Chapter 9: Liu's Compilation Method, The Replicated Scarecrow

Old Master Sinoong wanted to give someone special guidance, which made many people envious of Mu. Especially since the lesson was interrupted midway, it seemed rather unusual.

Some sensitive individuals began to speculate whether Old Master Sinoong was contemplating taking on an official disciple or perhaps aiming to secure a recommendation for a political position.

Zhao Xing, however, didn't think much of it and dutifully followed Xue Wen Zhong to the backyard.

The front yard was as warm as spring, while the backyard was as hot as summer, as if embodying two different seasons. To the south of the yard stood a cypress tree, lush and green, while to the north was a shed, neatly arranged. On the east side were several golden straw stacks, and to the west was a small vegetable garden with various flowers and plants. A trellis stood beside the garden, covered with green and purple vines.

Old Master Sinoong had clearly turned the public office into his home, and you had to admire his dedication.

Zhao Xing thought to himself as he followed Xue Wen Zhong to stand in front of the straw stacks.

"Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Soldier is a magic art that uses grass and wood as mediums. Based on this magic art, one can extend and advance to many higher-level magic arts, though it primarily focuses on offense."

"It is a foundational magic art that every military Sinoong must master, along with others like 'Bending Grass as Arrows,' 'Willow Leaf Golden Blade,' and 'Scattering Beans to Form Soldiers.'"

"The temple teaching you this method implies that you might have the potential to become a 'military Sinoong.' If you can officially become a Sinoong in the future, you might consider this direction."

Zhao Xing naturally understood, but he still appreciated Xue Wen Zhong's reminder: "Yes, thank you, Elder Xue, for the reminder."

Xue Wen Zhong picked up a handful of dry grass from the straw stack and handed it to Zhao Xing: "That's the theory, but since you're not yet an official Sinoong, you can't learn those military magic arts according to the rules. I'll teach you how to make a scarecrow puppet instead."

Zhao Xing nodded. The current 'Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Soldier' was just a preliminary magic art. It was necessary to expand and apply it to grasp more intermediate and advanced magic arts to achieve the true 'Every Tree and Bush an Enemy Soldier.'

Learning the 'Scarecrow Technique' from Xue Wen Zhong was not bad either, as this magic art was quite practical.

"The key to the Scarecrow Technique is twofold: the method and the materials. What agricultural books have you read?"

"'Herbal Classic,' 'Grand View Wood,' 'Outline of Hundred Things,' I've skimmed through them," Zhao Xing replied modestly.

Unexpectedly, Xue Wen Zhong raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean by 'skimmed through'? Have you memorized everything, or not at all?"

An honest person is straightforward. In professional matters, there's never a vague standard of measurement. Zhao Xing knew that modesty wouldn't work here; he had to let Xue Wen Zhong know his actual level.

So he repeated: "I've memorized them by heart."

Xue Wen Zhong instructed: "If you've memorized them, then you've memorized them. When learning with me in the future, don't use any vague words. If you misidentify and use poisonous materials, the scarecrow you make will have severe consequences."

"Yes, student understands."

"This is Yuan rice straw, ten stalks make a handful. I'll teach you 'Liu's Compilation Method,' which includes eighty-one methods. It's not considered advanced, but if the scarecrow topic isn't tested this year, then forget it. If it is, it must be within these eighty-one methods. You'll learn with me."

Xue Wen Zhong began gathering materials on the spot beside the straw stack, teaching on the spot.

Zhao Xing's eyes lit up. The 'Liu's Eighty-One Methods' had already been partially lost in later versions, with the restored version only having forty-nine methods.

The practicality of the scarecrow was very high. Whether it was for fighting, escaping, ambushing, or assisting, it had miraculous effects. Many Sinoong players often posted on forums, wishing they could travel back to the early game to obtain the complete version.

In his previous life, Zhao Xing had only collected seventy-two methods, even now, the Imperial Court's temple only taught nine methods. Great Zhou's method transmission to officials was based on practical needs. Inland officials understood nine methods, which was enough to handle most situations. Teaching more would disperse energy and unnecessarily increase burdens, while military Sinoong might have more opportunities to learn some.

He never expected Xue Wen Zhong to have the complete version here. Now it seemed that learning more might not be of much use, but it could change in the future. Some magic arts would become stronger with the restored version, and the Scarecrow Technique was a classic example!

His luck was truly good.

"Look, this is the first method. Did you see the hand method clearly just now?"

"I didn't see it clearly," Zhao Xing replied honestly. Xue Wen Zhong's speed in making the first scarecrow was too fast, and he was distracted by some thoughts, unable to fully keep up.

"No problem, I'll demonstrate again, slower this time," Xue Wen Zhong nodded. The Scarecrow Technique was quite difficult; it would be strange if one could master it in one go.

So he patiently demonstrated the second time, moving slower.

Zhao Xing stopped overthinking, focused entirely, and followed Xue Wen Zhong's actions meticulously.

The Yuan rice straw was like threads, deftly woven through his fingers.

When a person is serious and attentive, everything becomes twice as effective with half the effort, especially after taking the 'Dao Embryo Pill.' Zhao Xing's memory, Yuan energy control, and comprehension were all gradually improving.

When Xue Wen Zhong finished, the scarecrow in front of Zhao Xing also gradually took shape, with limbs, torso, and head...

"Not bad, not bad," Xue Wen Zhong glanced at it and couldn't help but praise: "Only three mistakes."

"Huh?" Zhao Xing was puzzled. Where did he go wrong? It looked exactly the same!

Xue Wen Zhong didn't explain, instead, he used his fingertip Yuan energy to penetrate his own scarecrow.

"Whoosh~" The scarecrow waved its arms and legs as if it had come to life, mimicking Xue Wen Zhong's movements.

Zhao Xing injected a strand of Yuan energy, but the scarecrow remained motionless.

"Liu's Compilation Method constructs a model for your Yuan energy to circulate. The Yuan rice straw acts like human meridians. Adding or missing a single stalk will cause the scarecrow's meridians to be blocked, and the method won't work."

Zhao Xing suddenly understood. No wonder his interface didn't show any prompts, nor did his proficiency increase.

So he had truly failed.

Xue Wen Zhong reached out and pulled out a stalk of rice straw from the scarecrow's chest and abdomen, then added one to the head. After reassembling it, he said, "Try again."

Zhao Xing injected the second strand of Yuan energy into the scarecrow. In the next moment, the scarecrow moved, its golden body seemingly covered with a layer of light, and a faint connection appeared between him and the scarecrow.

[You have comprehended 'Liu's Compilation Method: Incomplete Chapter,' mastering a scarecrow crafting method]

[You have crafted a Scarecrow Puppet (Replicated)]

[Grass and Trees as Soldiers proficiency +1]

[Scarecrow Puppet (Replicated)]

[Proficiency: 1/9999]

[Effect: Acts upon command, ceases upon command.]

Elder Xue is amazing! Zhao Xing cheered inwardly.

He hadn't expected to find the divine skill from his early Sinoong career so quickly.

The Replicated Scarecrow was a lifesaving skill in his past life! From military operations to small trades, the applications of the Replicated Scarecrow were quite extensive.

Of course, this magic art was currently limited by the era, and its effects were still weak, but it would eventually shine brightly one day!

"Practice this a few more times here. I'll go to the front yard and come back to teach you the second method."

(End of Chapter)