Chapter 1, Wagering One's Life
Fortunately, Xu Zongyi has been helping some girls with heavy tasks since childhood, such as chopping wood and fetching water; he would assist with any work he could see that needed to be done
Why? Xu Zongyi was quite puzzled, looking at Xiao'e, who often went out to gather more information.
Breathing in strength to the bones, power reaching a thousand pounds
The daily miscellaneous institute was once very powerful in the distant past, but it later declined
Standing together with these people, the originally timid maids who lived in the miscellaneous courtyard found it even harder to hold their heads up, lacking the confidence to face the unusual gazes from the other four courtyards
The trials of the Earth Hall are a core selection process conducted by the Xu family of farmers for some of the younger bloodlines. It is said that many individuals have gained significant fortune within, while many others have also perished inside
"Heavens, Zong Yi, how could you agree to the conditions set by the Dean!" Xiao E nearly fainted, her eyes reddening. "If you fail like this, it would be tantamount to sacrificing your own life; you won't even be able to secure a place in the top three!"
On the day of the trial, about ten servants from the daily miscellaneous courtyard came to cheer for Xu Zongyi, hoping that he could achieve a good result
Xiao E treated him as her own family, unwilling to eat herself, knowing that he was growing, and tried her best to provide him with good food
"I told you to get lost, and you must get lost. This is not a place for you, the descendants of the daily miscellaneous. Look at the characters on your face, the offspring of sinful blood. If your parents had not committed a grave crime, this character would not be engraved on your face. And you bring along a group of little servants to cheer for you? How pathetic, such a sissy!" Xu Duande's meaning was clear; no one dared to defy him. After all, Xu Tian protected him, so from childhood to adulthood, he had always walked arrogantly among the children of the Xu family in the countryside.
Is he going to be a source of amusement for others
However, very few people are willing to go to the Grand Earth Hall to support him on behalf of the Daily Miscellaneous Institute
Because in the daily miscellaneous courtyard, there are endless tasks to complete every day, leaving no time for cultivation, and I am constantly summoned and ordered around by people from the other four courtyards.
The three of them are about to occupy the top three spots, not to mention the Winter Court. Xu Zhengdao is unfathomable, and the other three courts are very wary of him. How do you plan to secure a top three position?" As Xiao E spoke, tears began to fall, feeling that Xu Zongyi was indeed too impulsive to agree to the headmaster's condition, which was tantamount to self-sabotage. Even if he returned alive, given the headmaster's eccentric personality, he would undoubtedly torment Xu Zongyi to the point of wishing for death. Tears continued to fall, feeling that Xu Zongyi was indeed too impulsive to agree to the headmaster's condition, which was tantamount to self-sabotage. Even if he returned alive, given the headmaster's eccentric personality, he would undoubtedly torment Xu Zongyi to the point of wishing for death
Due to participation in the trials of the Earth Hall, there will be life and death involved, requiring the consent of the head of the institute for nomination
Do you want it? The disheveled, withered yellow hair of the master obscures most of his face, revealing only his two eyes, which are quite eerie
"Is it a death sentence? I do not know, but if I continue to survive in this mundane place, I would rather be dead." Xu Zongyi's gaze was sharp, showing no intention of leaving.
"Do you know what the three-layer trial of the Earth Hall is like?" The head of the hall was somewhat surprised, not expecting that he would actually agree to it.
At this moment, there was a slightly plump boy with the emblem of the Autumn Battle Academy embroidered on his clothes. He walked with a reckless abandon, surrounded by about ten people, each of whom appeared to be stronger than Xu Zongyi, their voices booming: "Make way, make way, good dogs do not block the path"
Xu Zongyi turned to leave, but not before expressing his gratitude. It is important to understand that failing to secure a top three position would mean facing dire consequences for oneself
They are now in a situation where they cannot leave, yet they cannot stay, all looking towards Xu Zongyi.
I wish to participate in the trial of the Earth Hall! Xu Zongyi's gaze was resolute, each word resonating powerfully and strikingly.
It is said that Xu Zongyi is going to participate in the trial at the Great Earth Hall, and most of the people in the daily miscellaneous courtyard are filled with mockery, pity, and sympathy.
You may need to discuss this matter with the head of the institute; if he does not agree, you will not be able to participate. As long as it is your decision, I will support you. In the end, Xiao E chose to compromise. Xu Zongyi's character is very strong-willed, and now she can only hope that he does not pass the head of the institute's scrutiny, in order to avoid danger.
In contrast, everyone in the miscellaneous affairs courtyard is dressed in coarse linen garments, which have become somewhat faded from washing, and none have stepped into the Qi Refinement stage, presenting a rather shabby appearance
Because everyone is wearing the miscellaneous servant uniforms of the Daily Miscellaneous Institute, and each person is quite weak, unlike those outside the Grand Earth Hall, the Spring Nurturing Institute, the Summer Cultivation Institute, the Autumn Combat Institute, and the Winter Court.
