The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Zhao Xing noticed that he wasn't the only one invited to the second-floor pavilion; other officials were also summoning Zhuang Ziqing, Shi Yong, and others.

"I wonder what this is about."

After entering the second-floor pavilion, Lu Bang and Zuo Zizhi led Zhao Xing to a quiet and elegant room.

"Greetings, Lord Zuo, Lord Lu," Zhao Xing said respectfully.

"Please, sit," Zuo Zizhi smiled warmly. "There's no need to stand on ceremony."

Zhao Xing cupped his hands and sat down.

"I wonder what orders the two lords have for me?" Zhao Xing inquired.

Zuo Zizhi spoke first, "No specific orders. We just wanted to have a private chat and ask you about your thoughts."

"As a Military Shennong, there are three major schools, each with countless techniques. However, a person's energy is limited, so it's best to primarily cultivate one school and supplement with the other two."

"Furthermore, as a Military Shennong in the reserves, the school you focus on will determine your future duties in the military."

"Do you have any plans in mind?"

Upon hearing Zuo Zizhi's question, Zhao Xing began to reflect.

He had already considered the timing for cultivating different schools, but the specifics would depend on the situation.

For instance, in the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven Realm, why are there four main academies instead of three?

The Tian Shi Academy and Di Li Academy are easy to understand.

The Taicang Academy corresponds to the Self School.

The Pinghuai Academy, however, is not based on any school but serves military purposes.

It was set up because Zhao Xing's location, Pinghai Province, was partially formed from the remnants of the ocean. The sea was driven back by human intervention, forcing the aquatic races into deeper waters, leaving behind land.

However, Pinghai Province remains rich in water energy, with many rivers. The most famous ones are the Canglan River, Yuan River, Xuantian River, and Feng River.

These four major waterways are vital to the stability of Pinghai Province and the livelihoods of millions of people.

Therefore, in Pinghai Province, especially near coastal cities and islands, the Military Shennong has a higher status, and the Pinghuai Academy is singled out for this reason.

Military ranks like Pinghuai Commander, Pinghuai Captain, and Pinghuai Lieutenant are all related to this.

If Zhao Xing's future includes managing water resources or if the Shenwei Army plans to combat aquatic tribes, then the Pinghuai Academy is worth considering.

Moreover, certain military positions have strong ties to specific schools.

For example, the Tiller Order or the Plain Commander focus on improving the environment's resources, providing training materials and food for the army by overseeing cultivation.

The Nine-Rank Commander, a combat-focused role, always follows the army in battle.

Other positions like the Grain Commander and Cultivation Lieutenant focus on the Self School, identifying rare plants and cultivating new 'evolved species' for human consumption.

Regardless of the position, the Heaven, Earth, and Self Schools are indispensable.

Although the Heaven School dominates, it doesn't reject the others; it simply prioritizes one over the others.

This prioritization becomes more apparent in certain military roles.

"I personally believe that all four academies—Tianshi, Dili, Pinghuai, and Taicang—are important."

"The Shenwei Army hasn't assigned me a specific role yet, but I've found it easier to cultivate techniques from the Heavenly Time and Earth Schools."

Zhao Xing first presented his viewpoint, noting the importance of all four academies to avoid offending anyone.

Then he laid out the facts, mentioning his faster cultivation progress with the Heavenly Time and Earth Schools.

This subtly conveyed that he was open to any academy.

In truth, Zhao Xing meant it. He could make progress with both the Heaven and Earth Schools.

As for the Self School, Zhao Xing planned to delve into it after reaching the Fifth Rank.

Once his essence gathering reached the fiftieth level, he would be truly ready to dive into the Self School.

Until then, he would only dabble in it, without dedicating too much effort.

"Hm," Zuo Zizhi nodded slightly, as Zhao Xing's answer aligned with the current mainstream thinking.

"What Earth Schooll techniques have you cultivated?" Lu Bang asked.

"I've cultivated the Profound Earth Technique, Earth Palace Technique, Earth Storage Technique, and the Earth Splitting Technique," Zhao Xing said thoughtfully. "My Profound Earth Technique has reached the seventh stage. I've cultivated two Earth Palace techniques—one at the seventh stage, and the other at the eighth stage."

