Chapter 255: Top-Tier Technique Body, Canghai Cave Heaven, the Struggle for Slots

In the twenty-ninth year of the Jingxin Calendar, the fifteenth day of the eleventh month.

Zhao Xing's main body returned to the Twin Islands' Dragon-Horse Monitor and began fully digesting the Primordial Spirit Fruit.

By the first day of the second month of the Jingxin Calendar's thirtieth year.

Half of the Primordial Spirit Fruit had been digested.

Zhao Xing's Life Soul broke through from Fifth Rank perfection to Fourth Rank initial stage.

The realm of his Life Soul once again surpassed his physical realm, yet this time he felt no discomfort.

Primarily because his Myriad Methods Avatars had surpassed one hundred, reaching the peak level of high-grade techniques.

"Beyond this lies the 'Thousand Methods Body,' a top-tier technique level."

In the secret chamber of the Si Zheng Office, Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing sat facing each other, as Liu explained to him.

This was one of Liu Tianning's Myriad Methods Avatars.

Shortly after the start of the Jingxin Calendar's thirtieth year, Liu Tianning sent this Myriad Methods Avatar over.

On the surface, the reason was to observe the disciples in the upcoming East Sea Myriad Beasts Competition.

But Zhao Xing vaguely sensed that Old Liu had expanded his scope, gathering evidence of the Liang Wang Faction's crimes across broader dimensions, no longer confined solely to the Pacify the Barbarians battlefield.

Of course, Liu—he did not ask, only listened to Liu's cultivation matters.

"From 'Hundred Methods Body' to 'Thousand Methods Body' is a qualitative breakthrough, an advancement from high-grade technique to top-tier technique."

"The primary direction of cultivation is no longer combining multiple techniques, but returning to enhancing a single technique."

Liu Tianning said: "For instance, this one of mine is a top-tier technique body—the Soul-Devouring Grassman. My Myriad Methods Avatar built upon it specializes in Life Soul techniques."

"Hold your mind firm and feel the power of this top-tier Soul-Devouring Technique Body."

Zhao Xing nodded, then ordered all his other Myriad Methods Avatars to 'log out' and focused entirely on defense.

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

Zhao Xing involuntarily raised his head to meet that gaze.

Liu Tianning's eyes were profoundly deep, as if filled with the mysteries of the Dao; Zhao Xing silently gazed upon them.

Seeing this, Liu Tianning was slightly surprised.

Because he had only unleashed three-tenths of the technique's power, yet the disciple had not been ensnared.

This body of his was a top-tier technique body!

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

Three-tenths, four-tenths, five-tenths… seven-tenths!

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

Because he had seen the Path of Immortality within Liu Tianning's eyes.

For a man like Old Master Zhao, pursuing the Path of Immortality was his ultimate dream.

He was instantly captivated, completely ignoring the fact that no matter how powerful Liu Tianning was, he could not possibly show him the Path of Immortality.

Enraptured, obsessed, Zhao Xing felt himself floating, on the verge of becoming an immortal.

Liu Tianning was slightly astonished—did he need to unleash seven-tenths of this top-tier technique body's power to shake the disciple's mind?

"Awaken!"

Liu Tianning waved his hand.

The red light vanished instantly.

Zhao Xing felt a profound sense of loss, as if the Path of Immortality had slipped away from him.

Yet he immediately realized this was due to the influence of the Soul-Devouring Technique Body.

His eyes cleared, and Zhao Xing immediately observed his surroundings.

He was astonished to find he had shifted from sitting to a flying posture, hovering in the secret chamber.

"Master, I have lost my composure," Zhao Xing quickly descended.

"Your cultivation these years has been diligent," Liu Tianning praised. "Even this top-tier Soul-Devouring Technique Body, at seven-tenths power, barely affects your mind."

Top-tier techniques are generally mastered only by those of the upper Third Rank.

Each top-tier technique's power is beyond imagination, bordering on the transcendent.

Zhao Xing's ability to withstand seven-tenths of this technique body's power genuinely surprised Liu Tianning.

"Master, you flatter me," Zhao Xing said. "You guided me gradually, not attacking me with the Soul-Devouring Technique Body, which is why I could endure it."

Zhao Xing had self-awareness—Liu Tianning was teaching him.

To avoid harming his Life Soul while still letting him feel the Soul-Devouring Technique Body's effect was extremely difficult, hence the need for seven-tenths power.

If the goal were merely to kill, it would be far simpler.

Liu Tianning did not dwell on details, only asked: "Have you perceived the difference between the Soul-Binding Technique and the Soul-Devouring Technique?"

This top-tier Grassman Technique Body is rooted in the Soul-Devouring Technique.

Just as Liu—when reaching the top-tier level of Thousand Methods Body, one must again refine a single path.

Zhao Xing pondered: "The high-grade Soul-Binding Technique, whether used to bind others or as the foundation for one's own self-avatar, focuses on carrying and containing the Life Soul."