"Why should we leave?" Xu Zongyi, having repeatedly shown forbearance, countered in response to his aggressive demeanor.
Drawing air into the skin, the force reaches one hundred pounds
Then I will tell you, the first layer of the trial requires one to traverse an area filled with the poisonous gas emitted by the Heart-Confounding Grass for a distance of one hundred zhang. Many seven-year-old children can reach ninety zhang, which is already quite remarkable. The Heart-Confounding Grass can confuse the mind and create various illusions. As for the second layer of the trial, one must have reached the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm to even pass it. " The headmaster coldly looked at Xu Zongyi and asked, "Do you still dare to go now?"
These are merely the minimum standards, which vary from person to person
Ha? This is truly unprecedented. Everyone, come and listen, this group of lowly people actually dares to participate in the trial of the Great Earth Hall? They probably don't even know how to write the word 'death', right? Hahahahaha!" Xu Duande laughed angrily upon hearing this, his eyes filled with mockery: "Kid, you actually dare to insult me. Fine, let this be a warm-up before the trial, so you can understand just how vast the gap is between you lowly scum and us!"
The chubby boy from the Autumn War Institute, around seven years old, stopped in his tracks and looked down at Xu Zongyi and Xiao E, speaking in a commanding tone: "Aren't you from the Daily Miscellaneous Institute? How did you end up here? Is this a place for you to be?"
Xu Zongyi remained silent; he had already made up his mind, and naturally, he could not leave.
Zongyi, have you really thought it through? Are you going to participate in the trial of the Earth Hall? You could die! By the well in the daily miscellaneous courtyard, there is a young girl with a somewhat serious expression. Her name is Xiao'e, and she has always reserved the best things for Xu Zongyi since childhood, taking great care of him.
His withered, disheveled hair seemed to have not been combed for a long time, and his clothes appeared tattered, resembling a statue, motionless.
The chubby boy cast a sidelong glance at him and said, "What? You haven't even stepped into the Qi Gathering Realm, yet you want to enter the Earth Hall for trials? Hurry back to the miscellaneous courtyard to do your chores, and don't come here to embarrass yourself."
Many subtle matters require understanding, such as how to chop firewood, how to dry it, and how to control the heat. This includes enhancing the essence of fire and improving water quality and soil quality. Currently, the miscellaneous courtyard is primarily serving the other four courtyards, having lost its own inherent qualities.
Drawing air into the blood, the strength reaches five hundred
The old man finally lifted half an eyelid, glanced at him, and said irritably: "If you have something to say, just say it!"
The Qi Gathering Realm is divided into five minor realms
"However, it is too dangerous, and I still have my concerns," said Xiao E, her brows slightly furrowed.
Drawing air into the flesh, achieving a double hundred in strength
I hope he can come back alive, after all, this kid works quite diligently. Even the stewards of the daily miscellaneous courtyard do not have high hopes and keep sighing.
Their presence is particularly striking
He no longer wishes to continue in this manner; those in the daily miscellaneous courtyard are all servants. The other four courtyards can freely select some individuals from here to serve as their slaves
At least a long time ago, the Daily Miscellaneous Institute was not like it is now. The legendary "Rongshui Grand Ceremony" was one of the secret arts of the Daily Miscellaneous Institute, but how many people today can truly master it? Xu Zongyi looked at the old head of the institute without any hint of evasion
The girls who came from the daily miscellaneous institute were scolded to the point of trembling, and some even cried. After all, how many girls can endure such public humiliation
In the Summer Nurturing Courtyard, Xu Tianmu also stepped into the realm of energy infusion into the bones
The maid from the miscellaneous courtyard remained silent as if frozen in fear; this person was the son of the clan leader, Xu Tianzhe's trusted confidant, Xu Duande
Xu Zongyi felt enveloped by a terrifying aura, rendering him momentarily immobile. A sense of fear surged within him, and he instinctively wanted to tremble, yet he did not hesitate in the slightest: "Alright!"
The energy permeates the entire body, with a strength of three thousand
Participating in the Great Earth Hall trial means competing with the other four academies. After all, in the daily miscellaneous hall, the resources available are simply not comparable to those of the farming disciples from the other four academies. How can one compete with them? This is what Xiao E thought to herself.
Cultivating oneself will consume a significant amount of vital energy and blood. The food consumed, if unable to support the consumption of vital energy and blood within the body, will harm a person's essence during cultivation. It is evident how crucial high-quality grains are for cultivation.
Dare! Xu Zongyi was already mentally prepared, gathering his strength in one go, for once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back; at worst, he would die inside.
