[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-dao-lord-of-shennong":3,"chapter-dao-lord-of-shennong-shennong-dao-lord-chapter-256":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shennong Dao Lord",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2219498,3971,"Chapter 256: Top-tier Heaven-Time Law, Learn it in Three Years?! (Happy Qixi Festival)","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-256",256,"\u003Cp>Xiao Ming walked out quickly and saw ten soldiers in cyan armor standing outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading general was extremely tall, a full three meters. Originally, such a height should look thin, but this person actually looked a bit fat, and his arms were thicker than his waist, simply capable of running a horse!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ming hadn't heard of this Dragon Martial Marquis, but this master looked hard to mess with. Beside him was a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, his momentum very extraordinary, standing there as if a sword was inserted into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eight soldiers behind him all held their heads high and chests out, their aura thick; even if people around were watching and pointing, they didn't look sideways and didn't move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This official is Xiao Ming, manager of the East Dragon Post House. I didn't know the Dragon Martial Marquis was coming, and I failed to welcome you from afar. Please punish me, Marquis.\" Xiao Ming ran over to salute, his attitude very respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Official Xiao, I ask you, is Zhao Xing, Left Division Supervisor of the Twin Dragon Horse Supervision of Chongming Prefecture, Marquis Yuanrang, staying in your post house?\" Bai Zhengyang asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reported Zhao Xing’s official position and title to avoid the situation of the same name and surname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he really here to find Zhao Xing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ming was stunned for a moment, then quickly piled up a smiling face: \"Yes, Marquis Yuanrang is here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang’s face showed joy after hearing this: \"Take me there quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ming bowed and said: \"Please wait a moment, Marquis, allow me to notify Marquis Yuanrang first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang waved his hand: \"No need, you just take me there directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ming hesitated: \"If Marquis Yuanrang has already gone out...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang laughed: \"No matter\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ming was secretly shocked, becoming increasingly curious about Zhao Xing. Just what kind of sacred person was he to be held in such high regard by a Marquis?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, the adjutant had already found Zhao Xing's check-in information and transmitted his voice: \"My lord, I have found it. The Left Director of the Twin Dragon Horse Inspectorate, Marquis of Yuanrang Zhao Xing, is staying at the Listening Rain Pavilion in the North Courtyard. He registered the day before yesterday at the fourth quarter of the Hour of the Horse, pre-paying for one month. He is accompanied by one cat, one dog, and one sheep.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subordinate also made some inquiries just now. This Marquis of Yuanrang just achieved astonishing results in the competitive event held by our Great Zhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xiao Ming immediately understood the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, Marquis, follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing had just intended to go out to visit the Prefecture Governor Fan Hongyi and the Director of the Agricultural Inspectorate and Dragon Horse Inspectorate, Wang Xuanyi, but as soon as he stepped out, he saw two small clerks running over in a hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask if the superior is the Left Director of the Twin Dragon Horse Inspectorate of Twin Islands, Lord Zhao Xing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is I.\" Zhao Xing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, you have a distinguished guest visiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Do you know the guest's identity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is a general of the Azure Dragon Army, the Marquis of Dragon Martial, Bai Zhengyang,\" the messenger clerk said. \"He is already on his way to the North Courtyard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am aware. You may return to report.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zhengyang has come, so Long Xiao must have come as well.\" Zhao Xing thought for a moment and decided to simply wait at the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang was the younger brother of Bai Mingchuan and the seventh son of Bai Yunwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the competition ended, Long Xiao had sent him a message saying that someone from the Bai family would come to find him. As for what it was about... that guy had been coy, saying only that there was a surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Dragon Martial, Bai Zhengyang. This name sounds a bit familiar.\" Zhao Xing closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, so it is him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang died during the turmoil of the Liang Prince's rebellion and was also the highest-ranking general to die in the East Sea in his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, he had joined the Liang Prince's faction, and one of his missions was to follow the Heir of the Liang Prince to the East Sea to incite the water tribe chieftains to rise up together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were four major water tribe chieftains in the East Sea, who were granted the four surnames of Bai, Tang, Ao, and Hong by the Great Zhou. Because the water tribes had no surnames, only names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, their naming conventions were strange; not only did they have to add their grandfather's and father's names in the middle, but sometimes they even had to add their mother's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even retained this custom after being granted surnames. For example, there was once a naval general.