Chapter 188

The eruption of the Dongsang volcano shocked the tens of thousands of troops under Jiang Ming’s command.

The black night suddenly turned into broad daylight on that day, and it didn't slowly subside until noon the next day.

The surrounding thirty miles had been covered in thick volcanic ash, and the air contained scorching fire poison.

"This dead volcano has completely become an active volcano, and it is in its most vigorous and energetic period!"

"You said your high-tier Volcano Spell was only at the third turn; I don't see how this looks like something a high-tier third-turn Volcano Spell could achieve."

The next day, Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing came to observe this active volcano again.

Because the first wave of the volcano's activation had passed, it was no longer as dangerous as before.

Jiang Ming had also learned his lesson and set the Ocean-Covering warship’s defense to the maximum.

Regardless of whether they were near the crater, as long as Zhao Xing was on his ship, he would keep the defensive barrier at full capacity.

"Didn't I tell you there was a bit of metaphysics involved?" Zhao Xing said. "The effect was a bit good this time."

It wasn't just a bit good; it was too good.

There were many records in Zhao Xing’s panel:

[You used a high-tier Volcano Spell on a dead volcano; this casting triggered 'Qi Luck Blessing,' increasing spell effectiveness by eighty percent.]

[You used a high-tier Volcano Spell on a dead volcano; this casting triggered 'Qi Luck Blessing,' doubling spell effectiveness.]

Up until the final volcanic eruption, the record was as follows:

[Because you used a high-tier Volcano Spell on a dead volcano seventy-two consecutive times, this casting triggered 'Qi Luck Blessing,' increasing spell effectiveness fivefold!]

[You activated a fifth-grade fire vein! Earth-fire erupted for thirty miles, with effects radiating for a hundred miles!]

What was the concept of a fifth-grade fire vein?

Back when Zhao Xing was at the Earth-Fire Plain in the Ten Suns Cave Heaven, the earth vein riot he caused was only a third-grade frenzy.

When a fifth-grade fire vein shot up from the ground, the intensity of the frenzy at that moment had already reached the fifth grade.

In military campaigns, many people like to build camps near mountains.

If one didn't consider the defense of large-scale equipment and divine weapons.

Jiang Ming’s thirty thousand troops were within a ten-mile range, so basically, no one could have survived.

Even Jiang Ming, a sixth-grade expert, would have struggled to escape death.

In the range of ten to twenty miles, only seventh-grade experts could survive.

Only beyond thirty miles could it be considered a safe distance.

Because Zhao Xing’s Volcano Spell was not a single spell cast once.

It utilized geographical advantages, using a dead volcano as a foundation, casting the spell a total of seventy-two times, and triggering the blessing of a great Qi Luck success.

Its power far exceeded that of a single high-tier attack spell.

The Volcano Spell could already be considered a means of natural disaster strike.

Just like the Witches of the Southern Wilderness, who could use the Canglan River to carry out natural disaster strikes against the Great Zhou.

Unique geographical conditions can often allow high-tier spells to erupt with extraordinary power.

"The Southern Barbarians have many volcanoes, both dead and alive. If you use this Volcano Spell to destroy enemies in the future, the lethality will be simply terrifying," Chen Shijie assessed.

"You also said 'in the future.' Using it to kill enemies now is still very difficult," Zhao Xing said.

The Volcano Spell is strong, but the preparation time is too long.

He spent three days and three nights to achieve this effect.

With that much time, the enemy army would have long since run away.

Moreover, the movement in the hour or two before the eruption is not small, making it easy for them to escape.

Of course, while it’s not great for killing people, it is very effective for destroying buildings and plants.

Cloud spells and rain spells cannot compare to the large-scale destructive power of the Volcano Spell.

In this area right now, fragile plants cannot survive at all, and fifth-grade engineering structures and mechanisms would all be burned to ashes.

Unless Zhao Xing reaches the fourth grade and his high-tier spells are perfected, at which point his casting would be completely silent.