These past days, by consuming the Primordial Spirit Fruit, his Life Soul reached Fourth Rank, surpassing his physical realm without discomfort—this was due to his Myriad Methods Avatars.

"Master's top-tier Soul-Devouring Technique, when used against enemies, is far more aggressive; when used for oneself, it constantly hones the strength of the Life Soul."

Liu Tianning nodded slightly: "Correct. This technique's nature is precisely so."

"If you wish to break through later, remember this distinction when seeking enlightenment."

"To cultivate this technique, seek a Yin Five-Element location."

"Understood."

Liu Tianning did not elaborate further, for Zhao Xing was not yet ready to delve deeply—he was merely guiding Zhao Xing's future cultivation direction.

"The Straw Man Arts you learned before—whether Self-Detonation, Divine Might, Invisibility, Illusion Form, Holy Shield, Sky Flight—all require the Life Soul as their foundation."

"The Soul-Devouring Dharma Body is the basis for continuing to study the other supreme Straw Man Arts."

"If you cannot cultivate the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, your Straw Man Arts will forever remain at the high-level technique tier."

"Once you comprehend the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, you can further cultivate the Divine Martial Dharma Body, Ten Thousand Forms Dharma Body, Divine Concealment Dharma Body, Divine Speed Dharma Body, Soul-Explosion Dharma Body, and Divine Shield Dharma Body."

"Once you master these seven supreme Dharma Bodies, you will have achieved a minor success in the supreme techniques."

"After that comes merging with the Dao; the Straw Man Arts can then create and transform at will, no longer limited to these eighty-one forms."

Zhao Xing nodded; if one possessed the seven supreme Dharma Bodies, they would indeed be nearly impossible to kill.

"As for other matters, let us not discuss lofty and unrealistic things for now, for I have only achieved minor success myself; I will not mislead you by speaking of things I do not understand."

"Yes, Teacher." Zhao Xing nodded.

Minor success? Liu Tianning had, without him realizing it, just flexed his muscles again.

However, after hearing this, Zhao Xing could not help but be startled: If he said that, did it not mean he already possessed the seven Dharma Bodies?

"Very well, go attend to your affairs." Liu Tianning intended to 'log off'.

This Dharma Body had come over solely for teaching; once the teaching time ended, it naturally had to log off to reduce the dispersion of energy.

"Wait a moment, Teacher." Zhao Xing suddenly called out.

"What else is there?"

Zhao Xing pondered, "Disciple, some days ago while cultivating the Ten Thousand Dharma Divisions, one of them, the 'Weak Water Division', found an ancient box while searching deep beneath the sea."

Liu Tianning listened silently.

"The box sealed two fruits; after bringing them back and examining them, Disciple discovered they are actually Ninth-Rank Primordial Spirit Fruits recorded in the Great View Sutra!"

"Primordial Spirit Fruit?" Hearing this, a trace of surprise appeared on Liu Tianning's face. "Are you certain it is a Primordial Spirit Fruit?"

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

Liu Tianning took it and examined it carefully, then said, "It truly matches the description in the Great View Sutra."

"I have already consumed it; having eaten less than one-third, I broke through to Fourth-Rank Life Soul; its efficacy is exactly as the Great View Sutra states."

"I wish to give this fruit to Teacher." Zhao Xing said.

Old Liu had treated him well, so he must reciprocate Liu Tianning.

Originally, he had not intended to give it so early.

But Liu Tianning had now already studied the Straw Man Arts to the level of the 'Seven Supreme Dharma Bodies'.

While marveling at Liu Tianning's monstrous talent for the Straw Man Arts, Zhao Xing also sounded an alarm in his heart.

Now that he had also cultivated this technique, combining it with his knowledge from his past life, he deduced that it was precisely from this moment that Old Liu, having taken too large a step, began to suffer aftereffects.

That is to say, once the seven Dharma Bodies began to appear, Liu Wanfa was transforming onto the path of 'Liu Half-Mad'.

In the following centuries, these aftereffects would grow larger and larger, eventually becoming completely uncontainable.

The Primordial Spirit Fruit could effectively alleviate this side effect of split personality, but it must be consumed as early as possible.

By the time Wu Di ascended the throne and later obtained the Primordial Spirit Tree, it would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.

"Primordial Spirit Fruit..." A thought flashed in Liu Tianning's eyes. "Very well, I shall accept it; I will consume it once my Original Body has time."

"No, Teacher, this Dharma Body of yours must take the Primordial Spirit Fruit back immediately for the Original Body to consume." Zhao Xing said.

"I have only brought three supreme Dharma Bodies this time." Liu Tianning frowned. "The other two are occupied with official duties; if I leave, your side..."

Liu Tianning had left one supreme Dharma Body here precisely because he had heard that Zhao Xing had been assassinated by General Jin Hou in the Eastern Sea.

Although Zhao Xing had handled it, with such matters, if there is one, there will be a second. He was not at ease regarding his disciple's safety.