"My Earth Storage Technique is at the sixth stage, and my Earth Splitting Technique has reached the seventh stage."

He didn't mention the specific techniques because the Earth Storage Technique could raise some eyebrows. However, Lu Bang didn't need to know every detail—just the level of mastery and the number of techniques.

After hearing Zhao Xing's explanation, Lu Bang got to the real reason for calling him in: "Since you've said you're proficient in both the Heaven and Earth Schools, I'll be straightforward."

"You will undoubtedly be evaluated as a top-tier talent. Whether you enter the Tian Shi Academy, Di Li Academy, Taicang Academy, or Pinghuai Academy, you will receive access to the best training grounds and resources from all the academies."

"Which academy you choose will only affect your instructor. Do you understand?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "I understand."

Being evaluated as a top-tier talent meant he would receive top-tier training resources, regardless of the academy. However, if he were evaluated lower, he might have to wait or even miss out on certain resources.

Lu Bang continued, "Since you understand, I'll be blunt."

"Lord Tian, of the Di Li Academy, has asked me to keep an eye out for promising talent."

"After hearing your proficiency in Earth School techniques, I believe the Di Li Academy is a good fit for you."

"Lord Tian is willing to personally mentor you. As long as what you've said is accurate, you'll receive top-tier resources at the Di Li Academy."

Zhao Xing quietly listened. It seemed the Di Li Academy was trying to recruit him after the fourth test.

No wonder they hadn't left yet and were still lingering in the skies.

The Tian Shi Academy was probably guarding against this.

"Of course," Lu Bang smiled, "if you prefer the Taicang Academy, I'd be willing to personally train you. However, since you've already expressed your preference, I won't pressure you. You can join my training sessions later."

Lord Tian? The name didn't reveal much, but Zuo Zizhi explained, "Lord Tian's full name is Tian Yan. His title was inherited. During the Taizu period, his ancestor was granted the title of Duke of Guliu. Over time, the title was passed down, and now it's at the marquis level."

Zhao Xing understood. The hereditary system in the Great Zhou Dynasty only applied to a few titles, like princes and dukes, while most titles were gradually downgraded with each succession.

Lu Bang added a few more details about Lord Tian: "Lord Tian is at the Fifth Rank, is quite wealthy, and is known to be generous."

Initially, Zhao Xing wasn't too interested, but hearing the words "quite wealthy" and "generous" piqued his curiosity.

"You don't have to decide right now. You can see if the Tian Shi Academy sends you an invitation," Lu Bang said openly.

"You can weigh your options once you know more."

"Thank you, Lord Lu and Lord Zuo, for your guidance," Zhao Xing said, pulling out his communication mirror.

Sure enough, there was a message from the Tian Shi Academy.

The message praised Zhao Xing's outstanding performance in the four tests and offered him a place at the academy.

Zhao Xing skipped the pleasantries and focused on the part about training resources.

[If you join the Tian Shi Academy, you will receive 'Top-Middle' training resources and be trained by Tian Shi Academy Shennong Master, Ge Jinsong.]

"Only top-middle resources?" Zhao Xing frowned slightly. "No top-tier resources? Is it because my Wind Technique is lacking?"

The first test didn't rank people, so his Wind Technique level wasn't fully evaluated until the third test.

"At that time, I only had the third stage of the Minor Nine Heavenly Gale Technique."

As for his ninth-stage Yin Wind Technique, the Tian Shi Academy likely didn't consider it a true Heavenly Time technique. Even if Zhao Xing mentioned it, they might not recognize it.

"Forget it. Better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond."

"If the Tian Shi Academy doesn't value me and only offers top-middle resources, I'll go to the Di Li Academy," Zhao Xing decided.

He quickly looked up at Lu Bang and said, "I'm willing to join the Di Li Academy and study under Lord Tian."

Lu Bang, satisfied with the outcome, smiled and said, "Good. When we land, I'll take you to meet Lord Tian."

Before the Yunyu Ship landed, the two hundred candidates had to make their final decisions.

Most of them chose the Tian Shi Academy, though only fifty would be accepted.

