Chapter 263: Supreme Heavenly Timing Method, Mastered Within Three Years?! (Happy Qixi)

Xiao Ming walked out quickly and saw ten soldiers in green armor standing outside the door.

The leading general was extremely tall, fully three meters; such a height should have made him look thin, yet this man actually looked somewhat fat, his arms thicker than his waist, enough to race horses on!

Xiao Ming had never heard of this Longwu Hou, but this person looked formidable at first glance; beside him stood a young man with thick eyebrows and bright eyes, his aura extraordinary, standing there like a sword driven into the ground.

The eight soldiers behind them all held their heads high and chests out, their auras powerful; even with onlookers gathering around to point and comment, they did not glance sideways, remaining motionless.

"This humble official is Xiao Ming, the Director of the East Dragon Relay Station. I did not know Lord Longwu Hou was coming and failed to welcome you from afar; please, My Lord, punish me." Xiao Ming ran over to bow, his attitude very respectful.

"Lord Xiao, let me ask you: is Zhao Xing, the Left Director of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Stable in Chongming Prefecture, Marquis Yuanrang, staying at your relay station?" Bai Zhengyang asked.

He recited Zhao Xing's official post and title to avoid any confusion with someone of the same name.

They really had come looking for Zhao Xing?

Xiao Ming paused for a moment, then quickly plastered a smile on his face: "Yes, Marquis Yuanrang is here."

Bai Zhengyang's face lit up with joy upon hearing this: "Hurry and take me there."

Xiao Ming cupped his hands and said: "Please wait a moment, General, while I first inform Marquis Yuanrang."

Bai Zhengyang waved his hand: "No need; just take me there directly."

Xiao Ming hesitated: "If Marquis Yuanrang has already gone out..."

Bai Zhengyang smiled: "It matters not; this Marquis will simply lead my men to stand guard outside his door and wait for his return."

Xiao Ming was secretly startled and grew even more curious about Zhao Xing; what sort of divine figure was he, worthy of such regard from a Wu Hou?

At this moment, the adjutant had found Zhao Xing's registration information and transmitted by voice: "My Lord, I have found it. Zhao Xing, Marquis Yuanrang, Left Director of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Stable, is staying in the Tingyu Pavilion of the North Courtyard; he registered on the fourth watch of noon the day before yesterday for a one-month stay, accompanied by one cat, one dog, and one sheep."

"Your subordinate also inquired just now; this Marquis Yuanrang has just achieved astonishing results in the grand competition hosted by our Great Zhou."

Hearing this, Xiao Ming immediately understood the situation.

"Please follow me, My Lord."

Zhao Xing had just wanted to go out to visit the Prefect Fan Hongyi and the Director of the Agriculture and Dragon Horse Stables, Wang Xuanyi, but as soon as he stepped out, he saw two minor clerks running over in a hurry.

"May I ask if the superior official is Zhao Xing, Lord Zhao, the Left Director of the Twin Islands Dragon Horse Stable?"

"It is I." Zhao Xing nodded.

"My Lord, you have an honored guest visiting."

"Oh? Do you know the guest's identity?"

"It is a general of the Green Dragon Army, Longwu Hou Bai Zhengyang," the messenger clerk said. "He is already on his way to the North Courtyard."

"I am aware; you may return and report."

"Yes, this humble official takes his leave."

"Bai Zhengyang has come, so Long Xiao must have come too." Zhao Xing thought for a moment and decided simply to wait at the door.

Bai Zhengyang was the younger brother of Bai Mingchuan and the seventh son of Bai Yunwu.

After the competition ended, Long Xiao had sent him a message saying someone from the Bai family would come to find him; as for what it was about... that fellow had played coy, saying only that there would be a surprise.

"Longwu Hou Bai Zhengyang... that name sounds a bit familiar." Zhao Xing closed his eyes.

"Oh, so it is him."

Bai Zhengyang died during the turmoil of Liang Wang's rebellion; he was also the highest-ranking general to die in the Eastern Sea in his previous life.

In his previous life, he had joined Liang Wang's camp, and one of his missions was to follow Liang Wang Shizi to the Eastern Sea to persuade the water-tribe chieftains to rise up together.