"Teacher, rest assured; before I am appointed to an official post, I am safe." Zhao Xing said. "I am currently still a Sixth-Rank official; the appointment is in April, and it is only February now, which is enough time for Teacher to make several round trips."

"It is impossible to be so unlucky that the moment you leave, I am assassinated."

If he were that unlucky, he would have to suspect that Yan Wu's luck was fake.

"Very well." Liu Tianning was not a dawdler; he immediately departed from Twin Island.

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

He did not wish for Old Liu to go mad too early.

Even if he consumed all three Primordial Spirit Fruits, he would not reach Third-Rank Life Soul.

The Primordial Spirit Fruit has the effect of healing Life Soul division; since Old Liu has reached this node, it is natural to give one away.

After he finishes consuming two, it will be a year later; if by then that silly bird recovers, he can go and get a few more.

It would also be good to see how effective the result is after Liu Tianning eats it.

Because he too must pass through this trial.

"Old Liu is crossing the river by feeling the stones; I am crossing the river by feeling Old Liu. I do not know how long he can walk normally; let us take it one step at a time," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

"Primordial Spirit Fruit, Divine Physician Li Fuhan... if these arrangements are useful for Old Liu, I will also have a reference."

Fourth day of the fourth month, Jingxin Era; Qingming.

Because it was a round-number year, the sacrificial ceremony activities of the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Era were more grand than in previous years.

All commanderies in Chongming Prefecture began their annual sacrificial activities.

Sacrificing to the various gods and worshipping Heaven and Earth lasted a total of half a month; during this period, the vast majority of military activities ceased, and even the intensity of the Southern Barbarian battlefield decreased somewhat.

Zhao Xing's Twin Dragon Horse Stable, Chenghua Office, participated in the grand royal tomb sacrifice of Chongming Prefecture.

The main sacrifices were for the Taizu, the Wen Emperor, and Princess Youruo's maternal great-grandmother, the Your Majesty Yuanjun.

"After the sacrifice comes the adjustment of the civil administration."

"The civil service adjustment occurring once every ten years, combined with the turmoil in the Eastern Sea, means that many people will likely be adjusted this time." Zhao Xing put down the official document inside the Dragon Horse Stable.

This was a letter from Wang Xuanyi, the Director of the Chongming Prefecture Dragon Horse Stable.

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

"I must stay on Twin Island; otherwise, all my previous efforts will be in vain," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

If he were transferred away, even to a position of official Fifth Rank, it would count as a promotion in name but a demotion in reality.

For the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island had now broken through the encirclement of the Grand Arena in the Purple Cloud Archipelago.

Zhao Xing's Wildcat, Azure Lion, and Spirit-Illusion Goat had secured three qualification spots, allowing them to participate in the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition across the entire Eastern Sea region.

As long as they qualified in the Eastern Sea, he would effectively have secured a spot to enter the Ancient Ground of the Dragon Court.

The rankings in the subsequent Four Seas Competition would only determine which secret realm within the Ancient Ground of the Dragon Court they would visit.

If he left Twin Island now, that spot would be lost, because he would no longer be the Director of the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island; the spot belonged to the government agency, not to the individual.

"Wang Xuanyi's letter mentioned three locations: Beast Island, Dragon-Lion Island, and Sky-Haidao, but said nothing about staying on Twin Island."

"He is hinting that I might be transferred," Zhao Xing said, looking at the letter in his hand.

A superior sending a private letter to a subordinate is quite normal; however, at this critical juncture, Wang Xuanyi's letter carried an obvious implication.

The meaning was: "If you have any background, use it now, or you will be transferred away from the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island, which you have worked so hard to develop."

"In the last letter, Wang Xuanyi even mentioned the possibility of a promotion without a transfer; this time, he didn't mention it at all. It seems someone is secretly plotting to interfere with my promotion."

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xing could only helplessly resort to the "Ultimate Method."

"Mistress!!"

Zhao Xing ran to the Yonghua Hall of the Biyou Summer Palace.

"Shouting and screaming, is this proper conduct?"

Princess Youruo, who was reviewing letters at her desk, raised her head upon hearing that shout.

"Mistress, someone wants to harm me."

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

"Someone wants to transfer me away from the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island to a strange place, and then quietly harm me."

"Your achievements over the past ten years do indeed qualify you for an official post in a more prosperous commandery. What is your reason for wanting to stay at the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island?" Princess Youruo asked.

"To enter the Ancient Ground of the Dragon Court."

"You really want to go in?" Princess Youruo asked in surprise. "It is extremely dangerous inside. Why would you endure such hardship? Is it your teacher's requirement?"

"It is not a requirement from my teacher, but my own desire. I have worked so hard to qualify from Purple Cloud Island; how can I give up?"

"You are not a proper Beast Tamer; even if you went, you would not be able to secure a good ranking."

"The Ancient Ground of the Dragon Court has been developed by our dynasty for many years, with so many powerful experts. Even if you went, you might not gain anything. If you lack anything, just ask me." At this time, Princess Youruo was in a close relationship with Liu Tianning and was very tolerant toward Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing understood that Princess Youruo meant well, but he was no ordinary person.