Only one casting would be enough to completely activate a volcano.

The eruption time would be controllable, the range controllable, and the power controllable.

And it would be an instantaneous eruption, impossible to guard against.

For now, he can only do some farming.

"Other things can't survive, but the Earth-Fire Lotus specifically needs this kind of environment."

"Old Chen, take some people and plant the third and fourth-grade seeds on the periphery first."

"Call me when they mature; I'm going to rest for a while."

Zhao Xing was also exhausted; using high-tier spells continuously for three days and three nights caused a mental fatigue that couldn't be alleviated by sleepiness.

"Go ahead and rest with peace of mind," Chen Shijie nodded. "Leave the rest to us."

They had stolen only a few hundred Earth-Fire Lotus seeds from the lava caves of Fire Dragon Pass, mostly third-grade, with a minority of fourth-grade, and not a single fifth-grade one.

There were no agricultural officials in the Divine Might Army who had mastered the high-tier spells of the Self-Nature School.

So, breaking the growth shackles still required Zhao Xing.

But for the ripening, propagation, and large-scale spreading of third and fourth-grade seeds, there was no need to trouble Zhao Xing.

He only needed to be called once they matured so he could cast the Instant Primordial to make the Earth-Fire Lotus break its growth shackles.

The entire process couldn't be left entirely to Zhao Xing, otherwise, he would be worked to death trying to supply fifth-grade materials for tens of thousands of troops.

Chen Shijie had come in the Cloud-Rain warship, and more than half of the Nine-Section Battalion had been transferred over, along with many seventh-grade agricultural officials who knew how to farm, such as Han Bing, drawn from the rear.

Now that the volcano had been opened, it was time for them to exert their strength.

Each person being responsible for one seed was more than enough.

The first batch was distributed, and the military agricultural officials in the Nine-Section Battalion immediately began planting the Earth-Fire Lotus seeds in the volcanic ash.

Third-grade Earth-Fire Lotus seeds began to sprout after one hour, entered the growth stage after three hours, and entered the maturity stage after five hours.

Fourth-grade Earth-Fire Lotus seeds sprouted after two hours, entered the growth stage after six hours, and matured after twelve hours.

This speed met the requirements of the Ten Suns Cave Heaven for military agricultural officials.

But it was still a bit slow; if they weren't planting near the volcano, this speed would be greatly reduced, and the survival rate might not even reach one hundred percent.

At this time, there was no need for Zhao Xing to take action; they first harvested a batch of new seeds to expand production.

So Chen Shijie sent people to pick the seeds and start replanting.

While harvesting the third crop and beginning to replant.

Jiang Ming arrived at the Cloud-Rain warship, piloting a flying boat and bringing a group of agricultural officials from the Sea-Suppressing Army.

"Brother Chen, can you let my people help out too?"

Chen Shijie looked at the agricultural officials behind Jiang Ming and immediately understood Jiang Ming’s intention.

He had probably sensed something, which was why he wanted to get involved.

"Commandant Jiang." Chen Shijie looked at Jiang Ming’s hopeful gaze. "Your people can help, but they must follow my orders."

"Also, if the Commandant wants deep cooperation, it is best to send a letter to Marquis Lan."

"You and I cannot make the decisions for what comes next."

Chen Shijie spoke very bluntly; attacking Fire Dragon Pass was not something Jiang Ming could just join whenever he wanted.

As a commandant with only thirty thousand peripheral troops, and a naval force at that.

Attacking Fire Dragon Pass was of little use.

Besides, the Divine Might Army was not lacking in cooperation partners; Xia Jing had already run over the day before yesterday.

Wasn't the Profound Armor Army much stronger than the Sea-Suppressing Army?

It wouldn't be the Sea-Suppressing Army’s turn anyway.

"Brother understands the situation; I have already informed General Lan of this, and I believe there will be news soon," Jiang Ming said gratefully. "I just want to help out for now."

"They are all under your command."

