Chapter 239: The Shock Brought by Master Zhao

"That doesn't make sense—how can the Law Transmission Tower be this big?" Long Xiao exclaimed upon entering, looking up: "Is this sky or land?"

"Inside the Law Transmission Tower, there is another world—that phrase is literal," Chen Shijie said. "It was assembled from ninety-nine fragments of pocket realms."

"From outside, the tower looks small, but even the first floor's space is larger than the entire city of Gucheng."

Long Xiao marveled: "No wonder this is the grandeur of the ancient Shen Sect."

Zhao Xing shook his head: "This was built only after Lihuo Sect joined the Great Zhou. It used ninety-nine pocket realm fragments, and over one hundred thousand mechanical masters participated in its construction—spearheaded by Grand Minister of Works Huang Jian during the Taizu era."

"So it has nothing to do with Shenbushen Sect—it's purely a state project. Even the Lihuo Shen Sect might not have been able to build it; they probably didn't have that many people."

"Who are you, to dare criticize the ancient Shen Sect?" As Zhao Xing finished speaking, a middle-aged man in yellow robes glanced over from nearby.

Zhao Xing turned to look—he saw the man's attire was archaic, holding a fly whisk, his expression clearly displeased.

"What did he say wrong?" Long Xiao asked curiously.

The yellow-robed man snorted: "Grand Minister of Works Huang Jian during the Taizu era did indeed oversee the Dao Academy's Law Transmission project, but the pocket realm fragments were inherited from Lihuo Sect."

"Of the 187,645 people who participated in the construction, 30,167 were disciples of Lihuo Sect."

"Before the Great Zhou was established, Lihuo Shen Sect was the state religion of Nan Tang. It trained no fewer than ten million disciples—how can you say the Shen Sect didn't have that many people?"

"I've learned my lesson," Zhao Xing quickly bowed. "This junior has shallow knowledge—please forgive my ignorance, Elder."

This man clearly was an old scholar, and a rigid one from the 'conservative faction.'

Zhao Xing had no desire to argue over such matters—it would only invite trouble and risk exposing his identity.

The yellow-robed man returned the bow, then snorted: "Mind your words and actions henceforth. Do not casually judge the Shen Sect."

"Yes," Zhao Xing replied with humble deference, then pulled Long Xiao and Chen Shijie away.

"That Taoist gives me a strange feeling," Long Xiao glanced toward the man's departing figure. "Oh—I remember now. His mannerisms resemble those outlandish mystics I saw in the Southern Wastes. Old Chen, don't you think so?"

"Mm." Chen Shijie nodded.

Zhao Xing whispered, using wind-transmitted voice so only the three could hear: "The seventy-two Dao Academies were originally sects. It's natural you feel this way."

"This man is likely a traditional conservative."

Long Xiao asked: "What does that mean?"

Zhao Xing whispered, using wind-transmitted voice so only the three could hear.

"The process of the seventy-two sects joining the Great Zhou's Qi-destiny imperial system was far from smooth."

"During that time, intense turmoil erupted among the major sects, resulting in three outcomes."

"First, those who went along with the tide—they quickly accepted reality, integrated into the Great Zhou, and became academy heads, abandoning old laws and customs."

"Second, the extreme hardliners. These leaders, accustomed to absolute power over life and death, could not accept the Great Zhou's strict laws. During that special period, some split off, others fled, taking disciples and followers beyond the Great Zhou's borders."

"Third, certain elders and guardians. Though they obeyed their sect lords' orders and joined the Great Zhou…"

"Their habits, their thinking, remained rooted in the old ways—yet they refused to leave the Nineteen Provinces."

"They weren't so extreme—they outwardly followed Great Zhou laws and accepted the Qi-destiny empire's cultivation restrictions."

"But inwardly, they still clung to ancient sect traditions."

Long Xiao whispered: "What traditions do sects have?"

Chen Shijie said: "For example, the practice of ascetic cultivation. I once saw a group of Dao Academy elites on Mount Ming who, at intervals, went without food, drink, or sleep, meditating atop the mountain peaks."

"For months, or even a year, they survived solely on their own Qi and rainwater."

"They starved themselves to the brink of death—once, some even died from ascetic fasting."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Also the tradition of law transmission—many ultimate techniques are never revealed. If no disciple is found willing to follow the ancient ways to become their student, they'd rather take the techniques to their graves."

"During the Taizu and Wen Emperor eras, numerous Dao Academy teachers killed students."

Long Xiao exclaimed: "Why?"

Zhao Xing explained: "Many Dao Academy students learned a technique from one teacher, then went to another teacher the next day."

"This behavior was seen as betraying one's master and ancestral teachings. Many elders couldn't tolerate it, so they destroyed the disciples' cultivation."

"But when they did, they lost control—shattering the Qi-destiny protection granted by the Great Zhou to Dao members. Many Dao members died as their cultivation collapsed."

"Even more extreme sect cultivators killed disciples simply because they failed to perform morning and evening greetings."

Long Xiao's face showed shock:

"Killed for not saying good morning and good night to their master?"

"That's absurd!"

"It is absurd," Chen Shijie said. "Fortunately, the Wen Emperor was merciful—he didn't execute these old fanatics."

"His Zhengceshi Sect placed imperial clan members into the Dao Academies. After training, they slowly replaced those old fanatics."

"After a thousand years of change, today's seventy-two Dao Academies have mostly imperial clan members as heads and deputy heads."

"Correct," Zhao Xing nodded. "Princess Youruo's mother was originally the Bishui Sect's sect leader (head). After giving birth to Princess Youruo, the princess was even given the honorary title of deputy head."

If nothing unexpected happened, the position would have passed to Princess Youruo after her mother's death.

Unfortunately, the old witch later abandoned the position and accepted a marriage alliance, marrying into the Shengguang Wang Ting of the Southern Wastes—no one knows what she was thinking.

"Did your teacher Liu Tianning beat up people from the Dao Academies? Those conservatives?" Long Xiao asked.

"Not beat up—killed," Zhao Xing said. "The most brutal form of Dao Academy sparring is called the 'Great Dao Contest.'"

"Under this mode, not only is superiority decided, but also life and death. Crushing another's Dao to advance further is a common practice in the ancient sect world."

"Taizu loved war and preserved this tradition. Wen Emperor once abolished it for a time."

"But later, it was restored. The current Emperor especially favors it—he has personally fought seven Great Dao Contests."

"Oh?" Long Xiao said. "The Emperor fought too?"

"Mm," Zhao Xing said. "In the first six, he killed thirty-seven deputy heads from six Dao Academies. The reason—you know."

"I don't," Long Xiao said honestly.

"Didn't Zhao Xing just say those old bastards refused to transmit their techniques?" Chen Shijie snapped. "You've been playing around in Gucheng so long, your brain's gone dull."

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Indeed, since those old fellows intend to take their secret arts to the grave, what use is keeping them? Your Majesty personally sent them off, allowing them to enter the coffin sooner."

"I see," Long Xiao said. "What about the seventh match? What happened in the seventh match?"

Zhao Xing shrugged and said, "After the seventh match concluded, the Bishui Sect Sect Master entered the rear palace, and Princess Youruo was born."

"Good heavens."

"..."

The three chatted idly while strolling through the first floor.

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

The Law Walls were distributed in all eight directions, towering immensely, with vast space sufficient for people to make a scene.

Zhao Xing looked around; the Law Walls consisted of many sections and were categorized.

For instance, categorized by profession, there were Wu Ji, Spells, Music Arts, Soul Arts (here, Soul Arts referred to specific Priest skills, not the common meaning of Fate Soul cultivation attack methods), Dance Arts, and Formation Arrays.

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

As the Dao of Agriculture was an important cultivation path, it naturally had its own dedicated section.

"The spells created from comprehending the Seasonal Order and the Back Earth Return to Origin Secret Classic are all very weak," Chen Shijie evaluated. "On the first floor, one can only look for novelty."

"Yes," Zhao Xing said. "There are no spells regarding the Benwo Sect here; few people comprehend the Ten Thousand Things Growth Chart and the Yin Yang Benwo Classic at the Eighth and Ninth Ranks."

"The first ten floors have nothing worth seeing; let's go directly to the eleventh floor," Long Xiao said, curling his lip. "Those Wu Ji are all very crude."

"The students of the Dao Academy will do anything to graduate."

"Clearly, with the exact same sword move, a student just changed the opening stance, yet this somehow passed. Truly, what a talent."

"..."

Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao communicated via voice transmission to each other and flew up the Cloud Ladder.

Between the floors, 'Cloud Ladders' existed everywhere; white clouds drifted, moving up and down between heaven and earth. A perfect fantasy version of an 'elevator'.

Riding the Cloud Ladder, they ascended all the way to the tenth floor.

When going to the eleventh floor, there were no Cloud Ladders; one had to fly on one's own.

The Dao Academy used this method to isolate students of lower realms from going up, lest they see powerful Spells and Wu Ji and lose themselves.

People like Feng Qiu, who suffered from severe specialization and drilled into dead ends, were equally numerous here.

If one could not fly, one could only wander around the lower ten floors.

Starting from the eleventh floor, many mid-tier Spells and Wu Ji appeared.

The time Zhao Xing and the others spent there was slightly longer.

Mid-tier Spells still held some interest for them; furthermore, these were all new methods.

By observing new methods, one could glimpse others' ways of comprehending the Dao and verify one's own learning.

Eight hours later, Zhao Xing and the others had arrived at the thirtieth floor.

Upon reaching this floor, they encountered a trial.

At the boundary between the thirtieth and thirty-first floors, someone stood guard.

The guard was none other than the Yellow Robe Daoist they had seen on the first floor earlier.

He not only served as a guardian but also as a disseminator; many people were listening to him preach the Dao.

"Old friend, who is this Mr.?" Long Xiao asked a middle-aged man nearby.

The middle-aged man glanced at Long Xiao, noticed his extraordinary aura, and cupped his hands to reply:

"This is the Dao Academy's Doctor of Scriptural Governance, Mr. Daoming."

"What Mr. Daoming is currently explaining is the Li Fire True Classic, and Mr. Daoming governs this very classic."

Fearing that Long Xiao, an outsider, might not know the value involved, the man whispered: "There are thousands upon thousands of Dao Classics under heaven, but the Li Fire True Classic is enough to rank in the top ten; those who govern this classic are none other than those of stunning talent."

"Mr. Daoming just emerged from seclusion and came here to spread the Dao; a hundred years ago, he had already reached the peak of the Yuan Soul Realm, and his Li Fire Body was fully formed."

Long Xiao was startled; peak Fourth Rank a hundred years ago? Now he might have even entered the Third Rank Yuan Soul Realm!

He had previously said he wouldn't see a single high-rank expert, yet he had already encountered one on the first floor.

"Outsiders wishing to ascend to the thirty-first floor must first obtain the qualification of Honorary Hundred Arts Mage," Zhao Xing said, standing before a nearby inscription stele and reading.

"To become an Honorary Hundred Arts Mage, one must leave behind a new method of mid-tier level."

Zhao Xing waved his hand and said, "Let us quickly find a Law Wall to complete the trial."

"Good."

The three arrived before a Law Wall.

"Voom~"

The Law Wall emitted a pale blue dim light, covering a surrounding area.

The trial participant only needed to demonstrate the new method within the Law Wall area; if the requirements were met, they could leave their demonstration process on the Law Wall.

If one wished to serve as a Hundred Arts Mage in the Dao Academy, there was no need to create a new method; one simply needed to know many.

"An Honorary Hundred Arts Mage must create a mid-tier Spell, and the Spell must reach the level of mid-tier perfection."

"Only if the upper limit reaches mid-tier perfection can later learners possibly grasp the essence."

"If it is a half-finished product, for instance, only at the mid-tier seventh transformation level, since it is incomplete, others cannot comprehend the creator's Dao and might only practice up to the fourth or fifth transformation level," Zhao Xing read the requirements.

Only upon reaching mid-tier perfection is the Dao relatively complete. Of course, this is judged from the perspective of mid-tier.

If a powerful expert were to look, the Dao of a mid-tier method would naturally be full of errors and omissions.

Even the creators of top-tier methods dare not claim their Dao is perfect.

Only Ultimate Methods dare claim the Dao is already perfect.

In the Era of Primordial Qi, anyone practicing an Ultimate Method could not add or subtract a single thread, because the Great Dao's path, upon reaching the 'Ultimate Method', cannot advance a single step further.

"Sizzle-sizzle-sizzle~"

Threads of Lei Ting extended from Zhao Xing's fingertips.

What he displayed now was a mid-tier technique he had created long ago.

It included two spell forms: the Lei Ting Noose and the Lei Ting Great Palm.

Later, he advanced further, creating the high-tier technique, Lei Ting Break-Illusion Finger.

Zhao Xing intended to use this set of thunder spells to test for the Honorary Mage qualification.

"Boom-crack~"

Once the Lei Ting Noose condensed into form, it lashed out fiercely against the spell wall.

This was to test the spell's strength.

In terms of might, Yang Lei is naturally superior.

The Lei Ting Noose, however, is Yin Lei.

Of course, both sets are at the mid-tier perfection level; using either move would suffice. Zhao Xing simply followed his habit.

"Hum~"

The spell wall flashed rapidly ten times.

Each flash represented one turn.

Flashing again after nine turns meant reaching mid-tier perfection!

"Hum~"

The spell wall spat out a fire-red token.

"The mid-tier Li Huo Token."

Zhao Xing smiled slightly; this item was the credential granting permission.

Of course, obtaining the credential was only the first step; afterward, one still had to register personal information.

One person, one token; impersonation and lending are forbidden. Once discovered, the qualification to test for the Li Huo Academy permission would be permanently lost.

"Whoosh~"

"Boom~"

Sword light flashed, and the earth shook.

Before the other two spell walls, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie had also completed the Hundred Arts Mage trial.

All three passed on their first attempt.

This scene drew the attention of many.

It must be known that creating a new mid-tier perfection technique is no small feat.

The vast majority of sixth-rank cultivators cannot do it.

Because sixth rank is merely the threshold for learning high-tier techniques.

Most still use mid-tier spells.

If even learning others' spells only reaches mid-tier perfection, the difficulty of creating one's own is beyond comparison.

Now that all three passed instantly, it naturally drew attention.

"Who are those three?"

"I don't know; they seem to be outsiders."

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

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

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

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

The two Agricultural Officials were nothing remarkable, as Agricultural Officials are not rare.

But sword cultivators are like rare animals.

Many ran to Long Xiao's spell wall to contemplate, and some even went to chat with Long Xiao.

Long Xiao had originally wanted to act cool, as quite a few female Daoists ran toward him.

The Misses in Huixiang Pavilion did not possess the charm of these female Daoists.

But seeing Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie glare at him, Long Xiao immediately backed down.

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

At this moment, Dao Mingzi was lecturing on the scriptures.

Seeing the three of Long Xiao approach, he couldn't help but look up.

Three geniuses who created mid-tier techniques, and they came all at once?

"Mr. Dao Ming, we have obtained the qualification for Hundred Arts Mage; please allow us to proceed." Chen Shijie stepped forward to negotiate.

Dao Mingzi glanced at the three, his gaze lingering on Zhao Xing for a moment, then nodded: "Go up."

"Thank you." Chen Shijie bowed, and the three flew to the thirty-first floor.

"Why do I feel this old man's gaze toward me is unfriendly, as if he recognizes me?" Zhao Xing's perception was keen; his Fate Soul had already reached late sixth rank!

Back then, after breaking through in the Eternal Night Sea, the Yin-Yang Fish was still effective. Zhao Xing kept eating until he couldn't take it anymore, and his Fate Soul reached late sixth rank.

Normally, if the Fate Soul exceeds the physical body by one major realm, it is Yin overpowering Yang, which is unfavorable for cultivation.

But Zhao Xing's Straw Man Technique and Great Dream of Spring and Autumn both have the effect of balancing the Fate Soul; combined with the Dragon Soul Jade and Soul Armor, this is not a bad thing, but a good one.

Ming Daozi looked at Zhao Xing again because he sensed Zhao Xing's Fate Soul was extraordinarily powerful.

"A sixth-rank Agricultural Official with such a powerful Fate Soul; there seems to be an extremely powerful spiritual plant fragment in his right hand."

"A parasitic spiritual plant. Is he a disciple of some Agricultural Official from the Benwo Sect?"

Ming Daozi stopped lecturing and announced that today's discourse would end here.

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

Back then, there was also such a peculiar Minister of Agriculture, a realm of Fifth Rank, who actually possessed a Fate Soul of Fourth Rank, even cast the extremely rare Ten Thousand Methods Straw Man, and cultivated quite a few spiritual plants within his body.

One of them bore some resemblance to what he had just sensed.

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

After entering the thirty-first floor, Zhao Xing pinched his fingers to cast the Five Fingers Heavenly Fate, and immediately frowned.

"Old Chen, Long Xiao, you two finish up quickly."

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

"I feel trouble is about to entangle us," Zhao Xing said. "Moreover, this trouble is not small; I fear my identity has been recognized."

"Are you referring to that Doctor of Classics?" Chen Shijie asked.

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

An ordinary person could not possibly guess that Zhao Xing was Liu Tianning's disciple with just one glance.

But this Ming Daozi was no simple person, and he was also from the Dao Academy.

"Alright, let's finish quickly."

The three each approached a Law Wall.

The trial for the Honorary Dharma-Preaching Master was also to create a new method.

From the thirtieth floor to the sixtieth floor, there was no real difference.

Only after reaching the sixtieth floor, which tested for the Honorary Doctor of Classics, would it be slightly more detailed.

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

For instance, the sixtieth floor had a trial; if passed, the benefits of the Honorary Dharma-Preaching Master would naturally be greater, not only allowing use of the Li Fire Divine Altar but also permitting borrowing personnel and items from the Li Fire Dao Academy.

But Zhao Xing did not intend to go that far at this moment; he only wanted to obtain permission to use the Li Fire Divine Altar.

So as long as he could pass for this title, it would suffice.

"Boom!"

The formed Lei Ting Break-False Finger fiercely struck the Law Wall.

The Lei Ting Break-False Finger had reached the High-Grade Law Fourth Transformation during the Sacrificial Soul Trial; later, through the opportunity in the Grotto-Heaven's Spiritual Elegance, it crossed the threshold of Minor Success and arrived at the High-Grade Eighth Transformation level.

At this level, the trial was naturally completed with great ease.

"Vroom~"

On the Law Wall, a new fire-red token immediately materialized.

The High-Grade Li Fire Token, obtained!

He immediately looked at Long Xiao and Chen Shijie.

Long Xiao also passed in one go.

Chen Shijie took slightly longer because the method he created was the Earth Palace Method.

The verification speed for such spells is inherently slower.

If one created one of the Four Methods of the Benwo Sect, such as Instant Primordial, then relevant personnel would have to be summoned for verification.

At the level of Dharma-Preaching Master, one could not be careless.

"Vroom~"

The ground before the Law Wall trembled slightly; on the third attempt, Chen Shijie finally succeeded.

"Done!"

"Alright, let's leave quickly," Zhao Xing waved his hand and said.

"Understood," Long Xiao said. "We came to obtain an honorary title, yet why does it feel like we are committing theft?"

"Stop wasting words, let's go quickly."

…………

The three rushed out of the Dharma-Transmission Building and then hurried to the Li Fire Dao Academy's department for information registration.

"Name."

"Zhao Xing."

"Household registration."

"A native of Gucheng, Nanyang Commandery."

"Official position."

"Pending transfer, official Sixth Rank."

……

"You can register no more than five names within it," a Daoist priest produced a yellow register.

The Li Fire Dao Academy confirmed identities and conducted registration using the Great Zhou imperial court's yellow register.

Now that Zhao Xing had passed as an Honorary Dharma-Preaching Master, he could bring five relatives to use the Li Fire Divine Altar together.

If relatives came alone, they would be unable to use it.

Zhao Xing had long prepared official documents issued by the Gucheng government and the Nanyang Commandery government, so the process went quite quickly.

Three incense sticks later, the Daoist priest in charge informed him that the matter was settled.

"Done," Zhao Xing smiled.

He was now an Honorary Dharma-Preaching Master of the Li Fire Dao Academy, not only possessing the right to use the Li Fire Divine Altar but also enjoying some internal benefits of the Li Fire Dao Academy, such as cultivating fire methods in the Li Fire Tower, with free entry allowed three times a year.

Even seeking employment would become simpler.

Of course, with rights come obligations; an Honorary Dharma-Preaching Master must, every three years, spare time to give a lecture at the Dao Academy, with specifics depending on the extent of rights enjoyed.

After waiting a while longer, Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also finished their business and stepped out.

As the three walked out of the registration office, Zhao Xing's heart sank.

For outside the registration office's square, hundreds of people had gathered.

All of them, without exception, were Sixth Realm.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Xing understood—he could not escape Old Liu's old grudge after all.

"Who among you is Zhao Xing, the direct disciple of Liu Tianning? Step forward and speak!" As Zhao Xing and the others emerged, a man in a green Daoist robe stepped out, scanning Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie.

"Who are you?" Long Xiao asked. "Why are you looking for Zhao Xing?"

"I am Jin Qi, my Dharma name is Qiming," Jin Qi said proudly. "I have reached fullness in the Sixth Realm of Heavenly Gang, and I am a disciple of Huang Shigong. I assume you've heard of that name."

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie turned to Zhao Xing.

"Who is this Huang Huang Shigong you're talking about?"

Zhao Xing shook his head—he truly didn't know.

He hadn't told Liu about his application for admission to the Lihuo Dao Academy.

He hadn't asked about Old Liu's grudges either, fearing he might trigger painful memories for Liu Tianning.

Besides, it had been a hundred years—what had Liu Tianning possibly done to make people hold a grudge this long?

Seeing the three remain silent, Jin Qi spoke again: "Zhao Xing, since your master is Liu Tianning, you must know this day would come!"

"I, Jin Qi, challenge you to a Great Dao Contest!"

"I am at full Sixth Realm, and so are you—this isn't unfair."

"And I, Yu Fei, also challenge you to a Great Dao Contest!" Another Daoist leapt forward.

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

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

"Zhao Xing…"

In an instant, dozens of people leapt out, clamoring to fight Zhao Xing.

Hundreds surrounded them, all Sixth Realm—formidable in numbers and presence.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie stared in shock—the Great Dao Contest was life-or-death.

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

Had Liu Tianning dug up their ancestors' graves?

"What if I refuse?" Zhao Xing said.

The first to shout, Jin Qi, barked: "Zhao Xing, if you don't accept, you won't leave this place today."

Zhao Xing was about to speak when a voice came from the sky.

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

A figure descended from above, clad in a purple Daoist robe, crowned with a bright jade cap, radiating an ethereal aura.

At his appearance, the crowd fell silent.

It was Li Shanhe, one of the deputy heads of this branch academy.

"Director."

"Greetings, Director."

The crowd bowed respectfully.

Zhao Xing and the other two also bowed: "Greetings, Director."

Li Shanhe glanced at Zhao Xing: "Zhao Xing, if you do not wish to accept, you may leave freely—no one will stop you."

"Director, if he refuses out of fear, he need only say plainly that Liu Tianning's disciple is afraid—we will no longer challenge him."

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

"Hmph, coward!"

"A spineless coward—Liu Tianning must be no better."

"If you're scared, why not go kneel at my uncle's grave before you leave?"

"Worthless! Liu Tianning is worthless, and so is his disciple!"

"…"

The crowd erupted again, hurling insults that pierced Zhao Xing's ears.

Trying to use mental pressure to goad him into fighting.

Zhao Xing glanced at Li Shanhe—he realized this was planned.

One man plays the good cop, the rest the bad—why didn't Li Shanhe simply drive them away if he truly wanted Zhao Xing to leave?

He could faintly sense several Fifth and Sixth Realm cultivators watching from the surroundings.

Zhao Xing said: "Director Li, I have now earned the title of Honored Master. What advice do you have for me?"

"When a new Honored Master appears, it is natural for others to wish to spar with you. You need not accept the Great Dao Contest—any ordinary duel will suffice."

Li Shanhe offered a compromise.

In truth, even if Zhao Xing truly intended to accept the challenge, Li Shanhe could not stand idly by.

Dean Ji Qingshan had instructed him: if Zhao Xing agreed to a challenge, he must ensure Zhao Xing's safety.

The current Liu Tianning was no longer the Fifth Realm cultivator from a hundred years ago—he had trained for a century and recently broken through to the Fourth Realm.

If Zhao Xing were killed during a duel, and Liu Tianning then came to settle the score, no one could bear the consequences.

Yet, many down here truly wished for their disciples to fulfill their revenge.

They could not defeat Liu Tianning, so now that Zhao Xing had appeared, they could not let him go easily.

Both sides needed balance—precision was required.

"Good," Zhao Xing said decisively. "As Dean Li said, let us have a normal spar."

"However, I will only fight one match!"

Zhao Xing scanned the surroundings and said indifferently.

"Regardless of what my teacher has done, I, Zhao Xing, accept it today."

"If you wish to come, send your strongest Sixth-Rank to fight."

The surrounding crowd immediately became excited.

"I will come!"

"I will fight him!"

"Zhao Xing, accept my challenge!"

"..."

None of these people were afraid, for they all claimed to have cultivated for ten or even several decades longer than Zhao Xing.

Being of the same Sixth-Rank, practicing for several decades longer naturally meant a different level of strength.

Within the circle of the Dao Academy, Liu Tianning's fame was great.

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

As for Zhao Xing, he thought that he would need to borrow passage here in the future, so he naturally could not kill people like Old Liu did.

Defeat the strongest one, and the rest would naturally retreat in the face of difficulty.

"Zhao Xing, you said to send the strongest Sixth-Rank, but are there any restrictions?" Li Shanhe looked up at the sky, seemingly discussing with someone, "The strongest among martial artists, or the strongest among spellcasters, or perhaps you want a Farmer Official to be your opponent?"

Zhao Xian smiled slightly, his voice spreading out: "I make no demands."

"Whether martial artist or other, whether he has cultivated several decades longer than me."

"As long as he is Sixth-Rank, it is sufficient."

Upon hearing these words, the people below immediately became even more agitated.

Because if Zhao Xing said this, did it not mean he was invincible at Sixth-Rank, and anyone they sent would do?

Arrogant! Dismissive!

"Liu Tianning's disciple, let us not speak of how much strength he actually possesses, but his confidence is exactly the same." Not far away, Ming Daozi watched quietly.

Beside him were several Taoist priests, all of whom had disciples or junior brothers who had been defeated by Liu Tianning in the 【Great Dao Struggle】.

"Then let us grant his wish." An old man with a wine gourd at his waist, around whom faint flame secret patterns circled, spoke up. "Send Bai Ming to fight."

The Li Fire Dojo is a place where many Dao Officials and teachers spar and compete.

Its nature is similar to the 【Nine-Joint Dojo】 of the Military Realm; both are sub-categories under 【Dojo】.

Although Zhao Xing did not agree to the 【Great Dao Struggle】, this challenge still attracted many spectators.

However, those qualified to watch this challenge were mostly teachers of the Dao Academy, or genius-level Seventh-Rank Dao Officials; those of Eighth and Ninth Rank had no qualification to watch.

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

"Bai Ming is proficient in the Five Elements spells; he has mastered high-level versions of each to perfection. Against Zhao Xing, he will surely win."

"Let Bai Ming strike ruthlessly; he must defeat Zhao Xing cleanly and decisively. It does not matter how badly he is injured; it can be healed anyway."

"Hmph, back then Liu Tianning killed so many people, yet was protected by Luo Hou Wang. This time, we will just teach his disciple a lesson, considering it as collecting some interest."

"He is only Sixth-Rank; the possibility of him cultivating the Ten Thousand Laws Straw Man is very small. Even if he cultivates it, the power is likely not strong."

"Below Fifth-Rank, the power of the Ten Thousand Laws Clone is difficult to unleash."

"..."

Several old men who had old grievances with Liu Tianning in the past stared down from a platform high in the sky.

After a hundred years, their disciples and followers had become numerous.

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

Among them, Bai Ming was the strongest.

At the Li Fire Dojo, when Bai Ming stood on the arena, the surrounding crowd erupted into a commotion.

"Bai Ming!"

"Invincible Bai Ming!"

"Senior Brother Bai Ming, defeat him!"

The shouts were enthusiastic, but Bai Ming could not hear them, for the barrier blocked them out.

"Look, that Zhao Xing has appeared."

"Hmm? Why are there nine Zhao Xings?"

"Are those his straw man clones? Are they Illusion-Form Straw Men?"

"Hiss... Could it be the Ten Thousand Laws Clone?"

Many people who saw Zhao Xing standing on the arena were immediately filled with shock and doubt.

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

"It is the Ten Thousand Laws Clone!" Dao Mingzi frowned, staring down. "Moreover, this Ten Thousand Laws Clone is very powerful."

"Bai Ming is not weak either." The old man with the wine gourd stared down. "He will surely win."

The challenge was presided over by Li Shanhe.

When he flew to the sky above and announced the challenge rules, he looked at both sides.

"You are both Preaching Magicians of the Li Fire Dao Academy. The spar is the main focus. According to the Dojo rules, once victory and defeat are determined, you must stop."

"Yes," Bai Ming replied.

Zhao Xing also nodded.

Li Shanhe glanced once more at Zhao Xing's avatar.

"Begin!"

…………

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

Zhao Xing immediately released a sword qi from one of his Ten Thousand Dharma Avatars.

"Aaaah~"

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

Before Bai Ming could even raise a spell defense, he fell.

A light then flared on his body, and he was teleported away by a spell.

"My thanks for your courtesy."

After speaking, Zhao Xing flew off the arena.

Silence.

A silence as deathly as the grave.

The onlookers surrounding the arena seemed to have been hit by a pause button; all of them froze.

In their eyes, the invincible Rank Six Bai Ming had been instantly defeated!

He hadn't even had a chance to strike!

"How is this possible? How is this possible... Senior Brother Bai Ming, could he not even be the upper limit of the Rank Six realm?"

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

"It was a sword qi, and a very powerful one, far exceeding the Rank Six realm."

"Cheating! This is cheating!"

"The Guardian Straw Man can store a martial artist's sword qi; this does not count as cheating."

"Sigh, we lost."

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

"If the Great Dao Contest were held, if it were me standing on the arena..." Jin Qi shivered all over.

He was not unafraid of death; it was only out of confidence in his own strength that he dared to challenge Zhao Xing.

Yet he was still a bit weaker than Bai Ming. Now even Bai Ming had fallen, and so decisively.

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

…………

On the high viewing platform, Ming Daozi and the people beside him were also utterly shocked.

"How can his Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar store such powerful sword qi?"

"Damn it! The Straw Man Technique is a damn technique!" the old man with the wine gourd blew his beard and glared.

It was too much of a cheat. Either the Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar cannot be cultivated, or if it is, it is an existence that defies heaven.

Because the Ten Thousand Dharma Straw Man is the Benwo Sect's 'Ultimate Technique'!

"If he can store Rank Four sword qi, that is his skill; it cannot be counted as cheating," Ming Daozi shook his head. "Although it is very weak, the essence remains that strong."

The sword qi within the Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar was Yang An's supreme art!

Never mind fighting a Rank Six; even against a Rank Five, the sword qi within the Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar would still be an instant kill.

"He possesses a Rank Five Fate Soul, and the Ten Thousand Dharma Straw Man has grasped the essence; he can store the sword qi of a Rank Four sword cultivator. Truly worthy of being Liu Tianning's disciple," Ming Daozi thought silently. "Junior Brother, do not blame me. In this life and this world, revenge is hopeless."

…………

Zhao Xing walked off the arena and saw that same group of people once again.

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

Soon, Bai Ming was also brought out, supported by others.

"Dean Li, please convey this to them," Zhao Xing said to Li Shanhe. "I have no intention of continuing the grievances of the previous generation. Coming to test for the title of Glory Mage at the Li Fire Dao Academy is itself an attitude."

"I also hope that such an incident will not occur again in the future."

"Otherwise, if my master and I join hands in the future, no Dao Academy in the world will be able to conclude matters with dignity."

Li Shanhe paused, then smiled: "Hahaha, what a Yuanrang Marquis! Your words, I will convey faithfully! But you need not overthink it; back then, if you truly wished to leave, no one would have stopped you."

"Thank you, Dean Li. I take my leave."

Li Shanhe nodded.

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

Zhao Xing's Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar, capable of storing the Azure Dragon Sword Qi, proves he has already established himself in an invincible position.

Even if a Rank Five comes to challenge, the outcome will be the same.

To be able to kill in the Great Dao Contest, yet choose not to kill—that is true stature.

Li Shanhe himself did not approve of today's events. Years ago, Luo Hou Wang had protected Liu Tianning; this matter should have been settled then. Certain people should not continue to make use of old affairs.

Of course, Zhao Xing has both stature and an attitude.

That final sentence was a warning.

Dare to issue a warning to those high-rankers when one is only Rank Six?

Li Shanhe himself admired Zhao Xing's courage.

However, his words were truly not wrong.

One Liu Tianning was already unbearable; what about another Zhao Xing who wields the Ten Thousand Dharma Avatar?

If these two master and disciple join hands in the future, truly no Dao Academy in the world could stand against them.

Leaving the Li Fire Dao Academy in the Great Yuan Prefecture, Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie did not immediately return to Gucheng, but waited in Fucheng for the military department's transfer order.

Early September, the transfer order was issued; via military channels, departing from the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, it redirected to Da Yuan Prefecture.

Since they already had connections with the Da Yuan Prefecture authorities, Zhao Xing and the other two received their specific appointments immediately.

"Where are you?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Donghai, Zixiao Archipelago, Twin Island," Zhao Xing said, looking at the appointment document in his hand. "The post is Left Director of the Dragon-Horse Bureau. What about you?"

"I am on Firefly Island, also Left Director of the Dragon-Horse Bureau."

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

"Raising strange beasts is also part of the Ministry of Agriculture's duties, but I am a Military Minister of Agriculture," Chen Shijie said somewhat helplessly. "I have never raised strange beasts before."

It is true that animal husbandry belongs to agriculture, but the Way of the Ministry of Agriculture, developed to this day, has spawned many specialized fields with countless divisions of labor.

If he were to go raise beasts, he should have determined to pursue this path earlier; human energy is limited, and the Ministry of Agriculture cannot possibly master every single industry.

Just like Artificers, some specialize in casting cities, some in building flying ships, and others in forging weapons...

This kind of transfer now is equivalent to starting a new trade halfway through one's career.

Not to say that different trades are as different as mountains, but for Chen Shijie, it is a huge challenge.

"This is no different from banishment."

"We are being banished," Zhao Xing said, not minding at all. "Didn't we offend Liang Wang? Then it must look like a real banishment."

"If they gave you a suitable lucrative post, how could that be called banishment?"

"Your mindset is good, but you know the Hou Reform Method, while I do not," Chen Shijie said somewhat melancholy. "Moreover, raising beasts focuses on feed; do I really have to switch to cultivating the Benwo Sect classics?"

Old Chen was a die-hard fan of the Dili Sect, unlike Zhao Xing, who had flexible sectarian bottom lines.

Of course, this was also a difference in ambition.

Zhao Xing's ambition was the Grand Minister of Agriculture!

To hold this office, one naturally must have experience in all aspects; even if he does not do it this time, he will have to do it in the future; such a resume cannot lack this.

Chen Shijie did not have such grand ambitions; he never dreamed of becoming the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

"Why are you two looking so glum?" Long Xiao walked out holding the transfer order. "Help me check quickly, what post is this?"

Zhao Xing took Long Xiao's transfer order and looked: "Zixiao Island and Hongshi Commandery Patrol Bureau, Right Director. Your post is still a military one, but it cannot be counted as a proper military rank."

"What does that mean?" Long Xiao asked.

"It means you have become a local security officer. Do you know the Patrol Bureau? The Patrol Bureau is of the same nature, except yours handles security disputes at sea."

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

"No," Zhao Xing shook his head. "If you were in the Navy, you would be the Commander of the Zixiao Garrison of the Donghai Legion, not the Patrol Commander."

"You have no authority to handle major military disputes, such as an invasion by the Water Tribes. You can only report to the Navy."

"For minor disputes, like two fishing boats clashing, or a boat going missing, you must help find it, things like that."

Long Xiao heard this and immediately threw the transfer order down in anger: "Damn it, what's the point then? I, a sword cultivator of high standing, become a runner for their Navy? This is even worse than a scout!"

"Don't rush," Zhao Xing said. "The security regulations on the islands are still quite broad; let's go to the location and study them first."

"Besides, you are a Sixth-Rank Right Director; big or small, you are a leader. You can't fight the Water Tribes, but pirates should be no problem."

"You two are both chief officials, and here I am reduced to a deputy official," Long Xiao said, extremely depressed. He was only a Right Director, meaning that upon arrival, he would still be managed by a Left Director.

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

"Yes," Zhao Xing comforted him. "Your post is a lucrative one; it is not treating you, a sword cultivator, unfairly. If you go to the location, you will surely receive offerings."

"Who cares about those meager offerings!" Long Xiao still had his mind set on fighting.

But no matter how much they complained, the official posts were already confirmed.

Moreover, they had to take up their posts before October 3rd.

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

Because he felt Gucheng was no longer interesting; the Commandery City was much more extravagant, with not only Qu Ting but also performances of ladies wrestling.

Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie, on the other hand, began gathering their families and preparing to move.

When they returned, there were twenty-three flying ships; most were distributed as wealth to family and friends, and for official court dealings.

Nevertheless, three Qilin flying ships still needed to be taken to Donghai.

Once on the island, buying things from the Soldier Realm would not be so convenient; before returning, Zhao Xing had purchased a batch of precious supplies, intending to use them upon taking office.

Busy until September 20th, the three of them, dragging their families along, arrived at Li Huo Academy again.

Three flying ships, one per person, with the cost shared equally.

The Glory Transmission Mage could only transport people for free; he could not carry so many things.

Zhao Xing and the others wanted to borrow the passage with the flying ships themselves; ship plus supplies weighed at least several dozen tons.

Although it was the Glory Transmission Mage, the passage debt still had to be repaid after crossing.

However, the cost was much smaller than having no permission.

"Brother, we are going to Donghai," Zhao Zheng said. "Borrowing the passage comes with a considerable cost."

Zhao Zheng had studied at the Commandery Academy for three years and was already familiar with matters of cultivation.

"The journey from here to Chongming Prefecture in Donghai is 1.2 million li; calculating the passage debt at double, I would take ten years to repay it all."

"Originally, there was no need to repay," Zhao Xing laughed. "But with these items, the cost is slightly higher; as a permission holder, I probably only need to repay 100,000 li."

"Oh, oh."

Beside them, Lady Cai stood on the flying ship looking forward and involuntarily hid behind Zhao Ruide.

Because the Qilin flying ship was flying toward an oversized fire pit.

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

Where had Lady Cai ever seen such a spectacle? She was so scared that tears came to her eyes, shrinking behind her husband and daring not to lift her head.

"If you are afraid, go into the cabin; why hide behind me and wipe your tears? My clothes are all wet," Zhao Ruide said.

"Sigh." Lady Cai was about to enter, and at the last moment, she pulled Zhao Zheng along with her.

Zhao Zheng explained, "Mother, do not be afraid. It is fine."

After the son offered a couple of words of comfort, it indeed worked; Lady Cai was no longer so afraid. She even walked ahead of Zhao Zheng, for if burning were truly to happen, she could shield her son for a while longer.

Zhao Xing observed all these subtle actions of Lady Cai. He flicked his finger and cast the Sleepy Worm spell upon her.

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

"Eh? Why has Mother fallen asleep? Yes, Big Brother."

…………

The flying boat flew into the fire pit, weaving through the flames.

Compared to borrowing fire to travel as an individual, the feeling this time was completely different.

Zhao Xing felt the surrounding space flowing continuously, with incredibly fierce flames carrying the flying boat forward.

"The Li Fire Divine Altar is truly unique; it has already touched upon the Dao of Space," Zhao Xing thought silently.

They flew through the flame space for only a quarter of an incense stick.

Suddenly, a white vortex appeared ahead.