He knew the secrets of the Ancient Ground of the Dragon Court; treasures others could not find, he could find; trials others could not pass, he could pass.

The cultivation of the Void Seeds and the acquisition of Spirit-Qi items could not be separated from this place.

Seeing that Zhao Xing remained silent, Princess Youruo said, "Very well, very well. I cannot argue with you. I will speak to Liu Wanliang and have him make the trip."

"Thank you, Mistress!"

April 15th, the fourth day after Grain Rain.

The Great Zhou Dynasty carried out its once-a-decade major adjustment of the civil service.

The scale of the civil service adjustment in the thirtieth year of the Jingxin Era was far greater than in previous years, especially in Chongming Prefecture, involving over ten million officials and clerks! This was because Chongming Prefecture also administered many islands.

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

Sun Shizhao, originally of official Fifth Rank Upper, received the position of Judicial Vice-Prefect in Shengxian Commandery of Chongming Prefecture during this reporting.

He remained of official Fifth Rank Upper, but Shengxian Commandery was a superior commandery; the Judicial Vice-Prefect of Fifth Rank Upper held far more power than the Magistrate of Twin County.

Sun Shizhao, who had been transferred away from Twin County as he wished, was moved to tears; in his lifetime, he finally saw hope of reaching Fourth Rank.

Zhao Xing was promoted by three ranks, changing from official Sixth Rank Upper to official Fifth Rank Lower, and remained the Left Director of the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island.

Tao Anchun, Dong Yuanqiu, Cao Jiang, Bao Shiqiu, and others also each rose by one or two ranks.

The officials of the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island underwent almost no changes; only their status was elevated.

Now, the Directors of the various bureaus within the Dragon-Horse Bureau on Twin Island were mostly Fifth Rank officials.

However, the only one holding official Fifth Rank was still Zhao Xing alone.

After the reporting was completed, those with lateral transfers, 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 "Dynasty's Fortune Baptism."

It was still the Tianxin Hall, and still the familiar crowd of hundred officials standing in rows.

"Your subject, Zhao Xing, bows and thanks His Majesty."

"May His Majesty live ten thousand years without end!"

Coming out of the Chongming Prefecture Temple.

Zhao Xing glanced at his panel.

【Name: Zhao Xing】

【Official Position: Fifth Rank Lower】

【Realm: Pure Origin Realm Perfection】

【Profession: Minister of Agriculture】

【Fortune: Derivation Five】

【Qi Gathering: Fifty-Ninth Tier】

【Destiny 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, having passed thirteen years, and my remaining lifespan is only 465 years. After the fortune baptism, my remaining lifespan became 500; that is to say, this promotion added 35 years to my life."

"I have consumed the Heart of the Dragon Whale. Within the scope of this fifth-rank official position, my lifespan should have no room for further increase," Zhao Xing thought silently.

Because both the Fate Soul and his own realm exceed the fifth-rank official position, this promotion, through the Great Zhou's fortune baptism, would only add to his fortune and lifespan.

"Deducting the two hundred years brought by the Dragon Whale, and counting my own age, I can at most gain 762 more years of lifespan within the Great Zhou's fortune system, thus reaching the limit of 999."

"Once this limit is reached, it cannot be increased by fortune dynasties or ordinary treasures; at that time, I will have to think of other methods."

As for the limit of self-cultivation, according to convention, it remains the perfection of the fourth rank.

Regarding spells, high-tier techniques are basically all at maximum level.

Heavenly Timing Spells: 【Five Elements Mist Concealment】, 【Lei Ting Break Illusion Finger】, 【Nine Heavens Gales】, 【Dripping Rain】, 【Heavenly Fire's Evil】, 【Ice Sealing Ten Thousand Miles】, 【Cloud Swallowing Domain】

Among them, 【Five Elements Mist Concealment】 has cultivated the 'Five Elements Poison Miasma', capable of obstructing enemies on a large scale.

The Dripping Rain spell has cultivated the 'Dripping Rain Domain'.

High-Tier Transformation Spells: 【Flying Snake Transformation】, 【Startling Thunder Transformation】

High-Tier Earth Advantage Spells: 【Yin Wind's Evil】, 【Earth Evil Thunder】, 【Volcano Spell】, 【Boundless Underground Palace】, 【Divine Movement Protection】

High-Tier Self Spells: 【Instantaneous Origin】, 【Ten Thousand Spells Divided Bodies】, 【Nine Dragons Breaking Bows】, 【Wild Growth】, 【Wasteland Condensation Art】

【Forest Jump: Seventh Turn】, 【Every Tree and Grass is a Soldier: Seventh Turn】

Fate-Type Spells: 【Great Expansion Fortune Gazing Art】, 【Five Fingers Heavenly Mandate】, 【Fortune Divination Spell】

【Tortoise Divination Spell】; within the Tortoise Divination Spell, the Coin Divination Spell remains at middle-tier perfection.