For those who received a direct invitation, only twelve slots were offered.

"Zhuang Ziqing refused," the four Tian Shi Academy officials discussed in the pavilion. "He wants to join the Di Li Academy."

"A shame. Zhuang Ziqing is a rare talent," one of them lamented. He had wanted to take Zhuang Ziqing as a student, offering him top-tier resources, but Zhuang Ziqing had declined.

"Zhao Xing also refused," Ge Jinsong put down his communication mirror, his face expressionless. "The top-middle training resources weren't enough to sway him."

"I told you we should have offered him top-tier resources," one elder laughed. "Who cares if his Wind Technique is weak or if he lacks military experience?"

"But his Wind Technique is terrible—only at the third stage of Minor Nine Heavenly Gale Technique," another said. "And with no experience? Ge, you're already generous for offering top-middle resources."

One elder advocated giving Zhao Xing a lower offer, while another suggested a higher one. Ge Jinsong had taken the middle road.

But it wasn't enough to entice Zhao Xing.

It wasn't that the Tian Shi Academy underestimated Zhao Xing. Top-middle resources were still quite high, and Ge Jinsong was a Fifth Rank expert.

Had Lord Tian not interfered, Zhao Xing might have accepted. After all, there would still be opportunities to improve his status within the academy.

But given the better offer from the Di Li Academy, Zhao Xing declined.

"Let it be," Ge Jinsong shook his head. "If the timing isn't right, it's not meant to be. Perhaps he was never meant to focus on the Heavenly Time techniques."

The Yunyu Ship traveled through strong winds for two more quarter-hours, emerging to a sky with only two suns.

Clouds floated lazily, and greenery spread across the landscape.

Yangcheng appeared in the distance.

After disembarking, the two hundred candidates split into two groups.

The fifty who had been accepted into the Tian Shi Academy were done with their tests and returned to the Military Shennong Division in Yangcheng.

The remaining 150 continued their tests.

The fifth and sixth tests were for the Di Li Academy.

The seventh and eighth were for the Pinghuai and Taicang Academies.

However, these tests were relatively simpler.

If someone could reach a high level with Heavenly Time techniques, their skills in the other schools would likely be decent too. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been selected as a Military Shennong in a secondary corps.

These 150 candidates were assured entry into the remaining three academies. The only question was the level of training resources they would receive.

"Shi Yong and Feng Qiu went to the Tian Shi Academy, but Zhuang Ziqing stayed behind, along with Guan Junyang, Hua Zhilin, and Han Bing," Zhao Xing observed the crowd.

"I heard the Tian Shi Academy offered Zhuang Ziqing top-tier resources, but he still didn't go," Zhao Xing shook his head. Those who wanted to go couldn't get in, while those offered high resources declined—it was the way of the world.

The Di Li Academy's test took place on a rocky, hard terrain where the candidates displayed their Earth techniques.

Zhao Xing demonstrated the Five Elements Earth Splitting and Boundless Earth Palace techniques in the fifth test. Shortly after, he received a notification on his communication mirror.

It was a formality. He had already been selected.

The same applied to Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, and eight others.

Zhao Xing suspected this had all been arranged during the ship journey.

They were taken to the Di Li Academy in a Yunyu Ship.

Lu Bang then escorted Zhao Xing to a large estate.

Rows of fruit trees grew outside, their branches laden with rare and exotic fruits that Zhao Xing didn't even recognize.

But their value was clear—their quality was incredibly high.

"This is Lord Tian's Fuchun Garden."

Lu Bang pointed to the estate.

"Lord Tian is also one of the Di Li Academy's Shennong Commissioners."

The ranks in the Di Li Academy were Commissioner, Instructor, and Master. Above them all was the Grand Commissioner, the head of the entire Di Li Academy.

When Zhao Xing and Lu Bang landed, Lord Tian was already waiting at the entrance.

This wasn't a coincidence; Zhao Xing couldn't enter without an invitation.

"Lord Tian, I've brought him," Lu Bang smiled. "This is Zhao Xing."

Lord Tian had graying hair and beard, but his face was smooth and rosy, with no wrinkles.

