Chapter 236: Returning Home in Splendor (Combined Chapter)

Stepping out of the solitary confinement prison, many people were waiting for Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong.

There were Agricultural Officials who had trained together, such as Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, Che Shihai... even Zhao Xing saw Shi Yong and Feng Qi.

As for martial artists, there were Xia Jing, Chen Fang, Priest Zhang Yi, Military Doctor Yuan Yang, Mechanic Wang Ji...

They should have been on the battlefield, yet they all took time off to rush back to Yangcheng.

Others were acquaintances made later, such as Ji Ji Ziyun, Wang Shizi Liu Cheng'an, Prince Pei Yuanchang of the direct line of Prince Ling Shuang, and Wang Shizi Wu Zhengting of Prince Yue Gang...

"Brother Zhao, we have all heard of your ordeal. That Liang Wang is utterly despicable!" Zhuang Ziqing rushed over first, grabbing Zhao Xing's hand, indignant. "A talent of your caliber, forced out of the battlefield by the Liang Wang faction, is truly an outrage to both men and gods!"

"Brother Zhuang." Zhao Xing feigned deep emotion, patting the back of Zhuang Ziqing's hand.

"Boss, you suffered such humiliation." Wang Ji clenched his fists, gritting his teeth: "I would rather die than forge a single nail for the Liang Wang faction!"

"I, actually, had a pretty good time inside..." Zhao Xing thought to himself, wondering if he was playing the victim a bit too hard.

"Boss, you don't need to comfort us. With you looking like this, how could you say you had a good time?" Che Shihai gritted his teeth, tears in his eyes.

At this moment, Zhao Xing's hair was somewhat messy, and his clothes were in tatters.

But this was purely something Old Master Zhao did to himself before leaving prison.

"I really am fine." Zhao Xing said reassuringly.

He recalled his experience of being detained.

Detained in early April, now it is late May.

On the first day arriving at the Yangcheng solitary confinement prison, by rule, all equipment should have been confiscated, prison clothes put on, and the Yuan Qi locked down.

But this is the Yangcheng solitary confinement prison!

The guards were all one of their own, either sent by Luo Hou Wang or by Liu Tianning.

Who would dare do such a thing?

Let alone interrogation and torture.

Torturing Old Master Zhao? Impossible!

Zhao Xing wasn't lying; he actually did have a pretty good time.

On the first day inside, Zhao Xing's shackles were removed, though his equipment was not returned to him.

As for food and drink, it was all according to the dietary standards for a Fifth-Rank official at work; even the lodging was a large courtyard villa!

Originally, the Yangcheng prison had no lodging suitable for Zhao Xing's status. After all, those detained were usually held at the Jiutian Yingyuan Mansion.

But the Yangcheng Warden, to detain Zhao Xing, hurriedly ordered construction, forcing a set to be built within a single day.

The next day, he moved into the five-hundred-square-meter villa.

Had Old Master Zhao not refused, the Warden would probably have even sent several dance masters and musicians to offer comfort.

Because Zhao Xing wasn't truly in prison; he was merely detained.

To be honest, this month-plus was the time Old Master Zhao slept the soundest.

Only right before release did he remember he couldn't look like he was enjoying a vacation.

So he put the shackles back on, donned prison clothes, and messed up his hair again.

"Yangcheng Warden, did he mistreat you?!" Xia Jing, walking over, raised his voice, his eyes glaring menacingly at the several guards behind Zhao Xing.

The guards felt wronged; how would we dare? It was Zhao Xing himself who insisted on dressing this way.

"No, no." Zhao Xing waved his hand: "Don't overthink it; they treated me very well."

He then cast a Water Technique to restore his attire and appearance. In this short while, the pitiful image had already spread far and wide.

Among those with sharp eyes, naturally, they knew Zhao Xing could not have been abused, but for the uninformed, once this impression spread, it would deepen others' hatred for the Liang Wang faction.

"Let's go, find another place to talk."

Surrounded by the crowd, Zhao Xing left the Yangcheng prison.

Afterwards, Xia Jing held a small gathering in Yangcheng to welcome Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong, with over a thousand attendees.

This time, Zhao Xing also let loose, drinking with everyone until they were all dead drunk, and the gathering didn't break up until the next evening.

Once most people had left, Zhao Xing circulated his Yuan Qi to dispel the alcohol scent, his eyes becoming clear.

"Huff~" Exhaling a long breath of turbid air, Zhao Xing pulled Xia Jing over. "Old friend, how have things been for you these past few days?"

Xia Jing was still somewhat drunk, but seeing Zhao Xing return to normal, he knew he wanted to discuss serious matters, so he immediately circulated his blood Qi to regain sobriety.

"I was also attacked by the Liang Wang faction, but my father and uncle intervened to mediate, so in the end, I was not punished."

Zhao Xing nodded.

Xia Jing was not part of the Shenwei Army; his background and influence were connected to the royal family, and he was not the mastermind, so it was not a big deal to begin with. With the mediation of Prince Pingyang and Xia Hou, naturally, there was no issue.

Xia Jing said: "You were stripped of your honorary title and withdrew from the battlefield; your official rank wasn't that high anyway, so the Liang Wang faction's face is barely saved."

"It's just that Ji Chen, for some reason, lost favor in the Liang Wang Mansion and was sent to the battlefield."

"In these two months, Luo Hou Wang, Xin Wang, and Anning Wang have repeatedly vetoed the handling results of the Yingyuan Mansion."

"Your teacher, however, has made no moves, still working in the Inspection Department and the Two Mansions Transport Office."

Xia Jing introduced the events that had occurred during this period.

Zhao Xing closed his eyes to review the situation, and after a moment, nodded.

"This matter can be considered concluded. Brother Xia, since you have not withdrawn from the battlefield, you must take great care."

Xia Jing said solemnly: "Brother Zhao, you must have something to instruct me."

Zhao Xing pondered, then drew a flag on the table: "If you ever see this flag on the battlefield in the future, do not hesitate; retreat immediately. This flag belongs to the 'Jiuyou Army' from the Sacred Mountain of the Southern Wastelands, backed by the Jiuyoushen Sect, and their methods are extremely treacherous."

"The Jiuyou Army? Why have I never heard of them?" Xia Jing asked.

"Historically, the Jiuyou Army has only appeared twice; they have never clashed with the Great Zhou. I found the records in ancient texts."

Zhao Xing said: "Additionally, the Insect Witches and Blood Witches of the Southern Wastelands are much stronger than before; this cannot be ignored. Also, the Seven Nights Holy Disciples of the Southern Wastelands; it is best to carry out a decapitation strike..."

Xia Jing listened silently. What Zhao Xing said, he had vaguely heard before, perhaps appearing in battle reports or mentioned by strategists.

The Pingman battlefield, with its myriad pieces of information, how could its scale be anything less than hundreds of millions? Extracting useful information from this mass was no simple task.

Zhao Xing was now picking out events that had already shown signs but had not yet truly exerted influence, to tell Xia Jing about them.

Perhaps they would encounter them, perhaps not, but if Xia Jing could remember them and stay alert, there might be fewer twists and turns.

"Did you remember?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I remembered." Xia Jing nodded solemnly; after experiencing so much, he had absolute faith in Zhao Xing's ability to analyze military intelligence and battle reports.

"I will be leaving in a few days; I will not receive guests afterward and must go to pay my respects to my mentors," Zhao Xing said. "Brother, take care."

"Take care."

…………

At dawn the next day, Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong each went to pay their respects to their own superiors or mentors who had previously offered them help.

Zhao Xing's first stop was Fuchun Garden, where he went to see Tian Shan.

"Teacher, this student is leaving. Thank you for your efforts these past days; please take care of your health."

Zhao Xing performed the great kowtow to Tian Shan, because during the time he was imprisoned, Tian Shan had also been working tirelessly, even utilizing the resources originally intended for the three letters given to him.

"Get up." Tian Shan smiled and helped Zhao Xing to his feet. "I actually accomplished nothing."

At first, Tian Shan did not know what Luo Hou Wang and Liu Tianning could do for Zhao Xing; only when he found out did he realize he had been busy for nothing.

But regarding Zhao Xing, regardless of whether it was useful or not, the fact that he did it was a kindness, and he would keep it in his heart.

"Where will you go next?" Tian Shan asked.

"My rank has not yet been finalized, but I should be heading to the East Sea," Zhao Xing replied. "However, I will first return home to rest for half a year and visit my family."

"The East Sea..." Tian Shan murmured. "That is good; if you encounter any trouble in the future, you may write to me."

"Although this old skeleton of mine is not as hard as Liu Tianning's, there is a layer of gold plated upon these bones of mine."

"Liu Tianning is the Inspector; he must be fair and incorruptible. Even if he has money, he probably cannot give you much financial help."

Tian Shan said proudly, "I am different; in terms of wealth, many titled kings are not as rich as I am."

Zhao Xing was momentarily stunned, then clasped his hands and smiled, "Teacher possesses considerable family assets; it seems this statement is still modest."

"Hahaha, indeed. My ancestor was Grand Duke Tian," Tian Shan said proudly. "Your teacher is left with only a bit of money."

Tian Shan was truly not boasting; shortly after Zhao Xing left Fuchun Garden,

a message arrived on his Earth Mirror.

【Tian Shan has transferred 'ten million' points to you】

【Your points account has changed; balance: 10,021,522】

Following the points gift was an additional note:

【Zhao Xing, since you are going to the East Sea, you will surely have many places to spend money. In the future, you will break through to the Pure Origin Realm; the fifth rank is a critical node for the Ministry of Agriculture. Under no circumstances should you break through hastily. If it is not enough, you may find your teacher at any time.】

"Giving ten million directly, truly..." Zhao Xing could not help but marvel at Tian Shan's wealth.

What concept did ten million points represent?

Zhao Xing's original merit rank was sixth tier; his annual salary plus merit bonus was roughly 350,000 points.

During this struggle between Luo Hou Wang and the Liang Wang faction, although his official position did not rise, his merit rank increased again, reaching the tenth tier.

But even so, he earned roughly 800,000 points a year.

Yet Tian Shan casually gifted him ten million.

If Zhao Xing were not greedy and relied solely on salary plus merit, he would have to work for over ten years, provided he ate and drank nothing and saved everything.

"This favor is too great," Zhao Xing said somewhat helplessly. He came to Tian Shan merely to bid farewell; he never expected Tian Hou to give him anything.

Even if there was a parting gift, it should have been within a normal range.

He had not realized he had underestimated Tian Shan's financial power.

In their eyes, this ten million was indeed a normal gift; there was nothing wrong with it.

"My master Liu Tianning has ten thousand avatars; now there will be one more. My master Tian Shan possesses wealth in the hundreds of millions."

Thinking of this, Zhao Xing sighed slightly. "If I had known this earlier, why did I struggle so hard in my past life to be greedy? If I had maxed out Tian Shan's character favorability, I would have had everything..."

…………

After paying respects to Tian Shan, Zhao Xing ran to the Taicang Bureau to see Lu Bang.

When the spiritual beauty of the cave heaven erupted, Lu Bang sent two disciples, Cai Jin and Feng Qi, to the Extreme Night Sea to eat fish.

At that time, their relationship had become somewhat closer.

Lu Bang, Liu Tianning, and Tian Shan were originally close friends.

However, when Zhao Xing came to pay respects to Lu Bang, he merely bowed and performed the customary courtesies, did not perform any great rites, did not address him as "Teacher," but instead called him "Master Lu."

"Young man, withdrawing from the battlefield and losing the excellent prospect of promotion and increased rank, what are your thoughts?" Lu Bang, whose personality was free and uninhibited, teased Zhao Xing as soon as they met.

"No thoughts at all," Zhao Xing smiled. "Once a move is made, it cannot be retracted; having done it, I did it."

"Hahaha, I like that temperament of yours," Lu Bang laughed. "When you incited the Ministry of Agriculture to fight the martial artists during training, I liked that character of yours."

"Since you are returning to your hometown this time, it won't do to have no presentable gift. I am skilled in brewing wine, so I will gift you a ship full of fine wine."

"Feng Qi." Lu Bang waved his hand, and immediately a young man emerged from behind the screen.

"Master."

"Go to my Earth-type large wine cellar and load a ship of wine for Yuanrang Hou."

"Yes."

Hearing this, Zhao Xing deliberately said, "Master Lu is so stingy; if you are going to give a gift, why not give some Heaven-type large treasures?"

"Hahaha, you young man think too beautifully!" Lu Bang laughed and scolded. "You are not even fifth rank; how can you hope to taste my Heaven-type large fine wine? Wait until you reach fifth rank and condense the Pure Origin soil, then come and see. By then, you will know the wonderful utility of my wine."

"Master Lu is straightforward; this young man will definitely come to drink to his heart's content in the future!"

…………

The third stop was Wanfa Palace of Liu Tianning.

At this moment, Wanfa Palace had ninety percent fewer avatars than usual, appearing somewhat desolate.

This was mainly because Liu Tianning had become the Transport Commissioner of the Two Prefectures and also the 'Ten Yang Patrol Commissioner'.

His workload had increased, so the avatars idling in Wanfa Palace were no longer so numerous.

"Teacher, disciple plans to depart for home tomorrow." Arriving at Liu Tianning's place, Zhao Xing did not perform the grand bow.

His interaction mode with Old Liu differed from Tian Shan's; Old Liu disliked playing at such master-disciple formalities. Except for the grand bow performed during the first discipleship ceremony, no bows were made during subsequent meetings and conversations, at most merely a slight bow of the body.

Zhao Xing vaguely felt that Liu Tianning held some aversion to rituals and propriety.

"Understood." Liu Tianning pointed to a bamboo box nearby, "My original body is not here; take this."

"What is inside?"

"Floating Vine seedling," Liu Tianning said, "Cut from the main vine, I have cultivated it for two and a half years."

"Floating?" Zhao Xing's heart trembled.

Since Liu had cultivated it for two and a half years, it meant he had been doing this since November of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era.

That was also the time Liu Tianning first came to the Soul Sacrifice Pass.

A Floating Vine seedling, once grown, would be a seventh-rank plant life!

Moreover, the Floating Vine seedling Liu Tianning gave had a very high ceiling because it also fused with parasitic seed characteristics.

That is to say, Zhao Xing might also, like Liu Tianning in his past life, raise a tenth-rank Floating Vine!

A rare vine-type parasitic seed; if Grandpa Zhao had to find one himself, he wouldn't know when he would find it.

How precious was it? Assuming Liu Tianning's gift counted as a chance, it was so precious that Zhao Xing felt his own derived fifth-rank luck was unworthy of this opportunity.

"Ordinary Floating Vines can only be planted in Pure Yuan soil, but parasitic seeds are different," Liu Tianning said. "Open the box, cut your wrist, and let the Floating Vine seedling parasitize your body to grow."

"Yes." Suppressing his excitement, Zhao Xing stepped forward and opened the bamboo box.

At this moment, waves of Jin Guang rose from the bamboo box.

Inside the three-meter square bamboo box, there was no soil, only Jin Guang condensed to the extreme.

A pale golden vine, two feet long and as thick as a little finger, floated in the box.

Zhao Xing quickly slashed at his own wrist.

The result was that the force was too light; he failed to break the skin.

He had forgotten that his Golden Bone was now fully formed, not his original physique.

"I will help you."

Liu Tianning's right hand suddenly shifted, resembling a liquid metal man, transforming into a sharp blade.

"Swish~" The blade light swept across; a deep wound, visible to the bone, instantly appeared on Zhao Xing's wrist, blood gushing like a stream.

Zhao Xing: "..."

This method was indeed very Liu Tianning.

The blood dripping onto the Floating Vine immediately triggered a reaction.

The Floating Vine slowly swam toward the source of the blood.

Zhao Xing put his hand in; immediately, the Floating Vine drilled in through the wound.

"Hiss hiss~"

Zhao Xing felt the Yuan Qi within his body begin to plummet rapidly.

Ten percent, nine percent, eight percent...

By the time the Floating Vine completely finished absorbing, Zhao Xing's Yuan Qi was left with only one percent!

"Hiss~ It almost sucked me dry."

Zhao Xing pulled his hand back; his body felt a sense of weakness.

Liu Tianning handed over a fruit plate from beside him: "Eat this, and it will quickly replenish."

"Good." Zhao Xing took the fruit plate, planning to heal the wound first.

But looking down, the wound had already healed!

A cool sensation came from the original wound site, precisely emanating from the Floating Vine.

"The Floating Vine shares a symbiosis with you; if you are injured, it is injured too," Liu Tianning said. "It will also slow its growth progress. If you continue to stay on the battlefield, it would truly be difficult to give it to you to raise."

"You are currently below the fifth rank, so its growth speed is relatively slow."

"How slow?" Zhao Xing asked.

"At the sixth-rank realm, raising a Floating Vine, even fifty years cannot get it out of the seedling stage," Liu Tianning said. "At most, it can only reach a state approaching the growth stage."

"At the fifth-rank realm, possessing a Pure Yuan body, the Floating Vine can enter the growth stage."

"Cultivating Pure Yuan soil, it can mature in thirty to fifty years; at this time, it still cannot be used greatly."

"Only when the inner world is cultivated to the point where a Pure Yuan projection can be cast is it convenient for the Floating Vine to fight alongside you."

Zhao Xing nodded.

That is to say, at the sixth-rank realm, it can stay for at most fifty years; exceeding this time, the Floating Vine seedling will die.

Because it itself is not something a sixth-rank can raise; now Liu Tianning has lowered this threshold, allowing him to raise it early.

Planting the Floating Vine in Pure Yuan soil is the period of rapid growth.

It was also because Zhao Xing had no more battles to fight and his strength was relatively high that Liu Tianning gave it to him early.

Otherwise, this gift would only be given out at the fifth rank.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Zhao Xing was very satisfied with this grand gift.

"Go." After Liu finished speaking, this avatar lost its spirit, sat on the chair, and lowered his head.

Clearly, this avatar has logged off.

Zhao Xing bowed slightly, then quickly left the Wanfa Palace.

…………

For the final stop, Zhao Xing arrived at the Shenwei Army encampment to meet Yang An and Jia Pu.

Yang An was still missing an arm; Jia Pu remained the nominal General of Shenwei.

Zhao Xing clasped his fists and said, "I am deeply grateful to the General for taking me in back then and allowing me to join the Shiyang Cave Heaven training. This time, I have dragged down the Shenwei Army—please punish me, General and Marquis."

The quota was originally requested by Chen Shijie from Yang An, so Yang An still owed him a favor.

Although Zhao Xing was directly reassigned by the Military Bureau, he had to come see them, both publicly and privately.

Yang An gave Jia Pu a glance and stopped Zhao Xing before he could complete his single-knee bow.

"Zhao Xing, what fault do you have?" Jia Pu said,

"If there is any fault, it is mine—I failed to protect you, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao."

Yang An waved his left hand: "Enough, Military Advisor. None of you are at fault—the fault lies with Liang Wang."

"Zhao Xing, you have repeatedly earned battlefield merits in the Shenwei Army. Without you, none of our generals would now hold positions north of the Yangjiang River."

"I gave you a quota, but the merits were yours alone."

"We met by chance, and now that you are leaving, I shall give you a gift." Yang An said, "Is your Wanfa avatar aboard the ship?"

Zhao Xing nodded: "Yes, Marquis, it is."

Yang An asked, "Have you fused it with the Guardian Dao?"

Zhao Xing vaguely guessed what Yang An was about to give him: "I have already fused this method."

The Guardian Straw Figure can store Wanfa.

It is also the foundation of the Wanfa avatar; to expand the avatar's function, you must fuse the Guardian Straw Figure.

Zhao Xing's nine main avatars now all possess this ability.

Yang An extended his remaining left hand and suddenly barked, "Commandant Zhao Xing, attend!"

"Your servant is here!" Zhao Xing clasped his fists.

"Receive the sword!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Xing's third eye stirred; his nine avatars immediately leapt down from the warship above the square.

"I will unleash ten full units of Azure Dragon Sword Qi. Zhao Xing, how much you can retain depends on your own ability."

With that, a streak of azure light flashed from Yang An's fingertip, then surged forth from the Marching Hall like a coiling azure dragon, racing toward the warship.

Shhhhhhhhh~

Nine avatars instantly appeared along the path of the sword qi.

"Aaong~"

From within the sword qi came the roar of a dragon.

The first straw figure struck the sword qi, then blazed with radiant light.

The dragon-shaped sword qi passed through the first straw figure without diminishing at all.

Zhao Xing's second Wanfa avatar stepped forward, actively absorbing the sword qi.

But the second Wanfa avatar was instantly saturated.

The sword qi dragon soared proudly through heaven and earth.

The nine avatars took turns stepping forward.

Even after the ninth avatar was fully saturated, there was still surplus!

"The Shenwei Marquis is truly extraordinary—even after Liang Wang suppressed him once, his second resurgence still shook the world."

Zhao Xing felt the sword qi's power within his avatars and marveled inwardly.

Shhhhhhhhh~

The main body and all nine Wanfa avatars landed together outside the Marching Hall.

Zhao Xing knelt on one knee and cried out, "Thank you, Marquis, for the sword!"

This was the first time Yang An had given him an order—and the last. After this, Yang An changed his tone.

After Zhao Xing received the sword, Yang An's voice drifted softly from within the Marching Hall: "Nurture your fervent blood with care; even when shed, it can still turn into azure waves."

"Yuanrang Marquis, until we meet again."

…………

Datong Prefecture, Wanfeng Mountain Range.

The lake's mirror-like surface suddenly rippled in concentric circles, the ripples growing denser until, at one moment, the center bulged upward.

"Splash~"

Four golden-glowing Qilin auspicious beasts leapt from the water; when the golden light faded, they revealed four Qilin flying vessels.

Three of the flying vessels lined up side by side; the fourth faced them directly.

Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie stood together; Liao Ru stood on his own vessel.

"Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao," Liao Ru bowed, "be sure to visit my hometown, Boping County, when you have time."

"I will," Zhao Xing clasped his fists. "Brother Liao, take care."

"Off we go!" Liao Ru waved his hand and entered the cabin. The Qilin flying vessel became a streak of light and soon vanished beyond the horizon.

Watching Liao Ru depart, Zhao Xing could not help but feel a pang of emotion.

Liao Ru was not originally part of the plan to impeach; yet at the time, he stood shoulder to shoulder with them.

Zhao Xing tried to dissuade him, but in the end, Liao Ru was also detained.

The outcome was the same: he failed to reach the fifth rank, was transferred to a local post, stripped of his honorary title, and had his merit ranks recalculated based on battlefield achievements.

Liao Ru's hometown was in Boping County, Binjiang Commandery, Guanghua Prefecture; he and Yang An were fellow townspeople.

Back then, he had enlisted alongside Yang An, but their achievements diverged—Yang An had already become a fourth-rank military officer, while Liao Ru remained at sixth rank.

After Liao Ru left the battlefield, Zhao Xing did not know whether this was fortune or misfortune, but since the matter was settled, he no longer dwelled on it.

"Old Chen, Long Xiao, we should be going," Zhao Xing said.

"Mm."

Long Xiao's hometown had been flooded; with no place to go during his six-month leave, he planned to tag along with Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie.

Chen Shijie also intended to return to Gucheng; his hometown was in Xishan Commandery, but all his relatives were gone. He had an uncle and aunt with closer blood ties who had treated him poorly in childhood and with whom he had long severed ties.

Chen Shijie had no desire to return and humiliate them, so he too planned to go to Gucheng—Gui Niang was still waiting for him there.

"Let's go," Long Xiao said. "Last time we went to Gucheng, I just spent all my time fighting for you guys—never got to enjoy myself. This time, I'm going to see everything properly."

"Zhao Xing, as the host, you've got to treat us!"

"If you want to party, you've picked the wrong person," Chen Shijie chuckled. "Does Zhao Xing look like someone who enjoys leisure?"

"Heh, you've got no idea," Long Xiao winked. "When I was his Dao Guardian, I accompanied him during the Shao Wanjie case—guess what happened?"

"What?"

"Hey, this kid disguised himself as Shao Wanjie, got two cat-eared girls to serve him in a hot spring, and even summoned a whole troupe of silk-draped dancers…"

"What?! Is that true?!" Chen Shijie laughed and scolded. "You sneaky bastard, Zhao Xing—I never thought you were such a rogue."

"How dare you slander my reputation!" Zhao Xing protested. "That was a mission—do you understand?"

"Still, while I don't know how to enjoy myself, I have a friend who does."

"Long Xiao, by the time we reach Nanyang Commandery, I'll make sure you can't even lift your sword!"

"Hahahaha, I'm counting on it!"

………………

Nanyang Commandery lay within Dayuan Prefecture, and even the straight-line distance to Wanshan Mountain in Datong Prefecture was over forty thousand li.

On the way here, they had used the Huotang of the Lihuo Dao Academy to travel; on the return, they could not do so again.

Because they now carried many items—Qilin Flying Vessels, bronze war chariots, and Blue-Eyed Dragon Lions—and these could not pass through the Huotang; the cost would be too high.

Even a single person passing through required an eighty-thousand-li return journey; transporting so many items would increase the transport burden, raising the cost—which would all be charged to the owner.

For the next six months, they'd have nothing else to do but run the return journey on foot.

Zhao Xing had bought many goods in the Military Realm; Lu Bang alone had gifted him a full ship of fine wine.

There were also gifts from Xia Jing, Prince Ji, Wu Zhengting, and various friends and mentors; Zhao Xing's own belongings alone filled fourteen cargo flying vessels.

Add to that the items Long Xiao and Chen Shijie had purchased, totaling twenty vessels.

Plus three Qilin Flying Vessels.

Together, the three had twenty-three flying vessels.

Zhao Xing's Qilin Flying Vessel was a later addition—he was returning home in glory; how could he not be properly outfitted?

This time, they planned to fly back, and had chosen their route.

First, they would fly all twenty-three vessels to Fucheng of Datong Prefecture.

Then board a government-owned inter-prefecture tower ship to Dayuan Prefecture.

Upon reaching Dayuan Prefecture, they could fly directly to Nanyang Commandery.

"The straight-line distance is forty thousand li, but avoiding no-fly zones means we'll travel over a hundred thousand li. With a seventh-rank tower ship, it'll take roughly thirty hours."

"But we must also account for waiting time for the tower ship's departure and the flying vessels' registration—altogether, it'll take five or six days," Chen Shijie said.

"So slow," Long Xiao said. "We should've just bought our own warship."

"Can you afford it?" Chen Shijie narrowed his eyes. "You know how many mechanical masters and crew a warship requires. With your ninth-rank merit rank, you'd go bankrupt in half a year."

"Zhao Xing can afford it," Long Xiao said.

"I can afford it, but I won't buy one," Zhao Xing rolled his eyes. "Not even considering the cost of crew and maintenance—the paperwork alone is a nightmare."

"Warships are strictly for military use—unless you're a feudal prince, you can't own a private warship as your personal carriage."

"In inland regions, only commercial tower ships are permitted. The paperwork for those is extremely cumbersome—it takes one or two years just to get approval. Only if you're wealthy and frequently travel across provinces is it worth considering; otherwise, government tower ships are far more convenient."

The Great Zhou exercised strict control over its internal airspace, especially regarding warships, which were far too powerful.

Sixth- and seventh-rank warships could truly annihilate entire cities in moments!

There were precedents.

During the reign of the Taizu Emperor, warships were common in the skies; two Wu Hou whose fiefs bordered each other fell into bitter conflict and actually launched warships to bombard one another.

The result was countless deaths and the destruction of more than a dozen commanderies. This act shocked the realm, forcing even Taizu to execute the two founding Wu Hou to quell public outrage.

He then enacted the "Great Zhou Airspace Management Ordinance," permitting only feudal princes and national dukes to travel by warship.

By the time of Emperor Wen, he personally embraced frugality, and such luxurious travel methods became far less common.

Under Emperor Jing, he outright revised the law and tightened restrictions.

Even warships belonging to feudal princes and national dukes had to remove ninety percent of their weaponry.

Since then, most Wang Hou had switched to unarmed tower ships.

Tower ships of all ranks were now widely used for commerce and public transport.

For example, Yi Yi Zhiwen of the Leiyang Merchants' Guild—when they acquired warships, they didn't use them directly; instead, they dismantled them. Warships were built with sturdy materials; one warship could be broken down into two, even four commercial tower ships, yielding massive profits whether sold or used for business.

After Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao arrived at Datong Prefecture, they normally would have waited for a government-assigned tower ship.

But shortly after their arrival, Li Li Yancheng, a fourth-rank official from the Fucheng Tower Ship Office, immediately ordered a seventh-rank tower ship assigned specifically to Zhao Xing.

"My lord, why?" Zhang Zheng, the fifth-rank officer who received the order, was baffled. "They're just three minor sixth-rank officers—idle Hou Jue. Why must you personally arrange this?"

"Why?" Li Li Yancheng said. "Because their teacher, Liu Tianning, is the Transport Commissioner of both prefectures—and with the war ongoing, our Tower Ship Office falls under the Transport Commission's authority."

"If Liu Tianning tries to make things difficult for us, he can simply find a minor mistake and magnify it, crushing us into the ground."

"I appear to be on equal footing with Liu Tianning, but in reality, I am subject to his control."

There was another point Li Yancheng did not mention: Liu Tianning would be promoted to Fourth Rank, Principal, this summer.

One rank higher in office crushes a person to death; how much more so the distinction between Fourth Rank, Assistant, and Principal.

He, Li Yancheng, is already over four hundred years old at Fourth Rank, Assistant; it is very unlikely he will ever hope to reach Third Rank, but Liu Tianning is different; his future is vast.

So, does Li Yancheng not fear that such flattery might backfire?

He does not.

Because Li Yancheng is well-informed.

The Three Kings of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven set the tone for Zhao Xing and the other three as 'returning home in glory.'

That is to say, Zhao Xing must return to his hometown in a grand manner; the display must be fully sufficient.

If one cannot even comprehend the intentions of the superiors, Li Yancheng might as well not work.

"How long have they been waiting?" Li Yancheng asked.

"They arrived at the Fucheng Eastern Skyship Bureau at the seventh watch of the Yin hour; it is now the first watch of the Mao hour," Zhang Zheng said.

"When is the next Seventh-Rank Skyship departing for Dayuan Prefecture?"

"Skyship Number Seven Hundred and Seventy-Three; it is estimated to be at the end of the Chen hour," Zhang Zheng said. His Skyship Bureau is equivalent to an aerial relay station, providing convenience for officials, but it must also make full use of the skyships' value.

Especially for a Seventh-Rank Skyship; one must gather a certain number of people and cargo before it can take off, otherwise, is it not a waste of transport capacity?

"Hurry and notify the other officials and merchants who are to board Skyship Number Seven Hundred and Seventy-Three; let them board by the third watch of the Mao hour," Li Yancheng said. "If they do not arrive by the third watch of the Mao hour, let them wait for the next one."

"Yes." Zhang Zheng promptly went to handle it.

…………

At the Fucheng Eastern Skyship Bureau, Zhao Xing and the other two, who were waiting in the bamboo pavilion, were suddenly transferred to the higher-class 'VIP Zone' — the Cloud Sea Pavilion.

This was originally a place to entertain officials of Fifth Rank and above, because the common robes and court robes of Fifth-Rank officials are embroidered with both cloud and sea patterns.

"My Lord Zhao, please prepare yourself. Skyship Number Seven Hundred and Seventy-Three will take off at the third watch of the Mao hour." Zhang Zheng, leading his men, came before Zhao Xing.

"The third watch of the Mao hour?" Zhao Xing was stunned. "Wasn't it said to be the Chen hour?"

"Due to a change in the heavenly timing," Zhang Zheng said with a smile, "the skyship's departure time is advanced; this is a common occurrence."

A change in heavenly timing, my foot; it was purely because Zhang Zheng received Li Yancheng's order to flatter Zhao Xing, so he arranged it this way.

A Seventh-Rank Skyship; what is there to worry about regarding heavenly timing or not?

Even flying through the Gales of the Void, it would not fear them at all.

Furthermore, the heavenly timing in Fucheng basically does not change much.

However, whether the heavenly timing changes or not, is it not up to the Skyship Bureau to decide?

Zhao Xing, seeing Zhang Zheng's Fifth-Rank cap and robes, guessed the general reason.

Good heavens; Master Liu Tianning's words did not even need to be reported; they took the initiative to arrange it.

The Skyship Bureau is subject to Old Liu's control; flattering me is only natural.

＿￠O

"May I ask your honorable name, My Lord?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Surname Zhang, given name Zheng, courtesy name Yuanchun," Zhang Zheng said with a smile. "My superior is My Lord Li Yancheng."

Zhao Xing clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, My Lord Li; thank you, My Lord Zhang."

"Marquis Yuanrang is too polite."

…………

The first watch of the Mao hour arrived; the third watch of the Mao hour, it took off.

Twenty-three flying boats were all stuffed onto Skyship Number Seven Hundred and Seventy-Three.

The night broke into dawn; the skyship took off, heading for Dayuan Prefecture.

Whether instructed or not, fearing that Master Zhao was eager to return home, the journey that originally required thirty double-hours was forced to reach the Dayuan Prefecture Skyship Bureau in only fifteen double-hours.

Only upon asking just before disembarking did they learn that the flight route had been changed to the nearest one; the Seventh-Rank Skyship's speed was maxed out, thus shortening the time by half.

"Having a teacher is good," Long Xiao couldn't help but sigh. "You told them nothing, yet you enjoy all the benefits."

"You could take Zhao Xing as your master," Chen Shijie said. "Then you would be Liu Tianning's grand-disciple. In the future, when taking a skyship, you can say, 'My grand-master is Liu Tianning.'"

"Hahaha, indeed, indeed," Zhao Xing laughed. "Come, come, good disciple, quickly pay homage; no gift is needed; just kowtow three times."

"Go to hell!" Long Xiao pushed the two of them away.

…………

Arriving at Dayuan Prefecture meant returning home.

However, the prefectural city of Dayuan Prefecture is in the east, while Nanyang Commandery is in the south.

A prefecture's territory is vast; if one controlled a Qilin Flying Boat oneself and flew at full speed, it would take just over two double-hours to reach Gucheng.

However, Zhao Xing also has twenty fully loaded cargo flying boats, which cannot move quickly.

With the straw-man doppelganger controlling them all taking off, it is estimated to take four or five double-hours.

The Fourth-Rank official of the Dayuan Prefecture Skyship Bureau, 'Shi Dezheng,' did exactly the same thing as Li Yancheng.

He planned to dispatch a Sixth-Rank Skyship to send Zhao Xing to Nanyang Commandery.

Zhao Xing could not decline, because the other party was too enthusiastic, and Shi Dezheng appeared in person.

"Marquis Yuanrang, your glorious return this time has established great merit for your hometown; your hometown should also make some gesture."

"How could I turn a blind eye?"

"Otherwise, when outsiders hear of it, will they not say that Dayuan Prefecture mistreats meritorious generals?"

"This skyship has been idle for a long time; let us use this opportunity to test its function."

"Marquis Yuan Rang is not troubling us; he is helping the Sky-Ship Bureau. Please do not decline."

"In that case, this humble official thanks Lord Shi for his kindness."

"It is only right." Shi Dezheng said with a smile, "Marquis Yuan Rang, please."

Shi Dezheng's words left Long Xiao dumbfounded.

Good heavens, it was clearly Shi Dezheng trying to curry favor by solving Zhao Xing's travel problem.

Yet coming from his mouth, it sounded as if Zhao Xing had done them, the Sky-Ship Bureau, a favor.

Coming up with a reason like testing the Sky-Ship's efficacy—no wonder you are a Fourth-Rank official!

Long Xiao did not know that Shi Dezheng had actually held back.

After all, this was transport within the prefecture, the journey was not long, and it was not appropriate to make too grand a spectacle; otherwise, they would have had to prepare a Seventh-Rank vessel for Lord Zhao to ride.

But even one tier lower, it was still of the highest quality within the Sixth-Rank.

Furthermore, this vessel, named the Radiant Cloud Sky-Ship, had a very spectacular effect: when breaking through the cloud layer, it would dye the surrounding clouds with seven-colored radiance.

Speed aside, the coolness and color were maxed out.

Shi Dezheng also deeply understood the tone set by the Three Kings.

How is returning home in brocade enough?

Even the clouds on Marquis Yuan Rang's journey home must be beautiful!

Zhao Xing and the others boarded this highest-quality Sixth-Rank Sky-Ship.

Seeing the spectacular scene around him, Long Xiao could not help but swallow.

"Why are you looking at me?" Zhao Xing was also admiring the clouds when he noticed Long Xiao staring at him. "Hey, hey, you don't actually intend to take me as your master, do you?"

Long Xiao's expression made it seem as if he truly wanted to kowtow to Zhao Xing.

"If the Prefecture City is like this, I fear even more officials will come to flatter you when you reach Nanyang Commandery," Chen Shijie said.

One could imagine that Shi Dezheng would definitely spread the news down the line, instructing them to treat Marquis Yuan Rang with the utmost hospitality.

"Not necessarily," Long Xiao said. "Shi Dezheng and Li Yancheng know the capabilities of his teacher, but the officials of Nanyang Commandery might not."

"What does a mere warrior know about civil officials?" Chen Shijie said disdainfully. "If the Governor of Nanyang Commandery does not bring people to the Sky-Ship Bureau in the Commandery City to welcome him personally, I will twist my head off and give it to you as a chamber pot."

"Marquis Yuan Zhen has such great prestige; those who don't know might think you are Marquis Yuan Rang, hmph." Long Xiao muttered curses as he entered the cabin.

Chatting with these guys was boring; he went to pet the cat.

Nanyang Commandery, the Commandery City government office.

"Marquis Yuan Rang Zhao Xing is returning home?"

Wang Shiyang, the Governor of Nanyang Commandery, looked up at the Clerk below who had come to report.

"Yes, Lords Shi, Liu, and Li from the Prefecture City sent letters personally." The Clerk presented the letters.

These letters were not formal official documents; they were private correspondence between officials, would not form formal records, and required no archiving.

But the content of such letters often contained important information.

Wang Shiyang opened the letters from the several superiors in the Prefecture City.

They all said the same thing: Marquis Yuan Rang Zhao Xing was a disciple of a military big shot, even having the background of being enfeoffed as a king; his return home in brocade must not be treated casually.

The Governor of Nanyang Commandery was normally a Fifth-Rank Senior, though occasionally a Fourth-Rank Junior would serve; it depended on the scale of the commandery and the prosperity of the region.

Wang Shiyang, this Governor, was only Fifth-Rank Senior; naturally, he very much wanted to advance. In this Governor's position, he had a complete opportunity to rise to Fourth-Rank.

However, Nanyang Commandery had developed over a thousand years; in every aspect, there was no great room for improvement.

Rising higher was not simple; one had to rely on connections to move one's seat.

Wang Shiyang had always sought to advance further, so naturally, he would not miss even the slightest opportunity now.

"When did he depart from the Prefecture City?"

"At two ke past the Hour of Si. He is riding the Radiant Cloud Sky-Ship, departing from the Prefecture East Sky-Ship Bureau. The earliest estimated arrival is one shichen later; the latest, by the end of the Hour of Wu, he should have arrived," the Clerk replied.

"Quick! Immediately notify officials at all levels of the Commandery Government; any Sixth-Rank official must arrive at the Commandery East Sky-Ship Bureau within one shichen!"

"In the Hall of Rites, all Eighth-Rank and above must be present in full."

"Dance masters, musicians, and the ceremonial guard, prepare according to the corresponding standards; as long as it does not exceed propriety, the higher the grade, the better!"

"Additionally, quickly notify the Magistrate of Gucheng County to make preparations for the welcome; especially for Marquis Yuan Rang's family, they must be notified in advance to have several sets of magnificent ritual robes made for them."

"The ancestral land of the Zhao family must also be sent to be cleaned; Marquis Yuan Rang returning in glory will surely go to worship the ancestors."

"Yes, this humble official will go immediately." This Clerk was also startled; he had never seen Wang Shiyang so solemn before, so he immediately stood up and left.

"Come back!" Wang Shiyang thought for a moment, then called the man back.

"My lord, is there any further instruction?" the Clerk asked.

"Go and investigate; see who Marquis Yuan Rang's closest relatives and friends are, and if there have been any recent grievances with others." Wang Shiyang spoke in a low voice. "If there are any troublesome matters, report them immediately; if they involve the government, they must be handled even faster. Do you understand?"

"This humble official understands." The Clerk immediately ran out.

………………

When Zhao Xing arrived at the Sky-Ship Bureau in the eastern suburbs of Nanyang Commandery, auspicious clouds were multicolored, and radiance filled the sky.

Fortunately, few people lived in the eastern suburbs, and with the Donghu Army already clearing the area, only officials waited on the ground now.

"Hoo~"

As a gust of wind blew, the Sixth-Rank Radiant Cloud Sky-Ship slowly descended onto the open ground.

"Beat the drums, play the music!" Wang Shiyang transmitted his voice.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom~"

The great drums sounded, and the silk and bamboo instruments played together.

Wang Shiyang had also taken great pains; fearing Zhao Xing would not like to hear decadent music, he had specially selected several rousing military tunes.

The dance masters were all practicing sword dances; each was valiant and spirited, moving in perfect unison.

Amidst the music and dance, the ceremonial officer announced Zhao Xing's military achievements:

"Marquis Yuanrang, Zhao Xing, led an expedition to the southern wastes, fought for four years; in the summer of Jingxin Calendar Year 16, he breached Huolong Pass; in the winter of Jingxin Calendar Year 17, he slew ten thousand enemies and shattered the southern barbarians' mighty pass…"

At this moment, Zhao Xing departed from the pavilion ship aboard a Qilin Flying Vessel.

The Qilin Flying Vessel circled once, then dragon roars and lion roars echoed.

Two azure-eyed Dragon Lions pulled a bronze war chariot, carrying Zhao Xing onto the scene.

Zhao Xing wore a sword at his waist, a tricolor crown on his head, a jade-bamboo Marquis robe, silver tassels and bronze seals hanging from his belt, and held the Guard Commander's ceremonial staff; standing atop the chariot, bathed in radiant light, he appeared majestic and extraordinary.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie did not appear on this stage; they remained atop the pavilion ship.

The Great Zhou soldiers returning in glory received honors befitting their rank: high officials received high honors, low officials received low honors—this was to promote martial virtue.

