Zhao Xing was happy, but Madam Cai was not.
She really wanted to hide the meat and eat it next time, but it was already in the pot, so it was not good to take it out again. She simply put in a bit more, otherwise, wouldn't Zheng'er not be full? The child had already started Cultivating, so his nutrition had to keep up.
"Eat, eat, eat, may you burst, you bumpkin." Madam Cai glared fiercely at the pot, banging the chopping board loudly, as if the piece of meat was Zhao Xing.
The movement in the kitchen clearly grew louder, but no one paid attention.
Because Zhao Ruide was currently teaching Zhao Zheng Martial Skills in the courtyard.
He was practicing his stance, and it was unknown how long he had been standing, yet he remained motionless, like a green pine.
Although he was nearly 60, his breathing was still long and deep, his Qi and blood like mercury, and the density of his Origin Qi far surpassed Zhao Xing's.
"Sitting Mountain Stance, standing like a sitting mountain. This Martial Artist stance, which can barely be considered a Mid Third Grade, has been practiced to feel like a High Grade. It seems that as long as one Cultivates long enough, a small Spell can also possess great power." Zhao Xing mused to himself.
Whether it was a Martial Skill or a Spell, it could break through inherent grades and produce new insights. It could be said that there was no limit.
Of course, in the current version, such situations are rare. Firstly, because the ways to acquire Spells and Martial Skills are abundant, after reaching 'Nine Revolutions' (max proficiency), one will basically choose a more Advanced one to Cultivate. Secondly, the Heaven and Earth rules are restrictive. If it were the Revival version, this situation would become common.
Zhao Ruide practiced diligently, his posture straight, inhaling and exhaling Origin Qi. Zhao Zheng, on the other hand, was slacking off.
He would move his feet for a bit, then twist his waist, scratching his ears and cheeks, his mind clearly not on it.
Seeing Zhao Xing return, his eyes immediately lit up, as if he had finally found a reason not to practice: "Big Brother is back! Big Brother! Father, you two chat! I'll go prepare towels for you!"
This little rascal wasn't genuinely fond of him; he just wanted to avoid practicing Martial Skills!
Right now, if you brought a dog over, he'd call it 'Brother.' This little guy was cunning!
With that, he immediately got up and slipped away.
"Come back! Who told you to move?!" Zhao Ruide shouted.
Zhao Zheng ran off with a smiling face, not taking Zhao Ruide's words seriously at all.
Zhao Xing also found it amusing. It was rare for a father to teach his son Martial Skills, because they simply couldn't bear to be harsh. Moreover, Zhao Ruide had a son late in life and doted on Zhao Zheng quite a bit, at most saying a few harsh words. How could he even practice like this?
"Zhao Zheng, come here."
"Huh? Big Brother..." Zhao Zheng stood still, a bit conflicted.
"One, two~~"
"Coming, coming!" Zhao Zheng shivered and immediately ran over.
"Father hasn't said to stop, why are you running? Keep standing!"
Zhao Zheng's little face immediately fell, his brows furrowed, and he reluctantly stood next to Zhao Ruide.
"Bend your knees, puff out your chest, hands straight!" Zhao Xing unceremoniously kicked Zhao Zheng's leg behind the knee.
"I'm standing properly, Big Brother, I'm standing properly." Zhao Zheng dared not get angry and even showed a fawning smile.
Zhao Ruide pretended not to see his youngest son's undignified appearance.
However, this couldn't be blamed on Zhao Zheng.
He had a mother who doted on him and a father who loved him. Even if he made mistakes or was mischievous, he was never actually hit.
Only this Big Brother was different; he truly beat him, and he always knew how to make it hurt the most.
If he complained to Father, Father would still only say a few words.
If he complained to Mother, Mother couldn't even argue with him!
Although there was no Bloodline relation, there was somehow a sense of Bloodline suppression.
As a result, whenever Zhao Zheng saw Zhao Xing, he was as well-behaved as a quail.
