Chapter 7: Summoning Wind, Thunder, and Grass Soldiers
Zhao Xing sat down on the mat before the statue, relaxed his body, closed his eyes, and emptied his mind of distractions.
Before long, a gentle breeze caressed his face, accompanied by the rumbling of thunder.
He then found himself in a primordial forest, where danger lurked at every corner.
The temple keeper, sensing something, looked toward the statue of True Lord Cao Xi, then at Zhao Xing's back. "He learns quite fast."
When all the visions vanished, Zhao Xing opened his eyes, and three new spell techniques filled his mind.
These were: 【Summon Wind】, 【Summon Thunder】, and 【Grass Soldiers】.
The first two techniques belonged to the Weather School of the Agricultural Bureau and were prerequisite skills for the "Season Command." The last one was part of the Self School's "Growth Chart of All Living Things."
In his previous life, learning magic was as simple as slapping the skill book. But now, it required a deep understanding and true mastery. From this perspective, players in his past life were all exceptional geniuses.
After sitting for a while longer and feeling no further mysterious sensations, Zhao Xing stood up and respectfully bowed. "Thank you, True Lord, for the spells."
【Summon Wind: Beginner Spell】
Progress: (0/9999)
Effect: Summons a gust of wind.
【Summon Thunder: Beginner Spell】
Progress: (0/9999)
Effect: With the prerequisite of 'Moving Clouds,' thunder can echo through the clouds.
【Grass Soldiers: Beginner Spell】
Progress: (0/9999)
Effect: Uses plants as soldiers to launch an attack.
【Summon Wind】 was an independent spell, but 【Summon Thunder】 required the prior casting of 【Moving Clouds】.
Without changing professions, this skill merely created sound with no offensive power—just enough to give someone a scare.
The real attack spell would be 【Summon Lightning】, which could draw lightning from the clouds to strike enemies.
As for the beginner version of 【Grass Soldiers】, its name was more intimidating than its actual effect.
At this stage, Zhao Xing could only use specific plant materials to craft grass soldiers. If he wanted to cast spells freely, turning any nearby plants into soldiers with just a wave of his hand, he would need to continually improve the spell.
Since he hadn't cast it yet, his proficiency remained at zero.
Within the city, magic was mostly forbidden to avoid disturbing the residents.
Especially for low-ranking officials like him—if they accidentally blew away someone’s drying clothes or soaked the local farmers' crops, they could kiss their wages goodbye! And what about promotion? Forget it, better to stay out of trouble!
To practice, Zhao Xing would have to leave the city or head to the Agricultural Bureau.
The Agricultural Bureau had set up the "Earth Source Reversion Formation," allowing lower officials like him to practice freely.
After passing through the Bureau's gate, he spotted a five or six-meter-high 【Wind and Rain Tower Ship】, its prow shaped like a dragon's head, spitting water that could nourish a thousand miles of land. Its sail bore an embroidered wind god, capable of summoning fierce gales. This was one of the classic treasures of the Agricultural Bureau.
Of course, this small town of Gu City didn't have such a high-level treasure—this was just a model. The real one could only be found at the county-level Agricultural Bureau or higher.
But the county's Agricultural Bureau still had plenty of good items. In the treasure vault at the northeast corner, one could find treasures like the 【Flowing Cloud Flying Boat】, 【Reversion Waterwheel】, 【Golden Straw Raincoat】, and 【Hundred Flower Hat】.
Zhao Xing was so familiar with the layout because the architectural style of all government buildings in the Great Zhou was standardized—once you learned one, you knew them all.
Besides, in his past life, he'd often raided county towns with groups. The first place he'd head to after entering the city was always the Agricultural Bureau, knowing exactly where to trigger the traps and find the secret passages.
"Stop! This is the treasure vault, no entry allowed!" A voice suddenly called out to Zhao Xing.
Looking up, Zhao Xing realized he'd unknowingly wandered close to the vault. The guard's scrutinizing gaze made it clear that his expression must have been rather suspicious.
Ah, occupational habits.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Zhao Xing cupped his hands and, resisting his inner temptation, turned to leave.
"Don't worry, once you make it ashore, everything will be within your grasp."
After comforting himself, Zhao Xing passed through the herb garden and arrived at the courtyard where the official staff resided.
There was only one full Ninth Rank Agricultural Officer in charge of the Agricultural Bureau.
There were several Sub-Ninth Rank Officers, each responsible for storage, the iron market, farmland management, flood control, and distribution.
In frontier towns, there were also Military Agricultural Officers, who followed the army, creating favorable conditions for the troops.
The full Ninth Rank Agricultural Officer was the head of the Bureau and rarely mentored junior officials—unless they had connections or background.
The Sub-Ninth Rank Officers were responsible for teaching and mentoring their subordinates.
The Gu City Agricultural Bureau had a full quota of nine Sub-Ninth Rank Officers, but currently, only seven were in place.
Each officer had a number of junior officials under their command, serving as both subordinates and students.
"Brother, wait for us!" As Zhao Xing walked along the corridor, a familiar voice called out from behind.
He stopped and turned around. It was Chen Ziyu and Qian Dong, both carrying baskets.
"Why are you two here so early as well?"
"Aren’t you here early too?" Chen Ziyu smiled.
Qian Dong, pretending to be wise, said, "Ziyu, look, I guessed it right! Our brother has been secretly working hard without us, coming so early to see Teacher Xue. Hey, doesn't he look much healthier than before?"
Zhao Xing's mouth twitched. Could they stop mentioning his appearance?
"Enough idle talk, let’s hurry."
Zhao Xing’s superior and teacher, Xue Wenzhong, had the largest number of junior officials under his command.
It wasn't because he was especially talented—it was simply because Xue Wenzhong was known as the kindest person in the Agricultural Bureau.
Other officials were picky about who they mentored, valuing time and prestige. They chose their subordinates carefully, taking into account family background and aptitude, selecting only the best talents. If a student of theirs became an official, it counted as a contribution to their career.
Xue Wenzhong, however, was simple and kind-hearted, focused only on his work and indifferent to future prospects. He willingly took on those rejected by others due to their humble backgrounds or lackluster talents. Thus, of the 500 junior officials in the Agricultural Bureau, 204 were under his command!
Even though Xue Wenzhong was diligent and dedicated, he had too many students to personally guide, so the progress of his disciples was naturally slower. In contrast, wealthy disciples like Li Chengfeng, who received focused attention, advanced rapidly.
When they arrived at Xue Wenzhong's courtyard, they saw that 40 to 50 people had already gathered in front of the hall.
The old Agricultural Officer was on the platform, giving a lecture on the "Hundred Solutions of the Weather," and everyone was listening attentively. Occasionally, someone would leave or enter, but they did so quietly and respectfully.
A Sub-Ninth Rank Agricultural Officer had remarkable abilities—although it was now early summer, peach blossoms still bloomed in the courtyard, and the air was warm as spring.
However, the occasional coughing revealed that the old Agricultural Officer was aging.
"Xue Wenzhong is already 98 years old, and his health isn’t good. During Emperor Jing's reign, welfare for officials wasn't very generous, and he’s already had the maximum two life extension blessings allowed for his rank. Who knows how much longer he has left?" Zhao Xing thought to himself.
"Old Agricultural Officer, please don't die this year. If you do, I'll lose my superior’s recommendation for promotion, and I’ll have to deal with more trouble."
It seemed his prayers had been answered, as Xue Wenzhong stopped coughing and looked up.
Oh, it was because the lecture had ended, and the session was now open for personal questions.
Posts
Comments
Post a Comment