Chapter 232

"That's not right, how can the Dharma Transmission Tower be this big?" Long Xiao exclaimed the moment he stepped inside. He looked up and asked, "Is this the sky or the land?"

"The interior of the Dharma Transmission Tower is a world of its own; the phrase is meant literally," Chen Shijie said. "It was constructed by piecing together ninety-nine fragments of a blessed land."

"From the outside, the tower doesn't look large, but in reality, the space on the first floor alone is bigger than the city of Gucheng."

Long Xiao clicked his tongue in wonder: "As expected of the grandeur of an ancient divine sect."

Zhao Xing shook his head and said, "This was built only after the Lihuo Sect joined the Great Zhou. It used ninety-nine blessed land fragments, and the number of master craftsmen involved in its construction exceeded one hundred thousand. It was presided over by 'Huang Jian,' the Grand Minister of Works during the time of the Founding Emperor."

"So it has nothing to do with whether it was a divine sect or not; it was purely a state project. Whether the Lihuo Divine Sect could have built it on their own is uncertain—they likely didn't even have that many people."

"Who are you to dare criticize an ancient divine sect?" Just as Zhao Xing finished speaking, a middle-aged man in yellow robes passing by looked over.

Zhao Xing looked back and found that the man was dressed in an archaic style, holding a horsetail whisk, and looking at him with an expression of displeasure.

"Was there something wrong with what he said?" Long Xiao asked curiously.

The yellow-robed man snorted: "Huang Jian, the Grand Minister of Works during the Founding Emperor's era, did indeed preside over the academy's dharma transmission project, but the blessed land fragment materials were passed down by the Lihuo Sect."

"Of the one hundred eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and forty-five people who participated in the construction, thirty-one thousand, six hundred and seventy-two were disciples of the Lihuo Sect."

"Before the Great Zhou was established, the Lihuo Divine Sect was the state religion of 'Southern Tang.' They cultivated well over ten million disciples; how can you say the divine sect didn't have that many people?"

"I have been enlightened," Zhao Xing quickly cupped his hands. "This junior's knowledge is shallow; I hope the senior will not take offense."

This person was clearly an old pedant, and a rather rigid member of the 'conservative faction.'

Zhao Xing did not want to argue with anyone over such matters and invite trouble, lest his identity be exposed.

The yellow-robed man returned the salute and then snorted: "In the future, be cautious in your words and actions, and do not make reckless comments about the divine sect."

"Yes." Zhao Xing adopted a humble and receptive demeanor, then pulled Long Xiao and Chen Shijie away.

"That Daoist gave me a strange feeling." Long Xiao glanced in the direction the man had left. "Oh, I remember now. His speech and behavior were a bit like those eccentric outsiders I saw in the Southern Wilderness. Old Chen, don't you think so?"

"Mm," Chen Shijie nodded.

Zhao Xing said in a low voice: "The predecessors of the seventy-two academies were sects; it's normal for you to have that feeling."

"This person is likely a rather traditional conservative."

Long Xiao asked: "What does that mean?"

Zhao Xing used wind-transmission, ensuring only the three of them could hear.

"The process of the seventy-two sects joining the Great Zhou's dynasty system of national fortune was not smooth sailing."

"At the time, there was intense turmoil, and the major sects experienced three types of situations."

"First were those who followed the trend; they quickly accepted reality, integrated into the Great Zhou, became academy deans, and abandoned old laws and rules."

"Second were the extreme diehards. These leaders were accustomed to being high above, holding the power of life and death, and could not accept the Great Zhou's strict laws. So, during that special period, they either split off or defected, taking their disciples and followers outside the borders of the Great Zhou."

"Third were a portion of the Elders and Protectors. Although they followed orders and joined the Great Zhou under the command of their respective sect masters..."

"...their behavioral habits and ideological concepts remained the same old ways, they just weren't willing to leave the land of the nineteen provinces."

"They weren't that extreme; on the surface, they followed the laws of the Great Zhou and accepted the dynasty's setting of restricting cultivation."

"However, in their hearts, they still followed the ancient sect traditions."

Long Xiao transmitted: "What traditions do the sects have?"

Chen Shijie said: "For example, the habit of ascetic cultivation. I once saw a group of academy experts at Mount Ming; every so often, they would go without eating, drinking, or sleeping, meditating on the peaks of the mountains."

"Sometimes for a few months, sometimes for a year, living only on their own internal Qi and rainwater."

"These people would starve themselves to the point of near-death; in the past, there were even cases where ascetics starved themselves to death."

Zhao Xing nodded: "There is also the habit of dharma transmission. Many unique skills were never brought out; if they couldn't find a disciple willing to follow the ancient methods to apprentice, they would rather take their unique skills to the grave."

"During the years of the Founding Emperor and the Literary Emperor, there were many incidents in various academies where teachers beat students to death."

Long Xiao asked in surprise: "Why?"

Zhao Xing explained: "Many academy students learned a spell from one teacher, then went to learn from another the next day."

"Such behavior was considered a betrayal of the master and ancestors. Many elder-level figures couldn't stand this, so they took action to cripple the disciples' cultivation."

"In doing so, if they didn't gauge the force correctly, they would shatter the protection of national fortune granted to the academy member, and many members died while dropping in realm."

"There were even more extreme sect practitioners who beat people to death simply because the disciple didn't perform morning and evening greetings."

A look of shock appeared on Long Xiao's face:

"They were beaten to death just for not saying good morning and good night to their master?"

"That's simply absurd!"

"It is quite absurd," Chen Shijie said. "It's fortunate that the Literary Emperor was benevolent and didn't deal ruthlessly with these old diehards."

"His policy was to send imperial clansmen into the academies, and after they finished their studies, they would slowly replace those old diehards."

"Through a thousand years of change, the key positions in the current seventy-two academies, such as deans and vice-deans, are mostly held by imperial clansmen."

"Correct," Zhao Xing nodded. Like Princess Youruo's mother, who was originally the sect leader (dean) of the Bishui Sect; later, she gave birth to Princess Youruo, and Princess Youruo even held the title of honorary vice-dean.

If nothing unexpected happened, this position would have been Princess Youruo's after her mother died.

It's a pity the old hag gave up this position later and actually accepted a political marriage, marrying into the Holy Light Royal Court of the Southern Wilderness; I really don't know what she was thinking.

"Did your master, Liu Tianning, beat people in the academy—the ones who were these conservatives?" Long Xiao asked.

"Not beat, but kill," Zhao Xing said. "The most brutal mode of sparring in the various academies is named the 【Great Dao Dispute】."

"In this mode, one determines superiority and also decides life and death. Stepping on others' Dao to advance further is a fairly common way of sparring in the ancient sect world."

"The Founding Emperor was warlike and kept this tradition. It was abolished for a time during the Literary Emperor's era."

"But later on, it was restored, and the current Emperor is very fond of this set; he personally fought in seven 【Great Dao Disputes】."

"Oh?" Long Xiao said, "The Emperor fought in them too?"

"Mm," Zhao Xing said. "In the first six, he killed thirty-seven vice-deans from six academies. As for the reason, you understand."

"I don't understand," Long Xiao said sincerely.

