The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

"Why did you come only now?"

At the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing saw the hurried arrival of Long Xiao.

"This time, it's stricter," Long Xiao said. "I planned to deliver these things to you half a month ago, but the military issued orders to all units, strictly forbidding interference with the reservists' training, especially the division assessments, which caused the delay."

"If interference is prohibited, then how did you..."

Long Xiao explained, "There are three things the military forbids: no sending of treasures or equipment, no directly giving out points, and no leading people to treasure lands for comprehension."

"Only in these last three days are we allowed to deliver some food."

"I received the notice while already en route, so since I was already here, I figured I'd drop off the items."

Long Xiao handed a package to Zhao Xing. "It's food, nothing too special. Before the division training, new recruits are not allowed to break into the eighth rank; otherwise, they'll be strictly investigated, so I didn't dare bring anything too good."

"Everything here is for after your division placement."

Zhao Xing accepted the package. It was quite heavy.

He could understand the military's restrictions.

While it's true that various corps are allowed to cultivate the talents they select, the resources used in division placements are predetermined.

If extravagant nurturing becomes commonplace, the division training would lose its meaning and simply become a competition of background resources between corps.

Nurturing could only begin after the training ends.

Long Xiao said, "With the rules as they are, we can't offer much support right now, but rest assured, if you don't have something, no one else will either."

"And if others have it, Chen and I will ensure you get it too."

These words felt comforting. Zhao Xing clasped his hands in thanks. "I won't let either of you down."

"Hahaha, no need to be so formal," Long Xiao laughed. "I have to head off now. You need to keep training, and I have my military duties in Xier County."

"We didn't expect you to rank 29th in the report. Chen and I were both surprised. Keep going strong, and we'll hear your good news from Xier County."

"Alright, no need to see me off."

With that, Long Xiao turned and left, disappearing in a few swift leaps.

Zhao Xing looked back at the package. Inside were primarily ten blocks of a material called Thunderstone.

Each block had a recovery price of 800 points in the armory and a sale price of 1,000 points.

There were also some miscellaneous food items, which together amounted to a recovery value of exactly 10,000 points.

Under the military's directive, the resources allocated to top talents on the selection list were limited to an initial value of 10,000 points during training.

This limit could only be exchanged after division placement.

Zhao Xing couldn't exchange them before placement since the feature wasn't unlocked yet.

After placement, there would be no need for extra gifts, as the division itself would provide resources.

"The four main academies will offer more resources to their talents."

Zhao Xing's eyes were resolute.

At places like the Di Li Academy, the Earth Vein Hall displayed wall murals of the earth veins of the nineteen provinces, but there were higher-level murals. The ones freely available were relatively low-level.

The Seventy-two Earth Palaces could also be accessed more closely for deeper observation.

The Profound Earth Prison would have more precious beasts for comprehension.

In the Taicang Academy, many precious original fruits were limited in supply, with a fixed number produced each year, naturally prioritizing the four main academies.

"I have two to three days left, I need to keep training."

After putting down the package, Zhao Xing immediately threw himself back into training.

On March 29, with twin suns in the sky.

The climate of Yangcheng became more pleasant, with a gentle breeze and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sleeping.

From noon to mid-afternoon, it was the time when people were most prone to drowsiness.

The presence of two suns made the weather even more soothing.

Throughout Yangcheng, most people were napping.

Only a few were still comprehending in the various treasure sites, preparing for the division assessment in two days.

"Yawn~" Zhao Xing was also yawning incessantly.

The weather was so comfortable, and the intensity of his recent training had been too high. He couldn't resist lying down in his room for a bit.

"Whoo~"

At the third quarter of the noon hour, a breeze blew from the Heaven Hall.

The wind was very faint but, in the blink of an eye, it reached the residential district, the Seventy-two Earth Palaces, the Profound Earth Prison… every corner of Yangcheng.

Zhao Xing was deep in sleep.

Suddenly, his brow twitched.

His deep sleep turned into a light one.

A second later, Zhao Xing woke up, frowning.

"This wind..."

He sat up, put on his clothes, and left the room, standing quietly in the courtyard.

Since he hadn't learned the Seasonal Qi Command yet, the weather within the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard followed the outside conditions.

Zhao Xing felt an unusual trace in the wind.

