The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

As the scroll was unfurled, a small slip of paper fell out, resembling a manual.

"A mid-fourth-grade Earth-attribute spell from the Dili Sect, containing the Earth Palace Technique, with four chances to comprehend it."

Zhao Xing glanced at the manual, then set it aside.

Previously, Xue Wenzhong had shown him a lower fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting, the Ten Thousand Things Growth Chart, which belonged to the Benwo Sect and covered a broader range of techniques.

Now, however, the paintings Zhao Xing had obtained were specialized Dao Transmission paintings, guaranteeing insight into a specific category of spells.

"Zong Dashao really put in some effort. Dao Transmission paintings for the Earth Palace Technique are rare, second only to the Xuan Earth Technique in difficulty to acquire," Zhao Xing thought expectantly as he opened the scroll.

The power of the mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting hit him with even greater impact than when he had previously observed the lower fourth-grade Ten Thousand Things Growth Chart.

As soon as Zhao Xing's gaze landed on the painting, he was immediately captivated.

"Buzz~"

As his eyes focused on it, his mind was drawn into the painting as well.

"Whoosh~"

Falling—

Falling endlessly—

Zhao Xing felt his body grow impossibly heavy.

He descended at an astonishing speed.

As he fell, an overwhelming pressure accompanied him, similar to the feeling of being submerged underwater—where the deeper one goes, the greater the water pressure. However, this pressure wasn't as gentle as water; instead, it carried a sense of painful tearing.

It was unclear how much time passed before the first stage of the fall finally ended.

Zhao Xing slammed hard into a solid surface, his entire body bound by an invisible force, unable to move.

He lay prone on the ground, barely able to lift his head, and saw a translucent palace glowing faintly in the distance.

"Earth Palace."

Zhao Xing was instinctively drawn to the palace's ethereal image.

The palace was enormous, but its foundation wasn't built on the ground. Instead, it floated atop a flowing azure river.

"That's the Earth Vein."

Zhao Xing realized this instinctively.

Lying on the ground, he observed both the Earth Vein and the Earth Palace.

Earth Veins are deeply buried and difficult to sense on the surface, but underground, they were clearly visible. In this vision, the Earth Vein not only appeared vivid but also incredibly dynamic, brimming with energy.

The quality of this profound-grade Earth Vein was exceptionally high, and it seemed as though the Earth Palace was naturally formed from the active flow of the Earth Vein.

Its mysteriousness completely absorbed Zhao Xing, making him forget the pressure and restraints as he became entranced by the flowing Earth Vein.

"Can the mere natural flow of an Earth Vein truly form a palace?"

"What a marvelous creation."

"Hmm?"

As Zhao Xing gained more insight, the ground beneath him began to shift, pulling him rapidly toward the Earth Palace.

"Boom~"

His entire body seemed to shatter as it was absorbed into the flowing azure Earth Vein.

At that moment, Zhao Xing's perspective vanished, leaving only a strange sensation.

It was as if he had become part of the Earth Vein, flowing along with it, and in the process, had merged with the Earth Palace.

"So vast, heavy, and boundless. This Earth Palace is immense."

At this moment, Zhao Xing grasped the fundamental nature of the Earth Palace.

Sometimes he felt like a clump of soil, sometimes a supporting pillar, or even a single tile within the Earth Palace…

It was unclear how much time passed.

"Buzz~"

All the images quickly faded away, and Zhao Xing felt himself disconnect from the Earth Vein and Earth Palace.

In an instant, his consciousness returned.

"Marvelous."

Rather than immediately looking at the painting again after awakening, Zhao Xing instinctively extended a finger, sending a beam of golden light into the ground.

After waiting for a quarter-hour, he sent out a second beam.

The intervals between each subsequent beam grew shorter and shorter.

By the time he sent out the eighteenth and the twenty-fourth beams, they came in rapid succession.

"So this is the Boundless Earth Palace."

Zhao Xing smiled, a true sense of joy welling up from his heart as he grasped the essence of the technique.

"Buzz, buzz~"

At that moment, the room in the Ting Shui Pavilion where Zhao Xing was staying began to shake.

"Crack, crack, crack~"

Cracks appeared in the surrounding walls.

The floor split rapidly, and the beams and pillars supporting the room started to break, seemingly unable to bear the weight.

"Not good, it's going to collapse."

Zhao Xing quickly rolled up the painting and gathered his things, rushing out as fast as he could.

Just as he stepped out—

"Boom!"

The room in the Ting Shui Pavilion collapsed entirely, reduced to rubble in an instant.