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grandfather was named Zhang Yunhai, his father took the name Feilong, and his own name was Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, his full name registered with the government was: Zhang Yunhai Feilong Yufei Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was there an extra Yufei? That was his mother's name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This caused a huge headache for the Great Zhou government officials registering names at the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not until the reign of Emperor Wen, after more than a thousand years of civilizing influence, that the naming culture of the water tribe chieftains was slowly replaced by the culture of the Great Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were still some water tribes that had not submitted, and they still retained such traditions. When Zhao Xing was an island master fighting the water tribes in his past life, it was like filming 'Journey to the West'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kill one Sun Xingzhe, and another Xingzhe Sun would appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he was somewhat face-blind to the water tribe people. After finishing a mission, an identical mission would pop up. If you didn't look carefully, there was no difference at all, which made Zhao Xing doubt his own existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the four surrendered water tribe surnames, the Bai family was the first to submit. During the time of the Founding Emperor, they had defected along with the Your Majesty Yuanjun (the maternal grandmother of Princess Youruo).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tang and Ao families submitted during the reign of Emperor Wen, and the Hong surname submitted the latest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Zhao Xing remembered Bai Zhengyang was mainly because when the Heir of the Liang Prince went to incite the water tribe chieftains, the 'letter of intent' handed over by the traitorous general was Bai Zhengyang's head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this traitorous general was none other than the younger brother of the current commander of the East Sea Legion, Hong Yuanba—Hong Yuanshou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Hong Yuanshou wanted to kill Bai Mingchuan, but he failed, so he settled for killing Bai Zhengyang instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hong family had submitted late, only during the reign of Emperor Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that his own brother had rebelled, and he had killed a Marquis and committed many sins, there was no turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Jing was not Emperor Wen; under him, both choices meant the extermination of the clan, just with a difference in how they would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since both ways led to death, Hong Yuanba had no choice but to board the Liang Prince's pirate ship and try to gamble for a chance at survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Liang Prince could gain a foothold, then after a few years of stalemate, perhaps his Hong family could be pardoned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it turned out, this attempt sent his nine clans to the guillotine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the four East Sea surnames, only the Bai, Ao, and Tang surnames remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In my past life, the East Sea didn't make much of a splash, but the situation in the East Sea in this life is much more severe. I wonder if the Hong family has already turned to the Liang Prince,\" Zhao Xing thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Yuanba was the nominal commander of the East Sea Legion, but in reality, he only commanded his own tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This position was mostly honorary, as the four water tribe chieftains took turns holding it every hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Liang Prince rebelled in the 35th year of the Jingxin Calendar, it was exactly five years before Hong Yuanba was due to step down. One has to say, the timing was grasped perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Yuanrang!\" Just then, a voice reached Zhao Xing's ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening his eyes, he saw a squad of soldiers walking over. Bai Zhengyang was easy to recognize because his physique was burly and different from ordinary people; one could tell at a glance that he did not have the build of a Great Zhou person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, Marquis of Dragon Martial.\" Zhao Xing cupped his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, I had long heard that the Marquis of Yuanrang was heroic and extraordinary. Seeing you today, you are even three parts better than what I heard!\" Bai Zhengyang laughed as he walked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Dragon Martial, you flatter me. Please, come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the Listening Rain Pavilion, Zhao Xing led Bai Zhengyang and Long Xiao to the living room to be seated, while the rest of the soldiers waited outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Yuanrang, you and I are both from military backgrounds, so I will get straight to the point.\" After sitting down, Bai Zhengyang intended to go straight to the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please speak, Marquis of Dragon Martial.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have come this time on behalf of the Azure Dragon Army to invite you, Marquis of Yuanrang, to serve as a general in the army.