At this point, there is no other way! Xiao E felt both moved and saddened; in her view, Xu Zongyi's chances of winning were very slim. However, given the circumstances, she could only do her best to offer support
Xu Zongyi has met with the dean! He bowed respectfully.
In the Xu family of the farmhouse, there are five courtyards
In front of the steps, the people from the Fourth Institute stood scattered, showing no intention of giving way to the Daily Miscellaneous Institute. Many looked towards the Daily Miscellaneous Institute, pointing and whispering, their eyes filled with astonishment, disdain, mockery, and contempt.
The other four institutions are like children who have grown up eating meat, while Xu Zongyi is like a child who has grown up eating husks
These subtle signs were naturally perceptible to Xu Zongyi, which is why he was even more eager for Xiao'e to lead a good life
Thus, he is also quite appreciated by the steward, which is why he is able to live alone in a room
They were merely discussing in low voices and did not intentionally seek to create discomfort for the daily miscellaneous institute
He does not want to serve others himself, nor does he want Xiao'e to serve others
A child who has grown up eating meat cannot be compared to a child who has grown up eating husks; their physical constitutions are fundamentally different
"The implication of your words is that you look down on the daily miscellaneous institute?" The head of the institute lifted his two drooping eyelids, his gaze chilling, with a hint of an elusive smile at the corners of his mouth, giving off a rather eerie impression
The group from the daily miscellaneous goods institute had no idea where they should stand, feeling somewhat awkward
Watching his departing figure, the dean's murky gaze gained a hint of clarity: "This young man indeed possesses some courage, but to aim for the top three is nothing but a pipe dream. If he doesn't experience some hardship, he truly does not know the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth"
His behavior is eccentric; it is important to note that even the elders and stewards in the courtyard feel intimidated at just a glance from him
It is important to note that if the usual deacons and elders were to be scolded like this by the head of the institute, they would be so frightened that their legs would tremble uncontrollably. Although this head of the institute has been exiled here, his strength is still formidable
In his room, there was a stone bed, a stove, a table, two stools, and two sets of changeable servant's clothing, and nothing else remained
His temper is very peculiar and irritable, and he generally does not take care of matters. Even the usual stewards and the elders in the courtyard are not very willing to face him
I do not know," Xu Zongyi shook his head
I wish to participate in the trial" Xu Zongyi clasped his hands in salute, not wanting to create further trouble
However, many of his peers from other academies have already entered the Qi Refinement stage, while he has yet to begin his cultivation.
Most of those exiled to the Miscellaneous Courtyard resign themselves to their fate, as they cannot compete with the others in the courtyards. Rather than die in vain, it is better to cling to life. Children of just a few years old lack such courage; having grown accustomed to servitude, they naturally find it difficult to stand after kneeling for so long. It has been many years since any disciples from the Miscellaneous Courtyard participated in the trials of the Grand Hall.
In front of the Great Earth Hall, there is a square covering an area of 10 acres, where people from the four courtyards are arriving one after another
Sister Xiaoe, you know how they have viewed me over the years. They scold me every day, calling me the son of a criminal. I don't even know what wrong my parents committed, and they say I am a bastard, a mixed breed. If I continue to stay in this Japanese mixed community, my life will be over, and I will never have a chance to turn things around. Xu Zongyi has fought countless times with the children from the Japanese mixed community since he was young. Regardless of whether he could win or not, he would fight until no one could defeat him, until those who bullied him no longer dared to provoke him easily.
Of course, there is also no capital
In the Autumn War Institute, Xu Tianzhe, the youngest son of the clan leader, has also reached the pinnacle of the art of channeling energy into the bones
Xiao E immediately instructed the other maidservants to clear a path, and Xu Zongyi frowned but said nothing
Rest assured, I will go find him shortly. Xu Zongyi let out a sigh of relief; Xiao E was the person who treated him the best in this mixed courtyard, so he made some decisions, hoping to gain Xiao E's consent
Rest assured, the trials of the Earth Hall place greater emphasis on a person's will, perseverance, and physical condition, and are not significantly related to cultivation. If I do not dare to seize such a good opportunity, how can I ensure a good life for you in the future? Xu Zongyi has always been very grateful in his heart; for many years, Xiao E has taken great care of him. Over the years, a mysterious old man has taught him to read and write, and at each stage, he would give him a book. There was once a book that recorded the trials of the Earth Hall, which indeed did not differ from what the head of the academy said, regarding resisting the miasma heart grass, which is related to willpower.
Each academy holds the means of inheriting the lineage of rural farming
"Miss Xu Xindie of the Spring Life Institute has already entered the realm of breathing energy into the bones." Xiao E felt a pang of sadness in her nose, believing that Xu Zongyi's actions were too hasty.
He walked towards Xu Zongyi, and Xiao E felt a tightness in her heart, unsure of what to do: "What should I do? He has already reached the realm of channeling energy into flesh, with a strength of two hundred. Although Zongyi is not weak, he is still somewhat inferior in comparison. How can I withstand this?"