The Eastern Sea had four water-tribe chieftains, granted the surnames Bai, Tang, Ao, and Hong by the Great Zhou, because the water people had no surnames, only given names.

Furthermore, their naming customs were strange; not only did they have to insert their grandfather's and father's names in the middle of their own, sometimes they even had to include their mother's.

Even after being granted surnames, they retained this custom; for instance, there was once a naval general.

His grandfather was named Zhang Yunhai, his father took the name Feilong, and his own name was Ze.

Thus, his full registered name in the government records was: Zhang · Yunhai · Feilong · Yu Fei · Ze.

Why was Yu Fei added? That was his mother's name.

It gave the Great Zhou government clerks responsible for registration quite a headache at the time.

It was not until the reign of Emperor Wen, after more than a thousand years of cultural education, that the naming culture of the water-tribe chieftains was gradually replaced by Great Zhou culture.

Of course, some unsubmitted water tribes still retained this tradition; when Zhao Xing, in his previous life, acted as the island lord suppressing the water people, it was like filming Journey to the West with them.

Kill one Sun Xingzhe, and another Xingzhe Sun would appear.

Moreover, he was somewhat face-blind when looking at water people; after finishing a mission, an identical one would jump out again, and without careful inspection, there was no difference, making Zhao Xing doubt his own sanity.

Among the four submitted surnames of water people, the Bai family was the earliest to submit; during the reign of Emperor Taizu, they had sided with Bi Xia Yuanjun (Princess Youruo's grandmother).

The Tang and Ao families submitted during the reign of Emperor Wen, while the Hong family submitted the latest.

The reason Zhao Xing remembered Bai Zhengyang was mainly that when Liang Wang Shizi went to persuade the water-tribe chieftains, the traitor's token of submission was Bai Zhengyang's head.

And that traitor was none other than Hong Pang Yuan Shou, the younger brother of Hong Yuanba, the current commander of the Eastern Sea Army Group.

Originally, Hong Pang Yuan Shou had intended to kill Bai Mingchuan, but failed to do so, so he settled for the next best thing and killed Bai Zhengyang.

The Hong family had submitted late, only submitting during the reign of Emperor Jing.

Now that his own younger brother had rebelled, killed a Wu Hou, and committed numerous murders, there was no turning back.

Emperor Jing was not Emperor Wen; under him, both sides would face extermination of their clans, the only difference being how they died.

Since death was inevitable either way, Hong Yuanba could only board Liang Wang's pirate ship and try to carve out a chance for survival.

If Liang Wang could gain a firm foothold, then after a stalemate of a few years, perhaps the Hong family could still be re-submitted and pardoned.

But this attempt sent his entire nine generations of relatives to the guillotine.

The four surnames of the Eastern Sea chieftains were left with only Bai, Ao, and Tang.

"In the previous life, the Eastern Sea did not stir up much trouble; in this life, the situation in the Eastern Sea is far more severe. I wonder if the Hong family has already sided with Liang Wang," Zhao Xing thought silently.

Hong Yuanba was the nominal commander of the Eastern Sea Army Group, but in reality, he only commanded his own tribe.

This position is mostly honorary, as the four surnames of the water tribes take turns holding it every hundred years.

When the Liang Wang rebelled in the Jingxin Calendar's thirty-fifth year, it coincided with the five years just before Hong Yuanba was due to step down—remarkably well-timed.

"Marquis Yuanrang!" At that moment, a voice reached Zhao Xing's ears.

Opening his eyes, he saw a squad of soldiers approaching; Bai Zhengyang was easy to recognize, for his towering frame stood out from the norm, unmistakably not of Dazhou's physique.

"Greetings, Dragon Wu Hou." Zhao Xing bowed with clasped fists.

"Hahaha! I've long heard Marquis Yuanrang is mighty and heroic; today I see you're even more impressive than the rumors!" Bai Zhengyang laughed as he stepped forward.

"Dragon Wu Hou, you flatter me—please, come in."

"After you."

Inside Tingyu Pavilion, Zhao Xing led Bai Zhengyang and Long Xiao to the reception hall and seated them, while the other soldiers waited outside.

"Marquis Yuanrang, we're both soldiers by origin—I'll cut to the chase." After sitting down, Bai Zhengyang intended to get straight to the point.

"Dragon Wu Hou, please speak."

