Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 106 - 83: Re-entering the Scholar Palace, Continuous Treasures Found! _3

Chapter 106: Chapter 83: Re-entering the Scholar Palace, Continuous Treasures Found! _3

The difference between eighth and ninth grade was primarily in the expansion of abilities within the domain of intermediate spells.

A proper eighth grade upper (Spirit Bridge Perfection) would generally have multiple intermediate spells or secret techniques at perfection, and might even create their own spells, breaking through the Nine Revolutions limit. When these abilities were combined, their combat power would be naturally higher.

A proper eighth grade lower (Late-stage Spirit Bridge) would typically have multiple spells or secret techniques at the ninth revolution.

From ninth to eighth grade, the primordial energy didn’t transform qualitatively, it only made the physical body stronger. Of course, the difference between the eighth and ninth grade martial artists was significant, but the difference among the magic professions was smaller.

As for whether a single spell at the ninth revolution counted as eighth grade combat power, it depended on the situation.

For example, now, four boxes labeled A, B, C, and D were made of special wood. If one only knew "Earth Element Magic," they could only stare helplessly.

Because wood restrained earth in the Five Elements, even if one mastered seven or eight earth spells to the intermediate level perfection, they couldn’t brute force the boxes open.

"My Thunder Skill was only at the ninth revolution, not at perfection, I wondered if it would break open the box," Zhao Xing thought to himself. In terms of attack power, Thunder Skill was undoubtedly the most powerful. Although Ice Rain had reached its maximum level, it required explosive attacks which Ice Rain was unlikely to achieve in this situation.

Moreover, the systems of Da Li and Great Zhou differed, so he wasn’t sure if it would work.

The so-called formation scripts were the passwords to unlock the boxes.

Formation scripts were advanced application techniques in the Dao of Mechanisms.

These Heavenly Mechanism Boxes weren’t familiar from the Emperor Wu Period, so the "passwords" weren’t the same.

"Cloud Movement!" Zhao Xing pointed with his hand, and a cloud immediately appeared above him.

Since the understanding of spells was rooted in the soul, it was possible to cast spells within the Dream Palace.

Later, if their primordial energy qualitatively transformed, it could be brought in with advanced Guiding Talismans and Soul Calming Talismans to aid in challenges.

"Thunder Summoning!"

A bolt of lightning descended from the cloud.

Knowing his Thunder Skill hadn’t reached perfection, Zhao Xing focused on refining his control technique.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!"

Nine consecutive lightning bolts struck the same spot on the Mysterious Box, attempting to break it open.

"Broke open?"

Upon closer inspection, Zhao Xing found that the Heavenly Mechanism Box was only slightly singed, far from being opened.

"Forget it, there’s no need to waste time on this."

Zhao Xing quickly abandoned trying to break open the box labeled A.

Even if he didn’t obtain the highest reward in the second trial, he could always attempt it again.

"Boom, boom!"

Two bolts of lightning easily broke open the boxes labeled C and D.

The box labeled B, however, took a bit more time.

"What was inside the box?"

The Mysterious Box wasn’t large, about half a meter long and as thick as an ankle, so naturally, it couldn’t contain large items. What appeared were three small-sized things.

However, treasures weren’t judged by size but by grade.

When Zhao Xing opened the box, three balls of light floated toward him.

"Wind Crystal Ear Pendant, third-tier top-grade, a specialty of Wind River Cave Heaven, crafted from Wind Crystal Jade. Wearing it enhances hearing."

"Earth Evil Pill, third-tier top-grade, contains a strand of Earth Evil, used for cleansing internal organs."

"Giant Whale Pill, fourth-rank middle grade, made from the blood and flesh of deep-sea giant whales combined with third-stage herbs. Consuming it strengthens the body, making one exceptionally strong. Especially for the lungs, after taking the Giant Whale Pill in the Gathering Essence Realm, one could dive a thousand meters underwater using just the physical body."

The voice of Xiezhi introduced the three treasures one by one.

He wondered if the brute force approach resulted in primarily martial artist items.

Zhao Xing pondered, "All these body training items, was the esteemed Minister of Agriculture intending to take the physical body domination route?"

However, these items were indeed good, even though it was only the second trial.

Zhao Xing couldn’t help but marvel at how well-fed Da Li’s elites were.

It was worth noting that these three items had unique functions among the third and fourth ranks, certainly not common goods.

Earth Evil Body Training, Giant Whale Strength, with an additional underwater ability, and Wind Crystal Ear Pendant for enhanced hearing—it was all quite practical.

"Student Zhao Xing, would you like to proceed to the third trial?"

"Yes, I wanted to continue," Zhao Xing said, having opened the box labeled B and earned the qualification to proceed.

Had he only opened boxes labeled C and D, he wouldn’t be able to continue to the third trial.

"Buzz~"

The clouds rolled again, and Zhao Xing felt himself being blown away by a gust of wind. In the next moment, he stood between two walls.

"The third trial, named the Mechanical Maze."

"The maze contained numerous mechanisms, some visible and some hidden. You needed to discern their patterns to navigate and maneuver through the maze."

Xiezhi explained: "Entering from the maze’s entrance and coming out within four hours would earn you a fourth-rank treasure reward."

"Coming out within two hours would earn you a fifth-rank treasure reward."

"Coming out within one hour would earn you a sixth-rank treasure reward."

"If you didn’t come out within four hours, it would be considered a failed trial."

Zhao Xing blinked; the Mechanical Maze offered a sixth-rank treasure reward at most?!

This far surpassed the Yun Meng Academy of the later Emperor Wu Period!

In the Emperor Wu Period, the highest reward was only a fourth-rank treasure!

He didn’t know if the Mechanical Maze had been simplified. If it weren’t simplified, it meant the difficulty remained unchanged, which would be truly rewarding this time... Zhao Xing felt a bit excited.

Xiezhi looked at Zhao Xing, puzzled, wondering why he was excited. Was he scared?

Xiezhi elaborated: "The Mechanical Maze posed no danger. You could attempt it without fear; at most, you would fall asleep for three days if you failed, so you needn’t worry about your safety."

Zhao Xing cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for the reminder, guardian."

"Enter now."

"Yes." Zhao Xing stepped into the maze.

Xiezhi exhaled, and the Mechanical Maze began to move.