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Dragon Martial said: \"If you go, you can independently command an army of up to 50,000 people, and upon arrival, you will be a fourth-rank senior military officer. You may choose your position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for salary, my Azure Dragon Army offers ten times the average level. Moreover, my Azure Dragon Army often has military duties. If you come, it will not be difficult to be promoted ten levels in merit rank within ten years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Yuanrang, if you enter the Ancient Land of the Dragon Court in the future, those from the Azure Dragon Army will have some additional benefits upon entering, though it is not convenient to mention them here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you agree, you can take office immediately; there is no need to wait for next year's official selection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water tribe chieftains had many privileges, and even official appointments were decided entirely by the prince, Bai Yunwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he said a word, there would be no need to wait until next year. As soon as Zhao Xing arrived, the process of promotion and receiving fortune could be completed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's current position was fifth-rank junior, and the Azure Dragon Army was offering him a fourth-rank senior position directly, which was equivalent to a five-level promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this would not affect future promotions. If Zhao Xing were to transfer from military to civil service within the Azure Dragon Army, he would still be transferred according to the fourth-rank senior status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merit rank was for bonuses and dividends. The Great Zhou's external expansion on the ocean had never stopped. The East Sea side was mainly about fighting other water tribes that did not submit, as well as the various tribes of the Eastern Wilderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, there were quite a few battles to be fought in the East Sea. Of course, once the war against the barbarians began, the East Sea Legion stopped its expansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a doubt, the water tribe chieftains were a fast-track promotion route, and many people wanted to go to the water tribe's territory to be officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the water tribe chieftains could not keep people, because officials wanted to go, but were unwilling to stay there for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A five-level promotion was an incredibly generous condition, but Zhao Xing still intended to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had not yet begun to refine his souls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was not a fourth-rank official himself. If he went to serve as a fourth-rank official, his realm would be forcibly pulled up by the national fortune, which went against Zhao Xing's plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baptism of fortune brought by promotion was limited. Every time, Zhao Xing had to ensure that it was added either to 'Fortune' or to 'Lifespan'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquis of Dragon Martial is straightforward, so I will be direct as well.\" Zhao Xing cupped his fists and said: \"Joining the army is no longer in my plans. I am unwilling to serve in the army again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has nothing to do with how high the conditions the Marquis of Dragon Martial offers; my ambitions do not lie here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang was slightly stunned upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought this trip would be relatively easy. After all, the conditions offered by the Azure Dragon Army were generous—a five-level promotion—something many people dreamed of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Zhao Xing was originally a military agricultural official; logically, this should have been easy to persuade. How could it be like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang gave Long Xiao a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Long Xiao helplessly transmitted his voice: \"Seventh Uncle, Zhao Xing is my good brother, we are all our own people. He won't be playing games with you. If he can't go, he can't go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zhengyang still refused to give up: \"How can this be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao thought for a moment and said: \"Perhaps he was heartbroken by his previous military experience. Seventh Uncle, he and I were both transferred to the East Sea together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Long Xiao say this, Bai Zhengyang understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A genius military agricultural official from the Ten Yang Cave Heaven, who should have had a bright future, was suppressed by the Liang Prince's party and transferred to the East Sea to raise horses. It was normal to be disheartened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Zhao Xing's attitude was very firm, Bai Zhengyang knew that this recruitment trip was likely to fall through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he still did not give up. When saying goodbye, he used official business as an excuse, intending to stay here for a few more days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also left Long Xiao behind, intending for him to persuade Zhao Xing to see if he could change his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the people left, Long Xiao looked at Zhao Xing: \"Where is Aotian?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing smiled: \"Bai Zhengyang left you behind to be a lobbyist, not to pet a cat. Why are you like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao waved his hand: \"Why would I persuade you? Old Chen and I only came to the East Sea because of your idea. If you don't want to go, you naturally have your reasons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already found an excuse to report back to Bai Zhengyang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What excuse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That you were persecuted by the Liang Prince's party, causing you to be disheartened and unwilling to serve in the army again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a good excuse.\" Zhao Xing waved his hand and was just about to call the mountain cat out to catch up with Long Xiao, but when he turned around, he found a figure pouncing over with a 'whoosh', and Long Xiao also disappeared from where he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One cat and one person tumbled onto the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, Aotian, I missed you to death!\" Long Xiao hugged the mountain cat's neck, constantly rubbing its fur, extremely happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow~\" The mountain cat kept meowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? When did I hit you? Oh, you mean the competition? I couldn't help that either... Alright, alright, I was wrong, I'll let you hit me twice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing looked at the person and cat tumbling on the ground and revealed a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After playing for a long while, Zhao Xing walked over and said: \"Why don't you help me raise it for a few more years?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm afraid I won't have much time in the next few years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao said in surprise: \"Don't you have the Myriad Law Avatar? You still don't have time to raise Aotian?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing said: \"You might not believe it if I say it, but I really don't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultivating the Derivation Spirit Art would take up most of his energy; this ultimate soul technique was not so easy to practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, he also planned to go to the Profound Heaven Academy and the Kunyuan Academy for advanced studies, and had to find a way to learn a few top-tier techniques within five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also had to break through to the fourth rank, refine the seven souls, and raise plant-based troops...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With all these things, it would be quite good if he could complete two of them within five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, then I'll take Aotian back. Ling'er also likes cats quite a bit, and she raises dozens of them. I'll take it back, just in time to find Aotian a wife.\" Long Xiao touched the mountain cat's head, \"Hehe, you're in luck~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help people to the end. Take the Azure Lion Dog and the Spirit Illusion Mountain Goat with you as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine.\" Long Xiao agreed to it all. There were plenty of beast tamers in the Bai Prefecture. He knew Zhao Xing was going to the Ancient Land of the Dragon Court, and he was happy to share some of the pressure for his brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, tell Old Chen to come to the Azure Dragon Army. I've called him several times, but he won't come,\" Long Xiao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He won't go.\" Zhao Xing shook his head: \"And don't recommend him to Bai Zhengyang either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? Why?\" Long Xiao asked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is not suitable for the Azure Dragon Army. Have you forgotten that he is of the Earthly Advantage faction? He also specializes in fire-element spells. What can he achieve floating on the sea?\" Zhao Xing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to let Chen Shijie return to the shore; he could go anywhere, just not follow Bai Zhengyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the Sharp Dragon Guard you are currently in under Bai Mingchuan's command?\" Zhao Xing asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, but Bai Zhengyang also manages it. I am currently under Bai Mingchuan,\" Long Xiao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The East Sea is not peaceful. You must be careful, especially of the Hong family,\" Zhao Xing said. \"This water tribe chieftain family has not been surrendered for long. Two or three hundred years is simply not enough to tame them. Hong Yuanba and Hong Yuanshou hold high positions. I suspect that the many assassinations in the East Sea over these ten years have something to do with them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hong Yuanba? That is the commander of the East Sea! Him? That's impossible!\" Long Xiao was shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Yuanba absolutely belonged to the high-level echelon of the Great Zhou; he was on the same level as Bai Yunwu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just keep your guard up, especially regarding Hong Yuanba's younger brother. Listen to me...\" Zhao Xing said beside Long Xiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, I understand,\" Long Xiao said with a solemn expression. \"I will know what to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing nodded, and the two did not mention official business again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao told Zhao Xing about the process of meeting Bai Ling'er, while Zhao Xing listened quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must never get married so early!\" When speaking excitedly, Long Xiao grabbed Zhao Xing's hand and said: \"Once a woman gets married, she changes. Really, she used to be somewhat reasonable, and even a bit gentle. Now she doesn't listen to anything at all. Sigh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should be content!\" Zhao Xing laughed: \"Can't you tolerate a little temper from a Marquis's daughter like Bai Ling'er?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, you don't understand. I'm not talking to you anymore,\" Long Xiao said with disdain. \"You haven't even touched a woman's hand; you don't understand these things at all. Hmph, only Old Chen can understand my feelings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was preparing to argue with Long Xiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crashing sound suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate, and the gate shook violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\" Zhao Xing immediately became vigilant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone is there, and they appeared suddenly. I'll go take a look.\" Long Xiao immediately drew his sword and approached the courtyard gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly opened the courtyard gate and found that there were four people outside, and they hadn't sensed them at all just now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three of them were below the steps, and the other was standing on the steps. He had faint thunder light on his body, and sparks flew when he moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sneaky, who are you!\" Long Xiao raised his sword, intending to subdue this old fellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And who are you?\" Geng Shouchang grabbed Long Xiao's sword. His palm carried thunder light, and he actually held the blade with his bare hand just like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Xiao wanted to pull his sword back, but found that he couldn't move it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword light flickered; Long Xiao intended to get serious, but he didn't expect the other party to just flick his fingertip lightly, and the sword energy he had just raised dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? This...\" Long Xiao was shocked in his heart, but he was also someone who refused to admit defeat, so he immediately ordered the swords behind his back to be unsheathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Geng Shouchang flicked his finger again, and a wisp of electric light swam around his body. The six swords behind his back that were humming and trembling went quiet, and even Long Xiao himself lost his mobility, standing in place unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young man, don't be so impatient. Did the Bai family give you the Seven-Star Divine Sword for you to use to hack at this old man, a third-rank official?\" Geng Shouchang waved the sword, and it fell accurately into the sword box behind Long Xiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing's eyelids jumped as he watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this person had just used two top-tier techniques. Judging from the manifestation of the spells, one was the Heavenly Thunder Finger, and the other was the Thunderous Primordial Lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Thunder Finger broke Long Xiao's sword energy, disarming him with bare hands, and the Thunderous Primordial Lock imprisoned Long Xiao in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an agricultural official of the Heavenly Timing faction! This person claimed to be a third-rank official, but he might not only have the strength of a third rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subordinate Zhao Xing, greetings to this lord. My friend does not know the height of the sky and the depth of the earth and has offended you. I ask that you please raise your hand high and release the Heavenly Thunder Primordial Lock,\" Zhao Xing said, cupping his fists toward Geng Shouchang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhao Xing come out and immediately name the spells he had used, Geng Shouchang immediately revealed a smile: \"Good, good. As expected of a genius who cultivates the Heavenly Timing technique, you saw through the spells I used at a glance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved his fingers lightly, and the wisps of lightning swimming on Long Xiao's body immediately disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...\" Long Xiao seemed as if he had been paused, still immersed in the previous shock, subconsciously wanting to draw his sword again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he was pressed down by Zhao Xing. \"Long Xiao, you go in first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, alright.\" Long Xiao also reacted and immediately entered the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Distinguished lords, please come in.\" Zhao Xing cupped his fists toward the four people, inviting them in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only two of them stepped up the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan smiled triumphantly at Meng Kun and Gu Zhangqing behind them, and walked through the door with their hands tucked in their sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph!\" Meng Kun flicked his sleeves and waited outside with Gu Zhangqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing was also somewhat surprised, not knowing why these two didn't come in, but he couldn't ask too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could Geng Shouchang let go of such an opportunity to show off his strength? He immediately explained to Zhao Xing everything that had happened outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those two outside, one is the Vice Dean of the Kunyuan Academy, Meng Kun, and the other is the Doctor of Classics, Gu Zhangqing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing asked: \"Why don't they come in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our times clashed,\" Geng Shouchang said indifferently. \"Then we simply had a fight. They lost, so they have to wait outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only when this old man and Heng Yuan come out can they enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing was stunned. They fought just now? No wonder he heard a sound earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The agricultural officials of the Heavenly Timing faction are indeed powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the sound of thunder is heard is the horn of victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask the honorable names of the two lords.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Geng Shouchang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heng Yuan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing invited the two to take the seats of honor in the main hall, then paid his respects respectfully. Only after receiving their permission did he sit in the host's main seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing also transmitted his voice to the clerk serving the post house to bring tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, the one who came to serve the tea was the Manager, Xiao Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't know where something had gone wrong; two high-ranking officials had come, and this Xiao Ming hadn't notified him in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Geng, Lord Heng, I wonder what instructions you have for this subordinate.\" Zhao Xing asked, knowing the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Xing, I heard that your current official position is Left Director of the Dragon Horse Inspectorate of Twin Islands?\" Heng Yuan spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Zhao Xing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Would you like to change places to be an official?