"I've come here representing the Azure Dragon Army, to invite you, Marquis Yuanrang, to join our ranks as a general."

The Dragon Wu Hou said: "You would command a separate army, up to fifty thousand strong, and upon arrival, you'd immediately hold the rank of Grade IV Upper, with full freedom to choose your post."

"Your salary will be ten times the average, and since the Azure Dragon Army is constantly engaged in military operations, if you join, rising ten ranks in ten years won't be difficult."

"If you later enter the Dragon Court's Ancient Land, as a member of the Azure Dragon Army, you'll gain additional benefits—but I can't elaborate here."

"If you agree, you can assume office immediately—no need to wait for next year's official appointments."

The water tribe chieftains enjoy many privileges, and even their civil administration is entirely decided by the Fengwang Bai Yun Wu.

With a single word from him, there's no need to wait until next year—once Zhao Xing arrives, his promotion and appointment can be completed instantly.

Zhao Xing currently holds Grade V Lower; the Azure Dragon Army offers him Grade IV Upper—effectively a five-rank promotion.

Moreover, this won't affect future promotions; if Zhao Xing later shifts from military to civil service, he'll still be treated as Grade IV Upper.

The rank system is like bonus dividends; Dazhou's overseas expansion across the seas has never ceased. In the East Sea, the main campaigns target non-submissive water tribes and the Eastern Wilderness tribes.

Thus, there are plenty of wars in the East Sea—though once the Pacification Campaigns begin, the East Sea forces halt their expansion.

Undoubtedly, serving as a water tribe chieftain is a rapid path to advancement; many seek to hold office in water tribe territories.

Yet water tribe chieftains can't retain officials, for while officers desire the posts, they refuse to stay long-term.

A five-rank promotion is an extraordinarily generous offer, yet Zhao Xing still intends to refuse.

Because he hasn't yet begun cultivating his soul.

Since he isn't naturally Grade IV, accepting a Grade IV post would force his realm to be forcibly elevated by the state's qi, which contradicts Zhao Xing's plan.

The qi purification from official promotion is limited; each time, Zhao Xing must ensure it enhances either his 'qi destiny' or his 'lifespan.'

"Dragon Wu Hou, you're straightforward—I'll be direct too," Zhao Xing said, bowing. "Joining the military is no longer part of my plan. I have no desire to serve in the army again."

"It has nothing to do with the terms you've offered—I have no ambition for this path."

Bai Zhengyang, upon hearing this, paused in surprise.

He had assumed this mission would be easy; after all, the Azure Dragon Army's offer was generous—a five-rank promotion, something countless men dream of.

Moreover, Zhao Xing was originally a Military Agricultural Officer; surely he'd be easy to persuade—why this resistance?

Bai Zhengyang gave Long Xiao a glance.

Long Xiao, understanding, sighed and whispered: "Uncle Seven, Zhao Xing is my close brother—we're family. He won't play games with you. If he can't go, he simply can't."

Bai Zhengyang still wouldn't give up: "How could this be?"

Long Xiao thought a moment and said: "Perhaps his past military experience broke his heart. Uncle Seven, he and I were both transferred here to the East Sea together."

Hearing this, Bai Zhengyang understood.

The prodigy Military Agricultural Officer from the Ten Yang Cave Heaven, once destined for greatness, had been suppressed by the Liang Wang faction and exiled to the East Sea to tend horses. It was natural he'd lost heart.

Seeing Zhao Xing's firm resolve, Bai Zhengyang realized this recruitment attempt was likely doomed.

Still, he refused to abandon hope; before departing, he used official business as an excuse to linger longer.

He left Long Xiao behind, hoping he might persuade Zhao Xing to change his mind.

After they left, Long Xiao turned to Zhao Xing: "Where's Aotian?"

Zhao Xing smiled: "Bai Zhengyang kept you here to be a persuader, not to pet a cat—why are you acting like this?"

Long Xiao waved his hand: "Why would I persuade you? Both I and Old Chen came to the East Sea because of your advice. If you don't want to go, you have your reasons."

"I've already given Bai Zhengyang a reason to explain your refusal."

"What reason?"

"You were persecuted by the Liang Wang faction, which shattered your spirit and made you unwilling to serve in the military again."

