Chapter 26: Selecting the Seeds

Seeing that the three of them had teamed up only to be defeated by Zhao Xing, the crowd of onlookers dispersed immediately. These three were, after all, talents who had made the Grade A list last time. Since they had combined their efforts and still lost—and lost so decisively—what was the point of trying? Seeing that no one else stepped forward, Zhao Xing stopped his provocations and began to focus on the assessment.

"Is that really our big brother?" Qian Dong and Chen Ziyu, who were occupying a spot together, exchanged glances, both speechless.

"Our brother has become so strong," Chen Ziyu said with a hint of envy. "The three of them joined forces and were still easily driven away."

"Occupying two wells and three ash patches all by himself... I fear Brother is aiming for a Grade A-Plus again this time."

"Ziyu, let's not go over there, so as not to be a burden to him."

"Agreed."

On the west side of the planting area, Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang were gathered together, observing the battle.

"This 'Grade A-Plus' Zhao is quite arrogant," Li remarked.

"He has the capital to be arrogant," Zong Shichang replied, stroking his chin with an eager look in his eyes. "The three of them were using the 'Cloud-Moving' technique at the seventh cycle, just like him. Their 'Wind-Raising' technique couldn't have been that bad either, yet they were defeated so cleanly. Either he is hiding his true strength, or he possesses incredibly rich combat experience. Either way, he is definitely no simple character."

Li Chengfeng smiled at the eager Zong Shichang. "What is it, Brother Zong? Feeling the itch to compete?"

Zong Shichang nodded. "I do have some thoughts, but the assessment is the priority. We shall see afterward."

"Indeed. Let's head to the seedling area."

On the north side of the planting area, Wen Nanxing stared at the grayish-white cloud. "How was his 'Cloud-Moving' able to swallow Huang Tao's cloud without being affected in the slightest, growing even larger in the process?" Being on the north side, not far from Zhao Xing, he was essentially in the front row of the audience and saw more clearly than Li Chengfeng. "The 'Cloud-Moving' technique is inherently repelling; absorbing cloud energy for one's own use usually requires a suppression of rank. I could shred Huang Tao's cloud energy, and even absorb it, but how did he do it?"

Zhao Xing's cloud had stabilized, looking like nothing more than a lump of soil, entirely unremarkable. He glanced at Xiao Ze to the south, whose tiger-headed cloud was gleaming brilliantly; by comparison, Zhao Xing’s looked utterly plain.

Xiao Ze pondered for a while, but the battle had ended too quickly for him to discern the technique. Giving up, he headed to the seedling area to make his selections.

After waiting a while and seeing no further challengers, Zhao Xing knew he had secured his ground, so he also headed to the seedling area to select his plants. He had made the fight against the three look effortless, and in truth, it was. Despite using the same techniques and being at the same rank, their manipulation and experience were on entirely different levels. In his past life during the Era of Natural Disasters, he had honed his skills for a long time; combat had become a survival instinct. For these greenhouse flowers like Huang Tao to challenge him was akin to an amateur showing off before a master. He could have taken on ten of them.

On the viewing platform, Chen Shijie laughed. "The Old Master of Agriculture was right; he truly is extraordinary. You have taught a real talent."

Xue Wenzhong said slowly, "Before he reached the second stage of Yuan Accumulation, his talent was not apparent. Now that he has crossed that threshold, he is merely reaping the rewards of his long accumulation. I have only done a small part."

"You are too modest, Elder Xue," Gao Linong immediately interjected. "I saw his previous minor exams; his performance was mediocre, no higher than Grade B. Without your careful guidance, how could he have made such progress?" Huang Tao was under Gao Linong's command, and losing had caused him to lose face, so his words were laced with thinly veiled accusations—had Xue Wenzhong been giving Zhao Xing special treatment? He failed to realize that every official present, including himself, was likely doing the same. It seemed that when they did it, it was normal; when others did it, it was a moral failing.

Xue Wenzhong glanced at him coldly. "If that is what you think, so be it. Such a fine talent... I intend to spend even more time mentoring him specifically. Does Magistrate Gao have any advice?"

Gao Linong was stunned. He hadn't expected Xue Wenzhong to answer so directly. He had thrown a punch that found no target, and feeling uncomfortable, he could only offer a dry laugh and move on.

The planting area was bustling, but the seedling area was much calmer, as the supplies here were unlimited. Aside from the seedlings planted in the soil, there were also bags of seeds.

"Seeds, seedlings, and growing plants—three stages to choose from. Qualities range from first to third grade. The scoring criteria are based on quantity, then quality, and finally the state of survival."

Zhao Xing carefully inspected the items. His gaze fell upon a single potted plant. Everything else was unlimited, but this one was a limited edition, placed in the most prominent position with guards posted nearby. "Heavenly Origin Pear Tree: ten-year maturity period, then one year to bloom and one year to fruit. It produces only 3 to 10 fruits each time. The resulting pears have the effect of strengthening the foundation and nourishing the essence, and they taste excellent. Highly favored by dignitaries, it is classified as a top-tier third-grade item."

Zhao Xing stared at it for a while, then gave up. Using his 'Five Elements Observation,' he knew this tree was only three years old, far from maturity. Choosing it would yield the highest value, but one would have to force it to ripen. With only three days, it was impossible for any of the clerks present to achieve that. Chen Shijie had placed it there purely as a test for the candidates—to see which fool would overestimate their own abilities.

"Choosing seeds gives the highest points but is time-consuming and laborious. Choosing seedlings gives secondary points, and choosing semi-mature potted plants is the least effective. However, it also depends on quality. The plants provided here range from first to third grade; quality points definitely take precedence over others."

After a moment of thought, Zhao Xing locked onto three types of plants: the vine-type 'Green Vine Seedling' (second-grade, low-tier), the bamboo-type 'Adamantine Bamboo Seedling' (second-grade, high-tier), and the aquatic 'Fragrant Lotus' (second-grade, mid-tier). Compared to other treasures, seedlings and seeds were relatively inexpensive, so it didn't matter if they were damaged. Zhao Xing did not stand on ceremony and asked the manager of the seedling area for 20 of each.

"Name?"
"Zhao Xing."
"Recorded. Carry them over yourself."

The manager finished registering and pointed. A gentle breeze swirled and divided into three strands: one headed straight to the ground, carefully digging up the seedlings along with the soil; one cradled the seed bags; and one carried the potted plants. They descended before Zhao Xing.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing also channeled his 'Wind-Raising' technique. With a soft command, the registered plants, still clinging to their soil, flew toward him and arranged themselves neatly.

"Not bad, not bad," the manager said, stroking his beard with a smile. "Although the supply is unlimited, do not waste these good seedlings."

Zhao Xing nodded and, carrying the plants, walked toward his planting area. Others, lacking his skill, could only transport them back and forth bit by bit. Zhao Xing, hovering the plants with his power, strode forward like a dragon or a tiger. Others stepped aside or followed slowly behind, creating the impression of a monarch on a royal tour.