[Initial Stage Spells (Perfection):]
[Thrive, Drift Clouds, Summon Wind, Summon Thunder, Bring Rain]
The restriction on grade was lifted, and the comprehension of spells no longer had a layer of obscurity. That very night, one of Zhao Xing’s initial stage spells broke through and advanced.
The Bright Eyes Spell disappeared from the initial stage spells and appeared among the intermediate stage spells.
In its place was [Inspection].
It retained the effects of the initial stage spell and added a lie-detection function.
"When the Bright Eyes Skill advances to the high level, it is called [Bright Eyes and Mind Reading], just by staring into someone’s eyes, you can know what they are thinking. It is infallible against those in a lower realm than you, but it’s a bit more difficult against those of the same realm."
The six Grassman Skills did not change much, but [Five Elements Observation] advanced from the Seventh Transition to Perfection.
The initial stage [Earth Vein Comprehensive Element] advanced from the Sixth Transition to Perfection.
Once the restrictions were lifted, a breakthrough was achieved overnight.
Among the intermediate stage spells:
[Wild Growth] advanced from the Seventh Transition to the Ninth Transition overnight.
[Summon Thunder] and [Yin Wind], which were only a few points away from Perfection, also reached Perfection overnight.
As for [Ice Rain] and [Sleeping Bug], they were already at the intermediate stage Perfection before the official appointment, so there were no changes this time.
The Dream Storage Technique, a Life Soul secret technique, grew stronger with the realm of the Life Soul. Since Zhao Xing’s Life Soul realm did not change after the appointment, it was still at the mid-stage Ninth Grade.
The self-created intermediate stage spell, [Thunderbolt Noose], advanced from the Eighth Transition to the Ninth Transition.
[Thunder Palm] advanced from the Seventh Transition to the Eighth Transition.
As for [Swallowing Cloud], [Endless Palace], [Five Elements Earth Splitting], and [Ksitigarbha Returning Origin·Human Path], since their comprehension was recent and had greatly advanced due to the Preaching Painting, their realms remained unchanged.
Their levels were respectively: Swallowing Cloud at the Eighth Transition, Endless Palace at the Eighth Transition, Crack Earth at the Seventh Transition, Ksitigarbha Returning Origin at the Sixth Transition.
[Fourth Rank Treasure: Cold Ice Pearl (Inferior)]
[Wind Crystal Earrings: Third-tier Superior]
[Sixth Rank Treasure: Soul Armor]
[Pet: Mountain Cat (Ninth Grade Perfection)]
[Plant: Tianyuan Pear Tree (Growth Period)]
The small mountain cat had been following Zhao Xing everywhere since the autumnal equinox, eating and drinking, and reached Ninth Grade Perfection, although it was still in the juvenile period.
"Among the items I possess, only Soul Armor, Cold Ice Pearl, and Wind Crystal Earrings remain."
"The Blood Spirit Needle and Blood Evil Pearl have been given to Old Chen and Long Xiao to handle."
"The Tianyuan Pear Tree gifted by Chen Shijie has finally reached the growth period, but it won’t be long before I have to leave." Zhao Xing looked at the bright moon outside the window, feeling a sense of melancholy, perhaps from drinking too much.
"Gucheng can also be considered my hometown; everything needs to be properly arranged."
Unconsciously, the Zhao Ruide family had already occupied a significant place in Zhao Xing’s heart.
"Mr. Zong, are you awake?" The next morning, as Zong Shichang opened his eyes, he saw Zhao Xing standing beside him.
"Uh, until what time did we drink last night?"
"Not late, you all were out by 1 a.m."
"You can’t blame me for that." Zong Shichang shook his head, "It was Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze who couldn’t hold their liquor. Just tell me, didn’t I drink more than them?"
Hearing the answer, Zong Shichang nodded in satisfaction and then called for the servants to bring in new clothes and assist with his grooming.
However, before the servants could enter, Zhao Xing stopped them: "I’ll do it."
The servant hesitated for a moment and then said: "The basin hasn’t been brought in yet..."
"Don’t worry about it."
Zhao Xing brought the folded clothes and towel to Zong Shichang’s bedside.
"Hmm? Which fool dared to let you, Mr. Zhao, do such a thing?" Zong Shichang was immediately furious upon seeing Zhao Xing performing a servant’s task.
"We are brothers; what’s the big deal?" Zhao Xing said with a smile.
"Then I won’t be courteous." Zong Shichang patted his face, "But where’s the basin?"
"Simple." Zhao Xing’s fingertips emitted a golden light, and cloud qi immediately condensed into the shape of a basin.
"Splash~" Clear water flowed out from it.
"I’m not used to washing my face with cold water."
"No problem." Zhao Xing gently shook his wrist, and lightning flashed within the cloud basin, heating the clear water until steam rose from it.
"Amazing, Mr. Zhao. If you ever get demoted, you could work as a servant at Wanxiang Building and never go hungry."
"Brother, could you wish me better?"
"Haha." Zong Shichang buried his face in the clouds and rubbed it, then accepted the towel Zhao Xing handed him, drying off.
Zhao Xing also brought him a cup to rinse his mouth. Seeing Zong Shichang’s wet hair, he summoned a breeze to dry it for him, providing full service.
"Mr. Zhao, if you have something to say, just say it." Zong Shichang, now fully awake, sensed something, "As long as it doesn’t cost my life, we can talk."
"Mr. Zong, once I leave, I don’t know when I’ll return." Zhao Xing bowed with cupped hands, speaking solemnly, "Please take care of my family."
"What are you doing?" Zong Shichang quickly got up and grabbed Zhao Xing’s wrist, "You don’t need to say that; I’ll keep it in mind."
During the Yin God examination phase, Zong Shichang expressed a desire to serve in his hometown, as long as it was within Nanyang County.
If it were another occupation, the promise would be unlikely, but being the Minister of Agriculture was different. Serving in a familiar environment would make the job easier, and it was highly probable he would be allowed to stay in his hometown during the ninth-grade official period.
The Old Minister of Agriculture was a native of Gucheng and had served for decades.
Zhao Xing thought long and hard, realizing only Zong Shichang had the capability to take care of his family; others either lacked the ability or were untrustworthy.
"Rest assured." Zong Shichang tightly grasped Zhao Xing’s wrist, "Your family is my family. If they have any issues, you can use my head as a chamber pot!"
Zhao Xing used [Inspection], staring into Zong Shichang’s eyes, and then stood up.