"Didn't Zhao Xing just say those old geezers weren't willing to transmit their dharma?" Chen Shijie said irritably. "You've really let your brain go dull spending these days in Gucheng."

Zhao Xing laughed: "That's right. Since those old geezers wanted to take their secret techniques to the grave, what use were they? The Emperor personally sent them on their way, letting them enter the grave a bit earlier."

"So that's how it is," Long Xiao said. "What about the seventh match? What happened in the seventh?"

Zhao Xing shrugged and said: "After the seventh match was fought, the Bishui Sect leader entered the harem, and Princess Youruo was born."

"Good heavens."

"..."

The three chatted while strolling through the first floor.

The first floor was mostly gathered by those in the Ninth-Rank Qi Gathering Realm and Eighth-Rank Spirit Bridge Realm.

The Dharma Walls were distributed in all directions, incredibly tall, and the space was vast, enough for people to mess around in.

Zhao Xing looked around; there were many Dharma Walls, and they were categorized.

For example, categorized by profession: martial arts, spells, musical techniques, soul techniques (here, soul techniques refer to specific priest skills, not the common meaning of soul-cultivation attack methods), dance techniques, and arrays.

For example, categorized by the Five Elements, Wind, and Thunder.

The Dao of the Silonong, as an important path of cultivation, naturally also had an exclusive section.

"The spells created from insights into the Solar Term Orders and the Hou Tu Returning to Origin Secret Canon are all very weak," Chen Shijie evaluated. "On the first floor, you can only see something fresh."

"Yes," Zhao Xing said. "There are no spells related to the Self-Nature School here; at the Eighth or Ninth Rank, very few people contemplate the Myriad Things Growth Diagram and the Yin-Yang Self-Nature Sutra."

"The first ten floors aren't worth looking at; let's go straight to the eleventh floor," Long Xiao curled his lip. "Those martial arts are all very crude."

"Academy students will do anything to graduate."

"Clearly the same set of sword moves, yet some students changed the starting stance, and this actually passed. They are truly talented, damn it."

"..."

Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao communicated with each other via transmission and flew onto the cloud ladder.

Between the floors, 'cloud ladders' existed everywhere, white clouds drifting, moving up and down between heaven and earth. A proper fantasy version of an 'elevator.'

Taking the cloud ladder, they went all the way up to the tenth floor.

When going to the eleventh floor, there were no more cloud ladders; they had to rely on their own flight.

The academy used this method to isolate low-realm students from going up, lest they see powerful spells or martial arts and lose themselves.

There were plenty of people here like Feng Qiu who were severely lopsided in their studies and had drilled into a dead end.

If one couldn't fly, one could only wander around the bottom ten floors.

From the eleventh floor onwards, many intermediate spells and martial arts appeared.

The three of them stayed for a slightly longer time.

Intermediate spells were still worth a look for them; besides, these were all new methods.

Through new methods, one could glimpse others' ways of enlightenment and also verify what one had learned oneself.

Eight hours later, the three of them had already reached the thirtieth floor.

Upon reaching this floor, they encountered a test.

At the junction between the thirtieth and thirty-first floors, there were people guarding it.

The one guarding it was none other than the yellow-robed Daoist they had seen earlier on the first floor.

He not only acted as a guardian but also as a disseminator; quite a few people were listening to him preach.

"Brother, who is this gentleman?" Long Xiao asked a middle-aged man nearby.

The middle-aged man glanced at Long Xiao, noticed the other's extraordinary aura, and cupped his hands in reply:

"This is the academy's Doctor of Classics, Mr. Daoming."

"What Mr. Daoming is currently explaining is the Lihuo True Sutra; Mr. Daoming is also an expert in this sutra."

Fearing that Long Xiao, an outsider, didn't know the value of this, the man said in a low voice: "There are millions of Daoist sutras in the world, but the Lihuo True Sutra is enough to rank in the top ten. Those who can master this sutra are all brilliant talents."

"Mr. Daoming just came out of seclusion and came here to preach. A hundred years ago, he had already reached the perfection of the Primordial Soul Realm, and his Lihuo Body was perfected."

Long Xiao was startled. Perfected Fourth-Rank a hundred years ago? Then he might have already entered the Third-Rank Primordial Spirit Realm by now!

He had previously said he hadn't seen a single high-ranker, but he hadn't expected to see one on the first floor.

"Outsiders who want to go to the thirty-first floor must first obtain the qualification of an Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts." Zhao Xing stood next to a notice board, reading.

"To be an Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts, one must leave behind a new method at the intermediate level."

Zhao Xing beckoned: "Let's quickly find a Dharma Wall to complete the test."

"Good."

The three came before a Dharma Wall.

"Hum~"

The Dharma Wall emitted a pale blue light, enveloping an area around it.

The examinee only needed to practice the new method within the Dharma Wall area; if it met the requirements, they could leave their own practice process on the wall.

If one wanted to be a Master of One Hundred Arts in the academy, one didn't need to create a new method, just know many.

"An Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts needs to self-create an intermediate spell, and the spell must reach the perfection level of the intermediate stage."

"Only if the upper limit reaches intermediate perfection can later learners possibly learn the essence."

"If it's a semi-finished product, such as only at the seventh turn of the intermediate stage, because it's incomplete, others cannot grasp the founder's Dao and might only practice it to the fourth or fifth turn level," Zhao Xing said, looking at the requirements.

Only when it reaches intermediate perfection is the Dao relatively complete. Of course, this is also discussed from the perspective of the intermediate stage.

If viewed by an expert, the Dao of an intermediate method is naturally full of errors and omissions.

Even the founders of top-tier methods wouldn't dare say their Dao is perfect.

Only the Ultimate Method dares to claim that the Dao is already perfect.

In the era of Qi, anyone practicing the Ultimate Method cannot add or subtract even a fraction, because the path of the Great Dao, once it reaches the 'Ultimate Method,' cannot advance a single step further.

"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle~"

Bolts of thunder derived from Zhao Xing's fingertips.

What he was demonstrating now was the intermediate method he had created long ago.

It included two sets of spell moves: Thunder Snare and Thunder Giant Palm.

Later, it went a step further and became the high-rank method, Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger.

Zhao Xing intended to use this set of thunder methods to test for Honorary Master.

"Boom-crack~"

After the Thunder Snare condensed into shape, it lashed fiercely against the Dharma Wall.

This was to test the strength of the spell.

In terms of ferocity, Yang Thunder was naturally superior.

Thunder Snare, however, was Yin Thunder.

Of course, both sets were at the intermediate perfection level, so either move could be used; Zhao Xing's choice was purely a matter of habit.

"Hum~"

The Dharma Wall flashed ten times rapidly.

Each flash represented one turn.

Flashing after the ninth turn meant it had reached intermediate perfection!

"Hum~"

The Dharma Wall spat out a fire-red token.

"An intermediate Lihuo Token."

Zhao Xing smiled slightly; this item was the proof of obtaining the permission.

Of course, now he only had the proof; later, he still had to go and register his personal information.

One person, one token; it could not be impersonated or lent. Once discovered, one would permanently lose the qualification to test for permission at the Lihuo Academy.

"Whoosh~"

"Boom~"

Sword light flashed, and the earth shook.

