Chapter 240: Can Warhorses Be Trained Like This? The Shocking Guests (12,000)

The Fire Steed's temper was fierce enough; after Zhao Xing mounted it, it shook wildly, trying to throw Zhao Xing off.

"Hiss hiss hiss~"

Flames burned on its mane, spreading along Zhao Xing's body; the current Zhao Xing looked exactly like a 'Ghost Rider'.

"You're quite fierce." Zhao Xing smiled slightly, then raised his palm.

"Buzz buzz buzz~" Lightning instantly covered his entire palm, then he slammed it hard against the horse's head.

"Boom!"

With a thunderous slap, the Fire Steed was immediately dazed and confused, and the flames on its body dimmed.

Just as Zhao Xing thought the beast had calmed down, unexpectedly the Fire Steed surged again, leaping upward toward the gale wall ahead.

At this moment, Zhao Xing's body was horizontal, forming a ninety-degree angle with the ground.

The Fire Steed spat fire again, its muscles moving in a unique rhythm, trying to shake Zhao Xing off.

"Get down!"

Zhao Xing clamped his legs hard against the horse's belly.

"Neigh~"

The Fire Steed's form immediately plummeted downward.

With Golden Bone fully formed, bones weighing a thousand jin, Zhao Xing used the martial artist's small trick of the Thousand-Jin Descent, instantly making the Fire Steed feel the weight.

It felt as though it were carrying Dashan on its back, unable to fly at all, slowly falling toward the plain below.

"Plop~"

Man and horse crashed to the ground, smashing a large pit into the grassland.

"Boundless Earth Palace!"

Zhao Xing cast the Earth Palace Technique; over two hundred horses, including the Fire Steed King, all sank as if into mud, their speed sharply reduced until they all stopped.

Only the Horse King could struggle a couple of times in the pit.

Seeing the beast still not behaving, Lord Zhao lost his patience.

His eyes gradually changed, and the killing intent forged on the battlefield suddenly erupted.

Following this, golden light flashed on his hand, and a ring-shaped mark was released.

"Submit, or die." (True Words of Ten Thousand Beasts · Fire Steed)

Zhao Xing activated the True Words of Ten Thousand Beasts Technique, his mouth also emitting neighing roars, holding the Slave Seal as he looked down at the Horse King.

He believed this cunning Horse King could understand.

If it did not understand, he would have to forcibly cast the Slave Seal Technique; however, Zhao Xing's mastery of the Slave Seal Technique was not yet refined enough, and if he cast it, this Fire Steed would very likely die.

Even if the Slave Seal succeeded, this Fire Steed would undergo a very painful period.

Because the principle of the Slave Seal Technique is to leave a spell inside the beast's body, forcing the beast to live constantly in fear and pain, thereby submitting.

The advantage of the Slave Seal Technique is its quick effect; the disadvantage is that it erodes the beast's spirit, turning it into a mere tool.

Therefore, it is generally applied only to naturally vicious fierce beasts and King Beasts.

"Neigh~" The Fire Steed King knelt on its front legs. It chose to submit to the new king.

Yes, in the Fire Steed King's eyes, Zhao Xing was a Fire Steed, and moreover, their new king.

Zhao Xing jumped from the pit back onto the Fire Steed King's back, then used a lightning chain to bind its face, placing a lightning-style bit on the Fire Steed King.

Zhao Xing pulled lightly, and the Fire Steed King obediently leaped out of the pit.

"Neigh~" It reared its front hooves high; Zhao Xing sat upon its back, framed by flames, like a divine general descending from heaven.

"Thud!" The horse's hooves struck the ground, the earth trembled, and a ring of fire spread outward from the surroundings.

All the Fire Steeds heard the command, ran over, and knelt around Zhao Xing.

"My lord Zhao is too amazing..." After Ling Ling Ruoxue flew over and saw this scene, stars sparkled in her eyes.

"Having the Military Granary Administrator raise horses is too much of a waste of talent." Cao Jiang, watching Zhao Xing subdue the Fire Steed King so easily, couldn't help but sigh.

The Fire Steed King was a sixth-grade strange beast! Cao Jiang had chased it for several hours before but couldn't get close, because he had no confidence in winning.

Such a Horse King grown in the wild possessed formidable strength. If Tianma Naga hadn't been helping nearby, he might well have been injured by now.

Yet Zhao Xing arrived, instantly controlled the situation, and even subdued the Fire Steed King.

Tao Anchun was filled with doubt and surprise: "He just used the True Words of Ten Thousand Beasts Technique, and also knows the Three-Ring Slave Seal..."

Cao Jiang said, "Yes, what of it?"

Tao Anchun looked at Cao Jiang and said, "Have you forgotten what he did after taking office?"

Cao Jiang was startled: "You mean he learned this just now?"

Tao Anchun said, "The military department's transfer order from martial to civil posts allows at most one month of preparation time; that is to say, one month before taking office, he only learned where he was being transferred."

"Counting that month, he has only had three and a half months to learn beast-taming techniques!"

"Hiss..." Cao Jiang sucked in a cold breath.

"Your subordinate Cao Jiang." "Your subordinate Tao Anchun."

"We pay our respects to Administrator Zhao, and congratulate the Administrator on subduing the Fire Steed herd."

The two ran over respectfully to bow to Zhao Xing.

"Please rise, my lords." Zhao Xing smiled.

What he conquered was not only the Fire Steed King, but also the hearts of Tao Anchun and Cao Jiang, these two sixth-grade Granary Administrators.

Otherwise, Lord Zhao would not have gone to such trouble.

No matter where you are, one's own strength is the ultimate truth!

Princess Youruo had stood in support for him, but if he did not show some skill, these people could only be outwardly respectful; without saying they would act in opposition while pretending to comply, they would not be convinced in their hearts and would not follow him wholeheartedly.

After this display, Cao Jiang and Tao Anchun were truly convinced.

With a young superior who has background, strength, and is reasonable, what is there not to be convinced of?

This is an absolutely solid thigh!

Even the innocent and cheerful Ling Ruoxue saw Zhao Xing's extraordinariness and, with proper form, followed the uncles in paying their respects.

"It is getting late, my lords; let us return to Tuoquan Palace first."

"Yes."

…………

At Tuoquan Palace, Dong Yuanqiu and Bao Shiqiu were questioning Zhang Tao.

The sky on Lu Island suddenly brightened immensely; with such a large-scale change in heavenly timing, the two of them naturally would not fail to come and investigate.

"The celestial horses of Tuoquan Palace have not returned; what exactly is going on?"

"My lord, this subordinate does not know," Zhang Tao said. "After I led Lord Zhao here, I returned to guard the gate."

"Lord Zhao has also come?"

"Where is Lord Tao?"

"He should have gone with Lord Zhao to search for the celestial horses."

The two were just questioning him.

Suddenly, a mass of fiery red rapidly approached from the horizon.

"Clip-clop-clip-clop-clip-clop~"

The vibration of Fire-attribute Qi in the air instantly made Dong Yuanqiu and Bao Shiqiu alert.

Upon seeing the herd of Fiery Horses, the two were instantly terrified, their faces draining of color, and they nearly drew their weapons in fright.

As for the Ninth-Rank martial artist Zhang Tao, he was even worse off; the scorching air made him feel as though his breathing had become obstructed.

"My lords, run quickly!" Zhang Tao shouted.

"Run for what!" Dong Yuanqiu feigned composure. "Dying at the front is dying in the line of duty; one rank promotion, and my family can claim the pension of a Fifth-Rank official!"

"Dying at the rear, however, is dereliction of duty and failure to hold the post; don't even think about getting a single coin of pension!"

Zhang Tao was on the verge of tears; you are high officials, but I am only Ninth-Rank.

How much money does this position of mine pay? And now I'm expected to risk my life!

But this fear did not last long.

Dong Yuanqiu stared ahead for a moment, then suddenly his expression brightened with excitement, and he burst into laughter: "Hahaha!"

Bao Shiqiu saw it slightly later, but immediately he too began to laugh: "Hahahaha! I never expected this batch of Fiery Horses to have been subdued!"

"Old Dong, quickly open the Fiery Horse Palace!"

The Dragon Horse Bureau had once raised Fiery Horses, but they believed this breed had gone extinct ten years ago.

Who would have thought there was still a batch alive, and that they had been subdued by Zhao Xing and brought back!

"What? We don't have to die?" Zhang Tao's heart instantly stopped panicking; leaning on his long spear, he regained his spirit.

"Whoa~"

Zhao Xing pulled the reins, commanding the King of the Fiery Horses to stop.

Subsequently, the more than two hundred Fiery Horses all stopped as well.

"My lord!" Dong Yuanqiu flew over excitedly. "The Fiery Horse Palace is open; I shall lead the way for my lord."

He was not so much shocked as he was mostly excited.

Dong Yuanqiu had served as a soldier for two years and knew the power of the Military Bureau of Agriculture.

Zhao Xing is the Military Bureau of Agriculture official; it is only fitting that his strength is somewhat greater.

"Mm." Zhao Xing nodded, then leisurely rode the Fiery Horse into the Fiery Horse Palace.

Called a palace, it was actually just a rather large stable.

Zhao Xing selected the largest room among them, opened the fence, and let the King of the Fiery Horses walk inside.

The King of the Horses, by nature free, was unwilling again and hesitated, refusing to move forward.

"Mm? Are you going in or not?" Zhao Xing raised his hand.

A flash of fear passed through the eyes of the King of the Fiery Horses, and he immediately ran inside.

After entering, he even grinned at Zhao Xing.

"You are indeed spirited," Zhao Xing smiled; among the many Fiery Horses, this one was the most spiritually aware.

Zhao Xing here finished locking all the Fiery Horses into the Fiery Horse Palace.

By the time he came out again, the celestial horses had also returned to their nest.

Moreover, many officials' figures had appeared outside the palace.

They had rushed over after discovering the anomaly in the heavenly timing.

Ling Ruoxue chattered away with a round of boasting; in less than half a double-hour, all these people knew of Zhao Xing's feat of subduing the Horse King.

"Congratulations, Lord Zhao, on subduing the King of the Fiery Horses!"

A group of officials, seeing Zhao Xing emerge, congratulated him in unison.

Zhao Xing glanced around; there were more than one hundred and fifty officials present.

Only a small fraction of the Dragon Horse Bureau's elite core were here.

At this moment, Zhao Xing had also lit the first fire of his new appointment.

"Tao Anchun!"

"This subordinate is here." Tao Anchun immediately stepped out of the ranks.

"The Dragon Horse Bureau is a critical place; with an anomaly in the heavenly timing, how should the Bureau of Agriculture official respond?"

Tao Anchun said without hesitation: "All Agricultural Officials of rank eight and above must rush to abnormal locations to inspect conditions and maintain order."

"If unable to maintain order, report to your superior. Once your superior issues notice, hasten to the incident site without delay."

"Good." Zhao Xing sneered. "It is now the end of the Hour of Xu. All Agricultural Officials of rank eight and above who have not arrived after Xu Hour are dismissed!"

"Lord Tao, compile the list. By the first quarter of Hai Hour, I want to see the dismissal roster!"

"Yes." Tao Anchun replied.

The scene fell utterly silent. Zhao Xing stood quietly on the steps of Huolie Palace, waiting.

He always sought maximum gain—extracting multiple benefits from a single opportunity.

Why had he previously defied three hours of celestial timing and orchestrated such a wide-ranging operation?

It was not merely to find the Celestial Horse—it was also a test.

To assess the administration of the Celestial Horse Supervision.

When newly appointed, subordinates always put on a show; you cannot tell who is human or demon.

But now over two months have passed, and he has done nothing. Some have finally revealed their true nature.

As the hour neared, officials gradually arrived at Tuquan Palace.

At the precise hour of Hai, Zhao Xing suddenly opened his eyes:

"Time's up!"

"Lord Tao, compile the list!"

Saying this, Zhao Xing summoned clouds to envelop the entire Tuquan Palace. Anyone not inside—whether Agricultural Official, martial cultivator, or any other profession—was on Master Zhao's dismissal list.

Even one meter away from Tuquan Palace was unacceptable.

"My lord, we arrived only a moment late!"

"Lord Tao, let me in!"

"Hmph. A mere sixth-rank official—what airs are you putting on?"

"Exactly. Who does he think he is? How dare he dismiss me?"

"Let's go back. Let's see how he finishes this!"

Outside Tuquan Palace, several people, seeing Zhao Xing's mercilessness, simply turned and left.

They had only heard Zhao Xing had some connection with Princess Youruo, but knew nothing of the details. Now they decided to throw caution to the wind and departed outright.

"My lord, the list is complete." Tao Anchun handed over a document. "Two hundred and forty-nine names."

Zhao Xing took the list, glanced at it not at all, walked straight into Tuquan Palace, and burned the document before the statue of Dai Zong.

Let him transmit it to Chongming Fucheng.

True, Zhao Xing had no authority to dismiss seventh- or eighth-rank officials.

Appointment and dismissal of low-rank officials rested solely with Fucheng.

Mid-rank officials required reporting to the Central Authority for approval; if military, the decision lay with the Military Ministry.

High-rank officials could be dismissed only by Emperor Jing.

This matter required no involvement from Princess Youruo—simply report to Chongming Fucheng and it was done.

On the third day after reporting, a ship arrived from Chongming Fucheng.

It took away all officials named on Zhao Xing's submitted list for dismissal and investigation.

The speed was so swift that Sun Shizhao on Wan Island, upon seeing it, trembled with fear.

"Two hundred and forty-nine seventh- and eighth-rank officials—he dismissed them all with a single word?"

"This Yuanrang Marquis's influence is greater than I imagined," Sun Shizhao muttered.

With such efficiency, he suspected Zhao Xing could remove him without trouble.

Unless he were a flawless upright official with not a single flaw, any minor lapse in governance would suffice as grounds.

Minor errors might not lead to total dismissal, but removal from chief post, lateral transfer with hidden demotion, or direct demotion were consequences he could not bear.

"Go, ask Yuanrang Marquis whether the Celestial Horse Supervision needs more staff."

"If it does, transfer some from Wan Island's Agricultural Supervision to fill the gaps."

The scribe beside him asked: "My lord, should we bring a gift?"

Sun Shizhao kicked the scribe in the leg: "Fool! Do you want to get me killed? Yuanrang Marquis is clearly aiming to be a good official—why would he accept gifts?"

"He may accept staff transfers, but if I, as county magistrate, send a gift, he will absolutely refuse—and suspect I have ulterior motives!"

"Yes, yes, I spoke foolishly." The scribe hurried out.

…………

The backbone of the Celestial Horse Supervision had halved, but that posed no problem, for the Supervision currently had little work.

Even half-staffed, it could operate perfectly well.

Still, Zhao Xing must prepare for future plans.

On this day, Zhao Xing summoned the four sixth-rank officials: Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, and Bao Shiqiu.

"The Celestial Horse Supervision currently has just enough staff, and no operations have yet stabilized."

"But great changes are coming."

"For the Celestial Horse Supervision to achieve results, it will need the assistance of all your lordships."

"Now, I will clarify each office's responsibilities."

Zhao Xing opened the document.

"Lord Cao, you remain in charge of Tuquan Palace. Should any palace suffer damage, report it immediately for repair. All eighty-one palaces of Tuquan Palace must be activated."

Cao Jiang was startled: "My lord, Tuquan Palace currently uses only three palaces; the rest are sealed. To open all eighty-one at once—isn't that too abrupt?"

Zhao Xing smiled: "I'll let you in on a secret: eighty-one palaces are still too few. Before year's end, the Celestial Horse Supervision will receive over ten thousand cultivated young beasts."

"After the New Year, it will increase to fifty thousand; calculate for yourself how many palaces you'll need to build."

Fifty thousand qualified young beasts—that was the exact number Princess Youruo had promised.

Though she does not directly hold official authority, she can offer private sponsorship; Twin Island is her territory, and this sponsorship is entirely legitimate.

"F-Fifty thousand?" Cao Jiang's voice trembled. If they had a base of fifty thousand, in ten years it might multiply several times over!

When had the Twin Dragon Horse Supervision ever been this large? That would go back to the Cheng'an era!

"Y-yes, my lord," Cao Jiang rose from his desk and prostrated himself. "I shall spare no effort—even if I must dismantle my own bones—I will ensure these young beasts have proper housing."

Zhao Xing joked: "My lord, I still have use for your bones; I won't let them become rafters for Tuoquan Palace."

After Cao Jiang sat down, Zhao Xing turned to Dong Yuanqiu.

"Dong my lord."

"Your servant is here."

"You oversee the Chenghua Supervision, but for now you won't have much to do. I've heard your Self-Four Method is quite impressive—is that true?"

The Chenghua Supervision handles ceremonial performances; now, the Twin Dragon Horse Supervision has almost no business.

At most, they drag celestial horses to the Wandao county sacrifices for a little show, just for their own amusement.

It would be better to assign Dong Yuanqiu something else.

Dong Yuanqiu bowed respectfully: "Compared to my lord, it's not worth mentioning."

Zhao Xing turned to Bao Shiqiu: "Bao my lord, your King Di Zang Return-to-Origin Method has reached High Tier First Transformation. I hear you personally oversaw the establishment of the Celestial Horse Grasslands."

"Your servant merely offered a humble contribution."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Both of you, reclaim the wastelands of the land-islands. The more level-five or higher fertile soil you uncover, the better. I will evaluate your performance based on this."

"Yes."

"Tao my lord."

"Your servant is here."

"You previously managed the Divine Feeding Supervision, but now, in addition to overseeing it, you must assist me. Next year, I will establish the Divine Selection Bureau."

At these words, all four officials—including Tao Anchun—shuddered.

Tao Anchun remained silent for a long time.

Why?

They were simply terrified by the previous supervisor.

The Dragon Horse Supervision originally had more than these four sixth-rank officials; together, the senior sixth-rank positions totaled thirty-eight!

But after the previous supervisor failed to qualify for the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition preliminaries, the other thirty-two sixth-rank officials were demoted or reassigned.

The previous supervisor was even exiled to Minghuang Island.

Good heavens, Tao Anchun and the others couldn't even find 'Minghuang Island' on the map!

It wasn't even within the Zhou Dynasty's territory—it lay in the domain of a vassal power.

To qualify for the preliminaries, they had to restore the Divine Selection Bureau; the previous supervisor spent eight years trying.

For them, it was an eight-year nightmare.

Even three years after the previous supervisor left, these men still hadn't shaken off their psychological trauma.

Now Zhao Xing arrives and immediately says he'll restore the Divine Selection Bureau—how could they not fear?

"Zhao my lord," Tao Anchun said gravely, "Shouldn't we deliberate carefully on the matter of the Divine Selection Bureau?"

Zhao Xing saw how terrified they were; he knew arguing now was useless. He'd wait until they saw hope.

"Very well. After all, it's all for next autumn," Zhao Xing said.

Princess Youruo had promised him the Divine Selection Bureau would be rebuilt next autumn; there was no need to rush now.

Hearing this, Tao Anchun and the others exhaled in relief.

They were truly terrified of such bold, aggressive superiors.

It wasn't just losing their posts—they'd watched their once plump, well-fed war beasts die before their eyes. That kind of suffering was unbearable.

They had barely caught their breath when Zhao Xing changed tone: "We'll set aside the Divine Selection Bureau for now, but the current grazing methods at Tuoquan Palace must be corrected."

"From today, I will oversee the training of Celestial Horses and Firebrand Horses."

Tuoquan Palace originally had just over a thousand qualified exotic beasts; only the Celestial Horses were kept in herds. All other breeds numbered only thirty-four—nowhere near sufficient scale.

Now Zhao Xing must prepare in advance. Even if he can't yet produce results, he must at least practice.

Princess Youruo sent only young beasts; turning them into adults takes time.

He can't rely solely on his "mother-in-law aura"—he must show some results, or he'll lose face.

"At your lord's command," Tao Anchun said, knowing further protest was useless.

After all, Zhao Xing was new to this. He wasn't as reckless as his predecessor. As long as he didn't resort to breeding-cultivation tactics, and as long as they kept an eye on him, he couldn't cause anything major.

………………

December 15: Inspected the Celestial Horse Palace, acquired Firebrand Horses.

December 17: Purged negligent and corrupt officials.

December 18: Zhao Xing began training the horses.

He released the Celestial Horses and Firebrand Horses, leading them to an open field.

The one assisting him was Ling Ling Ruoxue, who had previously managed the Celestial Horses.

"Zhao my lord, what are you writing?" Ling Ling Ruoxue walked over, leading Naga beside the Celestial Horse Lake.

Nearby stood a pavilion; Zhao Xing sat at a desk, pen in hand.

Ling Ling Ruoxue leaned closer and saw the title: "Exotic Beast Military Training Plan."

"True Word Method, Statutes Chapter."

Ling Ruoxue scratched her head, as what came after was somewhat incomprehensible.

She had also studied the Ten Thousand Beasts True Words Method, but...

Does the True Words Method include commands like "Stand at Attention," "At Ease," or "Quick March"?

"My Lord Zhao, is this your revision of the True Words decrees?" Ling Ruoxue asked.

"Mm." Zhao Xing nodded.

"My Lord Zhao is truly remarkable—you can revise the True Words decrees!" Ling Ruoxue exclaimed joyfully.

. ￠O

She wasn't flattery; she genuinely thought this was impressive.

Creating a new technique and modifying an existing one are both extraordinary feats!

"I don't yet know how effective it is," Zhao Xing said. "Let's start by taming something simple."

In fact, Zhao Xing had revised more than just the Ten Thousand Beasts True Words Method.

He had fused the "Seal Chapter" of the Slave Seal Method with the True Words Method.

"Let's test the effect first."

Zhao Xing put away the scripture and walked onto the grassland.

At that moment, ten Firesteeds were lowering their heads to eat Fire Chestnut Grass.

Zhao Xing extended his index finger and traced through the air; ten peculiar golden seals instantly formed before him.

Compared to the brute force of the Slave Seal Method, these seals emitted a gentler fluctuation.

Yet they still stirred alertness in the ten Firesteeds.

They instinctively tried to flee.

"Go!"

Zhao Xing pushed forward, and the ten golden seals sank into the bodies of the Firesteeds.

"Neigh~" "Neigh~"

The Firesteeds neighed twice, as if bitten by a mosquito.

But this level of pain meant little to the thick-skinned Firesteeds.

So they lowered their heads again to graze.

Seeing this, Zhao Xing barked: "Stand at Attention!"

The sound wave, vibrating at a unique frequency, activated the decrees within the Firesteeds.

"Clack!"

In an instant, all ten Firesteeds raised their heads, stood tall, and brought their hooves together.

The Firesteed King stared at his herd in confusion, wondering why ten of his kin had suddenly assumed such a strange posture.

Had they eaten too much grass?

The ten Firesteeds' eyes also held deep confusion—they had no idea why they were performing this odd action.

They only felt a force binding them; if they didn't comply, they would feel unbearable discomfort.

This peculiar posture lasted for a quarter of an hour.

Zhao Xing then proceeded with other tests.

Roughly two hours later, he returned to the pavilion to summarize his findings.

"Low-grade warhorses have too weak a spirit to comprehend complex commands."

"But after I revised and fused the True Words decrees, I can now command them to perform intricate maneuvers."

"With more training, these Firesteeds will qualify as warhorses—faster than the methods used by the Ministry of Horse Affairs," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Training warhorses primarily involves removing their wildness and making them accustomed to obeying orders.

Once Zhao Xing perfected it, these warhorses would still cooperate well even with a new rider, without needing any spellcasting.

Firesteeds possess a innate skill—【Earthfire Impact】. When should it be used on the battlefield, and when should it be withheld? This requires long-term coordination between rider and steed.

"This training method saves time in bonding rider and steed."

"Once released, the warhorses' obedience and coordination will be exceptionally high."

"Of course, if it's a Firesteed King—with higher spirit—it's a different matter," Zhao Xing mused.

The Firesteed King's spirit is too high; if danger arises, he might just betray his rider on the battlefield and flee.

…………

Starting from the end of December, the resources gifted by Princess Youruo gradually arrived at the Lu Island Dragon Horse Supervision via cargo barges.

Not only did Princess Youruo send young beasts—she also dispatched a group of people to help Zhao Xing expand the Tuoquan Palace.

Ten thousand young beasts, mostly horses, comprised four breeds: Dragon Whisker Horses, Celestial Horses, Purple Lightning, and Firesteeds.

Zhao Xing divided Lu Island into several zones and established multiple cultivation areas to grow plants suitable for these four noble steeds.

At the same time, renovations to Lu Island were put on the agenda.

But due to the approaching holiday season, it would have to wait until after the New Year.

Time passed, and before long it was the beginning of the second month of the Jingxin Calendar, Year Twenty-One.

Zhao Xing granted the Dragon Horse Supervision staff time off, keeping only one-third of the personnel on duty.

Because the Great New Year Festival was the Spring She Day—the most important festival of the year.

Reunion, eating She meal, drinking She wine, wearing She clothing, worshipping the She deity, matchmaking... it lasted half a month.

It was the longest holiday among official benefits.

Zhao Xing left a clone behind in Shuangzi County and returned to Chongming Prefecture to celebrate with his family.

Chen Shijie and Gui Niang were also invited by Zhao Xing to join him.

Because Old Chen and Lady Gui were just two people, far too lonely, they simply came along to join the fun.

As for Long Xiao, he was the unlucky one.

His superior, citing Long Xiao's solitary status, left him behind at Red Stone Commandery.

He sent a letter, his tone utterly wretched.

On the tenth day of the second month, Zhao Xing planned to go pay his respects to Princess Youruo.

But Princess Youruo had already returned to Jingcheng to reunite with Emperor Jing; no one knew when she would return. Ji Zixuan had also returned to her own Wang Fu, so he had to give up.

On the twenty-first day of the second month, Zhao Xing returned to Twin Island's Dragon Horse Stable to continue daily training.

On this return trip, Zhao Xing included the young beasts in the training!

Originally, Dong Yuanqiu, Tao Anchun, and others opposed it, but seeing that Zhao Xing was only practicing simple movements—sitting, standing, lying, and walking—they could only let Zhao Xing do as he pleased.

As for the original five hundred-plus adult Sky Horses and Fire Steeds, they began combat technique training.

They had no choice but to train; because they ate so well, these horses were bursting with energy, and not training them would only cause problems.

In early March, Zhao Xing set about expanding the King Di Zang Return-to-Origin Great Array.

Because the young beasts' rations would soon run out!

Although Princess Youruo was not physically present in Bi Xian Commandery, her orders were executed perfectly.

By early March, the scale of the young beasts had expanded to the full quota of fifty thousand.

With the original scale of the grain planting area at Twin Island's Dragon Horse Stable, it was simply impossible to supply rations for fifty thousand young beasts crying out for food.

The Civil Agriculture Officials were not Military Agriculture Officials; excluding Zhao Xing, the planting capacity of over seven hundred Civil Agriculture Officials could probably only supply rations for fifteen thousand young beasts.

Tao Anchun of the Divine Feeding Office was so anxious he was screaming; he found Zhao Xing to report the situation, his appearance as if he wished to cut his own flesh to feed the young beasts.

Master Zhao stated, "Do not panic. Allow me to unleash my ultimate technique—【Mistress Youruo】."

The next day, Chongming Prefecture issued a requisition order.

From Donghuo Island, Zhoushan Island, Weng Island, Yongnan Island, Long Bi East Island, Long Bi South Island, and Long Bi West Island, all neighboring Twin Island.

They requisitioned enough rations to feed fifty thousand young beasts for three months!

This move once again refreshed Dong Yuanqiu, Tao Anchun, Cao Jiang, and Bao Shiqiu's understanding of Zhao Xing's background.

Regarding Zhao Xing's plan to rebuild the 【Divine Chosen Office】 and conduct war beast training, they no longer resisted.

Sun Shizhao of Wandao was also greatly shocked.

Because the material requisition order came from Chongming Prefecture, not privately sent by Princess Youruo.

Chongming Prefecture was official! An official order requisitioning materials from seven islands at once for Zhao Xing? And so efficiently?

A thigh! A super thigh!

Sun Shizhao immediately activated administrative deployment, transferring people from Wandao's Agriculture Stable and the Sky Workshop to help Zhao Xing's Dragon Horse Stable.