This ceremony could be enjoyed solely by Zhao Xing, for both of them were outsiders.

"Watching this makes me want to return home and show off too," Long Xiao said, his eyes filled with envy; he loved such festivities, but this glory was not his.

"Why return home just for this vanity?" Chen Shijie said. "It's such a hassle."

"True enough—look at Zhao Xing, he's had to display every single thing the Emperor granted him: what he wears, what he uses, what he flies—it's exhausting," Long Xiao muttered enviously.

Zhao Xing felt no exhaustion at all; though the Great Zhou's formalities were numerous, such moments of grandeur came at most a few times in a lifetime.

After four years of war, he certainly had to show off!

Until the ceremonial officer reached the end: "... to celebrate the Empire, to celebrate Marquis Yuanrang!"

Wang Shiyan immediately led the officials in a loud chant: "To celebrate the Empire, to celebrate Marquis Yuanrang!"

Only then did Zhao Xing summon clouds beneath his feet and step down slowly from the chariot.

"I am deeply humbled by your long journey to welcome me home," he said.

"Marquis Yuanrang, a young genius who achieved outstanding military feats, is the pride of Nanyang Commandery—this honor is well-deserved!"

"My fellow officials, join me in offering congratulations to Marquis Yuanrang!" Wang Shiyan led again, bowing respectfully.

"Congratulations to Marquis Yuanrang!" The officials chorused in unison.

The ceremony lasted nearly half an hour, but this was only a temporary pause—it had just begun.

Next came ancestral rites, homecoming processions, and a ceremonial escort must be dispatched to over a hundred counties of Nanyang Commandery, carrying plaques of Marquis Yuanrang's achievements while parading and proclaiming his deeds.

Though he was only a Third-Class Hou Jue, holding merely the official Sixth Rank Upper.

Yet Zhao Xing had amassed nearly five million military merits!

Calculating one ninth-rank barbarian as ten merits, he had eradicated nearly fifty thousand barbarians; if unranked, it amounted to five million!

Nanyang Commandery was a frontier prefecture, historically threatened and invaded by barbarians.

Thus, such a display of glory was not excessive.

Had he died, a temple would have been erected, and his statue—Lord Zhao's—would have been paraded through the streets, proclaimed in song.

Moreover, for the first ten years, he would have been paraded once every month, to stabilize his Yin Spirit body.

Of course, since he was still alive, no living shrine could be established; such shrines were the work of heretical demons, like Blood Spirit Lord.

As Zhao Xing was welcomed into the Nanyang Commandery government offices, drums, gongs, flutes, and songs echoed along the way.

Inside the commandery hall, Wang Shiyan hosted a banquet, inviting all senior officials to attend, and another round of congratulations followed.

"Marquis Yuanrang, congratulations! Come, this cup is to honor Marquis Yuanrang!" Wang Shiyan raised his wine.

"To Marquis Yuanrang!"

Zhao Xing rose and raised his cup.

"This humble official has merely achieved minor military merit, greatly honored by the kindness of Lord Wang and all esteemed officials."

"This humble official drinks first!"

He then drained his cup in one gulp.

After several rounds of this, Zhao Xing returned to his seat; Wang Shiyan ordered the curtains drawn, separating the inner chamber from the outer banquet hall, and the surroundings grew quieter.

"Zhao Xing, how long is your leave of absence upon returning home?" Wang Shiyan, now speaking more casually, probed for familiarity.

"Six months," Zhao Xing replied. "I, Yunxiao Hou, and Yuan Zhen Hou—all have the same."

"Excellent," said Wang Shiyan. "After four years away, you may now reunite with family and friends, and savor the changes in your homeland's landscapes."

Mentioning family and friends, Zhao Xing took up the topic: "Lord Wang, I have a close friend serving in Nanyang Commandery, yet I did not see him at the banquet."

Wang Shiyan's heart skipped a beat—Zhao Xing's friend? How could he have missed him?

The scribe beside him immediately answered: "To honor Marquis Yuanrang, Lord Wang elevated the reception and banquet protocols slightly; additionally, some officials were occupied with urgent duties—please forgive them, Marquis Yuanrang."

Zhao Xing nodded.

Wang Shiyan exhaled in relief and smiled: "Zhao Xing, who is this friend of yours?"

Zhao Xing said: "Zong Zong Shichang—he should now be the Eighth-Rank Pinghuai Magistrate of Nanyang Commandery."

Zhao Xing had not received a letter from Zong Zong Shichang in a long time; previously, on the battlefield and in the cave-heavens, he had been constantly occupied with no time to reply.

The most recent letter was half a year ago, at the end of Year 19, when Zhao Xing was impeaching Liang Wang; he remembered Zong Zong Shichang had said he had reached Eighth Rank.

"Zong Zong Shichang? I have a faint recollection," Wang Shiyan mused, but only faintly.

In truth, even that faint memory had been reinforced today; in Wang Shiyan's eyes, the Zong family was merely a local gentry clan—he would never associate with such merchant families. As for Zong Zong Shichang personally, an Eighth-Rank official was beneath his notice.

Before Zhao Xing returned, he had never even heard of Zhao Xing, let alone known of his connection to Zong Zong Shichang.

Wang Shiyan turned to the scribe beside him, who immediately rose to go find him.

He continued to keep Zhao Xing company.

…………

Nanyang Commandery was neither large nor small—it had over a hundred counties and several spiritual mountains.

Worried Zhao Xing might encounter unpleasantness upon returning home, Wang Shiyan immediately dispatched men to investigate and inquire.

He thought he had been thorough enough—but he had not been thorough enough.

At this moment, Zong Zong Shichang, who had a deep relationship with Zhao Xing, was sleeping soundly in the Patrol Office of Nanyang Juncheng.

"Bang bang bang!" Just as he fell asleep, someone knocked on the gate.

"Damn it!" Zong Zong Shichang immediately sat up and cursed loudly at the outside, "Do you want to let anyone sleep or not!"

"Young Master Zong, do not blame us," a patrol guard whispered outside the detention room, "We are merely acting on orders. Patrol Officer Song said we cannot let you sleep."

"That Wang Ba, Song Ji! Go tell Song Ji that he can only lock up this young master for two more days at most!" Zong Zong Shichang cursed. "Once I get out, I will definitely defecate and urinate on his ancestral grave, day and night, through wind and rain!"

Silence fell outside the door, as if they no longer cared about Zong Zong Shichang's cursing.

After cursing for a while and feeling tired, Zong Zong Shichang lay back down on the bed.

However, as soon as he intended to sleep, someone knocked on the door outside.

This made Young Master Zong extremely annoyed.

"Damn it, that old Wang Ba, Song Ji!" Zong Zong Shichang gritted his teeth in hatred.

Why was he locked up here?

This matter must be traced back to the previous flood discharge incident in Nanliu County.

Summer floods occur frequently, and Nanyang Juncheng has many rivers and tributaries.

Although the water conservancy projects were well done, once the imperial court and the Southern Barbarians went to war, the Lan River and Cang River also began to flood, affecting the counties downstream of Great Zhou.

Even after being attenuated layer by layer from above, by the time it reached Nanyang Juncheng, there was still some minor impact.

Although Zong Zong Shichang did not have much ability, he was well-informed.