The wreckage was pulverized to such an extent that not even a whole tile or intact piece of wood could be found.

"What's going on? An earthquake?" Zong Shichang arrived, holding the mountain cat in his arms.

Steward Tang and several servants also rushed over.

"Sorry about that, Zong Dashao," Zhao Xing apologized with some embarrassment. "I seem to have collapsed your room."

"No worries, it's just a room... Wait." Zong Shichang's eyes widened. "Did you say you caused this? My rooms are built from top-quality red pine! The foundation is incredibly sturdy!"

"It was an accident... Hey, don't go over there!" Zhao Xing interrupted as one of the servants approached the rubble, seemingly to inspect it.

However, as soon as the servant got close, his face contorted in pain, and he collapsed to the ground, struggling to breathe, as though crushed under an immense weight.

"Disperse!" Zhao Xing quickly waved a hand, dispelling the residual force.

"Gasp, gasp~" The servant stood up, gasping for air, his face flushed red. When he opened his robe, blood could be seen seeping from his pores.

"This…" Zong Shichang was shocked. His servants were martial artists of the fourth or fifth level of Gathering Essence Realm, no mere weaklings.

How had this servant collapsed from merely approaching the wreckage?

"His internal organs are damaged. Do you have any herbs for organ restoration? He'll need some." Using his Five Element Observation Technique, Zhao Xing could see that the servant's internal organs had shifted slightly and sustained some small injuries.

"Is it that serious?" The servant was terrified, as he felt much better after catching his breath, but hadn't realized he'd sustained internal injuries.

"Trust me."

"Uncle Tang, take him to heal." Zong Shichang, of course, trusted Zhao Xing.

Once the servants had dispersed, he curiously asked, "What technique was that?"

"It's from the Earth Palace Technique, called Boundless Earth Palace."

Zhao Xing explained, "This spell uses the Earth Vein as a foundation, creating a magical Earth Palace that can draw in and suppress external objects. At its highest level, the Earth Palace Technique can even trap gods and demons."

"There's a legendary spell called Demon God Earth Palace, capable of imprisoning and refining powerful deities and demons within the palace."

"After refining them, their essence could even be used as nutrients for plants."

"Is there really such a spell?" Zong Shichang's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why haven't I heard of it?"

There are many things you haven't heard of... Zhao Xing thought to himself.

"Ancient legends, of course, are exaggerated," Zhao Xing said casually. "There are four great sacred techniques of the Dili Sect: Earth Splitting Technique, Earth Repository Technique, Earth Palace Technique, and Xuan Earth Technique. They all have ties to Earth Veins and the myths of deities."

"So what does this Boundless Earth Palace do exactly?" Zong Shichang asked.

"As you saw," Zhao Xing pointed to the collapsed room. "Its suppressive power can crush anyone or anything that enters the Earth Palace's domain."

Zong Shichang looked closely and noticed that the room's foundation had sunk about three feet lower than the surrounding area.

The wreckage was so pulverized that no intact tile or brick could be found, as though everything had been ground to dust.

"You're becoming more and more like an official military shennong officer," Zong Shichang remarked with a sigh. No ordinary agricultural officer would know such a spell. "Are you planning to join the military?"

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "That's my plan."

"Becoming a military shennong officer isn't easy," Zong Shichang said. "Your position in Nanyang County is a civilian agricultural officer, but to join the military, you'll have to pass different selections depending on the army's requirements."

"Even if you make it in, you'll start at the ninth rank, and I've heard the conditions for military shennong officers are harsh. You'll be sent to desolate regions to work. Your current post is already secure. Why go through all that trouble?"

Zong Shichang added, "These days, it's much easier and more comfortable being a civilian officer."

"Find a stable and fertile place as an agricultural officer, with no natural disasters, and you won't have to work too hard. Good weather and environment will ensure good harvests."

"Stay there for a few years, grease the right palms, and wait for your promotion. Isn't that the best plan?"

Most noble children followed this path, and Zong Shichang was no exception. He couldn't understand why Zhao Xing wanted to become a military shennong officer.

"Everyone has their own ambitions," Zhao Xing replied with a smile. "While your plan is sound, it's not suitable for me."

There were only so many good positions, and without the right connections or resources, it would be impossible to secure one.

Sure, it was a stable path, but it was too slow for Zhao Xing's liking.

Besides, in this era, Emperor Jing had been steadily draining the resources of the noble families. Walking this path peacefully was no longer feasible.

"Alright then, I'll find you another room," Zong Shichang said, not pressing the matter.