Fate Soul Spells:

【Heavenly Eye Spell: Can see through Yin Spirits, detect subtle movements around】

【Sleepy Worm Spell: Captures the sleep-parasitic worms within the Fate Soul】

【Dream Storage Spell: Constructs a Memory Palace, seals memories】

【Three Spirits Converge: Fate Soul connects to Earth Soul, knows karmic connections】

Ten Thousand Spells Dao Body: A Pure Origin Body condensed from the Dao of Five Elements, Wind, and Thunder.

Pure Origin Soil: Level Three (Area: 34,000 square meters, projection ratio to reality is 10 to 1)

Three Great Secret Scriptures:

Solar Term Token: Realm Stabilization Third Turn (Start of Spring Solar Term Token; due to the treasure's existence, it is at Realm Stabilization Perfection)

Later Earth Return to Origin: Second Layer Perfection (Opened the Pure Origin Space layer)

Yin Yang Self Scripture: Second Layer Perfection (Thousands of threads, deep-level control over Primordial Qi)

Possessed Treasures:

【Primordial Spirit Fruit (One and a Half): After consumption, can increase Fate Soul power, can treat injuries of Fate Soul splitting】

【Void Seed: Type unknown】

【Divine Court Solar Term Token (Start of Spring): One of the eighth-tier set treasures crafted by the ancient Divine Dynasty 'Xia'; after being stored in the Origin Dantian, the Start of Spring Solar Term reached Realm Stabilization Perfection.】

【Soul Armor (Sixth-Tier Supreme): A soul-type defensive treasure inherited from the Dream God Sect】

【Long Hunyu Pendant (Sixth-Tier Supreme): Possesses the effect of stabilizing the Fate Soul and reducing the probability of qi deviation】

【Eight Heavenly Maidens: Mechanical Puppets】

【Cloud-Riding Boots: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Standard equipment for the Ministry of Agriculture Official)】

【Golden Rain Cloak: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Standard equipment for the Ministry of Agriculture Official)】

【Hundred Flowers Hat: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Standard equipment for the Ministry of Agriculture Official)】

【Cloud and Rain Pearl: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Standard equipment for the Ministry of Agriculture Official)】

【Army-Protecting Command Staff: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Obtained through bestowal)】

【Qilin Flying Boat: Fifth-Tier Supreme (Obtained through bestowal)】

"Regarding the spells I have learned, except for Forest Jump and Every Tree and Grass is a Soldier within the Self Spells, which were learned relatively late and are not yet perfected, the rest have all reached the high-tier perfection level."

"Among the Fate-Type Spells, only the Coin Divination Spell remains unperfected."

"The latter lacks conditions and has been put on hold."

"As for this set of equipment, it is time to change it," Zhao Xing thought silently.

The Long Hunyu Pendant and the Soul Armor can still be used.

However, the rest of the Ministry of Agriculture standard equipment is somewhat mismatched with Zhao Xing's strength.

They are not even worthy for use by the Ten Thousand Spells Divided Bodies!

Because for the Ten Thousand Spells Divided Bodies, the nine most important divided bodies are all crafted from sixth-tier materials.

"Previously, my strength increased very quickly, so I never had time to craft equipment for myself. Before going to the Dragon Court Ancient Land, 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 waiting outside for a long time.

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

Little Sun has finally realized his wish; now that he has entered an important position as an official, if he endures another thirty or fifty years, he will have a chance to rise to the fourth rank.

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

"Thank you, Marquis Yuanrang, for your guidance," Sun Shizhao bowed and made a gesture of respect. Although he did not get promoted, being transferred to serve as the Judicial Vice-Prefect in the key and important Chongming Prefecture is far better than serving as the County Magistrate in Twin County.

"That is not appropriate," Zhao Xing hurriedly helped him up: "It is all Lord Sun's own ability; what does it have to do with me?"

Sun Shizhao dared to bet his life and fortune at that time; such courage and boldness are indeed not possessed by ordinary people.

For Sun Shizhao's transfer this time, Zhao Xing truly did not say a word; the ten years of administrative achievements at the Twin Dragon Horse Stable were enough to bring glory to Sun Shizhao.

"Regardless, I, Sun Shizhao, will forever remember the grace of Marquis Yuanrang." Sun Shizhao, however, believed that his transfer was possible only because Zhao Xing had spoken on his behalf.

Even if that were not the case, his official achievements were merely due to the light of the Longma Station.

Otherwise, why was he not transferred before, yet the moment Zhao Xing arrived, he could transfer to a good place to work?

After expressing his gratitude three times, Sun Shizhao took his leave, saying, "Marquis Yuanrang, take care."

"My Lord Sun, take care. Do visit Twin Island often when you have time," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

His ten-year cooperation with this Sun Shizhao had been quite pleasant; at the very least, this nominal superior, Little Sun, had caused him no trouble and had been fully cooperative.

"Old Tao, after Sun Shizhao transfers away, who will succeed him as the magistrate of Twin County?" Zhao Xing asked.

"My lord, the new magistrate is named Qi Ming," Tao Anchun replied.

"What is his background?"

"Liang Wang's faction." Tao Anchun spoke only these three words, causing Zhao Xing's expression to darken.

"Who recommended him?"

"The Fourth-Rank Censor Yan Qiquan, the one who came to Twin Island to investigate last time."

"Qi Ming transferred from military to civil service; he also has another recommender, Ren Di, a Fourth-Rank Upper military officer and Ship Commander of the Qingyang Army of the East Sea Legion."

Zhao Xing tilted his head and asked, "Is he also of Liang Wang's faction?"

Tao Anchun lowered his voice and said, "Yes, he is a Scholar Feng Chen who emerged from Liang Wang's residence and came to the East Sea as a general in the 270th year of the Dingxin Era."

"My lord, this person is likely difficult to get along with," Cao Jiang said with concern.

Zhao Xing said indifferently, "Qi Ming is merely Fifth-Rank; he cannot stir up any waves. Sing as usual, dance as usual, and prepare for the upcoming competition matters."

"Yes."

After the promotions in the fourth month, the fifth month brings the struggle for the quota of the ancient Longting Land in the East Sea.

The struggle for the East Sea's quota takes place at the Canghai Cave Heaven.

The Canghai Cave Heaven is under the control of the Tusi clans; traveling there requires crossing two hundred thousand li of sea. Fearing Zhao Xing might be killed halfway, Princess Youruo specifically ordered him to travel with her on her Biyou Tower Ship.

This is a grand event of the East Sea with a very high caliber; not only will Princess Youruo attend, but many high-ranking officials will also be present.

From the imperial court, the Second-Rank Taipu Ling, Ji Shuchang, the Second-Rank Shaonong Ling, Wang Tianzhi, and the Second-Rank East Sea General, Hong Yuanba, were sent as representatives.

Together with Bai Bai Yunwu, the main general of the Green Dragon Army of the Water Race Tusi and the Pacification Commissioner, and Ji Canghai, the main general of the Black Tortoise Army, they will preside over the quota struggle.

Four Third-Rank Fucheng officials will attend, because there are four Fucheng cities along the East Sea coast.

They are Chongming Fu, Haiyuan Fu, Cangyuan Fu, and Daming Fu.

In addition, Daoist sect forces will appear, such as Qin Hongying of the Bishui Daoist Academy.

Officials of the Second and Third Ranks will total more than two hundred!

As for the Fifth and Fourth Ranks, they add up to more than fifty thousand people.

"The four prefectures of the East Sea have a total of fifty-seven thousand six hundred and forty-two participants in the competition."

"The Water Race Tusi of the East Sea, Daoist experts, military forces, nobles, and officials all covet the quota of the ancient Longting Land."

"Of the more than fifty thousand people, only the top two hundred Beast Tamers will qualify for direct entry into the ancient Longting Land."

"The rest will enter the elimination tournament to select another three hundred people; even so, the total quota is only five hundred, truly one in a hundred."

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

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

She had absolutely no confidence that Zhao Xing could stand out.

After all, Zhao Xing was not a proper Beast Tamer, and previously, when Zhao Xing fought his way out of the Zixiao Archipelago, his ranking was not high, obviously quite a stretch.

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

"The ancient Longting Land is extremely dangerous; your master has only you as his disciple. Will you not think again?"

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

Seeing Zhao Xing so stubborn, Princess Youruo was too lazy to persuade him further: "Very well, since it is difficult for you to advance this time anyway, try if you must."

Princess Youruo had very little confidence in Zhao Xing because the battle beasts she casually brought from her Princess Residence were all Fourth-Rank Perfection with Divine Bloodlines.

Furthermore, the Beast Tamers under her command exceeded five hundred!

Even so, Princess Youruo did not dare to say she could secure even one-tenth of the advancement quota.

Zhao Xing is merely Fifth-Rank, his battle beasts are also Fifth-Rank, and he is not a professional Beast Tamer; what does he have to fight with?

However, since Liu Tianning did not oppose it, Princess Youruo did not dare to say much more.

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

"Senior Brother, you must have a way to win, correct?" On the viewing platform 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 confidence?" Ji Zixuan laughed. "You are the one who descended the Fire Dragon Pass; looking at Senior Brother's military career, you have never lost a single battle."

Seeing Zhao Xing say nothing, Ji Zixuan stated confidently, "Senior Brother must have confidence!"

Zhao Xing glanced at Ji Zixuan: "You are so smart; then guess where my confidence lies."

Ji Zixuan thought for a moment, then pulled a document from her bosom: "Senior Brother, this is the newly announced competition rules; they do not restrict the Beast Tamer's performance."

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

"In your previous competitions, you never personally acted; you fought your way out of the Zixiao Arena relying solely on Aotian, Xiaotian, and Huantian."

"Others only think Senior Brother is a half-baked amateur who knows no Beast Taming methods, but in reality, if Senior Brother merely masters the Pure Yuan Fusion of the Beast Taming Method, you can break through the encirclement."

