The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Seeing Huang Tao and his two companions fail even after joining forces against Zhao Xing, the crowd quickly dispersed.

After all, these three had ranked on the A-list in the last exam.

Yet, despite teaming up, they were swiftly and decisively defeated. Who would still dare challenge him?

Since no one else stepped forward, Zhao Xing refrained from further taunts and began focusing on the exam.

...

"Was that really my brother?" Qian Dong and Chen Ziyu exchanged glances as they staked their own claim to territory, their groups remaining silent.

"Brother has become so strong," Chen Ziyu said with a hint of envy. "Huang Tao and his two companions were easily driven off."

"He's monopolizing two wells and three piles of ash. It looks like Brother will rank on the A-list again this time."

"Ziyu, let's stay clear of him. We don't want to drag him down."

"Agreed."

"That Zhao Xing is quite arrogant," Li Chengfeng remarked as he and Zong Shichang watched the battle from the west side of the planting area.

"He has the skills to back it up," Zong Shichang said, stroking his chin with a glint of eagerness in his eyes. "Huang Tao and his companions also used seventh-transformation Cloud Summoning, yet they were still easily defeated."

"His Wind Summoning must be formidable too, given how quickly they were beaten."

"Either he's hiding his true strength or has a wealth of battle experience."

"Whichever it is, he's definitely not ordinary."

Li Chengfeng noticed the gleam in Zong Shichang's eyes and smiled. "What's this? Are you tempted to give it a try, Brother Zong?"

Zong Shichang nodded. "I'm definitely interested, but the exam comes first. Maybe afterward."

"Indeed, let's head to the seedling area."

To the north, Wen Nanxing stared intently at the gray-white cloud.

"How did his Cloud Summoning manage to devour Huang Tao's cloud so easily and grow even larger in the process?"

Being in the northern part of the planting area, Wen Nanxing had a front-row seat to the battle.

He had a clearer view than Li Chengfeng.

"Cloud Summoning naturally has a repelling force, but absorbing another's cloud requires an overwhelming difference in rank."

"I can cut through Huang Tao's cloud and absorb it too, but how did he do it?"

Zhao Xing's cloud soon stabilized, looking as plain as dirt, nothing remarkable at all.

Wen Nanxing glanced south at Xiao Ze's cloud, its tiger-head shape glowing brilliantly, making Zhao Xing's cloud seem dull in comparison.

"I still can't figure out his technique," Xiao Ze mused for a moment. The battle had ended too quickly, and he couldn't discern anything from it. He gave up and headed to the seedling area to make his selection.

After waiting a while and seeing no further challengers, Zhao Xing realized he had firmly secured his position and made his way to the seedling area.

Though the fight with Huang Tao and his companions had seemed easy... well, it really had been.

The same spells at the same level, but the difference in control and experience was like night and day.

In his previous life, Zhao Xing had honed his skills in the Era of Catastrophe, where survival depended on constant combat. Facing Huang Tao, someone raised in the comfort of a greenhouse, was like watching a child try to challenge a master craftsman.

Three challengers? Zhao Xing could have handled ten!

On the viewing platform, Chen Shijie couldn't help but smile. "Old Shennong Officer, you were absolutely right—his performance is extraordinary. You've truly nurtured a remarkable talent."

Xue Wenzhong responded slowly, "Before he reached the second level of Essence Gathering, his talent was unremarkable. But once he reached that stage, his progress has been rapid. I merely offered some small guidance."

"Lord Xue, you're being modest," Gao Linong immediately chimed in. "I remember him being rather average in the last exam, barely making it to the B-list. Without your careful instruction, how could he have improved so much?"

Gao Linong's words carried a subtle accusation. After all, Huang Tao was under his command, and being defeated left him feeling embarrassed. His implication was clear—did Lord Xue perhaps give Zhao Xing special treatment?

He failed to consider that all the officials, including himself, were doing the same thing. It was as if their own actions were justified, but others were at fault.

Xue Wenzhong glanced at Gao Linong and replied calmly, "If you say so. He's such a promising talent that I intend to spend even more time instructing him. Do you have any suggestions, Lord Gao?"

"..."

Gao Linong hadn't expected such a direct response. So, Lord Xue wasn't even going to pretend anymore?

His words had landed without effect, leaving him feeling awkward. He could only laugh it off and move on.

While the planting area was lively with competition, the seedling area was much more peaceful.

The supply of seedlings was unlimited, so there was no need for conflict.

Besides the seedlings already planted in the soil, there were also seed bags available.

"Seeds, seedlings, and mature plants—each stage is available."

"The quality ranges from first to third rank."

"The scoring criteria include quantity, quality, and survival rate."

Zhao Xing carefully made his selections, his gaze finally landing on a particular potted plant. While all other items were in unlimited supply, this one was limited and placed in the most prominent position, even with someone guarding it.

"Tianyuan Pear Tree—ten years to maturity. It flowers one year and bears fruit the next, producing 3 to 10 fruits per season."

"The Tianyuan Pears have the ability to strengthen the body and cultivate vital energy. They are highly prized by nobles and listed as top-grade third-rank."

Zhao Xing stared at it for a while but ultimately decided against it.

Using Five-Element Observation, he discovered that the tree was only three years old, far from maturity.

Choosing it would certainly yield the highest value points, but only if he could force it to mature.

With only three days, no clerk here would be capable of achieving that.

Chen Shijie had placed it there purely as a trap, to see which fool would bite off more than they could chew.

"Selecting seeds yields the highest points but takes the most time and effort. Selecting seedlings gives fewer points, and choosing semi-mature potted plants gives the least."

"However, the quality of the plant matters as well. The plants offered range from first to third rank, and quality will definitely be prioritized in the scoring."

After a moment of thought, Zhao Xing locked in on three types of plants.

First was the vine-type Green Vine Seedling, second-rank low-grade.

Next, bamboo—Diamond Bamboo Seedling, second-rank top-grade.

And lastly, a water plant—Fragrant Lotus, second-rank mid-grade.

Compared to other treasures, plant seedlings and seeds were relatively cheap, so even if they were ruined, it wasn't a big deal.

Without hesitation, Zhao Xing requested 20 sets from the seedling area manager.

"Name?"

"Zhao Xing."

"Recorded. Take them yourself." The manager made the entry, then gestured with his hand.

A gentle breeze swirled, splitting into three currents—one gently dug out the seedlings along with their soil, another gathered the seed bags, and the third lifted the potted plants.

They all floated neatly in front of Zhao Xing.

"Lift!"

Zhao Xing activated Wind Summoning and, with a light shout, the plants that had been registered under his name rose into the air, arranged neatly by his side.

"Very good," the manager smiled as he stroked his beard. "Although the supply is unlimited, do not waste these fine plants."

Nodding, Zhao Xing levitated the plants and headed toward his planting area.

Others, lacking his skill, had no choice but to carry their selections back in multiple trips.

Zhao Xing's effortless handling of the plants, along with his confident stride, made the surrounding clerks step aside in awe, some even trailing behind him. It gave off the feeling of an emperor making an inspection tour.