Sun Shizhao was also a talent; he understood Zhao Xing was a thigh who would inevitably be promoted, and there would be no conflict of interest with himself, so his administrative deployment even included personnel from the Military Office!

In Sun Shizhao's words: "Our Military Office personnel cannot alter the heavens' timing, nor command the earth's advantages, nor raise horses, but we can certainly help with rough and heavy labor!"

This time Zhao Xing did not refuse, because he indeed needed manpower.

Whether regulating the earth veins on the land islands, or constructing arrays and palaces, many people were needed.

The wages for these people did not even have to come from his Dragon Horse Stable; truly considerate!

Free labor; if you don't take it, you're a fool.

In terms of fiscal expenditure, Sun Shizhao even gambled his future.

According to Great Zhou precedent, a commandery-level government (or a commandery-level county government) only needs to remit seventy percent of annual tax revenue; the remaining thirty percent can be retained in the local government treasury for welfare engineering projects.

For certain aspects of fiscal revenue, the retained quota can even exceed thirty percent; for example, Twin Island's commercial tax and fishing tax can retain up to fifty percent. This is mainly because the Maritime Trade Office needs to store reserve funds to prevent bank runs.

Sun Shizhao allocated all of Twin Island's twenty years of fiscal savings to the Dragon Horse Stable!

This man was gambling with his career; if the Dragon Horse Stable went bankrupt, or if someone came to Twin Island to demand a run on the funds, his official career would be over.

Yes, bankruptcy.

The nature of the Dragon Horse Stable was equivalent to a state-owned enterprise.

Raising horses for the imperial court mainly provided war horses in three directions: first, the army; second, the Dao Academies; third, the imperial clan (through imperial merchant procurement; individuals keeping them for fun were rare, mainly participating in various races and ceremonial sacrifices).

Princess Youruo's private sponsorship did not need repayment; it was not considered debt, and he hadn't even written an IOU.

But the materials requisitioned by Chongming Prefecture from the seven islands were not provided for free; the Dragon Horse Stable would have to return them the following year!

There were also the increased personnel expenses during this period, materials for expanding the grounds, and the King Di Zang Return-to-Origin Array about to be deployed... The Dragon Horse Stable could now be said to be drowning in debt!

Sun Shizhao not only allocated public funds; he also used his own savings accumulated over many years and sold off his family assets.

The steward advised Sun Shizhao to think thrice, but Sun Shizhao said, "He is a sixth-rank official who can leverage over a billion in funds; I am merely adding flowers to the brocade, sending over ten million, so what is there to fear?"

"I have been spinning in circles at the fifth-rank position for thirty years! I have not moved my bottom in Twin Island for twenty years!"

"Originally, I thought two-thirds of my life had passed, with basically no hope of rising again; now I have unexpectedly received an opportunity. If I don't gamble one more time, I won't have another chance!"

"Get out! This old man is risking his life and fortune on this gamble; do not cry and whine to me!"

…………

Sun Shizhao allocated funds, Princess Youruo sponsored, Chongming Prefecture helped with loans; all in all, the amount exceeded one billion five hundred million, but not a single cent of it came from Master Zhao.

Seeing the Dragon Horse Stable's financial report, Master Zhao could not help but sigh that his past life was truly just petty tinkering.

"What was the point of embezzling in my past life? Sneaking around to embezzle only a few coins; now, with a casual move, I control one billion five hundred million. This, damn it, is true satisfaction."

The entire Dragon Horse Stable was also in a state of high excitement.

Whether new or old officials, everyone poured twelve percent of their energy into the work.

Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, and Bao Shiqiu were completely subdued by Zhao Xing's 'Ultimate Technique'.

Zhao Xing had been here for less than half a year, yet the lifeless Twin Island was instantly revitalized, looking full of vitality.

……

By the end of the fourth month, the enlarged Di Zang Return to Origin Great Array was completed, encompassing half of the entire Ludao within its range.

Zhao Xing's true body continuously cast the Di Zang Return to Origin Spell; by the beginning of the fifth month, the abundance of Heaven and Earth Qi on the Ludao reached Level Five, barely attaining the 'Sub-Grade Treasure Land' tier.

Thus, the fodder for the young beasts no longer needed to be requisitioned, though there was little surplus remaining, for as the young beasts grew, their appetites constantly increased.

Heavenly timing and earthly advantages had already been adjusted to relatively high levels.

Zhao Xing began to focus on the meticulous cultivation of the fodder planting areas.

The purpose was to shorten the growth time of the young beasts, and also, once the Third Rank strange beasts increased in number, to cultivate them to the Sixth Rank level.

The seeds purchased from the Soldier Realm had all been planted, and the strange beast food seeds applied for by Chongming Prefecture had also been cultivated into a large scale by Zhao Xing.

By the end of the fifth month, all fifty thousand young beasts had left the juvenile stage and entered the rapid growth phase.

By the end of the sixth month, the numbers of Eighth Rank and Seventh Rank warhorses began to rise significantly.

Zhao Xing acted with great boldness, and many factions with keen political senses turned their gaze toward the Twin Islands.

On the fifth day of the seventh month, the Twin Dragon Horse Stable finally welcomed its first guests.

A Bishui Sect tower ship sailed into the Twin Islands.

Ji Zixuan stood on the observation deck of the tower ship; beside her were two men and one woman, all wearing Daoist robes. The two men wore blue Daoist garments, while the woman wore green.

These three were all high officials from the Beast Taming Bureau of the Bishui Dao Academy.

The internal bureaus of the Dao Academy can roughly be divided into seven categories: Ritual, Music, Wu Ji, Spells, Taming, Scriptures, and Mathematics.

Among them, Taming is a particularly important department.

It cultivates many types of talent, such as: chariot drivers, flying boat pilots, mechanism operators, war beast tamers, and divine weapon operators (mainly for large divine weapons).