In front of two other Dharma Walls, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also completed the test for Master of One Hundred Arts.

All three passed on their first attempt.

This scene attracted the attention of many.

One must know that creating a new intermediate perfection method is not easy.

The vast majority of Sixth-Ranks cannot do it.

Because Sixth-Rank is just reaching the threshold of learning high-rank methods.

Most are still using intermediate spells.

Learning others' is only at intermediate perfection; the difficulty of self-creation goes without saying.

Now that all three passed in an instant, it naturally attracted attention.

"Who are those three?"

"Don't know, they seem to be outsiders."

"Judging by their attire, they should be from the military."

"Hm? That big guy is actually a sword cultivator?!"

"A sword cultivator's self-created moves?"

"Let's go, hurry and take a look!"

The two Silonongs were nothing unusual, as Silonongs are not rare.

But sword cultivators are like rare animals.

Many people ran to Long Xiao's Dharma Wall to contemplate, and some even ran over to chat with Long Xiao.

Long Xiao originally wanted to show off, because quite a few female academy members were running toward him.

There were so many girls in the Huixiang Tower, but none had the charm of these female academy members.

But seeing Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie glare at him, Long Xiao immediately lost his nerve.

He flew up on his sword and followed the two to the floor junction.

At this time, Daomingzi was preaching.

Seeing Long Xiao and the others approach, he couldn't help but look up.

Geniuses who self-created intermediate methods, and three at once?

"Mr. Daoming, we have obtained the qualification of Master of One Hundred Arts; please allow us to pass," Chen Shijie stepped forward to negotiate.

Daomingzi scanned the three, his gaze lingering on Zhao Xing for a moment, then nodded: "Go up."

"Many thanks," Chen Shijie cupped his hands, and the three flew to the thirty-first floor.

"Why do I feel like this old man's gaze toward me is unkind, like he recognized me?" Zhao Xing's perception was very sharp; his soul had already reached the late Fifth-Rank!

At the time, after breaking through in the Extreme Night Sea, the Yin-Yang Fish was still effective. Zhao Xing ate until he couldn't take it anymore, and his soul reached the late Fifth-Rank.

Normally, a soul exceeding the physical body by a major realm is Yin-excessive and Yang-deficient, which is unfavorable for cultivation.

But Zhao Xing's Straw Man Method and Great Dream Spring and Autumn both had the effect of balancing the soul, and combined with the Dragon Soul Jade and Soul Armor, this was not a bad thing, but a good one.

Ming Daozi looked at Zhao Xing more because he sensed that Zhao Xing's soul was unusually powerful.

"A Sixth-Rank Silonong, yet his soul is so powerful. In his right hand, there seems to be an extremely powerful spirit plant."

"A parasitic spirit plant; is he a disciple of some Self-Nature School Silonong?"

Ming Daozi stopped his lecture and announced that the preaching for today was over.

Because Zhao Xing's appearance reminded him of some unpleasant past events.

Back then, there was also such a peculiar Silonong, Fifth-Rank realm, yet possessing a Fourth-Rank soul, and he even displayed the extremely rare Myriad Dharma Straw Man, and he also raised quite a few spirit plants in his body.

One of them was somewhat similar to what he had just sensed.

"Liu Tianning..." Ming Daozi muttered to himself, "Could he be Liu Tianning's disciple?"

After Zhao Xing entered the thirty-first floor, he pinched his fingers to perform the Five-Finger Destiny, and his brow immediately furrowed.

"Old Chen, Long Xiao, hurry up and finish."

"What's wrong?" Long Xiao drew his sword.

"I feel like trouble is coming," Zhao Xing said. "And this trouble isn't small; I'm afraid my identity has been recognized."

"You mean that Doctor of Classics?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Very likely," Zhao Xing said. "Liu Tianning's characteristics are too obvious; as his disciple, in the eyes of experts, my characteristics are also very obvious."

An average person couldn't guess that Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple just by looking.

But this Ming Daozi was not simple, and he was also a person from the academy.

"Alright, let's get it done quickly."

The three each found a Dharma Wall.

The test for Honorary Preaching Master was also self-creating a new method.

There was no difference between the thirtieth and sixtieth floors.

Only after the sixtieth floor would it be a test for Honorary Doctor of Classics, which would be more detailed.

Of course, there were some subtle differences between the thirtieth and sixtieth floors.

For example, the sixtieth floor had a test; if one passed, the benefits of being an Honorary Preaching Master would naturally be greater, not just being able to use the Lihuo Divine Altar, but also being able to borrow people and items from the Lihuo Academy.

But Zhao Xing didn't intend to do that much right now; he just wanted to get permission for the Lihuo Divine Altar.

So as long as he could get this title, it would be enough.

"Boom!"

The formed Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger slammed fiercely onto the Dharma Wall.

Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger had reached the Fourth Turn of high-rank methods during the Soul-Sacrificing Pass, and later, after the opportunity from the Blessed Land Spirit Beauty, it crossed the threshold of minor success and reached the Eighth Turn level of high-rank methods.

At this level, he naturally completed the test very easily.

"Hum~"

On the Dharma Wall, a new fire-red token suddenly appeared.

High-rank Lihuo Token, obtained!

He immediately looked at Long Xiao and Chen Shijie.

Long Xiao also passed on his first attempt.

Chen Shijie spent a little longer because he self-created a Palace of Earth method.

The verification speed for this type of spell is inherently slower.

If one self-created the Four Methods of the Self-Nature School, such as Instant Primordial, one would have to invite relevant people to verify it.

At the level of Preaching Master, one still couldn't be careless.

"Hum~"

The earth in front of the Dharma Wall trembled slightly; on the third attempt, Chen Shijie finally succeeded.

"Done!"

"Alright, let's go quickly," Zhao Xing waved his hand.

"Understood," Long Xiao said. "We came to get an honorary title; why does it feel like we're acting like thieves?"

"Stop talking nonsense, let's go."

The three left the Dharma Transmission Tower at high speed, then rushed to the Lihuo Academy's department to register their information.

"Name."

"Zhao Xing."

"Household registration."

"Gucheng, Nanyang Commandery."

"Official position."

"Pending transfer, Sixth-Rank official."

"You can register up to five names in it," a Daoist said, taking out a yellow register.

The Lihuo Academy's confirmation of identity and registration also required the use of the Great Zhou imperial court's yellow register.

Zhao Xing had now qualified as an Honorary Preaching Master, so he could bring five relatives to use the Lihuo Divine Altar together.

If relatives came alone, they wouldn't be able to use it.

Zhao Xing had long prepared the official document materials issued by the Gucheng government and the Nanyang Commandery government, so the processing was quite fast.

Forty-five minutes later, the Daoist in charge informed them that the matter had been handled.

"Done," Zhao Xing smiled.

He was now an Honorary Preaching Master of the Lihuo Academy, not only possessing the right to use the Lihuo Divine Altar but also some internal benefits of the Lihuo Academy, such as being able to enter the Lihuo Tower to practice fire methods three times a year for free.

Even if he wanted to take a job, it would become much simpler.

Of course, with rights come obligations; an Honorary Preaching Master must take the time to come to the academy to give a lecture every three years, with the specific situation depending on how much power one enjoys.

After waiting a while longer, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also finished and came out.

As the three walked out of the registration office, Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat.

Because at this moment, in the square outside the registration office, several hundred people had gathered.

All of them were Sixth-Rank.

Seeing this formation, Zhao Xing understood that he probably couldn't escape this wave of Old Liu's grudges.

"May I ask which one is Liu Tianning's direct disciple, Zhao Xing? Please come out and speak!" As the three of them came out, a man in green Daoist robes walked out, scanning Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie.

"Who are you?" Long Xiao said. "What do you want with Zhao Xing?"

"My name is 'Jin Qi,' dharma name 'Qiming'," Jin Qi said proudly. "Sixth-Rank Heavenly Gang Realm perfection, a disciple of Huang Shigong. I think you should remember this name."

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie looked at Zhao Xing.

"Who is this Huang Shigong you know?"

Zhao Xing shook his head; he really didn't know him.

He hadn't told Liu about the matter of testing for permission at the Lihuo Academy.

He hadn't asked about Old Liu's grudges if the other party didn't mention them, fearing he would touch upon Liu Tianning's painful memories.

Besides, it had been a hundred years; what great thing had Liu Tianning done to make people remember him for so long?

Seeing the three of them silent, Jin Qi said again: "Zhao Xing, since your master is Liu Tianning, you should know there will be a battle today!"

"I, Jin Qi, initiate a 【Great Dao Dispute】 against you!"

"You are Sixth-Rank perfection, and I am also Sixth-Rank perfection; it doesn't count as bullying you."

"And me, I, Yu Fei, also want to initiate a 【Great Dao Dispute】 challenge against you!" Another Daoist jumped out.

"Zhao Xing, if you have guts, accept the challenge!"

"Zhao Xing! If you're not afraid of death, accept the challenge; I, Zhang Xing, also challenge you!"

"Zhao Xing..."

In an instant, dozens of people jumped out, scrambling to have a fight with Zhao Xing.

Several hundred people gathered, and every one of them was Sixth-Rank; the momentum was not small.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie were both stunned; the 【Great Dao Dispute】 does not count life and death.

So many people wanted to challenge Liu Tianning's disciple?

Did Liu Tianning dig up their ancestral graves?

"What if I don't agree?" Zhao Xing said.

Jin Qi, who had been the first to clamor, shouted: "Zhao Xing, if you don't accept the challenge, I'm afraid you won't be able to leave this place today."

Just as Zhao Xing was about to say something, a voice came from the sky.

"Scoundrels! Do you treat the laws of the Great Zhou as nothing?"

A figure descended from the sky, wearing purple Daoist robes and a bright jade crown, appearing ethereal.

When he appeared, the field suddenly quieted down.

The one who arrived was 'Li Shanhe,' one of the vice-deans of this branch.

"Dean."

"Greetings, Dean."

A group of people bowed one after another.

Zhao Xing and the others also cupped their hands: "Greetings, Dean."

Li Shanhe glanced at Zhao Xing: "Zhao Xing, if you are unwilling to agree, you may leave on your own; no one will touch you."

"Dean, if he is afraid of the battle, he only needs to say it openly—that he, Liu Tianning's disciple, is afraid—and we will no longer initiate challenges against him."

"That's right, if Liu Tianning's disciple is a coward, we'll just pretend we never came."

"Hmph, spineless!"

"A coward who fears death; Liu Tianning probably isn't much either."

"Since you're afraid, why not go kowtow before my uncle's grave before leaving?"

"Trash! Liu Tianning is trash, and his disciple is also trash!"

"..."

The crowd became agitated again, a stream of foul language entering Zhao Xing's ears.

They were attempting to use mental attacks to provoke Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing glanced at Li Shanhe and knew it was premeditated.

One sang the red face, a group sang the white face; if he really wanted to let him go, why didn't Li Shanhe drive these people away?

He could vaguely sense that there were still Fourth and Fifth-Ranks lurking around.

Zhao Xing said: "Dean Li, I have now obtained the title of Honorary Master; I wonder what advice Dean Li has?"

"It's normal for someone to want to spar with you when a new Honorary Master appears. You don't have to accept the Great Dao Dispute; a normal contest is also fine."

Li Shanhe gave a compromise suggestion.

In reality, even if Zhao Xing really intended to accept the challenge, he couldn't just sit by and watch.

Dean Ji Qingshan had ordered that if Zhao Xing agreed to it, his safety also needed to be protected.

The current Liu Tianning was not the Fifth-Rank of a hundred years ago; he had undergone a hundred years of cultivation and had now broken through to the Fourth-Rank.

If Zhao Xing were killed in a spar and Liu Tianning came to fight another match, no one could handle that.

However, there were indeed quite a few people below who wanted their disciples to complete their revenge.

They couldn't beat Liu Tianning, but now that Zhao Xing had arrived, they couldn't let him off easily.

Both sides had to be balanced; one needed to grasp the measure.

"Alright," Zhao Xing said decisively, "Just as Dean Li said, let's have a normal spar."

"However, I will only fight one match!"

Zhao Xing scanned the surroundings and said lightly.

"No matter what my master has done, today, I, Zhao Xing, accept it."

"If you want to come, send the strongest Sixth-Rank to fight."

The crowd of onlookers suddenly became excited.

"I'll come!"

"I'll fight him!"

"Zhao Xing, accept my challenge!"

"..."

None of these people were afraid, because they all considered themselves to have cultivated for ten or even dozens of years longer than Zhao Xing.

Being the same Sixth-Rank, cultivating for dozens of years longer naturally results in different strength.

In the academy circle, Liu Tianning's fame was great.

Whoever could defeat his disciple and complete the revenge would also gain fame!

As for Zhao Xing, he was thinking that he still needed to borrow the Dao in the future, so he naturally couldn't learn from Old Liu and beat people to death.

Pick the strongest one to defeat, and the others would naturally retreat in the face of difficulties.

"Zhao Xing, you said you wanted to send the strongest Sixth-Rank; are there any restrictions?" Li Shanhe looked up at the sky, as if consulting with someone. "Is it the strongest among martial artists, the strongest among sorcerers, or do you want a Silonong to be your opponent?"

Zhao Xing smiled slightly, his voice spreading: "No requirements."

"Whether it's a martial artist or otherwise, whether they have cultivated for dozens of years longer than me."

"As long as they are Sixth-Rank, it's fine."

Once these words were spoken, the people below became even more agitated.

Because Zhao Xing said this, wasn't he saying he was invincible at the Sixth-Rank and anyone could be sent?

Arrogant! Contemptuous!

"Liu Tianning's disciple—not to mention how much strength he has, his confidence is exactly the same." Not far away, Ming Daozi watched quietly.

Beside him were several other Daoists, all of whom had disciples or junior brothers who had been killed in 【Great Dao Disputes】 with Liu Tianning.

"Then let's grant his wish," an old man with a wine gourd at his waist and faint flame secret patterns circling his body said. "Send Bai Ming to fight."

The Lihuo Daoist Arena is a place for many academy members and teachers to spar and compete.

Its nature is similar to the 【Nine-Section Daoist Arena】 in the military world; both are a classification under the 【Daoist Arena】.