"That's a good reason." Zhao Xing waved his hand, about to call out Shanmao to catch up with Long Xiao—then turned to find a blur hurtling toward him, and Long Xiao vanished from his spot.

"Thud!"

A cat and a man tumbled onto the grass.

"Miaow!!"

"Haha, Aotian, I've missed you so much!" Long Xiao hugged the cat's neck, rubbing its fur vigorously, overjoyed.

"Miaow~" The cat kept meowing.

"Huh? When did I hit you? Oh—you mean the match? I couldn't help it… alright, alright, I'm sorry—I'll let you hit me twice."

Zhao Xing watched the two tussling on the ground and smiled.

After playing for a while, Zhao Xing walked over and said: "Could you keep caring for him for a few more years?"

"I probably won't have time these next few years."

Long Xiao frowned: "Aren't you the one with the Ten Thousand Methods Avatar? How can you not have time to care for Aotian?"

Zhao Xing said: "You might not believe me, but I really don't."

Practicing the Yan Shen Jue would consume most of his energy; this ultimate soul technique is not easy to master.

Moreover, he planned to further his studies at Xuantian Academy and Kunyuan Academy, and needed to find a way to learn several top-tier techniques within five years.

He also needed to break through to Fourth Rank, cultivate the Seven Souls, and nurture plant troops…

Given all this, completing even two of these goals within five years would be impressive.

"Alright, I'll take Aotian back. Ling'er loves cats too—she's raised dozens. I'll bring him along, just in time to find him a wife." Long Xiao stroked the wildcat's head. "Hehe, you're lucky~"

"Help someone all the way—take the Cangni Dog and Linghuan Mountain Goat with you."

"Alright." Long Xiao agreed to all of it. Bai Mansion had plenty of beast-tamers; he knew Zhao Xing was heading to Longting Ancient Land and was happy to ease his brother's burden.

"By the way, tell Old Chen to join the Azure Dragon Army. I've asked him several times—he won't come." Long Xiao said.

"No." Zhao Xing shook his head. "Don't recommend him to Bai Zhengyang either."

"Huh? Why not?" Long Xiao asked, puzzled.

"He's not suited for the Azure Dragon Army. Don't you remember he's from the Dili Sect? He specializes in fire cultivation—what use is he out at sea?" Zhao Xing said.

He planned to send Chen Shijie back to land—anywhere would do, just not to follow Bai Zhengyang.

"Is the Fenglong Guard you're currently in under Bai Mingchuan's command?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Yes, though Bai Zhengyang also oversees me—I'm currently under Bai Mingchuan." Long Xiao replied.

"The East Sea isn't peaceful. Be careful, especially with the Hong family." Zhao Xing said. "This aquatic tusi clan only recently submitted. Two or three centuries isn't enough to truly tame them. Hong Yuanba and Hong Pang Yuan Shou hold high positions—I suspect the numerous assassinations in the East Sea over the past decade are tied to them."

"Hong Yuanba? He's the commander of the East Sea! Him? Impossible!" Long Xiao exclaimed.

Hong Yuanba was unquestionably among the high echelons of the Zhou Dynasty—he was on the same level as Bai Yunwu!

"Just stay alert. Especially watch Hong Yuanba's younger brother—listen to me…" Zhao Xing whispered to Long Xiao.

"Understood." Long Xiao's expression turned solemn and heavy. "I'll know what to do."

Zhao Xing nodded. Neither mentioned official matters again.

Long Xiao told Zhao Xing how he met Bai Ling'er, and Zhao Xing listened in silence.

"Don't you dare get married so soon!" Long Xiao grabbed Zhao Xing's hand, excited. "Women change after marriage—really, she used to be reasonable, even a little gentle. Now she won't listen to anything at all… sigh…"

"Be grateful!" Zhao Xing laughed. "You're married to a Wang Hou's daughter—can't you tolerate a little temper?"

"Sigh, you don't understand. I'm not talking to you anymore." Long Xiao sneered. "You've never even touched a woman's hand—you have no idea. Hmph. Old Chen's the only one who understands me."

Zhao Xing: "…"

Just as he was about to argue with Long Xiao further.

Boom—

A sudden impact rang from outside the courtyard gate; the door shook violently.

"Huh?" Zhao Xing immediately went on alert.

"Someone's here—and they appeared suddenly. I'll check." Long Xiao drew his sword and moved toward the courtyard gate.

He flung the gate open and found four people outside—none of whom he or Zhao Xing had sensed earlier.

Three stood below the steps; one stood atop them, faint Lei Guang shimmering over his body, sparks flying as he moved.

"Sneaking around—who are you?" Long Xiao raised his sword to seize the old man.

"And who are you?" Geng Shouchang grabbed Long Xiao's sword with his bare hand—his palm glowed with Lei Guang, and he held the blade's edge without injury.

Long Xiao tried to pull back his sword—but couldn't move it.

Sword aura flickered; Long Xiao prepared to go all out. But the old man merely flicked his fingertip—and Long Xiao's sword aura instantly collapsed.

"What? This…?" Long Xiao was stunned, but he refused to yield—he immediately summoned his back sword to draw.

But Geng Shouchang flicked again—a thread of lightning danced around him. The six swords strapped to Long Xiao's back fell silent, trembling no more, and Long Xiao himself froze in place, unable to move.

"Young man, don't be so hasty. Did the Bai family give you the Seven-Star Divine Sword to use against this Third Rank official?" Geng Shouchang swung the sword—it landed precisely back in Long Xiao's scabbard.

Zhao Xing's eyelid twitched.

Because the man had just used two top-tier techniques. Judging by their external manifestations: Tian Lei Zhi and Lei Ting Hun Yuan Suo.

Tian Lei Zhi shattered Long Xiao's sword aura, and Lei Ting Hun Yuan Suo immobilized him in place.

This was a Sinong of the Tian Shi Sect. He claimed to be Third Rank—but his true strength was certainly not limited to that.

"Underling Zhao Xing, greetings, my lord. My friend was ignorant and disrespectful—please, release him from the Lei Ting Hun Yuan Suo." Zhao Xing bowed to Geng Shouchang.

Seeing Zhao Xing emerge and immediately name the techniques he used, Geng Shouchang smiled: "Good, good. No wonder you're a genius of Tian Shi cultivation—you recognized my techniques at a glance."

He flicked his fingers—the threads of lightning circling Long Xiao vanished instantly.

"You…!" Long Xiao, still frozen in shock, instinctively reached for his sword again.

But Zhao Xing held him back. "Long Xiao, go inside."

"Oh, right." Long Xiao snapped out of it and stepped inside.

"My lords, please come in." Zhao Xing bowed to the four and invited them in.

But only two ascended the steps.

Geng Shouchang and Heng Yuan exchanged smug glances with Meng Kun and Gu Changqing behind them, then clasped their hands and entered.

"Hmph!" Meng Kun waved his hand and stayed outside with Gu Changqing.

Zhao Xing was slightly surprised—why weren't they coming in? But he didn't press further.

But how could Geng Shouchang pass up a chance to show off? He immediately explained everything that had happened outside.

"Those two outside are Meng Kun, vice-dean of Kunyuan Academy, and Gu Changqing, Doctor of Classics."

Zhao Xing asked: "Why won't they come in?"

"Our schedules clashed," Geng Shouchang said coolly. "We simply fought. They lost—they wait outside."

"Only after my Heng Yuan and I step out can they enter."

Zhao Xing froze. They'd fought just now? No wonder he'd heard that bang.

The Agronomist of the Heavenly Timing Sect is indeed formidable.

The moment the thunder roars is the trumpet of victory.

"I do not know the honorable names of the two my lords."

"Geng Shouchang."

"Heng Yuan."

Zhao Xing invited the two to the main hall's place of honor, then respectfully paid his respects; only after receiving their permission did he sit in the master's proper seat.

Zhao Xing then transmitted a voice to the minor official serving at the relay station to bring tea.

Unexpectedly, the one who came to serve the tea was none other than the Bureau Chief, Xiao Ming.

He did not know where the problem lay; two high officials had arrived, yet Xiao Ming had failed to notify him in advance.

"My Lord Geng, My Lord Heng, I do not know what orders you have for this humble official," Zhao Xing asked, pretending ignorance.

"Zhao Xing, I have heard your current post is Left Director of the Twin Island Dragon-Horse Stable?" Heng Yuan spoke first.

