Chapter 5, The Sins of the Father from Years Ago

The storm that year was not insignificant for the reclusive farming family after many years of seclusion

However, Xu Zongyi unexpectedly secured first place, something they had never even dared to imagine

"The Grand Ceremony of Rongshui is right on the table, take it and get lost quickly" The old man spoke with a tone of great impatience

However, she will not back down from her own words

"Tian Gu Qi Zhong?" Xu Zongyi suddenly recalled having read some essays by his agricultural ancestor Xu, and his heart raced wildly. However, he still wanted to confirm: "Is it really impressive?"

"Xindie, you actually obtained a rare species!" Xu Tianzhe exclaimed in surprise, while Xu Tianmu beside him slightly furrowed his brows, as if to suggest that Xu Zhengdao was not lacking either

"Unless you can become a standout among your peers, or achieve great merit for the Nongjia Xu family, or if the clan leader shows great mercy, naturally, you will be eliminated." The dean spoke with a hint of cold laughter, giving a rather chilling impression.

You said that as long as I secured a place in the top three, you would give me the "Rongshui Grand Code". Now that I have achieved first place, is there no other form of acknowledgment? Xu Zongyi, being a newcomer, was unafraid and wanted to negotiate terms with the dean.

He is merely a servant in a sundry shop

They are already prepared to be humiliated and believe that the final outcome will end in a dismal dispersal

Upon hearing this, Xiao E's face turned as pale as paper. Indeed, people of their status had no right to resist: "Do not bully us too much!"

Those who believed that Xu Zongyi would definitely not achieve good results were left dumbfounded one by one

Xu Tianzhe felt extremely uncomfortable, as it was the first time in his life that someone had made him feel this way

Outside the Great Earth Hall

Incredible!

Only the head of the hospital stood there, silent for a while, his gaze gradually becoming clearer: "It seems that Xu Chengyun has put considerable effort into his secret training over the years. However, can this kid compare to Xu Chen from back then?"

Thank you, Miss Xindie. Xu Zongyi sighed softly, and his mood quickly settled down, for the main purpose of the trip to the Earth Hall had been achieved. He had passed the trial, and even though he had not obtained any significant treasures, he had a friend like Xu Xindie, who cared for him in every way. This was the first true friend in his life, apart from Xiao'e.

Xu Zongyi was unaware that he had already been targeted by someone

Congratulations, the Sutra Repository is a place that many people wish to enter but cannot. You must work hard in the future; achievements will not come without effort. Xu Xindie felt happy for him

Haha, do you now understand the gap between us? If it weren't for my carelessness just now, I would have surely beaten you to a pulp. So what if you are with Miss Xindie? You have no ranking and gain nothing at all.

I am just like Miss Xindie" Xu Zhengdao said with a slight smile, clearly in a good mood

Many records indicate the possibility of cultivating extraordinary warriors, rare-blooded ancient beasts, slumbering invincible emperors, enchanting celestial maidens, powerful vegetation, or astonishing ancient scriptures and techniques. Anything could potentially be cultivated, far surpassing their heavenly swords and azure rods, provided that luck does not run too low and one does not encounter dead seeds, as the passage of time may lead to the extinction of the entities within. It is said that children who laugh often do not have particularly bad luck. Since I laugh so much, I should not encounter such misfortunes. Xu Xindie maintains a relatively optimistic mindset, not thinking negatively, and is filled with laughter.

The Young Master of Tianmu ranks second

These girls will come, and they are also grateful in their hearts for the assistance they receive from Xu Zongyi with some of the physically demanding tasks in their daily lives

Xu Zongyi took a deep breath; indeed, having grown up in a daily necessities courtyard, the purple-grade strengthening rice, which is essential for foundational cultivation, was something he could only aspire to but never attain

Young Master Tianzhe ranks third

Now his son, unexpectedly lost to the Sin Blood in the trial of the Earth Hall, naturally his mood would not be very good

Xu Duande's expression was grim, and he did not dare to say anything at all, because Xu Xindie had spoken. That was Xu Tianzhe, a person whom even Xu Tianmu would treat with deference; he simply could not afford to offend.