After exchanging letters with Zhao Xing, he immediately realized that going to control the water as the Pinghuai Official was a good assignment.

So, three years ago, he transferred to the Bureau of Water Conservancy.

Afterwards, just as he predicted, the rainfall in various parts of Nanyang Juncheng and the water levels of the rivers were much higher than in previous years.

Zong Zong Shichang had practiced water control skills diligently in advance, and with his family's foundation, while working in the Bureau of Water Conservancy, he rose from Ninth Rank to Fourth Rank in just three years.

However, the higher he climbed, the more Zong Zong Shichang felt the difficulty of promotion; to do things properly meant touching others' interests.

The reason he was locked up here was because, during water control in Nanliu County a year ago, he had offended the Song Family, another great clan of Nanyang Juncheng, multiple times.

During the recent summer flood discharge, Young Master Zong had two choices: one was to discharge the flood towards the Song Family's farmlands, and the other direction was to discharge it onto the heads of the common people in Nanliu County.

There was no way; some loss had to occur, so Zong Zong Shichang, as before, chose to stand on the side of the common people.

This completely enraged the Song Family.

You, Zong Zong Shichang, are also from a prestigious great clan; why should a great clan make things difficult for another great clan?

Why do you keep pitying those wretched common people again and again, transferring the losses onto us, the Song Family?

The head of the Song Family sent people to warn Zong Zong Shichang multiple times.

But what kind of person is Zong Zong Shichang? He is like a donkey that only responds to being stroked on the smooth fur; he simply would not listen to advice.

He even cursed at the head of the Song Family: "You damn Song Song Chengde, where is your virtue? Your Song Family is wealthy and powerful; losing some farmland does not affect your eating and drinking at all. But if the common people lose their farmland, their families may be destroyed. Nanliu County is your territory anyway; why are you so petty about these trifling profits?"

Young Master Zong spoke very reasonably, and the head of the Song Family listened very seriously.

He seriously analyzed Zong Zong Shichang's working hours, location, and movement trajectory.

After a month passed, he found a small mistake committed by Zong Zong Shichang—drinking alcohol during official working hours.

Then, he directly ordered Song Ji, a Sixth Rank official serving in the Patrol Office within his family, to arrest Zong Zong Shichang and lock him in the Patrol Office, planning to detain him for seven days.

To let Zong Zong Shichang properly understand what the Song Family's logic was.

Thus, on the day Zhao Xing returned, Zong Zong Shichang was singing the "Tears Behind Iron Bars" in the Patrol Office.

"Sigh, after controlling water for three years, look how thin I have become," Zong Zong Shichang said, touching his stomach and rubbing his hand over it. "It is really damn difficult."

Zong Zong Shichang recalled the life he used to live: a colorful world, indulging in luxury and pleasure.

The reason for his such a big change was initially to achieve something to show Liu Muqin, letting her know that Zong Zong Shichang could change for her.

But as he continued, Zong Zong Shichang also experienced the sufferings of the world; for the last two years, it was no longer purely for the sake of his beloved's opinion.

"Once I get out, I will definitely take a big dump on the Song Family's ancestral grave," Zong Zong Shichang said angrily.

"Bang bang bang!"

Someone knocked on the door again.

"Get lost! I am not sleeping!"

Zong Zong Shichang, with his back to the cell door, cursed bitterly, "Liu Silang, are your eyes blind?"

But this time, the knocking sound was accompanied by the sound of a formation activating and the door turning.

"Hmm? Has my family come to bail me out?" Hearing the commotion, Zong Zong Shichang immediately turned around.

Moonlight filtered through the window sill, and Zong Zong Shichang saw a figure that was both strange and familiar.

There was more than one such figure; it seemed the outside was completely filled with people.

The person at the front was handsome and elegant, and seemed to be wearing a Marquis's robe. Huh? When did Nanyang Juncheng have another Marquis?

The person on his left seemed to be the Prefect Wang Shiyang.

On the right was the Prefectural Assistant He Xian, right? Why has this old dog come too?

Wait, why does the one wearing the Marquis's robe look somewhat familiar?

Zong Zong Shichang's gaze returned to the face of the young man at the front.

The next moment, Zong Zong Shichang's gaze became vacant.

"Zhao... Zhao Xing?"

Zhao Xing's face was grim, but upon seeing Zong Zong Shichang, it softened; he bent his waist and entered this narrow detention room.

He personally helped Zong Zong Shichang up from the straw mat bed.

"You... you are really Zhao Xing?" Zong Zong Shichang was overjoyed. "How did you come back? When did you return?"

"Brother Zong, it is me," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "I have returned."

"Haha, not bad! You've climbed all the way to Marquis?" Zong Shichang tugged at Zhao Xing's marquis robe. "Let me see—is it real? Oh, a gold-threaded waist sash, fine brocade silk. The real deal!"

Zong Shichang seemed to feel no grievance, only joy.

Zhao Xing studied Zong Shichang and couldn't help but lose himself for a moment.

Four years apart; the once slightly plump Zong Shichang had now become sharply defined, his whole frame thinner by a full size.

Yet he looked far more spirited, his foundation even firmer.

It seemed these past few years, he had truly worked hard at controlling the waters.

"Brother Zong, let us step outside first."

Zhao Xing supported Zong Shichang as they walked to the prison gate.

"My lord Zhao, this matter..." the Juncheng Assistant Magistrate nearby began to say something.

"Huff~" Suddenly, a burst of flame erupted along the iron bars.

Startled, everyone stepped back.

"Pitter-patter~"

The steel burned into molten iron, melting even the surrounding walls along with it.

He Xian and Wang Shiyang, who had stepped back a few paces, felt their eyelids twitch.

This was a prison cell formed by an array of the Juncheng Patrol Bureau!

Yuanrang Marquis just waved his hand and melted it?

Is he really only a Sixth Rank?

Even a Fifth Rank Minister of Agriculture wouldn't possess such profound magical arts!

"Brother Zong." Zhao Xing took Zong Shichang's hand and led him out. "Let us go wash up first."

"Good, good." Zong Shichang sniffed his sleeve. "It is a bit stinky. I've been locked up for several days without even a chance to bathe."

Zong Shichang's offhand remark made Zhao Xing's brows knit even tighter.

He immediately summoned four Myriad Arts Avatars and shattered the entrance to the Patrol Bureau.

"Eh? How can your Straw Man Art transform into yourself?" Zong Shichang asked with great curiosity. "Oh right, my lords, may I go now?"

"Of course, of course." He Xian forced a smile; his scalp felt a bit numb now, for he was Song Ji's recommender and their relationship was not insignificant.

"Why don't you hurry and send someone to escort my lord Zong to wash up?!"

"No need to trouble anyone." The four Myriad Arts Avatars spoke in unison. "Wash on my Qilin Flying Boat."

The officials present felt their scalps tighten, for they could not distinguish which one was the real Zhao Xing.

Especially Song Ji, the Chief of the Patrol Bureau; his heart felt as if it had been gripped tight.

After Zong Shichang departed, Long Xiao, who had been watching the show from the side, grinned widely: "Good, good, good. Someone is about to suffer. I have never seen Zhao Xing so angry. This trip to Nanyang Commandery was certainly not in vain."