Chapter 14: Clouds Flowing in the Palm, Thunder Striking from Three Feet Above
Zhao Xing was indeed pleased, but Madam Cai was not so happy.
She had wanted to save some of the meat for next time, but since it was already in the pot, it was awkward to take it out. So she decided to add a bit more; otherwise, Zheng’er wouldn’t have enough to eat. The child had begun his martial training, and his nutrition had to keep up.
“Eat, eat, eat! I’ll stuff you full, you muddy-legged peasant!” Madam Cai glared fiercely at the pot, banging the chopping board with a clinking sound, as if that piece of meat were Zhao Xing himself.
The noise in the kitchen grew noticeably louder, but no one paid attention.
That was because Zhao Ruide was in the courtyard training Zhao Zheng in martial arts.
He was practicing the standing stance, and though no one knew how long he had stood, he remained motionless, like a steadfast pine.
Though nearing sixty, his breathing was still deep and steady; his vital energy flowed like mercury, far richer than Zhao Xing’s.
“Mountain Sitting Technique: standing like a mountain. This stance technique, barely middle third rank among martial artists, somehow feels like top grade when practiced this well. It seems that with enough perseverance, even minor spells can wield great power,” Zhao Xing thought to himself.
Martial arts and magic both could break through fixed rankings and yield new insights—there was essentially no limit.
Of course, in the current version, such cases were rare. One reason was the abundance of ways to acquire martial arts and spells; once reaching ‘Nine Transcendences’ (full proficiency), practitioners usually chose higher-level techniques to cultivate. Another reason was the constraints of the natural laws; such breakthroughs would become common only in revival versions.
Zhao Ruide practiced earnestly, posture upright, breathing in and out with his vital energy flowing smoothly, while beside him, Zhao Zheng was carefree.
He wiggled his feet, twisted his waist, scratched his ears and cheeks—his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
When he saw Zhao Xing return, his eyes lit up instantly, as if he had finally found an excuse not to practice. “Big brother is back! Big brother! Father, you two talk! I’ll go prepare towels for you!”
This little rascal didn’t really like Zhao Xing; he just wanted to avoid training!
Now, if you brought a dog, he’d probably call it brother too—this kid was clever!
With that, he got up and tried to sneak away.
“Come back! Who told you to move?!” Zhao Ruide shouted.
Zhao Zheng grinned and ran off, not taking his father’s words seriously at all.
Zhao Xing found this amusing. Fathers rarely trained their sons in martial arts themselves because they couldn’t bear to be harsh. Moreover, Zhao Ruide, having had a child late in life, doted on Zhao Zheng, only ever scolding him lightly. How could real training happen like that?
“Zhao Zheng, come here.”
“Huh? Big brother...” Zhao Zheng hesitated, standing still.
“One, two—”
“Coming, coming!” Zhao Zheng snapped to attention and ran over.
“Father hasn’t said it’s over; why do you run off? Keep standing!”
Zhao Zheng’s face immediately fell, his brows drooping as he reluctantly stood beside Zhao Ruide.
---
“Bend your knees, chest out, hands straight!” Zhao Xing didn’t hold back and gave Zhao Zheng a sharp kick to the back of the knee.
“I’m standing properly, big brother, really.” Zhao Zheng didn’t dare get angry and instead gave an ingratiating smile.
Zhao Ruide pretended not to notice his youngest son’s unworthy expression.
But it wasn’t really Zhao Zheng’s fault.
He was spoiled by his mother and loved by his father; even if he made mistakes or was mischievous, no one ever hit him seriously.
Only his big brother was different—he truly got beaten, and it hurt every time.
Complaining to his father only earned a few words, and complaining to his mother was futile.
Though there was no blood relation, there was a sense of bloodline pressure.
So now, whenever Zhao Zheng saw Zhao Xing, he behaved like a meek quail.
...
Dinner was eaten in the courtyard. Zhao Ruide was not particular, and Madam Cai, a former songstress, cared little for such trifles. The courtyard was cool, so they ate there.
With Zhao Xing present, Zhao Zheng behaved much better at the table, but after a while, he still grew restless. “Mother, I’m hot.”
Though speaking to Madam Cai, his eyes sought Big Brother’s in hope.
“Mother will fan you,” Madam Cai immediately put down her chopsticks to fetch a palm fan.
“No need for such trouble.” Zhao Xing raised his hand, and suddenly dark clouds appeared overhead, blocking the setting sun.
At the same time, a gentle breeze brought refreshing coolness. Zhao Zheng’s eyes sparkled at the sight.
Even Zhao Ruide was surprised. “It’s already windy? And the clouds have thickened quite a bit.”
Zhao Xing nodded. “Recent progress.”
More than just some progress, Zhao Xing’s Cloud Walking spell had reached proficiency beyond 5,000. In practitioner terms, this was the fifth transformation, capable of covering five thousand meters.
Zhao Ruide, knowledgeable, clearly sensed the advancement in the spell and, observing his adopted son’s nonchalant attitude, knew this was very different from before.
“Any hope of official appointment this year?”
Zhao Xing put down his bowl and chopsticks. “About eighty percent sure.”
Zhao Ruide asked, “What about the remaining twenty percent?”
Zhao Xing thought for a moment. “A good mentor and a recommender.”
---
Although Xue Wenzhong had agreed to take him as a disciple, the apprenticeship was not yet public, and it was uncertain how much the Minister of Agriculture would advocate for him. Moreover, one recommender alone might not be enough.
Official appointments depended mainly on assessments, but recommendations also played a part, especially when candidates’ scores were close or tied.
Zhao Ruide nodded and didn’t press further.
Over the next few days, Zhao Xing noticed the family meals suddenly improved in quality, mostly nourishing items to boost vital energy.
...
At the Ministry of Agriculture, just before dawn, Zhao Xing arrived at Xue Wenzhong’s locust and willow courtyard.
“Boom crack! Boom crack!”
A small dark cloud about three meters square hovered five meters above Zhao Xing’s head.
The sound of thunder rumbled continuously, and flashes of lightning illuminated Zhao Xing’s face in shifting light.
After a moment, the cloud dispersed.
Zhao Xing checked his status panel.
[Thunderclap: Beginner Spell]
[Progress: (3005/9999)]
[Effect: With Cloud Walking as a prerequisite, thunder sounds can be produced within the clouds.]
“Thunderclap is already at the third transformation, and its power is growing stronger. Old Minister of Agriculture is truly a treasure of a grandpa,” Zhao Xing couldn’t help but marvel.
Just a few days ago, he had barely learned Thunderclap, and now it was at the third transformation.
Such rapid progress owed not only to the Dao Embryo Pill and his fortune but also greatly to Xue Wenzhong’s dedicated guidance.
For example, just now, Xue Wenzhong instructed him to keep Cloud Walking controlled to about three meters, then cast Thunderclap. This method required precise control but greatly enhanced training effectiveness.
In other words, proficiency increased significantly!
“Cloud in the palm, three-foot heavenly thunder—this is something I figured out myself.” Xue Wenzhong’s palm showed a cloud with thunder serpents writhing within.
“The court teaches myriad spells, everyone can learn them, but finding the best, the optimal, the most suitable casting method for oneself—that is ‘art’.”
“Think it over carefully. Practice and reflect in the backyard this morning. After the lesson, I will check on you from time to time. I heard you scored top grade in the recent Minor Heat assessment. Do not be proud. You still have a long way to go compared to the other top students. All thirty on the honor list are stronger than you.”
“Yes, student remembers,” Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully.