Chapter 248: Top-tier Dharma Body, Vast Sea Cave Heaven, Quota Competition

November 15th, 29th year of the Jingxin Calendar.

Zhao Xing's main body returned to the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Prison and began to digest the Primordial Spirit Fruit wholeheartedly.

Until February 2nd, 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar.

Half of the Primordial Spirit Fruit had been digested.

Zhao Xing's Life Soul broke through from the Fifth Rank perfection to the early Fourth Rank.

The realm of the Life Soul once again exceeded the realm of the physical body, but this time there was no feeling of discomfort.

Mainly because the Ten Thousand Dharma clones had already exceeded one hundred. At this step, the Ten Thousand Dharma clones had reached the perfection level of high-rank Dharma.

"Going further up, it belongs to the 'Thousand Dharma Body', which belongs to the top-tier Dharma level."

In the secret room of the Office of the Administrator, Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing sat opposite each other. He was explaining to Zhao Xing.

This was one of Liu Tianning's Ten Thousand Dharma clones.

Just after the 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar, Liu Tianning sent a Ten Thousand Dharma clone over.

The ostensible reason was to watch his disciple in the upcoming East Sea Ten Thousand Beast Competition.

But Zhao Xing vaguely felt that Old Liu had already begun to collect evidence of the Prince of Liang's party from a wider range and different levels, no longer limited to the Pacifying Barbarian battlefield.

Of course, Liu didn't ask, he just listened to things about cultivation.

"From 'Hundred Dharma Body' to 'Thousand Dharma Body', it is a qualitative breakthrough, an advancement from high-rank Dharma to top-tier Dharma."

"The main direction of cultivation is not to combine multiple spells, but to return to the improvement of single spells."

Liu Tianning said: "For example, this one I have now is a top-tier Dharma body—Soul-Devouring Straw Man. The Ten Thousand Dharma clone built with it as the foundation excels in Life Soul-type spells."

"Hold your mind and feel the power of the top-tier Soul-Devouring Dharma body."

Zhao Xing nodded, then let the other Ten Thousand Dharma clones 'log off' and defend with all their might.

At this moment, red light emerged from Liu Tianning's eyes.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but look up at this gaze.

Liu Tianning's eyes were incomparably deep, as if full of the mysteries of the Dao. Zhao Xing appreciated it quietly.

Seeing this, Liu Tianning was a bit surprised.

Because he only used thirty percent of the spell's power, and his disciple didn't fall into it.

This top-tier Dharma body of his was top-tier!

Liu Tianning nodded slightly, then gradually increased the spell's power.

Thirty percent, forty percent, fifty percent... seventy percent!

At this point, Zhao Xing's expression finally changed.

Because he actually saw the Dao of Longevity from Liu Tianning's eyes!

For someone like Old Master Zhao, pursuing the Dao of Longevity was his ultimate dream.

He was immediately attracted, completely ignoring the fact that no matter how powerful Liu Tianning was, it was impossible for him to let him see the Dao of Longevity.

Intoxicated, obsessed, Zhao Xing felt as if he were floating and about to become an immortal.

Liu Tianning was slightly surprised. He needed to use seventy percent of the power of this top-tier Dharma body to shake his disciple's mind?

"Wake up!"

Liu Tianning waved his hand.

The red light faded instantly.

Zhao Xing felt a sense of loss in his heart, as if the Dao of Longevity was far away from him.

However, he immediately realized that this was the influence of the 'Soul-Devouring Dharma body'.

His eyes returned to clarity, and Zhao Xing immediately observed the surrounding environment.

He was surprised to find that he had changed from sitting to a flying posture, floating in the secret room.

"Teacher, the student has lost his composure." Zhao Xing hurriedly flew down.

"You have been diligent in your cultivation these years," Liu Tianning praised. "The top-tier Dharma body, Soul-Devouring, actually required seventy percent of its power to influence your mind."

Top-tier Dharma is generally mastered by experts of the Upper Three Ranks.

The power of every top-tier Dharma is beyond imagination, already having a sense of being extraordinary.

Zhao Xing being able to withstand seventy percent of his Dharma body's power really surprised Liu Tianning.

"Teacher is overpraising," Zhao Xing said. "Teacher is guiding me step by step, not attacking me with the Soul-Devouring Dharma body, so I was able to withstand it."

Zhao Xing still had self-awareness. Liu Tianning was teaching.

To do it without hurting his Life Soul while letting him feel the effect of the Soul-Devouring Dharma body was very difficult, which is why he needed to use seventy percent of his power.

If it were just to kill, it would be much simpler.

Liu Tianning didn't dwell on the details, just asked: "Did you feel the difference between the Soul-Detaining Dharma and the Soul-Devouring Dharma?"

The foundation of this top-tier Straw Man Dharma body is the Soul-Devouring Dharma.

Just like Liu, at the top-tier level of the Thousand Dharma Body, he needs to refine a certain Dao.

Zhao Xing pondered: "The high-rank Soul-Detaining Dharma, whether used to detain others or as the foundation of one's own true self clone, the point is to carry and accommodate the Life Soul."

He had been consuming the Primordial Spirit Fruit these days, and his Life Soul was at the Fourth Rank, exceeding the physical body realm without discomfort, which was because of the Ten Thousand Dharma clones.

"Teacher's top-tier Soul-Devouring Dharma, when used against enemies, is more aggressive. When used on oneself, it constantly tempers the strength of the Life Soul."

Liu Tianning nodded slightly: "Not bad, the characteristic of this spell is exactly that."

"In the future, if you want to break through, remember the difference between these two methods when you realize the Dao."

"It is best to find a place with Yin Five Elements to practice this Dharma."

"Yes."

Liu Tianning didn't explain in depth because Zhao Xing hadn't reached the point where he could delve into it. He just came to guide Zhao Xing on the general direction of his future cultivation.

"The Straw Man Dharma you learned before, whether it is Martyrdom Explosion, Divine Bravery, Invisibility, Phantom Shape, Holy Shield, or Flying, all need the Life Soul as the foundation."

"The Soul-Devouring Dharma body is the foundation for continuing to delve into other top-tier Straw Man Dharmas."

"If you can't practice the Soul-Devouring Dharma body, your Straw Man Dharma will only be at the high-rank Dharma level for life."

"If you realize the Soul-Devouring Dharma body, you can further practice the Divine Martial Dharma body, Ten Thousand Shape Dharma body, Divine Invisibility Dharma body, Divine Speed Dharma body, Soul Explosion Dharma body, and Divine Shield Dharma body."

"Practicing these seven major top-tier Dharma bodies, you can be considered a small success in top-tier Dharma."

"After that, it is Dao Integration. The Straw Man Dharma can be created and changed as you wish, no longer limited to these eighty-one types."

Zhao Xing nodded. If he possessed seven major top-tier Dharma bodies, it would be truly difficult to kill him.

"As for other things, don't talk about being ambitious first, because I have only achieved small success myself. I won't say things I don't understand to mislead you."

"Yes, Teacher." Zhao Xing nodded.

Only small success? Liu Tianning showed off to him again invisibly.

However, Zhao Xing was shocked in his heart after hearing this: Did this mean he already possessed seven major Dharma bodies?

"Alright, go do your work." Liu Tianning intended to 'log off'.

This Dharma body of his came here for teaching. Once the teaching time ended, he naturally had to log off to reduce the dispersion of energy.

"Wait a moment, Teacher." Zhao Xing suddenly shouted.

"Anything else?"

Zhao Xing pondered: "The student was practicing the Ten Thousand Dharma clones a few days ago, and one of the 'Weak Water Clones', while searching deep in the seabed, found an ancient box."

Liu Tianning listened quietly.

"The box was sealed with two fruits. After I brought them back and checked, I found that they were actually the Ninth-Rank Primordial Spirit Fruit recorded in the 'Great Observation Scripture'!"

"Primordial Spirit Fruit?" Liu Tianning's face also showed a trace of surprise. "Are you sure it's the Primordial Spirit Fruit?"

"Teacher, please look." Zhao Xing took out a Primordial Spirit Fruit he had prepared long ago.

Liu Tianning took it and examined it carefully, then said: "It really is consistent with the description in the Great Observation Scripture."

"I have already consumed it. I only ate less than one-third, and I broke through to the Fourth Rank Life Soul. Its effect is exactly the same as what the Great Observation Scripture says."

"I want to give this fruit to Teacher," Zhao Xing said.

Old Liu had treated him well, and he had to give back to Liu Tianning.

Originally, he didn't intend to give it so early.

But Liu Tianning had now delved into the Straw Man Dharma to the level of 'Seven Major Top-Tier Dharma Bodies'.

While Zhao Xing was sighing at Liu Tianning's monstrous talent for the Straw Man Dharma, an alarm bell rang in his heart.

He was now practicing this spell too. Combining his cognition from his past life, he deduced that it was from this moment on that Old Liu began to have sequelae because his steps were too big.

In other words, as long as the seven major Dharma bodies began to appear, Liu Ten Thousand Dharma would begin to transform into 'Liu Half-Crazy'.

In the next few hundred years, this sequela would become greater and greater, and eventually, he would be unable to suppress it.

The Primordial Spirit Fruit could effectively alleviate the side effects of this mental split, but it had to be consumed as early as possible.

After the Martial Emperor succeeded to the throne, even if he obtained the Primordial Spirit Tree later, it would only treat the symptoms but not the root cause.

"Primordial Spirit Fruit..." A look of thought flashed in Liu Tianning's eyes. "Alright, I will accept it. I will consume it when my main body has time."

"No, Teacher, this clone of yours should take the Primordial Spirit Fruit back for your main body to consume now," Zhao Xing said.

"I only brought three top-tier Dharma bodies this time," Liu Tianning frowned. "The other two have official business. If I leave, you here..."

Liu Tianning left a top-tier Dharma body here because he heard that Zhao Xing had been assassinated by General Golden Throat in the East Sea.

Although Zhao Xing had handled it, such things happen once, they happen twice. He was worried about his disciple's safety.

"Teacher, don't worry, I am safe before I am officially appointed," Zhao Xing said. "I am still a Sixth Rank official now. I will be appointed in April, and it is only February now, which is enough for Teacher to go back and forth several times."

"It's impossible to be so unlucky that I get assassinated the moment you leave."

If he were that unlucky, he would have to doubt if his Rank Five destiny was fake.

