[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-dao-lord-of-shennong":3,"chapter-dao-lord-of-shennong-shennong-dao-lord-chapter-233":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shennong Dao Lord",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2219475,3971,"Chapter 233","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-233",233,"\u003Cp>\"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 ground?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dharma Transmission Tower contains a world of its own; that phrase is meant literally,\" Chen Shijie said. \"It was constructed by piecing together ninety-nine fragments of a blessed land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao clicked his tongue in wonder: \"As expected of the grandeur of an ancient divine sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing shook his head. \"This was built only after the Li Huo Sect joined the Great Zhou. It used ninety-nine blessed land fragments, and over one hundred thousand artificers participated in its construction. It was presided over by Huang Jian, the Minister of Works during the reign of the Founding Emperor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it has nothing to do with whether it's a 'divine sect' or not; it was purely a state project. It's uncertain if the Li Huo Divine Sect could have built it during their own era—they probably didn't even have that many people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you to dare pass judgment on an ancient divine sect?\" Just as Zhao Xing finished speaking, a middle-aged man in yellow robes passing by looked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing looked back and found the man dressed in archaic attire, holding a horsetail whisk, and looking at him with clear displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did he say that was wrong?\" Long Xiao asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yellow-robed man snorted. \"Huang Jian, the Minister of Works during the Founding Emperor's reign, did indeed preside over the Dao Academy's dharma transmission project, but the blessed land fragment materials were passed down by the Li Huo Sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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 Li Huo Sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before the Great Zhou was established, the Li Huo 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?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have been taught,\" Zhao Xing hurriedly cupped his hands. \"This junior's knowledge is shallow; I ask that the senior not take offense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was clearly a pedant, and a rather rigid member of the \"Old Guard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing did not want to argue with anyone over such matters and invite trouble, lest his identity be exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yellow-robed man returned the salute and then snorted, \"In the future, be cautious in your speech and actions. Do not evaluate the Divine Sect so recklessly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Zhao Xing adopted a humble, teachable demeanor, then pulled Long Xiao and Chen Shijie away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Daoist gave me a strange feeling.\" Long Xiao glanced in the direction the man had left. \"Oh, I remember now. His speech and mannerisms are a bit like those eccentric outsiders I saw in the Southern Wilderness. Old Chen, don't you think so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Chen Shijie nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing said in a low voice, \"The seventy-two Dao Academies were originally sects; it's normal for you to have that feeling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This person is likely a rather traditional member of the Old Guard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao asked, \"What does that mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing used wind-transmission so that only the three of them could hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The process of the seventy-two sects joining the Great Zhou's dynasty system of national fortune was not smooth sailing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There was intense turmoil at the time, and the major sects faced three situations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First were those who followed the trend. They quickly accepted reality, integrated into the Great Zhou, became deans of the Dao Academies, and abandoned old laws and rules.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second were the extreme diehards. These power-holders were accustomed to being high above, holding the power of life and death, and could not accept the Great Zhou's strict laws. During that special period, they either split off or defected, taking their disciples and followers to leave the Great Zhou's territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third were a portion of the elders and protectors. Although they followed orders and joined the Great Zhou under the command of their sect masters,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"their behavioral habits and ideological concepts remained the same old ways, they just weren't willing to leave the land of the nineteen provinces.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They weren't that extreme; on the surface, they followed the Great Zhou's laws and accepted the dynasty's restriction on cultivation bases.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But in their hearts, they still followed the ancient sect traditions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao transmitted, \"What traditions do the sects have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shijie said, \"For example, the habit of ascetic cultivation. I once saw a group of Dao Academy powerhouses on Mount Ming. Every so often, they would go without eating, drinking, or sleeping, meditating on the peaks of the mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether for a few months or a year, they would live solely on their own internal Qi and rainwater.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These people would starve themselves to the brink of death; in the past, there were even cases where ascetics fasted themselves to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing nodded. \"There is also the habit of dharma transmission. Many unique skills are never brought out. If they don't find a disciple willing to follow the ancient methods to apprentice, they would rather take their unique skills to the grave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the reigns of the Founding Emperor and the Literary Emperor, there were many incidents in the various Dao Academies where teachers beat students to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao asked in surprise, \"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing explained, \"Many Dao Academy students would learn a spell from one teacher, then go to another teacher the next day to learn something else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such behavior was considered betraying one's master and ancestors. Many elder-level figures couldn't stand it, so they would strike out to cripple the disciple's cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this crippling, if they didn't control their strength well, they would pierce through the protection of national fortune granted to the Dao Academy member, and many members would die as their cultivation base dropped.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There were even more extreme sect practitioners who beat people to death simply because the disciple didn't perform their morning and evening greetings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A look of shock appeared on Long Xiao's face:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beat to death because they didn't come to say good morning or good night to their master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's simply absurd!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His policy was to send imperial clansmen into the Dao Academies to slowly replace those old diehards once they finished their studies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Through a thousand years of change, the deans, vice-deans, and other key positions in the seventy-two Dao Academies are now mostly imperial clansmen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Zhao Xing nodded. Princess Youruo's mother, for instance, was originally the sect master (dean) of the Clear Water Sect. Later, after giving birth to Princess Youruo, the princess was given the honorary title of vice-dean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If nothing unexpected happened, that position would have been Princess Youruo's after her mother died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's a pity the old hag later gave up that position 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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your master Liu Tianning beat up people in the Dao Academy—were they these Old Guard members?\" Long Xiao asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not beat up, killed.\" Zhao Xing said. \"The most brutal mode of sparring in the various Dao Academies is named the [Great Dao Struggle].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this mode, one determines not only superiority but also life and death. Stepping on someone else's Dao to advance further is a rather common way of sparring in the ancient sect world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Founding Emperor was warlike and preserved this tradition. It was abolished for a time during the Literary Emperor's reign.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But later on, it was restored. The current Emperor is even fonder of this, and he has personally fought in seven [Great Dao Struggles].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" Long Xiao said. \"The Emperor has fought in them too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Zhao Xing said. \"In the first six, he killed thirty-seven vice-deans from six Dao Academies. As for the reason, you understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't understand.\" Long Xiao said sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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 from all that playing around in Gucheng these days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing laughed. \"Exactly. 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 so they could get to the grave sooner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that's how it is.\" Long Xiao said. \"What about the seventh? What happened in the seventh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing shrugged. \"After the seventh fight, the Clear Water Sect Master entered the harem, and Princess Youruo was born.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good heavens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three chatted while strolling through the first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first floor was mostly gathered by those in the Ninth-Rank Qi Gathering Realm and Eighth-Rank Spirit Bridge Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dharma Walls were distributed in all directions, incredibly tall, and the space was vast, enough for people to mess around in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing looked around; there were many Dharma Walls, and they were categorized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or categorized by the Five Elements, Wind, and Thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao of the Agricultural Official, as an important path of cultivation, naturally had its own dedicated section.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The spells created from insights into the Solar Term Orders and the Earth-Returning Secret Canon are all very weak.\" Chen Shijie evaluated. \"The first floor is only good for seeing something fresh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Zhao Xing said. \"There are no spells here regarding the Self-Nature School. Very few people in the Eighth or Ninth Ranks contemplate the Myriad Things Growth Diagram or the Yin-Yang Self-Nature Scripture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first ten floors aren't worth looking at; let's go straight to the eleventh.\" Long Xiao curled his lip. \"Those martial arts are all very crude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dao Academy students will do anything just to graduate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the same set of sword moves, some students just change the opening stance, and that actually passes. They're truly talented, damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao exchanged transmissions and flew onto the cloud ladder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between the floors, there were 'cloud ladders' everywhere, fluffy white clouds moving up and down between heaven and earth. A proper fantasy version of an 'elevator.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding the cloud ladder, they went all the way up to the tenth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When going to the eleventh floor, there were no more cloud ladders; they had to fly themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Academy used this method to prevent low-realm students from going up, lest they see powerful spells or martial arts and lose themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were plenty of people here like Feng Qiu, who were severely lopsided in their studies and had drilled into a dead end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one couldn't fly, one could only wander around the bottom ten floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting from the eleventh floor, many intermediate-level spells and martial arts appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them stayed for a slightly longer time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intermediate spells were still worth a look for them, and besides, these were all new methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through these new methods, one could glimpse how others attained enlightenment and verify what one had learned oneself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight hours later, the three of them had reached the thirtieth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching this floor, they encountered a test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the boundary between the thirtieth and thirty-first floors, there was someone guarding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one guarding it was none other than the yellow-robed Daoist they had seen on the first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't just act as a guardian; he also acted as a disseminator, and quite a few people were listening to him lecture on the Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, who is this gentleman?\" Long Xiao asked a middle-aged man nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man glanced at Long Xiao, noticed his extraordinary aura, and cupped his hands in reply:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the academy's Doctor of Classics, Mr. Daoming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Daoming is currently lecturing on the Li Huo True Scripture; he is also an expert in this scripture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fearing that Long Xiao, an outsider, didn't know its value, the man said in a low voice, \"There are countless Dao scriptures in the world, but the Li Huo True Scripture is enough to rank in the top ten. Those who can master this scripture are all brilliant talents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Daoming just came out of seclusion and is here to preach. A hundred years ago, he had already reached the perfection of the Primordial Soul Realm and attained the Great Completion of the Li Huo Body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao was startled. Perfection of the Fourth Rank a hundred years ago? Then he might have already entered the Third Rank Primordial Spirit Realm by now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had previously said he hadn't seen a single high-ranker, but he hadn't expected to see one on the first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Outsiders who want to go to the thirty-first floor must first obtain the qualification of Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts.\" Zhao Xing stood by a notice board nearby, reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts requires leaving behind one new intermediate-level method.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing beckoned. \"Let's quickly find a Dharma Wall to complete the test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three came before a Dharma Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dharma Wall emitted a pale blue light, enveloping an area around it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one wanted to be a Master of One Hundred Arts in the Dao Academy, one didn't need to create new methods, just know many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honorary Master of One Hundred Arts requires creating an intermediate-level spell, and the spell must reach the perfection of the intermediate level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only if the upper limit reaches intermediate perfection can later learners possibly learn the essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it's a semi-finished product, such as only at the seventh turn of the intermediate level, because it's incomplete, others cannot grasp the founder's Dao and might only practice it to the fourth or fifth turn.\" Zhao Xing looked at the requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when it reaches intermediate perfection is the Dao relatively complete. Of course, this is also discussed from the perspective of the intermediate level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If viewed by a powerhouse, the Dao of an intermediate method is naturally full of errors and omissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the founders of top-tier methods wouldn't dare say their Dao is perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Ultimate Method dares to claim that the Dao is already perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Age of Qi, anyone practicing the Ultimate Method cannot add or subtract even a fraction, because in the practice of the Great Dao, once one reaches the 'Ultimate Method,' one cannot advance a single step further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bolts of thunder derived from Zhao Xing's fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he was demonstrating now was an intermediate method he had created long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It included two spell moves: the Thunder Snare and the Thunder Great Palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, it advanced further and became the high-level method, the Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing intended to use this set of thunder methods to test for the Honorary Master title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom-crack~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Thunder Snare took shape, it lashed fiercely against the Dharma Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was to test the strength of the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of ferocity, the Yang Thunder was naturally superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunder Snare was Yin Thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, both sets were at the intermediate perfection level, so either move would do; Zhao Xing's choice was purely a matter of habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dharma Wall flashed ten times rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each flash represented one turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flashing again after the ninth turn meant it had reached intermediate perfection!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dharma Wall spat out a fire-red token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Intermediate Li Huo Token.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing smiled slightly; this item was the proof of obtaining the authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was just obtaining the proof; he still had to register his personal information later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One person, one token; it could not be used by others or lent out. Once discovered, one would permanently lose the qualification to test for authority in the Li Huo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoosh~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword light flashed, and the earth shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the other two Dharma Walls, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also completed the test for Master of One Hundred Arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three passed on their first try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene attracted the attention of quite a few people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know that creating a new intermediate-perfection method is no small difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast majority of Sixth-Rankers cannot do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Sixth-Rank is just reaching the threshold for learning high-level methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most are still using intermediate-level spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning others' methods only reaches intermediate perfection, so the difficulty of creating one's own goes without saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that all three passed in a second, it naturally drew attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are those three?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't know, seem to be outsiders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by their attire, they should be from the military.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? That big guy is actually a sword cultivator?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A sword cultivator's self-created moves?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, let's go take a look!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two agricultural officials weren't anything strange, as agricultural officials aren't rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But sword cultivators are like rare animals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people ran to the Dharma Wall Long Xiao was at to contemplate, and some even ran over to strike up a conversation with Long Xiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao originally wanted to show off, because quite a few female members were running toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were so many girls in the Huixiang Tower, but none had the charm of these female members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie glare at him, Long Xiao immediately lost his nerve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose on his sword and followed the two to the floor boundary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Daomingzi was lecturing on the scriptures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the three of them come over, he couldn't help but look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geniuses who created intermediate methods, and three at once?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Daoming, we have already obtained the qualification of Master of One Hundred Arts. Please allow us to pass.\" Chen Shijie stepped forward to negotiate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daomingzi swept his gaze over the three, his eyes lingering on Zhao Xing for a moment, then nodded. \"Go up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks.\" Chen Shijie cupped his hands, and the three flew to the thirty-first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do I feel like this old man's gaze toward me is unkind, as if he recognized me?\" Zhao Xing's perception was very keen; his soul had already reached the late Fifth Rank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breaking through in the Extreme Night Sea, the Yin-Yang Fish was still effective. Zhao Xing kept eating until he couldn't take it anymore, and his soul reached the late Fifth Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, a soul exceeding the physical body by a major realm is Yin flourishing and Yang declining, which is unfavorable for cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mingdaozi looked at Zhao Xing more because he sensed that Zhao Xing's soul was unusually powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A Sixth-Rank agricultural official, yet his soul is so powerful. In his right hand, there seems to be a piece of extremely powerful spirit vegetation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Parasitic spirit vegetation—is he a disciple of some Self-Nature School agricultural official?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mingdaozi stopped his lecture and announced that the preaching for the day was over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Zhao Xing's appearance reminded him of some unpleasant past events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, there was also such a peculiar agricultural official, at the Fifth Rank, who possessed a Fourth-Rank soul, and even displayed the extremely rare Myriad Method Straw Man, while also raising quite a few spirit plants in his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them was somewhat similar to what he had just sensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liu Tianning...\" Mingdaozi muttered to himself. \"Could he be Liu Tianning's disciple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhao Xing entered the thirty-first floor, he pinched his fingers to perform the Five-Finger Destiny, and his brow immediately furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Chen, Long Xiao, hurry up and finish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's wrong?\" Long Xiao drew his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I feel like trouble is coming.\" Zhao Xing said. \"And this trouble isn't small. I'm afraid my identity has been recognized.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean that Doctor of Classics?\" Chen Shijie asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very likely.\" Zhao Xing said. \"Liu Tianning's characteristics are too obvious. As his disciple, my characteristics are also very obvious in the eyes of powerhouses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ordinary person couldn't guess that Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple just by looking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this Mingdaozi was not simple, and he was a member of the Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let's finish quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three each found a Dharma Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The test for Honorary Preaching Master was also creating a new method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no difference between the thirtieth and sixtieth floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the sixtieth floor would it be for Honorary Doctor of Classics, which would be more detailed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were some subtle differences between the thirtieth and sixtieth floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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 Li Huo Divine Altar, but also being able to borrow people and items from the Li Huo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhao Xing didn't intend to do that much; he just wanted to get the Li Huo Divine Altar authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So as long as he could get this title, it would be enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formed Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger slammed into the Dharma Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger had reached the Fourth Turn of the high-level method during the Soul Sacrifice Pass. Later, after the opportunity from the Blessed Land Spirit Beauty, it crossed the threshold of minor success and reached the Eighth Turn of the high-level level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this level, it naturally completed the test very easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Dharma Wall, a new fire-red token suddenly appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High-level Li Huo Token, obtained!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately looked at Long Xiao and Chen Shijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao also passed on his first try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shijie took a little longer because he created a Ground Palace Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The verification speed for this type of spell is inherently slower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one created one of the four methods of the Self-Nature School, such as the Instant Primordial, one would have to invite relevant people to verify it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the level of Preaching Master, one still couldn't be sloppy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth before the Dharma Wall trembled slightly, and on the third time, Chen Shijie finally succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Done!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let's go quickly.\" Zhao Xing waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it.\" Long Xiao said. \"We came to get an honorary title, why does it feel like we're acting like thieves?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop talking nonsense, let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three rushed out of the Dharma Transmission Tower and then hurried to the Li Huo Dao Academy's department for information registration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Household registration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gucheng, Nanyang Commandery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Official position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pending appointment, Sixth-Rank official.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can register no more than five names.\" A Daoist brought out a yellow register.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confirming identity and registering at the Li Huo Dao Academy also required using the Great Zhou Imperial Court's yellow register.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing, having now tested as an Honorary Preaching Master, could bring five relatives to use the Li Huo Divine Altar together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If relatives came alone, they wouldn't be able to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing had long prepared the official documents issued by the Gucheng government and the Nanyang Commandery government, so the process was quite fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three quarters of an hour later, the Daoist in charge of the matter informed them that it was done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Done.\" Zhao Xing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now an Honorary Preaching Master of the Li Huo Dao Academy, not only possessing the right to use the Li Huo Divine Altar but also enjoying some benefits within the Li Huo Dao Academy, such as being able to enter the Li Huo Tower to practice fire methods three times a year for free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even wanting to take a position would become easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, with rights come obligations. Honorary Preaching Masters must take time every three years to come to the academy to lecture; the specifics depend on how much authority one enjoys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting a while, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also finished and came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three walked out of the registration office, Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because at this moment, there were hundreds of people gathered in the square outside the registration office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them were at the Sixth Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this formation, Zhao Xing understood that he probably couldn't escape the grudge involving Old Liu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask which one is Zhao Xing, the direct disciple of Liu Tianning? Please come out and speak!\" When the three of them came out, a man in green Daoist robes walked out, scanning Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you?\" Long Xiao said. \"What do you want with Zhao Xing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My name is 'Jin Qi,' Dharma name 'Qiming'.\" Jin Qi said proudly. \"Sixth-Rank Tiangang Realm perfection, a disciple of Huang Shigong. I think you should remember this name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao and Chen Shijie looked at Zhao Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know some Huang Shigong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing shook his head; he really didn't know him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't told Liu about testing for the Li Huo Dao Academy's authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't asked about Old Liu's grudges either, fearing he would touch upon Liu Tianning's painful memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, it had been a hundred years; what great thing did Liu Tianning do to make people remember him for so long?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the three of them silent, Jin Qi said again, \"Zhao Xing, since your master is Liu Tianning, you should know that today's battle is inevitable!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, Jin Qi, challenge you to a [Great Dao Struggle]!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are at Sixth-Rank perfection, and I am also at Sixth-Rank perfection; it's not bullying you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And me, I, Yu Fei, also want to challenge you to a [Great Dao Struggle]!\" Another Daoist jumped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing, if you have the guts, accept the challenge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing! If you're not afraid of death, accept the challenge. I, Zhang Xing, also challenge you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, dozens of people jumped out, scrambling to have a fight with Zhao Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of people gathered, and every one of them was Sixth-Rank; the momentum was not small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao and Chen Shijie were stunned; the [Great Dao Struggle] was a matter of life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many people wanted to challenge Liu Tianning's disciple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Liu Tianning dig up their ancestral graves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if I don't agree?\" Zhao Xing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Qi, who had been the first to clamor, shouted, \"Zhao Xing, if you don't accept the challenge, you probably won't be able to leave this place today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zhao Xing was about to say something, a voice came from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Scoundrels! Do you treat the laws of the Great Zhou as nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure descended from the sky, wearing purple Daoist robes and a bright jade crown, looking like an immortal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he appeared, the scene immediately quieted down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who arrived was 'Li Shanhe,' a vice-dean of this branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, Dean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group bowed one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing and the others also cupped their hands. \"Greetings, Dean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe glanced at Zhao Xing. \"Zhao Xing, if you are unwilling to accept, you may leave on your own; no one will touch you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dean, if he is afraid of the battle, he only needs to say it openly—that Liu Tianning's disciple is afraid—and we will no longer challenge him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, if Liu Tianning's disciple is a coward, we'll just pretend we never came.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, spineless!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A coward who fears death; Liu Tianning probably isn't much either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you're afraid, why not go kowtow before my uncle's grave before leaving?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trash! Liu Tianning is trash, and his disciple is trash too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd became agitated again, a barrage of foul language entering Zhao Xing's ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were trying to use mental attacks to provoke Zhao Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing glanced at Li Shanhe and knew this was premeditated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One played the good cop, and a group played the bad cop. If he really wanted him to leave, why didn't Li Shanhe drive these people away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could vaguely feel that there were Fourth and Fifth-Rankers lurking nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing said, \"Dean Li, I have now obtained the title of Honorary Preaching Master. Do you have any suggestions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's normal for people to want to spar with a new Honorary Preaching Master. You don't have to accept a Great Dao Struggle; a regular sparring match is also fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe gave a compromise suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, even if Zhao Xing really intended to accept the challenge, he couldn't just sit by and watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dean Ji Qingshan had instructed that if Zhao Xing agreed, he needed to protect Zhao Xing's safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Liu Tianning was no longer the Fifth-Ranker of a hundred years ago; after a hundred years of cultivation, he had now broken through to the Fourth Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhao Xing were killed in a spar and Liu Tianning came to fight another round, no one could handle that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there were indeed many people below who wanted their disciples to complete their revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn't beat Liu Tianning, so now that Zhao Xing had arrived, they couldn't let him off easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides had to be balanced, and one had to grasp the measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\" Zhao Xing said decisively. \"As Dean Li said, let's have a regular sparring match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, I will only fight one match!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing scanned the surroundings and said lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what my master has done, today, I, Zhao Xing, accept it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to come, send the strongest Sixth-Ranker to fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd of onlookers suddenly became excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll come!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll fight him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing, accept my challenge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of these people were afraid, because they all considered themselves to have cultivated for ten or even decades longer than Zhao Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being at the same Sixth Rank, cultivating for decades longer naturally meant a difference in strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Dao Academy circle, Liu Tianning's fame was great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever could defeat his disciple and complete the revenge would also gain fame!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhao Xing, he was thinking that he would still need to borrow the Dao in the future, so he naturally couldn't learn from Old Liu and beat people to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defeating the strongest one would naturally make the others retreat in the face of difficulties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing, you said to send the strongest Sixth-Ranker. 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 spellcasters, or do you want an agricultural official to be your opponent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing smiled slightly, his voice spreading out: \"No requirements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether it's a martial artist or someone else, whether they have cultivated for decades longer than me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as they are Sixth Rank, that's fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once these words were spoken, the people below became even more indignant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because by saying this, wasn't he saying he was invincible at the Sixth Rank and they could send anyone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrogant! Contemptuous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liu Tianning's disciple—not to mention how much substance his strength has, his confidence is exactly the same.\" Not far away, Mingdaozi watched quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him were several other Daoists, all of whom had disciples or junior brothers who had been killed in [Great Dao Struggles] with Liu Tianning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's grant his wish.\" An old man with a wine gourd at his waist and faint flame secret patterns circling his body spoke up. \"Send Bai Ming to fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li Huo Dao Arena is a place for many members and teachers to spar and compete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its nature is similar to the [Nine-Section Dao Arena] in the Military Realm; they are both categories under [Dao Arena].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Zhao Xing didn't agree to a [Great Dao Struggle], this challenge still attracted many people to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, most of those qualified to watch this challenge were teachers of the Dao Academy or genius-level Seventh-Rank members; Eighth or Ninth-Rankers were not qualified to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother Bai Ming is already ninety-four years old; he will definitely take down Liu Tianning's disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Ming is proficient in Five Element spells, and he has practiced every one of them to high-level perfection. Dealing with Zhao Xing, he will definitely win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Bai Ming 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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, Liu Tianning killed so many people back then but was protected by the Rakshasa King. This time, just teaching his disciple a lesson will count as collecting some interest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's only Sixth Rank; the possibility of him cultivating a Myriad Method Straw Man is very small. Even if he did, it probably wouldn't be very powerful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without reaching the Fifth Rank, the power of the Myriad Method Clone is hard to unleash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several old men who had old grudges with Liu Tianning stared at the scene from a platform high in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a hundred years, they already had many disciples and followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To pick some powerful ones from the Sixth Rank to fight in the arena, they could find a bunch easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, Bai Ming was the strongest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Li Huo Dao Arena, when Bai Ming stood on the arena, the surrounding onlookers became agitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Ming!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The invincible Bai Ming!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother Bai Ming, defeat him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheering was enthusiastic, but Bai Ming couldn't hear it because the barrier isolated it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, Zhao Xing has appeared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? Why are there nine Zhao Xings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that his straw man clone? Is it a Phantom Straw Man?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiss... could it be a Myriad Method Clone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people seeing Zhao Xing standing on the arena were suddenly suspicious and uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the older ones, seeing this scene, all recalled the scene from back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a Myriad Method Clone!\" Daomingzi frowned and stared below. \"And this Myriad Method Clone's strength is very strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Ming is not weak either.\" The old man with the wine gourd stared below. \"He will definitely win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The challenge was presided over by Li Shanhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he flew into the sky and finished announcing the challenge rules, he looked at both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are all Preaching Masters of the Li Huo Dao Academy. Sparring is the priority. According to the arena rules, once the winner is decided, you must stop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Bai Ming responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing also nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe glanced at Zhao Xing's clone again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Begin!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Li Shanhe shouted \"Begin,\" the challenge ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing immediately released the sword Qi from one of the Myriad Method Clones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ang~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Dragon Sword Qi pierced directly through Bai Ming's chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ming hadn't even had time to raise his spell defense before he fell down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a light shone on his body, and he was moved away by the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I concede.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhao Xing finished speaking, he flew off the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people watching on the arena seemed to have been pressed with a pause button, all of them stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their eyes, the invincible Sixth-Rank Bai Ming had actually been killed in a second!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't even have a chance to strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is this possible, how is this possible... Senior Brother Bai Ming, is he not the upper limit of the Sixth Rank?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too incredible. Zhao Xing's clone just pointed at Senior Brother Bai Ming, and he fell. I didn't even see clearly what happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was a sword Qi, and a very powerful sword Qi, far exceeding the Sixth Rank.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheating! This is cheating!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian Straw Man can store a martial artist's sword Qi; this doesn't count as cheating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Qi, who had been the first to clamor to challenge Zhao Xing, turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it were a [Great Dao Struggle], if it were me standing on the arena...\" Jin Qi shuddered all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't afraid of death; it was out of confidence in his own strength that he dared to challenge Zhao Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was still a bit worse than Bai Ming, and now even Bai Ming had fallen, and lost so cleanly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it were me, I would have been killed in a second, with no power to fight back, dead in an instant.\" Jin Qi thought silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the high viewing platform, Mingdaozi and the others were also shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can his Myriad Method Clone store such powerful sword Qi?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Scoundrel, the Straw Man Method is a scoundrel method!\" The old man with the wine gourd blew his beard and stared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was too much of a cheat. Either the Myriad Method Clone couldn't be cultivated, or if it was, it was an existence against the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Myriad Method Straw Man is the 'Ultimate Method' of the Self-Nature School!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That he can store Fourth-Rank sword Qi is his ability; it can't be counted as cheating.\" Mingdaozi shook his head. \"Although it's very small, the essence is still that strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword Qi in the Myriad Method Clone is Yang An's unique skill!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let alone fighting the Sixth Rank, even fighting the Fifth Rank, the sword Qi in the Myriad Method Clone would still be a one-second kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He has a Fifth-Rank soul, and the Myriad Method Straw Man has obtained the essence, able to store the sword Qi of a Fourth-Rank sword cultivator. He is worthy of being Liu Tianning's disciple.\" Mingdaozi thought silently. \"Junior Brother, don't blame me; in this life, there is no hope for revenge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing walked out of the arena and saw that group of people again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, they didn't dare to be arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, Bai Ming was also helped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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 the Honorary Master of the Li Huo Dao Academy is an attitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also hope that such things will not happen again in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, if my master and I join forces in the future, there will be no Dao Academy in this world that can end things decently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe was startled, then laughed. \"Hahaha, what a Yuanrang Marquis. I will convey your words exactly! But you don't need to think too much; if you really wanted to leave back then, no one would have stopped you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Dean Li. I take my leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zhao Xing's back, he couldn't help but sigh: \"Liu Tianning truly has a worthy successor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's Myriad Method Clone being able to store the Azure Dragon Sword Qi proved he was already invincible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a Fifth-Ranker came to challenge him, the outcome would be the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to kill in a [Great Dao Struggle] but choosing not to—that is stature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe himself did not approve of today's events. Back then, the Rakshasa King protected Liu Tianning, and the matter should have been settled then; some people shouldn't continue to make an issue of old matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Zhao Xing had stature and an attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That last sentence was a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daring to issue a warning to those high-rankers while only at the Sixth Rank?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanhe admired Zhao Xing's courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn't wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Liu Tianning was already unbearable; what if another Zhao Xing with Myriad Method Clones came along?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If these two master and disciple joined forces in the future, there really wouldn't be any Dao Academy that could stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the Li Huo Dao Academy in Dayuan Prefecture, Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie did not return to Gucheng immediately but waited in the prefecture city for the military's transfer order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In early September, the transfer order was issued, departing from the Shiyang Blessed Land through military channels and transferring to Dayuan Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they had already communicated with the Dayuan Prefecture government, the three of them received their specific appointments immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are you?\" Chen Shijie asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm on Firefly Island, also Left Secretary of the Dragon Horse Supervisor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, we've really become horse breeders.\" Zhao Xing laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raising exotic beasts is also part of an agricultural official's work, but I'm a military agricultural official.\" Chen Shijie was somewhat helpless. \"I've never raised exotic beasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Animal husbandry is indeed part of agriculture, but the Dao of the Agricultural Official has developed to the point where there are many subdivided fields and millions of divisions of labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were to raise beasts, he should have determined to engage in this path earlier. Human energy is limited, and agricultural officials cannot be proficient in every industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like artificers: some specialize in casting cities, some in building flying ships, and some in forging weapons...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of transfer is equivalent to changing careers halfway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that changing professions is like crossing a mountain, but for Chen Shijie, it was a huge challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is no different from being exiled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they gave you a suitable fat job, what kind of exile would that be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mindset is good. You know the Houbian Method, but I don't.\" Chen Shijie was somewhat melancholy. \"And raising beasts relies on feed. Do I really have to switch to practicing the Self-Nature School classics?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Chen was a diehard fan of the Earthly Advantage School, unlike Zhao Xing, who had a flexible bottom line for schools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was also a difference in ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's ambition was to be the Grand Minister of Agriculture!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be this official, one naturally has to have done everything. Even if he didn't do it this time, he would have to do it in the future. This kind of resume cannot be lacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shijie didn't have such great ambitions; he had never dreamed of being the Grand Minister of Agriculture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you two looking so gloomy?\" Long Xiao walked out with his transfer order. \"Help me see what my position is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing took Long Xiao's transfer order and looked. \"Zixiao Island and Hongshi Commandery Ocean Patrol Right Secretary. You still have a martial official position, but it can't be considered a proper military position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does that mean?\" Long Xiao asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It means you've become a local security officer. You know the Police Inspectorate? The Ocean Patrol is of the same nature, except yours is to handle security disputes at sea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I'm not in the Navy?\" Long Xiao asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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 Officer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have no authority to handle major military disputes, such as aquatic tribe invasions. You can only report to the Navy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Small disputes, like two fishing boats having a conflict, or a boat going missing, you have to help find it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao was so angry he threw the transfer order down. \"Damn it, what's the point of that? I, a dignified sword cultivator, have become an errand boy for the Navy? This isn't even as good as a scout!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be anxious.\" Zhao Xing said. \"The application of security regulations on islands is quite broad. Let's study it when we get there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, you're a Sixth-Rank Right Secretary; you're a leader of some size. You can't fight the aquatic tribes, but pirates shouldn't be a problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two are both main officials, but I've become a subordinate official.\" Long Xiao was extremely depressed. He was only a Right Secretary, meaning he would still be managed by a Left Secretary when he got there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't complain.\" Chen Shijie said. \"You at least deal with people; Zhao Xing and I have to go raise horses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True.\" Zhao Xing comforted him. \"Your job is a fat one; it doesn't treat you, a sword cultivator, badly. If you get there, you'll definitely receive tributes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who cares about those few tributes!\" Long Xiao was still thinking about fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter how much he complained, the official position was already set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had to take office before October 3rd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With only one month left, after Long Xiao returned to Nanyang Commandery, he played hard and didn't even return to Gucheng!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he felt Gucheng was no longer interesting; the commandery city was more fun, with not only music to listen to but also performances like female sumo wrestling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie began to pack up their families and prepare to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they returned, there were twenty-three flying ships, most of which were given to family and friends, and used for social maneuvering in official circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there were still three Qilin flying ships that needed to be taken to the East Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once on the islands, it wouldn't be so convenient to buy things in the Military Realm. Zhao Xing had purchased a batch of precious supplies before returning, intending to use them when taking office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Busy until September 20th, the three of them, with their families, arrived at the Li Huo Dao Academy again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three flying ships, one for each, costs shared equally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honorary Preaching Masters could only bring people for free; they couldn't bring that many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing and the others wanted to borrow the Dao with the flying ships, and the ships and supplies together weighed at least several dozen tons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they were Honorary Preaching Masters, they still had to repay the Dao after passing through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the cost was much smaller than having no authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, we're going to the East Sea.\" Zhao Zheng said. \"Borrowing the Dao, the cost is not small.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Zheng had studied at the Commandery Academy for three years and was no longer unfamiliar with cultivation matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The journey to Chongming Prefecture in the East Sea is 1.2 million miles. Calculated at double the Dao repayment, I won't be able to pay it back in ten years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Originally, it wouldn't need to be repaid.\" Zhao Xing laughed. \"But with these things, the cost is slightly higher. I'm an authority holder, so I probably only need to repay 100,000 miles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madam Cai, standing on the flying ship looking ahead, couldn't help but hide behind Zhao Ruide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Qilin flying ship was flying toward a super-sized fire pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames were a hundred meters high; it was enough to scare someone to death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madam Cai had never seen such a formation? She was so scared that tears came out, and she shrank behind her husband, not daring to look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're scared, go into the cabin. Why are you hiding behind me wiping your tears? My clothes are all wet.\" Zhao Ruide said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\" Madam Cai intended to go in, and at the last moment, she pulled Zhao Zheng along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Zheng explained, \"Mother, don't be afraid, it's fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The son comforted her twice, and it was effective; Madam Cai wasn't as scared anymore. She even walked in front of Zhao Zheng; if it really burned, she could block for her son for a while longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing took in all of Madam Cai's subtle actions, flicked his finger, and cast a sleep spell on Madam Cai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zheng'er, help your mother inside to rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh? Why did Mother fall asleep? Yes, Big Brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flying ship flew into the fire pit, traveling through the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to borrowing the fire alone, this feeling was completely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing felt the surrounding space constantly flowing, with incredibly fierce flames enveloping the flying ship as it moved forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Li Huo Divine Altar is truly peculiar; this already involves the Dao of Space.\" Zhao Xing thought secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They flew in the flame space for only a quarter of an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white vortex suddenly appeared in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flying ship flew out, and they saw the sky again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flame pierced through the barrier and entered Zhao Xing's body; this was the Dao of the Li Huo True Monarch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've arrived at Chongming Prefecture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li Huo Dao Academy has no branch on the islands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they had to go to the coastal Chongming Prefecture first, then go to Zixiao Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing had originally been rewarded with land and fiefdoms, which he had exchanged to Chongming Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rewarded with 165,000 mu of land and 1,650 households of fiefdom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All in Bixian Commandery of Chongming Prefecture. Bixian Commandery is also one of Princess Youruo's territories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo's fiefdom has a full eighteen commanderies! Over 1,500 private islands!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of the Zixiao Archipelago belongs to her mother!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the princesses of the Great Zhou, Princess Youruo's fiefdom size firmly ranks first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now is not the time when Princess Youruo has the most fiefdoms. During the Martial Emperor's reign, after saving Princess Youruo, to compensate this sister, the Martial Emperor rewarded her with much more land. In terms of fiefdom alone, Princess Youruo's territory was twice as large as it is now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she lost the key Zixiao Archipelago and also lost the position of Dean of the Clear Water Sect, which couldn't be made up for later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Foster Father, I exchanged the 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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All in Dongyang County of Bixian Commandery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't need to worry about the taxes of the fiefdom; the government will come to collect them every year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those fields were exchanged properly back in the 18th year of the Jingxin Calendar. All three manors are managed by people. The Zhao Mansion has over 500 servants in total, and there are properties in the commandery city. You and Mother can live wherever you want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter was handled by Xia Jing at the time. Now, more than a year later, it has already entered normal operation. The servants and stewards were all handled by Xia Jing, and they are completely trustworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ruide just needs to come over and be the master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, good.\" Zhao Ruide grinned. Madam Cai was also happy, and the fear and terror on the road disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could manage over 500 people! How majestic that would be!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Madam Cai didn't forget her son: \"Then Zheng'er's enrollment...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry.\" Zhao Xing said. \"I will go to Bixian Commandery to find the Princess and handle it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting Zhao Zheng enter the Clear Water Dao Academy is just a matter of a word from Princess Youruo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, good, you're the capable one as the big brother.\" Madam Cai became even happier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shijie took Guiniang to Dongyang County; his territory was right next to Zhao Xing's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao also went along, and the two of them would send Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai to get familiar with those family assets on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the way, they would check for Zhao Ruide and Madam Cai. Although Xia Jing handled it, they hadn't seen the master for more than a year, so it's hard to guarantee the servants didn't have other thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding Long Xiao and Chen Shijie to screen them once, and any problems would be solved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing took Zhao Zheng to the commandery city to seek Princess Youruo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother, are we really going to the Princess's mansion?\" Zhao Zheng said. \"Will she see us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She definitely will.\" Zhao Xing said. \"She is my master's wife, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Zhao Xing had sent a letter to Princess Youruo a few days in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had scheduled to come on this day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County cities are slightly worse, but information can also be transmitted between prefecture cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, to cross states, one can only use the Earth Mirror in prefecture cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, outside the cities, the Earth Mirror also has restrictions, and in some places, it cannot be used at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're almost there.\" Zhao Xing pointed ahead. \"Look, that is one of Princess Youruo's palaces in Bixian Commandery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll wait here for a while, and someone will come to pick us up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing took out the Earth Mirror and sent a message to Ji Zixuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quarter of an hour later, a flying ship appeared in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, sorry to keep you waiting.\" Ji Zixuan jumped onto the flying ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for coming to meet us, Junior Sister.\" Zhao Xing smiled. \"We haven't waited long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this Senior Brother's younger brother, Zhao Zheng? He is truly handsome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, Sister Zixuan.\" Zhao Zheng bowed shyly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So cute.\" Ji Zixuan handed over a gift box. \"First time meeting, Sister has prepared a small gift for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\" Zhao Zheng looked at his big brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since it's a reward for you, take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Zhao Zheng obediently took it. \"Thank you, Sister, for the reward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meeting, Ji Zixuan led Zhao Xing's Qilin flying ship into the palace area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo loves excitement and also likes grandeur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her palace was built magnificently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The facilities inside were everything one could wish for: gardens, artificial lakes, hot springs, rockeries—all built by the top-tier craftsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luxurious but not tacky, everywhere showing royal wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disciple pays respects to Master's Wife!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhao Xing entered the Bixian Palace, he paid respects to Youruo with disciple etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Commoner pays respects to the Princess.\" Zhao Zheng knelt respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So this is your younger brother?\" Princess Youruo smiled and glanced at him. \"His bone structure is not bad; he's a seedling for martial arts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's cultivation of Zhao Zheng was according to a relatively high standard. From the time he started earning points from spoils of war, he would occasionally send back foundation-building treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Zheng was already at the late Ninth Rank, having long touched the upper limit of the commandery academy students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already notified Dean Wu of the Clear Water Sect.\" Princess Youruo said. \"He can be sent to school in October. During this time, he will stay here first, and I have found a teacher for him to teach him and make up for the progress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Master's Wife.\" Zhao Xing cupped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Princess.\" Zhao Zheng bowed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zixuan, you take him down first.\" Princess Youruo said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Zixuan took Zhao Zheng away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they 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 Li Huo Dao Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, are you going to learn from your master and be invincible throughout the Dao Academy? Are you going to come and step on my Clear Water Dao Academy too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing said, \"Master's Wife's teaching is correct; disciple admits his mistake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Ye didn't admit his mistake for nothing; he purely grasped Princess Youruo's personality. Don't argue, just admit the mistake obediently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone can be as tough as Liu Tianning in front of Princess Youruo and still be loved to death by her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, don't do it again next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The seventy-two Dao Academies are an alliance. This force is not something you, a small Sixth-Ranker, can offend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo said, \"Your master paid the price back then, let alone you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to be a high official in the future, you cannot ignore their existence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing said sincerely, \"Many thanks for the reminder, Master's Wife.