Although Zhao Xing didn't agree to the 【Great Dao Dispute】, this challenge still attracted many people to watch.

However, most of those qualified to watch this challenge were academy teachers or genius-level Seventh-Rank academy members; those of the Eighth or Ninth Rank were not qualified to watch.

"Senior Brother Bai Ming is already ninety-four years old; he will definitely take down Liu Tianning's disciple."

"Bai Ming is proficient in Five Element spells, and he has practiced every one of them to high-rank perfection. Dealing with Zhao Xing, he will definitely win."

"Tell Bai Ming to be ruthless; he must win cleanly and neatly against Zhao Xing. It doesn't matter how serious the injury is; it can be healed anyway."

"Hmph, back then Liu Tianning killed so many people but was protected by King Luohou. This time, just teaching his disciple a lesson is considered collecting some interest."

"He's only Sixth-Rank; the possibility of cultivating a Myriad Dharma Straw Man is very small. Even if he did, I'm afraid the power wouldn't be strong."

"Below the Fifth-Rank, it's very hard to bring out the power of the Myriad Dharma Avatar."

"..."

Several old men who had old grudges with Liu Tianning stared from a platform high in the air.

After a hundred years, they already had many disciples and followers.

To pick some powerful ones from the Sixth-Rank to fight in the arena, they could find a bunch easily.

Among them, Bai Ming was the strongest.

In the Lihuo Daoist Arena, when Bai Ming stood on the stage, the surrounding onlookers became agitated.

"Bai Ming!"

"The invincible Bai Ming!"

"Senior Brother Bai Ming, defeat him!"

The cheering was enthusiastic, but Bai Ming couldn't hear it because the barrier isolated it.

"Look, that Zhao Xing has appeared."

"Hm? Why are there nine Zhao Xings?"

"Is that his straw man avatar? Is it a Shape-Shifting Straw Man?"

"Hiss... could it be a Myriad Dharma Avatar?"

Many people saw Zhao Xing standing on the stage and were suddenly surprised and uncertain.

Especially the older ones, seeing this scene, all recalled the scene from back then.

"It's a Myriad Dharma Avatar!" Ming Daozi stared below with a furrowed brow. "And this Myriad Dharma Avatar's strength is very strong."

"Bai Ming is not weak either," the old man with the wine gourd stared below. "He will definitely win."

The challenge was presided over by Li Shanhe.

When he flew into the air and finished announcing the challenge rules, he looked at both sides.

"You are all Preaching Masters of the Lihuo Academy. Sparring is the main focus. According to the rules of the Daoist Arena, once the winner is decided, you must stop."

"Yes," Bai Ming responded.

Zhao Xing also nodded.

Li Shanhe glanced at Zhao Xing's avatar again.

"Begin!"

The moment Li Shanhe shouted "Begin," the challenge ended.

Zhao Xing immediately released the sword Qi from one of the Myriad Dharma Avatars.

"Ang~"

The Azure Dragon Sword Qi pierced directly through Bai Ming's chest.

Bai Ming hadn't even had time to raise his spell defense before he fell down.

Then a light shone on his body, and he was moved away by a spell.

"I concede."

After Zhao Xing finished speaking, he flew off the stage.

Silence.

Deathly silence.

The people watching on the stage seemed to have been pressed with a pause button, all of them stunned.

In their eyes, the invincible Sixth-Rank Bai Ming had actually been killed in seconds!

He didn't even have a chance to make a move!

"How is it possible, how is it possible... Senior Brother Bai Ming, is he not the upper limit of the Sixth-Rank realm?"

"It's too unbelievable; Zhao Xing's avatar just pointed at Senior Brother Bai Ming, and he fell. I didn't even see what happened."

"It was a sword Qi, and a very powerful sword Qi, far exceeding the Sixth-Rank realm."

"Cheating! This is cheating!"

"A Protection Straw Man can store a martial artist's sword Qi; this doesn't count as cheating."

"Sigh, lost."

Jin Qi, who had been the first to clamor to challenge Zhao Xing, was now pale.

"If we had proceeded with the 【Great Dao Dispute】, and if it were me standing on the stage..." Jin Qi shuddered all over.

He wasn't afraid of death; it was out of confidence in his own strength that he dared to challenge Zhao Xing.

But he was still a bit worse than Bai Ming, and now even Bai Ming had fallen, and lost so cleanly.

"If it were me, I would have been killed in seconds, with no power to fight back, dying in an instant," Jin Qi thought silently.

On the high platform, Ming Daozi and the others were also shocked.

"How can his Myriad Dharma Avatar store such powerful sword Qi?"

"Scoundrel, the Straw Man Method is a scoundrel method!" The old man with the wine gourd puffed his beard and glared.

It was too much of a cheat; the Myriad Dharma Avatar either couldn't be cultivated, but if it was, it was an existence that defied heaven.

Because the Myriad Dharma Straw Man is the 'Ultimate Method' of the Self-Nature School!

"That he can store Fourth-Rank sword Qi is his ability; it can't be counted as cheating," Ming Daozi shook his head. "Although it's very small, the essence is still that powerful."

The sword Qi in the Myriad Dharma Avatar is Yang An's unique skill!

Not to mention fighting a Sixth-Rank, even fighting a Fifth-Rank, the sword Qi in the Myriad Dharma Avatar would still be a one-hit kill.

"He has a Fifth-Rank soul, and the Myriad Dharma Straw Man has obtained the essence, able to store Fourth-Rank sword cultivator's sword Qi. He is worthy of being Liu Tianning's disciple," Ming Daozi thought silently. "Junior Brother, don't blame me; in this life, there is no hope for revenge."

Zhao Xing walked out of the arena and saw the previous group of people again.

But at this moment, none of them dared to be arrogant.

Not long after, Bai Ming was also helped out.

"Dean Li, please convey this to them," Zhao Xing said to Li Shanhe. "I have no intention of continuing the grudges of the previous generation. Coming to test for Honorary Master of the Lihuo Academy is an attitude."

"I also hope that such things will not happen again in the future."

"Otherwise, if my master and I join forces in the future, there will be no academy in this world that can end things decently."

Li Shanhe was startled, then laughed: "Hahaha, what a Marquis of Yuanyang! I will convey your words exactly! However, you don't need to think too much; if you really wanted to leave at that time, no one would have stopped you."

"Many thanks, Dean Li. I will take my leave."

Li Shanhe nodded.

Watching Zhao Xing's back, he couldn't help but sigh: "Liu Tianning truly has a worthy successor."

Zhao Xing's Myriad Dharma Avatar being able to store Azure Dragon Sword Qi proves that he is already invincible.

If a Fifth-Rank comes to challenge, the outcome will be the same.

Being able to kill in a 【Great Dao Dispute】 but choosing not to—this is character.

Li Shanhe himself did not approve of today's events. Back then, King Luohou protected Liu Tianning, and this matter should have been settled at that time; some people shouldn't continue to make an issue of old matters.

Of course, Zhao Xing has character and also has an attitude.

That last sentence was a warning.

Daring to issue a warning to those high-rankers while only Sixth-Rank?

Li Shanhe admired Zhao Xing's courage.

However, he wasn't wrong.

One Liu Tianning was already unbearable; add another Zhao Xing who can use Myriad Dharma Avatars?