"Alright." Liu Tianning was not a dawdler and immediately left the Twin Islands.

Seeing Old Liu leave, Zhao Xing also breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't want Old Liu to go crazy too early.

He wouldn't reach the Third Rank Life Soul even if he ate all three Primordial Spirit Fruits.

The Primordial Spirit Fruit had the effect of treating Life Soul splitting. Old Liu had reached this node, so naturally, he could share one.

It would be a year later after he finished consuming two, and if the silly bird recovered by then, he could just ask it to get a few more.

It would also be good to see the effect after Liu Tianning ate it.

Because he also had to pass this hurdle.

"Old Liu is crossing the river by feeling the stones, and I am crossing the river by feeling Old Liu. I don't know how long he can walk normally, but I'll walk as far as I can," Zhao Xing thought.

"Primordial Spirit Fruit, Divine Physician Li Fuhan... If these deployments are useful to Old Liu, I will have a reference."

…………

April 4th, 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar, Qingming.

Due to the integer year, the sacrificial ceremony activities in the 30th year of the Jingxin Calendar were more grand than in previous years.

Every prefecture in Chongming Prefecture began sacrificial activities.

Sacrificing to the gods and worshipping heaven and earth lasted for a total of half a month. During this period, most military activities stopped, and even the intensity of the Southern Savage battlefield decreased.

Zhao Xing's Twin Islands Dragon Horse Prison and the Chenghua Office participated in the Royal Tomb Grand Sacrifice of Chongming Prefecture.

They mainly sacrificed to the Taizu, the Wen Emperor, and Princess Youruo's great-grandmother, Your Majesty Yuanjun.

"After the sacrifice, it is the adjustment of official governance."

"The ten-year official adjustment, plus the turmoil in the East Sea, I'm afraid many people will be adjusted this time," Zhao Xing put down the official document in the Dragon Horse Prison.

This was a letter from Wang Xuanyi, the Dragon Horse Prison Administrator of Chongming Prefecture, to him.

The letter asked for Zhao Xing's thoughts on the adjustment.

"I must stay on the Twin Islands, otherwise all my previous efforts will be wasted," Zhao Xing thought.

If he were transferred away, even if he were given a proper Fifth Rank official position, it would be a promotion in name but a demotion in reality.

Because the current Twin Islands Dragon Horse Prison had already broken out of the Great Arena of the Purple Firmament Islands.

Zhao Xing's Mountain Cat, Cang Ni, and Spirit Phantom Goat occupied three qualifying spots and could participate in the Ten Thousand Beast Competition of the entire East Sea region.

As long as he qualified in the East Sea, he would be equivalent to obtaining the entry quota for the Dragon Court Ancient Land.

The ranking in the Four Seas Competition would only distinguish which secret realm of the Dragon Court Ancient Land he would go to.

If he left the Twin Islands at this time, this quota would be gone, because the quota followed the official agency, not the individual.

"Wang Xuanyi mentioned three locations in this letter: Beast Island, Dragon Lion Island, and Heavenly Sea Island, but he didn't mention staying on the Twin Islands."

"He is hinting to me that I might be transferred away," Zhao Xing looked at the letter in his hand.

It is quite normal for a superior to send a private letter to a subordinate, but at such a critical time, Wang Xuan's letter to him carried a very obvious implication.

The meaning was that if you, kid, have any connections, you had better use them quickly, otherwise you will be transferred away from the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate that you have worked so hard to develop.

"In the last letter, Wang Xuan mentioned the possibility of being promoted without moving positions, but this time he didn't even mention it. It seems someone is playing tricks in the dark, wanting to interfere with my promotion."

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Xing had no choice but to helplessly deploy his "Ultimate Method."

"Master's wife!!"

Zhao Xing ran to the Yonghua Palace of the Biyou Imperial Palace.

"Shouting and hollering, what kind of decorum is that?"

Princess Youruo was checking letters at her desk; hearing this roar, she could not help but look up.

"Master's wife, someone wants to harm me."

"Oh?" Princess Youruo put down the letter in her hand. "Who wants to harm you?"

"Someone wants to transfer me away from the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate, move me to a strange place, and then secretly harm me."

"Your political achievements over the past ten years are indeed enough for you to be promoted to a more prosperous commandery to serve as an official. What is your reason for wanting to stay at the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate?" Princess Youruo asked.

"In order to enter the Ancient Dragon Court."

"You actually want to go in?" Princess Youruo said in surprise. "It is extremely dangerous in there. Why go and suffer that hardship? Did your master ask you to?"

"It is not a request from my master, but something I want to do myself. I finally qualified from Zixiao Island, how could I give it up?"

"You are not a proper beast tamer; even if you go, you won't be able to compete for any good ranking."

"The Ancient Dragon Court has been developed by our dynasty for many years, with so many powerful people; even if you go, you may not gain anything. If you lack anything, just ask me for it." Princess Youruo was in an intimate period with Liu Tianning at this time and was also very tolerant toward Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing understood that Princess Youruo meant well, but he was not an ordinary person.

He knew the secrets of the Ancient Dragon Court; he could find treasures others could not, and he could pass through checkpoints others could not.

The cultivation of Void Seeds and the acquisition of spiritual items were inseparable from this place.

Seeing Zhao Xing remain silent, Princess Youruo said, "Fine, fine, I can't win against you. I will have a word with Liu Wanliang and let him make a trip."

"Thank you, Master's wife!"

…………

April 15th, the fourth day after Grain Rain.

The Great Zhou conducted its decennial major adjustment of civil service.

The scale of the civil service adjustment in the 30th year of the Jingxin calendar was far greater than in previous years, especially in Chongming Prefecture, where the number of officials and clerks involved exceeded ten million! This was because Chongming Prefecture also managed many islands.

On April 15th, Zhao Xing and the various officials of the Twin Islands arrived at the Chongming Prefecture city to report on their duties.

Sun Shizhao was originally a regular Fifth Rank Upper official. During this duty report, he landed the position of Judicial Assistant of Shengxian Commandery in Chongming Prefecture.

It was still a regular Fifth Rank Upper position, but Shengxian Commandery was a top-tier commandery, and a Judicial Assistant of the regular Fifth Rank Upper had much more power than the Magistrate of Twin County.

Having fulfilled his wish to be transferred away from Twin County, Sun Shizhao could not help but be moved to tears. In his lifetime, he finally saw the hope of being promoted to a Fourth Rank official.

Zhao Xing was promoted three grades, from regular Sixth Rank Upper to regular Fifth Rank Lower, remaining the Left Director of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate.

Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, Bao Shiqiu, and others also successively followed by being promoted one or two grades.

The officials of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate basically saw no adjustments, only their specifications were elevated.

Now, the Directors of each office in the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate were basically all Fifth Rank officials.

However, the only one who was a regular Fifth Rank was still Zhao Xing.

Once the duty report was completed, those transferred laterally like Sun Shizhao could rest for a month before taking up their new posts.

Those like Zhao Xing still needed to go through the process of the "Imperial Dynasty Qi Baptism."

It was still the Tianxin Palace, and still the familiar rows of officials.

"Subject, Zhao Xing, pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Long live Your Majesty!"

……

Emerging from the Chongming Prefecture Divine Palace.

Zhao Xing took a look at his panel.

【Name: Zhao Xing】

【Official Rank: Regular Fifth Rank Lower】

【Realm: Pure Essence Realm Perfection】

【Profession: Agricultural Official】

【Qi: Yan Five】

【Essence Gathering: Fifty-ninth Stage】

【Life Soul: Fourth Rank Early Stage】

【Remaining Lifespan: 500 years】

"When I was twenty-two, my remaining lifespan was 478 years. Now I am thirty-four. Thirteen years have passed, and my remaining lifespan was only 465 years. After the Qi baptism, the remaining lifespan became 500, which means this promotion added 35 years of life."

"I have consumed the Heart of the Dragon Whale; within the scope of a Fifth Rank official, my lifespan should have reached its limit," Zhao Xing secretly thought.

Because his Life Soul and his own realm both exceeded the Fifth Rank official position, this promotion's Imperial Dynasty Qi baptism would only be added to his Qi and lifespan.

"Subtracting the two hundred years brought by the Dragon Whale, and counting my own age, I can at most scrape together 762 years of lifespan within the Great Zhou's Qi system. That would reach the limit of 999."

"Once this limit is reached, it cannot be increased by the Qi dynasty or ordinary treasures; by then, I will have to think of other ways."

As for the limit of self-cultivation, according to convention, it remained at Fourth Rank Perfection.

In terms of spells, the High-Rank methods were already all at maximum level.

Heavenly Timing Methods: 【Five Elements Mist Concealment】, 【Thunder Breaking Delusion Finger】, 【Nine Heavens Gale】, 【Dripping Rain】, 【Heavenly Fire Evil】, 【Ice Sealing Ten Thousand Miles】, 【Cloud Swallowing Domain】

Among them, 【Five Elements Mist Concealment】 had already practiced the "Five Elements Poisonous Miasma," which could be used for large-scale enemy obstruction.

The Dripping Rain method had practiced the "Dripping Rain Domain."

High-Rank Transformation Methods: 【Teng Snake Transformation】, 【Startling Thunder Transformation】

High-Rank Geographical Methods: 【Yin Wind Evil】, 【Earth Evil Thunder】, 【Volcano Method】, 【Boundless Earth Palace】, 【Divine Movement Protection】

High-Rank Self Methods: 【Instant Primordial】, 【Ten Thousand Method Clones】, 【Nine Dragons Bending】, 【Savage Growth】, 【Wasteland Condensation Technique】

【Jungle Leap: Seventh Turn】, 【Grass and Trees as Soldiers: Seventh Turn】

Destiny-type Spells: 【Great Expansion Qi Gazing Technique】, 【Five Fingers Destiny】, 【Divination Method】

【Turtle Divination Method】; the Coin Divination Method within the Turtle Divination Method was still at Mid-Rank Perfection.

Life Soul Spells:

【Heavenly Eye Method: Can see through Yin spirits, scout subtle movements in the surroundings】

【Sleepy Bug Method: Collects sleep parasites within the Life Soul】

【Dream Preservation Method: Builds a memory palace to seal memories】

【Three Spirits Convergence: Life Soul connects to Earth Soul, knowing causal connections】

Ten Thousand Method Dao Body: A Pure Essence body condensed through the Dao of Five Elements, Wind, and Thunder.

Pure Essence Soil: Level Three (Area: 34, 00 square meters, projected to reality at 10 to 1)

Three Great Secret Scriptures:

Solar Term Token: Fixed Realm Third Turn (Beginning of Spring Solar Term Token, because the treasure exists, it is at Fixed Realm Perfection)

Earth Returning to Essence: Second Layer Perfection (Opening up the Pure Essence space level)

Yin Yang Self Scripture: Second Layer Perfection (A thousand threads and ten thousand strands, deep control over primordial energy)

Possessed Treasures:

【Primordial Spirit Fruit (One and a half): Consuming it can enhance Life Soul power and treat injuries from Life Soul splitting】

【Void Seed: Species unknown】

【Divine Court Solar Term Token (Beginning of Spring): One of the Eighth-Rank set treasures created by the ancient divine dynasty "Xia." After being stored in the dantian, the Beginning of Spring solar term reaches Fixed Realm Perfection.】

【Soul Armor (Sixth-Rank Top Quality): Soul-type defensive treasure inherited from the Dream God Sect】

【Dragon Soul Jade Pendant (Sixth-Rank Top Quality): Possesses the effect of stabilizing the Life Soul and reducing the chance of qi deviation】

【Eight Heavenly Maidens: Mechanical puppets】

【Cloud-Stepping Boots: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Standard issue for Agricultural Officials)】

【Golden Coir Raincoat: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Standard issue for Agricultural Officials)】

【Hundred Flower Bamboo Hat: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Standard issue for Agricultural Officials)】

【Cloud Rain Bead: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Standard issue for Agricultural Officials)】

【Army Protection Staff: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Obtained through rewards)】

【Qilin Flying Boat: Fifth-Rank Top Quality (Obtained through rewards)】

"Of the spells I have learned, except for Jungle Leap and Grass and Trees as Soldiers in the Self Methods, which were learned relatively late and have not yet reached perfection, all others have reached the High-Rank Perfection level."

"Only the Coin Divination Method remains unperfected among the destiny-type spells."

"The latter lacks conditions and has been shelved."

"However, this set of equipment should also be changed," Zhao Xing secretly thought.

The Dragon Soul Jade Pendant and Soul Armor could still be used.

However, the rest of the standard Agricultural Official gear was no longer a match for Zhao Xing's strength.

They weren't even good enough for the Ten Thousand Method Clones!

Because the nine most important clones of the Ten Thousand Method Clones were all crafted with Sixth-Rank materials.

"My strength increased very quickly before, and I never got around to crafting equipment for myself. Before going to the Ancient Dragon Court, I must prepare well," Zhao Xing pondered.

"My lord, Lord Zhao!"

Just then, a voice entered his ears.

It was Sun Shizhao, Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, and others who had been waiting outside for a long time.

"Lord Sun, congratulations." Zhao Xing walked over with a smile.

Little Sun had finally fulfilled his wish. Now that he had entered an important position as an official, if he slogged for another thirty to fifty years, he would have a chance to be promoted to a Fourth Rank official.

If he had stayed in his original position, there would have been no hope at all.

"Thank you, Marquis Yuanyang, for your guidance." Sun Shizhao bowed and cupped his hands. Although he hadn't been promoted in rank, being transferred to a key, important commandery in Chongming Prefecture to serve as a Judicial Assistant was much better than being a Magistrate in Twin County.

"I wouldn't dare." Zhao Xing hurriedly helped him up. "It was all your own ability, Lord Sun; what does it have to do with me?"

Sun Shizhao had dared to bet his life and family fortune at the time; that kind of courage and boldness was truly not something an ordinary person possessed.

Zhao Xing really hadn't said anything for Sun Shizhao's transfer this time; the ten years of political achievements at the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate alone were enough for Sun Shizhao to bask in the glory.

"Regardless, I will keep the kindness of Marquis Yuanyang in my heart." Sun Shizhao, however, believed that the reason he could be transferred was because Zhao Xing had spoken up for him at the top.

Even if he hadn't, his political achievements were still thanks to the glory of the Dragon Horse Inspectorate.

Otherwise, why wasn't he transferred before, but as soon as Zhao Xing arrived, he was able to be transferred to a good place to work?

After Sun Shizhao expressed his gratitude repeatedly, he said goodbye: "Marquis Yuanyang, take care."

"Lord Sun, take care. Come back to visit Twin Islands often when you have time," Zhao Xing smiled.

The ten years he had cooperated with this Sun Shizhao had been quite pleasant; at least Little Sun, as the nominal chief official, had not caused him any trouble and had cooperated fully.

"Old Tao, after Sun Shizhao is transferred, who will take over as the Magistrate of Twin County?" Zhao Xing asked.

"My lord, the new Magistrate is named Qi Ming," Tao Anchun said.

"What is his background?"

"Prince Liang's faction." Tao Anchun only said three words, which made Zhao Xing's expression sink.

"Who recommended him?"

"Fourth Rank Censor Yin Qiquan, the one who came to Twin Islands to investigate last time."

"Qi Ming switched from military to civil service. He also has another recommender, the Ship-Managing Commandant of the Qingyang Army of the East Sea Legion, a regular Fourth Rank Upper military general named Ren Di."

Zhao Xing tilted his head and asked: "Is this also Prince Liang's faction?"

Tao Anchun whispered: "Yes, he is a vassal who came out of Prince Liang's mansion and came to the East Sea to serve as a general in the 270th year of the Dingxin calendar."

"My lord, this person may be difficult to get along with," Cao Jiang worriedly said.

Zhao Xing said indifferently: "Qi Ming is only Fifth Rank; he won't be able to stir up any waves. Let the songs be sung and the dances be danced; prepare for the upcoming competition matters."

"Yes."

…………

After the promotion in April, May was the battle for spots in the East Sea's Ancient Dragon Court.

The battle for spots in the East Sea took place in the Canghai Cave Heaven.

The Canghai Cave Heaven was under the control of the Tusi clan. The journey required sailing 200, 00 li out to sea. Fearing that Zhao Xing might be killed halfway, Princess Youruo specially ordered Zhao Xing to take her Biyou tower ship to go together.

This was a grand event for the East Sea with high specifications; not only would Princess Youruo go, but many high-ranking officials would also be present.

The imperial court sent the Second Rank Grand Equerry Ji Shuchang, the Second Rank Junior Agricultural Minister Wang Tianzhi, and the Second Rank East Sea General Hong Yuanba as representatives.

Together with the Azure Dragon Army Commander and Pacification Commissioner Bai Yunwu and the Black Tortoise Army Commander Ji Canghai from the water tribe Tusi side, they would preside over the spot competition.

Four regular Third Rank Prefecture Lords would be present, as there were four prefecture cities along the East Sea coast.

They were Chongming Prefecture, Haiyuan Prefecture, Cangyuan Prefecture, and Daming Prefecture.

Besides this, there were also Dao Academy forces appearing, such as Qin Hongying of the Biyou Dao Academy.

A total of more than two hundred Second and Third Rank officials would appear!

As for Fifth and Fourth Rank officials, there were more than 50, 00 in total.

"Four prefectures of the East Sea, a total of 57, 42 participants in the competition."

"The water tribe Tusi of the East Sea, Dao Academy experts, military forces, and noble bureaucrats all have their eyes on the spots for the Ancient Dragon Court."

"Out of more than 50, 00 people, only the top two hundred beast tamers can obtain the qualification to enter the Ancient Dragon Court directly."

"The rest enter the elimination rounds to select another three hundred people. Even so, the total number of spots is only five hundred, which can be called one in a hundred."

"You only have three battle beasts; do you really want to compete for this ranking?"

On the tower ship, Princess Youruo looked at Zhao Xing and his three battle pets.

She did not think at all that Zhao Xing could stand out.

After all, Zhao Xing was not a proper beast tamer, and when Zhao Xing fought his way out of the Zixiao Islands before, his ranking was not high, which was obviously quite a struggle.

"Master's wife, I want to try," Zhao Xing said.

"The Ancient Dragon Court is extremely dangerous. Your master only has you as a successor; won't you reconsider?"

"Isn't there still ten years of preparation time? Although my battle pets are Fifth Rank now, they will definitely be Fourth Rank when I enter in ten years."

Seeing Zhao Xing so stubborn, Princess Youruo could not be bothered to persuade him further: "Fine, anyway, it will be very difficult for you to qualify this time, so just try if you want."

Princess Youruo did not think highly of Zhao Xing, because the battle beasts she brought with her from the Princess Mansion were all of the Fourth Rank Perfection divine-level bloodline.

The beast tamers under her command exceeded five hundred!

Even so, Princess Youruo did not dare to say she could occupy one-tenth of the qualifying spots.

Zhao Xing was merely Fifth Rank, his battle beasts were also Fifth Rank, and he was not a professional beast tamer; what could he use to compete?

However, since Liu Tianning did not object, Princess Youruo found it difficult to say anything more.

She did not believe in Zhao Xing, but someone else did.

"Senior Brother, you must have a way to win, right?" On the viewing deck of the tower ship, Ji Zixuan came to Zhao Xing's side.

"Oh? Even the Princess has no confidence in me, yet you think highly of me," Zhao Xing smiled.

"How could Senior Brother fight a battle without certainty?" Ji Zixuan laughed. "You are the one who could take the Fire Dragon Pass. Looking at Senior Brother's military experience, you have never fought a losing battle."

Seeing Zhao Xing remain silent, Ji Zixuan said firmly: "Senior Brother must have certainty!"

Zhao Xing took a look at Ji Zixuan: "You are so smart, then guess where my certainty lies."

Ji Zixuan pondered slightly, then took out an official document from her bosom: "Senior Brother, this is the newly announced competition rules. It does not restrict the performance of beast tamers."

"If I am not mistaken, Senior Brother's certainty comes from your own strength."

"In your previous competitions, you never took action yourself; you relied on Aotian, Xiaotian, and Huantian to fight your way out of the Zixiao Arena."

"Others only think Senior Brother is a half-baked amateur who doesn't know any beast taming methods, but in reality, Senior Brother only needs to master the beast taming method of Pure Essence Integration to break out of the encirclement."

"What Master Liu could do at the Fifth Rank, Senior Brother will definitely be able to do as well!"

Zhao Xing looked at Ji Zixuan, somewhat surprised; this girl had actually seen through his intentions.