Dinner was eaten in the courtyard. Zhao Ruide wasn't particular about such things, and Madam Cai, being a former singing girl, also didn't care for these minor details. Since the courtyard was cool, they ate there.
With Zhao Xing present, Zhao Zheng ate much more properly, but after a while, he still couldn't sit still: "Mother, I'm hot."
Although he said it to Madam Cai, Zhao Zheng's eyes looked hopefully at his Big Brother.
"Mother will fan you." Madam Cai immediately put down her chopsticks to get a palm-leaf fan.
"No need for such trouble." Zhao Xing pointed his finger, and immediately dark clouds appeared overhead, just enough to block the setting sun's rays.
At the same time, a gentle breeze brought coolness. This scene made Zhao Zheng's eyes sparkle.
Even Zhao Ruide was a little surprised: "You can already conjure wind? And the clouds are much bigger."
Zhao Xing nodded: "I've made some progress recently."
More than just some progress, Zhao Xing's current 【Moving Clouds】 had a proficiency of over 5000. In professional terms, it was Moving Clouds Fifth Revolution, capable of covering five thousand meters.
Zhao Ruide was knowledgeable; he clearly felt the Spell's progress, and looking at his adopted son, this understated feeling was also very different from before.
"Is there hope for you to be appointed an official this year?"
Zhao Xing put down his bowl and chopsticks: "I have an eighty percent chance."
Zhao Ruide asked: "What about the remaining twenty percent?"
Zhao Xing pondered: "A good teacher, and a recommender."
Although Xue Wenzhong had agreed to take him as a Disciple, he hadn't formally acknowledged him as a Disciple yet, so how much effort the Old Minister of Agriculture would put into recommending him was unknown. Furthermore, the Old Minister of Agriculture alone might not be enough.
Official appointments primarily depended on assessments, but recommendations also held some weight, especially when several people had similar or identical scores.
Zhao Ruide nodded and didn't ask further.
However, in the following days, Zhao Xing noticed that the family's meals suddenly improved by a notch, consisting mostly of items that nourished Origin Qi.
At the Ministry of Agriculture, at the first hint of dawn, Zhao Xing had already arrived at Xue Wenzhong's Huailiu Courtyard.
"Boom crack~" "Boom crack!"
A dark cloud, only three meters square, hovered five meters above Zhao Xing's head.
The sound of thunder was incessant, and the flashes of lightning made Zhao Xing's face alternately bright and dim.
A moment later, the dark cloud dispersed.
Zhao Xing looked at his status panel.
"【Thunderclap: Basic Spell】"
"【Progress: (3005 / 9999)】"
"【Effect: Under the prerequisite of Moving Clouds, thunder can sound within the clouds.】"
"Thunderclap has already reached Third Revolution, and its power is getting stronger and stronger. The Old Minister of Agriculture is truly a Treasure grandfather," Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim.
He had only learned 【Thunderclap】 a few days ago, and in just a few days, it had already reached Third Revolution.
Such rapid progress, in addition to the Dao Embryo Pill and Luck blessings, Xue Wenzhong's exclusive guidance was also a major help.
For example, just now, Xue Wenzhong had him control 【Moving Clouds】 to about three meters, and then cast 【Thunderclap】. This method of casting was a great test of control, but the training effect was very significant.
In other words, it gave a lot of proficiency!
"Moving Clouds in the Palm, Three-Foot Heavenly Thunder, this is something I figured out myself." In Xue Wenzhong's palm, clouds appeared, and lightning snakes rolled within them.
"The court transmits all Dao, and everyone can learn. However, finding the best, optimal, and most suitable casting method for oneself, that is the 'Art'."
"You should think carefully. This morning, practice and ponder in the back courtyard. I will come to check on you from time to time after my lecture. I heard you got an A+ in the Minor Heat assessment a few days ago. You must not be arrogant. You still have a big gap compared to the top talents in other courtyards. The thirty people on the A-list are all stronger than you."
"Yes, this student will remember." Zhao Xing cupped his hands.