"Just find me a spot outdoors," Zhao Xing followed along.

[You have observed the mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting 'Phantom Earth Palace' and comprehended the mid-grade spell 'Boundless Earth Palace'. Remaining insights: 3]

Boundless Earth Palace: Mid-grade spell

Proficient: Three Transformations (3548/9999)

Effect: Constructs a Boundless Earth Palace using the Earth Vein as its foundation, releasing immense suppressive force with the capacity to layer up to three times.

"No wonder this mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting is so powerful," Zhao Xing nodded in satisfaction.

Why buy a Dao Transmission painting instead of receiving spells at the temple?

Here's why:

At the temple, receiving spells was random. There was no guarantee you'd get what you wanted. Some spells couldn't even be learned without specific qualifications or official positions.

Also, at the temple, they merely guide you to the entrance. Those with poor talent might not even be able to enter.

But Dao Transmission paintings were different. They were targeted and ensured that you could learn specific spells.

Moreover, Dao Transmission paintings condensed the comprehension of the Dao into the artwork. Observing these paintings didn't just help with getting started; those with higher aptitude could even skip the introductory stages, rapidly elevating their spell level by several transformations.

Zhao Xing's aptitude, talent, and foundation had all been refined for over half a year through Dao Embryo Pills, making the effects of the Dao Transmission painting reach their highest potential.

"This money was well spent," Zhao Xing thought with satisfaction.

The Earth Palace Technique was equivalent to creating a domain.

In the area affected by the Boundless Earth Palace, enemies would be severely hindered, their speed drastically reduced, as if fighting under three times the normal gravity.

Their speed and energy consumption would increase, their techniques would warp, and their combat effectiveness would be significantly diminished.

"At higher levels, the Earth Palace Technique can absorb any spell cast within its domain, preventing it from even reaching its target. Eventually, it can even trap and refine gods and demons as nourishment... This is a technique I must master thoroughly," Zhao Xing thought determinedly.

The Dao Transmission painting of the Earth Palace Technique still had three more insights left, which would further enhance the Boundless Earth Palace rather than unlocking new spells. The focus would be on deepening his comprehension and advancing his cultivation.

Zhao Xing stored the painting away. The efficacy of further insights would be slightly reduced in the short term, so he decided to learn other things first.

"The second painting, mid-fourth grade, Earth Repository Technique."

Zhao Xing opened the scroll, and immediately, a vast land appeared before him.

The land was a yellow-gray color, with countless mountains and rivers that intertwined like lines, flowing and crisscrossing in his vision.

"This seems to be a bird's-eye view..." Zhao Xing thought to himself.

But something felt off.

"Hmm? Why does this seem familiar?"

Zhao Xing pondered, observing the yellow-gray lines carefully.

After a moment, it dawned on him.

The perspective shifted from the sky to the ground.

When he appeared on the ground, Zhao Xing found himself completely bare, his feet sinking into the earth.

His entire body slowly sank into the ground, leaving only his head above.

Warmth, moisture, and streams of vitality surged up from the earth.

"I'm a tree."

This thought completely filled Zhao Xing's mind. At first, he found it difficult to fully immerse himself, but gradually, he truly began to feel like a tree, with streams of vitality flowing into his pores like water.

He began to Vigorous Growther, rooted in the earth.

As he 'grew', his body slowly emerged from the ground until he was standing on the surface, with only a layer of his feet still rooted in the soil.

"Buzz~"

The observation ended.

Zhao Xing snapped back to reality.

"No wonder it felt so familiar. It's the Earth Vein Consolidation technique in its human form."

Zhao Xing checked his panel for updates.

[You have observed the mid-fourth-grade Dao Transmission painting 'Earth Vein Surge' and comprehended the mid-grade spell 'Earth Repository · Human Path'. Remaining insights: 3]

Earth Repository · Human Path: Mid-grade spell

Proficient: Three Transformations (3885/9999)

Effect: Steals Earth Vein energy and absorbs it for personal use, generating a continuous flow of energy, making your spells endless.

The lower-grade version of Earth Vein Consolidation was aimed at plant life.

The mid- and high-grade versions, known as Earth Repository Consolidation, were more refined in their effects and power.

The human path version of Earth Repository Consolidation was specifically tailored for human cultivation.

"Just as plants absorb Earth Vein energy, human life can do the same, though the process is more complex."

"Human Earth Repository and plant Earth Repository are vastly different, and it's far more intricate than Earth Vein Consolidation," Zhao Xing reflected.

This spell wasn't taught at the temples, not even to clerks.