"There's a strange wind in the courtyard."

"It's very faint, but I can confirm it's neither natural nor leftover from the technique I practiced an hour ago."

It was as if a single new grain of rice had been dropped into a barrel of rice, and Zhao Xing was the person guarding that barrel.

The unusual wind that had blown in was like that single grain.

At this moment, Zhao Xing was tracking this faint and abnormal wind.

He moved cautiously, extending his senses. His Essence Soul, cultivated to the mid-ninth rank, made him highly alert.

He found the faint disturbance in the wind near the main trunk of the locust tree.

"Indeed, something's amiss!"

The wind swirled around the locust tree, rotating steadily. If he hadn't approached, he wouldn't have noticed; it was too faint!

Zhao Xing reached out and lightly touched the wind.

"Buzz~"

As soon as he touched it, the wind blew into his ear, and an extremely faint voice emerged.

"The division assessment has begun. All Shennong Corps reservists must report to the 'Eastern Outskirts of Yangcheng' by the third quarter of the afternoon."

"Those who arrive by then will be considered to have passed the first test and can proceed to the next round."

"No spells may be used during this period, nor may any communication of this to others be attempted. Violators will be disqualified."

The wind dispersed, and the voice faded away.

Zhao Xing's eyes gleamed with surprise.

"Whispering in the wind—what an interesting way to relay the message."

"They said the division test would be in a month, but it's actually starting on the second-to-last day?"

"Looking at the sudden appearance of the twin suns today and the weather that makes people drowsy, it's clear this was all planned."

Zhao Xing glanced at the sky, instantly understanding the examiners' intent.

The first test was all about the Shennong Corps' alertness!

"This test is tough. They might eliminate the majority of candidates with just this one round."

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xing opened the courtyard gate and headed out.

It was currently the third quarter of the noon hour. The deadline was the third quarter of the afternoon, meaning there was one hour to reach the location.

The eastern outskirts of Yangcheng weren't far.

As long as one heard the message, running there would be more than enough for the recruits.

"Without using spells, walking ensures that others don't realize something's up."

"If someone sees all the elites flying toward the eastern outskirts, they'll catch on quickly."

"So, we must act without raising suspicion. Flying would be too obvious, but walking is much more inconspicuous. After all, there are plenty of people wandering around the city."

As he thought, Zhao Xing headed toward the eastern outskirts.

However, after leaving the residential district, he didn't see many people.

The difficulty of the first test was greater than he had imagined.

The weather-induced drowsiness was even more potent than he had expected.

People on the streets were yawning, heading back to their homes.

Those who hadn't slept were getting ready to nap, and those who had were still groggy, trying to regain energy for the upcoming assessment.

"This manipulation of the weather to create a sleepy atmosphere is almost like an illusion," Zhao Xing marveled.

Residential District, Shiqiu Courtyard.

Fallen leaves scattered across the ground as a sunny and cheerful young man stepped barefoot from a grove of trees.

He looked up at the sky.

"Spring fatigue, autumn drowsiness, summer lethargy—three seasonal changes at once. No wonder I felt a bit sleepy earlier."

Shiqiu waved his hand, and a breeze blew over from a bamboo forest, swirling into his palm.

"The eastern outskirts of Yangcheng, third quarter of the afternoon."

He clenched his fist, dispersing the wind, and calmly walked out of the courtyard.

Feng Qiu's mansion.

A stern, short-haired young man sat cross-legged in a spacious room.

In front of him, two green shadows intertwined.

"Thud, thud, thud!"

Muffled sounds filled the air as the two wind shadows clashed like combatants.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Feng Qiu opened his eyes in confusion.

His cheeks hollowed, and he inhaled sharply!

In an instant, the two green shadows transformed into a stream of wind and flowed into his mouth.

"Something's wrong, there's an extra wind."

"Ah, I see."

Feng Qiu immediately stood up and walked out the door.

Di Li Academy, Earth Vein Hall.

Zuo Zizhi was deep in contemplation before a mural of the earth veins.

He had ranked second during the report and now stood in front of the mural, with no one daring to disturb him.

"At this moment?"

Zuo Zizhi's eyes left the mural, and he looked down at a breeze brushing past his ankle.

"Such a well-chosen time."

