant, congratulations poured in endlessly.
"Follow my lead; whatever I do, you do." Chen Shijie nudged Zhao Xing with his elbow, and the latter immediately understood.
Then, following behind Chen Shijie, he cupped his hands in salute to the officials of the county-level offices.
This was a good opportunity to make an appearance; as long as his name could reach these officials' ears, it would be much easier to work in the future.
"Brother Jin Gong, congratulations; your Agricultural Affairs Bureau has produced a good talent!"
"Thank you, Lord Liu."
"Congratulations, Lord Chen; come visit my residence sometime."
"How could I refuse Lord Liu's invitation?"
Zhao Xing followed behind Chen Shijie, remaining silent, merely bowing and cupping his hands repeatedly.
He didn't have the chance to speak, but being remembered by others was enough.
If this were still during the player phase, this wave would at least earn him a significant boost in favorability within the Nanyang County bureaucratic circle.
Not to mention, it could elevate him from 'Indifferent' to a mild 'Friendly' level.
The Yin Spirit ranking, directly rated as the best, plus Ji Ming's designation as the top candidate, was a scene that clerks would risk their lives to ascend the mountain for, a dream come true.
Those observing, including Yang Junxiong, Zong Shichang, Li Chengfeng, Lu Qian, Liu Muqing, and Cao Qiushui, were all envious beyond measure.
"Handsome and talented, with great fortune ahead, auspicious, auspicious!" Xue Wenzhong laughed joyfully.
As for the other officials of the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, they all smiled sourly.
Ah, such a good talent, why did it have to emerge from Huai Liu Courtyard?
Truly envious of others!
(End of Chapter)