Seeing that the three of them, Huang Tao, were defeated by Zhao Xing even when working together, the onlookers immediately dispersed.
These three were all top talents on the A-list last time.
They were defeated even when working together, and so decisively at that. Why even try again?
Seeing no one step forward, Zhao Xing no longer provoked and began to focus on the assessment.
“Was that really Big Brother?” Qian Dong and Chen Ziyu, who were occupying plots together, exchanged glances, both speechless.
“Brother has become so strong,” Chen Ziyu said with a hint of envy. “Those three, Huang Tao, were so easily driven away even when working together.”
“Occupying two springs and three ash pits by himself, Big Brother is probably going to be A-grade again this time.”
“Ziyu, let’s not go over there, lest we drag Big Brother down.”
“Mm.”
“This A-grade Zhao Xing is very arrogant,” Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang were observing the battle together in the western part of the planting area.
“He certainly has the capital to be arrogant,” Zong Shichang stroked his chin, a hint of eagerness in his eyes. “Huang Tao’s three Flowing Cloud Spells, like his, were all Seven Revolutions.”
“His Wind Rising Spell probably isn’t much worse, yet he was defeated so decisively.”
“Either he concealed his strength, or he has rich combat experience.”
“Regardless of which, he is definitely not simple.”
Li Chengfeng looked at the eager Zong Shichang and smiled, “What, Brother Zong, are your hands itching?”
Zong Shichang nodded, “I do have some thoughts, but the assessment is more important. We’ll see later.”
“Mm, let’s go to the seedling area.”
In the northern part of the planting area, Wen Nanxing gazed at the greyish-white cloud.
“Why can his Flowing Cloud so easily devour Huang Tao’s cloud without being affected at all, and even grow a bit larger?”
Wen Nanxing was in the north, not far from Zhao Xing, practically a front-row spectator.
He saw it more clearly than Li Chengfeng.
“Flowing Cloud Spell has a repulsive nature; absorbing cloud Qi for one’s own use usually requires a complete suppression of rank to achieve.”
“I can also shred Huang Tao’s cloud Qi and even devour it, so how can he?”
Zhao Xing’s Flowing Cloud quickly stabilized, looking like a puddle of mud, completely unremarkable.
He then looked at Xiao Ze in the south, whose tiger-head cloud shone brightly. In comparison, his own was utterly ordinary.
“I wonder what method it is.” Xiao Ze also thought for a while, but the battle ended too quickly, and he couldn't discern any tricks, so he gave up and went to the seedling area to choose.
After waiting for a while, no one came to challenge him. Zhao Xing knew he had established himself, so he also went to the seedling area to select plants.
He looked very relaxed when fighting Huang Tao and the other two, and in reality… he was relaxed.
The same Spell, the same rank, but the operational techniques and experience were not on the same level at all.
He had honed his skills for a long time in the Catastrophe Era in his previous life, and combat had become a survival instinct. For Huang Tao, these hothouse flowers, to choose him for a fight was simply showing off before an expert.
Forget three, such a Zhao Xing could take on ten!
On the viewing platform, Chen Shijie couldn't help but laugh, “Old Si Nong was indeed right; he truly showed extraordinary performance. You have trained a talent.”
Xue Wenjong slowly said, “Before, he had not entered the second stage of Qi Gathering, and his talent was not apparent. After entering, he accumulated greatly and then burst forth. I only contributed a small effort.”
“Elder Xue is too modest,” Gao Linong immediately said. “I saw his previous minor exams, and his performance was only average, at most a B-grade. Without your careful guidance, how could he have made such great progress?”
Huang Tao was under Gao Linong, and being defeated, he also lost some Face.
So, his words were somewhat Yin and Yang towards Xue Wenjong – implying, did you give Zhao Xing special treatment?
He completely ignored that all the officials here, including himself, were doing the same thing.
As if it was normal for him to do it, but morally corrupt for others.
Xue Wenjong glanced at him and said indifferently, “You can say that if you want. For such a good talent, this old man plans to spend more time specifically guiding him. Does Lord Gao have any suggestions?”
“…”
He didn’t expect Xue Wenjong to answer like that. Are you just not pretending anymore?
Gao Linong’s punch didn't land, and he felt a little uncomfortable, so he just gave a dry laugh and moved on.
The planting area was bustling, but the seedling area was much more peaceful.
Because the supply of seedlings here was unlimited, there was no need to scramble.
In addition to seedlings planted in the soil, there were also seed packets.
“Seeds, young seedlings, and plants in their growth stage are available for selection.”
“Qualities range from First Grade to Third Grade.”
“The scoring criteria are: first, quantity; second, quality; third, survival status.”
Zhao Xing carefully selected, then his gaze fell on a potted plant. All others were unlimited, but this one was a limited edition, placed in the most conspicuous position, and guarded by someone.
“Heavenly Yuan Pear Tree, a ten-year maturation period, then one year to flower, one year to bear fruit. Each time it only bears 3 to 10 fruits.”
“The Heavenly Yuan Pears produced have the effect of strengthening the foundation and cultivating the Yuan Qi, and their taste is also very good. They are highly favored by high-ranking officials and nobles, ranking as Third Grade High Grade.”
Zhao Xing stared for a while, thought about it, and then gave up.
Because he used Five Elements Observation and learned that this pear tree was only three years old, far from its maturity period.
Choosing it, while having the highest value points, would only be worthwhile if it could be ripened.
With only three days, none of the officials present could possibly do it.
Chen Shijie placed it here purely for the examinees to see.
To see which fool would overestimate himself.
“Choosing seeds gives the highest points, but it also takes time and effort. Choosing seedlings comes next, and choosing semi-mature potted plants is the least rewarding.”
“However, it also depends on quality. Plants from First to Third Grade are provided here, and points for quality definitely take precedence over others.”
Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, then locked onto three types of plants.
They were the vine-type ‘Green Vine Seedling’, a Second Grade Low Grade.
The bamboo-type ‘Vajra Bamboo Seedling’, a Second Grade High Grade.
Then the aquatic type ‘Fragrant Lotus’, a Second Grade Medium Grade.
Compared to other treasures, plant seedlings and seeds were relatively cheap, so it was fine even if they were damaged.
Zhao Xing was not polite and asked the manager of the seedling area for 20 portions in one go.
“Name?”
“Zhao Xing.”
“Recorded. Move them yourself.” The manager finished registering and pointed with his hand:
Gentle breezes swirled, dividing into three strands. One went straight to the ground, slowly digging out the seedlings along with the soil. One supported the seed packets, and one carried the potted plants.
Then they landed in front of Zhao Xing.
“Rise!”
Zhao Xing also used the Wind Rising Spell, letting out a soft cry. The registered plants, covered in mud and soil, immediately all flew to Zhao Xing’s side, neatly arranged.
“Not bad, not bad,” the manager stroked his beard and smiled. “Although the supply is unlimited, do not waste these good seedlings.”
Nodding, Zhao Xing carried these plants and walked towards his planting area.
Others didn't have such great abilities, so they could only move them in trips.
Zhao Xing held these plants aloft, striding like a Dragon and a tiger. Others seeing this all made way, or slowly followed behind him, creating a feeling of an emperor on inspection.
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