Chapter 216

On the morning of March 2, Zhao Xing received a message through the Earth Mirror.

【Liu Tianning has invited you to join the 'Ten Yang Cave Heaven Top-Level Reconnaissance Team.' Accept invitation?】

"So fast? Old Liu's reliable!" Zhao Xing exclaimed in delight.

He had assumed that after Princess Youruo came to him, Liu Tianning would have no time to organize the reconnaissance team.

So after leaving the Wanfa Palace yesterday, he immediately sent a message to Xia Jing, urging him to secure a 'Reconnaissance Envoy Slot' as soon as possible.

If he hadn't heard back by today, he planned to speak with Tian Shan about it.

Multiple preparations—whichever one worked would do.

He hadn't expected Liu Tianning to be this reliable.

It was settled today!

"Accept!" Zhao Xing quickly selected accept.

Immediately after, several more messages appeared in the Earth Mirror.

【You have joined the 'Ten Yang Cave Heaven Top-Level Reconnaissance Team'!】

【Liu Tianning has appointed you as Senior Reconnaissance Envoy! You have obtained the 'Senior Reconnaissance Envoy' qualification.】

【Liu Tianning has appointed you as Deputy Head of the 'Ten Yang Cave Heaven Top-Level Reconnaissance Team.' You now have authority to invite or expel other members.】

【Number of members in 'Ten Yang Cave Heaven Top-Level Reconnaissance Team': 2/30】

【Ten Yang Cave Heaven Top-Level Reconnaissance Team mission (none yet); you may submit missions voluntarily (all categories, all regions).】

"Teacher is awesome!" Zhao Xing couldn't help shouting. "This is what professionalism looks like!"

He had expected Liu Tianning to form only a small reconnaissance squad, at most three or four slots—never imagining he'd formed an entire team!

With full categories and full regions open, he could now go anywhere in Ten Yang Cave Heaven.

And he'd been directly appointed as 'Deputy Head,' granting him authority to recruit members.

"Efficient in handling affairs—no wonder Wu Di favors him," Zhao Xing thought. "And he has so many incarnations; dealing with one Princess Youruo is nothing—hundreds wouldn't be enough. I completely misjudged him."

At the very bottom of the Earth Mirror was a private message from Liu Tianning.

【Your permissions are now activated. Do not come to Wanfa Palace unless it's urgent. Also, ten slots are reserved for you; decide the rest yourself.】

Seeing this message, Zhao Xing pondered: "Liu Tianning wants me to reserve ten slots—my guess was right. Someone has approached him."

"Princess Youruo, Miss Murong Qing, maybe even other acquaintances."

Zhao Xing didn't know Liu Tianning's background or network.

Because in his past life, when he knew Liu Tianning well, Old Liu had already been immensely powerful—any background beyond that could only be Wu Di.

But the Liu family of Taihe County, Daoyuanzhou, was a millennia-old clan; since the era of the Founding Emperor, someone from their family had always held high office in the imperial court. Liu Zonghai, founder of the Liu Transmission Code, had even reached Second Rank.

Old Liu was unquestionably a scion of a great aristocratic family; having connections and networks was normal.

Yet although Liu Tianning was the most outstanding of his generation, he was not the current head of the Liu family. His father was deceased, but several older brothers still held official posts in the imperial court.

"With this qualification, what comes next will be much easier," Zhao Xing thought.

He wouldn't waste the slots. Aside from the ten reserved by Old Liu, every remaining slot was extremely valuable.

Liu Tianning might not yet realize just how precious these slots were, because so far, few nobles had arrived—and even those who knew something was happening didn't yet grasp how great it was.

Zhao Xing also had to anticipate that Liu Tianning would later use slots to place more people.

"But even if I can only control three or four slots, that's an enormous favor."

"Used well, these slots can determine a family's rise or fall," Zhao Xing thought.

First, secure two slots for Chen Shijie and Long Xiao.

These two old fellows certainly had no way to obtain the 'Senior Reconnaissance Envoy' qualification.

Before the slots were tightened, the Senior Reconnaissance Envoy qualification wasn't easy to get.