Xǔ Zōngyì felt a surge of excitement in his heart
Xu Zongyi entered the hall directly, and there were no seats on either side of the grand hall, as this place was never used for discussions; instead, it resembled a courtroom.
"Can a dog spit out ivory? We are here to participate in the trial, what right do you have to make us leave? Who do you think you are?" Xu Zongyi stepped forward immediately; he no longer wished to back down.
On ordinary days, one can enjoy some good food, mainly because Xiao E has a cousin who serves as Xu Xindie’s maid in Chunsheng Courtyard, and she often bestows some food upon the servants
Cultivation requires a long-term intake of high-quality grains, which can enhance a person's physical constitution, provide benefits to cultivation, and accelerate the speed of cultivation
Over the years, Xu Zongyi has not learned anything, only knowing how to cook in large pots, chop firewood, and carry water, and he has some understanding of water quality and soil quality
Spring Nurturing Institute, Summer Cultivation Institute, Autumn Combat Institute, Winter Judicial Institute, and Daily Miscellaneous Institute
Xu Zongyi's home is bare and empty, lacking any possessions, and the supplies that the daily necessities courtyard can provide are insufficient.
In three days, it will be the trial of the Earth Hall, and it is already too late to make any preparations now
The current head of the miscellaneous institute has also made a grave mistake and has been exiled here. The specifics of the matter are unknown to anyone, and no one dares to inquire.
The attire of each individual bears its own mark, crafted from fine silks and satins, exuding opulence and possessing a remarkable texture. Even the weakest among them has just stepped into the realm of Qi entering the flesh.
Currently, Xu Zongyi has not even entered the Qi Induction stage. Although his strength can exceed 100 jin, it still falls short compared to the Qi Induction into Flesh realm. In the four academies, the minimum strength required to participate in the trials is at the Qi Induction into Flesh level
Taihang Mountains
However, even for the disciples of the Xu family from various branches, the monthly expenditure on high-quality rice is limited and relatively precious
Despite the skepticism of countless people, Xiao E hopes to encourage Xu Zongyi
It is said that different waters are blended together to enhance the quality of the water, teaching people what to cultivate, what kind of water to use, and documenting the planting of various vegetation..." Xu Zongyi said earnestly
The chubby boy named Xu Duande had just lifted his foot to leave, but seeing that Xu Zongyi and his group had no intention of departing, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and said, "Did you not hear me telling you to leave?"
After helping Xiao'e fetch water, Xu Zongyi hurried to the main hall of the daily necessities courtyard at the first opportunity
Ultimately, they become the descendants of those with mediocre qualifications, only capable of performing menial labor and the mistakes of peasant disciples. Even if they are of legitimate bloodline, once exiled to the miscellaneous courtyard, they are no different from servants
Cultivation requires grain, not to mention the cultivation itself
In the past, the daily miscellaneous courtyard held a significant position in the Xu family of the farming community.
"Is your brain stuck in the door gap?" The dean said somewhat impatiently, waving his hand: "Hurry up and get lost, you haven't even entered the Qi Gathering Realm, are you seeking death?"
"You can leave, I will nominate you instead." The dean waved his hand, displaying an expression of impatience
Even if it means death, I still want to take the risk. A child at three is seen as small, but at seven, one is seen as mature. The trials of the Earth Hall can only be participated in before the age of seven. Xu Zongyi, with his delicate features, dressed in coarse linen, appeared frail yet possessed great strength. His gaze held a determination uncommon among ordinary people. On his face was a glaring red character for 'crime,' exceptionally eye-catching: 'I am already seven years old this year. If I want to erase this character from my face, I must cultivate and go to the Earth Hall for the trials'
The Xu family of farmers has secluded themselves in the mountains for generations, disregarding worldly affairs
Xu Zongyi grew up in a daily miscellaneous courtyard, and he can be considered diligent and uncomplaining, generally willing to take on more work without making excuses
Although the Daily Miscellaneous Institute is not as glamorous as the other four institutes and the tasks performed are quite trivial, the knowledge within is substantial. The head of the institute stood up and approached Xu Zongyi step by step, saying: "However, you young man actually know about the 'Rongshui Grand Canon.' Do you know what remarkable uses this scripture has?"
An old man sat in the main seat, dozing off, his expression heavy with gloom, as beams of sunlight streamed in, causing dust to dance in the air
Since you wish to participate in the Great Earth Hall trial, it is not impossible. If you can place in the top three, I will give you the "Rongshui Grand Canon." However, if you fail to reach the top three, do not return alive; die in there. If you dare to come back, I have a thousand ways to make your life worse than death. The headmaster sneered coldly, his gaze sinister, and turned back to his main seat.