Shennong the Daoist Lord of Farming - Chapter 15

Chapter 15: A Strange Case in Jingxin, Xuantian Cultists

Zhao Xing had just passed his first upper-tier exam, and he quickly noticed a change in attitude from his colleagues. After leaving the back courtyard, many people began trying to get close to him.

Zhang San invited him to a grass-fighting contest, asking if he would like to join. Li Si asked if he wanted to grab a drink with some friends.

There was even an older man inviting Zhao Xing to listen to music. Embarrassed, the man asked, "Excuse me… what’s your name again?"

“I’m Huang Siping, from Huangjiawan,” replied a slightly balding man with high cheekbones, cupping his hands in greeting. “Brother Zhao, don’t use formalities with me. I’m actually a year younger than you.”

“Uh, Brother Huang, my apologies for the slip,” Zhao Xing glanced at his receding hairline. "You don’t look younger than me."

“Brother Zhao is a busy man, so it’s normal you forgot,” Huang Siping smiled. “Would you care to join me at Brother Li's music gathering?”

“Which Brother Li?” Zhao Xing was puzzled.

“Of course, I’m referring to Li Chengfeng, known for his 'gentlemanly demeanor,'” Huang Siping explained. “Along with Brother Zong and other colleagues who made the top list in the Small Heat exam.”

The so-called "music gathering" was nothing more than a euphemism for hiring courtesans. Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang, both wealthy, frequently invited people to gatherings where they would hire female performers to play music, dance, and occasionally share a bed.

“All expenses, including those for the courtesans, are covered by Young Master Li or other young masters...” Huang Siping explained vaguely.

Zhao Xing understood immediately—it was an invitation to hire prostitutes.

“Please thank Brother Li for me, but I already have other plans. I’ll join next time.”

It wasn’t that he was pretending to be righteous. If Chen Ziyu or Qian Dong had invited him, he would have agreed right away.

But Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang were competitors! Could he really go?

After getting drunk, they could set him up with a courtesan, who turned out to be from a respectable family, and then report him to the authorities… Zhao Xing immediately thought of the underhanded tricks he had seen in his past life as a gamer.

“What a pity. Next time then, Brother Zhao.” Huang Siping left, slightly disappointed, but also having taken Zhao Xing's demeanor into account.

“How did it go?”

“He refused, said he already had plans.”

“Hmph, such arrogance after making the top list. Does he expect Brother Li and Brother Zong to personally invite him?”

“That’s not quite fair, considering they’re not familiar.”

Huang Siping reported to Li Chengfeng, but before the man could speak, others began criticizing Zhao Xing.

Li Chengfeng felt somewhat irritated but maintained a polite smile. “I wanted to befriend him and didn’t want to be abrupt, so I asked Brother Huang to invite him. I didn’t expect he wouldn’t come… no matter, we’ll invite him again.”

After Li Chengfeng spoke, others quickly praised his patience and grace, making Zhao Xing seem overly aloof by comparison.

However, the conversation soon shifted, and neither Li Chengfeng nor Zong Shichang paid much attention. After all, it was just one exam success; he wasn’t a significant threat yet.

“Congratulations on making so many new friends after just one upper-tier exam,” Qian Dong said with a hint of jealousy as Zhao Xing walked out of the crowd.

“Yeah, with a few more of these, you might forget about me and Qian Dong,” Chen Ziyu added sarcastically.

Zhao Xing smiled. He understood their feelings—like when you think you’re someone’s best friend, only to find they suddenly have new close buddies.

“Don’t worry, even if I became a ghost, I wouldn’t forget your sour faces.”

“...”

“Do you two have any plans this afternoon?” Zhao Xing asked.

“We do. Ziyu and I are going to retake an exam in the eastern suburbs,” Qian Dong replied. “Where are you going?”

“I’m heading to the temple.”

“Are you receiving another technique?” Chen Ziyu’s eyes showed admiration. How long had it been since he learned Wind Summoning and Thunder Calling?

“Just going to try,” Zhao Xing nodded slightly. Although it had only been a week, the Dao Embryo Pill had greatly improved his cultivation speed, and his Essence Gathering efficiency had surged.

Of course, the improved diet at home had helped too.

Although he had yet to reach the third stage of Essence Gathering, his Cloud Moving technique had already reached five turns, and his Thunder Calling technique had reached three turns. With that foundation, he could attempt to master Rain Summoning.

“Then we won’t hold you up, Brother. Come on, Ziyu, we can’t slack off. Let’s head to the eastern suburbs!”

“Mm!” Chen Ziyu nodded firmly, his fighting spirit ignited by Zhao Xing’s progress.

As he watched the two leave, Zhao Xing headed toward the county office.

“Cloud Moving, Wind Summoning, Thunder Calling, Rain Summoning—these are part of a series of techniques and are core skills for the agricultural profession. The only one I’m missing now is Rain Summoning. I hope True Lord Cao will be generous this time.”

Learning another technique would greatly improve his chances in the upcoming assessments, and thus his chances of getting promoted.

In the short term, it was all about passing the assessment and securing his position. Zhao Xing’s main goal was to officially become a ninth-rank Agricultural Officer.

Why was he so determined? Because Zhao Xing’s long-term goal was to achieve immortality, but to do that, he needed to survive the current dynasty era and wait for the revival era.

After all, a dynasty’s luck could extend an official’s lifespan! Otherwise, he would have chosen to be a “free agent” long ago.

Upon entering the government office, a familiar voice greeted him.

“Brother Zhao, it’s you again?”

“Brother Pang, yes, it’s me,” Zhao Xing said as he looked at Pang Fei, who had processed his documents last time.

“You’re back so soon…” Pang Fei was surprised as he glanced at Zhao Xing’s application. “It’s only been a short time, and you’re ready for another technique?”

“I’m just trying my luck,” Zhao Xing said modestly.

“Nonsense, Brother Zhao is sure to succeed,” Pang Fei congratulated. “The Agricultural Bureau wouldn’t approve a transfer technique document so easily. I’ll…”

“Move aside! Urgent order from the Martial Office, make way!”

A sharp voice rang out from the doorway, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.

Zhao Xing looked over and saw a group of armed officers rush by.

“Brother Pang, what’s going on? Why are so many Martial Office men involved?”

“They’re assisting in an investigation,” Pang Fei whispered, lowering his voice mysteriously. “It’s related to the Agricultural Bureau, actually. Recently, many minor Agricultural Officers across the twelve counties of Nanyang have gone missing. Strange, isn’t it?”

“Agricultural Officers disappearing?” Zhao Xing paused. “Have they figured out why?”

Pang Fei shrugged. “That’s what they’re investigating. I don’t know more than that. Brother Zhao, please wait a moment while I submit your application.”

“Thank you.” Zhao Xing sat down, frowning slightly as he thought back to his past life. He had lived through Emperor Jing’s reign, but had never been to Gu City, or even Nanyang County. Still, he could recall some key events.

“During Emperor Jing’s reign, there was a famous case where many Agricultural Officials were abducted by a group of Xuantian cultists… But that shouldn’t have happened until the Great Order era. Why is it happening now in the Jingxin era? Did I remember wrong? Or did the plan start during the Jingxin period?”

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