"Good." Chen Shijie nodded; just helping to plant some Earth-Fire Lotuses wouldn't steal any credit.

The military realm currently had a huge shortage of fire-repelling materials, which one Nine-Section Battalion couldn't finish alone.

Making things convenient for others is making things convenient for oneself.

Zhao Xing woke up after sleeping for two and a half days; his soul had rested, and he woke up refreshed.

He discovered that he had actually reached the thirty-ninth stage of Qi Gathering.

"Just one more stage, and I can break through to the sixth-grade Heaven-Gale Realm."

"Ever since I was enfeoffed, my cultivation base has finally become stable today," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Before, when he became a proper seventh-grade upper, his cultivation base hadn't moved.

This was mainly because his leveling speed was too fast, and his insights into techniques and the Dao were gradually catching up.

Now that there was an improvement, it proved that his foundation at the seventh-grade realm had been solidified.

He walked out of the room, crossed the warship’s corridor, and came to the front deck.

Zhao Xing saw Chen Shijie discussing with a group of agricultural official commanders.

When he came over, Chen Shijie immediately ended the discussion: "Awake?"

"Yeah, how is the situation?"

He had been sleeping on the Cloud-Rain warship, and looking down, it seemed that many lotuses had already bloomed.

"There are already one hundred and twenty thousand Earth-Fire Lotuses," Chen Shijie said. "I have already ordered to stop replanting and maintain this scale for now."

"One hundred and twenty thousand? That’s fast," Zhao Xing was stunned.

"The Divine Might Army has over a thousand agricultural officials, and the Sea-Suppressing Army and Profound Armor Army have both sent some people to help."

"One hundred and twenty thousand is still me keeping it in check; with a fifth-grade fire vein, replanting third-grade Earth-Fire Lotuses is not difficult."

"There are fewer fourth-grade ones, but there are already ten thousand." As long as the environmental conditions keep up, one thousand military agricultural officials can easily produce one hundred thousand third-grade plants in a day.

These one thousand agricultural officials of the Divine Might Army were no mediocrities.

Some elites were drawn from Wen Shao-yang’s unit, and when Xia Jing came, he also brought some elite agricultural officials from the Profound Armor Army.

The Sea-Suppressing Army also provided dozens of people, and the rest were talented agricultural officials drawn from the rear supply cities, such as Han Bing.

"Has Wang Ji arrived?" Zhao Xing asked.

"He has; the layout of the Earth-Fire Cultivation Array is already one-quarter complete," Chen Shijie pointed to a corner of the volcano.

"I didn't know the difficulty of planting fifth-grade Earth-Fire Lotuses, so I configured some spell arrays at the foot and waist of the mountain."

"I didn't send anyone to the summit, waiting for you to wake up."

"Wang Ji is currently responsible for a spell array below the mountain waist."

Zhao Xing nodded; Old Chen’s work was always meticulous and thoughtful.

He didn't have to think about anything else when he woke up; he could just go and cast spells.

No wonder he liked teaming up with Chen Shijie.

Because Old Chen’s execution was very strong; he was a perfect adjutant!

"Then I’ll go cast spells first."

"Wait." Chen Shijie called Zhao Xing back again. "Don't be in such a hurry; there are a few people you need to see first."

"Who?"

"Xia Jing has brought people over; he said that the cooperation matter requires your presence, so Liao Rulong and Pu Zhong have also come along."

Zhao Xing revealed a slight smile.

Good brother, loyal!

No wonder he liked teaming up with Xia Jing back in Yuncheng; the man was sensible!

Xia Jing had the confidence to run over and cooperate with the Divine Might Army; the Profound Armor Army was inherently stronger than the Divine Might Army.

The Divine Might Army didn't have a single agricultural official who had mastered the high-tier spells of the Self-Nature School, but the Profound Armor Army had two.

Xia Jing was also a top-grade genius who started as a proper seventh-grade upper and was a prince.