That's right, in terms of beast taming methods, number of battle pets, or even the strength of battle beasts, he might not necessarily be better than those genius powerhouses from beast taming families.

But the competition rules did not state that beast tamers could not use other spells; it didn't matter if a beast tamer was simultaneously a martial artist, a priest, an agricultural official, or a dancer.

As long as one could exert strength in the Ancient Dragon Court, it didn't matter if the cat was black or white; as long as it could catch mice, it was a good cat.

Zhao Xing just wanted to rely on his own strength to get a spot; he had absolutely no problem fighting Fourth Rankers now.

Then the question arises, since that is the case, why must he tame beasts? Can't he just send people in?

That really wouldn't work, because the Ancient Dragon Court was the residence of the dragon race in ancient times; its internal world had its own rules, and the status of humans and beasts was reversed.

In the eyes of the dragon race, the human race had a lowly bloodline and low status, and would be restricted everywhere inside. But if one had signed a contract with a battle beast of divine-level bloodline, it would be much more convenient to go in.

"Senior Brother, is that so?" Ji Zixuan looked at Zhao Xing, revealing a trace of anticipation. "Is that what you planned?"

"You guessed right, but there is no prize." Zhao Xing flicked his fingers and turned to leave.

Ji Zixuan watched Zhao Xing's departing back, her eyes revealing a trace of excitement: "Senior Brother, he... he really can fight Fourth Rankers now."

…………

Princess Youruo's tower ship was extremely fast, taking only half a day to reach an external entrance to the Canghai Cave Heaven—White Cloud Island.

This was Bai Yunwu's fief. When Princess Youruo descended onto the island, she was welcomed by Bai Yunwu's eldest son, Bai Mingchuan.

Bai Yunwu's status was high enough, he was a water tribe prince, and he was an old friend of Princess Youruo's mother; for both public and private reasons, it was not his place to welcome her.

Therefore, the one to welcome her could only be the heir, Bai Mingchuan.

Bai Mingchuan was a Martial Marquis conferred by the Great Zhou; his generation was equivalent to Princess Youruo's, and he was also Bai Ling's father.

The Canghai Cave Heaven was nominally one of the Great Zhou's military cave heavens, but in reality, it had always been managed by the water tribe Tusi.

The largest force among them was the Bai Yunwu family.

Once you left the East Sea and continued east to the high seas, Bai Yunwu's words were more effective than the Emperor's.

"Subject pays respects to the Princess." Bai Mingchuan, leading his clansmen, bowed respectfully under the tower ship.

Below, there was an honor guard, and on the periphery, there was the Azure Dragon Army.

Most of them were humans with dragon horns on their heads; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them half-dragons, but there were also pure humans.

After thousands of years of cultivation, many water tribes, including the Bai clan, already had a "strong sense of identification with the Great Zhou."

Zhao Xing was observing from not far away when he suddenly discovered a gaze fixed on him.

"Hmm?" Following this gaze, Zhao Xing looked toward the southeast phalanx.

He saw a general carrying a sword in one of the military phalanxes winking at him.

"Long Xiao?" Zhao Xing was stunned, then immediately transmitted his voice: "You... why are you here?"

He knew Long Xiao had joined the Azure Dragon Army, but what kind of occasion was this? The soldiers who could come here were either Bai Mingchuan's personal guards or powerful generals with heavy authority on White Cloud Island.

The position Long Xiao was standing in was also very far forward.

"What do you mean why am I here? I joined the Azure Dragon Army in the twenty-ninth year," Long Xiao said.

"Then you are a regular Fifth Rank, what's with this soldier attire?"

"Don't mention it." Long Xiao's voice was somewhat depressed. "I was originally a regular Fifth Rank Cloud Sky Dragon General, commanding an army myself, but this year I was... by that old man Bai Mingchuan... transferred here to be a Dragon Vanguard Guard."

"Dragon Vanguard Guard?" Zhao Xing asked suspiciously. "Is it specifically for charging into battle?"

"That's right."

"That shouldn't be. You are a genius sword cultivator; there's no way you'd be reduced to charging into battle... Wait, did you sleep with Bai Ling? And then her old man found out?"

"No, that's not right. How could he be so harsh on you just for that?"

"Hiss... you didn't get her pregnant, did you?"

Long Xiao remained silent, which was clearly an admission.

Well, his own cabbage had been arched by a pig; the father certainly wouldn't be happy. The two of them didn't even have a formal status, and she was already pregnant. It was considered restraint on Bai Mingchuan's part that he hadn't chopped Long Xiao down after finding out.

"Let's talk later; I have to go on patrol again." Long Xiao's phalanx began to move.

"Later probably won't work; I have to enter the Canghai Cave Heaven to prepare for battle."

"Oh? You really came to compete for a spot in the Ancient Dragon Court?" Long Xiao said in surprise.

"Did you think I ran 200, 00 li just for fun?"

"I thought you came specifically to see me."

"You still have the nerve to mention that? How long has it been since you returned to Dongyang County to see me and Old Chen?"

"Cough, cough... I'm leaving first; let's chat when we're free." Long Xiao knew he was in the wrong and immediately left with the phalanx.

Zhao Xing also followed off the tower ship; Princess Youruo's team was going to live in the palace prepared by Bai Yunwu.

