Chapter 6: Transmitting the Dharma in the Temple

The agricultural arts are countless, yet they can be categorized into three main schools of thought: the School of Celestial Timing, the School of Terrestrial Advantage, and the School of Original Self.

The primary philosophy of the School of Celestial Timing is to "know, define, and alter the celestial timing." They believe that the most vital condition for plant growth is the timing of the heavens. In the ancient era, the Xuanhuang Continent experienced the "Age of Natural Disasters," during which the celestial phenomena were extremely unstable. A single day could span all four seasons, and a year could witness the rise and fall of civilizations. Even now, many regions on the Xuanhuang Continent remain plagued by such chaotic phenomena—mountain ranges that burn with eternal flame, ice seas that never thaw, or places where the morning sun is hot enough to melt metal, only for the night to turn water into ice and freeze living beings into statues. While some areas are less extreme, they still suffer from "disordered seasons" and "inverted solar terms." Therefore, the School of Celestial Timing focuses its research on understanding, altering, and fixing these celestial rhythms to create a stable environment for farmers. Their most renowned classic is the "Order of Solar Terms," which, when mastered, allows one to regulate celestial phenomena and dictate local seasons.

The core philosophy of the School of Terrestrial Advantage argues that celestial timing is immutable and natural phenomena cannot be changed. They believe it is better to expend effort on transforming harsh, bitter lands into fertile grounds of good fortune. Based on this, they plant crops, using the synergy between the improved terrain and the plants to slowly expand their viable living environment. They believe that if the soil is made sufficiently fertile, plants will bloom and bear fruit even under the most brutal weather. After all, even on an iceberg, a delicate snow lotus can bloom. Their classic texts include the "Method of Returning to the Earth" and the "Formation of the Earth Storehouse." This school frequently utilizes tools and magical formations, maintaining close ties with the School of Engineering.

As for the "School of Original Self," they dismiss the others entirely. They believe that celestial timing and terrestrial conditions are merely external factors; true strength lies in the self. They view plants themselves as miracles, endowed with a tenacious vitality capable of adapting to any environment. By gathering rare flowers, exotic grasses, and mystical woods from across the world and selectively breeding them over generations, they aim to produce seeds capable of resisting any external influence. Their goal is to develop techniques that make plants increasingly robust. Their most famous classic is the "Illustrated Guide to the Growth of All Things."

"In this current era, the School of Celestial Timing holds sway and dominates the mainstream, while the Schools of Terrestrial Advantage and Original Self are relegated to the sidelines," Zhao Xing mused. "It will not be until the 'Resurgence' update that these two schools will truly shine, introducing wonders like Void Seeds that root in nothingness and magical soils capable of transmuting plants across several tiers." On his way to the temple, Zhao Xing had already decided on his primary path of cultivation. He lacked the current means to pursue the ways of the other two schools. "My mobility is too weak right now. If I ever gain the ability to travel afar, I might search for the treasures of this age, such as the Lava Earth-Fire Lotus, Blood-Sucking Vines, or the parasitic and exotic seeds preserved in ancient tombs. But for now... I must make do with what I have."

The Gucheng Temple was a county-level shrine. The statues inside were not ethereal, legendary deities; most were famous historical figures, primarily deceased civil officials and military generals of the Great Zhou Dynasty. They had been enshrined for their bravery in battle or their benevolent governance that brought prosperity to the people. The majority hailed from the era of the founding emperor.

The main hall Zhao Xing entered was dedicated to the "Earl of Donghu" from the time of the founding emperor. Born in Donghu, Gucheng, he had been a fisherman in his youth. During the emperor’s conquest of the thousand kingdoms, he joined the forces of Duke Zhao as a chariot driver, eventually being enfeoffed as the Earl of Donghu. Upon returning to his hometown, he gave away his fortune to build bridges and roads, renovated the land, and voluntarily relinquished most of his fields to the displaced, transforming Gucheng from a mere town into a county-sized settlement. After his death, he was enshrined in this temple to receive offerings as a minor deity.

"The Earl of Donghu was a warrior; seeking agricultural arts from him would be unwise. This era is best suited for the profession of an Agronomist, not anything else. I have consumed the Dao Embryo Pill; if he senses my potential and decides I should practice martial arts, bestowing some martial manual upon me, it would be a waste of time." Zhao Xing did not enter the hall, choosing instead to offer incense at the bronze burner outside before turning to leave.

*Clang!*

Inside the hall, a bronze bell rang of its own accord, carrying a powerful intent that resonated clearly in Zhao Xing’s mind—as if the deity were pleading for him to stay, or dissuading him from leaving. Zhao Xing froze; he had not expected a simple bow to elicit such a reaction. Was the Earl of Donghu actually manifesting to stop him? The Dao Embryo Pill was truly potent. Zhao Xing gave another bow and quickened his pace to depart.

"Sigh." As Zhao Xing walked away, the statue emitted a faint, lingering sigh. The temple acolyte meditating in the hall looked toward the door in confusion, finding only empty space. When he looked back at the statue, there were no further signs, so he scratched his head and returned to his meditation.

After this encounter, Zhao Xing did not dare to bow randomly anymore. He quickened his pace to a side hall—the Hall of True Lord Caoxi. "Caoxi was the Magistrate of State-Owned Fields in Nanyang during the early dynasty. He is considered a brilliant figure of the School of Terrestrial Advantage for his widespread implementation of the engineering school’s 'Returning Waterwheel,' the construction of the Thirteen Canals of Pinghu, and his use of engineering formations to manage floods. He was well-versed in many schools and authored the 'Caoxi Treatise on Agriculture.' As a pragmatic man, praying to him should be safe. You are the one, my lord."

Zhao Xing handed the official document from the county office to the temple acolyte, who held the position of the Bureau of Rites. This role was responsible for the procedures of sacrificial rituals. It was a profession known to players as the "Spirit Medium," a form of early "divine vocation" capable of inviting deities to possess them and summoning minor deities to fight. Once, Zhao Xing had wanted to switch to this class for the thrill, but with the collapse of the dynasty of fortune, its combat prowess had waned. In the "Resurgence" update, becoming strong in this class was difficult and complex, so he had abandoned the idea. He certainly would not give up the Agronomist profession for this early-game divine vocation now.

"The document is in order. Enter, sit on the prayer mat, and meditate," the young-looking but solemn acolyte instructed. "Remember, one cannot force the acquisition of divine arts. To receive anything is a stroke of great fortune; if you receive nothing, it simply means your strength is not yet sufficient. Come back another time, and do not harbor distracting thoughts." This was a warning not to develop obsession or resentment if he failed, as the minor deities were sensitive to the intentions of those who petitioned them.

"Yes, thank you, Acolyte." Zhao Xing took a deep breath and stepped into the Hall of True Lord Caoxi.