Once the flying boat flew out, they saw the sky again.

A beam of fire pierced the barrier and merged into Zhao Xing's body; this was the Dao of the True Lord of Li Fire.

"We have arrived at Chongming Fucheng."

The Li Fire Academy has no branch on the island.

Therefore, they must first go to the coastal Chongming Fucheng, then proceed to Zixiao Island.

Zhao Xing had previously been rewarded with land and a fiefdom, which he had exchanged for land in Chongming Fucheng.

"Granted land of one hundred sixty-five thousand mu, and a fiefdom of one thousand six hundred fifty households."

"All are in Bixian Juncheng of Chongming Fucheng. Bixian Juncheng is also one of Princess Youruo's territories."

Princess Youruo's fiefdom consists of a full eighteen Juncheng! Over one thousand five hundred private islands!

Half of the Zixiao Archipelago belongs to her mother!

Among the princesses of the Great Zhou through the ages, Princess Youruo's fiefdom size firmly ranks first.

This is not yet the time when Princess Youruo had the most fiefdoms. When the Wu Di era comes, after rescuing Princess Youruo, to compensate this elder sister, the Wu Di will grant her even more land. Judging solely by fiefdoms, Princess Youruo's territory will be twice as large as it is now.

Of course, she lost the crucial Zixiao Archipelago and also lost the position of Head of the Bishui Sect; these are things that cannot be made up for later.

"Foster Father, I exchanged the one hundred sixty-five thousand mu of inferior fields in Bixian Juncheng of Chongming Fucheng for one thousand six hundred mu of superior fields and five hundred mu of medium fields."

"All are in Dongyang County of Bixian Juncheng."

"You need not worry about the tax revenue from the fiefdom; the government officials will come to deliver it to us every year."

"Those fields were exchanged and settled back in the eighteenth year of the Jingxin Calendar. Three manors are all managed by people. The Zhao Manor has over five hundred servants in total, and there is property within the Juncheng as well. You and Lady can live wherever you wish."

This matter was handled by Xia Jing at the time. Now, more than a year has passed, and everything has entered normal operation. The servants and stewards were all arranged personally by Xia Jing and are completely trustworthy.

Zhao Ruide came over; he just needs to act as the master.

"Good, good." Zhao Ruide smiled so widely his mouth split open. Lady Cai also became happy, and the fear and dread from the journey vanished.

She can manage over five hundred people! How majestic that would be!

However, Lady Cai did not forget her son: "Then what about Zheng-er's enrollment..."

"Rest assured," Zhao Xing said, "I will go to Bixian Juncheng to handle it with the Princess."

Getting Zhao Zheng into the Bishui Academy is just a matter of one word from Princess Youruo.

"Good, good. You, as the Big Brother, are truly capable." Lady Cai became even happier.

…………

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

Long Xiao also went along. The two would, on the way, escort Zhao Ruide and Lady Cai to familiarize themselves with those family assets.

They would also keep an eye out for Zhao Ruide and Lady Cai. Although Xia Jing handled everything, since the family head has not been seen for over a year, the household servants might harbor other thoughts.

Having Long Xiao and Chen Shijie screen them once would ensure that any problems become no problems.

Zhao Xing, meanwhile, took Zhao Zheng to the Juncheng to seek out Princess Youruo.

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

"She certainly will," Zhao Xing said. "She is my master's wife, after all."

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

He had made an appointment to come on this day.

The Earth Mirror is a military treasure. For its holder, the communication range in administrative-level cities like Juncheng or Fucheng is very wide, allowing unimpeded travel within the province.

County towns are slightly worse, but information can still be transmitted between Fuchengs.

However, to cross provinces, one can only use the Earth Mirror in a Fucheng.

Additionally, outside the cities, the Earth Mirror has limitations; in some places, it simply cannot be used.

"We are arriving soon." Zhao Xing pointed ahead. "Look, that is one of Princess Youruo's temporary palaces in Bixian Juncheng."

"We will wait here for a while; someone will come to fetch us."

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

A quarter of an incense stick later, a flying boat appeared in the sky.

"Senior Brother, keeping you waiting for so long." Ji Zixuan jumped onto the flying boat.

"Thank you, Junior Sister, for the trouble of welcoming us," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "We haven't waited long."

"This must be Senior Brother's younger brother, Zhao Zheng? He is truly handsome."

"I greet Sister Zixuan." Zhao Zheng shyly bowed.

"Very well-behaved." Ji Zixuan handed over a gift box. "Since this is our first meeting, big sister has prepared a small gift for you."

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

"Since it is a reward for you, just take it."

"Yes." Zhao Zheng obediently accepted it. "Thank you, big sister, for your reward."

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

Princess Youruo loved a lively atmosphere and also enjoyed grandeur.

Her palace was built magnificently.

The facilities inside were complete, with gardens, artificial lakes, hot springs, and rockeries, all crafted by the most top-tier artisans.

Behind the palace, there was even a horse field, where heavenly horses galloped through the clouds, unicorns drank by the lake, and colorful phoenixes perched on giant trees.

Luxurious but not vulgar, every corner displayed royal wealth.

"Disciple pays respects to Master's wife!"

After entering the Bixian Palace, Zhao Xing greeted Youruo with the etiquette of a disciple.

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

"Is this your younger brother?" Princess Youruo asked with a smile, casting a glance. "His bone structure is not bad; he is a promising material for martial arts."

Zhao Xing's cultivation of Zhao Zheng followed a relatively high standard; as soon as he started earning merit points from spoils of war, he would occasionally send foundational treasures back.

Zhao Zheng was now at the late stage of the Ninth Grade, having long reached the upper limit for academy students in the commandery school.

"I have already notified Dean Wu of the Bishui Sect," Princess Youruo said. "He can be enrolled in October. For this period, he will stay here first; I have found a teacher for him to make up for his progress."

"Thank you, Master's wife." Zhao Xing cupped his hands.

"Thank you, Princess." Zhao Zheng bowed again.

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

"Yes."

Ji Zixuan took Zhao Zheng away.

After the others left, Princess Youruo suddenly changed her face and questioned: "Zhao Xing, you have quite the ability, actually earning the title of invincible at the Sixth Grade in the Li Fire Academy."

"Good, you want to learn from your teacher and defeat everyone in the academy? Do you also intend to trample on my Bishui Academy?"

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

Old Master Zhao admitting a mistake? Purely because he grasped Princess Youruo's character; no need to argue, just obediently admit the mistake.

Not everyone could be like Liu Tianning, standing firm before Princess Youruo and still being loved to death by her.

"Hmph, do not commit this error again."

"The alliance of the seventy-two academies is a force that you, a mere Sixth Grade, cannot offend."

Princess Youruo said: "Even your teacher paid a price back then, let alone you."

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

Zhao Xing said sincerely: "Thank you, Master's wife, for the advice."