He was fully qualified to represent the Profound Armor Army in this operation at Fire Dragon Pass.

He specifically named Zhao Xing to be present, just to ensure Zhao Xing was placed in the sequence of high-level commanders.

Why?

Because when the Great Zhou distributes collective military merit, the commander’s share is very large.

For example, once Fire Dragon Pass is taken, the one with the most military merit will be Liao Rulong.

Because he is the commander of this army, even if he just stood in Zhiyou City watching the show, the result would be the same.

Of course, rights and obligations are equal; if the siege fails and losses are heavy, Liao Rulong’s military merit will be heavily deducted.

In serious cases, he might even be beheaded.

Xia Jing requested Zhao Xing’s presence so that if Fire Dragon Pass was taken, he could share the credit as a member of the joint command.

Zhao Xing understood these ways, and Xia Jing understood them too.

"Besides Xia Jing, there is one more person you need to see," Chen Shijie said.

"Who?"

"It’s a strategist sent by Dantai Ming. How did you get involved with this fourth-grade Water Inspector?"

"What’s going on?" Zhao Xing asked. "Why did he send someone?"

"Jiang Ming of the Sea-Suppressing Army wants to join the combat sequence for attacking Fire Dragon Pass."

"Lan Hongming doesn't have much of a friendship with the Marquis, but he entrusted Dantai Ming to be a lobbyist."

"Dantai Ming mentioned you when talking to the Marquis, and the Marquis didn't know what your relationship with Dantai Ming was, so he handed the decision-making power to you," Chen Shijie looked at Zhao Xing.

"The Marquis handed the decision-making power to you, thinking that if you had received favors from Dantai Ming, this would help you repay that debt."

Zhao Xing couldn't help but be speechless; this Dantai Ming was originally a backer his teacher had found for him.

As it turned out, he hadn't even used Dantai Ming yet, and the man had come to use him instead.

Lan Hongming, the main general of the Sea-Suppressing Army, indeed had an average relationship with Yang An, but finding a middleman in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Mansion was simple, and as he searched, he actually ended up getting involved with him.

However, he had found the Earth-Fire Lotus himself, and planting the fifth-grade ones also relied on himself, so it wasn't excessive for Yang An to give him the decision-making power.

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment: "Dantai Ming was my direct superior when I was an official in Yuncheng. I was able to quickly clear up Yuncheng’s political affairs and unite the power of the five offices because he gave a lot of support."

"He and my teacher, Tian Shan, have a deep friendship."

Zhao Xing didn't mention the specific past between Tian Shan and Dantai Ming.

It was true that he had been saved by the teacher, but he might not want people to show off about it everywhere.

"Then shall we meet?" Chen Shijie asked.

"How does adding the Sea-Suppressing Army affect us?" Zhao Xing asked.

"The strategist says it’s optional; the combat power of these Sea-Suppressing Army people isn't strong, and even if they participate, how much credit they get is up to us."

"We are on the front line now, and the Profound Armor Army, our biggest partner, has specified that you should attend the discussion, so you can decide."

"The navy might be useful in the future; we will have to cross the Canglan River a few times sooner or later... Fine, I’ll go meet them first," Zhao Xing nodded.

He decided to meet the person sent by Dantai Ming first, then meet Xia Jing.

According to rank and his relationship with his teacher Tian Shan, he had to meet Dantai Ming’s confidant first.

On the Cloud-Rain warship, Zhao Xing met Dantai Ming’s confidant, 'Zhu Xinwen.'

Since they didn't know each other well, Zhao Xing and Zhu Xinwen didn't exchange too many pleasantries and got straight to business.

"Zhao Xing, Marquis Lan sought Dantai Ming’s relationship to contact the Divine Might General, but the Divine Might General said this matter is up to you."

"After Dantai Ming learned of this, he sent me to find you secretly."

Zhao Xing said: "Then what is Dantai Ming’s meaning?"

"The meaning is that if you feel it’s difficult, just pretend I never came," Zhu Xinwen said. "Just treat it as the Divine Might General’s excuse."