Let's not forget, the Earth Repository and Earth Vein Consolidation techniques had a nickname: Essence-Stealing Arts.

If everyone were allowed to learn these techniques, it would result in a society full of opportunists.

This spell was stealthy yet highly destructive. If anyone could learn it, people would be constantly 'stealing from the crops.'

"Human Earth Repository can aid in cultivation and be used in combat with prior preparation, but I'll have to practice it in secret. Only after becoming a military shennong officer can I use it openly. Otherwise, it could cause trouble."

Zhao Xing didn't even dare to practice it in the city, for fear of being discovered and summoned for questioning.

Strictly speaking, this spell was prohibited from being practiced on Da Zhou's land, whether or not it was your own.

But why did the spell still exist? Because during Da Zhou's external expansions, this technique was far too useful to abandon.

"It seems that some of the noble families are secretly practicing it, thanks to Lu Qian. This ban really is a case of 'the state allows it, but the common folk don't get to benefit.'" Zhao Xing sneered. It was like how wealthy people in his previous life owned private jets and pools that consumed massive amounts of resources but urged the common people to conserve water and energy.

"Why not? I'll use it too! And I'll practice it diligently!" Zhao Xing thought fiercely.

Having comprehended these two spells, night had already fallen.

Zong Shichang enthusiastically invited him to stay the night at his estate, and Zhao Xing accepted without hesitation.

Steward Tang sent a servant to inform Zhao Ruide in Kangping Alley, then prepared dinner for the young master and his distinguished guest.

"Long ago, at the dawn of time, the first humans were born. Proud and self-reliant, they embraced simplicity and truth. Yet, as intelligence blossomed, they needed guidance. Who would sustain them? Only wise men could," Zong Shichang recited, raising his cup in a toast to Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing smiled slightly and raised his own cup: "Who are these wise men? They are Hou Ji, the god of agriculture. How did they sustain the people? By teaching them to sow seeds. From Xia's farming to Tang's harvests, even in the Zhou dynasty, agriculture was a core part of governance."

The two were reciting the Song of Encouraging Agriculture, taking turns. Whoever couldn't complete a verse had to drink.

Zong Shichang pondered for a while, then clumsily continued, "Prosperity flowed over the fields, the land abundant and peaceful. The people, men and women alike, labored in the fields with joy. The weavers toiled at night, and the farmers slept in the open..."

Zhao Xing picked up, "Time passes, and the gentle weather is fleeting. Those who once labored in joy now face hardships. Even the wise and diligent, who worked the fields, are left with little. How can we, the common folk, remain idle?"

Zong Shichang lifted his cup, "A life of diligence ensures prosperity. Prosperity... and, uh, what was the next part?"

Zhao Xing filled his cup, "Don't think too hard, just drink!"

"Damn it, I lost again." Zong Shichang downed the drink in one gulp. "No more, I can't keep up with you."

"Hard work is the key to success, but those who seek only comfort will struggle to make ends meet," Zhao Xing continued. "Surrounded by so many diligent people, here we are drinking and making merry. Shouldn't we feel ashamed?"

Zong Shichang laughed and grabbed the wine jar, "You're so full of it! Drink! We can be diligent tomorrow!"

Zhao Xing laughed heartily, letting go of all his worries as he and Zong Shichang drank to their hearts' content.

The next morning, Zong Shichang was still fast asleep, but Zhao Xing had already awoken.

It was the mountain cat's loud cries that woke him.

"Awoooo! Awooo!!" The screeching was sharp, as though the cat was being beaten.

"Alright, alright." Zhao Xing got up and opened the door. "It's not even breakfast time yet, why are you in such a rush? Anyone would think I'm starving you."

"Meow~" The mountain cat immediately became docile once the door opened, its cries turning soft and pitiful.

"Look at you." Zhao Xing sighed, opening the box containing dried bamboo fish. "Here, enjoy."

"Nom, nom, nom~" The mountain cat devoured the fish happily.

After feeding the cat, Zhao Xing went outside.

He found a quiet spot near a rock garden and began to unpack the box containing the scrolls.

When he saw the small slip of paper beside the scroll, Zhao Xing was taken aback. "Huh? This is a supreme fourth-grade Myriad Law Cloud Diagram?"

The slip of paper had a line of elegant handwriting: A gift of the Myriad Law Cloud Diagram, may your wishes come true.

"Ugh, why leave a note? Women only slow down my spellcasting..." Zhao Xing muttered, tossing the note aside, solidifying his resolve, and began observing the painting.