He was slightly plump, with a gentle, affable smile.

As Lu Bang introduced Zhao Xing, Lord Tian's eyes curved in welcome.

"Thank you, Lu Bang. Care to come in for a while?"

Lu Bang shook his head, "I won't impose. I have business at the Taicang Academy. I'll take my leave."

After Lu Bang left, Zhao Xing bowed deeply, "Student Zhao Xing greets Teacher."

"Good, good! Come inside," Lord Tian smiled. "From today, you are my student."

Entering the estate, Zhao Xing immediately felt the warmth and comfort inside.

Fuchun Garden was a beautiful place, with hills, streams, forests of fruit trees, blooming flowers, and rare plants scattered throughout.

Walking alongside Lord Tian, Zhao Xing passed by several pavilions and streams, each thoughtfully arranged according to the principles of feng shui. It was clear that his new teacher enjoyed a life of luxury.

"Zhao Xing, sit," Lord Tian gestured him to a seat in the main hall.

"Thank you, Teacher," Zhao Xing remained polite, unsure of Lord Tian's temperament.

"No need to be too formal. I chose you for a reason," Lord Tian reassured him. "You can relax a bit."

"Yes."

"Now that you've joined the Di Li Academy and taken me as your teacher, I'll be responsible for your training this year," Lord Tian said. "Besides the mandatory sessions, I'll personally guide your optional training and cultivation."

"You've been granted top-tier training resources, so you'll have access to the academy's three main sites: the Mysterious Earth Prison, the Seventy-Two Earth Palaces, and the Earth Vein Hall."

"You can enter these three locations for study three times for free. Any additional access will depend on your performance in training."

Zhao Xing listened intently. The public study areas were free, but at Mysterious Earth Prison, he would only be able to observe the lower-level beasts. The Seventy-Two Earth Palaces could only be viewed from a distance, and the Earth Vein Hall's murals were divided into different levels.

"In addition, you'll have two free opportunities to study the 108 Seasonal Qi Command Tablets at the Tian Shi Academy, the Primal Dao Field at Taicang Academy, and the Thirty-Six Waterways at Pinghuai Academy."

"You'll also receive 5,000 points as your starting balance, up from 100 points."

"You can buy native treasures from the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven Realm at a 20% discount, and you'll have priority in purchasing them. However, the items must be for personal use. Any unauthorized resale or distribution will be met with severe punishment."

"I understand, Teacher," Zhao Xing nodded. He knew selling military resources was a serious crime, and he wasn't foolish enough to make that mistake.

"Additionally, I'll give you a personal gift worth 50,000 points." Lord Tian waved his hand, and a large chest floated over to Zhao Xing.

"The mandatory training session begins in one month. These 50,000 points are to help you prepare for it."

50,000 points? Zhao Xing was shocked at his teacher's generosity—giving such a valuable gift right away.

"Thank you for your generosity, Teacher," Zhao Xing said gratefully.

"The mandatory training is intense and grueling," Lord Tian warned. "You're highly regarded now, and your performance not only reflects on the Shenwei Army but also on me."

"Entering the Di Li Academy is just the beginning. If you take all these resources but fail to perform, your status will be downgraded."

"Right now, there are 21 students with top-tier resources across the four academies. Your competition is the other 20."

"If you maintain your top-tier status through the training, you may even be promoted to a Seventh-Rank Officer!"

"But because of this, the selection process is strict."

"If you rank in the bottom five for three consecutive evaluations, you will lose your top-tier status and be downgraded to middle-tier. And the same process applies every month."

"So, you cannot afford to slack off, understood?" Lord Tian spoke sternly.

"Yes, Teacher. I will not disappoint you," Zhao Xing assured him.

"Good. You may go now," Lord Tian smiled. "Come see me every three days. I'll arrange extra training based on your progress."

"Remember, your competition is only the other 20 top-tier students. It doesn't matter if you surpass 9,900 others—focus on them."

"Yes, Teacher. I take my leave."

Carrying the chest back to his residence at the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing saw a message on his communication mirror confirming his 5,000 points had been credited.

He eagerly opened the chest that Lord Tian had given him as a welcome gift.