Even obtaining a Mid-Level Reconnaissance Envoy slot required formal procedures—and there wasn't enough time, let alone a Senior one.

Old Chen and Long Xiao could ask Yang An, but Yang An was a military general; handling this matter was far less convenient than with Liu Tianning, who served in the Ministry of Agriculture.

After the policy tightened, it became even harder.

Because above Yang An stood Liang Wang—Yang An had once offended Liang Wang. Though reinstated, that didn't mean Liang Wang had forgiven him; even if Liang Wang said nothing, his faction would instinctively suppress Yang An.

"Whether Old Chen's fate changes depends on this chance," Zhao Xing thought.

As for Xia Jing, Zhao Xing was waiting for his reply.

If Xia Jing could secure a slot himself, Zhao Xing could save one.

With the Cave Heaven's spiritual bounty erupting, fewer members in the team meant better shares—and preferably familiar faces, or the benefits would be hard to divide fairly.

After replying to Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing stepped outside.

Zhao Xing obtained his slot on March 2; Ten Yang Cave Heaven remained unchanged—most people still knew nothing of what was coming.

Until the morning of March 7, numerous noble families and millennia-old clans suddenly appeared in Ten Yang Cave Heaven.

That same evening, Xia Jing hurriedly arrived at the Eighteen Locusts Courtyard and knocked on the door.

Zhao Xing opened the door; Xia Jing stepped in and said:

"Zhao Xing, you were right again! Something huge is about to happen!"

"Oh? What is it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I don't yet know the details, but my father secured several Reconnaissance Envoy slots for me."

"He said only those with this qualification can participate."

"Reconnaissance Envoy?"

"Don't explain now," Xia Jing pulled out his Earth Mirror. "I got you a Mid-Level Reconnaissance Envoy slot for Jiyehai. I'm inviting you now—accept immediately, then I'll explain further."

Zhao Xing smiled and gestured: "Brother, don't rush—sit down first."

"Don't rush?" Xia Jing said. "You have no idea what this means. My father and my uncle have been running around for days. Uncle Xiao (the diviner of the Xia household) sacrificed fifty years of his lifespan just to glimpse this opportunity and secured me a High-Level Reconnaissance Team for Jiyehai."

"Though I am a Senior Scout, I can only offer you a Mid-level Scout quota... Hmm? Why can't I invite you?"

Xia Jing busied himself for a moment, only to discover he could not invite Zhao Xing.

The Earth Mirror displayed: 【The other party is already a Senior Scout; invitation impossible.】

"What?" Xia Jing froze, then looked up at Zhao Xing, who was already seated and drinking tea.

"When... when did you become a Senior Scout?" Xia Jing asked, his expression a mix of shock and doubt.

"I told you not to rush," Zhao Xing said. "Sit first; allow me to explain slowly."

This time, Xia Jing calmed down somewhat and sat.

Zhao Xing had long prepared his words: "I stumbled into this matter by accident."

"After calculating that you all had good fortune last time, I thought: if everyone has good fortune, then this must be an affair involving the entire Ten Yang Grotto-Heavens."

"Exactly, my uncle said the same," Xia Jing nodded.

Zhao Xing continued, "Coincidentally, at that time, various exploration and investigation missions concerning the Ten Yang Grotto-Heavens decreased significantly, and assessments for various qualifications tightened slightly."

"That day, I went to find my teacher, Liu Tianning."

"My teacher is a Fifth-Rank Minister of Agriculture. He also seemed to have sensed the anomaly, so he casually applied to create a 'Top-Tier Exploration Group'."

Zhao Xing's explanation completely scrambled the cause and effect; said this way, it made it seem he was merely lucky, having just happened to climb the big tree of Liu Tianning.

Rather than having perceived and guided all of this himself.

"Top-Tier?!" Xia Jing's eyes widened. "A Top-Tier Exploration Group covering all categories, all regions, with no restrictions?"

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded. "I was lucky; my teacher happened to be the right person for this kind of thing."

"No wonder you told me not to rush," Xia Jing said. "So you little rascal already had something better."

"Brother Xia, do you need to join my group?" Zhao Xing asked. "I can give you a Senior Scout quota, the kind without regional restrictions."