Only Xu Zongyi has been transferred to the Sutra Repository, making it not so easy to move against him; one can only look for opportunities in the future

What did you say?" Xu Zongyi looked at Xu Duande, his gaze very cold

The girls who went to cheer for him have all been taken under the wing of Miss Xu Xindie

Xu Zhengdao has also obtained a rare variety

How could he possibly achieve first place

"I came in first, and tomorrow I will go to the Sutra Repository." Xu Zongyi spoke each word clearly, looking at the old man, without a trace of pride or complacency, only calmness, for he knew that the path of cultivation had not yet begun, and he was still far from his goal

Alright, thank you, Brother Zhengdao! Xu Zongyi readily agreed, as he could tell that Xu Zhengdao was the kind of person who repays kindness with kindness and enmity with enmity, with clear distinctions between love and hate

The old man sat in the main seat, his eyes drooping, casting a sidelong glance at him

Let's go, we will go out. Xu Xindie smiled, this time she was in an exceptionally good mood

It is unclear why Xu Zhengdao, who has always ignored everyone, would suddenly stand up for him

He is also the focus of attention for many people. Xu Duande saw that Xu Zongyi's hands were empty, and he laughed heartily, looking at Xiao'e and the others: "After all, he is a lowly person, with a mixed bloodline. How could he possibly inherit the legacy of my farming ancestors? Do you see? Your Xu Zongyi, like a dog, is closely following Miss Xindie, yet he gains nothing. As descendants of sinners, you still wish to associate with him. From today onwards, you shall be my servants!"

Xu Xindie looked at these maidservants, who were different from others in that they understood gratitude. Even when Xu Zongyi was in such a humble position, they were able to stand here, enduring ridicule. Even if their lives were as lowly as grass, even if they could not lift their heads, they still stood here, solely to support him

"Joke, I will send some rice and grain to the daily necessities courtyard, and those stewards will agree. I want to see what that little brat can do to me?" Xu Duande was quite arrogant; he wanted to make Xu Zongyi uncomfortable and let him see that those who supported him had all become his subordinates, his servants.

Xu Tianzhe and Xu Tianmu frowned slightly, feeling that they had been inside for a bit too long

"That's great, Zong Yi actually came in first place." Xiao E cheered at the first moment, her eyes slightly red; this way, he wouldn't have to suffer anymore

Indeed, this little good-for-nothing still dreams of eating swan meat, not even considering his own weight and worth

What can be grown?" Xu Zongyi asked eagerly, as he also had an ancient seed on him

Countless children mocked Xu Zongyi, and he could only endure it, as he indeed had not obtained any notable treasures, which were not worth mentioning

Elder Xu of the Xu family, Xu Yuesheng, also felt somewhat awkward. It was Xu Zhongmu who personally judged the crime of Xu Zongyi's father at that time, and this child, no matter what, would never forget.

Xu Zongyi's lips twitched; he felt a sense of loss when he thought about his own fate. However, no matter what, he had achieved first place, and at least there was still the "Rongshui Grand Canon." With this thought, his mood improved somewhat

"It is something you should know, we can choose you at will to be our servants. Since you are so eager to stand up for that little brat, come and be my servants." Xu Duande said with a faint cold smile at the corner of his mouth

Xiao E is like an older sister figure, treating them very well on a daily basis, which is why they came here

Many people are eagerly awaiting the emergence of Xu Xindie and Xu Zhengdao

"Brother Zhengdao, how about you? What have you gained?" Xu Zongyi restrained his emotions and looked curiously at the side.

He took out a bag of grain from himself and said proudly, "Do you know what is inside? Purple Grade Strengthening Rice, bought for these servants at ten jin each. Your steward will surely agree, but I fear you have never even tasted Purple Grade Strengthening Rice in your lifetime. Oh, you probably haven't even seen it!"