"What Master Liu could achieve at Fifth-Rank, Senior Brother can surely achieve as well!"

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

Indeed, whether comparing Beast Taming Methods, the number of battle pets, or even the strength of the battle beasts, he might not necessarily be stronger than the talented experts born into Beast Taming families.

But the competition rules do not forbid beast tamers from using other spells; it matters not if a beast tamer is also a martial artist, a priest, a farmer, or a dancer.

If one can display their strength in the Ancient Dragon Court, it does not matter whether the cat is black or white; if it catches mice, it is a good cat.

Zhao Xing simply wanted to secure a spot through his own strength; fighting at the Fourth Rank was no problem for him now.

Then the question arises: if that is the case, why must one use beast taming? Why not simply send people in directly?

It truly cannot be done, for the Ancient Dragon Court is the dwelling place of the Dragon Clan from the ancient era; its internal world operates under its own rules, where the status of humans and beasts is reversed.

To the Dragon Clan, the human race is of humble bloodline and low status, and one would be restricted everywhere inside; however, if a contract is signed with a battle beast of god-tier bloodline, entering becomes convenient.

"Senior Brother, is that so?" Ji Zixuan looked at Zhao Xing, revealing a hint of anticipation, "Is that your plan?"

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

Watching Zhao Xing's departing back, a trace of excitement appeared in Ji Zixuan's eyes: "Senior Brother, he, he can indeed fight at the Fourth Rank."

Princess Youruo's floating ship was extremely fast; it took only half a day to arrive at an external entrance of the Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven—Bai Yun Island.

This was the fiefdom of Bai Yun Wu; when Princess Youruo descended upon the island, she was welcomed by Bai Mingchuan, the legitimate eldest son of Bai Yun Wu.

Bai Yun Wu's status was high enough; as a Water Tribe King and an old acquaintance of Princess Youruo's mother, it was not he who should welcome her, whether for public or private reasons.

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

Bai Mingchuan, a Wu Hou bestowed by the Great Zhou, was of a generation equivalent to Princess Youruo and was also Bai Ling's father.

The Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven was nominally one of the Great Zhou's military grotto-heavens, but in reality, it had always been governed by Water Tribe local chieftains.

The greatest power among them was the Bai Yun Wu family.

Heading east from the East Sea into the open ocean, Bai Yun Wu's word carried more weight than the Emperor's.

"Your subject greets the Princess." Bai Mingchuan, leading his clan, performed a great bow respectfully beneath the floating ship.

Below, there was a ceremonial guard, and on the periphery stood the Azure Dragon Army.

Most were humans with dragon horns atop their heads; calling them half-dragons would not be an exaggeration, though there were also pure humans.

After thousands of years of cultivation, many Water Tribes, including the Bai clan, had developed a "strong sense of identity with the Great Zhou."

Zhao Xing observed from a distance when he suddenly noticed a gaze fixed upon him.

"Hmm?" Following that gaze, Zhao Xing looked toward the formation in the southeast.

He saw that within one of the military formations, a general with a sword on his back was making faces at him.

"Long Xiao?" Zhao Xing was stunned, then immediately transmitted a voice: "You, how are you here?"

He knew Long Xiao had joined the Azure Dragon Army, but what sort of occasion was this? The generals and soldiers present were either Bai Mingchuan's personal guards or high-ranking generals holding great power on Bai Yun Island.

Long Xiao's position was also quite forward.

"What do you mean 'how am I here'? I joined the Azure Dragon Army twenty-nine years ago," Long Xiao said.

"Then aren't you a Fifth Rank? Why are you dressed as a soldier?"

"Don't mention it," Long Xiao's voice was somewhat depressed. "I was originally a Fifth Rank Cloud Sky Dragon General, commanding my own army, but this year I was transferred by Bai Mingchuan, this old... by him to serve as a Dragon Vanguard Guard."

"Dragon Vanguard Guard?" Zhao Xing asked in confusion, "Are they specifically for charging into battle?"

"Exactly."

"That shouldn't be right; a genius sword cultivator like you shouldn't have fallen to charging into battle... wait, did you sleep with Bai Ling? And then her father found out?"

"That doesn't make sense; that alone shouldn't warrant such harsh treatment against you."

"Hiss... did you perhaps get her pregnant?"

Long Xiao remained silent, clearly admitting it.

Well, his own cabbage had been trampled by a pig; the father certainly wouldn't be happy. The two didn't even have a formal status, yet the belly was already big. That Bai Mingchuan hadn't chopped off Long Xiao's head was a sign of his restraint.

"We'll talk later; I have to go on patrol again." Long Xiao's formation began to move.

"Later probably won't work; I am entering the Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven to prepare for battle."

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

"Did you think I traveled two hundred thousand li just for fun?"

"I thought you came specifically to see me."

"You still have the face to bring that up; how long has it been since you returned to Dongyang County to see me and Old Chen?"

"Ahem... I must go first; we'll chat when I'm free." Long Xiao, knowing he was in the wrong, immediately left with the formation.