Xia Jing exclaimed in astonishment: "Can you decide that?"

Zhao Xing said, "My teacher is busy. Having created this group, he no longer manages affairs; he appointed me as Deputy Group Leader, granting me the freedom to recruit people."

"..."

Xia Jing simply didn't know what to say.

He had thought his illustrious family background gave him a head start, but he never expected Zhao Xing not only to become a Senior Scout but also to control the quotas.

But this was hardly surprising.

Zhao Xing found Liu Tianning on March 1st; Liu Tianning handled the matter that same day, and it was approved by the next morning.

Meanwhile, on Xia Jing's side, it was only on March 4th that he decided to seek a quota, and it wasn't truly finalized until March 7th.

With such good fortune, delaying even one day would cause the difficulty to skyrocket.

Now, Xia Jing was still among the first batch to handle this; he managed to secure the qualification for a Senior Scout (restricted region).

If he had waited a few more days, even Commandery Princes and high ministers trying to secure Senior Scout qualifications for others would have found it extremely difficult.

Mid-level Scout quotas would be fought over tooth and nail, because they are the entry ticket.

"Your quota is extremely precious; I expect people will soon approach your teacher to ask for favors. Now that he has delegated authority to you, that may not hold true later," Xia Jing said. "Are you sure you can truly let me in? I fear it might put you in a difficult position."

"That's easily solved," Zhao Xing said. "Keep your current Exploration Group. If such a situation truly arises, you can transfer back."

Xia Jing still couldn't make up his mind, because he was gaining a huge advantage in this matter; although their relationship was good, he couldn't just take it for free.

Zhao Xing naturally saw Xia Jing's hesitation: "Brother Xia, given our relationship, do we need to consider such worldly interests?"

"Your joining also helps me. My teacher will inevitably try to insert people; with you there, it will increase my influence."

"If we encounter some arrogant scion of a noble family who lacks eyesight, we will still need your father's name to back us up."

Hearing this, Xia Jing felt much better.

"Agreed."

After a pause, Xia Jing hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Zhao Xing pretended to be angry: "See, you're unhappy again. If you want to say something, just say it! Do you not consider me a brother?"

Xia Jing immediately said, "Does Brother Zhao have any extra quotas?"

"Yes. Besides the spots reserved for you, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao, I can still decide on a few more quotas."

Xia Jing said, "My cousin, Ji Ji Ziyun, is the Wang Shizi of the Commandery Prince of Pingyang. Last time, when you asked me to send someone into the Hundred Weapons Academy, I used my uncle's connections. If you agree to let him in, I will owe you a favor."

"I originally planned to go with him. Now that I am coming here, my father and uncle will surely send me to ask you to bring him along as well."

"In that case, it is better for me to say it directly."

Xia Jing's aunt had married into the imperial clan. The Commandery of Pingyang was not in Pinghaizhou, but in the neighboring Yuanpinzhou, which was the destination of the future Divine Artisan 'Yue Lingzhi' whom Zhao Xing had invested in.

Back then, when Zhao Xing wanted to send Yue Lingzhi to the Hundred Weapons Academy in Yuanpinzhou, Youyuan Prefecture, Xia Jing had facilitated it through his uncle's connections.

However, Xia Jing was actually somewhat hesitant when saying this.

Mainly because Yuanpinzhou was a bit far; Zhao Xing was in Pinghaizhou and might not be willing to accept this favor.

"What difficulty is there in that?" Zhao Xing smiled. "Of course, it is possible."

Xia Jing had truly overthought it; Old Zhao was actually eager to find more connections from other provinces.

"Good. There is no time to lose; I will return to discuss this immediately."

"Be quick," Zhao Xing said. "I plan to depart tomorrow." "Wait for my news," Xia Jing said, then left swiftly.

After Xia Jing left, Zhao Xing sent a message to Liu Tianning.

Old Liu only said not to disturb the Ten Thousand Dharma Palace; sending a message was fine.

With so many straw-man dharma bodies, there was plenty of time to check messages.

Sure enough, before long, Liu Tianning replied.

It was still a very short sentence:

【Understood. From now on, collect favors according to this standard.】

Seeing the reply, Zhao Xing was filled with emotion.

