Chapter 5: The Diligent Emperor

The difference between the Qi Yun level of Yan 1 and Yan 2 is like the difference between heaven and earth. With Yan 2 Qi Yun, one can defeat 90% of ordinary people.

For example, when Zhao Xing casts [Cloud Walking], out of 100 attempts, there might be only two or three times when Qi Yun enhances the spell, increasing its effect by 20-30%. This effect is called a 'Minor Success' by players.

Out of 1,000 attempts, there might be one time when the effect is doubled, which players call a 'Major Success'!

However, with Yan 2 Qi Yun, out of 10 spell casts, there could be two or three times when a 'Minor Success' effect is triggered, and out of 100 casts, there could be one time when a 'Major Success' effect is triggered.

This is just the benefit in terms of spell casting. There are other advantages, such as finding treasures when going out, meeting hidden masters when seeking a teacher, and never coming up empty-handed when fishing…

Especially in the version of 'Qi Yun Dynasty,' these effects are even more pronounced.

"But why is this happening? I remember clearly that the Dao Embryo Pill doesn't have this effect… Hmm?"

Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Zhao Xing's head, and he thought of a possibility.

"At this time, the Great Meng Academy is different from the later 'Yunmeng Academy.' The former has abundant treasures, while the latter is more of a tool."

"Could it be that by entering the Great Meng Academy, I indirectly gained part of the ancient dynasty 'Dali'’s Qi Yun?"

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Zhao Xing then began to recall the relevant plot of this ancient dynasty, evaluating whether this outcome was good or bad.

In the end, he concluded that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

"The Dali Dynasty is far removed from the Great Zhou Dynasty. During the chaos of the feudal lords, there were forces claiming to be remnants of the Dali Dynasty, but they never caused much of a stir, let alone in the current era."

"Qi Yun growth is无形无象，无迹可寻, and the transition from Yan 1 to Yan 2 would not attract attention."

"If it can continue to grow, there's no rush. By then, I will already be part of the Great Zhou system. If high-ranking officials notice in the future, I can simply hand over the method to enter the Great Meng Academy to the state, making a one-time deal."

Zhao Xing remembered that the person who discovered the method to enter the Great Meng Academy was not 'specially handled.' Instead, after presenting the method to the Martial Emperor, he was ennobled as the Marquis of Xian and granted a county.

Therefore, whether Qi Yun growth is noticed or not is just a matter of earning more or less, not a safety issue.

"However, it's still best to enter the system as soon as possible."

After understanding everything, Zhao Xing felt relieved.

"Cock-a-doodle-doo~"

At this moment, the sound of roosters crowing came from outside. He quickly washed up and hurried out the door.

The agricultural supervisor office in Gu Cheng currently has more than 500 people.

However, the number of slots allocated to Gu Cheng by Nanyang Commandery each year is only three to five.

Most of the agricultural clerks with no talent or background can only endure, waiting for their more talented competitors to be promoted.

The agricultural supervisor office is still better off compared to the military, engineering, legal, literary, and ritual systems, which have even more competitive career paths.

In simple terms, the agricultural supervisor is easier to transition into other professions compared to warriors, engineers, and doctors.

This year, the agricultural supervisor office has many 'experts,' such as Li Chengfeng and Wen Nanxing, who are already near the third stage of the Yuan Gathering realm.

Not only do they know basic spells like [Cloud Walking], [Rain Casting], [Thunder Striking], and [Wind Raising], but they have also started practicing advanced versions like [Wind and Rain], [Calling Wind and Rain], and even [Festival Command] and [Growth of All Things] in the temple, which allow them to learn spells with lethal power.

Whether in terms of 'gong' (cultivation) or 'shu' (skills), they surpass other clerks.

To surpass these competitors, Zhao Xing must accelerate his progress.

"Now that I am at the second stage of the Yuan Gathering realm, my yuan qi is sufficient to support more spell casting. It's time to learn new spells."

The agricultural supervisor office in Gu Cheng is located in the east of the city, but Zhao Xing is heading north. To learn spells, he first needs to go to the county office for approval, get permission, and record it, then go to the temple to seek the spells.

After obtaining the spells, he must return to the county office to re-record them, as the process of seeking spells in the temple may result in random, additional spells.

After completing this, he will return to the agricultural supervisor office to seek guidance and practice. The formal officials of the agricultural supervisor office are both superiors and teachers to the clerks.

Whether they are willing to teach and how much effort they put in depends on whether the right person is found.

Zhao Xing entered the county office and began the process, receiving enthusiastic treatment from the on-duty clerk.

"My name is Pang Fei. There is some cool tea inside. Brother Zhao, please rest in the side hall for a moment."

Seeing the young, enthusiastic face, Zhao Xing was a bit surprised: "Brother Pang, you are too kind. How long will it take to approve this document?"

He came to get things done, not to drink tea.

"Sealing the document will take no more than one hour, and it can be done in half an hour at the fastest."

Surprisingly, it was so fast? How did the county office become so efficient?

He thought Pang Fei was an exception, but unexpectedly, all the clerks he saw in the side hall were the same!

After thinking for a long time, Zhao Xing suddenly realized.

This has to be traced back to Emperor Jing.

Emperor Jing was an ambitious person. He named his era 'Jingxin' (New Prosperity) to create a new atmosphere and surpass the reputation of his ancestors.

His father, Emperor Wen, was known for 'loving the people like his own children, being humble and benevolent,' but Emperor Jing had a short temper and could not achieve this. To surpass his father, he had to work hard in other areas.

Thus, this emperor began to lead the way in internal competition.

The 'Great Zhou Code' stipulates that minor matters should be handled within five days, medium matters within seven days, and major matters within ten days.

Under his requirements, all county and prefecture-level institutions must 'handle matters daily' and 'never delay.'

Following the emperor's lead, a wave of internal competition swept through the nineteen provinces.

Emperor Jing thus earned the nickname 'Diligent Emperor' among players.

Why is the government so efficient? The emperor leads by example, and who dares to slack off? The temple in the city is not just for show; it can monitor illegal activities and lazy governance!

Why is Pang Fei so friendly? Because he is also a clerk, just like himself, and he wants to be promoted. Without competing with his colleagues, when will he ever get a promotion?

"Establishing the temple to monitor officials and spreading knowledge to enlighten the people, this period is truly safe. Unlike later times, when even farming was not peaceful…" As an agricultural player, Zhao Xing is very satisfied with the current environment, considering it the best time for development!

After finishing a cup of tea, another enthusiastic clerk immediately came to refill it.

After three refills, Pang Fei ran over with a document in hand.

"Brother Zhao, your application has been approved. I kept you waiting."

"Thank you." Seeing the sweat on Pang Fei's forehead, Zhao Xing genuinely thanked him.

(End of Chapter)