The Beast Taming Bureau primarily cultivates war beast tamers, commonly known as 'Beast Tamers'.

The Bishui Dao Academy naturally also has Beast Tamers; since the Bishui Sect holds great power in the Eastern Sea, it cannot lack beast tamers to conquer the ocean.

Since Zhao Xing works at the Twin Dragon Horse Stable, Ji Zixuan naturally had to secure some benefits for her senior brother.

Strictly speaking, the Bishui Dao Academy would not come to such a small place as Twin County to place orders.

However, Ji Zixuan is a person of Princess Youruo; out of respect for Princess Youruo, the Bishui Dao Academy dispatched three 【Beast Taming Masters】 to come and inspect the situation.

"Zixuan, who is Zhao Xing of the Twin County Dragon Horse Stable to you? You have mentioned him more than once." The middle-aged woman in the green robe asked with a smile.

"You do not come solely because he is a disciple of Liu Tianning, do you?"

The Bishui Dao Academy held no hostility toward Zhao Xing's status as Liu Tianning's direct disciple.

This was because Liu Tianning had never attacked the Bishui Dao Academy in the past.

On the contrary, because of Princess Youruo, the Bishui Dao Academy felt a certain closeness toward Liu Tianning.

Liu Tianning is expected to become the leader of the Benwo Sect; if Princess Youruo could marry Liu Tianning, it would be beneficial for both the Bishui Dao Academy and the Benwo Sect.

The ocean is vast; how could the Benwo Sect's search for divine branches and immortal trees across the world lack exploration of the sea regions?

The Grand Minister of Agriculture controls the empire's finances; how could the Bishui Dao Academy not wish to obtain more of the imperial court's financial resources?

Therefore, the ruling faction of the Bishui Dao Academy is all pleased to see Youruo marry Liu Tianning.

"To not hide it from Master Qin, Marquis Yuanrang once did me a favor. When I went to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he assisted me many times, allowing me to quickly stabilize my Seventh Rank realm and, this year, break through to the initial stage of the Sixth Rank," Ji Zixuan said.

"Only a favor?" The green-robed woman, Qin Hongying, flashed a smile between her brows, "Is there any private affection?"

The other two male Beast Taming Masters also teased: "Zixuan is the most outstanding graduating Daoist of recent years at the Academy. This time, we must thoroughly vet him for you; if he is ordinary, would it not ruin Zixuan's life?"

"Ah~ One cannot speak like that." Another handsome Beast Taming Master shook his head and said, "Choosing a man is like choosing a horse; one cannot look only at the present moment but must also consider future potential."

Teased by the three senior teachers, Ji Zixuan was neither shy nor timid; instead, she spoke openly: "Then I will trouble Master Wen and Master Zhai to communicate with him more and give me your expert opinion."

"Oh? You really have taken a fancy to him?" Qin Hongying was somewhat surprised. "Then we must indeed take a good look this time."

…………

After finishing her conversation with the three Beast Taming Masters of the Bishui Dao Academy, Ji Zixuan went to a room on another deck of the tower ship.

Here, three figures were also resting.

However, they wore battle armor, stepped in military boots, and had swords at their waists; all were military generals.

"General Xia, General Fang, General He, we are about to arrive at the Twin Islands. Zixuan has come specifically to report to the three generals."

"Much obliged." Two of the generals were not particularly enthusiastic in their attitude.

This was because their visit this time was merely a political mission.

They were all high-ranking generals of the Strong Army and already had stable channels for war beast cultivation and supply.

They were only coming to go through the motions out of respect for Princess Youruo; in reality, they did not intend to actually buy any warhorses or war beasts from the Twin Islands this time.

However, one general surnamed Xia was much more enthusiastic. "Thank you, Princess Chenxi."

Princess Chenxi is Ji Zixuan's princely title.

After returning from the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven two years ago, she finally gained her family's recognition.

Her grandfather, King Chenglan, allocated her many fields and properties in Chenxi Commandery.

Subsequently, he petitioned the Imperial Household Department for a title, spending a year to secure the title of Princess Chenxi for Ji Zixuan.

Of course, she only had the title of Princess; her fief was small, and she had no vassals.

But this title at least increased her weight when traveling outside, so she did not have to constantly use the title of 'Outstanding Graduate of the Bishui Sect'.

"General Xia is too polite. You have traveled a long way and endured the hardships of the journey; if our hospitality is inadequate, please forgive us."

"Hahaha, I am but a mere warrior; how could I be so delicate? To be able to sit on a Princess's fragrant boat is already a blessing."

The other two warriors thought otherwise in their hearts: You may fawn over Princess Youruo, but why be so respectful toward her student? You are a Fifth Rank warrior of the Black Armor Army, after all!

They did not know that Xia Tong was not coming out of respect for Princess Youruo; his arrival had nothing to do with Ji Zixuan.

Xia Tong is the cousin of Xia Jing and also serves in the Black Armor Army.

During the New Year, Xia Jing had a conversation with Zhao Xing.

Upon learning that his good friend was raising horses, Xia Jing immediately sent his cousin Xia Tong to inquire about the situation; regardless of whether it was good or bad, he would place an order first.

No stock available? Then place a pre-order. In any case, he must support his good brother.

Xia Tong hadn't been that concerned originally, but last year, Xia Jing repeatedly earned merit on the Pingman battlefield and told his cousin about Zhao Xing's ability to analyze intelligence. Xia Tong immediately felt it was astonishing!

Being able to foresee future situations from numerous intelligence reports, possessing such foresight, Zhao Xing's status in his heart immediately rose significantly.

Moreover, there was the relationship with Xia Jing.

Thus, Xia Tong traveled nearly a million li personally to the Eastern Sea, in the name of the Black Armor Army, to place orders for Zhao Xing's Dragon Horse Bureau.