If these two master and disciple join forces in the future, there really isn't any academy that can stop them.

Leaving the Lihuo Academy in Dayuan Prefecture, Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie did not return to Gucheng immediately but waited in the prefecture city for orders from the military department.

In early September, the orders were issued, departing from the Ten Suns Blessed Land through military channels and transferring to Dayuan Prefecture.

Because they had already communicated with the Dayuan Prefecture government, the three of them received their specific appointments immediately.

"Where are you?" Chen Shijie asked.

"East Sea Zixiao Archipelago, Twin Islands," Zhao Xing looked at the appointment document in his hand. "The official position is Left Secretary of the Dragon Horse Supervisor. How about you?"

"I'm on Firefly Island, also Left Secretary of the Dragon Horse Supervisor."

"Well, we've really become horse breeders," Zhao Xing laughed.

"Raising exotic beasts is also part of the Silonong's work, but I'm a Military Silonong," Chen Shijie said helplessly. "I've never raised exotic beasts."

Animal husbandry belongs to agriculture, it's true, but the Dao of the Silonong has developed to this day, and many subdivided fields have appeared, with thousands of divisions of labor.

If he were to raise beasts, he should have decided to engage in this path earlier; human energy is limited, and Silonong agriculture cannot be proficient in every industry.

Like master craftsmen, some specialize in casting cities, some in building flying ships, and some in forging weapons...

This kind of transfer is equivalent to changing careers halfway.

Not to mention that changing professions is like crossing a mountain, but for Chen Shijie, it is a huge challenge.

"This is no different from being exiled."

"We are being exiled," Zhao Xing didn't care. "We offended the Prince of Liang, so we have to look like we're being exiled."

"If they gave you a suitable fat job, would that be called an exile?"

"Your mindset is good; you know the Hou Bian Method, but I don't," Chen Shijie said with some melancholy. "And raising beasts relies on feed; do I really have to switch to practicing the Self-Nature School classics?"

Old Chen is a die-hard fan of the Earthly Benefit School, unlike Zhao Xing, who has a flexible bottom line for schools.

Of course, this is also a difference in ambition.

Zhao Xing's ambition is to be the Grand Silonong!

To be this official, one naturally has to have done everything; even if he doesn't do it this time, he will have to do it in the future. This kind of resume cannot be lacking.

Chen Shijie didn't have such great ambition; he never dreamed of being the Grand Silonong.

"Why are you two looking so miserable?" Long Xiao walked out with his appointment order. "Hurry and help me see, what is my position?"

Zhao Xing took Long Xiao's appointment order and looked: "Zixiao Island and Hongshi Commandery Ocean Patrol Supervisor, Right Secretary. This is still a military official position, but it can't be counted as a proper military post."

"What does that mean?" Long Xiao asked.

"It means you've become a local security officer. You know the Police Inspectorate, right? The Ocean Patrol Supervisor is the same nature, except yours is to handle security disputes at sea."

"Then am I not in the Navy?" Long Xiao asked.

"No," Zhao Xing shook his head. "If it were the Navy, you would be the Zixiao Army Garrison Commander of the East Sea Legion, not an Ocean Patrol Supervisor."

"You have no authority to deal with major military disputes, such as an invasion by the aquatic tribes. You can only report to the Navy."

"Small disputes, like two fishing boats having a conflict, or which boat is lost, you have to help find it."

Upon hearing this, Long Xiao was so angry he threw the appointment order: "Damn it, what's the point of that? I, a dignified sword cultivator, have become a runner for the Navy? This isn't even as good as a scout!"

"Don't be anxious," Zhao Xing said. "The application of security regulations on islands is relatively broad; let's get to the place and study it first."

"Besides, you are a Sixth-Rank Right Secretary; you're a leader of some size. You can't fight the aquatic tribes, but pirates are no problem."

"You two are both chief officials, and when it comes to me, I'm a subordinate official," Long Xiao was extremely depressed. He was only a Right Secretary, which meant that when he got to the place, he would still be managed by a Left Secretary.

"Don't complain," Chen Shijie said. "You still deal with people; Zhao Xing and I have to go raise horses."

"Yes," Zhao Xing comforted. "Your job is a fat one; it doesn't treat you, a sword cultivator, unfairly. If you get to the place, you'll definitely receive tributes."

"Who cares about that little tribute!" Long Xiao was still thinking about fighting.

But no matter how he complained, the official position was already determined.

And he had to take office before October 3rd.

With only one month left, after Long Xiao returned to Nanyang Commandery, he played hard and didn't even return to Gucheng!

Because he felt that Gucheng was no longer interesting; the commandery city was more fun, not only with music to listen to but also performances like female wrestling.

Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie began to drag their families along, preparing to move.

When they returned, there were twenty-three flying ships; most of them were distributed to family and friends, and there was also movement in official circles.

But there were still three Qilin flying ships that needed to be taken to the East Sea.

Once on the island, it wouldn't be so convenient to enter the military world to buy things. Zhao Xing purchased a batch of precious materials before returning, intending to use them when taking office.

Busy until September 20th, the three of them, dragging their families, returned to the Lihuo Academy.

Three flying ships, one for each person, costs shared equally.

An Honorary Preaching Master could only bring people for free; he couldn't bring so many things.

Zhao Xing and the others had to borrow the Dao to take the flying ships over; ship and materials together weighed at least dozens of tons.

Although he was an Honorary Preaching Master, he still had to return the Dao after going over.

However, the cost was much smaller than without permission.

"Brother, we are going to the East Sea," Zhao Zheng said. "Borrowing the Dao to travel, the cost is not small."

Zhao Zheng had been studying at the Commandery Academy for three years and was no longer unfamiliar with cultivation matters.

"The journey to Chongming Prefecture in the East Sea is 1.2 million miles. Calculated at double the Dao return, I won't be able to pay it back in ten years."

"Originally, there was no need to pay it back," Zhao Xing laughed. "However, with these things, the cost is slightly higher. I am a permission holder, so I probably only need to return 100,000 miles."

"Oh, oh."

Madam Cai, standing on the flying ship, looked forward and couldn't help but hide behind Zhao Ruide.

Because the Qilin flying ship was flying toward a super-sized fire pit.

The flames were a hundred meters high; it was simply terrifying!

Where had Madam Cai seen such a formation? She was so scared that tears came out, and she shrank behind her husband, not daring to look up.

"If you're afraid, go into the cabin. Why are you hiding behind me and wiping your tears? My clothes are all wet," Zhao Ruide said.

"Hey." Madam Cai intended to go in, and at the last moment, she pulled Zhao Zheng along.

Zhao Zheng explained: "Mother, don't be afraid, it's fine."

The son comforted her a couple of times, and it was effective; Madam Cai wasn't that scared anymore. She even walked in front of Zhao Zheng; if it were really going to burn, she could block for her son for a while longer.

Zhao Xing took in all of Madam Cai's subtle movements, flicked his finger, and cast a sleep-inducing spell on Madam Cai.

"Zheng'er, help your mother inside to rest."

"Eh? Why is Mother asleep? Yes, Brother."

The flying ship flew into the fire pit, traveling through the raging flames.

Compared to borrowing fire to travel individually, this feeling was completely different.

