The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

News of Zong Shichang's defeat spread across the examination site.

Although the exact details were unclear, the signs of lightning and flying sand and rocks could not be hidden.

Moreover, Zong Shichang had been perfectly fine when he went towards Zhao Xing's area, but returned limping.

If it wasn't a fight, he surely didn't fall into a well, right?

"Previously, Huang Tao and his group were defeated together. Now, Young Master Zong went over and suffered another loss. Zhao Xing is likely to secure the top rank."

"A new strong contender this year. Why isn't it me?"

"Zhao Xing might become the top scholar."

"Perhaps next year he'll be called Lord Zhao."

"Once you become an official, your fortune and rank will increase. I truly envy him."

"..."

Zong Shichang's challenge had solidified Zhao Xing's reputation as 'invincible.'

Thus, in the following two days, no one dared to provoke Zhao Xing.

Unknowingly, people had already placed Zhao Xing on the same level as Wen Nanxing, Li Chengfeng, and others.

On August 9th, the final day of the Autumn Examination arrived.

Zhao Xing walked out of the Golden Bamboo Forest, quietly waiting for the examination to end.

"There should be no suspense about getting the top rank this time."

Due to the unexpectedly excellent effects of the Earth Vein Consolidation, after cultivating the 'Green Vine,' 'Diamond Bamboo,' and 'Fragrant Lotus,' Zhao Xing selected two more plants, both of which were second-tier intermediate quality.

If not for the time constraints, he would have even tried the third-tier Heavenly Origin Pear Tree.

He was satisfied, but those around him suffered.

For three consecutive nights, Zhao Xing had been using Earth Vein Consolidation, causing the surrounding plants to progress slowly.

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze only managed to mature a second-tier high-quality plant by the final day.

Zhao Xing checked his proficiency.

[Earth Vein Consolidation: Beginner Spell]

[Progress: 768/9999]

[Effect: Draws power from the earth veins, integrates earth vein vitality]

"During the second and third nights of using Earth Vein Consolidation, proficiency increased rapidly. This spell is almost ready to advance to the next level," Zhao Xing was quite pleased.

As time passed, although people did not know the exact reason, they became more focused and cautious in their spellcasting, instinctively countering the effects of Earth Vein Consolidation.

With resistance, proficiency increased even faster. Zhao Xing could clearly sense how to handle the spell, so in just three days, his Earth Vein Consolidation was about to advance to the next level.

"It is now the time of Xu. The Autumn Examination is over. All clerks, please cease spellcasting."

Chen Shijie's voice echoed through the Herb Garden.

Immediately, sighs of disappointment rose from the garden.

"What? It's over already?"

"My Heavenly Spirit Flower was about to mature, just one hour away!"

"It's over? I wonder if I can make it to the B rank."

"Feeling anxious."

With the announcement, the clouds over the planting area gradually dissipated, and the wind and rain stopped.

In its place was a larger white cloud covering the entire Herb Garden, a cloud produced by Chen Shijie's spell.

Everyone realized they could no longer perform cloud summoning, rain-making, or wind-raising spells. All their vitality surged towards the cloud in the sky.

"Is this the Cloud Domain? Chen Shijie really is skilled. No wonder he's from the Shennong Division," Zhao Xing looked up at the sky and nodded.

Chen Shijie's cloud technique had completely surpassed the scope of a beginner spell and should be called the [Cloud Domain].

Under his cloud, only Chen Shijie could perform weather spells.

If it was just that, it would be fine. Normal cloud domains could achieve this.

But Zhao Xing noticed that Chen Shijie's Cloud Domain also suppressed other spells.

For example, his Earth Vein Consolidation could no longer be maintained once Chen Shijie's voice was heard; it directly dissipated.

In the Cloud Domain, everything was under Chen Shijie's control, including vitality. Even if clerks tried to perform cultivation spells, they could not affect the plants; everything would float towards the sky.

So when he said the examination was over, it was truly over. You couldn't perform spells even if you wanted to!

"No wonder he became a chief officer in his thirties. He really is quite something."

Zhao Xing did not move, quietly waiting for the Shennong Division personnel to inspect the results.

Xue Wenzhong was the examiner, but the inspector was Chen Shijie, the chief officer of the Shennong Division, accompanied by Deputy Officers Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, Pang Yuan, and two supervisors and record clerks from the county office.

The inspection proceeded from the west to the north, passing through the south and east before returning to the west entrance.

The candidates in the planting area anxiously awaited.

The first to be inspected was Li Chengfeng.

"Five second-tier high-quality Purple Fire Orchids, from seedling to mature stage, with rich and lingering fragrance. The medicinal value has reached an excellent level."

"Twelve second-tier intermediate-quality Jade Nectar Berry Trees, from seedling to mature stage, with full blooms and fruits. The taste is fragrant, sweet, and refreshing, with excellent effects."

Chen Shijie nodded at Li Chengfeng and then addressed the others: "I intend to rate him as A rank. What do you all think?"

The inspection and evaluation required consultation with other clerks of the Shennong Division, but no one objected as Li Chengfeng was indeed outstanding and deserved the top rating.

"I second the motion."

"I agree as well."

Unanimously approved, Li Chengfeng received the A rank.

The county office's record clerks immediately registered it, including Chen Shijie's comments.

"Thank you, esteemed officials." Li Chengfeng cupped his hands in thanks and then left the examination site gracefully, waiting outside.

For those like Li Chengfeng, the rating was straightforward since there was no controversy. It was directly assigned the top rank.

For those who had dead plants, the evaluation was the same. Chen Shijie would simply state, "Ten out of ten seedlings did not survive—inept clerk!"

This evaluation would also be recorded because clerks were not purely students; they were also auxiliary officers.

They might become officials in the future.

Chen Shijie had given people the option to withdraw. If they withdrew in time and did not waste seedlings, it would only mean no results, with the possibility of a retest.

But if they continued wasting time in the examination despite knowing their inability and holding on to a slim chance, they would receive the evaluation of inept clerks.

Now, if you lack self-awareness and waste only a few seedlings, what if you become an official in the future? Wouldn't the people suffer under such a person?

Many people rely on the fields for their livelihood!

"Wuwu~" Clerks who received such evaluations immediately covered their faces and fled.

The other officials were not surprised. They all knew that Chen Shijie disliked incompetence and would show no mercy.

This clerk basically had no hope of being promoted.

However, such cases were rare.

Most clerks would choose plants they were confident in keeping alive, avoiding extreme situations.

Even with the effects of Earth Vein Consolidation, choosing a standard first-tier low-quality plant, under spell enhancement, would at least ensure half of them survived.

"Three second-tier low-quality plants, rated B rank."

"One second-tier low-quality plant, rated C rank."

"Twelve first-tier low-quality plants, one first-tier intermediate-quality plant, rated C rank."

"..."

The inspection proceeded with stops and starts and soon covered most of the candidates, arriving at Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and Zhao Xing's areas.