Great! In the daily miscellaneous courtyard, countless people dream of becoming Xu Xindie's maid, because she is generous and caring towards her subordinates, unlike some others.

"Let us go, we will return to the Daily Miscellaneous Courtyard first." Xu Zongyi did not pay attention to the gazes of others

How is it possible that he actually obtained first place in the trial? Is it not Miss Xindie and Xu Zhengdao?

Miss Xindie truly lives up to her name, as the fortune she has received is indeed extraordinary

Xu Tian narrowed his eyes slightly; if it were not for Xu Zongyi's unfortunate luck, he might have been able to attain something truly remarkable.

In the shadows, the head of the Xu family, Xu Chongmu, wore a grim expression, having not anticipated such an outcome

Xu Zongyi furrowed his brows slightly, feeling that this father, whom he had never met, was somewhat excessive. He had a marriage contract yet made someone wait for hundreds of years. When he finally returned, he had a marriage contract with a foreign woman. However, matters of love between men and women cannot be easily controlled. Is there some hidden truth behind this?

Someone like Xu Zongyi can only be considered a bastard child, and it is only natural for him to be placed in the miscellaneous courtyard. Unless he becomes stronger through his own abilities, he will never be able to enter the family genealogy

Xu Tianmu lowered his head in deep thought, could it be that he truly gained nothing at all

"Shut up, all of you. From today onwards, Xu Zongyi is my brother. Xu Duande, if you keep spewing nonsense, be careful that I will beat you into a pig's head, and Xu Tianzhe won't be able to protect you." Xu Zhengdao was proud and aloof, taciturn, but he always kept his word, each syllable as cold as the frost and snow of the twelfth lunar month.

He obtained a pair of injury-free scissors. Although they are not a magical tool used in combat, they are extremely useful for trimming vegetation during planting, as they do not harm the plants. Others have also acquired some items left by the ancestors of the Xu family, even if they are just some everyday small objects, they are still quite remarkable

Xu Zongyi faced danger, and she was worried

He is a servant from a miscellaneous household, yet he is able to secure the first place in the Grand Earth Hall, which is truly astonishing

Xu Xindie also understood that not everyone could attain great fortune, and luck was very important. Indeed, there were those who, after trials, ended up with nothing due to their poor luck. She took out a seed, filled with joy: "I have obtained a rare seed from the ancient times. If it yields any great treasure in the future, you will have a share."

Xu Duande's expression was extremely grim, as if he had been severely slapped several times. He growled in a low voice: "This little beast, I will definitely kill him."

Xu Zongyi felt a surge of excitement upon hearing that he was to be transferred to the Sutra Repository, and all his previous discontent vanished in an instant

Listening to the comments of these people, Xiao E felt her heart sink, but this was indeed within her expectations, as her opponent was truly formidable; being able to stand up and compete was already a commendable achievement

Xu Zongyi went straight to the main hall where the head of the institute was located and directly stepped inside

Many children from the other four hospitals are unable to accept this fact

"Zong Yi, starting today, we are brothers. If anyone dares to trouble you, come to the Winter Court to find me. No matter who it is, I will definitely beat him into a pig's head." Xu Zhengdao patted Xu Zongyi's shoulder, speaking each word with conviction, addressing everyone present.

"Because those with bad luck cannot even smile, like me." Xu Zongyi was doused with a bucket of cold water. Although he also had a seed, it had already shriveled up, likely a dead seed. His previously somewhat recovering spirits plummeted once again.

"So what?" Xiao E looked at him, feeling somewhat afraid in her heart, yet she did not dare to show the slightest bit of panic, standing upright.