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Master's Wife, for the seat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhao Xing sat down, Princess Youruo asked, \"You said in your letter earlier that you were going to work in the Zixiao Archipelago. Which island, and what position?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Twin Islands, Left Secretary of the Dragon Horse Supervisor of Twin County.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the islands in the East Sea, the county specification is automatically raised by one level, so this Twin County is actually a commandery-level county.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo asked again, \"Do you know what this position does?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing replied, \"Responsible for raising, training, and selecting exotic beasts, and taming war beasts for the imperial court.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dragon Horse Supervisor is mainly to provide mounts for the imperial clan and war pets for the members of the various Dao Academies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are tens of thousands of islands in the East Sea, but there are only a few key departments. You must strive to perform well and strive to enter those key departments.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Zhao Xing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo waved her hand. \"You take office on the third of October. Follow my ship on the first of October.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing hurriedly said, \"How dare this disciple trouble Master's Wife to send me personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo sneered, \"You think too much. I am going to preside over the internal selection of the Dragon Horse Supervisor of the Zixiao Islands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Four Seas Myriad Beast Competition between the imperial court and the aquatic tribes will begin in twenty years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Zixiao Island I am responsible for must start preparing at this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think I am just a princess who only knows how to enjoy life?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo was surprised. \"You know quite a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, the Return to Ruins Secret Realm is one of them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The imperial court and the Four Seas aquatic tribes have agreed on a grand competition every hundred years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eighty years have passed since the last competition began.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hundred-year changes, thousand-year changes; the ancient land of the Ancient Dragon Court will happen frequently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The imperial court's Dragon Island and Myriad Beast Island were born for this ancient land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo said, \"Back then, the Prince of Liang was able to lead his army to take down the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, and his Black Dragon Legion contributed greatly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The pure Black Dragon bloodline was cultivated from the Ancient Dragon Court land, and the Prince of Liang also possesses a real Black Dragon King.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, you have no chance to see that real Black Dragon Legion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing has already withdrawn from the battlefield and cannot go back at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he cannot see the high-ranker battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's thoughts were racing. He didn't come to the East Sea to retire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must participate in the Myriad Beast Competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he wants to go to the Ancient Dragon Court land; not only can he get rare mounts there, but there are also rare plants!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Parasitic species like the Floating Vine can only be considered rare treasures of the current era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Ancient Dragon Court land has out-of-print plant troop types!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The growth limit exceeds that of the Floating Vine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there are still twenty years, so there's no rush. Accumulate political achievements first and climb to the Fifth-Rank official position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Princess Youruo said, he is not qualified to participate in this matter now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the internal selection of the imperial court is very harsh. The many islands in the East Sea and the Zixiao Archipelago must compete first, and only the strong can go up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it's the competition of the many islands in the entire East Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, it's the competition between the Four Seas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Layer by layer selection, constantly standing out, only then will there be an opportunity to participate in the grand event of the Myriad Beast Competition and enter the Ancient Dragon Court land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, you go down first.\" Princess Youruo said. \"I have things to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, student takes his leave.\" Zhao Xing got up and left the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, the battle at the Li Huo Dao Academy, Senior Brother is truly mighty.\" Ji Zixuan obviously also knew about Zhao Xing's affairs at the Li Huo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was just being set up, and I had no choice.\" Zhao Xing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo is right. He wants to be the Grand Minister of Agriculture and cannot ignore the power of the Dao Academy. If he can get support, it will be much easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tianning in his previous life also suffered this loss, and his progress as Grand Minister of Agriculture was slowed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing showed mercy at the Li Huo Dao Academy, also considering this aspect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seventy-two Dao Academies are not only useful for being the Grand Minister of Agriculture, but they also have greater effects after the Martial Emperor's reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Ye is eyeing their sect-protecting treasures, such as treasures like the Li Huo Divine Altar. If controlled in his own hands, his operational ability will be greatly enhanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are also the Creation Dao Academy, Shangluo Academy, etc., all of which have epoch-making treasures!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When spiritual energy recovers, they will show their true power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother has become the Dragon Horse Supervisor Secretary. Please take care of the students of my Clear Water Dao Academy in the future.\" After Ji Zixuan returned last time, she became a teacher at the Clear Water Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She can now be considered a 'true disciple' of the Clear Water Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the headquarters of the Clear Water Sect is in Chongming Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Sister is too polite. If there is any need, Senior Brother will do his best.\" Zhao Xing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wants to earn political achievements, and he will inevitably have to deal with the Clear Water Dao Academy in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Youruo is very busy, and he cannot come to discuss everything with the old hag; he mainly talks to Ji Zixuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On September 27th, Zhao Xing reported to the Chongming Prefecture government, because the Zixiao Archipelago is nominally also an administrative area of Chongming Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On September 28th, under the introduction of Princess Youruo, Zhao Xing paid respects to his immediate superior, the Third-Rank Agricultural Official 'Wang Xuanyi.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Horse Supervisor of the entire Chongming Prefecture, including the Zixiao Archipelago, is under the management of this Third-Rank Dragon Horse Supervisor Grand Secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here you can see that the specification of Chongming Prefecture is higher than other prefectures, and you can also see the importance of the Dragon Horse Supervisor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the previous Dantai Ming, he was also the highest official of the prefecture city supervisor, but as the Director of the Water Supervisor, he was only Fourth-Rank lower, while Wang Xuanyi was Third-Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first of October, at the fourth quarter of the Chen hour, 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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the Wu hour, they arrived at the 'Twin Islands' in the Zixiao Archipelago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I fell asleep while typing at night. My eyes were too tired, overused, and it always felt like there was sand in them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I felt much better after waking up, so I wrote out yesterday's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still 16,000, asking for mid-month votes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I calculated, there is no problem with the owed updates this month, and there is even a surplus, so everyone can vote with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>",10822,"2026-06-17T16:13:07.318Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","0676d22139375624ded51a8f33e5930ba7fd3d189f913bba1ed9229ea7fa08f3","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-234","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-232",666,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshennong-dao-lord-cover.jpg"]