Zhao Xing felt the space around him constantly flowing, with fierce flames carrying the flying ship forward.

"The Lihuo Divine Altar is truly peculiar; this already involves the Dao of Space," Zhao Xing thought secretly.

They only flew in the flame space for fifteen minutes.

A white vortex suddenly appeared in front.

The flying ship flew out, and they saw the sky again.

A flame penetrated the barrier and entered Zhao Xing's body; this was the Dao of the Lihuo True Monarch.

"We have arrived at Chongming Prefecture."

The Lihuo Academy had no branch on the island.

So they had to go to the coastal Chongming Prefecture first, and then to Zixiao Island.

Zhao Xing was originally rewarded with land and food fiefs, which he exchanged for land in Chongming Prefecture.

"Rewarded with 165,000 mu of land, 1,650 households of food fief."

"All in the Bixian Commandery of Chongming Prefecture. Bixian Commandery is also one of Princess Youruo's territories."

Princess Youruo's fief had a full eighteen commanderies! More than 1,500 private islands!

Half of the Zixiao Archipelago belonged to her mother!

Among the princesses of the Great Zhou, Princess Youruo's fief size firmly ranked first.

Right now, it wasn't the time when Princess Youruo had the most fiefs. During the Wu Emperor's era, after Princess Youruo was rescued, to compensate this sister, the Wu Emperor rewarded her with a lot of land. Just in terms of fiefs, Princess Youruo's territory was twice as large as it was now.

Of course, she lost the key Zixiao Archipelago and also lost the position of Dean of the Bishui Sect; this couldn't be made up for later.

"Foster Father, I exchanged my 165,000 mu of low-grade fields in Bixian Commandery of Chongming Prefecture for 1,600 mu of high-grade fields and 500 mu of medium-grade fields."

"All in Dongyang County of Bixian Commandery."

"You don't need to worry about the taxes of the food fief; the government will come to hand them over to us every year."

"Those fields were exchanged properly back in the 18th year of the Jingxin Calendar. All three manors have people managing them. The Zhao Mansion has a total of over 500 servants, and there are properties in the commandery city. You and Mother can live wherever you want."

This matter was handled by Xia Jing at the time. Now, more than a year later, it was already running normally. The servants and housekeepers were all handled by Xia Jing, and they were completely trustworthy.

Zhao Ruide came over, and just being the master was enough.

"Good, good," Zhao Ruide smiled until his mouth stretched wide. Madam Cai also became happy. The fear and terror on the road disappeared.

She could manage over 500 people! How majestic that would be!

However, Madam Cai didn't forget her son: "Then Zheng'er's enrollment..."

"Don't worry," Zhao Xing said. "I will go to Bixian Commandery to find the Princess and handle it."

Letting Zhao Zheng enter the Bishui Academy was just a matter of a word from Princess Youruo.

"Good, good, you are the capable one as the eldest brother," Madam Cai became even happier.

Chen Shijie took Gu Niang to Dongyang County; his territory was right next to Zhao Xing's.

Long Xiao also followed, and the two would send Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai to familiarize themselves with those family assets along the way.

By the way, they would check for Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai—although it was handled by Xia Jing, they hadn't seen the master for more than a year, so it was hard to guarantee the servants didn't have other thoughts.

Finding Long Xiao and Chen Shijie to screen them once, if there were problems, there would be no problems.

Zhao Xing took Zhao Zheng to the commandery city to seek Princess Youruo.

"Brother, are we really going to the Princess's mansion?" Zhao Zheng said. "Will she see us?"

"She definitely will," Zhao Xing said. "She is my master's wife."

In fact, a few days ago, Zhao Xing had sent a letter to Princess Youruo in advance.

They had made an appointment to come on this day.

The Earth Mirror is a military treasure. For holders in administrative cities like commanderies and prefectures, the communication range is very wide, and it is unobstructed within the state.

County cities are slightly worse, but information can also be transmitted between prefecture cities.

However, if one wants to cross states, one can only use the Earth Mirror in prefecture cities.

In addition, outside the city, the Earth Mirror also has restrictions; in some places, it cannot be used at all.

"We are almost there," Zhao Xing pointed forward. "Look, that is one of Princess Youruo's palaces in Bixian Commandery."

"We'll wait here for a while; someone will come to pick us up."

Zhao Xing took out the Earth Mirror and sent a message to Ji Zixuan.

Fifteen minutes later, a flying ship appeared in the sky.

"Senior Brother, sorry to keep you waiting," Ji Zixuan jumped onto the flying ship.

"Thank you for the welcome, Junior Sister," Zhao Xing smiled. "I didn't wait long."

"Is this Senior Brother's younger brother, Zhao Zheng? He is truly handsome."

"Greetings, Sister Zixuan," Zhao Zheng bowed shyly.

"So well-behaved," Ji Zixuan handed over a gift box. "Meeting for the first time, Sister has prepared a small gift for you."

"This..." Zhao Zheng looked at his brother.

"Since it's a reward for you, take it."

"Yes," Zhao Zheng accepted obediently. "Thank you for the reward, Sister."

After meeting, Ji Zixuan led Zhao Xing's Qilin flying ship into the palace area.

Princess Youruo loved liveliness and also liked grandeur.

Her palace was built magnificently.

The facilities inside had everything one could expect: gardens, artificial lakes, hot springs, rockeries, all built by the top craftsmen.

Behind the palace, there was even a horse farm, with heavenly horses galloping in the clouds, unicorns drawing water by the lake, and colorful phoenixes perched on giant trees.

Luxurious but not vulgar, everywhere displaying royal wealth.

"Disciple pays respects to Master's wife!"

After Zhao Xing entered the Bixian Palace, he paid respects to Youruo with disciple etiquette.

"Commoner pays respects to the Princess," Zhao Zheng knelt and bowed respectfully.

"Is this your younger brother?" Princess Youruo smiled and scanned him. "The foundation is quite good; he's a seedling for martial arts."

Zhao Xing's cultivation of Zhao Zheng was according to relatively high specifications. Since he started earning points from war spoils, he would occasionally send foundation-building treasures back.

Zhao Zheng was now at the late Ninth-Rank, early touching the upper limit of the commandery academy student's rank.

"I have already notified Dean Wu of the Bishui Academy," Princess Youruo said. "He can be sent to enroll in October. During this time, he will stay here first. This palace has found a teacher for him to teach him and make up for the progress."

"Many thanks, Master's wife," Zhao Xing cupped his hands.

"Many thanks, Princess," Zhao Zheng bowed again.

"Zixuan, you take him down first," Princess Youruo said.

"Yes."

Ji Zixuan took Zhao Zheng away.

When people left, Princess Youruo suddenly changed her face. She questioned: "Zhao Xing, you have great ability, actually making a name for yourself as invincible at the Sixth-Rank in the Lihuo Academy."

"Good, you also want to learn from your master and be invincible in the academy? Do you also want to come and step on my Bishui Academy?"

Zhao Xing said: "Master's wife's teaching is correct; disciple admits his mistake."

Old Master Zhao didn't admit his mistake for nothing; he purely grasped Princess Youruo's personality. Don't argue, just admit the mistake obediently.