In the Xu family of the farming community, only children born from a formally recognized marriage, with the approval of the clan elders, can be included in the family genealogy and enter the ancestral hall

She spoke words of comfort, hoping that Xu Zongyi would not be too sad. No matter what, the first place has already been secured, and the award for the "Rongshui Grand Ceremony" is more important than anything else

Xu Zongyi secured the first place, while Xu Xindie and Xu Zhengdao tied for second. Xu Tianmu employed certain tactics to persevere further, achieving third place. Xu Tianzhe was directly pushed out of the top three, which left him feeling exceptionally humiliated and filled with resentment: "Xu Zongyi, you watch me."

Miss Xindie, I have an unreasonable request. Xu Zongyi looked at Xiao'e and the others beside him: If I go to the Sutra Repository, there will be no one to take care of Sister Xiao'e, especially since Xu Duande has set his sights on them. I wonder if you could take them under your wing, helping you tend to some flowers and plants. After the "Rongshui Grand Ceremony" is over, I will send them to Chunsheng Courtyard. Is that acceptable?

Xu Duande, having nothing to do, thought of Xu Zongyi and felt a surge of resentment. Looking at Xiao'e and the others, he said: "You are all people from the Rizhayan, aren't you?"

"Go back and tidy up, report to the Sutra Repository tomorrow." Xu Riyuan, resembling a kind elder, wore a gentle smile

The Sutra Repository, where the books acquired by the Xu family of farmers throughout the generations are all stored, if one could enter inside, one would be able to read books every day, and do so openly and with integrity

At this moment, the elder Xu Riyan of the Xu family stepped forward and announced loudly: "In this trial, Xu Zongyi is the first place. From this day forth, he shall enter the Sutra Repository."

This makes him happier than obtaining any treasure

Thank you, Elder. Xu Zongyi's mood shifted from gloomy to bright; although he did not receive a remarkable inheritance, this outcome is not bad either

What! As soon as these words were spoken, they shocked many of the children present.

The Sutra Hall records the insights and experiences passed down by the Xu family ancestors of various generations, as well as numerous supreme scriptures and techniques. If one wishes to cultivate, these are fundamental.

Xu Zongyi clenched his fists tightly. Indeed, the other four courtyards had the authority to casually select the lowest-ranking servants from the miscellaneous courtyard, but they also had to pay a certain amount of grain in exchange for them. Clearly, this was not a difficult task for Xu Duande.

To enter the realm of Qi induction, one must possess a cultivation scripture. The higher the level, the more solid the foundation, allowing for a further journey ahead. However, it is also quite challenging to cultivate, and not everyone can comprehend the intricacies involved.

In the ancient times, some powerful beings, in order to preserve their own lives, or to retain an object, or to leave behind certain means, would pay a tremendous price to transform it into an ancient seed. If future generations are fortunate enough to obtain it, the results can be astonishing. Xu Xindie was quite excited: "So do not be discouraged. Without you, I would not have been able to acquire this ancient seed. In the future, when it is cultivated, you will have a share of it!"

"Impossible." Xiao E directly refused

It seems that Xu Zongyi has lost everything.

Xu Duande seemed to have been slapped by someone, his face turned purple. He stood there frozen, unable to move. Could it be that he misheard?

Xu Zhengdao also obtained a rare seed from the ancient heavens, ranking first alongside Miss Xindie

The maidservants from the miscellaneous courtyard all felt a sense of pride and looked down upon Xu Duande with disdain

Xu Xindie is an object of admiration for many children of her age. The fact that Xu Zongyi, a mere servant, could receive her protection is enough to stir the jealousy of many.

At that moment, Xu Xindie and Xu Zhengdao emerged from within, each holding an ancient seed, while Xu Zongyi stood empty-handed.

It seems that having Miss Heart Butterfly's assistance is of no use, as one is not striving for oneself

I would like to ask about my parents' identity. Why am I here? What wrong did they commit? If you know, please tell me everything. Xu Zongyi's gaze was clear, his pair of eyes resembling black gemstones, and his voice was steady

Thank you. I do not know the reason why the head of the institute has been exiled to the Miscellaneous Institute, but I believe you are a person of great capability. If you are willing to lead the Miscellaneous Institute with dedication, it will surely restore its glory to be on par with the Four Institutes. " After Xu Zongyi finished speaking, he took his leave.

