This is so dishonest!

Chapter 484 What does it mean that a farmer can open the sky with three punches?
On that vast and boundless ancient land, there is a mighty river that flows endlessly and has a long history.

From its wide channel, the great river branched into countless winding tributaries.

They are like a mother's gentle arms, reaching out to every corner of the earth, and like precious bloodlines, nourishing countless creatures along the coast.

One of its tributaries, with its clear waters and beautiful scenery on both banks, is called Jiangshui (姜水).

Along the banks of the Jiang River, the land is fertile and the vegetation is lush.

This is home to a small, simple human tribe that has lived by the water for generations.

They took Jiang as their surname.

Just how small was this Jiang clan?
Among the trillions of people in the entire human race, this tribe has only a little over 100,000 people.

Most of the cultivators in the clan who are able to embark on the path of cultivation are only practicing the most basic Golden Core Dao.

The number of beings capable of becoming immortals is extremely limited.

On the entire map of humanity, they are but a drop in the ocean, utterly insignificant.

One day, in the tribe, a clever woman named Ren Si was traveling and collecting herbs in a valley called Huayang near the tribe.

Suddenly, she felt dizzy and disoriented, and was able to conceive by sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

She returned to her tribe with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.

October later, she gave birth to a baby boy smoothly by the clear Jiang River.

She named the child Lieshan.

The birth of Lieshan was accompanied by endless auspicious omens and extraordinary phenomena.

He was quite extraordinary.

He was born with an incomparably powerful innate Dharma form, which is the appearance of a human body with a bull's head.

However, in this ancient world where miracles frequently occur, a child born with extraordinary abilities will not be regarded as an outcast, but will instead receive more love from the people of the tribe.

Especially with the example of the same extraordinary phenomena innate human emperor Fuxi, who ultimately achieved unparalleled merit, there was a shining example before him.

Therefore, Lieshan was not subjected to any unfair treatment during his birth.

Instead, he was regarded as a prodigy by the entire tribe and was given high hopes and careful nurturing from a young age.

Lieshan showed extraordinary talent from a young age.

When he was three years old, he had already learned many principles without a teacher.

However, this child had a strange habit: whenever it was time to plant and harvest, he would always stare blankly at the crops in the field.

When he grew up, he was eight feet seven inches tall and had a kind and benevolent appearance.

Although he was somewhat thin, his seemingly frail body seemed to contain an endless, earth-like power.

He has an innate and inexplicable affinity for all kinds of plants.

He enjoys wandering in the mountains and fields, learning about all sorts of exotic herbs, and tasting grains and fruits he has never seen before.

He could easily distinguish which plants were poisonous, which were edible, and which had magical medicinal effects.

However, the Jiangshui River basin at that time was not a peaceful paradise.

As the population continues to grow, land and resources are becoming increasingly scarce.

Many tribes living along the water began to fight fiercely over limited resources.

The Jiang clan was just a small and weak tribe.

In these brutal battles, they were often at a disadvantage, and their people were often injured or even killed as a result.

Whenever he saw the painful groans of his people and the sorrowful tears of his loved ones, young Lieshan felt an immense sorrow in his heart.

He deeply abhorred this brutal struggle between people of the same race, which arose from the struggle for survival.

He believes that the root cause of the frequent casualties and fights among tribal people lies in the extreme scarcity of resources.

At the same time, he was also eager to find a way to treat the tribesmen who were injured in the fighting.

Therefore, he felt that if he could develop new, more stable, and more abundant resources for his people, it would be a great opportunity.

Then, perhaps we can eliminate this brutal war at its root.

"Food is the first necessity of the people!"

"Eating is the most important thing for the survival and development of our human race!"

"What if I started with the most fundamental aspect: 'eating'?"

A great idea gradually sprouted in his mind.

In various tribes of the human race, there is a legendary book compiled by wise men of past generations.

That is—the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

It has been continuously created and improved by countless generations of sages of the human race.

Today, the Classic of Mountains and Seas is no longer just a geographical record of the prehistoric mountains and rivers.

It is also a comprehensive natural history book that records countless rare and exotic animals, divine herbs and immortal trees.

In a sense, it is even a super cookbook that records countless ways to obtain and cook food.

Lieshan drew endless inspiration from this profound and extensive "Classic of Mountains and Seas".