Zhao Xing also disembarked from the floating ship; Princess Youruo's entourage was going to reside in the temporary palace prepared by Bai Yun Wu.

He, however, followed a group of beast tamers, led by Liu Wanliang, to prepare for battle inside the Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven.

Also accompanying them were numerous beast tamers belonging to the Zixiao Archipelago.

Those qualified to arrive on Princess Youruo's floating ship were the elite among elites, almost all at the Fourth Rank.

Zhao Xing, being the only Fifth Rank, and bringing along a cat, a dog, and a goat as his combination, was very conspicuous.

He had not attracted attention when boarding, but now that he had disembarked and was moving in unison, he drew many gazes.

"Hmm? When did a Fifth Rank beast tamer appear among the Princess's subordinates? And he is following behind Director Liu." A woman in a purple long robe looked at Zhao Xing's back in confusion.

"Zhaozhao, do you know him?"

"I don't know him, nor have I seen him before." Another woman, holding a staff and riding a large tiger, Wang Wang Zhaozhao, shook her head.

"Strange; we are all Fourth Rank beast tamers; how did a Fifth Rank manage to get in?" Lin Zi asked in confusion. "Could he be Director Liu's man?"

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

"That doesn't seem right; look, he is bringing battle beasts too; he must be here to compete for rankings?" Lin Zi wondered.

"I know the Cang Ni and the Spirit Illusion Goat; what breed is this cat? It feels like a wildcat." Wang 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 Dragon Horse Stable?" The bald man slapped his head. "Yes, it is him!"

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

"That mountain cat of his once slew a Imperial Crocodile nine years ago; in the subsequent regional qualifiers, he relied on that cat to fight his way out from the western sector of the Purple Thunder Arena."

"I seem to recall something about this." Lin Zi's face showed a hint of contempt: "He always just barely makes the cutoff, yet he managed to get this far. Tsk tsk, a nepotism hire."

"Sss, surely Your Highness isn't going to let us take this guy to the competition?"

"Well, if that's truly the case, whoever gets assigned this task is doomed."

"Sigh, Your Highness is confused..."

In any competitive match, no one looks favorably upon nepotism hires; this group of Fourth-Rank Beast Tamers had all fought their way to this point through their own merit.

Upon hearing that Zhao Xing was a nepotism hire, they all deemed it beneath them to interact with him.

Zhao Xing had been very low-key these past few years; among this group of Beast Tamers, almost no one knew him.

Very few people knew of the connection between the Princess and Liu Tianning; even fewer knew of the relationship between Liu Tianning and Zhao Xing.

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

Most Fourth-Rank Beast Tamers would not bother paying attention to the preliminaries and group stages.

Thus, while the other Beast Tamer teams were chatting and laughing, Zhao Xing followed Liu Wanliang alone and isolated.

"Chen An, you need not mind those murmurs," Liu Wanliang, the Steward of the Wang Fu, said in a low voice.

"You have relied entirely on yourself to reach this point in the competition; aside from granting you a spot in the preliminary round at the very beginning, the Princess has never cheated on your behalf during the matches."

"They do not know these facts; it is quite normal for them to misunderstand."

"Mr., I understand," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "A half-baked Beast Tamer like me appearing in the Princess's elite team naturally draws some murmurs; it would be abnormal if there were none."

His personal ranking as a half-baked Beast Tamer was at the very bottom among over fifty-seven thousand people, whereas Lin Zi, Wang Wang Zhaozhao, and the others were elites who had already gained fame.

A Fifth-Ranker had mixed into a group of Fourth-Rank Beast Tamers from the Princess's residence; naturally, they found it strange and might just consider Zhao Xing a deadbeat.

After walking in silence for another two quarters of an hour, a massive gate towering a thousand meters high appeared ahead, with a pale blue vortex shimmering within it.

Surrounding the massive gate was a vast plain; at this moment, many teams had arrived with their battle beasts, waiting outside the gate.

"Look, that is the entrance to the Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven, the venue specifically used to hold the Ten Thousand Beasts Competition," Liu Wanliang explained to Zhao Xing.

"The heavenly timing, earthly advantages, and large-scale arenas within the Cang Hai Grotto-Heaven all simulate some of the classic checkpoints found when entering the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds."

"Fifty-seven thousand six hundred and forty-two Beast Tamers will compete here for the top five hundred spots."

"If you can secure one of these spots, you will qualify to enter the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds."

"In the future, if you bring back any item from the high-level mission list from the Dragon Court Ancient Grounds, you will become an official of the Fourth Rank."

"Your battle beast will also receive an award."

Liu Wanliang looked at the sky, then said, "The battle for the spots has not officially begun yet; we must wait for the Minister of the Imperial Stables and General Qing Long to arrive, which will take about four double-hours."

"Four double-hours..." Zhao Xing nodded, then suddenly asked a question that left Liu Wanliang puzzled: "Mr., at this stage, the competition rules surely won't be changed, right?"