\" Geng Shouchang asked. \"I am the Vice Dean of the Profound Heaven Academy. You staying in the Dragon Horse Inspectorate to raise horses is truly a waste of talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you are willing, I will transfer you to the Profound Heaven Academy to be an official. After advanced studies for a few years, I will then transfer you to a blessed land to take office.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would like to. However, the Profound Heaven Academy is the sacred land of agricultural officials. I wonder what the requirements are for this subordinate to go there as an official.\" Zhao Xing was ostensibly asking about the requirements to enter the Profound Heaven Academy, but in reality, he was asking what benefits there were to entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had already demonstrated many high-level Heavenly Timing techniques, and they were all at the perfection realm. With such strength and his current official position, there were no requirements to be an official at the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he went to take the exam himself, he could easily pass as a Preaching Mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heng Yuan smiled: \"There are no requirements. On the contrary, if you go, we will arrange a leisurely position for you, allowing you time to comprehend the Dao of Heavenly Timing and learn top-tier spells.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to go to the headquarters, it would be the rank of Preaching Mage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you go to a branch, for example, there are seven branches in Pinghai Prefecture, you could be a Doctor of Classics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are in a critical period, so you only need to give lectures occasionally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there are additional tasks, you can take them at your discretion; it is not forced. Of course, official missions have their benefits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After talking back and forth, it was just the position of Preaching Mage at the headquarters and the position of Doctor of Classics at a branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other benefits were not seen at all. Top-tier techniques could be learned, but were there additional requirements? Did he need to pay anything? None of this was mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You had better go to the headquarters; I can teach you personally,\" Geng Shouchang said. \"I know seven top-tier Heavenly Timing techniques and have reached the third realm of the Solar Term Decree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing nodded slightly. At last, there was one definite thing, which was that he could learn from a powerhouse like Geng Shouchang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the two had nothing else to say, Zhao Xing felt helpless in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Timing faction was just like this. They did not lack talent and were the current mainstream. It was very difficult for him to obtain any additional resources unless he showed further performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Shangluo Academy, which had Old Liu to arrange things, and would bring out billions in resources to cultivate him in the second stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have any other concerns, you can tell me directly. If it is not difficult, I can help you solve it.\" Seeing Geng Shouchang say this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing also understood that he should have a clear answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Geng, Lord Heng, I am willing to join the Profound Heaven Academy, but the official position can only be a concurrent one. I will send a clone, and my true self still needs to remain in Chongming Prefecture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the two lords agree, I can confirm it now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were spoken, Geng Shouchang couldn't help but frown, and Heng Yuan was stunned for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn't expect Zhao Xing to make such a request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this supposed to be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sending a Myriad Law Avatar to the Profound Heaven Academy looked like the 'Self' faction going to crash the party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heng Yuan didn't speak, but Geng Shouchang said: \"If you only send a clone, how can you have the energy to learn top-tier techniques?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't care about face, but was mainly worried that if Zhao Xing sent a clone, he wouldn't be able to learn anything from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was more or less some annoyance in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I still haven't learned it within five years, Lord Geng can kick me out of the academy. That way, it won't tarnish Lord Geng's reputation. It would be that I am stupid and couldn't learn it, not that you couldn't teach it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heng Yuan smiled lightly: \"Zhao Xing, do you still want to go to the Kunyuan Academy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xing did not hide it and nodded: \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Shouchang's brow furrowed even tighter: \"You still want to concurrently cultivate three factions? A person's energy is limited. You have already cultivated the Myriad Law Avatar. It is unrealistic to ask you to give it up, but you still want to go to the Kunyuan Academy. How can you learn top-tier techniques within five years?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to find a successor, but this successor was too fickle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhao Xing's next words left him stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three years! I will learn it within three years!\" Zhao Xing held up three fingers. \"If I can't learn it, I am willing to give up all other paths and official positions and focus on learning from you! Whatever you say I should learn, I will learn!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",5117,"2026-06-17T16:13:07.318Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","f40ea6003187868aff94d831e28fdffa31b1758d724d6b52bd65582366649606","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-257","shennong-dao-lord-chapter-255",666,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshennong-dao-lord-cover.jpg"]