He glanced at the many people meditating in front of the mural, unaware of what was happening, then shook his head and left the hall.

Fuchun Hall, Twenty-Fourth Hour.

Hua Zhilin and Guan Junyang were both observing the buds of flowers on the ground.

"Brother Guan, something has come up. Today's observation of the Five Elements will end here," Hua Zhilin suddenly withdrew his gaze, preparing to send his guest away.

"Little Hua, you think I didn't notice as well?" Guan Junyang smiled lightly.

"Hahaha, I knew Brother Guan was no ordinary person," Hua Zhilin, with his soft features and delicate voice, responded playfully.

"Shall we head out together?"

"I was just about to suggest that."

Outside the city, the number of people decreased even further. By this time, only the strong were still on the move.

Li Feng exited from the southern gate of the city.

He had taken a long detour to finally reach the main road heading to the eastern outskirts.

Li Feng specialized in wind techniques, so this test posed no challenge for him.

He was among the first to react to the signal.

Now, as he looked around at the nearly deserted road, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Now this feels right!"

The last time he ranked over a hundred, it was purely an accident!

This—this is my true strength!

"This time, during the division assessment, I must clear my name! I will surpass Feng Qiu, surpass Zuo Zizhi, and even sur—WHAT THE HELL?!"

While running, Li Feng suddenly spotted a familiar silhouette up ahead.

"That's him!"

He instantly recognized Zhao Xing.

The scene felt all too familiar.

Once again, they encountered each other while running.

Li Feng quickly picked up his pace and caught up.

"Hey, you! You look awfully familiar!!!"

"I don't know you. You must have mistaken me for someone else," Zhao Xing replied and quickened his steps.

"Stop right there! Don't run if you dare!" Li Feng shouted.

"If you have guts, stop chasing!" Zhao Xing retorted.

"..."

Zhao Xing hadn't expected to run into Li Feng again, and he certainly didn't want to waste time causing unnecessary trouble. He lowered his head and sped up even more.

Thanks to the Whale Giant Pill, his internal organs had been strengthened. After carrying heavy loads during his debt repayment to True Lord Lihuo, Zhao Xing had undergone days of intensive training, making running seem effortless now.

For the moment, Li Feng couldn't catch up.

"Who's that? Why is Li Feng chasing after him?" Some members of the Hujiao Army, who recognized Li Feng, looked puzzled. "This test doesn't even rank us based on speed. There's no need for him to chase anyone."

"Who knows? Maybe they have some personal grudge."

As Zhao Xing kept running, he noticed that Li Feng hadn't given up yet. He sighed to himself.

All this trouble because I tricked him once. He really holds a grudge.

But Zhao Xing didn't want to clash with Li Feng, not now. He simply increased his pace and moved out of sight.

"Hmm? Is that Li Feng chasing someone?" Feng Qiu, who was walking alongside Zuo Zizhi, also saw the chase.

Zuo Zizhi frowned in thought. "That person looks familiar. Wasn't he the one who used the Earth Vein Consolidation technique in the Ten Thousand Li Thunder Pool region?"

"The Ten Thousand Li Thunder Pool?" Feng Qiu pondered. "Now that you mention it, I think I remember seeing him too. When I crossed the Gangfeng Mountain Range into the Yangcheng territory, I noticed someone using cloud and wind techniques to advance."

"His wind technique wasn't great, but his cloud technique wasn't bad. It seemed like he was using Cloud-Devouring techniques."

"It must be some old grievance," Zuo Zizhi chuckled. "Li Feng ranked sixth in our internal selection, but he ended up in the hundreds during the report ranking. It's likely this person had something to do with it."

"He doesn't seem like much," Feng Qiu said coldly. "Li Feng is pathetic."

Eastern Outskirts of Yangcheng.

Once Zhao Xing crossed the boundary marker, he immediately stopped running.

In front of him, a flying vessel hovered in mid-air.

Clearly, he had reached the destination.

"Buzz~"

His ground mirror vibrated slightly. When Zhao Xing took it out to check, he saw a notification from the Ten Suns Military Department.

It indicated that he had successfully passed the first test.

"Keep running! Go ahead, keep running! Let's see where you can run to!"

Li Feng appeared, panting, with a dark expression.

"You've caused me so much suffering."

