Chapter 9: Liu Teaches the Weaving Method, Resuming the Creation of Straw Men

The fact that the Old Agronomist had singled someone out for private instruction left many feeling envious. It was especially unusual for him to leave the teaching session halfway through.

Some sensitive minor officials began to speculate: had the Old Agronomist, long settled in his ways, suddenly felt a desire for change and intended to take on a formal apprentice? Or perhaps he was looking to contend for the merits associated with official recommendations?

Zhao Xing, however, did not overthink it and followed Xue Wenzhong obediently to the backyard.

While the front courtyard was as warm as spring, the backyard was as dry and hot as summer, as if they were in two different seasons.

To the south of the courtyard stood a lush green pagoda tree, while to the north sat a neatly arranged woodshed. On the east side were several golden haystacks, and to the west lay a small vegetable garden filled with various flowers and plants. Beside the garden, a trellis had been erected, covered in climbing vines of a greenish-purple hue.

"The Old Agronomist truly treats this company like his own home," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "You are certainly dedicated."

Following Xue Wenzhong, he came to a stop before the haystacks.

" 'All Vegetation as Soldiers' is a spell that uses plants as a medium. Based on this spell, one can branch out into many advanced techniques, though it is primarily focused on combat."

"It is a foundational spell that every Military Agronomist must master, along with others like 'Folding Grass into Arrows,' 'Golden Willow-Leaf Blades,' and 'Scattering Beans to Summon Soldiers.' "

"The temple bestowing this spell upon you suggests you may have the potential to become a 'Military Agronomist.' Should you eventually become a formal Agronomist, you might consider this path."

Zhao Xing was already aware of this, but he was still grateful for the reminder. "Yes, thank you for the advice, Elder Xue."

Xue Wenzhong grabbed a handful of withered grass from the haystack and handed it to Zhao Xing. "That may be so, but since you are not yet a formal Agronomist, rules dictate you cannot learn those military spells. I shall teach you how to weave straw doll puppets instead."

Zhao Xing nodded. Currently, "All Vegetation as Soldiers" was merely a prerequisite spell; one had to expand its applications and master many intermediate and advanced spells based on it to truly achieve the state of "all vegetation as soldiers."

Being able to learn the "Straw Doll Puppet" skill from Xue Wenzhong was no small feat, as this spell was highly practical.

"The key to a straw doll puppet lies in two things: the technique and the materials. Which agricultural texts have you read?"

"I have dabbled in the *Materia Medica*, the *Great View of Timber*, and the *Compendium of All Things*," Zhao Xing said modestly.

To his surprise, Xue Wenzhong frowned. "What do you mean by 'dabbled'? Have you memorized them entirely, or did you fail to learn them completely?"

Honest men were often single-minded; in professional matters, there was never room for ambiguity. Zhao Xing realized that modesty would not work here; he had to let Xue Wenzhong know his true level of competence.

So, he replied again: "They are already committed to heart."

Xue Wenzhong lectured him: "If you have memorized them, then say so. When you study with me, do not use vague language. If you cannot identify the materials correctly and use a poisonous one by mistake, the straw doll you weave will lead to dire consequences."

"Yes, student understands."

"This is withered rice straw. Ten stalks make a bundle. I will teach you the 'Willow-Transmitted Weaving Method.' This method contains eighty-one techniques. It is not considered profound, but if it is not tested this year, and you are asked to weave a straw doll, it will surely be among these eighty-one. Follow me and learn."

Xue Wenzhong used the materials at hand to teach on the spot.

Zhao Xing’s eyes lit up. The *Willow-Transmitted Eighty-One Methods* had been incomplete in the later ages, and by the time of the "Resurgence" version, only forty-nine methods remained.

Straw dolls were incredibly practical; whether for fighting, fleeing, ambushing, or providing support, they had miraculous effects. Agronomist players often posted on forums, wishing they could travel back to the early days of the game to obtain the complete version.

In his past life, Zhao Xing had exhausted himself just to collect seventy-two types. Even now, the imperial temple only passed down nine methods. The Great Zhou dynasty taught its officials based on practical needs; for officials in the interior, knowing nine types was enough to handle most situations. Teaching more would only distract them and increase their burden, though Military Agronomists might have ways to learn more.

He never expected Xue Wenzhong to possess the complete version. While it seemed of little use for now, as the political situation changed, certain spells would grow more powerful with the Resurgence updates, and the straw doll spell was a classic example!

He was truly lucky.

"Look, this is the first method. Did you see the technique clearly just now?"

"Uh..."

Zhao Xing had been too excited internally. When he regained his focus, Xue Wenzhong had already finished the first doll; he hadn't been paying attention at all.

"No matter, I will demonstrate it once more. This time, I will be slower." Not knowing that Zhao Xing hadn't been paying attention and assuming he simply hadn't understood, Xue Wenzhong carefully demonstrated it a second time.

Feeling somewhat ashamed, Zhao Xing focused his full attention this time, imitating Xue Wenzhong’s every move.

The withered rice straw acted like needle and thread, his fingers nimbly weaving through them.

Once a person puts their heart into something, they achieve twice the result with half the effort. Moreover, having consumed the "Tao Embryo Pill," Zhao Xing’s memory, control over vital energy, and comprehension were all slowly improving.

By the time Xue Wenzhong finished, the straw doll in front of Zhao Xing had gradually taken shape—limbs, torso, head...

"Not bad, not bad." Xue Wenzhong took a look and couldn't help but praise, "Only three errors."

"Ah?" Zhao Xing was bewildered. Where were the errors? It looked exactly the same!

Xue Wenzhong did not explain. Vital energy emerged from his fingertips and was injected into his own straw doll.

"Creak..." The straw doll waved its arms and legs as if it had come to life, synchronizing perfectly with Xue Wenzhong’s movements.

Zhao Xing injected a wisp of vital energy, but his straw doll didn't move an inch.

"The Willow-Transmitted Weaving Method is about constructing a model that allows your vital energy to flow. The rice straw acts like human meridians; one extra stalk or one fewer will cause the straw doll's meridians to be blocked, and the spell will fail."

Zhao Xing realized with a start. No wonder his system interface had shown no notification and no increase in proficiency. It had indeed been a failure.

Xue Wenzhong reached out, pulled one straw each from the chest and armpit of Zhao Xing’s doll, discarded them, added one more to the head, and after re-weaving it, said, "Try again."

Zhao Xing injected a second wisp of vital energy into the straw doll. The next moment, the doll moved. Its golden body seemed to be coated with a layer of light, and a faint connection appeared between him and the doll.

[You have comprehended the "Willow-Transmitted Weaving Method (Fragment)," mastering one straw doll creation technique.]

[You have created a Straw Doll Puppet (Recurring).]

[All Vegetation as Soldiers proficiency +1]

[Straw Doll Puppet (Recurring)]

[Proficiency: 1/9999]

[Effect: Follows commands and repeats actions.]

"Elder Xue is amazing!" Zhao Xing cheered inwardly.

He had not expected to recover such a divine skill from his days playing the Agronomist class so quickly.

The recurring straw doll was one of the best survival tools in his previous life! From marching in war to mundane business transactions, its applications were vast.

Of course, the spell was currently limited by the era and its effects were still weak, but there would come a day when it regained its former glory!

"Practice a few more times here. I am going to the front courtyard to check on things, and when I return, I will teach you the second method."