"Thirty quotas; Old Liu and I occupy two. Subtracting the ten quotas Old Liu requested to reserve, and further subtracting Old Chen, Long Xiao, Xia Jing, and Ji Ziyun, there are still fourteen quotas for me to decide."

"For every quota, I will count it as a favor based on the standard of a Commandery Prince. Even if I do not go to seek Lingxiu this time, the gains have already exceeded expectations."

Zhao Xing had never anticipated that becoming a disciple of Liu Tianning would bring such great benefits.

Who could have imagined that the cold and ruthless Liu Banfeng of the future would now show such favoritism toward his disciples?

Given Liu Tianning's connections, he must certainly already know the importance of the reconnaissance corps Zhao Xing established!

Nevertheless, he still had not revoked Zhao Xing's authority; he simply wished to accumulate some connections for his disciple.

The standard was not low; at the very least, it had to be at the level of a Commandery Prince, or a Wu Hou as powerful as Xia Hou.

"Someone will inevitably make things difficult for Liu Tianning, but he will bear the pressure while leaving the favors for me, his disciple, to collect."

Zhao Xing also marveled at the wonder of fate; in his previous life, Liu Tianning chopping off his head had left him with a psychological shadow, yet he never expected that in this life, he would become Liu Tianning's favored disciple.

…………

On the eighth day of the third month, during the hour of Mao.

Xia Jing arrived at the door again, but this time, beside him was a young man in splendid robes with fair skin.

"Zhao Xing, this is my elder cousin, Ji Ziyun, the Wang Shizi of Pingyang."

"Elder Cousin, this is my good brother Zhao Xing, whom I met in the military; he earned a million merits in the great war, was enfeoffed as Yuanrang Hou Jue, and now serves as a sixth-rank Commandant of the Guard in the Divine Might Army."

Ji Ziyun smiled, clasped his hands, and said, "I have long heard my younger cousin speak of how outstanding Yuanrang Hou Jue's talents are; rising from a clerk to the sixth rank in merely two years, and brilliantly capturing Fire Dragon Pass and Soul-Sacrifice Pass during the Pacification of the Man campaign, you are truly a model for our generation. To have the honor of meeting you today is my good fortune."

Before coming, Ji Ziyun had clearly done his homework thoroughly, even clarifying that Zhao Xing originated as a clerk.

His speech was exceedingly polite, showing not a trace of the arrogance expected of a Wang Shizi.

"Wang Shizi overpraises me; Xing dares not accept such praise." Zhao Xing stepped aside to return the courtesy. "Please, both Wang Shizi, move to the small courtyard to be seated."

"Please." Ji Ziyun extended his hand, walking half a pace behind Zhao Xing as they crossed the courtyard to the main hall.

Once seated in the main hall, thanks to Xia Jing's connection and the fact that they were all young men, they quickly became familiar with one another.

Xia Jing said, "Elder Cousin also once served in the military; if I recall correctly, it was in the thirteenth year of the Jingxin Era?"

Ji Ziyun nodded: "I entered the Yingtian Army in the second month of the thirteenth year of the Jingxin Era, but as there were no hostilities at the time, I transferred to a civil post in the ninth month, serving in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture for two years; during that period, I once passed through Nanyang Commandery, though I did not reach Gucheng."

"In early the fifteenth year of the Jingxin Era, my grandmother passed away; I thus took a nominal post and left the Yingyuan Prefecture to rush to Jingzhao Prefecture for the funeral, after which I went to Yuanling to observe mourning for three years, returning to Yuanpin Province only last month."

Zhao Xing clasped his hands and said, "Wang Shizi is truly benevolent and filial."

In terms of generation, Ji Ziyun's grandmother was a cousin's wife to Emperor Jing, yet this cousin's wife was younger than Emperor Jing himself and lacked the qualification to enter the Imperial Mausoleum, so she could only be interred in the Yuanling of the imperial clan.

Strictly speaking, observing three years of mourning was unnecessary, but the Zhou Rites imposed even stricter regulations upon the royal family.