The war had reached the twenty-first year of the Jingxin Era; many people had died, and casualties among war beasts were rising sharply.

The Black Armor Army had a Dragon Cavalry Regiment; they had inherent needs for mount equipment. Even casually leaking a few orders could help Zhao Xing compile a batch of political achievements.

Xia Tong had promised at the time: "Rest assured, O Son of the Qilin! Even if they are all lame horses, this elder cousin will buy ten or eight thousand of them!"

Xia Jing then smiled and said: "Elder cousin, please rest assured. My brother here will absolutely not disappoint you. Just wait and see; in the future, our Black Armor Army might even greatly increase its strength because of this."

…………

Just like that, three groups of people, each carrying their own mission, arrived at the Dragon Horse Bureau on Twin Island.

Before disembarking, Zhao Xing also received news and rushed to the landing field on the Main Island to welcome the guests.

"Yo? What a grand spectacle!" As soon as the ship stopped, three Masters of the Green Water Dao Academy noticed something unusual.

Because Zhao Xing hadn't come with people to welcome them, but with a huge group of war horses.

Two colors appeared on the horizon: one was cyan, those were Cyan Sky Horses, growing double wings and treading on the Gao Feng wind.

The other was dawn-colored; those were the Fire Steed herds, wingless, riding the fire to move.

The two horse herds flew over from the horizon, vast and mighty.

Zhao Xing rode a bronze war chariot, with a Green-Eyed Dragon Lion pulling it in front, the horse herds behind, and a large cat standing atop the chariot.

Such a strange combination flew toward the warship along the Cloud Path.

At first, Wen Ji and Zhai Zhong didn't pay much attention, but when the two saw the leader at the front of the horse herd on the horizon, they nodded slightly: "Not bad; they have already raised a few good horses."

They were looking at Naga and Natta (named according to Eastern Sea customs, respectively the names of the Sky Horse King and the Fire Steed King). These two strange beasts already possessed considerable divine spirit.

When Zhao Xing came closer, allowing for a clearer view, Qin Hongying, dressed in a green robe, brightened her eyes and stared at the large cat on the war chariot.

"What a fine mountain cat! It has already reached the Fifth Grade Realm and cultivated a second form."

The three from the Green Water Dao Academy focused on the individual war beasts.

But the three martial generals, Xia Tong, Fang Ze, and He Wu, had a different focus.

When the horse herd was just a blurry silhouette on the horizon, Fang Ze and He Wu transmitted voices to each other: "All low-grade strange beasts, Cyan Sky Horses and Fire Steeds; their bloodlines are just average."

When the herd reached the halfway point and became clearer, the two furrowed their brows slightly: "The herd is orderly and disciplined, not fighting or snatching, marching in formation; they are well-trained, acceptable."

When the herd was right before their eyes, allowing a complete close look, the two generals showed a hint of curiosity on their faces: "The hoofbeats merge into one; the hoofbeats are completely synchronized, appearing almost as a single line. I thought there were only a few dozen, but unexpectedly there are three thousand five hundred and forty-six?"

"This is because their swinging amplitude while advancing is almost identical. Can mere Ninth Grade war horses be trained to this extent?"

After the war horse herd landed, the three martial generals gradually felt shocked.

If in the sky they could still hear staggered hoofbeats, after landing, the level of order increased again.

The horse herd formed five square formations, marching in perfect unison, with absolutely no sound emerging.

But with a certain command from Zhao Xing, these horse herds suddenly performed a very strange tapping motion.

"Tap! Tap! Tap!"

The sound was resounding and powerful; with every step, rings of red light appeared on the ground.

The Sky Horse square formation produced a ring of cyan light.

The Fire Steed square formation; the red light beneath the war horse formation gradually merged into one, actually forming a Ground Fire War Array!

This merged the power of all the horses into one, forming a Qi-Blood War Array similar to that of martial artists!

"This... the Ground Fire Impact of the Fire Steeds can actually merge into one?" Fang Ze felt it was incredible.

He Wu stared at the Sky Horse square formation: "And the Sky Horses! A cyan Gao Feng War Array appeared above their heads. Damn, has this reached the strength of a Level Four War Array?!"

The two martial generals were completely shocked!

Low-grade war horses could actually cultivate a War Array independently in such a short time; it was simply unimaginable!

Wasn't it said that the Twin Island Dragon Horse Bureau had only been rebuilt for nine months at most?

Before this, they had only had three hundred or so Sky Horses of the same species.

How does it look now that it is completely not the case?!

"Stop!" Zhao Xing raised his hand and clenched his fist.

"Click!"

After this action appeared, all square formations produced one final sound, and the earth shook because of it.

Afterwards, they all fell silent together, emitting not a single sound; even the phenomena of Gao Feng and Ground Fire disappeared.

This scene made Xia Tong's blood boil; although these war horses were merely low-grade, their discipline and obedience were absolutely maxed out!

Taming beasts to this extent far exceeded his expectations.

This was far too much to his taste as a martial general!

"No wonder the Son of the Qilin insisted I come. This Marquis Yuanrang can truly create something new wherever he goes," Xia Tong admired in his heart.

Zhao Xing below then clasped his hands: "Zhao Xing, Director of the Twin Island Dragon Horse Bureau, welcomes all distinguished guests."

Swish~

The Sky Horses all revealed their right wings, as if saluting.

Seeing the varied expressions of the people on the ship, a slight smile inevitably appeared on Zhao Xing's lips.

The Fire Horses performed the goose-step, and the Sky Horses revealed their wings to pay respects; it seemed to bring a small shock to the distinguished guests visiting.

Ji Zixuan observed the expressions of the people beside her and couldn't help but cheer for Zhao Xing in her heart.

Senior Brother is indeed Senior Brother; even when raising horses, he can be unique!

Yet he knew not what kind of surprise the training plan he had previously promised to tailor specifically for me would hold?