Zhao Xing responded calmly, "There are many people in this world who look alike. You must have mistaken me for someone else."

Li Feng snorted, "You don't need to pretend. Even if you turned into ashes, I would still recognize you!"

Zhao Xing shrugged, "Alright, I'll stop pretending. I'm the one who tricked you. Are you going to argue with me now, and let everyone know about it?"

"You…" Li Feng stammered, realizing the crowd was growing and this wasn't the place to cause a scene.

"I'll remember this," Li Feng growled. "You'd better hope you don't fall into my hands."

"I'm waiting," Zhao Xing replied without hesitation. "You'd better hope I don't trick you again."

More people began to arrive, and Li Feng, growing more annoyed, let out a cold snort before turning to leave.

He couldn't stand looking at Zhao Xing any longer.

"What's going on here?"

At that moment, Han Bing crossed the boundary marker and arrived at Zhao Xing's side.

"Just a little dispute from the Ten Thousand Li Thunder Pool."

Han Bing raised an eyebrow in surprise. "So, you're the one who caused Li Feng to fall to over a hundredth place?"

Li Feng's ranking of over a hundred had stirred quite a bit of interest.

Since there were plenty of people present at the Thunder Pool, the story had spread quickly afterward.

Naturally, Li Feng became infamous for it.

"Yeah."

"Let me know if you need anything."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing, then smiled and nodded, acknowledging his gesture of goodwill.

After a moment, Han Bing asked, "Was the rampage on the Lava Plains your doing as well?"

Zhao Xing's eyes widened. "That's spread too?"

"No," Han Bing replied, shaking his head. "I guessed it. Call it instinct."

Seeing Zhao Xing's reaction, Han Bing immediately realized he had guessed correctly. "It was you?"

"Yeah," Zhao Xing admitted, slightly embarrassed. "Why are you stepping back?"

"I don't want to get hit by lightning if it strikes you."

"Hey, you just offered to help me a minute ago! Why are you changing your tune so quickly?"

"Do you need me to help collect your body?"

"…"

Han Bing had a cold, dry sense of humor that caught Zhao Xing off guard.

The two chatted briefly while waiting, and soon the time approached the third quarter of the afternoon.

As the time neared, more and more people gathered in the eastern outskirts of Yangcheng.

At first, there were only a dozen or so people.

By the afternoon, the number had grown to over a hundred.

By the third quarter, nearly a thousand people had arrived.

Just as the time hit the third quarter, two figures emerged from the flying vessel above.

The crowd below quickly recognized them.

"That's Zuo Zizhi, Shennong Master of the Pinghuai Academy!"

"And the other is Lu Bang, Shennong Commissioner of Taicang Academy!"

"Are they going to announce the results?"

"How many passed, I wonder?"

The titles "Shennong Master" and "Shennong Commissioner" were specific positions, and the commissioner was already a senior officer in the four main academies.

Seeing these two emerge, the crowd below began to buzz with discussion.

Zuo Zizhi and Lu Bang floated into the air, using wind to amplify their voices across the field.

"The first test is over. Nine hundred and thirty-one candidates have passed."

"Nine hundred and thirty-one candidates may proceed to the second test."

"Those who failed to receive the wind signal and report to the eastern outskirts of Yangcheng are to be assigned to academies outside the Taicang, Pinghuai, Heaven, and Earth Resources Academies."

Their voices echoed across all of Yangcheng.

Every recruit, whether they were meditating or still sleeping, heard the announcement.

"What? The test has already started? When did that happen?!"

"Weren't we told it was on April 1st? What wind signal? What's the eastern outskirts?"

"Sigh, I wasn't alert enough to even hear the wind message."

"Oh no, I can't believe I fell asleep at such a critical time!"

"Ah, I've lost my chance to enter the four main academies."

Throughout Yangcheng, recruits' complaints and regrets could be heard. Many beat themselves up over not being more vigilant.

Others accepted the fact that the test was incredibly challenging from the start. Out of over ten thousand candidates, 90% had been eliminated in the first round alone. No matter how alert one was, they might not have heard the wind signal. Those with a more pragmatic mindset quickly adjusted and prepared to compete for rankings in the other academies.

In the eastern outskirts, Zuo Zizhi continued, announcing the second test's requirements.