Shennong Dao Master

"Yes." The middle-aged man nodded and immediately handed over the gathered information.

"An orphan, after being adopted, he was mistreated by a jealous woman? It seems that his daily life and provisions were quite inadequate. Our sect should indeed rescue such individuals from their misery. If he were to receive our cultivation, he could perform even better!"

"Put him on the list!"

"Yes."

After the man finished speaking, a woman beside him took out another list, "Protector, there are also two newly promoted elites from the Weaving Workshop and Heavenly Workshop, named 'Lin Baiwei' and 'Han Bi' respectively."

The Falcon Guardian glanced at it but did not agree this time, "Let's observe them for now. Currently, the East Lake Army and the County Military Office are both conducting strict investigations."

"But we're biding our time. There's no need to rush. They can't always maintain such tight inspections; there will come a day when they relax, and that will be our moment to harvest."

..........

"I made some progress in the Start of Autumn examination. Next month, I will become a tribute officer and receive a monthly allowance of five taels."

"Mr. Chen, the principal official of the Minister of Agriculture Supervision, has taken a particular liking to me and decided to provide monthly support for my cultivation resources."

"So, foster father, you don't need to give me any more money."

When Zhao Xing returned home, he heard Zhao Ruide calling him over, intending to secretly give him silver coins for his cultivation.

At this moment, Zhao Ruide was unaware that Zhao Xing had earned a top-tier ranking. It wasn't until Zhao Xing explained that he understood.

"You became a tribute officer? And are receiving support from Chen Shijie?" Zhao Ruide was first taken aback, then his face lit up with joy.

But hearing Zhao Xing refuse his money, his heart suddenly felt a bit empty.

"The court and Mr. Chen's support are earmarked for your cultivation."

"Interacting and socializing with colleagues, treating them to meals, they certainly won't fund that too, right?"

"I don't have many friends to spend on." Zhao Xing replied.

"Maybe not now, but as your fame grows, it won't be up to you. Spending your own money freely, no one will have anything to say, otherwise how will Mr. Chen and others view you?" Zhao Ruide stuffed the silver note into Zhao Xing's hand. "I've already exchanged it; take it... Or is your foster father's money burning a hole in your pocket?"

At this point, Zhao Xing could only accept it, but the amount was surprisingly large—one hundred taels!

"Foster father, that's a lot. If Mrs. Cai finds out..."

Zhao Ruide snorted, "Do you really think she's the one in charge at home?"

Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, indicating that his foster father was indeed the head of the household.

But then Zhao Ruide whispered, "Just don't tell her. I have a secret share from the main family's security firm, settled every few years; she doesn't know about it..."

Ah, so this was private money he hadn't dared to tell Mrs. Cai about.

But this was quite a significant amount of private money. Zhao Xing didn't realize that Zhao Ruide had hidden so much.

No wonder whenever Mrs. Cai complained, Zhao Ruide never seemed concerned, eating meat every day without worry!

It made sense; human nature was understandable.

Mrs. Cai, originally a songstress and not yet thirty, was still quite attractive even after giving birth to Zhao Zheng. But Zhao Ruide was nearing sixty.

With an old husband and a young wife, if everything were laid bare, even he feared Mrs. Cai might take the money and run.

Had it not been for his foster son's promising future, Zhao Ruide had planned to confess only on his deathbed.

"Keep it well hidden and make sure Mrs. Cai never finds out. If she does, I won't acknowledge it. And don't expect to get any more money in the future." Zhao Ruide instructed.

"Thank you, foster father."

"A kind mother often spoils a child. Zheng'er listens to you. As the elder brother, you should pay more attention in the future. After I'm gone..."

"Foster father, you are still strong and vibrant. It's too early to say such things. Zheng'er is my brother; there's no need for extra reminders from you."

Zhao Ruide also felt that it was too early to say such things. He didn't know why he was being sentimental today. Could it really be because of old age?

"Go about your business. Mrs. Cai will be back from the market soon. Remember to hide the silver note."

"Understood."

Zhao Xing turned to leave.

"Wait!" Unexpectedly, Zhao Ruide called him back again.

Zhao Xing turned back, somewhat puzzled.

Zhao Ruide said, "Next year is your coming-of-age ceremony. It's time to find a courtesy name for you."

At twenty years old, men undergo a coming-of-age ceremony, while women have theirs at fifteen. After this, it's considered inappropriate to call them by their given names directly, so they adopt another name related to their given name to signify their virtues.

This is an important part of the adulthood ceremony. Not having one would be laughable.

Zhao Xing would turn twenty after the Start of Spring. It wasn't too early for Zhao Ruide to think about it in advance.

"I've asked around and think 'Start of Spring' suits you well. Since you aspire to become the Minister of Agriculture Official, it is the first of the twenty-four solar terms. What do you think?" Zhao Ruide asked.

"Start of Spring? Well... wait, Zhao Start of Spring?" Zhao Xing's face instantly turned peculiar.

"What's wrong, you don't like it?" Zhao Ruide was puzzled by the strong reaction.

"Uh... foster father, while 'Start of Spring' is good, it's a bit too common. In our Minister of Agriculture Supervision, there must be at least eighty or a hundred people with the courtesy names 'Start of Spring' or 'Start of Winter.' I think you should reconsider." Zhao Xing declined.

"Alright, there's still a few months left. I'll ask around some more." Zhao Ruide was a rough martial artist, aware of his lack of culture. This matter needed more consultation with others for reference.

"What would be a good choice? I thought 'Start of Spring' was pretty nice..." Zhao Ruide muttered as he walked away.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but be amused. Foster father, this name doesn't suit me at all.

........

The day after the Start of Autumn examination, Chen Shijie sent a box.

Inside the box were two dawn-colored fruits. As soon as it was opened, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

The primordial energy in the room thickened by a third.

[Tianyuan Pear (Third-tier top-grade)]

[Category: Edible Treasure]

[Effect: Rich in primordial energy, protects the heart and enhances strength, soothes and cools, reduces bodily wear caused by blood circulation.]

"A Tianyuan pear, third-tier top-grade. Its effect will be immensely beneficial to me right now."

Zhao Xing took a bite, and a rich fragrance filled his mouth.

The Tianyuan pear had thin skin and fine flesh, was crisp and refreshing, with plenty of juice and little residue. After eating it, the heat seemed less oppressive.

Many martial artists who had entered the ranks liked eating Tianyuan pears. Due to the vigorous blood flow from practicing martial skills, long-term practice easily resulted in hidden injuries. Regular consumption of Tianyuan pears could greatly reduce organ damage.

However, the Minister of Agriculture was less concerned with this effect and valued its primordial energy growth instead.

"Chen Shijie sends me 15 pearls each month. My speed in Gathering Essence will at least double compared to not eating them." Currently at Gathering Essence Second Rank, the improvement was quite significant.

Zhao Xing just took a bite, and the status panel responded immediately.

A new record appeared.

[You consumed a third-tier top-grade Tianyuan pear, primordial energy increased by 25 points.]

[Gathering Essence Second Rank: 785/1000]

An increase of 25 points in a flash!

The effect was immediate!

Normally, the increase wouldn't be this substantial. Zhao Xing's body had not absorbed such energy-boosting treasures before, and after being transformed by the Tao Embryo Pill, his body's absorption efficiency for such treasures significantly increased.

"There's a risk of primordial energy dissipating. I can't waste it, better finish it quickly!" Zhao Xing began devouring the fruit voraciously.