He, on the other hand, followed a group of beast tamers under Liu Wanliang's lead to prepare for battle inside the Canghai Cave Heaven.

Accompanying them were many beast tamers belonging to the Zixiao Islands.

Those qualified to ride Princess Youruo's tower ship were the elite of the elite, almost all of whom were Fourth Rank.

Zhao Xing, being the only Fifth Rank, and carrying a combination of a cat, a dog, and a sheep, was very conspicuous.

No one noticed him when boarding the ship, but now that they had disembarked and were acting in unison, he attracted many people's gazes.

"Hmm? When did a Fifth Rank beast tamer appear under the Princess's command? And he's following behind Director Liu." A woman wearing a purple robe looked suspiciously at Zhao Xing's back.

"Zhaozhao, do you know him?"

"I don't know him, and I've never seen him before." Another woman, Wang Zhaozhao, who was holding a staff and riding a large tiger, shook her head.

"That's strange, we are all Fourth Rank beast tamers; how did a Fifth Ranker like him mix in?" Lin Ziyue said with some suspicion. "Could he be one of Director Liu's people?"

"I seem to have seen him entering and leaving the Princess's Yonghua Palace. Maybe he's a relative of the Princess, here to broaden his horizons?" A bald man nearby rode his horse over and said.

"Doesn't look like it. Look, he's even carrying battle beasts; he should be here to compete for a ranking, right?" Lin Ziyue wondered.

"I know the Cang Ni and the Spirit Illusion Goat, but what breed is this cat? It feels like a wildcat." Wang Zhaozhao also stared at the battle beasts behind Zhao Xing.

"Don't just feel, that is a wildcat... Oh, I remember now. Isn't this Zhao Xing, the Director of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Inspectorate?" The bald man slapped his head. "Yes, that's him!"

"Brother Zhang, you know him?" Lin Ziyue and Wang Zhaozhao both looked over.

"This wildcat of his once killed an Emperor Crocodile nine years ago. In the subsequent divisional qualifiers, he relied on this cat to fight his way out of the western part of the Zixiao Arena."

"I seem to have some impression now." Lin Ziyue revealed a trace of disdain on her face: "Always scraping by, and he actually managed to get here. Tsk tsk, a connection hire."

"Hiss, the Princess wouldn't actually let us take this guy to the competition, would she?"

"Forget it, if that's really the case, whoever gets assigned this task is out of luck."

"Sigh, the Princess is muddled..."

In any competitive event, no one looks down on connection hires more than those who have fought their way to this point on their own merit.

Upon hearing that Zhao Xing was a connection hire, they all disdained to interact with him.

Zhao Xing had also been very low-key over the past few years, and almost no one in this group of beast tamers knew him.

Very few people knew about the relationship between the Princess and Liu Tianning, and even fewer knew about the relationship between Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.

They could only vaguely know that this person was highly valued by the Princess.

Most Fourth Rank beast tamers would not pay attention to the preliminary and group stages.

Thus, in this group of beast tamers, while others were chatting and laughing, Zhao Xing followed behind Liu Wanliang all alone.

"Chenan, you don't need to worry about those voices of discussion," the Wang Mansion Director Liu Wanliang whispered.

"You entered the competition, and the whole way here you relied on yourself. Except for giving you a spot in the preliminaries at the very beginning, the Princess has never helped you cheat during the competition."

"They don't know this, so it's normal for them to think wrongly."

"Sir, I understand," Zhao Xing smiled. "It's normal for a half-baked amateur like me to appear in the Princess Mansion's elite team and have some discussion; it would be abnormal if there weren't any."

His personal ranking as a half-baked beast tamer was at the very bottom among more than 57, 00 people, while Lin Ziyue, Wang Zhaozhao, and the others were elites who had long since gained fame.

With a Fifth Ranker mixed into a group of Fourth Rank beast tamers from the Princess Mansion, they naturally felt it was strange, and they might even treat Zhao Xing as a freeloader.

After walking in silence for another two quarters of an hour, a giant gate 1, 00 meters high appeared in front of them, with a pale blue vortex flickering inside the gate.

Around the giant gate was a vast plain. At this time, many teams were waiting outside the gate with their battle beasts.

"Look, that is the entrance to the Canghai Cave Heaven, and it is also the venue specifically used for holding the Ten Thousand Beast Competition," Liu Wanliang introduced to Zhao Xing.

"The heavenly timing and geographical advantages, as well as the large-scale venues inside the Canghai Cave Heaven, all simulate some of the classic checkpoints for entering the Ancient Dragon Court."

"57, 42 beast tamers will compete for the top five hundred spots inside."

"If you can get one of these spots, you will be qualified to enter the Ancient Dragon Court."

"In the future, as long as you bring out any item from the high-level mission list from the Ancient Dragon Court, you can become a regular Fourth Rank official."

"Your battle beasts will also receive rewards."

Liu Wanliang looked at the sky and then said, "The spot competition hasn't officially started yet; we need to wait for the Grand Equerry and the Azure Dragon General to arrive. It will probably take another four hours."

"Four hours..." Zhao Xing nodded, then suddenly asked a question that left Liu Wanliang confused: "Sir, at this point, the competition rules shouldn't change anymore, right?"