Not everyone could be as tough as Liu Tianning in front of Princess Youruo and still be loved to death by her.

"Hmph, don't do it again next time."

"The seventy-two academies are an alliance; this force is not something you, a small Sixth-Rank, can offend."

Princess Youruo said: "Your master paid a price back then, let alone you."

"If you want to be a high official in the future, you cannot ignore their existence."

Zhao Xing said sincerely: "Many thanks for the reminder, Master's wife."

Seeing this, Princess Youruo's face bloomed with a smile again: "You are much better than your master; you are someone who listens to advice. Come, take a seat."

"Thank you, Master's wife, for the seat."

After Zhao Xing took his seat, Princess Youruo asked: "You said in your letter earlier that you were going to work in the Zixiao Archipelago. Which island, and what position?"

"Twin Islands, Twin County, Left Secretary of the Dragon Horse Supervisor."

East Sea islands, the county specifications are automatically raised by one level, so this Twin County is actually a commandery-level county.

Princess Youruo asked again: "Do you know what this position does?"

Zhao Xing replied: "Responsible for raising, training, and selecting exotic beasts, and taming war beasts for the imperial court."

Princess Youruo shook her head: "It's not all about providing war beasts for the army. The war beasts needed by the imperial court are mostly on large islands like Dragon Island and Myriad Beast Island."

"The Dragon Horse Supervisor is mainly to provide mounts for the imperial clan and war pets for the academy members of the major academies."

"There are tens of thousands of islands in the East Sea, but there are only a few key departments. You must work hard to perform and strive to enter those key departments."

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

Princess Youruo waved her hand: "You take office on the third of October. On the first of October, follow this palace's ship and go over."

Zhao Xing quickly said: "How could the disciple dare to trouble Master's wife to send me personally."

Princess Youruo sneered: "You think too much. This palace is going to preside over the internal selection of the Dragon Horse Supervisor of the Zixiao Islands."

"The Four Seas Myriad Beast Competition between the imperial court and the aquatic tribes will begin in twenty years."

"The Zixiao Island that this palace is responsible for must start preparing at this time."

"Do you think this palace is just a princess who only knows how to enjoy blessings?"

Zhao Xing was stunned, then asked cautiously: "Four Seas Myriad Beast Competition? Is it for the Return to Ruins Secret Realm of the Ancient Dragon Court?"

Princess Youruo was surprised: "You know quite a lot."

"Correct, the Return to Ruins Secret Realm is one of them."

"The imperial court and the Four Seas aquatic tribes agreed to a major competition once every hundred years."

"Eighty years have passed since the last competition began."

"Hundred-year changes, thousand-year changes; the Ancient Dragon Court ancient land will occur frequently."

"The imperial court's Dragon Island and Myriad Beast Island were born for this ancient land."

Princess Youruo said: "Back then, the Prince of Liang was able to take down the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, and his Black Dragon Legion made great contributions."

"The pure Black Dragon bloodline was cultivated from the Dragon Court ancient land, and the Prince of Liang also possessed a real Black Dragon King."

"However, you have no chance to see that real Black Dragon Legion."

Zhao Xing had already withdrawn from the battlefield and couldn't possibly go back.

Naturally, he couldn't see the high-rank battle.

"However, you don't need to pay attention to these now. You are not even a Fifth-Rank official; you haven't reached the threshold to participate."

Zhao Xing's thoughts were active quickly; he didn't come to the East Sea to retire.

He must participate in the Myriad Beast Competition.

Because he wanted to go to the Dragon Court ancient land; not only could he get rare mounts there, but there were also rare plants!

Parasitic species like the Floating Vine can only be counted as rare treasures of the current world.

But the Dragon Court ancient land has out-of-print plant units!

The growth limit exceeds that of the Floating!

However, there are still twenty years, so there is no rush. Accumulate political achievements first and climb to the Fifth-Rank official position.

Just as Princess Youruo said, he is not qualified to participate in this matter now.

Because the internal selection of the imperial court is very harsh. The many islands of the East Sea and the interior of the Zixiao Archipelago must compete first, and the strong ones can go up.

Then it is the competition of the many islands of the entire East Sea.

Finally, it is the competition between the Four Seas.

Layer-by-layer selection, constantly standing out, only then is there a chance to participate in the grand event of the Myriad Beast Competition and enter the Dragon Court ancient land.

"Alright, you go down first," Princess Youruo said. "This palace still has things to be busy with."

"Yes, student takes his leave." Zhao Xing got up and left the palace.

"Senior Brother, the battle at the Lihuo Academy, Senior Brother is truly mighty." Ji Zixuan obviously also knew about Zhao Xing's affairs at the Lihuo Academy.

"It was just being set up and having no choice," Zhao Xing said.

Princess Youruo is right; he wants to be the Grand Silonong and cannot ignore the power of the academy. If he can get support, it will be much easier.

Liu Tianning in his previous life also suffered this loss, and his progress in becoming the Grand Silonong was slowed down.

Zhao Xing showed mercy at the Lihuo Academy at that time, also considering this aspect.

The seventy-two academies are not only useful for being the Grand Silonong, but after the Wu Emperor's era, they have even greater effects.

Old Master Zhao is thinking about other people's sect-protecting treasures, such as treasures like the Lihuo Divine Altar. If controlled in his own hands, his ability to act will be greatly enhanced.

There are also the Creation Academy, Shangluo Academy, etc., all of which have epoch-making treasures!

When the spiritual energy recovers, they will show their true power.

"Senior Brother has become the Dragon Horse Supervisor Secretary; please take care of the students of my Bishui Academy in the future." After Ji Zixuan returned last time, she became a teacher at the Bishui Academy.

She can now be counted as a 'direct disciple' of the Bishui Sect.

And the headquarters of the Bishui Sect is in Chongming Prefecture.

"Junior Sister is polite. If there is any need, Senior Brother will do his best," Zhao Xing said.

He wants to earn political achievements, so he can't avoid dealing with the Bishui Academy in the future.

Princess Youruo is very busy, and he can't come to discuss everything with the old hag; he mainly talks to Ji Zixuan.

On September 27th, Zhao Xing reported to the Chongming Prefecture government, because the Zixiao Archipelago is nominally also an administrative area belonging to Chongming Prefecture.

On September 28th, under the introduction of Princess Youruo, Zhao Xing paid respects to his immediate superior, the Third-Rank Silonong 'Wang Xuanyi.'

The entire Chongming Prefecture, including the Dragon Horse Supervisor of the Zixiao Archipelago, is managed by this Third-Rank Dragon Horse Supervisor Grand Secretary.

Here you can see that the specifications of Chongming Prefecture are higher than other prefectures, and you can also see the importance of the Dragon Horse Supervisor.

Like the previous Dantai Ming, he was also the highest official of the prefecture city supervisor, but as the head of the Water Supervisor, he was only a Fourth-Rank lower; Wang Xuanyi, however, is a Third-Rank.

On the first of October, at 7:00 AM, Zhao Xing said goodbye to his family in Bixian Commandery and boarded Princess Youruo's building ship. As for Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, they were not qualified to sit on Princess Youruo's building ship.

At the end of the noon hour, they arrived at the 'Twin Islands' in the Zixiao Archipelago.