Emperor Jing was rather strict with the imperial clan; during the Dingxin Reforms, he executed quite a few of his brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and nephews (most of whom were killed by Liang Wang), so Emperor Jing's relatives were all very well-behaved.

Ji Ziyun said, "Yuanrang Hou Jue need not address me as Wang Shizi; if you do not disdain it, just like Qilin'er, you may call me Brother Ji."

"Elder Cousin, why bring up my childhood name out of the blue?" Xia Jing said, somewhat embarrassed.

His courtesy name was Linyun; the Qilin is an auspicious beast, and the birth of a son is described as 'joyfully obtaining a Qilin child.' Yun means sunlight, so the overall meaning of Xia Jing's courtesy name is auspicious illumination and a bright future.

When Xia Jing was born, his father was overjoyed, shouting, 'Today we joyfully obtain a Qilin child!' Thus his childhood name became Qilin, and relatives like Ji Ziyun called him Qilin'er to express affection.

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "In that case, I will boldly address you as Brother Ji. Elder Brother need not call me Yuanrang Hou Jue either; as I have no courtesy name yet, Elder Brother may simply call me by my name."

Ji Ziyun was slightly surprised; Xia Jing explained, "Zhao Xing is only twenty-two years old now; he left home to join the army before turning twenty, so his elders have not yet bestowed a courtesy name upon him."

"Only twenty-two?" Ji Ziyun was even more astonished. "He is actually three years younger than Qilin'er?"

Zhao Xing, of commoner origin, was now already a sixth-rank Commandant of the Guard, yet he was only twenty-two; this was truly astonishing.

Rising from a regular clerk to the sixth rank in just over two years, without any status or background to reach this point today, anyone hearing this would consider it remarkable.

"Just a bit of luck," Zhao Xing said modestly.

"Elder Cousin," Xia Jing said helplessly, "stop calling me by my childhood name!"

"It's a habit from childhood; I cannot change it all at once." Ji Ziyun spread his hands. "Besides, what is wrong with the name Qilin'er? You are indeed the Xia family's Qilin child!"

"If I called you 'Little Badger Child,' would you find that pleasant to hear?"

"..."

"Hahaha." Zhao Xing could not help but laugh at the banter between the two cousins.

…………

After seeing off Ji Ziyun and Xia Jing, both parties agreed to depart on the tenth day of the third month, intending to secure their spots in advance.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie had also made their preparations; upon receiving notice, they simply moved directly into the Eighteen Locust and Willow Courtyard.

On the ninth day of the third month, at dawn.

"Clatter-clatter-clatter-clatter-clatter-clatter~"

The long-unheard sound of bamboo hobbyhorses rang out, faintly accompanied by the noise of gongs and drums.

"Yuanrang Hou Jue! Come out to receive your reward!"

Zhao Xing ran out to look, only to see Gao Ming riding a bamboo hobbyhorse stopped at the courtyard gate, with a procession following behind him.

When Emperor Jing bestowed rewards, there were flying boats, jade ruyi scepters, and exotic beasts.

The flying boat was a Qilin Flying Boat, a fifth-rank supreme-grade item; this mount was not only excellent in function but also a symbol of status.

Merely seeing the Qilin Flying Boat indicated that a Hou Jue was seated within.

The flying boat was the flying mount used for attending formal occasions.

In addition, there was a 'Bronze Beast-Head War Chariot,' also of fifth-rank supreme grade.

The Green-Eyed Dragon Lion was specifically provided to pull Zhao Xing's carriage.

At this moment, behind Gao Ming stood two exotic beasts over three meters tall; their heads resembled those of male lions, yet their four limbs and bodies were covered in silver dragon scales.

Their eyes were like copper bells, lacking eyelids, slightly protruding, with greenish eyeballs.

These were hybrid dragon-species exotic beasts; both were at the peak of the Earth Fiend Realm, yet their combat power could rival human martial artists in the early Heaven Gang stage.

"Brother Gao, why are you delivering the rewards yourself? Isn't that the duty of the Ritual Officials?" Zhao Xing laughed. "Your scope of work is truly broad."

"Heh, I, the humble one, am indeed one of the Directors of the Yangcheng Ritual Supervision." Gao Ming said proudly.

