Chapter 9: Willow Transmission Method, Returning Strawman Puppet
The old Agricultural Minister had decided to personally instruct someone, which made many envious. Particularly since he left the class midway, which was quite unusual.
Some sensitive officials began to speculate whether the old Agricultural Minister was contemplating deeply and preparing to take on an official disciple, or perhaps vying for the merit of a recommendation?
Zhao Xing didn't think much of it and honestly followed Xue Wenzhong to the backyard.
The front courtyard was as warm as spring, while the backyard was hot and dry like summer, as if they were two different seasons.
In the south of the courtyard was a locust tree, lush and green, and to the north was a woodshed, neatly arranged. On the east side were several golden straw stacks, and to the west was a small vegetable garden with various types of flowers and plants. Next to the garden was a vine trellis, covered in green and purple hues.
The old Agricultural Minister had apparently made the company his home, he was too dedicated.
Thinking this, Zhao Xing followed Xue Wenzhong to stand in front of a straw stack.
"Grass Soldiers, a spell using plants as a medium. This spell is a foundational technique that can be extended to many advanced spells, primarily for attack."
"It is usually a foundational spell that every Military Agricultural Minister must know, along with others like 'Breaking Grass into Arrows,' 'Willow Leaf Golden Blade,' and 'Summoning Soldiers from Beans.'"
"The temple entrusts you with this technique, meaning you might have the potential to become a 'Military Agricultural Minister.' If you can become an official Agricultural Minister, you might consider this direction."
Zhao Xing of course knew, but still appreciated Xue Wenzhong's reminder: "Yes, thank you for the reminder, Elder Xue."
Xue Wenzhong grabbed a handful of dry straw from the stack and handed it to Zhao Xing: "That being said, you're not yet an official Agricultural Minister, so by the rules, you cannot learn those military spells yet. Let's start with how to tie a Strawman Puppet."
Zhao Xing nodded. The current 'Grass Soldiers' was just a precursor technique, and he had to master many more intermediate and advanced spells based on it to truly embody 'Grass Soldiers.'
Learning 'Strawman Puppet' from Xue Wenzhong was also not bad, as the spell was quite practical.
"The key to the Strawman Puppet lies in the technique and the materials. What agricultural books have you read?"
"I've read 'The Herbal Classic,' 'The Grand View of Wood,' and 'The Outline of All Things,' just touched upon them," Zhao Xing modestly said.
However, Xue Wenzhong frowned: "What do you mean just touched upon? Do you remember all of it, or not entirely?"
Straightforward people always have a clear standard in their field of expertise, and Zhao Xing knew that modesty wasn't appropriate here. He needed to let Xue Wenzhong know exactly what his level was.
So, he replied again: "I have memorized them well."
Xue Wenzhong taught: "If you've memorized it, then say so. In the future, when you learn from me, don't use vague terms. If you can't fully recognize them, misusing toxic materials could result in serious consequences for the Strawman you create."
"Yes, I understand," the student acknowledged.
"This is Yuan rice straw, ten strands per hand. I'll teach you the 'Willow Transmission Method,' which includes eighty-one techniques. It's not very profound; it wouldn't be a problem if it's not on the exam, but if it is, it must be within these eighty-one techniques, so learn from me."
Xue Wenzhong used local materials for his demonstration right beside the straw stack.
Zhao Xing's eyes brightened. The 'Eighty-One Methods of Willow Transmission' was incomplete in later versions, and even more so in revived versions, with only forty-nine methods remaining.
The Strawman's practicality was high, useful in fighting, escaping, ambushing, and assisting. Agricultural Ministers often posted on forums wishing they could go back to the early days of the game to obtain the complete version.
In his past life, Zhao Xing had painstakingly collected seventy-two methods, and even now, only nine were transmitted within the imperial temples. The Great Zhou transmitted techniques to officials based on practical needs; knowing nine was enough for most situations for inland officials. Transmitting more would scatter their focus and add unnecessary burdens; Military Agricultural Ministers might have a way to learn more.
Unexpectedly, Xue Wenzhong had the complete version here. Now, it seemed like learning more was not very useful, but as the situation changed later, some spells would become stronger with the revived version, and the Strawman spell was a classic example!
His luck was indeed good.
"Look, this is the first method of weaving. Did you see clearly how I did it just now?"
"I didn't see clearly."
Zhao Xing honestly answered. Xue Wenzhong had made the first Strawman too quickly, and combined with his thoughts drifting, he couldn't quite follow.
"No matter, I'll demonstrate it again, slower this time." Xue Wenzhong nodded. The Strawman spell was difficult; it was odd to get it on the first try.
So, he patiently demonstrated again in slow motion.
Zhao Xing didn't think further and focused entirely, following Xue Wenzhong's example.
The Yuan rice straw was like a thread, his fingers dexterously weaving through it.
When a person is earnest and focused, they can do anything with less effort, especially after taking the 'Dao Embryo Pill,' Zhao Xing's memory, vital energy control, and comprehension were all slowly improving.
When Xue Wenzhong finished, the Strawman in front of Zhao Xing gradually took shape, limbs, torso, head...
"Not bad, not bad." Xue Wenzhong glanced over and couldn't help but praise: "Only three errors."
"Ah?" Zhao Xing was puzzled, where was the mistake? It all looked the same!
Xue Wenzhong didn't explain but showed his vital energy on his fingertips, injecting it into his own Strawman.
The Strawman waved its arms and legs, as if it came to life, moving in sync with Xue Wenzhong's actions.
Zhao Xing injected a strand of vital energy, but his Strawman didn't move.
"The Willow Transmission Method is about constructing a model that allows your vital energy to flow and operate. Yuan rice straw is like human meridians; one strand too many or one strand too few will cause the Strawman's meridians to be blocked, and the spell won't work."
Zhao Xing suddenly realized. No wonder his panel didn't prompt him, nor did his proficiency increase.
So it really failed.
Xue Wenzhong reached into Zhao Xing's Strawman's chest and underarms, pulling out a strand of straw from each and throwing them away, then added a strand to the head and re-wove it before saying: "Try again now."
Zhao Xing released another wave of vital energy into the Strawman, and the next moment, the Strawman moved, its golden body as if coated in a layer of light, and a faint connection appeared between himself and the Strawman.
【You have grasped the 'Willow Transmission Method: Incomplete Chapter,' mastering one Strawman-making technique】
【You have crafted a Strawman Puppet (Returning)】
【Proficiency of Grass Soldiers +1】
【Strawman Puppet (Returning)】
【Proficiency: 1/9999】
【Function: Follows orders, cyclically and repeatedly.】
Elder Xue is awesome! Zhao Xing shouted in his heart.
He hadn't expected to regain the divine skill of playing the Agricultural Minister profession so quickly.
Returning Strawman, in his previous life, was one of the skills for survival and protection! From conducting battles to trading and buying, the applications of the Returning Strawman were quite extensive.
Of course, currently, this spell was limited by the era, and its effects were still weak, but sooner or later, it would regain its glory.
"Practice here a few more times; I'll go to the front courtyard to check something and then come back to teach you the second method."
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