The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Cultivation techniques related to growth require a specific target for casting, and different plants yield varying levels of proficiency.

To quickly gain proficiency in Vigorous Growth, it's best to practice on plants with short life cycles.

The plant Zhao Xing was currently looking at was a type of grass called Toothgrass.

"Toothgrass can mature from a seedling to full bloom in less than a month under natural conditions. It's usually used as feed for cattle and sheep, but it's rare in the southern regions. The old Shennong Officer's courtyard truly is a treasure trove."

Zhao Xing immediately ran over to the patch of Toothgrass.

Exerting his energy, he enveloped the Toothgrass, and the Vigorous Growth spell glowed faintly.

In the blink of an eye, the Toothgrass began growing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

[You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothgrass. The plant has grown from the seedling stage to the growth stage. Spell proficiency +50.]

[You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothgrass. The plant has grown from the growth stage to the mature stage. Spell proficiency +150.]

His energy was depleting rapidly, but the proficiency of Vigorous Growth was soaring.

In the early stages, when the spell level is low, choosing the right target for practice allows for rapid proficiency gain.

Of course, talent and comprehension also play a role.

Before consuming the Dao Embryo Pill, Zhao Xing would not have been able to gain this much proficiency.

"By using Five-Element Observation, I can make the Toothgrass grow even faster." Zhao Xing started to gain some insight as he cast the spell.

The Toothgrass in front of him appeared semi-transparent, its roots and stems clearly visible.

Directing the energy to the right spot would allow the Toothgrass to grow faster and smoother... That was the power of Five-Element Observation!

With Five-Element Observation, it was like applying medicine directly to the right ailment, making the Vigorous Growth spell much more effective and greatly enhancing the efficiency of cultivation.

[You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothgrass. The plant has grown from the seedling stage to the growth stage. Spell proficiency +50.]

[You cast 'Vigorous Growth' on Toothgrass. The plant has grown from the growth stage to the mature stage. Spell proficiency +150.]

A wave of emptiness washed over him, and Zhao Xing stopped casting, as his energy had been depleted.

The patch of land in front of him was now completely covered with Toothgrass, even spilling over to the sides.

"Gulp, gulp."

Zhao Xing drew some well water, drank a few mouthfuls to alleviate his fatigue, and sat by the well, feeling quite satisfied.

Vigorous Growth: Beginner Stage Spell

Progress: (3210/9999)

Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption and shortens the plant's growth cycle.

"Vigorous Growth has now reached the third transformation. It's only mid-morning, and I've already climbed two levels."

"Let's try this old locust tree."

Zhao Xing pointed at the ancient tree, and golden light spun in the air three times before sinking into the locust tree.

The old locust tree didn't even shake, indicating that Zhao Xing's magic was far too weak to affect it.

His panel showed no response.

"This old locust tree has deep roots, and with Five-Element Observation, I can see its annual rings, resembling an impenetrable wall. My current energy isn't enough to break through its growth barrier."

Cultivation was always a gradual process, so Zhao Xing wasn't surprised.

"I should focus on cultivating the Toothgrass. I'll set a small goal—before the Start of Autumn Exam, I'll get Vigorous Growth to the ninth transformation!"

Time passed, and soon it was the day before the Start of Autumn Exam.

For the past six days, Zhao Xing had done nothing but practice with the Toothgrass.

Planting, pulling, then planting again. When the soil was depleted, he would move to a different spot.

He even utilized the nighttime for practice.

Vigorous Growth: Beginner Stage Spell

Progress: (9010/9999)

Effect: Accelerates nutrient absorption and shortens the plant's growth cycle.

"Finally, the ninth transformation."

Zhao Xing let out a sigh of relief. After his joy subsided, deep exhaustion followed.

Without worrying too much, he grabbed a bamboo mat in the back courtyard and immediately fell asleep.

Xue Wenzhong arrived in the courtyard, observing the piles of weeds and the sleeping Zhao Xing. He nodded slightly.

Then, he gently waved his hand, and a soft breeze swirled around Zhao Xing.

Though the movement was subtle, it was powerful enough to lift Zhao Xing gently into the air.

Without even realizing it, Zhao Xing was carried by Xue Wenzhong into his own bedroom.

When Zhao Xing woke up, he felt more refreshed than ever. While he had slept, it seemed as though a cool breeze had been blowing on him the whole time. Despite the oppressive summer heat, he felt as though he had slept in the comfortable warmth of spring.

"Ugh~" Stretching lazily, Zhao Xing suddenly realized something was off. "Wasn't I sleeping outside? How did I end up in bed?"

"Looks like Teacher carried me in. But my clothes are still covered in dirt..."

Seeing the mess he had made of the bamboo mat, Zhao Xing searched around for something to clean it with.

As he looked up, he noticed a painting hanging on the wall.

Instantly, Zhao Xing's eyes were glued to it.

The painting emitted a faint glow, almost as if it had some sort of magical power. Without realizing it, Zhao Xing found himself walking toward the mural, his soul feeling as though it was being drawn in.

In the painting, the mist cleared, revealing green shoots emerging from the earth. Countless plants seemed to burst forth, like bamboo shoots after a rain. The energy of the world, normally invisible, appeared as tangible forms, clearly visible between the heavens and the earth.

From beneath the ground, there came a unique rhythm, as though the land itself was breathing.

"Is that... the earth's veins?" Zhao Xing suddenly understood.

Life and energy intertwined in that moment, with the yin and yang of the world's energy blending together. One by one, the plants appeared before his eyes, from seedlings to maturity, then to flowering and fruiting...

"Humm~"

He had no idea how much time had passed, but Zhao Xing eventually emerged from the trance-like state.

The painting was still a painting, but it no longer exuded the mystical power from before.

"It turns out this is a painting of the growth of all things, a classic work from our school." Zhao Xing quickly realized. "But this level of profoundness... just how advanced is this copy?"

He checked his panel, and sure enough, there were some new entries:

You have discovered the 'Copy of the Painting of Growth' (Fourth Rank, Lower Grade).

This treasure is a work of teaching. Remaining uses: 1.

You have studied the 'Copy of the Painting of Growth' (Fourth Rank, Lower Grade). Vigorous Growth has reached its maximum level.

You have comprehended the intermediate spell 'Wild Growth.'

You have comprehended the beginner spell 'Earth Vein Consolidation.'

"Ah~"

Suddenly, the painting hanging on the wall spontaneously combusted, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Huh?" Zhao Xing quickly tried to catch it, but the painting burned so fast it turned to ashes in just a second.

"The remaining use of the painting of teachings was used up by me." Zhao Xing felt a bit guilty.

A fourth-rank treasure was no ordinary item, let alone a rare painting of teachings. How was he going to explain this to the old Shennong Officer?

Just as he was contemplating, Xue Wenzhong's voice came from outside: "It's getting late. The food is ready. Eat before you leave."

"Yes, Teacher." Zhao Xing nervously sat at the table. Facing Xue Wenzhong, he guiltily said, "Teacher, when I woke up earlier, I accidentally looked at a painting in your study, and then... it caught fire."

"A painting? What painting?" Xue Wenzhong narrowed his eyes as he looked at Zhao Xing. "I don't know what you're talking about. Eat."