The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

"Yes." The middle-aged man nodded, immediately handing over the information he had gathered.

"An orphan, taken in and mistreated by a jealous wife? It seems his daily life and needs weren't well taken care of. Our sect should naturally save people like him from suffering. If he joins us, he will surely perform even better!"

"Add him to the list!"

"Understood."

After the man finished, the woman beside him produced another list. "Protector, the Tiangong Workshop and Weaving Workshop also have two new top-ranked candidates, 'Lin Baiwei' and 'Han Bi.'"

Protector Falcon glanced at the list but did not immediately agree. "Let's observe them for now. Both the Donghu Army and the County Martial Guard are conducting strict investigations."

"However, we can take our time. They can't maintain such intense scrutiny forever. Eventually, they will relax, and that will be our moment to reap the harvest!"

"I passed the Autumn Examination and became a Contributing Clerk. Starting next month, I will receive five taels of silver monthly."

"Master Chen from the Shennong Division holds me in high regard and has decided to sponsor my cultivation resources every month."

"So, foster father, you don't need to give me any more silver."

When Zhao Xing returned home, he heard that Zhao Ruide had called him over, intending to secretly give him money for his cultivation.

At this moment, Zhao Ruide was still unaware that Zhao Xing had achieved the top rank again. It wasn't until Zhao Xing explained that he understood.

"You've become a Contributing Clerk? And you're receiving support from Chen Shijie?" Zhao Ruide was momentarily stunned, then a look of joy spread across his face.

But when he heard Zhao Xing refuse the money, he felt a slight emptiness in his heart.

"The court and Master Chen's support are dedicated to your cultivation."

"But when you socialize with colleagues, build connections, and host gatherings, they surely won't sponsor that, will they?"

"I don't have that many drinking buddies to spend money on," Zhao Xing said.

"You don't now, but when your reputation grows, it won't be up to you. It's better to spend your own money freely, so others have no complaints. Otherwise, what will Master Chen and others think?" Zhao Ruide stuffed the silver notes into Zhao Xing's hand. "I've already exchanged it… unless foster father's money burns your hand?"

With the conversation reaching this point, Zhao Xing had no choice but to accept the money. The amount was significant—100 taels!

"Foster father, with this much… if Madam Cai finds out…"

Zhao Ruide snorted. "Do you really think she runs the household?"

Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, assuring him that, of course, his foster father was the one in charge.

But then Zhao Ruide whispered, "Just don't let Madam Cai know. I've had a secret share in the main family's escort business for years, settling the accounts every few years. She doesn't know…"

Ah, so it was private funds. No wonder Madam Cai's complaints never seemed to bother him, and there was always plenty of meat on the table!

Thinking about it, it was only human nature. Madam Cai, a former singer and still quite attractive at not yet 30, had given birth to Zhao Zheng but still held her charms. Meanwhile, Zhao Ruide was nearing 60.

In a marriage with such an age gap, revealing all his assets would naturally make him worry that Madam Cai might run off with the money. If not for Zhao Xing's promising future, he had intended to keep this secret until his death.

"Keep it safe, and don't let Madam Cai find it. If she discovers it, I won't admit to anything, and you won't be able to get any more in the future," Zhao Ruide cautioned.

"Thank you, foster father."

"A mother's kindness can spoil a child. Zheng'er is under your watch. As his elder brother, you must take care of him in the future. When I'm gone…"

"Foster father, you are still in your prime, there's no need to speak of such things. Zheng'er is my brother; there's no need for extra instructions."

Feeling reassured, Zhao Ruide realized it was too early for such concerns. He mused that perhaps he was growing sentimental with age.

"Go about your business, then. Madam Cai will return from the market soon, and don't forget to hide those silver notes."

"I understand."

Just as Zhao Xing was about to leave, Zhao Ruide called out again, "Wait!"

Zhao Xing turned back, puzzled.

"I've been thinking," said Zhao Ruide. "Next year, you'll have your coming-of-age ceremony, and it's time to give you a courtesy name."

At twenty years old, men had their capping ceremony, and women had their hairpin ceremony at fifteen. After this, it was inappropriate to call them by their given names, so they were given a courtesy name, symbolizing their virtue.

This was an important part of the coming-of-age ritual, and lacking one would invite mockery.

Zhao Xing would turn twenty after spring, so it wasn't too early for Zhao Ruide to start thinking about it.

"I asked around and thought the name 'Lichun' would suit you. Since you aim to become a Shennong Officer, and Lichun is the first of the twenty-four solar terms, what do you think?" asked Zhao Ruide.

"Lichun? That sounds… wait, Zhao Lichun?" Zhao Xing's expression turned odd.

"What? You don't like it?" Zhao Ruide was puzzled by his reaction.

"Uh… foster father, while 'Lichun' is a fine name, it's a bit too common. Among our Shennong Division, I'm sure there are at least a hundred with courtesy names like Lichun or Lidong. Perhaps you should think of something else," Zhao Xing suggested tactfully.

"Fine, we still have half a year. I'll ask around some more." Zhao Ruide knew he lacked the cultural knowledge for this and needed more advice from others.

"What would be a good name? I still think Lichun is nice…" he muttered as he walked away.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh. Foster father, this name really won't do!

The day after the Autumn Examination, Chen Shijie sent a box to Zhao Xing.

Inside were two dawn-colored fruits, and as soon as the box was opened, a rich fragrance filled the air.

The vitality in the room instantly became denser by threefold.

[Heavenly Origin Pear (Third-Tier High Quality)]

[Category: Consumable Treasure]

[Effect: Rich in vitality, strengthens the heart and muscles, calms the mind, reduces heat, and lessens the strain from qi and blood circulation.]

"Heavenly Origin Pear, third-tier high quality—this will greatly help me at this stage."

Zhao Xing took a bite, and his mouth was immediately filled with a rich, fragrant taste.

The Heavenly Origin Pear had a thin skin and tender flesh, crisp and juicy, and after eating it, the heat of the weather seemed much more bearable.

Many established martial practitioners loved Heavenly Origin Pears because cultivating martial arts led to surging qi and blood, which over time could cause hidden injuries. Regular consumption of these pears could significantly reduce internal damage.

For a Shennong Officer, the physical recovery wasn't as crucial; it was the vitality boost they valued.

"Chen Shijie gives me 15 of these every month. My speed in gathering essence will double compared to when I wasn't consuming them." This was a significant boost for someone at the second tier of Essence Gathering.

As soon as Zhao Xing took a bite, a notification appeared.

A record refreshed on the panel.

[You have consumed a third-tier high-quality Heavenly Origin Pear, increasing vitality by 25 points.]

[Essence Gathering Tier Two: 785/1000]

A single bite increased his vitality by 25 points!

The effect was immediate!

Normally, the increase wouldn't be this substantial. However, since Zhao Xing's body had rarely absorbed such vitality-boosting treasures before, and his physique had been improved by the Dao Embryo Pill, his absorption efficiency was significantly higher.

"There's a risk of losing some of this vitality. I need to finish it quickly!" Zhao Xing immediately began devouring the pear in large bites.