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

"Do you wish to change your post?" Geng Shouchang asked. "I am the Vice Dean of the Profound Heaven Academy. You tending horses at the Dragon-Horse Stable is truly a waste of talent."

"As long as you are willing, I will transfer you to serve at the Profound Heaven Academy; after a few years of study, I will transfer you again to serve in a Blessed Land."

"I wish to, but the Profound Heaven Academy is a sacred land of the Heavenly Timing Sect; I do not know what requirements this humble official must meet to serve there." On the surface, Zhao Xing asked about the requirements to enter the Profound Heaven Academy, but in truth, he asked what benefits awaited inside.

For he had already demonstrated numerous high-level Heavenly Timing arts, all at the Perfection realm; with such strength and his current post, there would be no requirements to serve at the academy.

Even if he took the exam himself, he could easily pass as a Dharma-Preaching Mage.

Heng Yuan smiled and said, "There are no requirements. On the contrary, if you go, we will arrange a leisurely post for you, giving you time to contemplate the Heavenly Timing Dao and study top-tier arts."

"If you wish to go to the Headquarters, the rank will be Dharma-Preaching Mage."

"If you go to a branch academy, such as the seven branches in Ping Haizhou, you could serve as a Doctor of the Classics."

"You are in a critical period; you need only lecture occasionally."

"If there are extra missions, you may accept them at your discretion; it is not forced. Of course, official missions all carry benefits."

After all that talk, there was only one post at the Headquarters, the Dharma-Preaching Mage, and one position at a branch academy, the Doctor of the Classics.

No other benefits were mentioned at all. Top-tier arts could be studied, but were there additional requirements? Did I need to give something in return? None of this was mentioned.

"It is best if you go to the Headquarters; I can teach you personally," Geng Shouchang said. "I know seven top-tier Heavenly Timing arts and have reached the third realm of the Solar Term Order."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly; at last there was something definite: he could study under Geng Shouchang, a powerhouse.

Seeing that the two had nothing more to say, Zhao Xing felt helpless in his heart.

The Heavenly Timing Sect is like this; they do not lack talent, and they are the current mainstream. It is difficult to obtain extra resources unless one shows further merit.

Unlike the Shangluo Academy, where Old Liu had arranged for the second phase to release ten billion resources to cultivate him.

"If you have any concerns, tell me directly. If it is not difficult, I can help you resolve it," seeing Geng Shouchang speak thus.

Zhao Xing also understood that he should give a clear reply.

"My Lord Geng, My Lord Heng, I am willing to join the Profound Heaven Academy, but the post will be concurrent; I will send a clone, while my true body must remain at Chongming Prefecture."

"If the two my lords agree, I can confirm this now."

Upon hearing this, Geng Shouchang could not help but frown, while Heng Yuan was momentarily stunned.

They had not expected Zhao Xing to make such a request.

What kind of thing is this?

Sending a Ten Thousand Arts Clone to the Profound Heaven Academy looks, by any measure, like the Benwo Sect coming to smash the place.

Heng Yuan said nothing, but Geng Shouchang asked, "If you send only a clone, how can you have the energy to master top-tier arts?"

He did not care about losing face; he was mainly worried that if Zhao Xing sent a clone, he would learn nothing from following him.

Of course, there was a certain degree of annoyance in his heart.

"If I have not mastered it within five years, My Lord Geng may expel me from the academy. Thus, your reputation will not be tarnished. It is my own stupidity that prevents me from learning, not your inability to teach."

Heng Yuan chuckled lightly. "Zhao Xing, do you still wish to go to the Kunyuan Academy?"

Zhao Xing did not hide it; he nodded. "Yes."

Geng Shouchang's frown deepened. "You still wish to cultivate the Jianxiusan Sect? Human energy is limited. You have already cultivated a Ten Thousand Arts Clone; asking you to abandon it is unrealistic. Yet you still wish to go to the Kunyuan Academy. How can you master top-tier arts within five years?"

He wanted to find a successor, but this successor was far too fickle!

But what Zhao Xing said next left him stunned.

"Three years. I will master it within three years!" Zhao Xing held up three fingers. "If I do not master it, I am willing to abandon all other paths and posts and devote myself entirely to studying under you! I will study whatever you say I should study!"