He was born with a magical belly that was as clear as crystal.

His abdomen was crystal clear, and even the peristalsis of his internal organs could be seen clearly.

He can clearly observe the effects of any flower, plant, or fruit he eats, whether they become nutrients to nourish his body or toxins that erode his internal organs.

It is precisely because of this unique and extraordinary physique that he possesses.

Thus began Lieshan's great and arduous journey.

He bid farewell to his reluctant tribesmen and traveled alone through the endless mountains and rivers of the prehistoric south.

He tasted hundreds of herbs, using his own body to personally verify the medicinal properties of each plant, in order to select those precious herbs that could be used to heal the wounds and illnesses of humankind.

At the same time, he also carefully searched for plants that could serve as the staple food for humans.

He used the most primitive symbols to record the properties and effects of various herbs on smooth animal hides.

On the other hand, they carefully selected the best seeds from those edible plants and repeatedly cultivated and improved them.

Through its persistent efforts.

The Lieshan clan finally succeeded in cultivating five types of grains that had huge yields, short growth cycles, and were extremely easy to grow.

Those are: rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, and beans.

Lieshan brought these five sacred grains back to his tribe.

He selflessly shared these grains with all his people.

They taught them step by step how to cultivate the land, how to sow seeds, and how to manage the fields.

Initially, the tribespeople with cultivation levels had little interest in learning these complicated planting techniques.

Their faces even carried a hint of disdain.

For these Qi cultivators, once they successfully enter the path of cultivation, eating is no longer a major problem.

They can easily absorb the energy from the wind and dew, drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to replenish their own needs.

Asking them to farm like ordinary people, facing the soil with their backs to the sky, is a waste of their time.

However, Lieshan told them a fact that was enough to overturn their understanding with a serious expression.

"Planting grains is a form of self-cultivation."

"Eating can also be a form of cultivation."

“Even eating grass can help you discover entirely new cultivation methods.”

Naturally, no one believed this.

Then, Lieshan, who was only eighteen years old and still looked somewhat thin, slowly performed a set of his own unique boxing techniques in front of everyone.

Its title is "The Farmer's Three Punches".

The boxing style, seemingly simple and unadorned, resembled the movements of a farmer working in the fields.

But every punch seemed to contain the immense, unparalleled power of the earth.

He easily "planted" those proud tribesmen who were unwilling to farm with him deep in the ground, leaving only their heads sticking out, looking at him with terrified expressions.

"You...you're really only eighteen?"

Everyone was completely convinced now.

As a result, the entire Jiang clan began large-scale farming.

After witnessing the tremendous changes in the Jiang clan, the other human tribes along the Jiang River all rushed to follow suit.

They sent messengers who, with utmost respect, bowed to Lieshan as their teacher, requesting that he teach them the seeds of the five grains and the miraculous art of cultivation.

Lieshan, of course, accepted all offers.

"Let's all work harder and fight less!"

"Peaceful coexistence is the only way to achieve better development!"

As a result, all the human tribes in the Jiangshui River basin followed the Lieshan clan in planting grains, recuperating and growing, and gradually became prosperous.

The conflict that had plagued them for countless years vanished without a trace.

Because everyone is busy farming!
There's simply no time for fighting.

"Farming for a long time will surely yield remarkable achievements!"

The slogan shouted by Lieshan clan resounded throughout the entire Jiangshui River basin.

As time went by, his deeds quickly spread throughout the entire southern land of the prehistoric wilderness.

To commemorate his immense merits, people respectfully addressed him by the title "Shennong".

Shennong gathered the essence of the earth from the five grains.

He not only solved the problem of food for his people, but also ensured that they had enough to eat.

More importantly, he pioneered a completely new path, allowing more living beings to cultivate themselves through the most fundamental way of "eating"!

When "eating" and "cultivation" are equated.

When the barbaric path of development that relied on "outward plunder" to strengthen itself was transformed into this "self-sufficient" way of civilization that strengthens itself by feeding itself.

Shennong opened a glorious door to a new era for humanity and for the human way.

"What is this 'Five Grains Selection and Cultivation Method'? It can not only improve the quality of crops, but also enhance the physique of cultivators?"

"What do you mean by 'becoming stronger through farming'? That's outrageous!"

"What the hell is this 'Shennong Daojun Cultivation Manual'?"