Zhao Xing thought carefully and said: "Please tell the gentleman that I am willing to speak for Dantai Ming. However, how much the Sea-Suppressing Army can achieve in battle is not something I can control."

Zhu Xinwen smiled: "Fine, that sentence from you is enough."

After meeting Zhu Xinwen, he ran to another place to meet Xia Jing.

The Profound Armor Army had promoted Xia Jing to a temporary peripheral general of the from-sixth grade.

Sitting next to Xia Jing was a Farming Order of the from-sixth grade.

Zhao Xing saw at a glance that this was a military agricultural official, and he was sitting to the lower left of Xia Jing, proving that Xia Jing was the master and he was the assistant.

The prince’s status was fully displayed.

"Brother Zhao, you’re finally awake," Xia Jing said. "How was it? How did the talk with Dantai Ming’s person go?"

"You know about that too?" Zhao Xing was surprised; didn't Zhu Xinwen say he came secretly?

"You can get involved with a fourth-grade official, so why can't I know that Marquis Lan sought Dantai Ming as a lobbyist?" Xia Jing smiled.

"Do you think I should agree?" Zhao Xing didn't say the result but asked first.

"Of course agree, why not agree?" Xia Jing said. "It’s a matter of lifting a finger, and you can get involved with Dantai Ming and Marquis Lan; this is beneficial to you."

"I mean, don't you think there are too many people? Jiang Ming’s unit is clearly here to share the credit," Zhao Xing asked.

"The little bit of credit he shares is negligible. If Fire Dragon Pass can be taken, what follows will be a big piece of fat meat," Xia Jing said lightly. "If you agree, it’s certainly more beneficial. Am I, Xia Jing, the kind of narrow-minded person? Besides, Jiang Ming’s unit isn't exactly useless."

"After we pass Fire Dragon Pass, we might have to cross the river, and that will be Marquis Lan’s territory."

"Thanks." Zhao Xing nodded.

"We are brothers, why be so polite?" Xia Jing smiled. "Come, let me introduce you; this is my sixth-grade military agricultural official in the Profound Armor Army, Lord Dong He."

"He specializes in agricultural officials and belongs to the Self-Nature School; he knows high-tier spells."

"Greetings, Lord Dong." Zhao Xing cupped his hands. "This Earth-Fire Lotus planting will rely on Lord Dong."

Dong He cupped his hands lightly: "Easy to say, this official also needs Lord Zhao’s assistance."

Hearing the other party’s wording, Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow.

They say peers are enemies; Dong He also knew the high-tier spells of the Self-Nature School. Hearing this, why did it sound a bit like he was here to steal his job?

?cO

He looked at Xia Jing, who had some helplessness in his eyes, indicating that he couldn't stop this person from coming to compete with him for work.

"Lord Dong, Brother Zhao and I still have some private matters to discuss," Xia Jing said. "Please, Lord Dong, go and rest for a while."

"Hmm." Dong He nodded lightly and left the room.

"What’s up with this guy?" Zhao Xing asked, looking at Dong He.

"The Profound Armor Army wants to speed up the planting of Earth-Fire Lotuses, so they sent a military agricultural official to help," Xia Jing said. "Two people planting is better than one."

"Fine, fine, fine, you guys sent someone to roll me, right?"

"How could that be?"

"Tell the truth!"

Xia Jing said helplessly: "This guy acts like a big shot in my camp; I just took command, and I can't really order him around."

A sixth-grade military agricultural official who is also good at high-tier spells of the Self-Nature School; it’s normal to have a bit of temper.

Zhao Xing looked at Xia Jing: "So you want..."

Xia Jing nodded: "Exactly, I specifically chose to bring him along."

"Dong He acts like my father every day in my camp; brother, I really can't stand it."

"Zhao Xing, you have to help your brother out."

"You have to let him know what it means to have mountains beyond mountains, and people beyond people!"