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

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

After Zhao Xing took his seat, Princess Youruo asked: "You mentioned in your previous letter that you are going to serve in the Zixiao Island Archipelago; which island is it, and what position?"

"Twin Island, the Left Director of the Longma Office in Twin County."

For the islands of the Eastern Sea, the standard for a county is automatically upgraded by one level, so this Twin County is actually a commandery-level county.

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

Zhao Xing replied: "Responsible for raising, training, and selecting strange beasts, to train war beasts for the imperial court."

Princess Youruo shook her head and said: "Not entirely for providing war beasts to the army; the war beasts needed by the imperial court are mostly on the Sub-Longdao and the Ten Thousand Beasts Island, and other large islands."

"The Longma Office is mainly to provide mounts for the imperial clan and war pets for officials of the various academies."

"There are tens of thousands of islands in the Eastern Sea, but there are only a few key departments; you must strive to perform well and try to enter those key departments."

"Yes." Zhao Xing nodded.

Princess Youruo waved her hand and said: "You will take office on the third day of October; on the first day of October, come with my ship."

Zhao Xing hurriedly said: "How dare the disciple trouble Master's wife to personally send him."

Princess Youruo sneered: "You are overthinking it; I am going to preside over the internal transfer of the Longma Office in the Zixiao Islands."

"The Great Competition of the Four Seas and Ten Thousand Beasts between the imperial court and the various water tribes will open in twenty years."

"The Zixiao Islands under my responsibility must begin preparations at this time."

"Do you think I am a princess who only knows how to enjoy luxury?"

Zhao Xing was stunned, then asked cautiously: "The Great Competition of the Four Seas and Ten Thousand Beasts? Is it for the Return of the Ancient Dragon Court's Secret Realm?"

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

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

"The imperial court and the four seas' water tribes have agreed on a grand competition once every hundred years."

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

"A hundred years wait for change, a thousand years wait for change; the ancient lands of the Ancient Dragon Court will frequently occur."

"The imperial court's Sub-Longdao and Ten Thousand Beasts Island were born for this ancient land."

Princess Youruo said: "Back then, when Liang Wang led the army to conquer the Nine Heavens Ying Yuan Mansion, his Black Dragon Legion contributed greatly."

"Pure black dragon bloodlines were cultivated from the ancient lands of the Dragon Court; Liang Wang also possessed a true Black Dragon King."

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

Zhao Xing had already withdrawn from the battlefield and could not possibly return.

Naturally, he would not witness battles between High Ranks.

"However, you need not concern yourself with these matters now. You are not even a Fifth Rank official, so you have not yet reached the threshold to participate."

Zhao Xing's thoughts quickly became active; he had come to the Eastern Sea not to retire.

He must participate in the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition.

Because he intended to go to the Longting Ancient Land, where not only rare mounts could be obtained, but also rare plants!

Parasitic species like the Floating Vine could only be considered rare treasures of the current age.

But the Longting Ancient Land possessed extinct plant species!

Their growth ceiling would even surpass that of the Floating Vine!

There were still twenty years; there was no need to rush. First, accumulate political merit and climb to a Fifth Rank official position.

As Princess Youruo had said, he currently lacked the qualification to participate in this matter.

Because the selection within the imperial court was extremely harsh; among the many islands of the Eastern Sea, even those within the Zixiao Archipelago had to compete first, with only the strong advancing.

Then came competition among the many islands of the entire Eastern Sea.

Finally, competition among the Four Seas.

Through layer upon layer of selection, constantly standing out, one would have the chance to participate in the grand event of the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition and enter the Longting Ancient Land.

"Very well, you may withdraw now," Princess Youruo said. "This Palace has matters to attend to."

"Yes, this student takes his leave." Zhao Xing rose and left the palace.

"Senior Brother, regarding the battle at the Li Fire Academy, Senior Brother was truly magnificent." Ji Zixuan clearly knew of Zhao Xing's affairs at the Li Fire Academy.

"I was merely forced into the spotlight and had no choice but to act," Zhao Xing said.

Princess Youruo was correct; to become the Grand Minister of Agriculture, he could not ignore the power of the Academies. If he could gain their support, it would be much easier.

Liu Tianning had suffered from this in his past life, and his progress toward becoming Grand Minister of Agriculture had been delayed.

Zhao Xing had shown mercy to the Li Fire Academy at that time, also considering this aspect.

The Seventy-Two Academies were not only useful for becoming Grand Minister of Agriculture; after the era of Wu Di, they would serve an even greater purpose.

Old Master Zhao coveted their sect treasures, such as the Li Fire Divine Altar. If controlled in his own hands, his operational capability would be greatly enhanced.

There were also the Creation Academy, the Shangluo School, and others, all possessing epoch-making treasures!

When the spiritual energy revives, they will reveal their true power.

"Senior Brother has become the Director of the Dragon Horse Bureau; in the future, please extend much care to the students of the Bishui Academy." After returning last time, Ji Zixuan had become a teacher at the Bishui Academy.

She was now considered a 'True Disciple' of the Bishui Sect.

And the headquarters of the Bishui Sect was precisely in Fucheng.

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

He needed to gain political merit, and in the future, he would inevitably have dealings with the Bishui Academy.

Princess Youruo was very busy; he could not consult the old witch on every matter. He mainly needed to talk with Ji Zixuan.

On the twenty-seventh day of the ninth month, Zhao Xing reported to the government office in Fucheng, as the Zixiao Archipelago was nominally an administrative region belonging to Fucheng.

On the twenty-eighth day of the ninth month, under the recommendation of Princess Youruo, Zhao Xing paid his respects to his direct superior, the Third Rank Director of Agriculture, 'Wang Wang Xuanyi'.

The entire Fucheng, including the Dragon Horse Bureau within the Zixiao Archipelago, fell under the jurisdiction of this Third Rank Grand Director of the Dragon Horse Bureau.

This already showed that the status of Fucheng was higher than other prefectures, and also revealed the importance of the Dragon Horse Bureau.

Like the previous Tan Tai Ming, who was also the highest official of the Prefecture Bureau, but as the Director of the Water Bureau, he was only a Fourth Rank Lower, whereas Wang Wang Xuanyi was a Third Rank.

On the first day of the tenth month, at the fourth quarter of the Chen hour, Zhao Xing bid farewell to his family in the Bi Xian Commandery and boarded Princess Youruo's tower ship. As for Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, they did not have the qualification to board Princess Youruo's tower ship.

At the end of the Wu hour, they arrived at 'Twin Island' within the Zixiao Archipelago.

I fell asleep while typing last night; my eyes were too tired. Overusing them always makes them feel gritty.

However, after waking up, I feel much better, so I am writing out yesterday's content now.

Still sixteen thousand words. Begging for mid-month votes!

I calculated it; there is absolutely no problem with making up the missed updates this month, and there is even a surplus. Everyone can rest assured and vote.