"I am indeed bullying you, what can you do about it?" Xu Duande spoke arrogantly, his attitude haughty

The character of these girls must be impeccable, especially since Xu Zongyi helped her navigate through the sea of flowers and was willing to give her the "Rongshui Dadian," something that cannot be exchanged for many grains of rice. Supporting these individuals is hardly a burden. She nodded and said, "Alright, you all go back and tidy up. Come to Chunsheng Academy to find me tomorrow; no one will dare to make things difficult for you."

I do not know about that. According to rumors, your maternal clan is also a very powerful ancient family, though I am not quite sure which one it is. She was captured and taken back for suppression, while your father is simultaneously being hunted by both your maternal clan and the Chaos War Phoenix clan. It is likely that his situation is dire. The old man was concise and did not say much unnecessary. He added, I have said all that needs to be said, is there anything else you wish to ask?

The old man hesitated for a moment, and at that moment, a thought resonated in his mind. He paused briefly before speaking, saying: "Your father is Xu Chen. When he was young, he had an engagement with the saintess of the Chaos War Phoenix Clan. Later, he went out to train, and when the wedding date arrived, he did not return to marry her. It seems he was trapped in a secret place. There were reasons for this, and the Chaos War Phoenix Clan did not pursue the matter. That saintess waited for him for a long time. However, several hundred years later, he secretly made an engagement with a woman from another clan and had you. This naturally caused the Xu family of the Nong clan to bear the stigma of betrayal, bringing shame upon them. Since then, he has been hunted by the Chaos War Phoenix Clan, and the Xu family of the Nong clan convicted him and expelled him. Now, his life or death is unknown. You are still young and can only be exiled here, which is also the safest place, and no one will trouble you. However, the title of a descendant of a traitor is inescapable."

"Cheer up, after all, I will always be here to protect you. If you have any issues, just come to me directly!" Xu Xindie comforted him

Oh? Interesting, how do you want me to express this? You actually dare to bargain with me. The old man stood up, exuding an imposing presence, his disheveled appearance obscuring his features, with a pair of cold, penetrating eyes.

This has caused many people to regret deeply, wishing they had supported him earlier, but unfortunately, they did not know sooner

If they were to become Xu Duande's maidservants, they could hardly imagine what they would become

I said, from today onwards, these people will all be my servants. Do you understand clearly? Xu Duande glared with wide eyes, very arrogant

The "Rongshui Grand Ceremony" is one of the foundations of the Xu family's daily miscellaneous courtyard in the countryside, attracting countless people even in the other four courtyards.

Among the five courtyards of the farmhouse, the daily necessities courtyard is the most looked down upon. Some boys are reluctant to come and cheer for Xu Zongyi, feeling that it would be a loss of face. Arriving at the Earth Hall would only subject them to ridicule and mockery

However, each department has different responsibilities, and their respective methods have never been disclosed, which is why no one has been able to obtain them

"Then what about my mother? Is she alive or dead?" Xu Zongyi asked anxiously

Thank you. Xu Zongyi felt a storm of emotions rising within him, yet he still respectfully bowed and held the "Rongshui Grand Code" in his hands, looking at the old man: "I would like to ask how to remove the character for 'sin' from my face."

Xu Zongyi has already arrived at the Soul-Dissipating Forest, but at present, it seems that he has gained nothing.

Upon hearing this, Xu Tianzhe could not help but change his expression. Indeed, he did not have much confidence when facing Xu Zhengdao. Xu Duande seemed like an eggplant struck by frost, instantly wilting and not daring to make a sound.

Xiao E looked at Xu Zongyi, feeling a mix of emotions and unsure of what to say

The news was almost immediately relayed back to the Daily Miscellaneous Institute