"Impressive, impressive." Zhao Xing praised.

Gao Ming pretended for a second, then broke character to complain:

"Sigh, being a Director isn't easy."

"You finish your grand rituals, so don't the rough jobs naturally fall to us runners?" Gao Ming said. "You don't know, brother, I've been watching over a thousand exotic beasts these past few days; I'm starting to smell like them myself."

Gao Ming spoke in a pitiful tone.

"Brother Gao has worked hard."

"Don't just say it; I'm still waiting for Marquis Yuanrang's reward." Gao Ming smiled and held out his hand.

"Hahaha, no problem." Zhao Xing had already prepared the 'red envelopes' for the Reward Delivery Official; with a wave of his hand, more than a dozen gift boxes flew out of the room.

The large gift box flew into Gao Ming's hands, while the small ones were distributed to the people behind him.

"Thank you, Marquis, for the reward!" Gao Ming held the box and bowed properly.

"Thank you, Marquis, for the reward!" The people behind him shouted in unison.

"Carry them in for the Marquis." Gao Ming waved his hand.

Soon, some led the lions, others carried the boats, and those beating gongs and drums walked in.

After the crowd departed.

Zhao Xing was just about to take a look at the two Jade-Eyed Dragon Lions.

"Hiss~" The two Dragon Lions let out two loud snorts.

Immediately, a black shadow darted out, blocking Zhao Xing's path, crouching low and growling at the two Dragon Lions.

"Meow-wooo!"

The two Dragon Lions immediately retreated a few steps.

"Hahaha, such a huge size, yet not as formidable as our Aotian." Long Xiao laughed.

"Is he jealous?" Chen Shijie also smiled, because the wildcat was blocking Zhao Xing, preventing him from passing.

Zhao Xing patted Aotian Miao's head: "That one is a carriage mount; how can it compare to you, the Cloud Sky Marquis's own son? Be good~ move aside."

Aotian Miao raised his head and ran to the side.

"Zhao Xing, these two beasts are not easy to tame. Need help?" Long Xiao rubbed his hands together. "My two Tiger Beasts were tamed by me beating them into submission."

"No need." Zhao Xing said calmly.

He then unleashed the pressure of the Great Constellation Realm and approached step by step.

The two Jade-Eyed Dragon Lions retreated step by step, daring not to look up at Zhao Xing.

"Whoosh~" Zhao Xing leaped onto the Bronze Beast-Head Chariot, grabbed the reins, and commanded in a low voice: "Come here, harness yourselves!"

The two Jade-Eyed Dragon Lions, hearing Zhao Xing's command, actually obediently harnessed themselves into the chariot's harness.

"Vroom~" The beast head on the chariot lit up; the two Jade-Eyed Dragon Lions raised their front hooves and roared to the sky.

Zhao Xing stood on the chariot, unmoving; with a flick of the reins, he controlled the chariot to gallop across the manor's grassy field.

Seeing him subdue two ferocious exotic beasts so quickly, Long Xiao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Zhao Xing's strength has grown again."

"Indeed." Chen Shijie looked at the figure on the chariot, filled with emotion. "I never thought the youth from Gucheng would, in just two years, become the towering Marquis Yuanrang."

"When you helped him back then, did you ever think you would benefit from him today?" Long Xiao asked with a smile.

"Who could have imagined?" Chen Shijie shook his head. "Even a spot as a Senior Exploration Envoy, he managed to obtain with ease."

"Let's go; there are many good things ahead." Long Xiao patted Chen Shijie's shoulder and strode toward Zhao Xing.

Chen Shijie smiled and followed.

On the tenth day of the third month, the suns of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven disappeared one after another, leaving only one great sun hanging in the sky of the entire grotto.

At Chen hour that day, in various regions, beams of spiritual light suddenly shot up to the sky.

Above Yangcheng, various strange phenomena also appeared.

Until Wu hour, the Three Kings of the Soldier Realm announced the sealing of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven's entrances and exits, prohibiting all movement.

At Wu hour and three marks, the Agriculture Supervision announced the promotion of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven to a Blessed Land.

The spiritual elegance of the grotto-heaven that Zhao Xing had long awaited finally arrived!