"Furthermore, why do I vaguely see a trace of the 'Three Axes to Open the Heavens' in this 'Farmer's Three Fists' boxing manual?"

"Hiss... Our human race has produced yet another extraordinary sage!"

When these astonishing achievements of Lieshan were continuously compiled and sent to Chendu, the capital of the human race, the many tribal leaders and sages of the human race were all collectively dumbfounded.

Especially the Da Ting clan, Kun Lian clan, Getian clan, Hun Dun clan, and others, those capable ministers who once followed the Azure Emperor Taihao to ascend to the Heavenly Realm, are now just taking a break and coming back to slack off.

"My God! We've only been on vacation for a few days and have been slacking off since we got back!"

"How could such a monstrous genius have appeared in the mortal world in the blink of an eye!"

Chaos and the others looked up to the sky and sighed, feeling as if they could no longer keep up with the pace of this era.

Meanwhile, the tribal leaders who had originally aspired to vie for the position of overlord could only manage bitter smiles.

Ever since learning that the Human Emperor Fuxi was choosing a suitable successor.

They spared no effort in working and planning for the well-being of humanity, trying to achieve something to gain the favor of the Holy Emperor.

However, the changes they brought to the entire human race after working so hard for thousands or tens of thousands of years are perhaps not even one ten-thousandth of what Shennong, who appeared out of nowhere, brought.

"Perhaps, the true path for our human race's supreme ruler lies in progressing from the mortal to the sacred, taking a down-to-earth approach and starting from the very foundation!"

Many human sages were standing on the city wall of Chendu, gazing at the distant south, and said with great emotion.

The sky over there was a deep red glow, illuminated by the blazing firewood.

The flames that shot into the sky seemed to ignite the clouds.

As a result, the fortunes of the entire human race have experienced an unprecedented surge.

The Jiangshui River basin, on the entire map of the ancient land, belongs to the southern region.

The south is also the place where the lineage of Suirenshi, the ancestor of the human race, was passed down.

Therefore, Lieshan, who was revered as "Shennong," naturally learned how to "play with fire" from those ancient traditions while cultivating the five grains and teaching farming.

Fire not only wards off the winter cold and brings warmth to people.

It can also pierce through endless darkness and drive away the evil spirits and beasts lurking in the shadows.

The kindling becomes a fire, illuminating the human race.

The fire that originated from the Suiren era and symbolized civilization and hope was infused with new and more vibrant vitality by Shennong in this new era of humanity.

The wisps of smoke rising from the earth.

It is the invisible force that propels the entire era forward.

Many tribal leaders had a strong premonition at this moment.

This Shennong clan had the overwhelming power to replace Fuxi's wood virtue with the virtue of fire.

Kunlian was an official appointed by Fuxi to be in charge of the fire dragon in the south.

After witnessing Shennong's deeds, he couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration:

"Wood generates fire; this is the fundamental principle of the natural order of the Five Elements."

"Shennong cultivated the five grains, thus opening a new chapter in the civilization of our human race."

"His merits and virtues are solely those of goodness and wisdom."

"He is truly deserving of the title and can succeed the Holy Emperor!"

The ministers of the Yin Kang clan, the Getian clan, the Haoying clan, and other tribes all understood that this Shennong clan member probably possessed a true destiny.

Therefore, everyone abandoned their ambition to vie for the position of supreme ruler and instead agreed with the Kunlian clan's proposal.

However, after listening to everyone's opinions, Ooba seemed somewhat hesitant.

Seeing this, Yin Kang stepped forward and whispered words of comfort:
"Brother, could it be... that you still have some hopes?"

"Judging from the achievements and prestige of the Lieshan clan, we should know that their power is already established. We must not go against the tide and obstruct their path."

“I, your brother, bear the decree of the Holy Emperor, wield the power of judgment, and preside over the fair trial of the human race. I am clear about rewards and punishments and have never been biased towards personal interests.”

“If you, my cousin, insist on going your own way and cause any serious mistakes, then I will show absolutely no mercy.”

After hearing this, Ooba shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Brother, you've misunderstood!"

"I do not wish to contend with Shennong."

"I was just thinking that before the Holy Emperor became the supreme ruler, he had already comprehended the Great Dao and achieved the Great Luo Fruit."

"And the current Lieshan clan member's cultivation level is still insufficient."

"If he were to come to Chendu so early and inherit the throne, I'm afraid... it wouldn't be a proper thing for him."

Yin Kangshi and the others agreed that this made sense.

Unlike Fuxi, who was born a divine being and came from a powerful state.

Shennong truly rose from humble beginnings.

The Jiang clan he belonged to was not as powerful as the former Huaxu Kingdom.

Therefore, even though Shennong possessed great fortune and extraordinary talent, he was still exceptionally gifted.

It's impossible for him to achieve the Great Luo Dao Fruit in just eighteen years.

Currently, Shennong is only a local deity.

He was a true immortal who farmed the land!
"Then...we will inform the Holy Emperor immediately."

Yin Kangshi spoke decisively.

"We should also ask the elders from the ancestral land to personally lead a team to the Jiangshui River basin."

"Firstly, we will take all the profound traditions of our clan to Jiangshui and teach them to Shennong properly."

"Incidentally, this also prevents those with ulterior motives from going there and causing trouble."

"Secondly, it's also a good opportunity for those youngsters from our ancestral land to go and learn properly from Shennong how to farm!"

"besides!"

Another wise man added, "And you should also learn the skill of 'eating grass'!"

Upon hearing this, Ooba chuckled and said, "That's right."

"In my opinion, Shennong's unfinished study of 'tasting hundreds of herbs' will surely become a remarkable and profound field of knowledge in the future!"

~~~~
A blazing fire burning across the land drew the attention of all forces in the primordial world to the distant banks of the Jiang River.

Many divine and powerful hearts were ignited by this fire.

Their eyes were fixed intently on the figure working in the fields alongside his people.

Everyone was secretly plotting and scheming in their hearts.

When Emperor Fuxi performed the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai and attained enlightenment, the golden light of his merit filled the sky, and almost every force involved received a share of the spoils.

This is so exciting!

It would be a lie to say they weren't tempted.

Everyone wants to participate in this grand and magnificent humanitarian endeavor.

Everyone wants to share in the merits of humanity.

Everyone wants to receive a share of humanitarian blessings!
However, it's not that anyone who wants to be qualified can have it.

Hundreds of eyes were fixed intently on the banks of the Jiang River.

The owners of these hundreds of eyes were all tempted, yet none dared to make a rash move.

Because the Heavenly Emperor Fuxi, who had achieved perfect merit, was still in the human realm and had not left.

The sages in the ancestral land of humanity are not to be trifled with either.

So everyone waited and waited.

Everyone wanted to wait for the most suitable opportunity to get involved in Shennong's growth process.

Then, everyone was met with a completely unexpected figure.

"My goodness! Why has that sage of Shangqing come in person?"

"How...how are we supposed to play like this?"

Many powerful figures have fallen silent.

Because, without prior agreement, they discovered that the supreme leader of the Jie Sect had somehow descended to the mortal realm in person.

Along with him appeared an old farmer.

"Fellow Daoist, what do you do for a living?"

Shennong looked at the extraordinary "old farmer" in front of him and asked curiously.

The Taoist priest named Zhen Yuanzi was dressed in simple hemp clothes and wore a pair of sturdy cloth shoes.

On his head was a bright and beautiful lotus flower in full bloom, and in his hands he carefully held a potted plant with a green color.

He chuckled and replied:
"I'm a farmer."

"Just like you, fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing this, Shennong grinned, revealing an incredibly radiant smile.

"That feeling is good!"

"I'm a farmer too!"

Yu Chen Daojun, dressed as a swordsman, looked at the future human emperor full of vitality and life, and a trace of reminiscence flashed in his eyes.

He said to Shennong:

"Originally, I wanted to introduce you to another person who is destined to meet you."

"She possesses the virtue of fire, was once the Red Emperor of the South, and is also skilled in medicine. Perhaps she can be one of your guides on the path to enlightenment."

"If you could meet, you would probably have a lot to talk about."

Shennong felt a strong sense of curiosity.

"Then...where is she now?"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Yu Chen gently shook his head, his tone tinged with regret.

"She has already transformed into the Dao and returned to the world."

"Now it is impossible to find any trace of it."

Upon hearing this, Shennong showed a regretful expression.

"I see."

"If fate allows, I would really like to meet this fellow Daoist."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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(End of this chapter)